[英文有声书][A~Z神秘案件Mysteries]B_The Bald Bandit

The Bald Bandit Chapter 1 Dink slipped the plastic fangs into his mouth. He made a scary face at his best friend Josh Pinto Do I look like a vampire? It was hard to talk without spitting so Dink took the fangs out again Dink's full name was Donald David Duncan, but nobody called him Donald except his mom when she was upset Then she called him by all three names Josh grinned No, you look like a skinny third grader wearing false teeth Wait till I put on the rest of my costume Dink said then I'll look like a vampire Maybe you will Josh was tearing a green bedsheet into long strips, and maybe you won't Dink's guinea pig Loretta crawled among the green strips every now and then she let out a curious squeak How will you be able to walk if you're wrapped up in all those strips Dink asked Josh? Josh kept tearing Swamp monsters don't walk. He said in a slithery voice they glide Okay, so how will you be able to glide wrapped up at all those strips? The doorbell rang when Dink opened the door his next-door neighbor Ruth Rose was standing on the steps Hi, Ruth Rose. Why are you wearing a wig? Halloween isn't until tomorrow Ruth Rose was dressed in her usual bright clothes a pink shirt pink pants and pink sneakers But on her head she wore a shiny black wig she also had on thick fake eyebrows Ruth Rose wiggled the fake eyebrows up and down guess who I am Josh stared at Ruth Rose a hairy princess No Groucho Marx she shook her head Tell us Ruth Rose Dink said Ruth Rose pretended to strum a guitar I'm Elvis she cried that was my next guess Josh said Ruth Rose looked at his mound of green strips. What are you supposed to be? Josh wrapped a strip around his face. He made a swamp monster face at Ruth Rose guess he said Ruth Rose smiled sweetly You're a green sheet torn into strips The doorbell rang again this time Dink saw a tall man standing on the doorstep He was dressed in a suit and tie he had dark curly hair a droopy mustache and a dimpled chin Hi there. My name is detective ready I was hired by the Green Lawn Savings Bank to find someone did you hear about the robbery? Josh and Ruth Rose came to the door and stood behind Dink Dink nodded. I heard about it on TV Are you looking for the robber Josh asked? Detective ready shook his head Right now. I'm looking for someone who saw him when the thief ran out of the bank He took off his mask some kid was walking by with a video camera He got the thief on tape the bank hired me to find the kid so I can get the video What does the kid look like Ruth Rose asked? Detective ready stared at her Elvis wig Someone in the bank said he has red hair and he's tall and skinny Sounds like you Josh said Dink. He laughed and pointed at Josh's red hair It wasn't me honest Josh said I don't even have a video camera No, the kid was a lot older than you said the detective probably in high school. He patted his mustache Do you guys know anyone like that? No, Dink said but we do know Green Lawn pretty well. Maybe we can help you find him the detective looked at the three friends Tell you what he said Check the high school tomorrow if you find the kid who filmed the robber get the video There'll be a nice reward if you hand it over How much Josh asked how about $100 for each of you a hundred bucks screamed Ruth Rose Dink Josh and detective ready covered their ears Ouch said detective ready. It's quite a set of lungs. You've got there How can we get in touch with you if we find the kid Dink asked? The detective pulled out a small pad and a pencil. He wrote something and ripped off the page Here's my phone number Call me if you get that video Dink closed the door behind detective ready. He grinned at Josh and Ruth Rose a hundred bucks each. We're rich chapter 2 Here's the plan Dink said it was almost three o'clock the next afternoon Dink Josh and Ruth Rose were headed for the high school a few blocks away from Green Lawn Elementary Josh you cover the back door Ruth Rose. Your station is the bike rack, but keep an eye on the parking lot, too How can I watch the bike rack and the parking lot asked Ruth Rose? Watch one with each eye Josh said grinning What's your station Ruth Rose asked Dink? I'll be watching the front door if anyone sees a skinny redhead stop him and yell Ruth Rose laughed stop him and yell. He'll think we're crazy and run away She's right Josh said Dink scratched his thick blonde hair Hmm. Okay, don't yell just get his name and tell him he may have won some money They cut through the park next to the high school What money Josh asked well if detective ready is going to pay us $100 each to find the video I figure we can give the kid half the money, but only if he gives us the video at the high school They split up Josh ran around to the back of the school Ruth Rose sat on the lawn next to the bike rack