From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

On Tuesday, Claudia and Jamie do their laundry. After lunch, they check their PO box, which is empty.

At Claudia’s urging, they take a guided tour of the United Nations. When the guard asks why they aren’t in school, Jamie says that school was canceled after the boiler broke. As he speaks, a man in line behind them becomes impatient, and the guard lets them through. Claudia compliments Jamie for his story, and Jamie explains that he prepared the story just in case. As the tour proceeds, Claudia takes note of the guide, a South Asian woman dressed in a striking sari. Claudia wonders how she can distinguish herself. Jamie misinterprets Claudia’s imitation of the guide’s mannerisms as a sign of stomach cramps.

The next day, Claudia and Jamie receive a letter from the museum’s public relations department. The author of the letter thanks them but points out that the specialists were already aware of the mark, which is not sufficient proof that Michelangelo created Angel. The letter explains that a panel of experts will examine the statue to determine whether it matches Michelangelo’s technique.

Disappointed, Claudia cries. When Jamie suggests that they return home, Claudia asserts that she is not finished yet since she needs to find out about Angel; she also wants to return home a changed person.