“When we were there the other day, we figured out it was someone with a rake,” Jessie said. “We found one there. It made marks that looked like claws. So we know what caused it, but not who did it.”
“Oh, hey!” Henry cried. “I just remembered something. Follow me.” He walked briskly to the corner then turned down a dirt alley.
“Where are we going?” Violet asked.
“I think this is where I saw it,” Henry said. “We wandered by here the other day on our way to town.”
In the middle of the block they came to a back yard. Yellowed cornstalks lined the fence. There were two compost barrels inside. A stone path led to a tool shed. “There it is,” Henry said, pointing.
“What are we looking for?” Benny asked.
Henry went to a cluster of tools leaning against a shed. There was a broom and mop, shovels, a hoe and ladder, and two rakes. He untangled one of the rakes and pulled it out. “I noticed this the other day and just now made the connection,” he said.
The rake’s tines were covered with pumpkin guts. A familiar chicken coop was in the center of the lawn.
“Wait a minute!” Benny cried. He looked around then hurried up the side yard. “Daniel lives here. This is his house. We’re back where we started.”
“Then let’s knock on his door,” Jessie said.
The children went onto the front porch. Through the window they could see a cozy room. There was a woodstove and a pleasant clutter of books. A cat slept in a wingback chair. Daniel sat on a small couch with his laptop, typing away. At first he didn’t hear the children knock.
They tried again.
“Come in!” he finally answered.
Henry left the rake on the porch. “We’re sorry to bother you, Daniel,” he said. “We just have one more question. Benny?”
Benny asked about the barn.
Daniel went to the chair and picked up his cat. He held it in his arms. It purred loudly as he pet it. “Yes,” he said. “I snuck into the barn with my rake. I also used the one there to make the claw marks.”
The children watched Daniel. At that moment, it seemed his cat was his only friend in the world.
“But why make such a big sloppy mess?” Violet finally asked.
“I was trying to interrupt things,” said Daniel. “I was wrong to let my frustrations get out of control. But before you kids go, let me show you something.” He set his cat in the chair and returned to his laptop.
Daniel scrolled to the Harvest Festival website. He clicked through the comments and photos. “See? I deleted all the negative posts and the rumors. I’m about to write a public apology.”
The children said good night then left Daniel’s cottage. “We won’t know until tomorrow if Daniel saved the festival,” Henry said.
As they walked back to Mrs. Riley’s the foothills glowed with moonlight. It was a beautiful, frosty night. They quickened their pace to stay warm, and because they were hungry.
“Dinner’s going to taste better than ever tonight,” said Benny.
“That’s what you always say, Benny,” Jessie said, chuckling. “But I think you might be right this time.”
A Big Announcement
After sunrise the next morning, the children walked to town, excited to get to the festival grounds. Jessie kept Watch on a leash so he wouldn’t chase any cats. As they passed Daniel’s garden, they waved to him. He was gathering eggs from his chicken coop. “See you at the festival,” he called. “I’ll have a surprise for you.”
“I wonder what kind of surprise,” Violet said.
Jessie glanced back at the cottage. “Daniel already told us he’s sorry,” she said. “He doesn’t have to give us anything.”
When the Aldens reached the park, they heard the happy chatter of children on the playground. Families were lining up for the breakfast cooking on portable stoves. There was a good aroma of pancakes and sausage.
“I love pancakes!” Benny announced as he got his plate and stood in line.
“We know,” Henry said with a laugh. “I’m just glad people are showing up. This is a good sign.”
Long tables were decorated with jack-o’-lanterns. A man and woman with Judge badges were discussing the artistic sugar beets. They tacked award ribbons to each one. “Oh, look,” Violet said. “Mine got Most Friendly. I like that. Where’s yours, Benny?”
“Over there somewhere,” he said. “Let’s eat first then go looking around.”
