“We all like you a lot, too, Nancy,” Jessie said. “But we kept noticing things about you that didn’t make sense.”
“Like what?” Nancy asked.
Before anyone could answer, there was a knock at the cabin door. It was the young man named Tony. “I’m sorry to bother you,” he said to Henry, who opened the door. “I’m looking for Nancy Baldwin. Have you seen her?”
“Tony!” Nancy cried. She jumped up from the chair as Henry let Tony in. “I called Mother and Dad,” she told him. “I’m coming home. And then I’m going to college.”
Tony looked very happy. “That’s great, Nancy!”
Nancy turned to the others. “This is my brother,” she said. “Tony Baldwin.”
“We thought he might be your brother,” Jessie said. “Or your boyfriend.”
“You mean you’ve met?” Nancy asked.
“Not exactly,” Violet said. “But I saw his picture in your room that morning Jessie and I came to get you. And when he came into the store yesterday, I recognized him.”
“You sure did guess a lot about me,” Nancy said. Suddenly, she looked at Mrs. Edwards, who had been sitting quietly on the couch, listening to the conversation. “I’m sorry,” she said to Mrs. Edwards. “I know your name. But I still don’t know who you are.”
“I do, Nancy,” Tony said. “Mrs. Edwards is a private investigator.”
“Wow!” Benny said. “A real one?”
Mrs. Edwards smiled. She had a nice smile. “Yes, a real one,” she said.
“Mother and Dad hired her to find you and keep an eye on you,” Tony explained to Nancy. “They wanted to know you were safe.”
“So that’s why you went into her cabin,” Violet said. “To make sure she was the right Nancy.”
“And that’s why I didn’t want to drive you anywhere this morning,” Mrs. Edwards said to Nancy. “You were in such a hurry, I thought you were running away again.”
“Now I feel silly,” Jessie said to Mrs. Edwards. “I thought you and Nancy might be doing something together to hurt Mr. Taylor’s store.” She told them about the shopping bags. “I'm glad I was wrong.”
“I bought things at the shopping center because I didn’t want to keep coming into the general store,” Mrs. Edwards said. “I didn’t want Nancy to suspect me.”
“I bought my alarm clock there,” Nancy said. “And a few other things. But I would never do anything to hurt Mr. Taylor’s store.”
“We know that now,” Jessie said with a smile.
“I’m going to miss working there,” Nancy said. “Even though I wasn’t very good at it.”
“What did Mom and Dad say when you talked to them?” Tony asked.
“They said they’d try not to tell me what to do so much,” Nancy answered. “I didn’t think they would be so understanding.”
“It’s like when we ran away from Grandfather,” Benny said. “We didn’t know how kind he was.”
“That’s right, Benny,” Violet said. Suddenly, Jessie jumped up from her chair by the table. “Everyone must be starving,” she said. “Let’s have some breakfast.”
“Tell me what else you figured out about me,” Nancy said to the Aldens, as they started to fix breakfast.
While Jessie cooked the pancakes, she and the others took turns telling Nancy everything. They talked about how much trouble she had in the store and how nervous she got when they asked her about her family. Jessie and Violet talked about her ring.
Nancy looked down at her hand. She wasn’t wearing the ring. “My parents gave it to me. I wore it because even though I was mad at them, I missed them, and it reminded me of them. But after you saw it, I put it away. It’s a real emerald.”
“That’s what Jessie and I thought,” Violet said.
“That made us think you weren’t poor, like you said,” Jessie told Nancy. “And Violet noticed that your cabin was bare,” she continued, turning the pancakes over. “If you’d been on your own for a year, you would have had a lot more things.”
“Things like socks and shirts, especially,” Henry said. “Jessie saw you take the T-shirt. You didn’t really steal from Mr. Taylor, did you?”
“Oh, no!” Nancy cried. “I wouldn’t do anything like that. I took some socks and a shirt because when I ran away, I didn’t bring enough clothes. I just didn’t want anyone to start asking why I needed such basic things, so I took them. Then, later, I put the money in the cash register.”
