26-THE MYSTERY IS SOLVED

THE MYSTERY Is SOLVED It didn't take long for Benjamin and me to figure everything out. We called Thea and Trap. Then we all gathered in the library. "Benjamin and I have finally solved this mystery," I announced. Thea looked puzzled. Trap just smirked. "What mystery? The mystery of your missing brain cells?" he chuckled. I ignored him. We'll see who has the last laugh, I thought. I picked up Benjamin's pad and flipped through it. I was so proud of my nephew. His notes were like a regular detective's. I

felt like I was reading the journal of that famous TV detective Snoop Rat Smith. "Let's go over everything that happened from the beginning," I said. I was starting to feel like a detective myself. I paced back and forth for effect. I twirled my whiskers and peered at everyone through a magnifying glass, Thea rolled her eyes. But for once, no one said a word. Except me. I read the list of points Benjamin and I had gone over in my best Snoop Rat Smith imitation: 1. I discover a rat skeleton in the kitchen cupboard. When Thea shows up, the skeleton disappears. But that's When Benjamin notices the mysterious nail. Why is there a nail in the cupboard? To hang the skeleton on, of course!

2. The ghost appears for the first time in the library behind a bookshelf. Whenever the ghost appears and disappears, there is a creaking noise. That's because there is a secret passageway behind the shelf! 3. I notice the eyes in Slicedpaw's portrait seem to be following me. It turns out the painting has two holes where the eyes should be! Someone has been watching me! 4. The ghost appears again in Slicedpaw"s lab. Once again, it pops up from behind a bookshelf. Another secret passageway! 5. The ghost appears once more in the library. Benjamin notices some marks on the floor. What kind of ghost can leave a mark? Not a real one!

6. The ghost reappears. But this time, Benjamin notices a trace of flour on the floor! 7. A mummy appears in the cellar. Benjamin finds a piece of toilet paper, What's the easiest way to dress up as a mummy? Wrap yourself in toilet paper! 8. A witch appears in Curlypaw's room. What kind of witch can see her own reflection in the mirror? Not a real one! 9. A talking owl pays me a visit. But I hear a motor when it flies off. Then Benjamin discovers a painted chicken feather, What kind of owl has a motor and painted feathers? A mechanical one!

10. Bat shadows appear and then a vampire. But what is that strange buzzing sound? And why does Benjamin discover an extension cord? Because nothing is real. They are just images projected on the wall! Plus, every mouse knows real vampires go into hiding when the sun rises. 11. I discover a strange tag on the stairs. It says, PRANKY PAWS SUPER SCARY HALLOWEEN MAGIC TRICKS AND PRACTICAL JOKES. I put down Benjamin's pad. "So you see," I finished, "someone has been playing tricks on us, They want us to think this castle is haunted. Now we just have to find out Who and why!