The small print: These characters are not my own, I’m just a’ borrowing them. I’m making no profit off of them, and plan to return them upon request. Please let me have my fun.
If there are any parts that are unrealistic, they are probably due to the author’s laziness in doing research and shouldn’t be considered as anything else.
The Lost and Found Mystery
By Mark Baker
Fourteen year old Trixie Belden flopped down on the school bus seat. "Am I ever glad that day is over with," she said.
She looked over at Honey Wheeler, her best friend, who was laughing. "You poor thing. The last day of school is so hard. It’s, what, noon, and you’re free for the day?"
"Don’t forget what she had to do in those four hours," their friend Di Lynch said from the seat across the aisle. "I’m sure that watching movies instead of taking finals is really hard."
"You know what I mean. My mind was already on summer vacation. I didn’t really want to sit still for some stupid movies that someone else selected. Look, here come the others."
The others were Trixie’s older brothers Mart and Brian, Honey’s adopted brother Jim Frayne, and Dan Mangan. Together, the seven friends were members of the semi-secret club the Bob-Whites of the Glen. As the four boys entered the bus, it started on its route.
"What are your plans for the summer?" Honey asked as the boys took seats near them.
"Well," Trixie replied, "helping Moms with her garden and Bobby. Taking over the chores of these clowns when they go to counsel at camp. The usual."
"You make it sound like it’s all going to be work, Trixie." Brian ran his fingers through his black hair. "You know that Moms will let you have plenty of time off for fun. Not only that, but we’ve got a family vacation planned to visit relatives."
"Don’t remind me," Trixie groaned. "My own brothers are bad enough. Now I’ll have to put up with all my cousins and aunts and uncles, too. Just think, if Aunt Alicia gets her way, I’ll come back being able to sew." She shuddered.
Mart leaned across the aisle from his seat next to Di. "Tisk, tisk. Besides, we men folk will be worked to the bone. Taking care of Bobby is bad enough. Try taking care of 300 of them at the same time."
Trixie leaned over close to Honey and said in a stage whisper, "We both know that they enjoy being junior counselors. Otherwise they wouldn’t do it year after year. Never trust a guy with a crew cut." She straightened up. "So what are your plans?"
"Well, Mother and Daddy will be spending most of the summer traveling for business, but I believe that we’ll be joining them in Canada and Germany, right Jim?"
"Yup. We’ll be gone right before I leave for camp and right after I get back. The timing sure works out well. How about you, Di?"
"Well, we’ll be going to visit Uncle Monty in Arizona, and then Mother wants to go to Australia. Dad isn’t convinced that now is the best time to go, but I think Mother is winning. If so, I’ll get to spend part of my summer vacation all bundled up. And you, Dan?"
"Not much. I can’t leave Mr. Maypenny, so I’ll probably just keep working on the game preserve all summer."
"Didn’t you apply to work at camp with us?" Brian asked.
"Well, yes, but . . . why look, we’ve reached the Manor House."
The seven friends piled out of the bus, waved goodbye to friends still on the bus, and started up the long driveway. They planned to start the summer with lunch and a nice long swim in the Wheelers' lake.
When they reached their clubhouse, Dan stopped. "Hang on a sec. I think I left my Bob-White jacket in the clubhouse."
"You don’t need that. It’s been so hot recently that my dear female sibling has stained herself doing her chores at night," Mart said.
"Still, I’d like to get it." Dan pulled out his key and dashed into the clubhouse.
"It sure has gotten hot in a hurry," Honey remarked. "Why Monday when we had that meeting in the clubhouse, it was so cold I thought I’d freeze. Now, here we are roasting."
Just then Dan emerged with a puzzled look on his face. "That’s funny. I sure thought I left my jacket here. I turned Mr. Maypenny’s upside down looking for it, then remembered leaving it here Tuesday. I’d grabbed it in case it cooled off while I was down here studying and didn’t wind up needing it. But where is it now? I guess I’ll have to go back to square one and start searching over."
"Well, you’d better find it. What’s the penalty for losing a jacket, gang?" Mart asked.
Trixie thought for a minute. "That’s a good question. I don’t think we’ve ever had to deal with that before."
"We should make it something really horrible, like doing everyone’s chores for a week." Brian’s eyes sparkled with good-natured humor as he said it. "What do you think it should be, Honey? You had to make them."
"I’ll have to think about it. Maybe he should have to sew his next one."
"If Dan hasn’t found it within a week, we’ll hold a special meeting to vote on his punishment," Jim declared with a smile. "Everyone think of a suitable one."
"Gee, thanks for the vote of support. I’ll find it." Dan smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He turned and trudged up the path to the Manor House and the others followed him.
They had almost reached the house when Miss Trask came out to meet them. "We decided you might like a barbecue. Cook is down by the boathouse right now finishing up the hamburgers."
"Yummy!" Mart exclaimed and headed down to the boathouse.
"Thanks," Honey called out over her shoulder as the others followed Mart. Even so, he had two hamburgers ready to go by the time everyone else reached the dock.
"Hey, save some for the rest of us," Di teased.
Jim looked at the mounds of food facing them. "I don’t think we have to worry about that. I’d be more worried about floating after we finish."
Over the next half-hour, the mountain of food disappeared quickly as the friends stuffed themselves with hamburgers, chips, salad, and sodas, with cookies for dessert. When they had finished eating, they lay in the shade and slowly got ready to go swimming. Mart was the last one to emerge from the boathouse. He threw his towel down and walked straight over to the edge of the dock next to the diving board.
Trixie had been waiting for an opportunity like this all winter. This is for all the tricks he’s played on me, she thought as she stood up. "I think our lunch has had time to digest," she announced. Mart was still standing by the edge. She walked over as if she were going to use the diving board but at the last second lunged at Mart to push him in.
Mart was paying more attention than he let on, however. When Trixie lunged, he dodged out of the way. Trixie paused at the edge, teetered, and then fell into the lake.
"How’s the water?" he called down innocently.
"Come in and find out," Trixie’s voice growled, but her face smiled. He’d gotten her fair and square. Again. She started to swim toward the middle of the lake.
"Here, we’ll help." Trixie looked up to see Jim, Brian, and Dan grab Mart. "On the count of three, gentlemen. One. Two. Three."
Mart protested all the way into the water. Not to be outdone, however, Jim pushed Brian in before being pushed in by Dan, who managed to drag Honey and Di in with him when they tried to push him in. Laughing, the Bob-Whites started splashing and dunking each other. After a while, they calmed down and just enjoyed the water, swimming and floating. Then, one by one, they got out.
Trixie was the last one out. Everyone else was lying out warming up in the sun. "That breeze is cool."
"Here, let me project this towel in your direction. Drying off will help with your lack of warmth." Mart, however, threw it way to high and it landed behind Trixie in the lake.
Trixie slowly turned and looked at it floating in the lake. "I have said it before, and I will say it again. Never trust a guy in a crew cut."
"Hey, Mart," Jim said, "you'd better hurry and get it before it sinks."
"Why should I get it? Trixie's the one who didn't catch it."
