12 MR. MANNERS

CHAPTER 12 Mr. MANNERS Mr. Plunkett waited for his students to stop groaning. Then he plowed ahead with a third day of teaching table manners. "Take out your napkins and start folding!" he said. "The Chili Supper is tonight!" Alexander and Nikki sat in the back of the room, staring at Rip's empty seat. "Do you think the veggies ate him?" whispered Nikki.

"No!" said Alexander. "Not yet the carrot said they'd feast on us tonight! Let's go see Nurse Brock. She was the last "Ahem!" Mr. Plunkett was standing right in front of Alexander. "What could possibly be more important than napkin-folding?" he asked. "Er," Alexander said, "Well, Nurse Brock "Who?" said Mr. Plunkett. "Nurse Brock. Yesterday "There's no Nurse Brock here," said Mr. Plunkett. "Hoarsely is the school nurse and—"

LISTEN UP! Ms. Vanderpants's voice craclded over the loudspeaker. "Head Student chef Bopp, report to the lobby. It's time to prepare the Chili Supper." "Uh, that's me," said Alexander. Mr. Plunkett's frown turned upside down. "Head chef?!" he asked. "Use your table manners! Make us proud!" Alexander swung his backpack onto his shoulders. "Hey, Nikki," he whispered. "Keep an eye out for Rip." She nodded, frowning. "You know, I sort of, kind of miss that guy."