10. Uh-oh

UH-OH... 10 Antonio spotted Orson Eerie's mysterious book sliding across the floor. His eyes grew wide. The book was closest to Lucy. She dove behind Sam's science fair table. Sam tried to watch as Lucy grabbed hold of the book. But Ms. Grinker was telling him to hurry up and complete his project.

The book tried to wrestle free from Lucy's hands, but Lucy fought back. She squeezed the book and was able to stuff it inside Sam's backpack. She zipped the backpack shut and jammed it beneath Sam's foot. She popped up from behind the table. Ms. Grinker glared at her. "Sorry!" Lucy said. "I just thought I saw a— um— penny on the floor!" Ms. Grinker turned back to Sam as he slowly poured the vinegar into the top of the volcano.

"Now my volcano will erupt!" Sam said. "I mean, it should erupt." Sam held his breath. After a moment, the soap, baking soda, and vinegar mixture came rushing down the side. Ms. Grinker smiled. "Well, that wasn't the smoothest experiment I've seen tonight, but it was successful. Nice job, Sam! You earn a ribbon." For a brief moment, Sam felt proud. He had done it! His experiment had worked! But then he had that sinking feeling the feeling that something bad was going to happen. An instant later, it did...

Sam stumbled as he felt the backpack slip out from beneath his foot. It was escaping! All of a sudden, it was chaos at the fair! Science projects began reacting strangely. Eggs cracked, soda bottles burst, and smoke filled the air! Parents gasped. Teachers cried out. Students ran for cover. "Oh no! Not again!" Ms. Grinker shrieked. CRACK! SPLAT! KABOOM! Ms. Grinker hurried for the exit, pulling students with her as she ran. Mr. Nekobi quickly led everyone else outside.

KA-BOOM! A project exploded behind Sam. "Watch out!" Lucy said. She grabbed Sam and Antonio and yanked them both toward the door. "Let's get out of here!" Antonio yelled.

Sam slid to a stop on the slippery floor. "Not without the book!" he said. "Orson is doing all of this to get his book back. It MUST be important!" "I put the book in your backpack..." said Lucy. "...which was under my foot a minute ago," added Sam. Antonio looked out at the chaos. "But where is it now?!" he cried.