Mystery Word

By Diane P. McClellan

1. My first letter is in vale but not in gale.

2. My second letter is in pair and also in cat.

3. My third letter is twice in alley and in valley.

4. My fourth letter ends tale and pole.

5. My fifth letter starts nail and number.

6. My sixth letter is in tire but not in wire.

7. My seventh letter is in iron and in tight.

8. My eighth letter is once in honey and twice in funny.

9. My last letter is in bet but not in bat.

Answer:

• valentine.