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

strange happenings in his house.”
    â€œSounds like a mystery,” Violet said eagerly.
    Benny bounced in his seat. “Oh, boy! A new mystery!”
    Grandfather smiled. “People must know that you kids are pretty good detectives.”
    â€œWe have cracked lots of cases,” Henry agreed.
    â€œI think we solve cases because there are four of us,” Jessie added. “Four heads are better than one.”
    â€œI only have one head,” Benny chimed in.
    Everyone laughed.
    Jessie ruffled Benny’s hair. “That’s an expression. It means we figure out things together.”
    The Alden children had always stuck together. When their parents died, the children had moved into an abandoned boxcar. Eventually their grandfather found them and they went to live in his big house in Greenfield. Now they traveled all over the country and had adventures.
    The minivan began climbing a steep road.
    â€œCliffwalk Manor is up here,” said Grandfather.
    When they drove into a clearing at the top of the bluff, they all gasped.
    Cliffwalk Manor was an enormous mansion of brown stone, granite, and wood. Two round towers flanked a huge stained-glass window over the front door. The house seemed gloomy, even in the sun.
    The kids tumbled out onto the gravel driveway.
    A white-haired gentleman came down the steps to greet them. He had blue eyes and a short white beard.
    â€œJames!” he exclaimed. “Thank you for coming.”

    Grandfather clasped his friend’s hand. “Edward, it’s been too long. These are my grandchildren, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny.”
    â€œWelcome to Cliffwalk Manor,” said Mr. Singleton. “Your grandfather has told me a great deal about you. Please come inside.”
    They walked into an echoing entryway. Light from the stained-glass window made colorful patterns on the marble floor. A large carved cabinet covered the opposite wall.
    â€œWhat a big house,” Violet commented.
    â€œCliffwalk Manor has been in my family for generations,” Edward said proudly. “My grandfather, Captain Singleton, had a small fleet of oyster boats. He built this place around the turn of the century.”
    They went into the dining room.
    Benny’s eyes lit up. “Wow! A real merry-go-round horse sticking up in the middle of the table!”
    Edward laughed. “The chariot seats around the table are from the same merry-go-round.”
    Benny couldn’t wait to sit in a red-and-green-painted dragon chariot. “I hope we eat soon!”
    Jessie discovered a mechanical fortune-teller behind a glass-beaded curtain. Edward gave her a brass token to put in the slot. The figure whirred to life, cackling and waving over her crystal ball. Then a brown-edged, yellowed card dropped in the brass tray.
    â€œWhat’s your fortune?” asked Grandfather.
    â€œIt says, ‘You will take many trips,’ ” Jessie read. “Well, that’s certainly true!”
    â€œMadame ZaZa is about eighty years old,” Edward said. “Her fortunes are still accurate today.”
    â€œBoy, you have a lot of stuff!” Benny remarked as their host led them through rooms filled with glass display cases.
    â€œAs your grandfather probably told you, I collect things from carnivals and fairs,” said Edward. “I’ll give you a better tour later. I’m sure you’re tired after that drive.”
    â€œWe’re fine,” said Grandfather. “We’d really like to know what is bothering you.”
    â€œLet’s go in the parlor, where we can be comfortable,” said Edward. “It’s a rather long story.”
    They went into a huge room with high ceilings decorated in gold leaf. The old-fashioned furniture had curvy legs and burgundy velvet cushions.
    When everyone was seated, Edward continued. “One night, many, many years ago, my grandfather hosted a party,” he said. “A lot of rich