The Berenstain Bears in Maniac Mansion by Stan & Jan Berenstain Page B

gave to the poor. Bad Bart robbed from the rich, stole from the poor—and kept everything for himself! He didn’t just rob travelers, either. At night he would break into the cottages of the poor mountain folk, scare them out of their wits, and take everything they owned. That’s why they called him a maniac.”
    Sister looked up at the portrait again and shivered. “Can we go back downstairs now?” she said. “It’s kind of creepy up here.”
    Cousin Fred groaned. But Brother was feeling protective toward his little sister. “Come on, Sis,” he said. “We’ll go see the ballroom instead.”
    As they passed the portrait of Farnsworth Grizzly on their way to the stairs, Brother suddenly felt Sister’s hand on his arm. “What’s wrong, Sis?” he said.
    She glanced over her shoulder at the portrait. “Is that a trick painting?” she asked.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” said Bonnie.
    â€œThe eyes followed me as I went past!” said Sister.
    Brother chuckled and put his arm around Sister’s shoulders as they went down the stairs. “Isn’t it amazing what your imagination can do when you’re scared?” he said.

Chapter 3
Farnsworth Grizzly’s Curse
    Meanwhile, in Squire Grizzly’s office, Papa and the squire were also talking about Grizzly forebears. The conversation turned in that direction when Papa asked the squire why Lady Grizzly and Greeves were having trouble sleeping.
    â€œYou wouldn’t believe what’s been going on around here the last couple of weeks,” said the squire, shaking his head. “And all because of that silly old curse.”
    â€œWhat curse?” asked Papa.
    â€œThe curse put on the mansion by my great-grandfather Farnsworth Grizzly,” said the squire. “When my grandfather, Farnsworth’s son, turned his back on crime and became an honest banker, Farnsworth was furious. He said that Bad Bart Grizzly must be turning over in his grave, and he predicted that someday Bad Bart’s ghost would come to haunt Grizzly Mansion.
    â€œI never told my wife about the curse, because I know she believes in ghosts, and I didn’t want to frighten her. But she found out about it from one of the history books in my study. She got all upset. Then she told the servants, and they got all upset.
    â€œA couple of weeks ago they started hearing noises at night and wondered if the ghost of Bad Bart had finally come to haunt the mansion. A few nights later Maisie, the cook, heard noises coming from the ballroom in the west wing. She got out of bed and peeked into the ballroom. She claims that she saw three figures. Two of them were carrying a table across the room, and the third was walking ahead of them, lighting their way with a candle.”

    â€œBurglars?” said Papa.
    â€œNonsense,” said the squire. “She says the figures were wearing masks and outfits like the ones worn by highway robbers in olden times. And remember, the leader carried a candle instead of a flashlight. Obviously, she imagined it all. She expected to see the ghosts of Bad Bart and his thieves in that ballroom, so that’s exactly what she saw. Since she knew they were thieves, she imagined them stealing something.
    â€œI checked the ballroom the next morning and found nothing missing. Every piece of furniture was exactly where it should be. That proves it was just her imagination.”
    â€œAnd now no one can sleep at night listening for ghosts?” said Papa.
    â€œAll but Bonnie and me,” said the squire. “I know it’s nonsense, and I’ve forbidden the others from telling Bonnie about it. I don’t want her young mind disturbed with such silliness. But my wife sleeps most of the day now, and Greeves and Maisie and Tillie the housekeeper are all so tired they can hardly do their jobs. Why, it takes forever to get a cup of tea around here now