At the tables families passed jugs of maple syrup. They passed plates of butter and bowls of baked apples. Mrs. Riley came around with the pitcher of orange juice. “Good morning, all,” she said. “Thank you for coming to our first Harvest Festival.” A beautiful beaded clip held her dark hair away from her face. She looked happy and relaxed.
While the Alden children ate breakfast, they saw Daniel and Mayor Chang. The two stood by the large coffee jug with their insulated mugs from home. They were talking to each other. Daniel appeared to be listening to the mayor. Then she appeared to be listening to him. They refilled their mugs.
“I wonder what they’re talking about,” Violet said. “They seem to be having a serious conversation.”
“At least they don’t look mad,” Benny said.
Just then the mayor reached out to shake Daniel’s hand. They smiled at each other. They got more coffee then went to talk to other people.
“Whew,” Henry said. “Looks like everything’s okay.”
“I’m relieved,” Jessie said, “but we still have another question.” She opened her notebook, and Henry read the clues. All but two were checked off.
“Oh, that’s right,” Henry said. “What happened to the bones we saw in the clearing?”
“And who was that hairy man?” Benny added.
“He sure acted like he was hiding something,” said Violet.
Jessie returned her notebook to her pack. “I hope we can solve this mystery by tonight, before we leave tomorrow morning.”
It was a sunny, cool day. The park was festive with flags and banners. Bunches of colored balloons bobbed in the breeze. The grassy field was busy with artists selling their goods. Their booths displayed paintings, homemade jams, and cookies. There were knit scarves and hats, quilts, and jewelry. Do your Christmas Shopping Early, read one sign. Another said From Creatures Big and Small. Follow the Arrows.
“What kind of creatures?” Benny wondered.
“Let’s find out,” said Violet.
The children wandered among the cheerful exhibits and tables. The arrows led to a three-sided tent with a wooden sign that said Idaho Originals—From Creatures Big and Small. Two tables displayed lamps and hat racks made from antlers. A chandelier hung from a tall pole. It had been wired together from a cluster of antlers with pointed tips. There were small toy animals carved from bone, also tiny flutes and whistles.
“Check out this coat rack,” said Jessie. “It’s identical to Mrs. Riley’s, the one by her back door.”
“Cool,” said Benny.
“Wouldn’t Grandfather like these?” Henry said. He was admiring a set of checkers. The white markers were from bones. The black ones had tiny holes in their surfaces. “Are these from lava?” he asked the man behind the table.
“That’s right,” he answered. “Years ago it flowed from active volcanoes around here. The desert is full of lava fields.” The man had a full beard that lifted when he smiled at the Aldens. His eyes twinkled as if he knew them. But Benny just stared at him. Jessie and Violet gasped. Henry caught his breath and said, “We saw you in the foothills the other day! You were putting bones and stuff into a big bag.”
“Oh, was that you children? I have to admit it was a rather odd way to meet,” he said. The bearded man wore a long-sleeved flannel shirt and a down vest to protect against the autumn chill. His long curly hair was pulled back into a ponytail. “My name’s Cal. What are yours?”
The children introduced themselves. They described their weekend and the werewolf. “But we could
n’t figure out what all those bones were from,” Henry told him.
“It seems we keep having more and more questions,” Jessie said.
“Such as, what was I doing up there?” Cal asked with a smile.
“And what do bones have to do with the Harvest Festival?” Violet wanted to know.
“Those are very good questions,” Cal said. He looked impressed. “I’m a different type of harvester. I go hiking through the woods and sagebrush. When deer shed their antlers on the ground, I gather them up. As for bones, when animals die in the wild, scavengers feast on their meat. Magpies and wolves are common around here, so I just wait for them to do their job. Then I collect the bones.”
“That’s a lot of work,” Henry said. “What do you do then?”
“I soak them in a cleaning solution,” Cal explained. “After they’re sterilized, I spread them on a patch of lava. The black rock absorbs the heat and helps the drying process. Summer and early fall are best because of how these hillsides bake in the sun.”
“How do you think of things to make?” Benny asked.
