Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo by Charles Tang Page B

Grandfather said to Benny. “We’ll come back and bring Edward. He’ll be able to claim his monkey.” He faced the clerk. “If I were you, I wouldn’t buy that monkey just yet.”
    â€œWhy are you interfering?” Mac asked nervously, his hands bunching into fists, then opening again. “This is my monkey and I intend to sell it!”
    The clerk looked from Grandfather to the children and back to Mac Thatcher. “I see no reason not to buy this monkey.” He counted out the cash and placed it in Mac’s hand.
    In horror Violet watched as the clerk took the cage and disappeared into the back room.
    â€œThat’s all the good it did you to try to stop this sale!” Mac growled, casting a nasty look at Benny and stuffing the money into his back pocket. With a snicker, he stomped out.
    The clerk returned, quickly filling Jessie’s order.
    As they went out, Benny glanced back, whispering, “We’ll save you, Amos.”

CHAPTER 11
    The Guilty One
    W hen Grandfather drove to the zoo, the children piled out, intending to find Edward. Grandfather trailed after them.
    â€œDid Amos come back?” Benny shouted at Edward, who stood before the Monkey House.
    Sadly, Edward shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Pat and I have searched the entire grounds, and he’s no place to be found.”
    â€œ I know where he is!” Benny said.
    Edward gave him a sharp look. “You do? Where is he?”
    â€œMac Thatcher sold him to the pet shop man,” Benny answered, his eyes fastened on Edward.
    â€œCan you believe Mac Thatcher could have stolen Amos?” Henry asked.
    â€œYes, I can,” Edward said in a discouraged tone.
    â€œYou don’t seem surprised,” Violet said.
    â€œI’m not,” Edward said dully.
    The children and Grandfather waited patiently for Edward’s explanation.
    â€œI’ll tell you about Mac Thatcher later,” Edward said. “First let’s go see if the pet shop monkey is mine.”
    â€œYes, yes,” Benny said so excited that he ran from Edward to Grandfather. “Amos was stuffed in a real little cage and we’ve got to get him out!”
    â€œAnd we will,” Edward said grimly.
    Pat, who came out of the Bird House, joined them, and Edward quickly told her about Mac Thatcher and the monkey.
    â€œOh, no,” she groaned. “I thought we’d seen the last of him.”
    Edward started walking toward the exit. “I’m going to Bridgeport. Hopefully Amos is still at the pet shop.”
    Jessie handed Pat the box of vitamins and special food. “Here’s what you asked for.”
    â€œThanks, Jessie,” Pat said, rewarding her with a warm smile. “I’ll see to it that the black panther gets his vitamins.”
    â€œAnd you know which other animals need their food,” Edward called over his shoulder.
    â€œYes,” Pat answered, a worried frown crossing her forehead. “You run along.” She gave Benny a quick pat on the back. “I’m sure Amos will be there.”
    â€œI know it!” Benny responded promptly, hurrying to catch up with Edward.
    So back to Bridgeport they drove, this time with Edward in the front seat.
    Once inside the pet shop, the clerk took one look at the children and hurried to the rear to get the monkey.
    Returning, he set the cage on the counter where Edward could examine the monkey.
    In a few minutes Edward announced, in a triumphant burst, “It’s Amos!”
    â€œI knew it!” Benny said gleefully.
    â€œI paid five hundred dollars for that monkey,” the clerk sniffed, “and I don’t intend to give him up.”
    â€œWell, I’m buying him back at the same price,” Edward said sternly. “This monkey was kidnapped from my zoo. I recognize him from that brown marking on his head.”
    â€œOh, my,” the clerk said. “If you’ll pay me the money,