11. Antonio's Quick Thinking

ANTONIO'S QUICK THINKING 11 Sam, Lucy, and Antonio slid to a stop in front of the huge, swinging wrecking ball. Sam felt everyone— teachers, students, and construction workers watching them. Before Sam could ask what the plan was, Antonio shouted, "You can't knock down the school! Squeakers is inside!"

Sam's mind raced. Squeakers is in her cage. I saw her before we left the trailer! What is Antonio thinking? The construction foreman climbed down from behind the controls. His yellow hard hat was shiny in the afternoon sun. "Who or what is Squeakers?" the foreman asked, crossing his arms. "Squeakers is our class pet!" Antonio said. "She's a furry brown hamster," Lucy said. She looked up at the foreman with wide, puppy-dog eyes. "Yeah, and I just saw her through that window!" Antonio said. "You can't knock down Eerie Elementary while Squeakers is inside!"

Principal Winik stomped across the field. He didn't look happy... Sam swallowed. Anyone can look inside Squeakers's cage! They'll know Antonio is lying! A moment later, Sam's classmate Bryan appeared in the trailer doorway. "It's true!" Bryan yelled. "Squeakers isn't in her cage!" Sam's eyes widened.

Antonio flashed his friends a sneaky grin. "Look, guys," he whispered. Antonio opened his coat. Squeakers! The fur ball was peeking over the top of Antonio's shirt pocket. "I nabbed her from the cage while everyone was rushing outside." "Smart!" Lucy said. Antonio snapped his jacket shut before anyone else saw the hamster. With a deep sigh, Principal Winik said, "All demolition must stop until we find ahem— Squeakers." A burst of applause came from the students and teachers. They were eager to watch the demolition— but no one wanted it to happen with a hamster inside!

The foreman's face was bright red. He stomped back to his construction crew and ordered them to search the school. Men and women in hard hats trudged inside to look for a missing hamster. Just then, Sam noticed Principal Winik and the foreman disappear around the side of the school. "Guys, follow me," Sam whispered to Lucy and Antonio.

The friends crept around the building. They ducked down behind a dumpster. Sam cupped his hand to his ear. "If you don't find the pet, continue with the demolition tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. sharp. We're tearing down Eerie Elementary," said Principal Winik. "No matter what."