Cal smiled. “That is the best part. I haul everything home and imagine what I might create. It’s peaceful and fun. I make my living by selling online and to neighbors. That’s why I hurried away the other day. I’m not supposed to be using public land for my business, but laws are changing. I hope to get a permit soon.”
“We’re sorry we scared you,” said Violet.
Cal laughed. “I’m sorry I scared you!”
Late that afternoon, smoke rose from a fire pit in the park. People arrived with picnic baskets and blankets to spread in the grass. Women from the Shoshone-Bannock tribe set up camp stoves to share Indian fry bread. Ellen brought a bucket of homemade ice cream to share.
Mayor Chang looked at the families settling in with their dinners. “I’m happy to see so many of you,” she said. Her voice carried clearly through the brisk air. “As some of you know, we were going to have a big announcement today. But we have decided to wait.”
A rustle went through the crowd.
“We’ll have a town hall meeting next week,” Mayor Chang continued. “It will be a chance for everyone to voice their opinions. Before we invite more development to our community, I’ve decided that all sides should be heard. It’s wise to consider Idaho’s wildlife and to think about the peaceful environment so dear to all of us.”
Applause broke out. Someone shouted, “Terrific!” Another person yelled, “Thank you, Mayor Chang.”
She gave a slight nod then held up her hand. “One last thing,” she said. “I want to thank the Alden kids for helping us all put the silly rumors that have been floating around to rest. The Harvest Festival tradition may not have started at all without them. Have a wonderful evening, everyone.”
Grandfather spread a quilt in the grass. Mrs. Riley opened a large wicker basket. She took out sandwiches and grapes. She said, “I’ve invited Daniel to join us. He has an award for each of you.”
“An award? Really?” Jessie said.
“What for?” Henry asked.
Daniel soon arrived with a small canvas bag. “Good evening,” he said. “Susan, may I present these before we eat? I see some wiggling.”
Benny was so excited, he was sitting on his hands. His eyes were bright.
“By all means,” Mrs. Riley said.
“So now the surprise,” Daniel said to the children. “Several months ago my friends and I started a recycling program in Townsend. This weekend we noticed you kids picking up random papers and garbage. No one asked you to do this. And you’ve been sorting them into the proper bins. We’re impressed.”
Benny said, “Grandfather taught us to pick up after ourselves.”
“But we don’t need an award,” said Jessie. “It’s a habit.”
“Well, anyway,” Daniel continued, “I wanted to give you something to remember Townsend by. Something to carry home with you. It won’t crumble like cookies or break like an egg.” He opened his bag and took out four T-shirts. “Your grandfather told me your sizes.”
“Yay!” Benny shouted. “I love cookies, but I like this too!”
“What does it say?” Violet asked.
“Save the Sage Grouse,” said Jessie. “It’s perfect. Thank you, Daniel.”
Daniel smiled. “You kids are most welcome. We hope you come back to Townsend soon.”
“I agree,” said Mrs. Riley.
Benny was still excited. “Grandfather, can we please come back?” he said. “Maybe we could look for Bigfoot!”
Turn the page to read a sneak preview of
THE DAY OF THE DEAD MYSTERY
the next
Boxcar Children mystery!
When the Aldens arrived at the Hidalgos’ the next morning, Gloria and Mrs. Hidalgo were just finishing setting up the materials for making the Day of the Dead decorations on the long table in the dining room.
“You look like yourself again,” Violet said to Gloria. Now that Halloween was over, Gloria’s dark, wavy hair hung down her back, and she had on her favorite gold earrings, shaped like tiny birds.
“I’ll let you kids get to work,” Mrs. Hidalgo said. She opened the door that revealed stairs down to the basement. “I’ll be down in my studio if you need me.”
“Are you working on something new?” Henry asked. Mrs. Hidalgo was an artist known for her colorful clay sculptures of animals. Back in September, Grandfather had taken the children to see a collection of her work at the Greenfield Art Gallery.
