Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9 GEORGE'S IDEA WAS A VERY good idea. He and the Junior Monster Scouts had figured out that the mirror had something to do with everyone being hypnotized. They also knew that only Franky and Vampyra could see their reflections in the mirror, which meant… "If I can't see myself in the mirror, and nobody else can see me, then I'll bet I won't get hypnotized!" said George. "You're right!" Franky said. "Brilliant!" said Vampyra. "Don't worry, Wolfy. Don't worry, cubs. We're going to unhypno-size you!" But Wolfy and the cubs did not respond.

George did not bother to try to correct her this time. "I thought vampires couldn't see their reflections in the mirror," he said. Vampyra shrugged. "That's just another made-up story. Okay, what now?" "Follow me," said George. "George?" said Vampyra. "Yes?" "We can't." "Oh, right," he said. "Invisible. You go inside first." Vampyra went first. Then Franky. He told Sprocket to wait outside. "Bark twice if anyone comes, okay?" Sprocket wagged her tail and sat by the door. She was a very good watchdog. George followed them inside the Fun House of Fun and shut the door. "Now what?" asked Vampyra. She was very careful to keep her eyes off the mirror.

"We need something to cover the mirror with," said George. Franky had an idea. He reached outside and snatched Baron Von Grump's cape from the hook on the wagon. "We can use this," he said. He was also very careful to keep his eyes off the mirror. "Good thinking!" said George.

"Okay, George," said Vampyra. "Cover that mirror!" George stood in front of the mirror. He looked right into it. All he saw was a cape, floating in the air. George stepped closer and covered the mirror with the cape. Outside, Baron Von Grump sat atop a mound of hay, in the back of a wagon, in the center of the village, in complete and utter silence. He closed his eyes. He took a deep breath. It… was… perfect. "Caw?" Edgar asked. Baron Von Grump glowered at Edgar. "I don't know where those other monsters are, and I don't care," he said. "Can't you see I finally have my moment of silence?" "Caw," said Edgar. He pointed back to the Fun House of Fun.

"Yes, yes, they may be in the Fun House of Fun. But who cares? They'll be hypnotized just like everyone else!" Edgar shrugged. "Now, silence!" said Baron Von Grump. He closed his eyes. He took a deep breath. He listened to… nothing.

Silence Shhhhh……. Quiet zone No talking This means you! Don't read this aloud. Too late… You're already doing it? Well, stop. What do you mean you can't stop? Do you have to read the words on the page? What do you mean, "That's what the words on the page are for"? Fine, be that way.