Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15 Michael and Justin were very careful to avoid running into Edgar after school. The next time Michael wanted to see him was payback time, which would be just before school tomorrow morning. Michael and Justin slunk back to the cafeteria, hiding behind lockers and doorways to avoid being seen. Entering the cafeteria, they watched through the big glass windows at the front of the lunchroom as Edgar and his pals boarded the afternoon bus. "The coast is clear!" Michael said. He called out, "Merle? Pearl?" "Over here!" came a whisper from behind the stack of tables in the corner. The boys headed over to see Merle and Pearl standing on a large black garbage bag wedged between two tables. "We need your help getting this home!" Pearl said, pointing to the stuffed-full bag under her paws. "What is it?" asked Michael.

"Treasure!" Pearl responded with a giddy smile. "Look!" She opened the top of the bag to reveal its contents. "Ewwww," Justin said. "That's disgusting." "I beg your pardon," Pearl replied. "This is enough food for a whole year! Do you know how long it normally takes us to find this much food?" "A whole year," Merle responded. "Obviously." "I was asking the boy," Pearl said. "All that food will be completely rotten in no time," Justin said. "There's no way it'll last a year, right, Michael?" Justin looked over to see Michael deep in

thought. "Michael?" he asked again. "Hold my backpack, please," Michael said to Justin. "I got it!" "You've got what, exactly?" Pearl asked as Michael grabbed the bag and hoisted it up in his arms with a grunt. Michael headed for the door, straining under the weight of the leftovers. "Let's get this treasure home!"