4 FULL STEAM AHEAD

CHAPTER 4 FULL STEAM AHEAD Alexander saw a rain cloud in the thirteenth floor hallway. Actually, it wasn't a rain cloud. It was steam. Principal Vanderpants was chugging down the hallway, lugging her strange white bucket. Alexander followed her. She stopped in front of the UPSTAIRS BASEMENT. Her bucket sloshed, and something flew out, landing on the carpet.

Spaghetti?! thought Alexander. Ms. Vanderpants unlocked the stone door and slowly opened it. She hauled in her bucket and pulled the door shut behind her. Alexander picked up the wet noodle. Why is she bringing spaghetti in there? he wondered. SCRITCH-SCRITCH! Alexander heard more loud scraping noises from inside, and then quick footsteps. TUP-TUP-TUP! She's coming! thought Alexander. He tossed the noodle aside and ran to her office. He pretended to study his spelling words.

A moment later, Ms. Vanderpants came in. She placed her empty bucket in the corner, wiped her brow, and picked up a rolled-up poster. "All right, Alexander," she said. "It's time I let you in on a secret." She handed the poster to Alexander. He sat up in his seat. Is this going to tell me what's inside the UPSTAIRS BASEMENT? he wondered. Or is it her master plan for destroying the S.S.M.P. once and for all? Alexander's hands were shaking as he unrolled the poster.

It wasn't a master plan. It was a picture of a grinning steam shovel. "Stanley?" said Alexander. "Yes," said Ms. Vanderpants. "So you're already familiar with Stanley the Steam Shovel?" "Yeah," said Alexander. "I liked the cartoons when I was little. And my dad keeps buying me the books." "Excellent," said Ms. Vanderpants. "Because the author, Morty C. Mingus, is coming to Stermont Elementary for our 100th Day party. And tomorrow, you're going to help me get ready." Alexander looked at Stanley's dopey grin. Then he rolled his eyes, rolled up the poster, and got back to work.