“So that’s what you were doing,” Jessie said. “Henry and I saw you but we couldn’t understand why.”
“And I couldn’t understand why Tony looked so familiar when he came into the store,” Violet said. “Then when we saw you at the picnic spot later, I remembered the picture in your cabin.”
“You followed us to the picnic spot?” Nancy asked.
“We were worried about you,” Jessie said. “We thought you were in some kind of trouble.”
“We were afraid to ask you because we thought you might get scared and run away,” Henry said. “We wanted to help, but we weren’t sure what to do.”
“You helped just by being my friends,” Nancy said. “And you sure did figure out a lot about me.”
“We like mysteries,” Benny told her.
“And you were a mystery, Nancy,” Jessie said.
Everyone laughed. Then Jessie said, “The pancakes are ready. Let’s eat!”
“Good,” Benny said. He looked at Mrs. Edwards. “Do private investigators like pancakes?”
“This one does, Benny,” Mrs. Edwards answered.
Everyone got a plate, and Jessie served the pancakes. They were all starting to eat when Aunt Jane arrived.
“Aunt Jane!” Benny shouted, opening the door for her. “Wait until you hear! We solved another mystery!”
“Come eat with us, Aunt Jane,” Jessie said. “We’ll tell you all about it.”
When she had heard the story, Aunt Jane smiled. “You all have certainly been busy,” she said. “Working in a store and helping to solve a mystery.”
“And being my friends,” Nancy said. “I’ll miss you all.”
Violet asked, “Will you be leaving soon?”
“As soon as I can,” Nancy said. “But don’t worry, Mr. Taylor. I told my parents I couldn’t go until you found someone to take my place.” She laughed. “Thanks to the Aldens, I can really work in a store now.”
“That’s good, Nancy,” Aunt Jane said. “But you might be able to go very soon.” She turned to Mr. Taylor. “I found someone who wants to work in your store, Jerry,” she said. “Her name is Jenny Parks. She just moved to Elmford, and she has worked in a lot of stores. She’ll come out to see you tomorrow.”
Mr. Taylor looked very happy. “Thank you, Jane,” he said. “That’s wonderful news.”
After breakfast, Mrs. Edwards said good-bye and left. Tony drove into Elmford where he had been staying so he could pack his things. The others walked with Mr. Taylor to open the store.
“What a morning this has been,” Nancy said as they all went inside. “So much has happened!”
“I told you we’re always having adventures,” Benny said.
“Yes, you did, Benny,” Nancy laughed.
In just a few minutes, a customer arrived. She walked over to Mr. Taylor. “I just wanted you to know that I’ve tried that new Elmford Shopping Center,” she said to him.
Mr. Taylor looked worried. “Yes?”
The customer nodded. “And your store is much better,” she said firmly. “Your fruit and vegetables are fresher. Your fabric is just as good. And your prices are much better.”
Mr. Taylor looked relieved. “That’s very good to hear,” he said.
“I knew your customers wouldn’t desert you, Jerry,” Aunt Jane said.
“I’m beginning to think you’re right,” Mr. Taylor said.
Aunt Jane was just about to leave when a man came into the store. “Hello, Dick,” she said. “Look, Jerry, it’s Dick Forest, who used to work here.”
“Hi, Mr. Taylor,” Dick said. He looked around and saw Nancy and the Aldens putting out fruit, dusting, and pricing things. “I see you have plenty of people working for you.”
“As a matter of fact, I don’t,” Mr. Taylor said. He explained that Nancy and the Aldens would be leaving soon.
Dick looked very happy. “Then would you hire me again?” he asked.
“Of course I would,” Mr. Taylor said. “But what about your job at the Elmford Shopping Center?”
Dick shook his head. “I quit, Mr. Taylor. I thought it would be a nice place to work. But the people who own it aren’t very friendly. I’m just not happy there.”