Dink sat on a bench where he had a good view of the front door Suddenly he heard a loud bell Ten seconds later the front door burst open a million high school kids shoved through the door and scrambled down the front steps Dink stood on the bench so he wouldn't get trampled He was looking for red hair But it wasn't easy to spot Some of the kids had hats on some wore jackets or sweatshirts with the hoods pulled up Sometimes Dink couldn't tell if a kid was a boy or a girl Finally he spotted a tall guy with red hair Dink jumped off the bench and ran after him Excuse me Dink said trying to catch his breath Who are you the redhead asked Dink Duncan Dink tried to remember his plan You may have won some money The redhead stared down at Dink money me Why how much money? Were you near the bank when the robbery happened last week? He asked the kid kept staring at Dink Robbery what robbery you didn't hear about it. It was on the news on TV Some guy robbed Greenlawn Savings Bank So what's it to you a kid with red hair got the robber on tape Dink said I'm helping to find him There's going to be a reward Rats, I wish I did tape the guy the redhead said shaking his head I could use a reward, but I wasn't anywhere near the bank last week. He waved and headed for the park. Good luck Dink looked around for another redhead, but everyone had disappeared He walked toward the bike rack Ruth Rose was sitting on the lawn weaving grass blades together Did you see any redheads Dink asked plopping down beside her? Three Ruth Rose said one was a short fat boy one was a girl one was a teacher Josh came running up any luck he asked Nope, Dink said how do you do I? Talked to two guys with red hair one of them told me to take a hike the other one was an exchange student from Ireland He told me he doesn't even know where the bank is Great Dink said we all struck out now. What do we do? Josh tossed a pine cone at a tree beats me We should search the whole neighborhood Ruth Rose said How Dink asked Ruth Rose stood up and dusted off her shorts easy We just go door-to-door and ask how can we do that without our parents finding out Josh asked? Mine won't let me get involved with some bank robber. That's for sure mine either Dink said So how do we explain why we're wandering around Greenlawn knocking on everyone's doors asked Josh Come on guys Ruth Rose said think about it. What's tonight? Dink and Josh looked at each other Halloween chapter 3 With black shoe polish in his hair and plastic fangs in his mouth Dink looked like Dracula His mom had made him a cape from an old black raincoat He tied the cape around his neck just as the doorbell rang a strange creature stood on his porch The thing was wrapped in green cloth tufts of red hair poked out at the top large black high tops stuck out at the bottom How do I look the thing asked? Dink took out his fangs and grinned like some weird vegetable half carrot and half asparagus Josh shuffled inside the house You look pretty good Dink. I like the blood dripping down your chin the bell dinged again this time It was a miniature Elvis Ruth Rose was wearing a white suit with sequins everywhere She even carried a little guitar her Elvis wig made her look about two inches taller Ruth Rose strummed her guitar and wiggled her hips Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen. She said taking a bow Come on in Elvis Dink said we have to talk about operation redhead before we go trick-or-treating They sat at Dink's kitchen table a basket of candy stood waiting for the neighborhood kids Here's my plan Dink said every house. We go to we ask if anyone knows a skinny redheaded kid That's my plan Ruth Rose said Dink grinned. Oh, yeah, I forgot One of Ruth Rose's black eyebrows was crooked. We have to keep our eyes peeled check out tall kids trick-or-treating Got it Dink said Anyone with red hair we asked them if they took a video of the bank robber Ruth Rose went on check Dink said any other ideas Yeah, I got a great idea Josh said let's stop talking and get moving Dink's mother walked into the kitchen. She screamed and clutched her chest oh My goodness Monsters in my kitchen Ruth Rose stood up. I'm not a monster mrs. Duncan. I'm Elvis Dink's mom adjusted Ruth Rose's left eyebrow. I know honey you make a great Elvis, but these other two She shuddered and made a terrified face We're going now mom Dink fit the plastic fangs over his teeth. He handed Josh a paper bag and took one for himself Please be back in two hours his mother said dad And I will have some cider and doughnuts for you the three kids each took a different Street They agreed to meet back at Dink's house in about two hours Dink headed down Woody Street He looked at every tall kid in a costume checking for red hair, but most of the kids out were shorter than him He counted 17 ghosts 20 little witches eight