The End of the Beginning Read Online Free Page B

immediately."
    "Good luck!" Avon called as the newt left.
    A grinning Avon turned to Edward.
    "You know, Edward, even though it never happened, I think
that
was the best adventure of all. And the newt seemed to find it very moving."
    "He certainly left right away," said Edward. "I particularly liked the part about being here. It confirmed what I've come to believe: You're a hero."
    Avon blushed. "You're right. I would rather be here than anywhere. Edward, you've helped me come a long way."
    "I'm glad I was helpful," said Edward. "Though, most of all, I'm pleased by the way your adventures allowed our friendship to begin. But now that's done."
    Avon grew alarmed. "Edward, are you suggesting our friendship is ending?"
    "I rather think," said the ant, "it's just the end of the beginning."
    "But, Edward," Avon cried out, "that means—"
    "What?"
    "We've never had a middle."
    "Oh, never mind," said Edward. "Next time we have an adventure, we'll start in the middle."
    "And then," said Avon, "we can go in any direction we want."
    Edward thought for a long time. Then he said, "You're right. That's the
only
way to go."

    The End

(of the Beginning)

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    AVI has written many acclaimed novels for middle grade and teen readers, including his Newbery Medal–winning
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
and his two Newbery Honor Books,
Nothing But the Truth: A Documentary Novel
and
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle.
He lives in Denver, Colorado.

    Jacket illustrations copyright © 2004 by Tricia Tusa
Jacket design by Kelly Eismann
    HARCOURT, INC.
525 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101
15 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10010
    www.HarcourtBooks.com
    Manufactured in China
1004

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