"But you threw it too high. Isn't that right guys?" Jim's voice had a good natured threatening tone to it.
Mart looked around him as Jim, Brian, and Dan started to get up. "Alright. Alright." He quickly dove in and retrieved the towel.
Honey got an extra towel from the boathouse, and soon everyone was relaxed deep in thought again.
"Too bad we can't get used to a life like this," Trixie sighed. "Tomorrow it's back to work. Tonight for some of us. Moms gave me the afternoon off, but she expects me home in time to help with dinner."
"Ah, yes. Our favorite slave, Beatrix," Mart teased.
Trixie sat up. "Don't you wish that we could spend our whole summer goofing off? I sure do."
"You don't either," Honey interjected. "You would go absolutely crazy after a week of no chores, no projects, no homework, and no…."
Jim interrupted. "Don't even say it. Some of us would enjoy a whole summer without a mystery."
Jim was not to get his wish.
The phone woke Trixie early the next morning. She checked the time on her alarm clock. Who would be calling us at 3AM on a Saturday? she wondered.
She met her older brothers outside her room and the three of them walked soundlessly to their parent’s room. She heard her father’s voice through the door.
"Yes, thank you for calling." A pause. "I'll be down as soon as I can."
Brian knocked softly on the door, and Mrs. Belden opened it.
"Sorry the phone woke you. It was Sergeant Molinson," she said simply, letting them in.
"What was he calling about?" Trixie asked.
Mr. Belden answered. "The bank has been robbed."
"What??!!!" All three of the kids responded at the same time.
"I'm afraid it's true. I've got to go down."
"I can't believe it," Brian said. "This has never happened in Sleepyside before."
"Can I go down with you?" Trixie wanted to know.
"No." Mr. Belden didn't even hesitate. "Stay here. I'll tell you about it when I get back."
"Besides, I bet Sergeant Molinson strictly forbid you to come down anyway," Mart said.
Trixie made a face at him, but was too startled and tired to think of a retort. She turned on her heal and went back to her room.
Though she went back to bed, Trixie couldn't sleep. When her father returned home three hours later, she was the first one to meet him.
"What did you find?" she demanded.
"Well, the alarm wire had been cut. The thieves were able to come and go at their leisure. But you know what the weird thing is? We had just received a shipment of $20 bills marked to be destroyed. That’s all that’s missing."
Trixie wrinkled her brow. "That is odd. Why would someone want marked bills? Find anything else? Anything that might indicate who the criminal is?"
"I’m afraid so," her father replied. "We found Dan’s wallet behind the teller’s counter."
Trixie’s eyes got wide. "What? Why would it be there?"
"That’s what Sergeant Molinson intends to find out when he talks to him this morning."
"Wait a sec, he lost his wallet a few months back. Could that be it?" Trixie was startled by Brian’s voice coming from behind her. She turned to see that Mrs. Belden, Brian, and Mart were standing in the doorway listening to every word that was said.
Mr. Belden stood and stretched. "That’s possible. I’m sure there’s some kind of explanation like that. I wouldn’t believe that Dan did it any more than I’d believe that one of you helped plan it. I’m going to try to get another hour’s sleep," he said as he turned toward the doorway.
* * *
At nine o’clock, Trixie climbed the hill to Manor House. Her mind was still spinning with the events of the last few hours. She could hardly wait to see Dan and find out what had happened when the Sergeant questioned him.
She found Honey alone in the stable saddling the horses.
"Where is everyone?" Trixie asked. "Brian and Mart said they’d meet me here. Mart was insisting on getting his hair cut again this morning."
"I know," Honey replied. "Jim went with them. Said something about discussing with Brian that camping trip they’re planning next week. They said they’d be back by the time we were ready. As to Di and Dan, I really couldn’t tell you."
"And Dan’s the one I really want to talk to, too." Trixie reached for a saddle.
"Why?" Regan poked his head out of his office.
Trixie quickly filled them in on the events of that morning. "I want to know if Dan identified it as his old wallet. You remember, the one that he lost several months ago and never found."
"I remember that," Regan said. "It was such a hassle for him to try to get a new driver’s license. I hope he hasn’t gotten himself in any more trouble."
"Of course not," Honey interjected. "The thief must be the same person who stole Dan’s wallet is all. A small coincidence."
Trixie felt uncomfortable about that. Could it really be a coincidence? It had to be, she reminded herself, otherwise, Dan would have to be the thief.
They worked in silence a few more minutes before they heard the sound of horses coming up the path. They looked outside to see Di and Dan ride up. They were talking together softly, and Dan didn’t look very happy.
"Good morning," Trixie called out. "What happened?"
"I just got done being questioned by Sergeant Molinson. He asked me where I was last night and if that was my wallet." Dan paused.
"And…" Trixie prompted when his silence had increased to a full 30 seconds.
"And I told him the truth. That was my wallet. Was being the key word. That’s the one I reported as lost the end of April. I showed him my new wallet. Unfortunately, I couldn’t sleep last night and went for a walk. No one can vouch for where I was."
"That’s ok," Honey piped up. "We believe you."
"And so does my Dad," Trixie said. "We’ll help you get to the bottom of this."
Dan cracked a faint smile. "Thanks. But try the Sergeant. He was especially suspicious since there was still money inside the wallet."
"Money inside?" Trixie repeated. "That’s odd. Any from the stolen money?"
"He didn’t say, and I didn’t think to ask." Dan grinned outright. "That’s why you’ll make such a great detective. I feel better knowing that you’re in my court."
Just then, they heard Brian’s jalopy pull up. "That must be the rest of the gang now," Di said.
Sure enough, first out of the car was Mart. "A most felicitous morning to you," Mart called as he waved.
The next sight, however, stopped Trixie cold. "Oh no," she groaned softly. Brian and Jim emerged from the car. Both of them were sporting new crew cuts.
Mart entered the stable with a smirk on his face. "So you can’t trust a guy in a crew cut, huh?"
Trixie took a deep breath and waited for Brian and Jim to enter the stable, too. "You’re right. I can’t trust a guy in a crew cut. Looks like the only men I can trust in this room are Regan and Dan." She paused as the irony of the situation sank into her own mind. The only Bob-White she could trust was the police’s only suspect in the robbery of the bank. We’ve got to clear Dan, she thought. Aloud, she continued, "Shall we leave for our ride, now, since Honey has so graciously saddled the horses?"
"But don’t you like our new hair cuts?" Jim asked with a smile as he climbed aboard Jupiter.
Honey couldn’t keep from giggling. "They’re fine."
"It’s just the timing really stinks," Trixie grumbled. "I hope the hair inside your shirt drives you crazy in this heat. And what will Moms and Dad say when they see you, Brian?"
He grinned. "Absolutely nothing. They already know about it. Hey, let’s ride over on the north side of the preserve today. I haven’t been over there in ages."
They galloped off into the preserve, laughing and talking together. After a few minutes, they slowed down and Trixie and Honey were trotting side by side.
"Admit it, Trixie, they pulled a great joke on you."
"Yes, but I’m certainly not going to let them know that for quite some time." She paused. "Isn’t it great? The warm air, no school, all of us together having a good time."