“Yes,” she said, “an iguana!” She wiggled her fingers the way iguanas moved their long, green toes. “But don’t tell Mateo. I am going to give it to him for his birthday.”
Benny gave her a serious nod. “We promise to keep it a secret.”
Mrs. Hidalgo waved and disappeared down the stairs. Jessie looked at Gloria. “Where is Mateo?” Jessie asked. “Is he feeling better after eating all that Halloween candy?”
Gloria’s smile faded. “Well, the good news is that he’s feeling better. He was up early this morning and went out to see a friend. But I wish he were here to help make the decorations. He’s usually so excited for Day of the Dead.”
“Don’t worry,” Jessie said. “I’m sure he’ll be back soon. And for now we’re here to help.”
“It’s going to be fun,” Gloria said, cheering up. She unwrapped a package of tissue paper that included every color of the rainbow.
Violet felt her imagination start to leap and dance as she imagined all the things they could make. “Where should we begin?” she asked Gloria.
“How about by cutting some paper?” said Gloria. “In Spanish this is called papel picado.”
She picked up a piece of orange tissue paper from the top of the pile and showed the Aldens how to fold it and use the tip of a pair of scissors to cut out shapes. When she unfolded the paper again, light shone through the holes. “We will string all these together in a line and hang them from tree to tree in the park,” she said. “When the breeze blows through them, they flutter in the air. I love the way they look.”
“Oh, they must be so festive with all the different colors,” Violet said. Benny selected a yellow piece of tissue and Violet chose pink. They both got to work cutting out the designs.
“This reminds me of cutting paper snowflakes with Mrs. McGregor when we had a snow day last winter,” Benny said. “Remember how many we made?”
Jessie laughed. “We taped so many on the windows, Grandfather could hardly see inside when he came home.”
“And poor Watch could hardly see outside to watch the squirrels,” Benny said.
At the other end of the table, Gloria tore a piece of wax paper from a roll and spread it on a cookie sheet. Then she took the lid off a plastic food container and began carefully lifting out small white candies.
“Jessie, could you help me with the sugar skulls?” Gloria asked.
“Sure,” Jessie said. She came down to Gloria’s side of the table. “What are these f
or?”
“They are sugar skulls, or calaveras de azúcar. My mom did the first part by making the candies in the shape of skulls and setting them out to dry. Now we need to decorate them with frosting—the brighter and more creative, the better,” she said.
“Did I hear someone say frosting?” Benny asked, perking up.
Gloria laughed. “We have a lot of decorating to do, so there’s plenty of work to go around,” she said. “Although most of these will go on the altar. The rest we can eat, but not until tomorrow.”
“Hmm,” Benny said. He was much more interested in the eating than the decorating. “I think I’d better stick to paper.”
Jessie laughed. “That’s okay, Benny.” She turned back to Gloria. “How do the skulls fit in to the celebration?” she asked. Skulls had always seemed spooky to her, but she could tell they meant something different to Gloria and her family.
“In our culture,” Gloria said, “death isn’t something to be afraid of. It’s just a natural part of life. Bright colors and silly frosting faces painted on the skulls, plus music and games and good food, all help us remember to celebrate the people we lost instead of being sad.”
Gloria helped Jessie spoon red, yellow, and purple frosting into separate pastry bags. Then she began to pipe designs on the sugar skulls and place them one by one on the cookie sheet to dry.
“Last but not least, we have the flowers,” Gloria said. Henry said he would help with those. Gloria opened a new package of orange tissue paper and showed Henry how to fold a stack of sheets in an accordion pattern, tie them at the center, and fluff out the layers of paper until it looked like a marigold blossom.
“My mom will add these to the altar along with real marigold petals. The tradition says that the bright orange color and the beautiful scent of the flowers help guide spirits back to earth on this special night when they can visit us.”
Violet looked up from the paper she was cutting. “Gloria, those flowers remind me of the flowers on your great-grandmother’s bracelet. The one we saw last night.”
The Legend of the Howling Werewolf Page 6
