2. Earthquake!

EARTHQUAKE! 2 "Quiet!" Ms. Grinker barked. The students stopped talking." There are books in the school library to help you with your projects. Please choose a project by this Friday." Lucy's hand shot up. "Yes, Lucy?" Ms. Grinker asked. "I don't remember any science fairs before this. Why is this the first time we're doing a science fair at Eerie Elementary?"

Ms. Grinker was surprised by her question. The strange feeling in Sam's stomach grew stronger as his teacher began to speak. "Well, um, Lucy, you see, last time—" RUMBLE! RUMBLE! The whole school began to shake! The floors trembled. The pipes clattered. Artwork on the classroom wall tumbled to the floor. Oh no! Sam thought. It's Orson Eerie! Something has made him mad!

"Earthquake!" one student shouted. "Get under your desks!" another student shouted. Sam jumped to his feet. He watched Ms. Grinker's face turn white with fear. He had to do something. "Everyone, remain calm!" Ms. Grinker cried as students huddled under their desks.

Sam knew this was the work of Orson Eerie. Sam would not hide. He didn't want Orson Eerie to think he was frightened. Sam felt something tugging at his pants. He saw Lucy, looking up from beneath her desk. "Sam! What are you doing?!" Lucy tugged again, and Sam finally got down, too. Antonio said, "An earthquake! Can you believe it?" Sam shook his head. "No. It's Orson Eerie. I know it..."

The earthquake stopped just as suddenly as it had started. No one was hurt, but everyone was spooked. When the final bell rang, the school quickly emptied. Hall monitor duty was easy for Sam that day, because everyone was in a hurry to get home. Once the halls cleared, Sam stepped out into the cool November air. It felt really good to be outside.

Sam spotted Mr. Nekobi near the supply shed. Mr. Nekobi was the old man who took care of Eerie Elementary. It was Mr. Nekobi who chose Sam to be the hall monitor. He had told Sam the awful truth about the school. It was a secret shared by only Mr. Nekobi, Sam, Antonio, and Lucy. Ms. Grinker was talking to Mr. Nekobi. Her face was bright red. Lucy and Antonio met Sam at the rear steps. "Lucy! Antonio!" Sam said. "Something's up. Follow me!"