Deserted Library Mystery (7 page)

“No problem,” Henry said. He was worried about Miguel, though. The slim boy was so sad. It wouldn't be long before he knew whether his father was alive or not. “Miguel, why don't you help me chop wood?” Henry asked. “We'll leave a nice stack for Pete.”

At supper they lingered over their spaghetti and meatballs, enjoying their last night in Pete's house.

When they'd finished eating, Henry fit the sword together on a braided rug before the fireplace. Even though the blade was rusty and black, it was graceful and beautiful.

“I can imagine how the sword will look when it's polished. The silver and gold will gleam,” Jessie said, admiring it.

“Such a wonderful sword,” Violet said. “Captain Howard must have been very proud to have been honored with such a gift.”

“The Civil War was over one hundred years ago,” Jessie said thoughtfully. “I wonder what happened to Captain Howard.”

Henry, busy polishing the hilt, said, “Oh, he probably retired to his farm near Gettysburg and lived to a ripe old age.”

“What makes you think the Captain was from Pennsylvania?” Miguel asked.

Henry shrugged. “Just a guess. He may not have been.”

“I'll bet he looked handsome in his uniform,” Jessie said, gazing at the sword.

Henry chuckled. “You've got a vivid imagination, Jessie.”

Jessie laughed. “I'm not the artistic one.” She glanced at Violet. “Violet is.”

Violet's cheeks grew pink. She did love music and her violin, and she did enjoy painting.

“Time for bed, everybody!” Henry said. “The earlier we go to bed, the earlier we'll get up. Grandfather said he'd visit us tomorrow, and if I know him, he'll be here for breakfast.”

“We need to leave Pete's house spick-and-span, too,” Jessie said. “Pete will be glad for the wood you left him, Henry.”

Henry nodded. “And I'm certain he'll be pleased when he sees how clean the windows and floors are.”

“I hope so,” Jessie said.

“I'm sure he will,” Violet said, smiling at Jessie. They had really worked while on their adventure, but now that it was almost over, they felt good.

Jessie picked up the pitcher. “I'm going out to fill this with water,” she said. “I know Benny will want a drink before he goes to sleep.”

“You're not afraid, are you?” Violet asked. “Maybe the hummer will be outside waiting for you.”

Jessie laughed. “I'm not frightened at all.” She moved to the door. “Besides, I'll only be gone five minutes.”

After Jessie left, Benny and Miguel went to bed while Violet set the table for breakfast. She smiled as she set a place for Grandfather.

Henry carefully rewrapped the sword in the dust rag and waited for Jessie's return.

Outdoors, Jessie stepped quickly to the pump. She didn't intend to tarry any longer than necessary.

“Hooo, hooo,” came a strange call from the trees.

Jessie halted, listening intently.

“Hoooo, hooo.”

She stared at the large oak. Then a smile broke over her face. The yellow unblinking eyes of an owl stared back at her.

“Go ahead and hoot, Mr. Owl,” Jessie said as she pumped fresh cold spring water. “I'm not afraid.”

A twig snapped, but Jessie kept pumping as if she hadn't heard a thing.

Footsteps approached. Jessie froze. The stranger was back again! A cold chill ran up her spine.

All at once she whirled about, flinging the pitcher in the air. She'd almost reached the door when a cloth bag was thrown over her head, blotting out sight and air. Her arms were pinned to her side.

“Henry!” she screamed, but her muffled voice was lost in the cloth. She struggled for a breath of air.

“The sword is mine!” the stranger growled in her ear. “Get out!”

Jessie's heart thumped against her ribs, but she knew what to do.

“Do you understand me?” The prowler growled menacingly.

Suddenly, Jessie kicked the man's shins hard, and he let go of her arms to grab his painful legs. She yanked off the bag and gulped in air. She yelled, “Help! Help!”

Yellow light streamed from the house as Henry tore open the door.

“The prowler!” she shouted, pointing at a shadowy figure disappearing in the brush.

The bushes violently swayed back and forth. An instant later a car's engine started, and the intruder sped away.

Henry dashed to Jessie's side. “Are you all right?” he asked with concern, throwing his arms around her.

She nodded numbly, glad for Henry's warmth. The water pitcher was forgotten as they hurried into the house.

“Jessie!” Violet said, rushing to her side.

Once inside, Henry bolted the door. Jessie sank down before the fire with Violet beside her. Henry brought her a glass of orange juice.

“H-he told us to get out! That the sword was his!” Jessie shuddered. “That awful, awful man! He almost smothered me! If I hadn't kicked him hard, I wouldn't have escaped!”

“It's over,” Henry said softly. “He's far away by now!” But his heart was beating rapidly when he glanced at Jessie's white face. He wondered if the locked door could keep out such a determined stranger!

CHAPTER 12

What Did Benny See?

T
hat night, while Henry stood guard, everyone was restless. Jessie heard a barking dog, Violet heard an owl hoot, Benny heard a scolding squirrel, and Miguel heard the wind in the trees. The children tossed and turned all night, sitting up in bed at each sound they heard.

In the morning, though, when the sun peeped through the window, they jumped out of bed, eager to greet their grandfather and go home.

“I can't wait to see Grandfather,” Violet said, strapping on her watch. “It's almost nine o'clock.”

“I can't, either,” Jessie said, smiling at her sister.

“I hear someone in the kitchen already,” Violet said.

“It's Henry. He promised to fill the pitcher with water.” Jessie laughed. “If he can find it after I threw it in the brush!”

Laughing, the girls went into the kitchen. Sure enough, Henry was setting out the glasses.