"Well, almost all of us. Look at Dan."
Trixie looked ahead. The others were teasing each other and joking about the boy’s new haircuts. All but Dan. He rode just behind the others. Trixie could only see his back. He was hunched over slightly, looking dejected and all alone.
She turned to Honey. "We’ve got to help him. I can’t stand to see him looking that way. He’ll feel better if he knows he’s not under suspicion." Trixie kicked Susie to catch up with the others.
"I think it may be more than that," Honey said to herself since Trixie was no longer there. She too, rejoined the others and enjoyed the rest of the ride.
At dinner at the Belden home that night, the subject of the robbery came up again.
"Dan’s just feeling horrible about being suspected," Trixie said, as she concluded her account of Dan’s conversation with the Sergeant and subsequent behavior. "I wish I knew what more I could do."
"Well, the police are handling it," her father reminded her. "I think you should let them do their job."
"But they think that Dan’s the only one who could have done it!"
"Not necessarily. I had a long talk with Sergeant Molinson this afternoon. He was convinced that Dan was involved somehow, but I talked him out of it. Think of all the time he spends here. I can’t picture him committing any more crimes. Besides, who would have known where to cut the wire?"
Trixie looked at her plate and blushed slightly. She thought of the first time that she’d met Dan and how convinced she was that he was behind something sinister. It had been a good lesson in not judging people by their looks. If only I’d always remember it. Then again, sometimes my instincts have been right. Aloud, she said, "Can’t I at least go down to the bank and look around?"
"Absolutely not," Mrs. Belden said. "I don’t want to have to worry about your safety. I’m sure something will turn up in a few days. The police will sort this out and Dan will be proved innocent once and for all. Don’t worry. Now, anyone ready for dessert?"
The next morning, Trixie was earlier than normal getting the Sunday paper from Mr. Lytell’s store. It was partially so that she could get the comics read to Bobby before she was supposed to meet Honey. However, she also wanted to know if there was anything new in the paper about the robbery.
She rounded the last corner on Glen Road and stopped short. Outside Mr. Lytell’s store were two police cars with lights flashing. After a second to absorb this fact, Trixie peddled quickly to the store.
"Well, well. If it isn’t Detective Belden," Sergeant Molinson greeted her. "Hear about this on your police scanner?"
"No, I was coming to buy a paper. What happened?"
"Mr. Lytell called us about fifteen minutes ago. He came in this morning to find the store had been robbed. Someone made off with the day’s receipts."
"Not much to go to all that trouble for," Trixie commented.
Sergeant Molinson turned to her. "And how would you know that?"
"Because I live out here," Trixie retorted.
Just then, one of the police officers came out with something in a plastic evidence bag. When he got closer, Trixie could see that it was a B.W.G. jacket. She couldn’t do anything but stare.
Finally, she found her tongue. "Where did you get that?"
"The floor of the store near the cash register." Sergeant Molinson pulled out his notepad. "Do all of you know where your jackets are?"
"Of course. We take good care of them. Since the weather’s gotten so hot they’re all in their . . .." Trixie let her voice trail off as she remembered Friday afternoon.
"Yes, Trixie?"
"Dan’s lost his jacket. He was looking for it Friday after school. It’s been missing for almost a week."
"Well, score another one for Dan. I suppose that you’ll give me the same song and dance that your father did about how Dan has turned his life around."
"He has! Think about all that he’s been involved with and done since he first came to Sleepyside. He’s changed. You know it. Besides, what would he be doing wearing a jacket last night. It was so hot."
"I guess I’ll have to ask him. I’m afraid that your word isn’t enough, Trixie. I’m going to have to go talk to him again." The Sergeant turned to go.
Trixie grabbed her bike and peddled home as quickly as possible, the paper forgotten. She had to get help. When she reached the end of her driveway, she jumped off her bike and raced for the kitchen door.
"Did you bring me my comics?" Bobby demanded when he saw her. He was washing his hands in the sink. "I want you to read them to me as soon as breakfast is over."
"No, I didn’t. Where is everyone?"
"Around. Why didn’t you get the comics?"
"That’s not important now." Trixie wasn’t intending to sound so gruff with Bobby; she was just too upset to realize what she was doing.
Just then Brian came in. "What’s going on?" he asked when he saw the look on her face.
"Oh, Brian, it’s just awful. Mr. Lytell’s store was robbed and the police found a B.W.G. jacket at the scene."
"What? Why all our jackets would be in our . . .. DAN!" he exclaimed.
"That’s just what I said, too. Sergeant Molinson is on his way over to question Dan again right now."
"We’ve got to let Regan know." Brian turned and hurried to the phone in the hall.
"Is Dan in trouble?" Bobby asked.
"Yes, honey. Dan’s in a lot of trouble."
Bobby’s face fell. "Oh. I like Dan." Suddenly Bobby’s face brightened. "But you’re a ‘tective. You’ll help him, right?"
Trixie smiled at the trust coming from his eyes. "I’ll do my best," she promised. And as she said it, she silently promised that help to Dan, Regan, and everyone else involved.
Because of the recent events, the Bob-Whites held an emergency meeting that afternoon in the club house. When the Beldens arrived, they found Jim, Honey, and Di waiting for them.
"Man, even with this place in the shade and all the windows open, it’s hot in here," Mart stated.
Brian grinned. "It must be. You forgot to use long, complex words."
"Daddy’s promised to put central air conditioning in the house this summer. I can’t wait until he does." Honey mopped her forehead as if to emphasize her point.
"Well, shall we bring this meeting to order?" Jim asked.
"Shouldn’t we wait for Dan?" Trixie responded.
"Actually, he won’t be able to join us," Jim explained. After seeing the look of concern on the others’ faces, he continued. "You see, Sergeant Molinson was ready to arrest Dan, but then Regan arrived. It’s a good thing you called when you did, Brian. Anyway, Regan talked him into releasing Dan into his custody. The sergeant debated, but finally decided that a relative was good for now."
Trixie turned to go. "So let’s find Dan and Regan and have the meeting with them."
"It’s still not that simple. Regan had to run a couple errands in White Plains this afternoon. The two of them left a couple hours ago. I didn’t find out about it until recently, but thought we could still meet."
Trixie sat down with a sigh. "I really wanted Dan here. But let’s get started. Has everyone been filled in on the most recent events?" Every head in the room nodded. "Now we all know Dan is innocent..."
Brian interrupted. "Wait. How do we know that?"
"What do you mean how do we know that?" Trixie exploded. "We know Dan. We know that he lost his wallet and his jacket. Do you really think Dan’s involved somehow?"
"No, I just wanted to hear you say why. You jump to way too many conclusions. I trust Dan and believe that he’s innocent. The question is, what are we going to do?"
There was silence in the room as the six friends thought about this question. Finally, Trixie broke the silence. "That’s why I wanted Dan here. He’s the one who’s been framed. It’s his stuff that’s been taken. He might have some clue who’s behind it." She turned to Honey and Jim. "Was the clubhouse locked every morning when you left for school?"