angels with floppy wings and a zillion small furry animals Dink rang mrs. Davis's doorbell trick-or-treat oh Hello, Dink said mrs. Davis she dropped a small bag of candy kisses into his sack have you seen any redheaded kids tonight Dink asked Redheads mrs. Davis padded her white hair. I'm afraid I don't know anyone besides your friend Josh who has red hair Dink thanked mrs. Davis for the candy and walked next door to old mr. Kramer's house Mr.. Kramer was a little deaf Do you know a skinny redhead asked Dink in a loud voice? Mr.. Kramer turned one ear and leaned toward Dink. What's that you say a tinny redbed a skinny redhead Dink yelled even louder he wished he had Ruth Rose with him. She was the only one loud enough for mr. Kramer to hear Mr.. Kramer dropped a nickel in Dink's bag and slammed the door Dink sighed he followed some ghosts to the next house on Woody Street a Gorilla opened the door when Dink rang the bell it had a hairy chest and a huge mouth filled with yellow teeth Trick-or-treat said Dink the gorilla dropped a banana into Dink's bag Have you seen any tall redheaded teenagers walking around Dink asked the gorilla grunted and shook his head Thanks anyway said Dink Two hours later Dink Josh and Ruth Rose poured their candy onto Dink's dining room table Dink took out his fangs Any luck he asked Josh unwrapped his face I saw four redheads two girls about ten years old and two adults No one I talked to knew a skinny redhead in high school Ruth Rose took off her wig and eyebrows and dropped them into her plastic jack-o'-lantern Same here. She sighed slumping in her chair. Nobody knew the right redhead and I asked everybody Josh ripped open a miniature bag of M&Ms. I really wanted that hundred bucks. He said maybe we should just forget it Give up after just two days. No way you guys Dink climbed up on the table. He wrapped his cape around his face So just his eyes showed in his best Count Dracula voice. He said We will never give up chapter 4 The next morning Dink's hair was stiff with black shoe polish He shampooed three times before he got out of the shower The bathroom mirror was fogged up when he tried to see his reflection. He wiped the mirror looked at himself and gasped His hair wasn't its usual blonde and it wasn't vampire black. It was a muddy brown color like the rusty parts on his bike Mom help His mother peeked into the bathroom. What's that? Oh, I see she giggled It's not funny mom. How am I supposed to go outside like this? My hair looks like it rusted Honey, lots of kids will have traces of makeup on their faces or color in their hair today. It's the day after Halloween Dink rubbed a towel over his hair as hard as he could he looked in the mirror Now he had frizzy rust colored hair be thankful. It's Saturday His mother said smiling at least you don't have to go to school today After breakfast Dink jammed his baseball cap over his hair and headed for Josh's house When Dink got there Josh was already shooting hoops in front of his barn. He grinned at Dink What's wrong with your hair? He asked Dink yanked his hat off. Take a look the stupid shoe polish from last night won't wash out I had to be a vampire right? I couldn't just be a cowboy or an astronaut Josh dribbled and took a shot. He missed the hoop So if you thought of a plan for finding that kid with the video Josh asked No said Dink jamming his hat back over his hair Well, what do we do now said Josh ask it more houses. I Don't know Dink said now that Halloween is over. We look pretty suspicious Besides Green Lawn has hundreds of houses. We'd be knocking on doors for a month Josh made a perfect shot two points We have to use our heads instead of our feet Dink said grabbing the ball after Josh's basket a door slammed behind them Uh-oh, Josh mumbled Josh. It's time to go his mother called come in and brush your teeth, please I have a dentist appointment Josh said call me later, okay? Okay Dink tossed Josh's ball into the barn and started walking away Hey, Josh yelled behind him. I think your new hair color looks just adorable Very funny Dink muttered tugging his hat down even tighter Maybe I'll cut my hair off. He thought go to school bald on Monday Suddenly he stopped walking Thinking about cutting his hair off gave him an idea He ran toward Main Street at Howard's barbershop. He peered through the glass Howard was watching an I love Lucy rerun on a small TV set Dink walked in setting off the sleigh bells hanging over the door whenever he came to Howard's for a haircut Dink thought about Christmas What will it be today Dink? Howard asked want a flat top how about one of them mohawk jobbies with the stripe down the middle? I don't want a haircut Dink said I need to ask you something Howard squinted one blue eye he lifted Dink's baseball cap. What happened to your hair? Dink blushed. I was