Read Online A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket - Free Book Online

other driver's fault. You ran into me. " "How dare you!" Stephano shouted, and got out of the car himself, wrinkling his nose at the smell of horseradish that filled the air. He stomped over to where Mr. Poe was standing, but halfway there the children saw his face change from one of pure rage to one of brummagem confusion and sadness. "I'm sorry," he said, in a high, fluttery voice. "This whole thing is my fault. I'm so distressed by what has happened that I wasn't paying any attention to the rules of the road. I hope you're not hurt, Mr. Foe." "It's Poe, " Mr. Poe said. "My name is Poe. I'm not hurt. Luckily, it looks like nobody was hurt. I wish the same could be said for my car. But who are you and what are you doing with the Baudelaire children?" "I'll tell you who he is," Klaus said. "He's-" "Please, Klaus," Mr. Poe admonished, a word which here means "reprimanded Klaus even though he was interrupting for a very good reason." "It is not polite to interrupt." "My name is Stephano," Stephano said, shaking Mr. Poe's hand. "I am-I mean I was- Dr. Montgomery's assistant." "What do you mean was?" Mr. Poe asked sternly. "Were you fired?" "No. Dr. Montgomery-oh, excuse me-" Stephano turned away and pretended to dab at his eyes as if he were too sad to continue. Facing away from Mr. Poe, he gave the orphans a big wink before continuing. "I'm sorry to tell you there's been a horrible accident, Mr. Doe. Dr. Montgomery is dead." "Poe, " Mr. Poe said. "He's dead? That's terrible. What has happened?" "I don't know," Stephano said. "It looks like snakebite to me, but I don't know anything about snakes. That's why I was going into town, to get a doctor. The children seemed too upset to be left alone." "He's not taking us to get a doctor!" Klaus shouted. "He's taking us to Peru!" "You see what I mean?" Stephano said to Mr. Poe, patting Klaus's head. "The children are obviously very distressed. Dr. Montgomery was going to take them to Peru today." "Yes, I know," Mr. Poe said. "That's why I hurried over here this morning, to finally bring them their luggage. Klaus, I know you're confused and upset over this accident, but please try to understand that if Dr. Montgomery is really dead, the expedition is canceled." "But Mr. Poe-" Klaus said indignantly. "Please," Mr. Poe said. "This is a matter for adults to discuss, Klaus. Clearly, a doctor needs to be called." "Well, why don't you drive on up to the house," Stephano said, "and I'll take the children and find a doctor." "Jose!" Sunny shrieked, which probably meant something like "No way!" "Why don't we all go to the house," Mr. Poe said, "and call for a doctor?" Stephano blinked, and for a second his face grew angry again before he was able to calm himself and answer smoothly. "Of course," he said. "I should have called earlier. Obviously I'm not thinking as clearly as you. Here, children, get back in the jeep, and Mr. Poe will follow us." "We're not getting back in that car with you," Klaus said firmly. "P/ease, Klaus," Mr. Poe said. "Try to understand. There's been a serious accident. All other discussions will have to be put aside. The only trouble is, I'm not sure my car will start. It's very smashed up." "Try the ignition," Stephano said. Mr. Poe nodded, and walked back to his car. He sat in the driver's seat and turned the key. The engine made a rough, wet noise-it sounded quite a bit like Mr. Poe's coughs-but it did not start. "I'm afraid the engine is quite dead," Mr. Poe called out. "And before long," Stephano muttered to the children, "you will be too." "I'm sorry," Mr. Poe said. "I couldn't hear you." Stephano smiled. "I said, that's too bad. Well, why don't I take the orphans back to the house, and you walk behind us? There isn't room for everyone." Mr. Poe frowned. "But the children's suitcases are here. I don't want to leave them unattended. Why don't we put the luggage into your car, and the children and I will walk back to the house?" Stephano frowned. "Well, one of the