"No." Honey suddenly brightened. "Why didn’t I think of that before? The door was wide-open Thursday morning. I stopped to lock it and barely made it to the bus on time."
"The guilty member there would be myself," Mart admitted. "I was over here checking out the camping equipment Wednesday night. I realized that I forgot to lock it when I woke up Thursday morning."
"There. Someone had plenty of time to come in and steal Dan’s jacket…."
"If Dan’s jacket was here." This time it was Jim. "Dan didn’t know for sure where it was; he only thought it was here, remember? Besides, that means that someone is purposely setting up Dan. Why? I want to prove Dan’s innocence as much as you, but you can’t keep jumping ahead of the facts."
"I know, it was just a scenario. I didn’t mean I knew for sure. But don't you think someone is setting Dan up? His wallet was found in the bank. His jacket was found at the store. Now, either that's a big coincidence, he's guilty, or he's being set up. That’s why I wish Dan were here. There’s so much I want to clarify with him. Like why someone might want to set him up. And if he had any ideas of who it might be."
"But he still wouldn’t know where his jacket was," Di pointed out. "The only one who can help us out with that at this point is Mart."
"I’m afraid I can’t help out much with that, either. I came in and went back to the storage area. I really didn’t pay any attention to what was out here and what wasn’t."
"This is getting us nowhere," Honey said. "It’s too hot and none of us can think straight. Anyone for a dip in the lake?"
Even Trixie had to admit that that was a great idea. They closed up the windows, filed outside, and locked the door.
Just then, Regan and Dan drove by. They stopped when they saw the B.W.G.’s. Both of them looked grim, but Dan looked absolutely forlorn.
"How was your trip," Jim called out.
"Fine," Regan answered. "I got everything taken care of."
"We were just about to go for a dip in the lake. Would both of you care to join us?" Honey invited.
"After time in a car on a hot day, count me in." Dan visibly brightened at the offer.
"Well, I should really check on the horses and take care of more business," Regan said, but his heart wasn’t in it.
Jim stepped forward. "I checked the horses on the way down. Gave them more feed and they’ve got plenty of water. That stuff could wait for an hour."
Honey spoke up then. "You look like you could use the break."
"Well, who am I to argue with my boss’s kids." Regan smiled. "I still need to run into my apartment, but then I’ll join you."
Honey pulled Trixie aside as Dan climbed out of the car. "I know that you’re dying to ask Dan lots of questions, but please don’t this afternoon. Did you see how he looked? Like he’d lost his friends. There’s nothing that won’t wait for a few hours."
Trixie started to disagree but looked over at Dan. He was smiling at something Jim had said, but it didn’t seem to be reaching his eyes. Thinking over all the times that Honey had said or done the right thing when she needed it most, she nodded her head. "Alright. I guess I can wait until tomorrow."
By the time the Bob-Whites had changed at the boathouse, Regan had joined them. Trixie walked to the edge of the diving board and dove in. She let the cool water wash away the tension and worry of the last two days. She came up to the surface with a smile. "Anyone for a race?"
Half an hour later, the Bob-Whites sat on the dock dripping wet. "Someday, I’m going to beat you at a swimming race, little sister." Jim ran his hand over his short hair, spraying water everywhere.
"In your dreams," Honey laughed. "Just don’t challenge me to a race on anything else. I don’t like losing."
Regan joined in the laughter. "Speaking of losing, I really should get back to work before I lose my job. Any chance you guys will be able to exercise the horses later?"
"Oh, Regan, I’m so sorry we forgot," Honey exclaimed. "With everything else that’s been going on, we didn’t think about it. You can count on us, right gang?"
With murmurs of agreement, Regan walked backed to the stable.
"Now why’d you have to do that?" Mart demanded as soon as he was out of earshot. "It’s going to be hot all night and miserable to ride."
"The horses do need exercise," Jim reminded him. "We really need to do it sometime."
"I guess. It's just so not fun when it's this hot," Mart grumbled.
"I know," Honey said. "Let's have a big house party tonight. It's been too long since any of us spent the night together. We can have one to celebrate the first weekday of summer vacation. We can exercise the horses late and then go for a midnight swim."
Trixie sat up. "That's not a bad idea. It'll be lots of fun. I just hope Moms will let me off to do it."
"You make it sound like she's such a slave driver." Brian stood up. "I'll go call her right now."
While Honey went to get Miss Trask's permission, the others called their parents. Soon it was all set and after picking up suitcases and an early dinner, the Bob-Whites set out for a dusk ride.
"If you guys don't mind, I thought we could ride on the other side of Glen Road tonight. Mr. Maypenny asked if I could since he hasn't had a chance to patrol over there for a couple days."
Brian headed his horse in that direction. "You know us, Dan. We're more than happy to help you patrol when we're all together like this."
They crossed Glen Road in silence. Trixie was still thinking about the events of the last two days. She hadn't brought anything up at dinner, but not because she didn't want to. It's so hard. But I know that Honey's right. Look at Dan. He's actually clowning around himself. This is the most fun he's had since this whole thing started. But tomorrow morning ... Suddenly she stopped. "Do I smell smoke?"
The others stopped talking up ahead of her. Jim sniffed the air. "I don't think so." Suddenly a small breeze came up. "Yes, there it is. Let's go."
Following the direction of the wind, it wasn't long before they found a small campfire. While the boys smothered it with dirt, Trixie prowled around the area looking for clues.
"Finding anything?" Honey asked her after the boys had put the fire out.
"Lots and lots of footprints. It almost looks like someone has been here for a couple days."
"And that's not surprising." Dan had joined them. "We haven't made it out here recently, and even if we did, it wouldn't mean that we'd find them. This is a pretty remote trail with nothing on it. If the fire weren't going by day, there's a good chance that we'd miss them unless we rode right by."
"You don’t have to defend yourself, Dan," Jim said. "We know you both work hard to keep the preserve safe. Come on, we've got to start heading back. It's almost dark. The full moon will be out, but Regan still wants the horses back soon."
To help keep the animals safer, they rode along Glen Road. As they passed Mr. Lytell's store, they noticed a sign in the window. It read, "Due to circumstances beyond my control, I will be closed today, Sunday. I plan to resume normal hours on Monday. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Seeing the sign, Trixie could stand it no more. "It sure is a shame about the robbery," she ventured.
Her friends nodded and mumbled their agreement. "Did Bobby ever get his comics?" Di asked.
Trixie nodded. "Yes, Dad went into town and got the Sunday paper. I read them to him and Reddy right before we met at the clubhouse."
"I really feel sorry for Mr. Lytell," Dan said. "He was in the hardware store in White Plains getting a new window. That was the only place open today and he needed to get it fixed."
Jim turned slightly in his saddle. "I don't remember Regan saying anything about the hardware store. He wasn't getting anything for the stables, was he?"
Dan shook his head. "No, I was on my own at that point. I wandered around Main Street for a while and let him take care of things on his own."
After that the subject was dropped, and Trixie couldn't see any way to bring it up again. Tomorrow, right after breakfast, I'm going to corner Dan and we're going to have a nice long talk.