a vampire last night. I used black shoe polish in my hair, and it won't come out I tried Howard grinned hop up in the chair me lad. I'll dose you with me special shampoo You can ask your question while I perform a little magic Dink hung his hat on a peg and climbed into the barber chair Howard pulled a bottle and some white towels out of a cupboard I was wondering if you know any kids with red hair Dink said besides Josh Howard draped a towel around Dink's shoulders and pinned it in back. He misted Dink's hair with a spray bottle of water I might he answered. Why do you want me to dye your hair red? Dink laughed no, I'm looking for a certain kid who has red hair. I think he's a teenager I know one teenager who had red hair Howard said pouring green shampoo onto Dink's hair But I shaved it all off last week came running in here all excited out of breath shave my head He tells me so I did the smell of the shampoo made Dink's eyes water. He felt his heart start to tap dance Was he carrying a video camera Dink asked? Howard rubbed the shampoo into Dink's hair Why all the questions about this redheaded boy he asked Dink thought for a few seconds then decided to spill the beans He told Howard about the bank robber about the kid with the video camera and about the $300 the detective had promised Howard chuckled. Oh now I see why the boy ran in here yelling for me to cut off all his hair He didn't want the bank bandit to recognize him So if I tell you this lad's name you're going to persuade him to give you the videotape Yes, if I can Dink said what about the money said Howard Dink looked at Howard in the mirror What about it? Would you be planning to share the reward with the redheaded boy? Dink grinned Sure, we'll give him half of what we get from the detective. That sounds like a fine idea Howard rubbed Dink's hair vigorously Dink watched in the mirror. His hair was a slimy green mess Does this stuff really get shoe polish out? He asked Yep, invented it myself Howard said secret recipe I used it once to get bubblegum out of my granddaughter's hair. It took tar out of our dog's fur, too Howard swung the barber chair around and lowered its back. He positioned Dink's head over the sink Close your eyes me boy. Let's wash this gook out and see what's what Dink liked the feel of the warm water and Howard's fingers smoothing the shampoo out of his hair After a few minutes Howard sat him up and plopped a fresh towel on his head Dry off. I think you're back to normal Dink rubbed his hair with the towel then looked in the mirror. He laughed out loud. You did it Howard smiled at Dink's reflection. I should sell this stuff and make a million dollars How much do I owe you? Dink asked this one's on me young fella and the boy with red hair is Lucky O'Leary He lives over on Robin Road with his mom and his little brothers and sisters all six of them nice kids and every last ones at redhead Howard grinned as he lowered the chair Except for Lucky who suddenly decided to go bald chapter 5 He's bald Josh said climbing Ruth Rose's front steps Dink had run right home from the barber shop and called Josh now They were picking up Ruth Rose so they could go to Robin Road together That's what Howard said Dink told Josh. He pushed the doorbell So that's why we didn't spot him at the high school Josh said come in Ruth Rose screamed from inside Ruth Rose was sitting on the floor watching a video with her four-year-old brother Nate Come on Ruth Rose. I think we found the redhead Dink said we're going to his house Ruth Rose jumped up and screamed. I'm leaving with the guys mom watch Nate Dink and Josh covered their ears Ruth Rose told Nate you stay right here and wait for mommy, okay? Nate nodded and kept his eyes on the TV set Let's go Ruth Rose led the way back to the door and skipped down the front steps How'd you find the kid she asked Dink explained how he hadn't been able to get the shoe polish out of his hair that made me think about cutting my hair off and That made me think about the barbershop who would know all the redheads and green lawn Howard the barber she screamed The boys covered their ears again. I'm going to need a hearing aid like old. Mr. Kramer Josh muttered Dink had looked up O'Leary in the phone book to get the address on Robin Road They stopped in front of house number 33 It was a big blue house with toys and bikes and sneakers and basketballs all over the lawn Loud music came out through the front door They walked onto the porch and stepped over a baseball bat four pumpkins sat in a row all carved with scary faces Dink rang the bell Keep your fingers crossed. He said a little girl opened the door. She had red hair and a face full of freckles Hi, I'm Josephine and I'm five and a half She held up ten fingers Is your brother home Dink asked which one I have this many Josephine