5 GRAVEYARD SHIFT

CHAPTER 5 GRAVEYARD SHIFT Alexander looked as though someone had dropped a piano on his head. "I don't want to turn eight!" he said. "I can't leave the S.S.M.P.!" "Snap out of it, weenie!" said Rip, shaking Alexander by the shoulders. "Yeah! We've got a principal to rescue!" said Nikki. Alexander nodded. "You're right. I need to stay focused."

Mr. Hoarsely led the three friends into the parking lot. He pointed to a clean, gray car. "Have at it," he said. "If you need me, I'll be under my desk!" He sprinted back inside. Alexander unlocked the car, and the S.S.M.P. started searching for clues. They found a lint brush, a magazine, and a strange drawing.

"Why did Vanderpants draw a bunch of bumps with my name on 'em?" asked Rip. Nikki laughed. "Rip, those are gravestones. R.I.P. means 'Rest in Peace.' This drawing looks like it drawing be a map..."

"It is a map!" cried Alexander. "That graveyard is near the Gloamy Mountains! And look Ms. Vanderpants circled one of the gravestones!" "We need to find that grave!" said Rip. The friends hiked across town. By the time they reached the graveyard, the sky had turned as cold and gray as the gravestones at their feet. "I'm starving!" said Rip. "Me, too," said Alexander. "Let's eat before we look for that grave." They plopped down for a picnic. Nikki: Cherry yogurt Rip: Cheese sandwich Chocolate-chunk cookies Alexander: Sour pickles

After lunch, they searched the graveyard. Heavy clouds were rolling fast overhead. "Some of these gravestones look more like creepy statues," said Rip. Nikki quickly found the grave marked on the map. "Who was Elmer Mooselidge?" Alexander wondered aloud. "Why would Ms. Vander—"

Alexander didn't finish his sentence. The stone reptile head on the grave next to him had turned to look him in the eye.