It was late by the time the Bob-Whites came down to breakfast the next morning. As had been prearranged the night before, Celia and Cook had kept the pancakes warm so they could sleep in after their late night swim.
"Man, it's more brunch time," Trixie said as she sat down.
"Aw, brunch, the meal of the rich and famous." Mart tried to look down his nose at everyone, but succeeded only in getting laughs. "And am I ready for it! Don't bother setting that tray anywhere but here in front of me, Celia."
She laughed. "Don't worry, Mart, there's plenty for everyone. You'll just have to wait a little to do it."
"You and Cook are dears for letting us do this," Honey said.
"Our pleasure. We're just glad that you had a great time."
As they were finishing up their meal, a car pulled up to the house. When Celia let the visitor into the room, everyone froze.
"Thanks for the warm welcome," Sergeant Molinson took off his hat. "I wanted to stop by here first so you all knew not to leave the property."
"Why, sir?" Jim asked.
"Because I just got a hot tip with your names on it. A person or persons spray painted all over Sleepyside Junior-Senior High last night. Our night patrol didn't see it one hour and happened to be going by on a call an hour later and saw it all covered in obscenities. I just got an anonymous call that I should search Regan's apartment and your station wagon. Here's my warrant."
No one said a word as he turned to leave. As one, all seven of the friends got up and followed him out the door.
When they reached Regan’s apartment, they found that there was a police officer already searching it. Regan was standing outside the door, watching. "Do you have any clue what this is about?" he asked.
"All we know is that they’ve gotten a tip that says to search here for info on what happened last night," Jim replied. "We’re as mystified as you, but thought we’d better find out what was going on."
They watched in silence for a few more minutes. Then the officer opened a cabinet and pulled out a can of spray paint. "Here, Sergeant."
Sergeant Molinson turned to Regan. "Have you seen this can of spray paint before?"
"No. What would I want with blue paint? There’s nothing around here that’s blue."
"Blue was a color used prominently in the graffiti found on the school." The policeman looked over the can. "Isn’t this the brand they sell at the hardware store over in White Plains? You been over there recently?"
"Yes, Dan and I went over there yesterday. But I didn’t go near the hardware store."
After a moment of awkward silence on the Bob-White’s part, Dan spoke up. "I did."
As everyone turned to look at him, another officer came in from outside. "I think you should see this."
Sergeant Molinson pushed his way through the group, but the others just followed him to where they parked the station wagon. The front door was open. He bent down, looked at the steering wheel, and then straightened. "Anyone want to tell me how blue paint got on the steering wheel?"
There was a moment of horrified silence, and then Trixie spoke up. "Has anyone used the spare keys from the clubhouse recently?" Her friends shook their heads. "Then it’s possible that someone took them the night we left the clubhouse unlocked. Shall we go look?"
A careful search of the small building showed them that indeed the keys were gone. Even so, Sergeant Molinson shook his head. "I’m afraid I’m going to have to take Dan in. None of the rest of you leave town either. I may have lots more questions for you later."
Dan looked positively sick. That just made Trixie madder. "You can’t!" she shouted.
Brian reached out and grabbed her arm. "He can. And unfortunately it’s his only option. All the evidence points to Dan. However, is it ok if we come down, too?"
"Sure. I’ll need to get statements from all of you, anyway. But you’ll have to take another car. I’m afraid that the station wagon is official evidence for now." Sergeant Molinson led Dan away.
"This is so unfair," Trixie fairly shouted with frustration. "Dan didn’t do anything, he was with us all night."
"But remember, right now with this evidence we’re all suspects for the school vandalism. We can’t really give a very good alibi." Brian shook his head.
"I wish Mother and Daddy were here," Honey said. "At least they’re coming back this afternoon."
"Now how are we going to get down to the station?" Jim asked. "If we can’t use the station wagon, I guess we’ll take two cars."
"My jalopy will work just fine, and Tom’s left you the sedan while he picks up your parents, right Jim?"
"Yes. Regan, want to come along?"
"Definitely, but I’d like to call Mr. Maypenny first."
It was a somber group that left half an hour later. With instructions for Miss Trask to let the Wheelers know what was happening if they returned before the B.W.G.’s, they drove into town.
Sergeant Molinson was waiting for them behind his desk with Dan nearby. "I thought I’d wait until you got down here. I haven’t formally pressed charges, but I might have to." He paused while they were busy finding chairs, and then he turned to Dan. "Do you want to tell me where you were this morning between twelve and two?"
"I was swimming in the Wheeler’s lake and then going to bed."
"We all were," Jim added.
"Anybody see you?"
Regan shifted in his seat. "No, but I do know those were their plans. They were talking about swimming while taking care of their horses after their dusk ride."
"And one more time for the record, where were you Friday and Saturday nights?"
Dan sighed. "Friday night, I couldn’t sleep so I took a walk. I never left the game preserve. Saturday night I slept soundly after the long day I’d had."
Mr. Maypenny spoke up then. "That’s right. He went to bed before me and I had breakfast ready when he got up. That was shortly before you arrived."
"Can I ask something?" Everyone turned to look at Trixie because she had been so quiet.
"I was expecting you to, Detective Belden." Trixie couldn’t quite tell whether it was an insult or not.
She pushed ahead anyway. "How much money did you find in the wallet in the bank?"
Sergeant Molinson nodded. "A ten and two ones. Just how much Dan reported as being in there when it was stolen. Rather convenient. He loses his wallet and coat and they turn up at the scenes of two crimes. And while we were waiting for you we called White Plains. Guess what. They had some of the bills from the bank robbery in their safe. They don’t remember who used them for what, but I’ll bet that it was for the paint."
"So you don’t believe Dan?" Trixie was getting angry again.
"Well, look at the facts. What conclusion would you draw?"
Trixie thought for a minute. "The same one," she mumbled. "But it’s not the right one, I just know it!"
The others spoke their agreement with Trixie's statement.
"If it helps, I didn't buy anything in the hardware store," Dan interrupted the pandemonium.
Sergeant Molinson straightened in his chair. "Well, I'll certainly double check on that with the cashier."
"And what about that jacket?" Trixie wanted to know. "Why would Dan wear it Saturday night in the middle of this heat wave?"
"To be able to take more from the store? That may not quite fit, but look at all the other evidence."
Dan looked at the floor, obviously uncomfortable about being the topic of this conversation.
Sergeant Molinson cleared his throat. "Meanwhile, I don’t see where I have any choice in the matter. Dan, I’m afraid that you’re under arrest. And I’ll still keep investigating the rest of you."
Trixie was not aware of what happened the rest of the time. She vaguely remembered details for bail being discussed and everyone giving statements. Her mind was in too much of a muddle. The next thing she knew, she was in the hot sun in front of the police station. Honey was saying, "Daddy will post bail as soon as he gets into town."
The group started for the cars.
"Hold on," Trixie said. "I think that Dad should know the latest developments. And the bank’s right there."
"And you want to take a look around." Mart finished for her. "You really are easy to predict."
Trixie glared at him. "And what do you want to do? Go home and worry? At least I’ll be doing something!"
