L. Lafevers TO ERIC, FOR ALL THOSE HAPPY HOURS WE SPENT SITTING ON THE FLOOR, PLAYING THE ANIMAL GAME --R.L.L. TO JOHN, A BROTHER EXPLORER --K.M. Chapter One It was one of the most important moments in Nathaniel Fludd's young life, and he was stuck sitting in the corner. Miss Lumpton had promised him an overnight trip to the city to visit the zoo. Instead, he found himself in a stuffy office with their suitcases at his feet and his sketchbook in his lap. He'd been given clear instructions not to listen in on Miss Lumpton's conversation with the lawyer. The problem was, they sat only three feet away and the lawyer spoke rather loudly. Nate tried to concentrate on his drawing. 6 "Thank you for coming on such short notice," the lawyer said. Nate drummed his heels on one of the suitcases to try to drown out the sound of their voices. Miss Lumpton shushed him. He stopped kicking.
