Dollars and sense...
Spending money is one thing the Wakefield twins are very good at, but earning money isn't that easy. Especially earning $87.50 in just three weeks. That's how much Jessica and Elizabeth need to take a bus trip to visit their great-aunt Helen.
Mr. Wakefield tells the twins that they must be responsible for earning their own bus fare. Elizabeth's idea of dog-sitting is the perfect solution, especially since their friend Ken is helping them. But that's when Joe comes along. The poor dog has been abused and the three suspect that Joe's owner is the guilty one. If Jessica, Elizabeth, and Ken keep quiet about Joe and collect their pay, the twins will have all the money they need. But what's more important - the trip or a dog who needs help?
A Big Decision
"I wonder what time Mr. Quincy's coming to pick up Joe," Jessica said. "He could be at our house right now. I hope he's gone before we get home."
Elizabeth felt pangs of guilt as she imagined her parents confronting an irate Mr. Quincy. "I wish we could hang around here, but I really think we should be home before he comes. What are we going to say to him about Joe?"
"We'll say he ran away," Jessica replied. "There's no way Mr. Quincy can prove he didn't."
Elizabeth felt uncomfortable at the thought of lying, especially to her parents.
But then she looked at Joe. Even though the dog's physical appearance was pretty peculiar, his cuts had healed and he was worth lying to see him so happy.