"She’s going to investigate this whether we want her to or not," Jim pointed out.
"I must admit, I’d like to get to the bottom of it, too," Brian added.
Regan spoke up. "We’ll all go. What could be the harm?"
Smiling gratefully at Regan, Trixie led the way down the street to the bank. Inside, they paused to let their eyes adjust to the darkness and soak in the coolness of the air-conditioned room.
Mr. Belden spotted them immediately and came over. "From the looks on your faces I’d say there’s bad news. Dan?"
Brian nodded. "He’s been arrested for the stuff that’s been going on the last couple of days."
Mr. Belden’s face dropped. "I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?"
Regan stepped forward hesitantly. "Well, I’d like to have Trixie take a look around. Maybe she’ll find something that the police missed."
Mr. Belden sighed. "Go ahead. But there’s not much to see." He led the way behind the counter.
"We figure this is where they entered." He pointed to a window that was hidden from sight of the main room by walls and boxes. "The police found it jammed open so the alarm wasn’t triggered. Then the thieves came over here and cut the main wire." He led the way over to the alarm box outside his office. "We had it rewired immediately. Whoever did this knew what he was doing."
Trixie looked around, then shook her head. "Nothing here, I’m afraid. Sorry, Regan."
Regan turned to Mr. Belden. "Thanks for letting her take a look around."
"No problem. If there’s anything else I can do to help, let me know."
Everyone was lost in thought as they left the bank. When they reached the cars, Trixie broke the silence. "I vote we go home. Anyone for a horseback ride?"
"In this weather? You aren’t taking the horses out of my stable."
Jim laughed at Regan’s reaction. "Yes, sir. Seriously, Trix, it’s got to be 100 degrees in the shade. Why do you want to do that now?"
"I was hoping that being in the preserve would help me think. Maybe I’ll just go for a bike ride."
"My younger sister once again shows that she’s a pea brain. Wouldn’t you rather submerge yourself in water?"
"No, I’d rather go for a bike ride."
"I’ll go with you," Honey interrupted before Mart and Trixie could fight anymore.
Trixie smiled gratefully. "Thanks."
Mart turned to the others. "How about a swim? I don’t see how we can do anything for Dan right now anyway."
Brian nodded his head while Jim said, "Count me in."
Di sighed. "Sounds like a great idea, but I’m supposed to baby-sit the twins. I’d really love to, though."
As soon as the girls got home they got their bikes and met up at the entrance to the preserve. "Let’s head over across Glen Road," Trixie suggested.
"I thought as much. I’m surprised that the others didn’t catch on. Or at least Mart. Sometimes the way he reads you is down right scary."
"Don’t remind me."
"So we’re heading over to where we saw the camp fire last night, right?"
"Correct. I didn’t want to tell the others, but I felt that we were being watched last night. I want to investigate. I have a feeling it’s connected to the case."
"Another hunch?"
"Yes. I can’t place why, but I just feel that way. Besides, someone needs to help Mr. Maypenny since Dan’s in jail."
Honey sobered a little. "Now it’s my turn. Don’t remind me. I keep trying to think of ways to help him, but I can’t. The evidence is so strong."
"You don’t believe he’s guilty, do you?"
"Of course not! I just can’t think of a way to prove it."
"We might be doing just that."
Honey turned to look at her partner doubtfully. "You really think so?"
"Well, think about it. Whoever has been setting Dan up has been following him for awhile. Watching all of us really. What better place to hide out than the preserve? Especially if you leave during the day. If they just snuck on at night, it’d be the perfect hiding place."
Honey looked around her. "I don’t think I’ll ever look at these woods the same way again."
Trixie shook her head. "They’re perfectly safe. Most of the time. Don’t worry about it. We’ve just got to figure out a way to help Dan. Especially if we’re all suspects now."
Honey was quiet a moment. "There’s more to it than that."
It was Trixie’s turn to be confused. "What do you mean?"
"Haven’t you noticed? The last couple weeks, Dan’s been extremely quiet. He almost seemed upset when we were discussing summer plans. And did you notice how relieved he was when he didn’t have to answer Brian’s question about working at camp? I’m thinking about talking to Daddy and Mr. Maypenny about that. Anyway, then he lost his jacket and all of us, me included, jumped on him. Then the other guys played a joke on you, leaving him out of it. All that’s on top of being accused of serious crimes he didn’t commit and has no way of proving he didn’t."
Trixie was silent a moment as the words her friend had shared sank in. "So what you’re saying is you think Dan is feeling left out and isolated."
"Exactly. After all, we all go on trips and he stays here working for us day in and day out. He’d never say anything, but goodness, even Regan gets vacation. We need to make sure that he gets some vacation time and gets included in more of our trips."
"You’re right." The two rode in silence for a minute. Then, Trixie slowed her bike. "Come on. Let’s hide our bikes here and go the rest of the way on foot."
"You don’t think there will be anyone there, do you?"
"I don’t know. Better safe than sorry."
The two girls walked in silence. As they reached the clearing, they started to hear voices.
"This has all worked out better than planned. There’s no way that anyone can get Dan out of this mess. Even that snoopy blond."
Oh no, Trixie thought. I was right. But how can we prove what we’ve heard?
The other voice spoke. "I hope that we can frame the others. I’d like to get them after they way they treated me the first time I was here. I don’t take kindly to being arrested and my friends taken from me."
That voice. And what is he talking about. The girls reached the clearing and hid behind some bushes. When she saw him, Trixie immediately knew who it was. Luke! I don’t believe it. But it makes perfect sense. He’s trying to get us back for what happened to him before. But will Honey know who it is?
Trixie glanced at her friend and realized that Honey was still confused. After all, she’d only heard about that night. She hadn’t been there when Trixie finally got the courage and entered that circle of light to get help for Bobby. She hadn't seen the look of contempt on his face. Now we know what’s going on, but how do we prove it?
The other boy continued. "So how are we going to get the others? With Dan behind bars we need to lay low."
Luke sneered. "It’s easy. You saw how easy it was to frame them for last night. Tonight, we rob the jewelry store downtown. Dan will be out on bail by then. I know Mr. Wheeler will come to his rescue again. Then we plant the loot in the clubhouse. They’ll never know what hit them. Relax Pete, I’ve got everything under control. As soon as it gets dark, we’ll get down to serious work."
We’ve got to get out of here and get the police, Trixie thought.
Trixie pulled on Honey and they started to back up. Unfortunately, they didn’t look behind them. Honey tripped over a log and fell down hard in the brush.
"What was that?" Luke demanded, and the girls could hear footsteps approaching.
Trixie turned to help Honey up, but the footsteps where too close. If I escape, maybe I can get help. But I hate to leave Honey alone. Still, Trixie darted behind another shrub as the two boys approached.
"Well, what have we got here?" Luke was obviously pleased with himself. "If it isn’t Miss Nosy’s assistant. This is great. Now I won’t have to work nearly as hard to frame you tonight. You can actually help with the robbery. And three pairs of hands can steal more than two."
Honey just stared at Luke, still not certain who he was.
