Read Online The Beast of Blackslope by Tracy Barrett - Free Book Online Page B

Xena and Xander heard a sneeze. A boy about Xena’s age came around the corner of the stable. “It’s all right, Mr. Whittaker,” he told the old man.
    â€œDo you know these children, Master Ian?”
    â€œOf course. They’re Xena and Xander Holmes. Americans. They’re here for the holidays, just like me.”
    How did this boy know all that? News must really get around in the small town.
    â€œAs long as they’re friends of yours,” the old man grumbled, and without saying good-bye he turned and went off, leaning heavily on his cane. He stopped at a bend in the walkway and called back, “Just don’t let them in that stable!”
    When he was safely gone Xena said to the boy, “Thanks for the rescue, but who are you?”
    Before he could answer, Xander said, “I know! You’re the boy from London!”
    The boy—Ian—looked baffled. “How did you know I’m from London?” He sneezed again.
    â€œOh, he’s that one!” Xena said. “I thought he looked familiar!”
    â€œWill one of you please explain what you’re talking about?”

    â€œWe saw you our first day here,” Xander said. “We were in that little park by the B and B we’re staying in—”
    â€œThe Robertses’ place,” Ian said, nodding. “Trevor is a friend of mine. He told me about you two.”
    They explained about the Game and about spotting the transit pass sticking out of his pocket. Xena almost told him about seeing him trip on the sidewalk, but she decided it would be rude. Nobody likes to be noticed being a klutz.
    â€œVery clever!” Ian said with a laugh. “But I don’t always live in London. I go to boarding school there, and I come home to Blackslope Manor on holidays and in the summer.”
    â€œYou live here ? In the manor house?” Xena couldn’t imagine actually living in this great big place.
    â€œOh, it’s nice enough.” Ian kicked the gravel. “But it’s dull here. And the house is falling down. I’d rather be in London any day.”
    â€œWhy was that old man so angry?” Xander asked.
    â€œHe wasn’t really angry. He just sees the stable and the grounds as his own personal property.”
    â€œWhy? Is he some kind of relative?” Xena wondered.

    Ian shook his head. “No, although in a way he might as well be. Mr. Whittaker’s the caretaker. His family have been with the Blackslopes for generations.”
    â€œI thought you were the Chimingtons.” Xena was bewildered.
    â€œI know it’s confusing. Our surname is Blackslope but the title is Chimington. My father is George Blackslope, Lord Chimington. See?” They didn’t really, but they knew that in England titles were pretty important to a lot of people, so they nodded.
    Ian frowned thoughtfully. “Mr. Whittaker’s the last one of his line, though. The Whittakers never had any children.” He went on as if he was talking to himself. “Soon there will be no more Blackslopes and no more Whittakers at Blackslope Manor.” Then he seemed to remember that he wasn’t alone, and he smiled brightly at Xena and Xander. “That will make everything easier for me. My mother will quit her job at the tourist agency, my parents will move into a flat in London, and I won’t have to take the train home on holidays. Home will be right there on the Tube line!”
    â€œYes, but …” Xander didn’t like to leave a question until he got the answer to it. “But why
was Mr. Whittaker angry? We weren’t doing anything.”
    â€œOh, he’s just suspicious. He breeds dogs and he has a litter of puppies in there.” Ian nodded at the door of the stable. “He’s always convinced some other breeder is going to send spies to see his dogs, for some reason.” He laughed. “I can’t imagine what harm a spy could do, but