The Mystery of the Tiger's Eye by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page A

we building something?” Benny wanted to know.
    â€œThe mallet is your eating utensil,” she said. “We’re having a Maryland crab feast!”
    Edward came out of the kitchen bearing a huge platter of steaming crabs. “Will this be enough for you, Benny?”
    â€œWow!” was all Benny could say.
    The Aldens needed a lesson in eating crabs, Maryland-style. Soon they were all whacking the shells with their mallets and pulling out the sweet white meat, which they dipped in melted butter.
    For a long time, no one spoke. Then Dorsey asked, “When are we leaving tomorrow?”
    His great-uncle looked sad. “You don’t have to be at Green Acres until the evening. We’ll leave around three.”
    Dorsey gave his crab a hard whack. “I’ll be ready.”
    Jessie glanced at Violet. They both wished they’d solved the mystery before Dorsey left. Tomorrow would be too late.
    Soon the paper tablecloth was covered with shells and smears of butter.
    â€œWho wants dessert?” Iona asked. “Cherry turnovers with ice cream!”
    Melanie got up. “None for me, thanks. I need to get home and feed my dog.” She looked at Dorsey. “I’ll see you in the morning before you go.”
    Dorsey simply shrugged.
    She left the room. Iona and Edward headed for the kitchen to prepare dessert.
    Just then a wheezing sound made everyone whirl toward the beaded curtain in the corner.
    The fortune-teller was moving over her crystal ball.
    â€œWho did that?” Edward demanded. “I didn’t see anyone put a token in the slot.”
    â€œI thought these tricks were over!” Iona said, shaking her head.
    After dessert, the grown-ups went into the kitchen to fix their coffee. Dorsey went straight up to his room.
    The Aldens were leaving the dining room when Jessie noticed the small white card on the fortune-teller’s brass tray. She picked it up.
    â€œWhat does your fortune say?” Henry asked her.
    â€œIt says, ‘Better leave if you know what’s good for you.’ ” Jessie looked at her brother with wide eyes. “That’s not a fortune. It’s a threat!”

Chapter 9
Out of Time!
    â€œW hat does this mean?” Violet questioned. “Who is supposed to leave? Dorsey?”
    â€œI think the threat is meant for us,” Jessie announced. “We’re the ones trying to figure out who is pulling these pranks.”
    â€œLet me see that card,” Henry said. Jessie handed it to him. The l in the word leave was wobbly. He started to point this out, but Violet spoke up.
    â€œYou know, we found out that the clock and the saltshaker were rigged,” she said. “I bet Madame ZaZa is, too.”
    â€œLet’s check it out,” Benny said.
    But at that moment, Iona came in from the kitchen carrying a silver tray with a coffeepot and cups.
    â€œWhy don’t you children join us in the parlor,” she said. “Edward has many board games for you to play.”
    The Aldens looked at one another. They couldn’t investigate the fortune-teller now.
    In the parlor, Jessie pulled out an old-fashioned game with glass marbles. As she set up the board, she wondered if Iona had overheard their conversation. Was Iona deliberately keeping them out of the dining room?
    Through the windows, they could see the wind tossing in the treetops.
    â€œWhat cold, wild weather,” Iona said as Grandfather and Edward entered the room. “A good night to stay in.”
    â€œI’ll light the fire,” said Edward, striking a match to the logs in the fireplace. “See how cozy my house is?”
    Iona poured coffee into china cups. “Cliffwalk Manor does have a certain charm, even for its size.”
    â€œShouldn’t Dorsey be here with us?” asked Grandfather. “It’s his last night.”
    Edward shook his head. “I’ve tried everything to make it pleasant for that boy. But he