"Is anyone else here with you?"
For a moment, Trixie thought that Honey would give her away. Then she shook her head. "No, I was out for a walk by myself."
Luke turned to Pete. "Tie this one up. I’ll look for Miss Nosy herself."
"But she said…"
"I know what she said, but who would really come out here on a day like this alone?"
Trixie stood frozen in place, hardly daring to breathe. For an awful moment, Trixie thought that Luke was going to come in her direction, but then he turned and started looking on the other side of the path. Quietly, Trixie picked her way through the plants, glad that Jim had taught them how to move soundlessly through the forest. Slowly, she circled around to the spot where they had hidden their bikes. Once she felt it was safe, she lifted her bike up and started peddling for home.
I’ve got to bring back help. I’m Honey’s only hope.
She kept moving through the woods, taking the shortcut across Glen Road. The pavement may have made for faster riding, but it added distance to her trip. She was relieved when she reached the clearing at the lake and found that Brian, Mart, and, Jim were sitting on the deck furniture drying off and talking after their swim. All three of the boys looked at her in astonishment when they saw her riding at them at full speed. Naturally, it was Mart who found his voice first.
"So, you decided to join us after all. Jump in. Although you should probably cool down first."
Jim, however, noticed how worried Trixie looked. "What is it Trixie? What’s wrong?"
Trixie jumped off her bike, panting. The bike hit the ground unnoticed as Trixie tried to speak. "Danger. All of us. Honey. Rob Fishbine’s Jewelers. Tonight."
The three stared at her not comprehending. "Would you mind running that by us again, only slower?" Brian asked.
"Yea," Jim said. "Is my sister really going to rob a store?"
Trixie took several deep breaths. "Yes." She paused dramatically. After the boys looked properly shocked, she explained what she and Honey had found that afternoon in the woods and where Honey was now.
"Luke’s back in town. Are you sure?" Brian wanted to know.
"Of course I’m sure. You think I’d make this up?!"
"Well then, we’ve got to do something." Jim stood up and started walking into the woods the direction Trixie had just come from. The other boys started to follow him.
Trixie would later admit that she didn’t know what came over her. Whether it was the emotional relief of finding help or the sight her friends made, she collapsed on one of the chairs and started to laugh.
Mart whirled on her. "So you were making this up," he demanded.
Trixie shook her head and waited for the laughter to subside a little. "I didn’t make anything up. It’s all true. But don’t you think you should change out of your swim trunks before rushing to Honey’s rescue."
As if realizing what they were wearing for the first time, the boys looked down and started back to the dock. "We’ll head back to the house," Jim decided. "It’ll be faster for all of us to change there."
"And we could call Sergeant Molinson," Trixie added.
The others turned and stared at her in shock. "You want to call him?" Mart emphasized every word very distinctly.
"Well, we’re dealing with a dangerous criminal here. We need to call the police and not try to capture him ourselves."
"And…" Mart prompted.
"And you guys would never let me go without calling him anyway, so I figured why fight it."
Jim couldn’t help but laugh. "And we keep saying there’s no hope for you."
While the boys changed, Trixie went into the library and dialed the familiar number to the police department. To her surprise, Sergeant Molinson listened to her story without comment.
"Well, you’ve successfully solved another one, Trixie. Congratulations."
Trixie was surprised. "You believe me?"
"Well, your story makes sense. It even explains that blasted jacket you kept bring up. Besides, I did a little checking on Dan’s past. The way everyone kept defending him really got to me. I learned that Luke escaped two weeks ago from the jail in Albany."
"So what do we do now?"
"We don’t do anything. When are you going to learn to stay out of police business? Some officers and I will stake out Fishbine’s Jewelers. We’ll catch them in the act and free Honey. You stay home and wait to hear from me. Everything will be fine." And with that he hung up.
As Trixie put the phone down, however, she had a horrible thought. She quickly called Di and asked if she could join them at Manor House. Fortunately, Di was done babysitting and came over.
Just then, the boys returned from changing clothes. Trixie greeted them with "We’ve got problems. Di’s on her way over. Anyone seen Dan? I assume that he’s out on bail."
"Actually, Dad posted bail for him an hour ago. Regan said he’s out in the woods."
Trixie groaned. She quickly filled them in on her phone call with Sergeant Molinson and her new thoughts. Just then, Di arrived and Trixie started all over again.
"So, what do we do?" Di asked when Trixie had finished.
"We’ve got to go back and help Honey," Trixie replied. "If Luke’s smart at all, and he is from all we’ve seen the last couple of days, he’ll know that there’s no way that they’ll get away with their original plan. He’ll try something else and the police won’t be prepared and they’ll get away scott free and…"
"Hold on Trixie," Brian interrupted. "It can’t be all that bad."
"Still," Mart piped up, "she’s got a point. We should probably head out there ourselves. We’ve got them outnumbered."
"I agree with her, too," Jim said.
Brian held up his hands. "I wasn’t saying that Trixie was completely wrong. I was just saying that she was exaggerating slightly."
"Then let’s go!" Mart got up and started for the door.
Trixie and Di were the last to leave the room. As they did, Trixie whispered to Di, "I don’t believe it; every single one of them agreed with me."
"Trixie, they all think you’re tops. They just worry about you is all. You know they’re behind you."
"Yes, but it seems that they so seldom show it."
The five Bob-Whites hiked quickly and quietly into the woods. They didn’t want to waste any energy on conversation. They all knew that every moment might count and they’d wasted enough time already.
As they once again approached the campsite, they could here the sounds of an argument. Trixie recognized the louder voice as being Luke’s, but couldn’t quite make out the other one. Then the other boy spoke louder, and all doubt was erased.
"That’s Dan," Trixie gasped softly.
Jim turned to her and put his finger over his lips, reminding her of the danger they were in by spying.
Nevertheless, Trixie crept quietly closer until she was peering into the clearing. She saw Honey on one side bound hand and foot. Though she wasn’t tied to anything, she was bound so well that she’d never escape. Besides, Pete was standing not two feet away watching the exchange. In the middle of the clearing, Dan and Luke were standing toe to toe yelling at each other.
"Let Honey go, and leave my friends out of this. They’ve done nothing to you."
"They haven’t? I believe it was your friend Trixie who helped get me arrested by getting everyone suspicious. She almost got you arrested too, if you’ll recall. And this girl’s father set up a guard so that I’d get arrested. And they convinced you to stay and took away a friend from me. The best revenge I can think of is to get all of you arrested. Think of the shame to you and your families."
"You’ll never get away with it. Trixie will stop you again. She’s probably on to you already."
"But they’ll never find me. And with both you and Honey hostage, they’ll be too afraid to come near me. This is working out even better than I’d imagined." Luke pulled out a switchblade and started to reach out with it for Dan.
Then everything happened at once. Trixie had been so intent on watching the argument, she hadn’t noticed that she was all alone. Therefore, she was startled when Brian flew out of no where and tackled Pete. The sudden noise made Luke whirl around. He had been in the middle of changing grips, and Dan took advantage of that moment to hit at his knife hand. Jim came from the side and attacked Luke.
