Read Online Copycat Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner - Free Book Online Page B

for a surprise!”
    Jessie and Henry exchanged glances. Carl Mason seemed to think the practical jokes were Gwen’s idea.
    “I can assure you, Mr. Mason, this is not a publicity stunt,” Gwen said quietly. “And you might as well know, the practical jokes haven’t ended yet.”
    As Gwen showed the museum curator into the parlor, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny went off to check the house for any sign of forced entry. But once again, it was clear the copycat must have had a key to get inside. Finally they went upstairs to make sure the copycat hadn’t pulled any more pranks.
    After a careful search, Violet said, “Nothing looks out of place up here.” And the others agreed.
    Just before heading downstairs again, Jessie glanced through a bedroom window and caught sight of a red sports car coming up the driveway. “How strange,” she said.
    “What’s strange?” asked Henry.
    “Have you noticed how Jake North always arrives at just the right time?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I mean, at the right time to take a photograph of the latest practical joke.”
    Henry glanced out the window. When he spotted Jake, he said, “Now that you mention it . . .”
    “Do you think it’s more than a coincidence?” asked Violet as she joined her older brother and sister at the window. Benny was close behind.
    “A lot more!” replied Jessie.
    “It does seem odd,” agreed Benny.
    Violet watched for a moment as Jake North strolled across the front lawn, his camera hanging from a strap around his neck. When he removed his sunglasses and tucked them into his shirt pocket, Violet’s eyes got very large.
    Henry said, “What’s the matter, Violet?”
    Violet didn’t answer. Instead, she snapped her fingers and went racing away. She returned a few moments later with a photograph. It was the one Gwen had taken of the Aldens in their Victorian costumes. “I knew there was something funny about this picture,” she said softly. “But I couldn’t put my finger on it until now.”
    Jessie glanced at the photo. “I don’t understand. It’s just a picture of the four of us standing in the office.”
    “Yes,” said Violet. “But it was taken the day Jake said he left his sunglasses here.”
    “He did leave them.” Henry looked puzzled. “They were on the—” Suddenly catching on, Henry drew in his breath. “Jake’s sunglasses!”
    “How come they’re not on the windowsill in this picture?” asked Benny, trying to keep his voice low.
    “That’s exactly what I’m wondering,” said Violet. “Jake was gone before this picture was taken.”
    “Which means he left his sunglasses on the windowsill after the farmhouse had closed for the day!” concluded Jessie.
    “You think Jake North is the copycat?” asked Benny in surprise.
    Violet nodded. “I’m sure of it.”
    Henry took a deep breath. “Jake North has some explaining to do.” And he led the way downstairs.
    “I thought I’d made myself quite clear, Mr. North.” Mr. Mason was pointing to the front page of the newspaper. He sounded upset. “This type of article isn’t what I had in mind when I invited you out here.”
    “It’s my job to report the facts, Mr. Mason,” argued Jake. “And the facts point to this farmhouse being haunted.”
    “What are you doing here, Jake?” demanded Henry, who was edging his way past Miss Pennink on the staircase. “Why now, I mean?”
    Jake looked startled by the question. “Well . . . uh . . . Miss Pennink was a bit under the weather yesterday. I thought I’d find out how she was feeling today. Is there anything wrong with that?”
    “Are you sure you aren’t here to take a picture?” asked Jessie.
    “A picture?” echoed Jake. “A picture of what?”
    “Of the latest practical joke.”
    “What do you mean?” Jake inquired. “Has something else happened?”
    “You should know,” Benny blurted out, his hands on his hips. “After all, you set it up. Didn’t you?”
    Jake laughed. “You’re kidding.