Read Online Honeybee Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner - Free Book Online

they’re saying,” Jessie said. “It would be too risky to go over there, though.”
    â€œEspecially for you two,” Benny said to her and Henry. “If Mr. Carlson turned around, he’d recognize you.”
    Henry sighed. “With the way our luck’s going, I’ll bet they’re saying some really important stuff, too. Stuff that could help us get to the bottom of things.”
    Violet shook her head. “If only there was some way …”
    â€œI know what you mean,” said Henry, staring down at his plate. Suddenly, though, he looked back up. “I’ve got an idea!” He whispered something to Grandfather, who thought for a moment, then nodded yes.
    â€œWhat is it?” asked Benny. “Can I help?”
    â€œYou sure can,” said Henry. “You can eat my bagel!”
    Jessie laughed. “What? Why?”
    â€œBecause I’m going to order another one!” said Henry, standing up suddenly. He walked across the restaurant to where the two men were sitting and quietly slid into the empty booth just behind them. One of the waitresses, thinking Henry was a new customer, came over to take his order. Then, while he waited for his food, the other Aldens could see him leaning back in his seat slightly in order to hear what Mr. Price and Mr. Carlson were saying.
    â€œOh, I get it,” said Violet, giggling.
    â€œAnd I’ll make sure this bagel gets eaten!” said Benny.
    The waitress eventually brought Henry’s order — a bagel with butter and a glass of grapefruit juice — and he ate it as if he were any other customer on any other day. About fifteen minutes later, Mr. Price got up, shook hands with Mr. Carlson, and left. Shortly thereafter Mr. Carlson also left, but not before leaving some money on the table to cover the check.
    When Henry finally returned to the Aldens’ table, the five of them looked at one another with silent smiles. Then the children broke into laughter. The customers seated nearby looked over to see what was so amusing.
    Catching her breath, Jessie said, “Okay, so did you hear anything important?”
    Still smiling, Henry nodded. “I sure did. I’m glad I went over there.”
    â€œWell, tell us,” Jessie said. “Don’t keep us in the dark!”
    â€œOkay,” Henry said. “But I’m not sure you’re going to believe this.…”
    Renee Trowbridge arrived at the Aldens’ house for dinner shortly before six o’clock that evening, and she wore the smile of someone who had good news to share. In the Aldens’ dining room, Grandfather sat at the head of the long table, the children on either side, and their guest at the other end. Mrs. McGregor, their housekeeper, had made roast chicken with red potatoes and vegetables, including some string beans Grandfather had bought at the Shermans’ farm. It smelled irresistible.
    â€œSo I think you’d better tell us your big news,” Grandfather said to Renee as they began passing bowls around. “I doubt the kids can cover up their curiosity with politeness much longer.”
    â€œAnd we have some news, too!” Benny said, beaming with excitement. Jessie handed him a basket of hot rolls, and he took two without even looking. “Some really big news!”
    Renee smiled. “That’s great. Well, I guess I’ll go first. It turns out,” she began, “there is a way to stop the effects of Menadrin.”
    Violet responded first. “You’re kidding!”
    â€œNope. What happens is it just wears off. That is, of course, unless you keep spraying it on the flowers.”
    â€œThat’s great, Renee,” Grandfather said.
    â€œExcept it probably takes a while, right, Renee?” asked Henry.
    â€œYou guessed it. Three weeks, at least,” Renee answered.
    Grandfather shrugged. “Well, it’s better than nothing. At least the Shermans and Hennessey