held up ten fingers again Dink laughed. Do you have a big brother named lucky? The music went off Who's out there Joe a voice called a tall skinny teenager wearing torn jeans and a t-shirt came up behind Josephine Dink noticed red fuzz covering his head like a new red lawn. Are you lucky O'Leary Dink asked? The kid looked down at Dink and Josh and Ruth Rose Who wants to know? We do Ruth Rose said how'd you like to earn some money? I might he said We're looking for a kid who got the green lawn bank robber on video last week Dink said The bank hired a detective to find the video and we're helping the detective He's paying us to get the video and we'll split the money with you if you're the kid I mean are you Ruth Rose asked the kid rubbed the top of his fuzzy red head Yeah, he muttered. I'm the guy Then he crossed his arms, but I'm not giving my tape to any detective Chapter six the kids stared at lucky Why not Ruth Rose asked the detective is helping the bank find the robber you could be a hero Said lucky he looked around nervously, then he beckoned Dink Josh and Ruth Rose inside come on Inside Lucky's house the kids followed him down a hallway into his bedroom Dink noticed that he was limping His room had posters of basketball players on the walls There were clothes all over the floor Lucky flopped down on his bed Listen, he said I'm afraid to give that tape to the detective What if the robber found out I handed it over with my luck he'd come after me How would the robber know it was you who taped him Dink asked? Lucky sat up because he looked right at me when he ran out of the bank the guy saw me taping him That's why I ran to Howard's to get my head shaved Lucky scratched his fuzzy head But if you turn in the tape the robber will get caught then you won't have to worry about him at all said Josh Besides we'll give you half of our reward Ruth Rose said right guys Right Dink said is lucky your real name the kids shook his head It's Paul lucky is my nickname people call me that because I always have such rotten luck Since school started my dog died my bike got stolen and I broke my toe I can barely walk to school You can buy a new bike with the reward money Ruth Rose said then you won't have to walk Lucky smiled at Ruth Rose. I'm saving all my money for college. He said then he sighed It seems like I'll never get enough Lucky thought for a minute Listen that reward money would really help he said but you guys have to promise not to tell who gave you the video They all nodded Okay said lucky he got off the bed and limped over to his closet He pulled a box from the top shelf the box was filled with videotapes. He handed one of the tapes to Dink Lucky looked embarrassed um When can I get the money he asked maybe tomorrow Dink said we'll let you know, okay? Sure, that'll be fine said lucky He pretended to zip his lips closed and remember you promised not to tell anyone where you got the video Not even that detective the kids nodded again Lucky walked them to the door stepping around a pile of kids wrestling on the living room floor Dink noticed They all had red hair and freckles Josephine popped up out of the pile Bye, she said smiling at Dink as soon as they were on the sidewalk Dink Josh and Ruth Rose triple high-fived each other We got it Josh yelled Dink slipped the tape into his pocket now. We just have to call detective ready and get our money Chapter 7 the kids hurried back to Dink's house. There was no one home Dink opened the front door with his key He saw a note on the kitchen table Dad and I are out shopping. We'll be back soon. Have a snack Love mom Dink was glad his folks were out He knew they wouldn't like him playing detective when this was all over. He'd tell them how he earned the hundred bucks Josh opened Dink's refrigerator What do you have to eat? He asked Dink set the tape on the counter there should be some doughnuts on the counter He pulled the paper with the detective's number on it out of his pocket. He called the number Hello, is this detective ready? This is Dink Duncan me and my friends found that video for you What? No, we haven't looked at it Okay, bye Dink hung up smiling. He'll be right over. He said we were good detectives. He told us not to look at the video Josh was eating a doughnut Why not he said with his mouth full He said it was top secret They all looked at each other Come on, Dink said grabbing the video They ran into the living room Dink turned on the TV and slid the tape into the VCR The first part of the video showed a big dog chewing on a rubber bone Then they saw a girl in a bathing suit. She was laughing and running away from the camera Next came a birthday party. Most of the people in the picture looked like Lucky O'Leary Dink recognized little Josephine Finally, they saw the front of the Green Lawn Savings Bank. The door