2. Rockin’ the Texas Capital

2 Rockin' the Texas Capital Stanley was so excited to see Eduardo again, he almost wished they hadn't needed to stop for the night. When they arrived at the University of Texas the next morning, he, Arthur, and Carlos couldn't wait to get out of the car. The plan was for the boys to stay with Eduardo while Stanley's mother attended the Texas Librarians' Convention in San Antonio, which was less than a couple of hours away. The four of them waited for Eduardo in front of the clock tower in the center of campus. Not long ago Eduardo had guided Stanley on a trek through Mexico, giving long lectures about the country's history as they went. Stanley could still

hear Eduardo's voice describing the achievements of the ancient Mayans. Now Eduardo was a college student studying history! "There he is!" said Carlos, bolting across the giant courtyard to meet his older cousin. Eduardo came over and patted Stanley on the back. "My amigo, you are even flatter than I remember you being!"

"You got taller!" said Stanley. A moment later they all were following Eduardo to his dorm on the edge of campus. It was the first time Stanley had ever been to a university. Students strode back and forth along the paved pathways, clutching their bags and books. A line

of burly men in football jerseys jogged by. Eduardo cried, "GO LONGHORNS!" and held up a fist with his forefinger and pinky finger raised like the horns of a bull. After the players had passed, he said, "Texas is a place where everything is big, but football may be biggest of all." After the boys had dropped their bags off at Eduardo's dorm room, it was time for Stanley's mother to go. "Boys, I want you to have a good time," she said. "Eduardo, you're in charge, and I'm trusting you to be responsible. I want all of you to promise me three things. One: Drive safely." Eduardo nodded. "You have my word, Mrs. Lambchop." "Two: You will meet me at the Alamo in San Antonio at noon the day after tomorrow." Arthur checked his watch. "Three: Follow these rules at all times." Mrs. Lambchop held up a book. "The Rules of English Grammar?" read Carlos.

Mrs. Lambchop nodded and handed him the book. She was very serious about the proper use of language. "Now I must be on my way to the Texas Librarians' Convention." Mrs. Lambchop kissed Stanley twice—once on the forehead and once on the backhead— hugged Arthur, and left. The boys looked at one another excitedly. Eduardo rubbed his hands together. "Let the fun begin, amigos!" He led them away from the dorm and back toward the center of campus. "Who knows what Austin is the capital of?" "Texas?" guessed Arthur, rushing to keep up. "That is true," said Eduardo. "What else?" "Football?" guessed Stanley. "That is also true in my opinion," said Eduardo. "But what else?" No one answered. They came to a big grassy field, which was filled with people sitting on blankets gathered in front of a stage. "Well, amigos," said Eduardo, "you are about to find out!"

The boys followed him to the front near the stage. He motioned for them to stay put. Suddenly the crowd started cheering as a band of musicians took their places. "Where is Eduardo going?" Arthur asked. But then Stanley saw that Eduardo had joined the band and picked up a guitar. "Welcome to the music festival!" Eduardo yelled into his microphone. "Now what is Austin the capital of?!" "Live music!" the crowd shouted back. "What?" Eduardo put one hand up to his ear and with the other he pointed to Stanley and the boys in the front row. "My friends down here can't hear you!" "LIVE MUSIC!"