Read Online The Mystery of the Grinning Gargoyle by Gertrude Chandler Warner - Free Book Online

didn’t have a copy of that old newspaper?”
    â€œThere are lots of other ways to find things in the library,” said Miss Hollenberg. “I’m sure someone found the article online…”
    â€œYou’re probably right,” said Henry, “because that’s how we found it—on the computer last night. I think we have a pretty good idea who has been hanging gargoyles from windows, don’t we?”
    Violet and Benny nodded in agreement, while Jessie walked over to the carts of books parked by the elevator doors. She returned carrying the art book titled Papier-mâché that the children had seen the night before.
    â€œWill you do us a favor, Miss Hollenberg?” Jessie asked.
    â€œCertainly,” said Miss Hollenberg.
    â€œWe can prove who the computer culprit is with the help of your computer,” said Jessie. “Can you look up the person who last checked out this book? Whoever borrowed this book is behind the mystery of the grinning gargoyles.”
    Miss Hollenberg looked up the name and showed it to the Alden children. Then she looked at the time and said, “You might have a suspect to apprehend, but we all have a ceremony to attend.”
    â€œAnd there are also a couple things I think we want to discuss with Grandfather,” said Jessie. “Things that will help Goldwin University be an even better place than it already is.”

CHAPTER 9
    Breaking Ground and Cracking the Case
    Along with Miss Hollenberg, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden hurried out of the old library, looking up at the gargoyle statues grinning down from its top floor. A large crowd was already gathered on the empty lot next to the library.
    â€œI see Coach Woods and the football team,” said Violet.
    â€œThere is Grandfather,” Benny said. “He’s holding some kind of shiny shovel.”
    James Alden, proud graduate of Goldwin University, did hold a shiny silver shovel in his hands. He stood at the front of the crowd, in front of a microphone, wearing his white suit and his tie that was the color of the red, autumn leaves. Grandfather Alden nodded to his grandchildren, and began his speech.
    â€œFriends and family, students and teachers, I would like to welcome you all to this groundbreaking ceremony,” he began.
    â€œWhen I attended Goldwin University many, many years ago, I often came to this library building to study. I studied hard, and I have done well for myself. So it is only right that I give back to this special place that helped me learn and grow.”
    Grandfather Alden stuck the shovel into the ground and dug up a chunk of dirt. “With this ceremonial shovel full of earth, I begin the building of a new library, where students will be able to learn and grow for many years to come. But I will say, that this old library with its grinning gargoyle statues is very dear to me. I was reminded of this not only by this visit, but also by my dear friend Miss Hollenberg and by my four special grandchildren. I do not want the old library to be torn down and forgotten. So I propose that a walkway be built between the new library and the old one, to remind us of the past even as we look to the future. With both library buildings, Goldwin University will be able to house twice the books and twice the computers for its students to use.”
    The crowd broke into applause. The building of the Alden Library had begun, and the old library would still be used and appreciated. The children were proud of their grandfather.
    But Grandfather Alden’s speech was not finished yet. “I have another announcement,” he said into the microphone. “I also hadn’t realized that Goldwin Coliseum has fallen into disrepair…”
    â€œWhat does that mean?” Benny asked Henry.
    â€œIt means that the football stadium is getting old,” Henry explained.
    â€œI would not only like to help with the building of a new library for the