opened and a man came running out He was pulling off a ski mask That must be the robber Dink said he pressed the pause button The man on the tape was completely bald. His head was shiny in the sunlight He was wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt and he was carrying a gym bag. He had a surprised look on his face That must be when he noticed Lucky taping him Josh said Ruth Rose moved closer to the TV. Look, he's got a dimple on his chin Suddenly Ruth Rose gasped. She ran across the room and out of the house. The door slammed behind her Dink looked at Josh. What's going on? Josh shrugged. Maybe she doesn't like guys with dimples a Minute later the door burst open and Ruth Rose ran back in she was carrying her Elvis wig and her fake eyebrows Ruth Rose stuck one eyebrow on the TV screen under the bandits nose. It looked like a mustache She held the wig over the bandits bald head Who does that look like? She demanded. Josh jumped into the air. Oh my gosh, the bank robber looks exactly like Detective Reddy Just then the doorbell rang. Dink peeked through the front window Who is it? Josh asked Dink's eyes were bugging out when he turned around It's Detective Reddy Chapter 8 Ruth Rose snatched the wig and eyebrow off the TV and hid them behind her back Josh pushed the eject button and slid the video inside his shirt Dink stared at the door. He didn't think he could walk the bell rang again Dink looked at his friends. Then he took a deep breath and opened the door Ruth Rose slipped out just as Detective Reddy walked in. Hi there said Detective Reddy. He grinned at Dink and Josh Gee you kids are clever. How'd you find the redhead with the video? Dink stared at the man in front of him. He couldn't believe it Detective Reddy wasn't a detective at all. He was a bank robber and he was standing in Dink's own living room We were just lucky I guess Dink mumbled the man patted his mustache So, where is it? Dink wouldn't let his eyes look at the lump under Josh's shirt Where's what? The video you called and said you had the video. So where is it? Dink's mind went blank. He didn't know what to say Think Dink he commanded himself Josh came to the rescue. We hid the tape upstairs. Remember Dink Dink stared at Josh Huh? Oh Yeah, now I remember he grinned at the man We wanted to make sure no one saw it before we gave it to you Come on Dink Josh headed for the stairs It takes two of you to get one video the man said Well, it's in my mother's room Dink held up his front door key. I'm the only one allowed to unlock her door Dink hurried up the stairs behind Josh. They ran into Dink's bedroom and shut the door Dink's guinea pig Loretta started squeaking and running around in her cage Not now Loretta Dink said Where'd Ruth Rose go said Josh. I can't believe she ditched us Dink didn't answer. He paced back and forth in front of his bed. He tugged on his hair. He snapped his fingers nervously Dink stop. I'm getting dizzy. Josh said what are we gonna do? Dink stopped. I don't know. We can't give him the video. He'll destroy it. Then nobody can prove anything He'll get away scot-free and he might even go after lucky We have to catch him and hand him over to the cops Josh said do you have any rope? We'll jump them and tie him up. I don't keep rope in my bedroom Josh Dink said besides He's bigger and stronger than us. He might even have a gun Need any help up there the man yelled Dink opened his door a crack No, thanks. We'll be right down Dink grabbed a soccer video from his bookshelf and handed it to Josh. Let's give him this But what happens when he finds out it's not the real video Josh asked I don't know but we don't have any choice Josh pulled Lucky's video out of his shirt. He dropped it in Loretta's cage and covered it with shavings Guard it Loretta. He said they walked downstairs Dink tried to smile We found it. He said Josh handed over the soccer video just then the front door flew open Ruth Rose was standing there with officer Falun and officer Keene from the Greenlawn Police Department Dink was never so happy to see anyone That's him Ruth Rose declared. She pointed at the man holding the videotape. He robbed the Greenlawn Bank The officer stepped into the living room the man smiled. I'm a private detective officers. He said Mind showing us some identification sir said officer Falun the man patted his mustache I don't have my wallet with me. You don't officer Keene said Detectives are required to carry their identification at all times Sure, and normally I do but I left my wallet in the car. I'll get it and be right back His mustache is fake Ruth Rose said stepping in front of the officers and so is that wig Everybody stared at the man Suddenly he grabbed Ruth Rose and held her in front of him out of my way He yelled I'm leaving and the girls coming with me Ruth Rose took a