The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey

Moocho Brazos came to Mr. Benedict’s house because he received the telegram from Rhonda and tried to catch up to the children and their families to warn them, but they were too far ahead. Now, Kate is happy to discover that Madge has followed her to Mr. Benedict’s house. However, she agrees to keep the falcon outside so that she will not try to kill the pigeon. Sticky’s father asks about Milligan’s mission, and Kate reveals that Milligan has been investigating the Ten Men, who work for Mr. Curtain. The Ten Men look “like regular businessmen […] [b]ut everything they carry is a weapon” (84).

Constance receives an early birthday present that Mr. Benedict left for her. It is a beautiful pendant shaped like a miniature globe and includes a note reminding Constance that the world is her oyster. Constance is overcome with emotion and starts crying. She heads to her room, and the other children go after her. When Constance is done crying, she mulls over the shortcut clue. All the children have a nagging feeling about it. Suddenly, Sticky remembers a newspaper headline about a ship called the Shortcut that is launching from the Stonetown harbor at four in the afternoon.