The Mudhole Mystery Read Online Free Page A

The Mudhole Mystery
Book: The Mudhole Mystery Read Online Free
Author: Beverly Lewis
Pages:
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high-pitched giggle.
    Dunkum closed the backyard gate. He ran as fast as he could to his house next door. He thought about the time capsule. He wished it were at his house.
    His dad was sitting on the front steps. He looked up from his newspaper. “Are you hungry?”
    â€œSure am,” said Dunkum.
    His dad put the newspaper away.
    â€œWere you doing today’s crossword puzzle?” asked Dunkum.
    His dad nodded. “You know me well.” He stuck the pencil above his ear. “Your mom’s cooking hot dogs. Let’s go eat.”
    Dunkum dashed up the steps.
    â€œWhoa, just a minute.” His dad hadspotted the muddy clothes and shoes. Hands too. “Where have you been?”
    â€œUh, just digging,” Dunkum admitted.
    â€œIn mud? Better go wash up.” His dad pointed to the garden hose.
    Dunkum clumped to the side of the house. This was the second time today.
    When he went inside for lunch, his mom frowned. “Why must you play in the mud?”
    â€œDon’t be hard on him, dear,” Dunkum’s dad said. “I did the same thing when I was a kid.”
    â€œI’ll go change my clothes,” Dunkum offered.
    â€œPlease don’t track mud!” his mom called.
    â€œI’ll be careful,” Dunkum said, tiptoeing downstairs.
    He headed for the washroom. Dirty clothes were piled up. Saturday was not their wash day.
    Finally, Dunkum was cleaned up. Heheaded back to the kitchen. The table was set. The hot dogs and baked beans smelled great.
    His mom asked about the muddy mess. But Dunkum didn’t tell much about the mystery. Or the time capsule.
    His parents were grown-ups. They’d forgotten what it was like to be a kid. Dunkum was sure of it!

ELEVEN
    After lunch, Dunkum’s dad returned to his newspaper. Word puzzles were one of his favorite hobbies.
    Dunkum’s favorites were shooting hoops and digging in the mud.
    Today basketball came in second. Dunkum had something else to do. He wanted to see the time capsule again.
    And he had an idea. A great idea!

    Dunkum hurried around to the Hunters’ backyard.
    The time capsule was still there.
    Abby, Shawn, and Carly Hunter had just finished lunch. They were outside looking in the chest. They pulled out many objects, looking and talking.
    â€œWe need to have another meeting,” Dunkum said.
    â€œOh, hi, Dunkum.” Abby turned around. “What’s the meeting about?”
    â€œAbout that.” Dunkum pointed to the chest. “Let’s make an exhibit.”
    â€œYou mean like a museum or something?” Abby asked.
    â€œSure, why not?”
    â€œShould we charge money?” Abby asked.
    Dunkum walked over to the chest. “Yes. We could use the money for something special. For our club.”
    Jimmy was counting the rock collection in Korean.
    Carly was trying on the pretty watch.
    â€œThis stuff is ancient history,” saidDunkum. “It’s twenty years old, at least.”
    Abby nodded. “I see what you mean.”
    â€œWhen the rest of the kids come back, we’ll decide,” he said.
    Abby grinned. “It’s an excellent idea.”
    Dunkum leaned over and pulled out the old Sherlock Holmes book. “I still can’t believe this was in here.”
    Abby asked, “How did you know about Mysteries Are Marvelous Day?”
    Dunkum told her about his grandma’s holiday book. “It has all kinds of special days listed.”
    â€œLike what?” Abby asked.
    â€œOh, let’s see.” Dunkum thought for a second. “There’s the birthday of basketball.”
    â€œYou’re kidding.”
    â€œNope.”
    â€œWhen is it?” Abby asked.
    â€œJanuary fifteenth,” Dunkum replied happily. “Back in the year 1892.”
    â€œWow,” she said. “What else?”
    â€œChildren’s Day is May fifth,” he said. “It’s a national holiday in Korea and Japan. In honor of all
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