5 The Macbeth Curse

ACT 5 The MACBETH CURSE

All day at camp on Wednesday, Stink was on the lookout for Smoochy. He kept his shield close, and a backup disguise in his pocket. At snack time, Riley squeezed in next to Stink. Uh-oh! Stink had his shield ready, just in case. But then Riley bumped Harper's juice box and it spilled— all over Riley! Saved by the juice box! That afternoon, Stink went down the hall to get a drink of water. Riley Rottenberger followed him. Stink dashed into the only place where Riley couldn't get to him: the BOYS' bathroom. He pulled a fake beard from his pocket. And fake glasses. Ta-da! Shakesbeard to the rescue! Riley would never know him now. Safe at last.

Stink made it through the rest of the day— cootie free— by the skin of his teeth. That night, Stink put on puffy pumpkin pants. He put on his WILL POWER T-shirt. He put on a green velvet cape. Macbeth time! He forgot all about Smoochy. Ding-dong! Stink raced downstairs. It was Grandma Lou at the door. And Pugsy! Stink was going to see the play, and Mom and Dad were going out, too, so Grandma Lou was going to stay with Judy. Stink took a bow. "How now, my fair lady?" "I fare thee well," said Grandma Lou. "Where's Judy, pray tell?"

"Thy wench be up yonder stairs." "What wicked tongue have you, young sir!" Grandma Lou teased. "I'm thinking I'll take Judy and Pugsy over to see the play tonight, too. Macbeth is my favorite." "Pugsy is going? Cool!" said Stink. Grandma Lou slipped Stink some bone-shaped dog treats, and Stink fed one to him. "Holy

Hamlet!" said Stink. "Thou hast the breath of seven garlic eaters, Pugs." Honk! A car pulled up. "Sophie's here," said Stink. He stuffed the extra dog treats in his pocket for later. "Parting is such sweet sorrow, Pugs. See you at the play!" At the far end of the open, grassy area of the college's main quad, a stage had been set up. People sat on blankets and had picnics, waiting for the show to start. Stink and the Shakespeare Sprites followed Amanda Beth around back to a large white tent where the props were stored and where the actors got ready. "Knock, knock," said Amanda Beth, pretending the tent flap was a door. "Who's there?" An actor with a fake beard and a fake belly stuck his head out. "You must be the Shakespeare Sprites," he said. "I'm Ryan." Ryan held the tent flap open so the Sprites could step inside. The tent was crowded with rolling racks of gowns and robes. Tables were covered with armor,

bloody daggers, and a fake head. Stink stepped over a dead-tree prop and snaked around a tray full of plastic turkey legs.