“Then you’re welcome to come back here,” Mr. Taylor said. “That way, we’ll both be happy.”
The Aldens smiled at each other. “Everything is turning out great,” Jessie said.
“Now when we all go home, we won’t have to worry about Mr. Taylor not having anyone to work for him,” Henry said.
“I’m glad,” Violet said. “I can’t wait to see Grandfather and tell him about it.”
Benny went over to Jerry Taylor. “Aren’t you glad, Mr. Taylor?” he said. “Now you have someone to take our place.”
“I’m glad about Dick, Benny,” Mr. Taylor said with a smile. He looked at all the Aldens. “But no one can ever replace the four of you.”
“That’s what Grandfather says,” Benny told him.
“He’s right,” Mr. Taylor said.
Violet smiled at Mr. Taylor. “I’m glad everything is working out for you,” she said. “Maybe I could make more signs for your store someday.”
“That would be just fine, Violet,” Mr. Taylor said.
“And maybe when we come to visit Aunt Jane again, we could work here, just for a day,” Benny said.
Mr. Taylor laughed. “You’re all welcome here anytime, and you don’t have to do any work,” he said. “But if I ever do need help again, I’ll know exactly who to turn to.”
“You can count on us anytime, Mr. Taylor,”Benny said.
“Right,” Jessie said.
“Yes,” Violet said. “But now it’s time to go home to Grandfather.”
About the Author
GERTRUDE CHANDLER WARNER discovered when she was teaching that many readers who like an exciting story could find no books that were both easy and fun to read. She decided to try to meet this need, and her first book, The Boxcar Children, quickly proved she had succeeded.
Miss Warner drew on her own experiences to write each mystery. As a child she spent hours watching trains go by on the tracks opposite her family home. She often dreamed about what it would be like to set up housekeeping in a caboose or freight car—the situation the Alden children find themselves in.
When Miss Warner received requests for more adventures involving Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden, she began additional stories. In each, she chose a special setting and introduced unusual or eccentric characters who liked the unpredictable.
While the mystery element is central to each of Miss Warner’s books, she never thought of them as strictly juvenile mysteries. She liked to stress the Aldens’ independence and resourcefulness and their solid New England devotion to using up and making do. The Aldens go about most of their adventures with as little adult supervision as possible—something else that delights young readers.
Miss Warner lived in Putnam, Connecticut, until her death in 1979. During her lifetime, she received hundreds of letters from girls and boys telling her how much they liked her books.
The Boxcar Children Mysteries
THE BOXCAR CHILDREN
SURPRISE ISLAND
THE YELLOW HOUSE MYSTERY
MYSTERY RANCH
MIKE’S MYSTERY
BLUE BAY MYSTERY
THE WOODSHED MYSTERY
THE LIGHTHOUSE MYSTERY
MOUNTAIN TOP MYSTERY
SCHOOLHOUSE MYSTERY
CABOOSE MYSTERY
HOUSEBOAT MYSTERY
SNOWBOUND MYSTERY
TREE HOUSE MYSTERY
BICYCLE MYSTERY
MYSTERY IN THE SAND
MYSTERY BEHIND THE WALL
BUS STATION MYSTERY
BENNY UNCOVERS A MYSTERY
THE HAUNTED CABIN MYSTERY
THE DESERTED LIBRARY MYSTERY
THE ANIMAL SHELTER MYSTERY
THE OLD MOTEL MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE HIDDEN PAINTING
THE AMUSEMENT PARK MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE MIXED-UP ZOO
THE CAMP-OUT MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY GIRL
THE MYSTERY CRUISE
THE DISAPPEARING FRIEND MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE SINGING GHOST
MYSTERY IN THE SNOW
THE PIZZA MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY HORSE
THE MYSTERY AT THE DOG SHOW
THE CASTLE MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST VILLAGE
