Mystery on Stage by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page B

side of his plate. He seemed deep in thought. “Jessie,” he finally said, “do you think Watch could try out for the part of Toto?”
    Everyone laughed. “I don’t see why not,” Joe finally answered. He stopped laughing and wiped his eyes with his napkin. “Watch is well trained, and he would have no trouble following Jessie around.”
    â€œIf Watch can get a part, maybe the rest of us should, too,” Henry said. “I don’t think I want to act, but I could build scenery or help with the lighting.”
    â€œAnd I could make costumes.” Violet’s eyes glowed. She loved to sew.
    â€œCould I do something?” Soo Lee looked at Jessie. “I’d like to.”
    â€œYou could help paint the scenery, Soo Lee,” Jessie said returning Soo Lee’s smile.
    Benny swallowed his peas with some effort. “I could train Watch for his part,” he volunteered.
    â€œBenny, there’s a lot you could do,” Henry said. “They probably need several people to help with scenery in a play like that.”
    â€œWell, it’s all settled then,” Violet said. “When you go for your audition, Jessie, we’re all coming with you.”

CHAPTER 2
    Auditions
    T he day of the auditions was clear and cold. Jessie woke up feeling so nervous she could barely fasten the buttons on her polka-dot blouse. Violet came to her rescue.
    â€œJessie, it’s not like you to be so jumpy. You’re going to be fine,” Violet assured her sister.
    Jessie sighed. “I hope so. I think I’ll feel better once we’re there.”
    Alice dropped Soo Lee off at the Aldens’ just as they were finishing their breakfast. “Good luck, Jessie,” she called. “I wish I could come to the auditions, too, but I told Joe I’d help him paint the porch steps.”
    As they were ready to leave, Mrs. McGregor came out of the kitchen to give Jessie a hug. “I’ll be rooting for you,” she said. Watch barked and thumped his tail on the floor. “And, as you can see, so will Watch.”
    Jessie managed a smile.
    â€œBreak a leg, Jessie,” Grandfather called from his armchair as the children headed out the door.
    â€œGrandfather, what do you mean?” Benny gave his grandfather a puzzled look.
    â€œDon’t worry, Benny. ‘Break a leg’ is just another way of saying good luck. Actors often use that expression.” Grandfather waved good-bye.
    The Community Playhouse theater was a fifteen-minute walk from the house. Soon the children could see the fancy brick building in the distance. A large park encircled the building.
    The children crossed the lawn in front of the theater. They passed big flower beds filled with orange and yellow chrysanthemums, now a little faded from the cold. Stone benches were placed underneath tall oak trees.
    â€œIt’s pretty here,” Soo Lee said, looking all around her.
    Soo Lee had never seen the community park and theater before. She lived with Joe and Alice in a town not far from Greenfield.
    â€œWell, we’re here.” Violet gazed up at the large building. Henry opened the heavy oak door, and the children entered a big lobby. People clutching scripts milled around the room.
    A woman was seated behind a long table. She had several long sheets of paper on the table in front of her. “Please sign here for the part you’re trying out for,” she told the children. “The auditions will begin in half an hour in room 222 upstairs.”
    â€œHey, look,” Benny nudged Violet. “Why is that man in a costume already?”
    Indeed, a man with a tin helmet covering his head headed up the stairs. He wore a metal barrel around his body and silver tights on his legs and arms.
    â€œI don’t know,” Violet answered. “But that’s a wonderful costume for the Tinman. Maybe he feels it will bring him luck.”
    Jessie passed the sign-up