The Secret Chicken Society Read Online Free PDF Page A

Violet was the tallest. She had gray feathers and a delicate pink comb. Primrose was the most unusual. Her white feathers were long and silky. Her fluffy topknot looked like a feathered hat. T-Rex still had a fierce look, belying her sweet nature. Her black-and-white feathers reminded Daniel of polka dots.
    Peepers was the littlest, but her comb was the largest. It crowned her head. She had long, red wattles. Inspite of her size, she seemed to be the ringleader. She liked to fly to the top of the hay bale and stand guard. At night she’d herd the others into the coop. Daniel was proud of her. “She’s the boss,” he told Kelsey.
    A few days later, Daniel took Peepers over to meet Mrs. Grafalo. He chose a time when Mr. Grafalo wasn’t home. He didn’t like to admit it, even to himself, but Mr. Gruffalo’s fierce eyebrows always scared him a little bit.
    Mrs. G. was delighted to meet Peepers. She held the chicken on her lap like a cat. Peepers closed her eyes and clucked happily.
    Mrs. G. and Daniel sat in rocking chairs on the front porch. Dot and Dash raced by. Their tongues hung out. Their leashes trailed behind them. Miss Clay ran after them, waving her cell phone. Her high heels went clack, clack on the sidewalk. “Come back, boys!” she cried.
    â€œShe should put away her cell phone when she’s walking her dogs,” said Daniel.
    Peepers didn’t even flinch when the dogs ran past. She fluffed her feathers and settled down in Mrs. G.’s lap.
    â€œHe’s a very sweet rooster,” said Mrs. G. She stroked Peepers’ soft feathers.
    Daniel laughed. “No, Mrs. G., Peepers is a hen.”
    Mrs. G. smiled. “If you say so, dear.”
    A week later the chickens escaped again. But this time the Miller family didn’t notice.
    Ding-dong
. The doorbell rang. Mom was working late at the hospital. Dad had ridden his bicycle to the co-op to buy organic vegetables for dinner. Tyler was in charge, but he was in his room listening to music and didn’t hear the doorbell. Daniel had been playing with Jasper. He put the rat on his shoulder and answered the door.
    Mr. Grafalo stood on the doorstep. Rain streamed from his hat. His face was red. His fists were clenched. His eyebrows bristled. “Where are your parents?” he demanded. He didn’t wait for an answer. “Your chickens are running wild in my garden!”
    Daniel nodded. He was too startled to speak. Jasper clutched his shoulder with his tiny claws. Kelsey and Emmy stood behind him. Emmy grabbed his shirttail.
    Daniel found his voice. “Sorry, Mr. Grafalo,” he said. “We’ll come right over and get them.”
    â€œYou’d better,” growled Mr. Grafalo. “Before they ruin my flowers!”
    Daniel put Jasper back into his tank. Then he and his sisters followed Mr. Grafalo into his yard next door. The sky was cloudy. It had stopped pouring, but rain fell in a gentle mist. Primrose, Violet, Twinkie, and T-Rex strutted among the dripping flower bushes. They clucked softly and scratched for bugs in the mud. Peepers stood guard under a tall rosebush. Daniel looked around for Poison, but he didn’t see the big cat.
    Where was Mrs. Grafalo? Come to think of it, Daniel hadn’t seen her in a while. Maybe she was on a trip.
    â€œGet them out of here. They’re tearing up my begonias!” snapped Mr. Grafalo.
    â€œDon’t worry,” said Daniel. “We’ll get them. They come when I call.” He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Here, chick, chick!”
    The chickens ignored him.
    â€œI’ll get Twinkie,” said Emmy. Daniel tried to stop her, but she dashed into the soggy flower bed, stomping on several plants.
    â€œWatch where you step!” yelled Mr. Grafalo.
    Kelsey and Emmy chased the chickens through the flowers. They tried to be careful, but Emmy crushed the zinnias. Kelsey mashed the begonias.
    Daniel stood on the wet