Read Panther Mystery for Free Online Page A

stuff soon, then I guess it’s mine.”
    Henry leaned inside the doorway just a little. Along the wall, behind the door, was a dresser. One drawer was pulled out and socks hung untidily over the edge.
    “You can see Andrew is not here,” the landlady said, clearly flustered. She pulled the door shut hastily.
    Henry wondered if she had something to hide. Did everyone connected with Andrew Beldon have a secret?
    “Yes,” said Violet. “We’ll leave now.”
    Outside, the rain shower had passed already. Steam rose from the sidewalk.
    Violet asked the others, “Did you guys see all the panther books in Andrew’s bookcase?”
    “And that neat poster?” added Benny. “Rrrr!”
    “Melanie was right about one thing: Andrew is definitely obsessed with the Florida panther,” Jessie stated. She shook her head. “But Andrew’s room looked as if he hadn’t been there in days.”
    “I saw something, too,” said Henry. “A moldy piece of bread sitting on the table. It takes several days for mold to grow, and I bet if he’d been here he would have thrown it away.”
    “Why would he leave all his things?” Violet wondered. “He has some very nice books and pictures.”
    “I don’t know,” Jessie answered. “But I think we ought to learn about the Florida panther. If it’s Andrew’s obsession, it should be ours, too. At least until we find him.”
    Henry tapped the side of his head. “Good idea, Jessie. If we want to find Andrew, we have to think like him!”

CHAPTER 7
Wildcats and Radios
    T he next morning, they all piled into the rental car and drove south to the main visitors’ center in the Everglades.
    “I can’t believe the runaround we’re getting,” Grandfather said as he waved his pass at the ranger in the booth. “First Melanie Harper says she heard that Andrew was sick. And then you children go to Andrew’s boardinghouse and find out he’s not there!”
    “If I wasn’t feeling well, I’d want to be home,” said Violet.
    Henry said, “We can’t really blame the park people. They’ve been helpful, except for Melanie. I hope Andrew’s father wasn’t too upset when you told him you hadn’t found his son yet.”
    Pulling into an empty parking space, Grandfather sighed. “I’m afraid he did become upset. He hasn’t heard from Andrew in almost three weeks, but I told him to wait a little longer before he calls the police.”
    “We’ll get clues when we find out about the panther,” Benny said confidently.
    The main visitors’ center was busy. Several park rangers were on duty, handing out brochures and maps, directing people to the various walking trails, and announcing guided hikes.
    “We want to learn about the Florida panther,” said Jessie, walking up to the main desk. “Can someone tell us about them?”
    The young man behind the counter replied, “Actually, one of our panther experts happens to be on duty in the Royal Palms Visitors’ Center. That’s just next door. Ask for Nelda.”
    “Thanks!” Jessie said. Not all rangers were like Melanie Harper. This one was really nice.
    And so was Nelda Pearson, as her name badge read. She was describing an easy boardwalk trail to a group of Canadians. When she finished with them, she saw Grandfather and the children.
    “How may I help you?” Nelda asked.
    “One of your coworkers from the main center told us you are an expert on the Florida panther,” said Grandfather. “I’m James Alden. My grandchildren and I are particularly interested in this animal.”
    Nelda glanced at her watch. “You’re in luck. My break is coming up. How about if we walk the Gumbo Lingo Trail.”
    They all went outside to a well-marked path. “This is the entrance to the Gumbo Lingo Trail. It’s named after the gumbo lingo trees you’ll see.”
    At first the Aldens were too busy looking at the scenery to talk. Besides the odd-named gumbo lingo trees, there were more royal palms, colorful birds flying overhead, and orchids growing wild.
    Then