THE MYSTERY ON THE ICE
THE MYSTERY OF THE PURPLE POOL
THE GHOST SHIP MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY IN WASHINGTON, DC
THE CANOE TRIP MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE HIDDEN BEACH
THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING CAT
THE MYSTERY AT SNOWFLAKE INN
THE MYSTERY ON STAGE
THE DINOSAUR MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN MUSIC
THE MYSTERY AT THE BALL PARK
THE CHOCOLATE SUNDAE MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE HOT AIR BALLOON
THE MYSTERY BOOKSTORE
THE PILGRIM VILLAGE MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN BOXCAR
THE MYSTERY IN THE CAVE
THE MYSTERY ON THE TRAIN
THE MYSTERY AT THE FAIR
THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST MINE
THE GUIDE DOG MYSTERY
THE HURRICANE MYSTERY
THE PET SHOP MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE SECRET MESSAGE
THE FIREHOUSE MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY IN SAN FRANCISCO
THE NIAGARA FALLS MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY AT THE ALAMO
THE OUTER SPACE MYSTERY
THE SOCCER MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY IN THE OLD ATTIC
THE GROWLING BEAR MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE LAKE MONSTER
THE MYSTERY AT PEACOCK HALL
THE WINDY CITY MYSTERY
THE BLACK PEARL MYSTERY
THE CEREAL BOX MYSTERY
THE PANTHER MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE QUEEN’S JEWELS
THE STOLEN SWORD MYSTERY
THE BASKETBALL MYSTERY
THE MOVIE STAR MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE PIRATE’S MAP
THE GHOST TOWN MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE BLACK RAVEN
THE MYSTERY IN THE MALL
THE MYSTERY IN NEW YORK
THE GYMNASTICS MYSTERY
THE POISON FROG MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE EMPTY SAFE
THE HOME RUN MYSTERY
THE GREAT BICYCLE RACE MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE WILD PONIES
THE MYSTERY IN THE COMPUTER GAME
THE MYSTERY AT THE CROOKED HOUSE
THE HOCKEY MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE SCREECH OWL
THE SUMMER CAMP MYSTERY
THE COPYCAT MYSTERY
THE HAUNTED CLOCK TOWER MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE TIGER’S EYE
THE DISAPPEARING STAIRCASE MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY ON BLIZZARD MOUNTAIN
THE MYSTERY OF THE SPIDER’S CLUE
THE CANDY FACTORY MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE MUMMY’S CURSE
THE MYSTERY OF THE STAR RUBY
THE STUFFED BEAR MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF ALLIGATOR SWAMP
THE MYSTERY AT SKELETON POINT
THE TATTLETALE MYSTERY
THE COMIC BOOK MYSTERY
THE GREAT SHA
RK MYSTERY
THE ICE CREAM MYSTERY
THE MIDNIGHT MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY IN THE FORTUNE COOKIE
THE BLACK WIDOW SPIDER MYSTERY
THE RADIO MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE RUNAWAY GHOST
THE FINDERS KEEPERS MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED BOXCAR
THE CLUE IN THE CORN MAZE
THE GHOST OF THE CHATTERING BONES
THE SWORD OF THE SILVER KNIGHT
THE GAME STORE MYSTERY
THE MYSTERY OF THE ORPHAN TRAIN
THE VANISHING PASSENGER
THE GIANT YO-YO MYSTERY
THE CREATURE IN OGOPOGO LAKE
THE ROCK ’N’ ROLL MYSTERY
THE SECRET OF THE MASK
THE SEATTLE PUZZLE
THE GHOST IN THE FIRST ROW
THE BOX THAT WATCH FOUND
A HORSE NAMED DRAGON
THE GREAT DETECTIVE RACE
THE GHOST AT THE DRIVE-IN MOVIE
THE MYSTERY OF THE TRAVELING TOMATOES
THE SPY GAME
THE DOG-GONE MYSTERY
THE VAMPIRE MYSTERY
SUPERSTAR WATCH
THE SPY IN THE BLEACHERS
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
copyright © 1992 by Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN: 978-1-4532-1256-1
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