Read Online The Mystery at the Dog Show by Gertrude Chandler Warner - Free Book Online Page B

judge turned to face Lawrence Burger. “Did you do all those things?” she asked.
    The proud, unpleasant look had left Lawrence Burger’s face. Now he just looked miserable. “Yes,” he confessed. “It was me. I shaved Curly so he wouldn’t be able to compete for Best of Show. I knew that the dog favored to win the terrier group hated cats, so I — borrowed — that cat and turned it loose in the show. I even let out the air in the tires on Mrs. DeCicco’s assistant’s car. I hoped it would upset her and her dogs so much that they wouldn’t do well. And I — borrowed — Sunny and took her to this veterinarian’s office. I was going to go get her tomorrow morning and bring her back, honestly.”
    The judge shook her head. “This is bad, very bad.” She and the other judges and officials stepped to one side and talked among themselves for a few minutes. Then the judge came back. “You are officially disqualified from this show. And you may be barred from showing dogs for a long time to come. You have disgraced the world of dog shows. And you have disgraced a fine dog. Your dog might well have won, fair and square. Now he may never get the chance to win again. You are dismissed.”
    His head hanging, Lawrence Burger walked miserably out of the ring. As they left, Plum licked his hand as if to try and comfort him. Mr. Burger looked down at Plum, stroked his head, then covered his eyes and hurried out of sight.
    A few minutes later, the Reserve Champion was led into the arena to take Plum’s place. The contest for Best in Show began.
    It seemed to take the judge forever to look at each dog.
    â€œI wish the judge would hurry up and decide,” whispered Violet.
    Mrs. Teague pressed her hand to her chest. “So do I!”
    Henry leaned forward. “She must see that Caryn and Sunny are the best.”
    â€œOh, I hope so!” said Jessie.
    â€œGo, go, go, Sunny,” said Benny.
    At last the judge signaled for the seven dogs to circle the arena once more. And once again, the crowd cheered and cheered for the seven champions. Then the cheers rose to a thunder pitch as the judge pointed, 1, 2, 3, 4 for the dogs that won first, second, third, and fourth.
    â€œShe won! She won!” cried Henry, jumping up.
    â€œHOORAY FOR SUNNY!” shouted Benny.
    All of the Aldens began to hug each other and Mrs. Teague, who was dabbing at her eyes with her sleeve. “Oh, I am so proud of Caryn and of Sunny,” she kept saying. “So proud of them both!”
    â€œThey’re real champions,” Jessie said. “Even after everything that happened, they went out and won.”
    â€œYes,” agreed Mrs. Teague. “Oh, yes.”
    â€œOh, good!” said Violet. “I was so excited that I almost didn’t realize it, but Mrs. DeCicco’s beagle Gloria came in second!”
    â€œI’m so glad,” said Jessie wholeheartedly.
    â€œLet’s go see everyone,” said Benny, bouncing out of his seat.
    â€œOkay, Benny,” said Grandfather Alden. Together the Aldens and Mrs. Teague made their way through the excited crowd toward Sunny and Caryn.
    â€œCongratulations!” called Violet as they passed Mrs. DeCicco, who was posing with Gloria for the photographers.
    â€œThank you!” answered Mrs. DeCicco, beaming. She kissed the top of Gloria’s head and Gloria licked Mrs. DeCicco’s face.
    â€œGreat shot,” said one of the photographers, and everyone laughed. A moment later, they joined the Teagues and Sunny.
    Just then, a familiar couple went by. “Come on, Zonker,” said the polka-dot woman to the dalmatian at her side. “Time to go home.”
    The man beside her said, “You know, after this show, I think you’re right. Maybe we all need a vacation.”
    The woman smiled.
    â€œOh, good,” said Violet softly.
    â€œHenry, Jessica, Violet, Benny —