Chapter 4: The Tomb (Only We Can't Call It That Anymore)

A few months prior, the local History Museum of Stonetown announced that there was a traveling exhibit that they would be displaying: The wonders of Egypt. As soon as they heard about it, they kids begged Mr. Benedict to go. Reynie and Sticky wanted to learn all about the history and see the artifacts, while Kate and Constance wanted to see the mummies and tombs.

Of course, Mr. Benedict had no problem with them going. He always wanted to make them happy, and it was even educational, so their parents were okay with them going. And so, on the opening day of the exhibit, they took time off of their lessons for a field trip to the museum to see the Egypt exhibit. They were there for hours.

For days it's all they talked about. Sticky and Reynie got more books from Mr. Benedict's library on Egypt, and Kate attempted to build a life size pyramid (which got shut down pretty quickly). But Constance took it the farthest.

She was so enamored with the idea the people got their own pyramid that they were buried in that started calling her own room 'The Tomb' and gathered lots of food, toys and other personal possessions into it, just like the Egyptians did. Then she wrapped herself in toilet paper to mummify herself (with help from Reynie, Sticky and Kate) and made each of them tell stories about her and how much they would miss her. Then she had them leave and lock the door, where she then presumably began to eat all the food and play.

Whenever anyone tried to come in, she would stand up like a mummy brought back to life and accuse them of breaking into her tomb. Then she would begin to place a curse on the intruder in the form of a poem. This went on for days (she had put a lot of food in her room) until Rhonda and Number Two managed to coax her out with the promise of an entire Moocho pie just for her (Constance claims it was just because she was getting bored). And the adults officially banned Constance from calling her room 'The Tomb'.

It was a lot of fun.

But over the weeks their excitement died down and they gradually forgot about it as their interests moved on to other things.

Until today.

"I can't believe we didn't see it sooner!" said Reynie. "We were all so obsessed with Egypt then."

"I wonder if I still have my plans for a pyramid," mused Kate aloud. "We'd have to expand the backyard but it would work.."

"Okay, so we know where we need to go," Sticky cut in. Kate could go on and on about her plans for a life size pyramid. He was worried she may actually end up doing it. "What are we waiting for, lets go!"

"It's not that far either, so we can take the bikes," added Reynie.

The gang let out a loud woop and hurriedly started packing up their stuff.

For Christmas last year they each received a bike in their favorite color and a helmet to match. The adults pointed out that it was a very practical gift that was a good way to exercise, but the kids were really happy with it because it finally gave them the freedom to go places without having to have an adult drive them. Busses were okay, but bikes were free to use. And Stonetown was a pretty flat town, so it made for perfect biking.

They had hopped on their bikes and were almost down the driveway when they heard a voice call them from behind.

"Wait! You're forgetting something!"

They turned around and saw Moocho standing in the doorway with four backpacks in his arms.

"I packed you all some lunch! We've got PB&Js, orange juice, mixed nuts, and apples."

Constance gave him a look. "And I may have snuck some candy in too. Can't have you going on an adventure on an empty stomach." He winked and handed over the bags as the kids all cheered.

"Thanks Moocho!" said Kate as she jumped off her bike and grabbed the bags from Moocho. She gave him a big hug.

"Yeah thanks!" called Reynie from his bike as Kate handed out bags.

"See you tonight!" said Sticky.

Moocho didn't respond, he just smiled.

"You guys have fun. See you later! I don't want to keep you." And with another smile he waved as the Mysterious Benedict Society rode towards their next clue.