“In the refrigerator,” said Bob.
Mac’s mouth dropped open. “How’d you know?”
Bob shrugged. “Where else?”
Everybody had lots more questions for Hobo Bob, but Mrs. Jewls rang her cowbell. “Show-and-tell is over,” she announced. “Let’s all thank Bob.”
“Thank you, Bob,” everyone said together.
“You’re welcome,” he replied.
“Do you know the way out of the school?” asked Sharie.
“I’m not sure,” said Bob.
“Just go straight down the stairs,” said Sharie.
“Thank you,” said Bob.
“But don’t go in the basement,” warned Sharie.
“I won’t,” said Bob. He shook Sharie’s hand, then waved good-bye to the rest of the class and headed out the door.
Everybody waved back. Sharie returned to her seat.
It was time for their weekly spelling test. “Everyone take out a piece of paper and a pencil,” said Mrs. Jewls. “The first word is—”
“Wait a second!” called Calvin. “I’m not ready yet.”
Mrs. Jewls waited while all the children took off their socks.
g
g
Chapter 6
Pigtails
“Hi, Leslie,” said Paul.
“Hi, Paul,” said Leslie.
They were friends now. Paul hadn’t pulled either of her pigtails for a long time.
Paul sat in the desk behind Leslie. Once, a long time ago, he had pulled Leslie’s pigtails. It felt great!
That is—Paul thought it felt gr
eat. Leslie didn’t think it felt too good.
But that was earlier in the year, when Paul was younger and immature. Now he knew better.
Still, her two long brown pigtails hung in front of his face, all day, every day.
The bell rang for recess.
“Leslie,” said Paul. “Can I talk to you a second?”