Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4 LOCKED OUT Fergus and Zeke ran around the school looking for a way in. But the only open window was on the second floor. They couldn't jump that high. "That window is too high for jumping," said Zeke. "But it's not too high for throwing. Remember how strong I am?"

"You are pretty strong," said Fergus. "Are you going to throw acorns in the window?" "No," said Zeke. "I am going to throw you." Fergus did not think that was the best idea. But he curled up as small as he could and let Zeke pick him up. "Ready?" asked Zeke. Fergus did not feel ready. Zeke counted, "One... two... three!" But before Zeke could throw Fergus, he lost his balance, tipped backward, and dropped him. Whumpf! "Ow!" said Fergus. "I'm sorry, said Zeke. "You are heavier than an acorn."

Fergus looked up at the high window. Then he looked at the trees and the jungle gym. "We have tried jumping and throwing," he said, "but we have not tried climbing. And mice are especially good at that." Fergus and Zeke ran to the jungle gym. They shimmied up the monkey bars and balanced along the top.

Then they jumped to a tree branch. They climbed higher and higher. "Look!" Fergus pointed to the open window. "That is Miss Maxwell's classroom. I see Emma!"