While Pete went down right away, Luke had a split second more to recover. He and Jim stood locked in each other’s arms for a moment, then Luke stuck out his foot and pushed Jim hard. Both boys went over and started rolling on the ground trying to get the upper hand. Luke was older and stronger, however, and after a few rolls, he managed to get himself on top of Jim. He pulled his hand back to start pummeling Jim, but suddenly, he was lying on his back himself.
Dan quickly helped Jim up with his left hand, shaking his right, and the two turned to Luke. He lay on the ground, dazed. "Hit him a little harder than I meant to," Dan laughed. "But I had a great teacher. No one knows how to teach others to punch like Luke does."
Mart and Di, meanwhile, had been busy freeing Honey. She sat up and they rubbed her legs and arms to get the circulation back.
Trixie rushed into the clearing. "Is everyone ok?"
Brian looked over from his spot pinning Pete to the ground. "Think so, but we could use some rope to tie these jerks up."
Trixie went over to the mound of supplies the two youths had dumped. Digging in it she found two more pieces of rope and took them to Jim and then Brian. "How about you, Honey? You ok?"
"Now that the circulation is coming back, I’m fine. I was wondering what was taking you so long to come back for me, but obviously you were planning. That was great."
Jim laughed. "Actually, we didn’t plan that at all. In fact, we almost came blazing over here in our swim trunks."
Dan looked surprised. "You mean you did this on the spot?"
Brian nodded. "Well, it was pretty obvious what needed to be done. A couple hand signals and we got started."
Trixie looked around. "And there I stood like an idiot watching. I should have done more."
"What?" Mart asked. "We had everything covered. Besides, you could have gone for more help had we needed it. And who was it who figured all this out in the first place?"
Dan nodded. "I could have been in some serious trouble without your brain."
Brian finished tying Pete and turned his attention to examining Honey. "You’ll be fine."
"Is that your professional opinion, Dr. Belden?"
"Yes, coupled with my knowledge of you, Miss Wheeler. You bounce back almost as fast as my sister."
"Speaking of back," Jim said. "Why don’t we take these two back to our place and call the police again."
It was late the next day before the Bob-Whites had a chance to congregate at the lake. The morning had been spent at the police station giving statements again, chores, and exercising the horses, not necessarily in that order. In the middle of the afternoon, Honey had suggested they all get together for another barbecue and swim.
"I understand this hot weather is supposed to break soon and be a little cooler," Jim said conversationally around his burger.
"I, for one, am glad for that. If I have to keep taking care of the fowl in this weather, I’ll…."
Trixie interrupted his complaint. "Give it a rest, Mart. We all hate having weather this hot for too long."
A chorus of "ayes" greeted her statement.
"I mean, I love swimming and all," Dan said, "but it gets awfully hot patrolling during the middle of the day."
They were silent for a minute, then Di spoke up. "I’m a little unclear on a few things. Would someone mind explaining things to me?"
"I will." It was Trixie. "Remember when Dan first came here and Luke caused all that trouble?"
"How could any of us forget?" Honey asked rhetorically.
"Well, from what Sergeant Molinson told me this morning, Luke was furious when he was arrested then. He vowed he’d get revenge and has been plotting it ever since. He contacted Pete a few months back…."
Dan interrupted. "He was another member of my old gang."
Trixie nodded. "And had Pete camp out here in town watching us. When he saw Dan go off and leave his wallet, he grabbed it, knowing that they could use it later."
Jim shook his head. "Of course, that’s why it wasn’t there when you and I went back to get it five minutes later."
"Then when Luke made good on his plan to escape, he came straight here. He lay low for a while double checking Pete’s work and just following us."
Mart hit his head with his hand. "So he knew I’d left the door to the clubhouse unlocked and grabbed anything he could that he could use against us."
Trixie took a long swallow of her soda before continuing. "Right. He found Dan’s jacket, of all people, and swiped the keys. He figured that he’d better get started. Pete was the one who planned the bank robbery. They lucked out with that shipment of marked bills. They hoped they could use them to further frame Dan and did. They used what they had stolen to frame Dan, and later us. And did a darn good job of it, too."
Dan smiled. "Fortunately, you were on my side. Sergeant Molinson told me this morning that the evidence could have sent me away for quite a long time. And you figured out where they were hiding in the preserve. You saved me there again."
Trixie turned to look at him. "How did you know that’s where they were hiding? You must have gone straight there when you got back."
"I did. When we were putting out the fire that night, I stumbled on a piece of a leather jacket in a thicket. I looked harder and saw one of the gang’s symbols on it. I didn’t want to worry you. But it almost cost me everything."
Mart shook his head. "Hey, man, we’re here for you all the time. If you need us, let us know. We’re your friends. We want to help."
Dan nodded. "I know. I was feeling like you guys didn’t care and I’d need to take care of things on my own. I was stupid. Can you forgive me?"
Honey reached over and hugged him. "Of course."
"Which reminds me," Brian said, "I still want to talk to you about camp. We got sidetracked Friday and it never came up again. What’s the deal? I thought you had your heart set on working with us this year."
"I did, but I chickened out on asking if I could go. However, someone was on to that, too." He looked meaningfully at Honey. "I had a nice long talk with Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Maypenny, and Uncle Bill this afternoon. They want me to go to the camp and to take more time off to spend with you guys on all your activities and trips. And Uncle Bill is even talking about taking me on a trip just the two of us this summer."
Honey studied her feet, but Jim spoke up. "So that’s what that conversation was all about when we got back. Does this mean you’ll be joining us for that camping trip next week?"
"Sure does, and I can’t wait."
"That’s great!" Honey cried.
Mart looked sideways at Brian and Jim. "So, you want to feel like part of the group?"
Dan noticed the looks passing from one to the other of the boys. "Oh, no."
He started to stand up, but it was too late. Brian, Mart, and Jim were on him in a flash. He struggled in vain as they took him to the edge of the dock. "On three," Mart called. "One. Two. Three."
Mart was so intent on throwing Dan in, however, that he didn’t watch his back. Dan had hardly hit the water before he too found himself falling forward. He came up to find Trixie being pushed toward the edge by Brian and Jim while Honey and Di tried to keep her from being pushed in.
"Come on," Trixie cried, "think of all the tricks that he’s played on me. Look at your haircuts. Why can’t I push him in just once?"
Jim and Brian stopped, and Mart called out, "What are you stopping for? Throw her in for men everywhere!"
Brian grinned sideways at Jim. "I think my little sister has a point."
Jim nodded sagely. "I think so, too. Mart is awfully mean to her at times."
Mart noticed the looks passing between them and started trying to swim away. Brian and Jim let go of Trixie and dove smoothly into the lake after Mart. When they caught him, they started dunking him. "Traitors!" he screamed between dunks.
Back on the docks, the girls high-fived each other. "I never thought that would work," Trixie commented. "Well, are we ready to join them?"
For an answer, Honey dove into the water, followed closely by Di. Trixie waited for a moment watching her friends splash and dunk each other. I hope this is the start of a great summer, she thought as she dove into the water.
The End