Page 56 of The Payback Adventure
“Why don’t we find out?” Henry suggested. They all needed to have more fun, especially Elisabeth. And if Ruff kept them from having to eat the meal, that would be a bonus. “We can do an experiment like we read about in your science book, Abby.”
Elisabeth frowned. “We’re not going to waste good food.”
“We aren’t,” Sam muttered.
Abby tilted her head. “Dogs aren’t supposed to eat onions.”
Henry didn’t know that. “We’ll remove them.”
“Ruff isn’t going to any of it,” Sam added.
“What’s our hypothesis?” Henry asked.
“That Ruff will not eat the liver,” Abby said.
“Good,” Henry said. “Our assumptions?”
“Ruff has taste buds,” Abby offered.
“The food is inedible,” Sam said.
Elisabeth said nothing, but her eyes were watchful.
“I will perform the experiment.” Henry scooped up a small piece of liver with his fork, wiped off the meat with his napkin to make sure no onions were included, and placed the bite-sized piece on the floor. “Come here, boy.”
Ruff trotted over. He sniffed the meat and gobbled it down.
Elisabeth tilted her chin. “Told you so.”
“What are the conclusions, Abby?” Henry asked.
“We have disproved our hypothesis and one of our assumptions,” Abby explained. “Ruff does not have any taste buds.”
Sam grinned. “Good one, sis.”
Abby beamed.
“She’s convinced me,” Elisabeth capitulated. “You don’t have to eat it.”
The kids cheered. Henry fought the urge to join them, but he didn’t want to be rude and hurt Elisabeth’s feelings.
A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “So, what should we do now?”
“Food fight?” Henry suggested.
The kids leaned over the table toward Elisabeth. Their eyes widened with anticipation.
“No.” It was only one word, but her tone said it all. “Before you complain, what about dinner at the Burger Basket? Gabe said the Suburban was as good as new. We can find out if he’s right.”
“Burger Basket is almost as good as a food fight,” Sam said.
“I want a chocolate milkshake,” Caitlin said.
“This will ruin our budget,” Abby added.
“No, it won’t.” Henry pulled out Elisabeth’s chair for her. “Dinner is my treat.”
She looked at him. “You don’t have to take us out.”