Soon Miguel and Benny woke up.

“Good morning, Miguel,” Violet said.

Miguel barely nodded. “ 'Morning,” he mumbled.

“Come sit down,” Jessie said, pouring his orange juice. “You look upset.” Her eyes were sympathetic.

“Yes,” Miguel said in a low tone, sliding into his chair but not drinking his juice. “Today I'll find out about my father.”

“Don't worry,” Jessie said gently. “I know it will be okay.”

Miguel smiled weakly. “I hope so,” he said.

“Here's the water,” Henry said, putting the pitcher on the counter. He laughed. “I had to search in every bush.” He winked at Jessie.” You've got a strong arm.”

“Yes,” Jessie said, smiling. “Last night, my strong foot could have saved my life.”

Henry stopped smiling. “I'm glad you're so quick!”

Benny, who sat by the window, said, “I see a big car coming around the curve.” He leapt down. “It's Grandfather!” he shouted.

Henry opened the door, and they all ran out to greet him.

When his car pulled up, Benny dashed forward. “Grandfather! We've been waiting for you!”

Grandfather Alden picked up Benny and swung him around. Then everyone crowded around, hugging and kissing. All, that is, except the sad boy in the background.

“Is this Miguel?” Grandfather Alden asked kindly.

“Yes,” Miguel answered shyly, moving forward and shaking Grandfather's hand. “I'm Miguel Morales.”

“Well, my boy,” Grandfather said, “the Coast Guard is bringing in the two fishermen today.”

“They are?” Miguel said, his mouth so dry he could barely speak.

“We'll drive down to Pete's Café after breakfast,” Grandfather promised.

Miguel nodded stiffly. He was uncertain if he really wanted to go.

“How's Watch?” Jessie asked.

“Watch is eagerly waiting for you,” Grandfather replied, “but the dog and I got along fine.”

“Good,” Jessie said, obviously glad Watch had been taken good care of. “And now,” she announced, “it's time to eat.”

“We're having Benny's favorite blueberry pancakes in honor of our last day here,” Violet said.

“Well, well,” Grandfather laughed heartily. “Think of that. Blueberry pancakes are my favorite, too!”

“I know.” Benny grinned.

Jessie set a pile of pancakes on the table, and Violet poured the milk.

Benny wiggled in his chair. He was so excited, he couldn't sit still.

While they ate, Grandfather heard all about the library and the sword and the mysterious stranger. He frowned when he realized how close to danger his grandchildren and Miguel had been. The sooner they left, the better!

After the breakfast dishes were washed, everyone packed his or her belongings.

Grandfather glanced around the room. “Pete has a nice house. Clean and cozy.” His blue eyes twinkled. “I'm sure you all had something to do with the way it looks.”

“It was fun,” Jessie said, then added softly, “except for the stranger.”

Grandfather's eyes grew serious. “Well, we'll be leaving soon, and you'll be safe.”

“Look, Grandfather,” Henry said, fitting the sword pieces together on the table.

“It's magnificent!” Grandfather exclaimed. He ran his fingers lightly over the blade. “No wonder someone is after this valuable sword!”

“The sword was awarded to Captain Charles Howard,” Violet explained.

“Yes,” Jessie continued, “because of his bravery at the Battle of Gettysburg.”

“My, my,” Grandfather said in wonder as he stroked his chin. “Wouldn't a museum be glad to have this!”

“It's beautiful,” Miguel said.

Grandfather turned to the slim, shy boy. “I know you must be anxious to go to Pete's Café.”

“Y-yes,” Miguel stammered. “I guess I am.”

“Then,” Grandfather directed, “Henry, wrap up the sword, and we'll put it in the trunk of the car . . . and don't forget your bikes, too. Let's get going!”

“Great idea,” Henry agreed, carefully wrapping the three pieces individually.

Once in the car, no one said a word for the whole two miles. Everyone's thoughts were of Miguel. Everyone hoped his father would be alive.

Arriving at the marina, they jumped out of the car.

Waving, Pete came out to greet them.

“Hello, Aldens!” He shook Grandfather's hand. “How are you, James?”

“Fine, Pete, just fine,” Grandfather said, looking around. “But where are the two fishermen?”

Pete jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Inside, drinking coffee.”

Miguel slipped past Grandfather and dashed into the café.

The others hurried in behind him. Jessie held her breath.

Miguel searched the room. Suddenly he let out a yell. “Father!” He rushed into the arms of a man who had jumped up from a back booth.

“My son,” the man cried. For a moment all was silent, as father and son clung to one another.

“Father,” Miguel said, “I was worried. I'm so glad you're safe.”

“Yes, I'm lucky,” his father answered. Even though the man smiled, tears glistened in his eyes. He ran a trembling hand over Miguel's thick hair. “Poor Joseph drowned.”

“I-I was afraid it was you,” Miguel whispered, hugging his father even tighter.

Grandfather moved to Miguel's side. “We're happy for you, Miguel.” The Alden children joined him and grabbed Miguel's hand.

Miguel broke away, remembering his manners. “This is my father, Pedro Morales.” He introduced Mr. Alden, Jessie, Violet, Henry, and Benny.

“Thank you,” Pedro said, with shining eyes. “You took good care of my son.”

“Hurray for Mr. Morales!” Benny shouted. “Hurray for Miguel!” Suddenly his smile vanished as he listened to something and turned to stare at the man at the counter. He moved to Henry's side. “Look! Look over there,” he whispered. “That man's humming a funny tune. Maybe it's the man Jessie heard.” He shivered, reaching for Violet's hand. “I'm afraid.”