deep breath Then she let out the loudest scream of her life Chapter 9 Josh Dink and the officers covered their ears Ouch Cried the bank robber. He stumbled backward clapping his hands over his ears the minute He let go of Ruth Rose officer Falun grabbed him. It's all over fella Officer Falun said he snapped handcuffs on the man's wrists Officer Keene pulled off the thief's fake mustache and wig now the man looked just the way he did in the video He had a shiny bald head and a surprised look on his face Officer Keene took him outside Officer Falun put his hand on Ruth Rose's shoulder Ruth Rose, are you all right? Ruth Rose nodded. I'm fine officer Falun So where's this videotape you told me about? Josh ran upstairs and got Lucky's video He came back and slid it into the VCR while they watched Dink told officer Falun how it all happened officer Falun laughed Pretty clever of our thief He hired you to find the video with his own face in it If he got rid of the tape, no one could prove he was in that bank He couldn't look for the tape himself Ruth Rose explained the kid who taped him might have recognized him like I did How did you kids get hold of this video officer Falun asked Dink remembered their promise to Lucky? We can't tell where we got it. We promised officer Falun smiled Well, whoever caught that guy on tape deserves a reward Speaking of which I believe you kids will be sharing a $5,000 reward from the bank $5,000 Josh jumped out of his seat. He and Dink did a little dance around the living room officer Falun laughed Ruth Rose here is a brave girl. She snuck over to her house and called the police station Ruth Rose turned her favorite shade of pink when officer Falun left Ruth Rose did some math on Dink's calculator After we give Lucky his half we'll each get $833 and 33 cents. She said with a penny left over We're rich said Josh. Let's spend it Dink laughed mine's going into my savings account Mine too Ruth Rose said I'm saving for a computer Josh slumped into a chair Yeah, you're right. My folks would kill me if I blew 800 bucks on pizza and ice cream on Monday Dink Josh and Ruth Rose ran to the high school as soon as Green Lawn Elementary let out They sat on a bench in front of the high school out of breath What did Lucky say when you told him he's getting half of? $5,000 Josh asked Nothing Dink said smiling. I didn't tell him just then the bell rang a few seconds later kids came streaming out of the high school There he is Ruth Rose ran to meet Lucky O'Leary. She brought him over to the bench He was smiling Ruth Rose says you got paid. Did you bring my hundred and fifty he asked Dink shook his head sadly Not exactly What do you mean? Not exactly? The three friends burst out laughing We don't have a hundred and fifty dollars, but we do have this said Dink He handed Lucky a check for two thousand five hundred dollars Lucky's mouth and eyes popped open 2,500 bucks he yelled where did this come from? That's your half of the reward from the bank Dink said we looked at your tape when we got home Ruth Rose recognized the robber He turned out to be the detective only he wasn't really a detective He was just pretending to be one so he could find you to get your video Lucky blinked so you guys nabbed him Yeah, right in Dink's house Josh said Ruth Rose snuck out and called the cops It was exciting said Ruth Rose Lucky stared at his check again. He shook his head and grinned. This is my lucky day Now my mom can get the kids all their school stuff and have the car fixed What about college Dink asked? I thought that's what you were going to do with your money Lucky shook his head College is out for now. I'll have to work for a while till mom and I can save more Lucky looked at his check Maybe next year he shook hands with the three kids Anyway, thanks a lot for this check. I can't wait to see my mom's face when I give it to her Dink watched Lucky walk away only he wasn't limping as much today I wonder how many college courses Lucky could buy with my eight hundred thirty three dollars and thirty three cents he said Ruth Rose smiled at Dink. I wonder how many college books he could buy with mine. She said Josh stared What you're giving your money to Lucky, but you earned it Dink shook his head. No, we didn't we just ran around talking to people Lucky really earned the reward money That's right. Ruth Rose said he's the one who caught the robber on videotape Dink and Ruth Rose started walking toward Main Street. Hey, where are you guys going? Josh yelled To the bank Dink said over his shoulder and then to Lucky's house Ruth Rose turned around and looked at Josh you coming with us Josh grinned then caught up with Dink and Ruth Rose. I wonder how many college meals Lucky can buy with my $833 and 33 cents he said Race you to the bank said Ruth Rose and the three friends took off