The Mystery of Silas Finklebean Read Online Free PDF Page B

operation, including perhaps acting in several of the productions. Despite what you might think, he is very well aware of your talent as an actress.” Theodore added diplomatically, “He’s told us many times exactly what he thinks of you.”
    Nancy stared at Freddy in disbelief. “Really?”
    “Absolutely,” said Theodore. “In fact, we’re in the process of drawing up the plans to build it. I think you’ll be very pleased with the result.”
    Nancy gave her brother a hug and then started bawling all over his shirt. “Freddy, that’s the most wonderful thing anyone’s ever done for me. I even forgive you for what you did to my hair. I don’t know what to say, you adorable little cutie-pie,” she gushed between sobs.
    “Yeah, me either,” Freddy said, shooting a nasty look at Theodore.
    “I won’t let you down, Freddy,” she said. “I’m going to go and start writing up some scripts and picking out some costumes. Oh, I’ve got so much to do.” She hurried away.
    Freddy said, “Thanks, Theodore; that was actually a pretty good idea. Until she finds out it’s all a lie, and then I’m dead.”
    “Sorry, Freddy, it’s the best I could do at the moment.”
    “Well, let’s get back to the lab and start planning how we’re going to turn the tables on Adam.”
    They headed back down the passageway, and then Freddy stopped dead. There was the door again that led to the room where he had seen Silas Finklebean floating in the air. And the door was wide open.
    “Uh, guys,” he began.
    “Don’t even think it, Freddy,” squeaked Ziggy.
    “But I saw Silas Finklebean in that room. I don’t know if he was a ghost or not, but he was there.” Freddy looked at Theodore. “What do you think?”
    “I think that there’s something behind that door that needs to be investigated.”
    Freddy drew a deep breath. “Okay, everybody, let’s go.” They all started forward except Wally, who wasn’t moving. They looked back at him.
    The purple Fry said sheepishly, “So when you said everybody you meant, like, everybody?”
    “MOVE IT, PURPLE BUTT,” shouted Ziggy, and Wally shot into the room.
    The others quickly followed, and the door slammed shut behind them.

CHAPTER 8
    THE FINKLEBEAN SPECIAL
    Freddy and the gang jumped when the door closed behind them. Meese tried to yank it open. It wouldn’t budge, and he started bawling. “We’re going to die! The ghost of Silas Finklebean is coming to get us.”
    Meanwhile, Freddy had been looking around at the room. “Wow,” he exclaimed. “This must be Silas Finklebean’s secret laboratory.”
    The dusty place was filled with funny-shaped bottles containing lots of different-colored liquids. In one corner was a long table with electrical wires attached to it that looked like something out of a Frankenstein movie. In another corner was a car, but all its wheels were curved and pointed to the right.
    “Freddy,” called out Theodore, who was examining a large, leather-bound book on one of the tables. “Come and look at this.”
    They all crowded around the book. The handwriting and diagrams on the pages were neat and clear.
    “This must be a log of Finklebean’s inventions,” said Freddy excitedly. “See, there’s his name right there.” He pointed to the inside cover of the book.
    Wally picked up a bottle filled with a bright blue liquid off the table and sniffed it.
    “Wally,” said Theodore sharply, “Don’t drink that You don’t know what it is.”
    Wally sniffed it again. “Not so bad. A combination of mold, lice, and stale fish with just a pinch of body odor.” He took a sip and smacked his lips. “I’ve had worse.”
    “Wally, that is gross!” Ziggy exclaimed, horrified.
    “IthinkI’mgoingtobesick,” said Curly, who was indeed looking a little greener than usual.
    Suddenly Wally grabbed his stomach.
    “What’s the matter, Wally?” asked Ziggy. “You look like you’re gonna puke.”
    Wally went from purple to green to blue and