boxcar children book 17 mystery behind the wall

Chapter 1 Benny's prodlem

"I dont know what to do with myself," exclamed Benny one day. "Thats the first time i have ever heard you say that Benny Alden," said his older brother henry. "Whats the matter with you."
"I tell you i dont wnow," repeted benny. I have got a whole summer vacation and i dont know what to do with it. I have used up the first week already and i dont like to sit around."
He slid down into his chair.
Jesse, Benny's sister nodded and said, "you are right Benny. You work hard at school all year and you dont know what to do with your vacation brcause all your friends are gone. You're lonesome."
"Well maybe," Benny said doubtfully.
Granndfather Alden said nothing. He liked to have his grandchildren settle there owne problems. Although he was always there if they needed help. But even mr Alden was suprised to hear Mrs mcGregor out in a word.
Mrs McGregor had worked for grandfather Alden for many years. She was there long before the grandchildren had come to live with there grandfather. She was a short little woman with grayish brown hair done on a knot on the back of her head. She never cared about style. She just did the cooking and looked after the kids and there grandfather. She looked at grandfather and said,"i know what the matter is, Benny is lonesome. Even with a brother, 2 sisters, a grandfather, a dog and a cat. He wants somethimg new and exciting and i have thought of something." Grandfather Alden smiled and said,"lets hear it, Mrs McGregor. Anything you have to say will intrest me, what ever it is."
"Well as you know, I have a sister living in Canada. She is always writing to me about the neighbour boy who is always lonesome. He is ten years old now and the only child. Very few people come out to this place. He seems to be lively and always thinking up something new to do. He works hard with his father too. If he came here he would think this house was fabulous. You would not have to take him out of the house. He will find prenty to do all by himself.
Benny gave a little jump on one foot. He had a big smile.
"Look at that" Jesse Alden said ",Benny is not lonesoome anymore" she smlied at benny then said"you saved the day Mrs McGreger."
"Whats the boys name," asked violet.
"His name is Roderick, but no one calls him that. Everyone just calls him Rory." Said Mrs McGregor "if you call out Roderick he won't even turn his head. His last name is Beaton."
"Thats a good name---Rory," said Benny ",i like Rory better that Roderick anyways."
The Alden kids acted as if rory was coming that very day but realy he had not even been invited yet.
Jesse said thoughtfully", were will we put him MrsMcGregor? And spare room is not realy a boys room and the wall paper is picturs of roses and the pictures are old fashion." "I will take care of that" saidMrs McGregor "theres a red bedspread i can put in there. Maybe he will not even look at the pictures. He is a busy boy that is forever moving around. He may even tire out benny.
"A ten year old boy tire me out?" Demanded Benny, "i would like to see him do that!"
Then Grandfather put in a word. "You havve to fix up this room Mrs McGregor but Benny and the others will help you."
"Lets go" said benny.
"We would love to do it," violet said." It is fun to fix a room for company. Lets go now. It will make the time go faster."
Mr Alden said, "Wait. Might as well finish this buskiness at once. Maybe Rory's parents wont even let him come."
"I think his mother will be happy for him to come. She knows i will be right at hand to take care of him," replied Mrs McGregor.
The four Alden children smiled to see there grandfather go to the telephone. He always liked to do things at once or not at all.
Mrs McGregor gave him the telephone number. Soon he said, "how do you do. Is this Mrs Beaton?"
Benny could not hear Mrs Beatons reply but he could tell that his grandfather was pleased. That must mean Rory can come.
Mr Alden said, "just as soon as you receive his airplane fare, send Rory along. We will meet him at the airport. Yes, Mrs McGregor is fine. In fact, she was the one who thought of this plan."