9. A Package for Arthur

9 A Package for Arthur Back at the Lambchop residence, George Lambchop arrived home from work early. "The office is being repainted," he explained to his wife. "Just as well. I wasn't getting much done. I keep wondering how Stanley's doing." He picked up the mail in the hall. "Say, Harriet!" he cried. "There's

a large package here from Egypt! Do you think...?"

"Yes, I know," Mrs. Lambchop said. "For a moment I was so excited. I thought our dear boy was back. But it's addressed to Arthur, not to us. I think Stanley has only sent a souvenir home early." "I imagine you're right," Mr. Lambchop said, disappointed. "Besides, the package is just lying there quietly. That couldn't be Stanley!" Just then, Arthur came home from school. Mr. Lambchop noticed he looked very glum indeed. "How about a game of Monopoly?" Mr. Lambchop offered. "Or a walk in the park to watch the sailboats?" Arthur shook his head. "It wouldn't

be the same without Stanley here. Nothing's the same without Stanley here." He sighed. "Well, this might cheer you up." Mr. Lambchop handed Arthur the package.

He and Mrs. Lambchop watched as their son opened it. All three of them cried out in shock as a mummy sprang from the package! The mummy began reeling stiff-legged around the living room. Mrs. Lambchop almost fainted. Mr. Lambchop prepared himself to protect whomever might need protecting. Arthur stared with his mouth hanging open. And then he started to

laugh. "This mummy is a little... flat!" Mr. and Mrs. Lambchop stepped closer to look for themselves. It was true! Even under all the wrappings, it was clear there was something oddly shaped about this mummy..." Start unwrapping at once!" called Mr. Lambchop. And so they did. Finally, after unwinding what seemed like miles of linen strips, there stood their own dear boy, Stanley! What a surprise! There was great rejoicing and many hearty congratulations on Stanley's clever trick. Everyone talked at once. "We'll