“That guy could have been the robber!” Ruth Rose said. “I think so, too,” Dink said. “The thief would have to be big to carry that duck filled with coins.” “Now can I get a milkshake?” Josh asked. “Please? I’m starving!” “If you promise not to slurp and embarrass us,” Dink said. With Pal tugging on his leash, they walked to Ellie’s Diner. They sat in a booth by the windows. Pal crawled under the table and rested his head on Josh’s feet. “Hi, kids,” Ellie said. She brought Pal a bowl of water and patted him on the head. Then she pulled out her pad. “What’ll it be? Our specials are slug stew and spider spaghetti.” “Yum,” Ruth Rose said, “but Josh simply has to have a milkshake.” She pulled the ET CO wood from her back pocket and laid it on the table. “What’s that?” asked Ellie. “It’s a clue,” Ruth Rose said. “Did you hear about the duck bank? It got stolen last night!” “Go on!” Ellie said. She sat next to Dink. “Tell me everything!”
