Sydney and the Wisconsin Whispering Woods

by Jean Fischer

  Alexis took the pole and inspected it. “I’ve fished with cane poles,” she said. “But I’ve never used one of these.”

  “I have,” said Sydney. “But I’m not very good at it.”

  “Then come on outside, and I’ll give you a lesson,” Mr. Miller said.

  It took a few tries for the girls to get comfortable using the rod and reel. Soon, they cast the line into the water like pros. The reel allowed them to hang onto the pole and throw the line a good distance into the water, way out where the big fish swim.

  Mr. Miller was friendly and helpful. He seemed genuinely pleased that the girls had entered the contest. He told them that they could use the poles for free, and he gave them some bait—a small pail filled with water and two dozen tiny gray fish called minnows. He also gave them a Styrofoam container like the one Duncan had, filled with squirming night crawlers.

  Neither of the girls liked the idea of using live bait, but Mr. Miller convinced them that they had to. “You can’t fish without live bait,” he said. “If you want to be serious contenders in the contest, then you have to get over being squeamish.”

  Sydney had one more question before she and Alexis left the bait shop. “What do you know about Jacques Chouteau?” she asked.

  “Oh, he’s quite the legend around here,” Mr. Miller said. “Jacques Chouteau was a French fur trapper. He hung out in northern Wisconsin way back in the 1800s. Mostly, he trapped beavers around here. Then he skinned them and sold their pelts to the Indians across the lake.”

  Mr. Miller took two ice-cream bars out of a nearby freezer case and handed one to each of the girls. He opened a can of soda for himself and sat down on a stool behind the counter.

  “They say Jacques made camp somewhere in the forest around here, though I don’t know exactly where. There’re caves deep in the woods, a bunch of ‘em hidden under mounds of earth and among the trees, so you don’t even know that they’re there. Folks say old Jacques hid his furs inside those caves—and his money, too.” Mr. Miller took a long drink of soda before he continued. “One day, he told folks he was gonna take his canoe over to the other side of the lake to do some trading at an Indian camp. That’s the last anyone saw or heard from him. He set out across the lake on a nice, clear day, and he never came back.”

  Sydney licked the last bit of her vanilla ice cream off the wooden stick. “A kid at the resort says the ghost of Jacques Chouteau haunts the woods. Is that true?”

  Mr. Miller put his elbows on the counter and leaned forward.

  “Well, it just might be,” he said mysteriously. “The legend says that Jacques Chouteau died in the woods, and his soul cries out sometimes. It moans, begging for someone to come and save him—”

  Suddenly, the door swung open, and the girls jumped. The man from the lunch counter at the ice cream shop came inside. He had two buddies with him, and when he saw the girls with their fishing poles, he laughed.

  “You girls are really serious about fishing in the contest, aren’t you?” he said. “You haven’t got a chance.”

  Sydney was about to give him a piece of her mind when Mr. Miller came to her defense. “Now, Fred,” he said. “Leave ‘em alone. I think they’ll do just fine.”

  The man named Fred walked past the girls like they were invisible. He took a spool of fishing line from the rack on the counter and paid for it. “My boy, Duncan, is gonna win the dock contest,” he said. “He doesn’t need these girls getting in his way.”

  Sydney felt her face turn hot. She was tempted to speak when Alexis tugged on her arm. “Let’s go,” she said. She thanked Mr. Miller for his help, and then they walked out the door.

  “So that’s Duncan’s dad,” Sydney said as they walked back to the resort. “It figures. They’re both rude.”

  “We don’t know them that well yet,” said Alexis. “I’m sure there’s something good about them. I don’t think they’re bad people. I remember on one TV show I watched, everyone hated this dad and son because they seemed obnoxious. But they turned out to be really nice.”

  Sydney said nothing.

  It was almost suppertime, and when they got back to the cabin, Aunt Dee was on the porch reading a book. “Hey, girls,” she said cheerfully. “How was your day?”

  Biscuit slept near her feet looking like an angel.

  “It was okay,” Sydney told her. “We entered a fishing contest, and we just got back from the bait shop. Did you bring that list of fish that I texted you about?”

  “It’s on the kitchen table,” Aunt Dee said. “And what’s that thawing on the counter?”

  “Pizza dough,” said Alexis. “We thought we’d make pizza for supper.”

  The girls got busy in the kitchen. They saved a glob of the dough for bait and put it in the refrigerator. Then Alexis rolled out the rest for the crust. Sydney sprinkled it with olive oil, spread on some tomato sauce, and put on the toppings. They made a salad, and before long the girls and Aunt Dee sat at the kitchen table eating delicious slices of gooey homemade pizza.

  “This is so good, girls,” said Aunt Dee. “I’m glad you thought of it. Since you made dinner, I’ll take care of the dishes tonight.”

  Sydney popped the last bite of pizza into her mouth and drank some milk. “Thanks, Aunt Dee,” she said. “We went to the ice cream shop this morning where they have a computer and free Internet. We set up a group chat with the Camp Club Girls for 6:30. We’d better get going.”

  “Be back before dark,” Aunt Dee said.

  “We’ll leave Biscuit here,” Alexis said. “He’s not allowed inside the ice cream shop.”

  When they got to Tompkins’ Ice Cream Shop, they found the tables and booths filled with customers enjoying after-dinner cones, malts, and sundaes. Sydney and Alexis walked to the back of the room and sat at the computer. They logged on to the Camp Club Girls private chat room where the other girls were waiting.

  Sydney: Looks like we’re all here.

  Kate: How’s Biscuit?

  Sydney: He’s fine. How’s Arizona?

  Kate: Really hot, but fun.

  Bailey: I told everyone about the mountain man.

  Sydney: Well, here’s an update. Biscuit ran into the woods today, and the mountain man got him.

  Kate: NO WAY! Why did you let him off his leash? Is he all right?

  Alexis: It’s okay, Kate. He pulled out of his collar and ran into the woods, but he’s fine. We went after him.

  Sydney: We followed Biscuit into the forest. Then we saw this weird, purple glow, and heard a whooshing noise. It sounded like someone whispered, “Go back. Go back.” So we ran and hid.

  McKenzie: Wow, who do you think it was?

  Alexis: We don’t know. It didn’t sound human. It sounded like trees were whispering.

  Bailey: Trees don’t whisper, Alex.

  Elizabeth: Be careful. A forest can be dangerous.

  Alexis: I know, but we had to get Biscuit. We hid and saw the mountain man carry Biscuit back to the cabin.

  Sydney: We think he’s up to no good. He told Biscuit if people found out about him, he’d be in the newspapers and on TV.

  Elizabeth: That man sounds creepy. Do you think he’s a terrorist?

  Sydney: He doesn’t look like a terrorist, but neither did those guys we caught in Washington who planned to kill the President. We heard the ghost of an old fur trapper named Jacques Chouteau haunts the forest. Of course, we don’t believe that. But we can’t explain the purple light or the whispering. We need to investigate some more.

  Kate: Be careful. The hotel we’re at has overnight mail service. I’ll send you some gadgets that might help you spy on him. Arizona is two hours behind Wisconsin, so I can send them today. You’ll have them in the morning.

  Sydney: Cool. We entered a fishing contest. Do you have any tips for catching big fish?

  McKenzie: My brother always says be quiet, or you’ll scare them. And you have to think like a fish and try to outsmart them.

  Bailey: Dough balls for bait.


  Sydney: We’re making them tonight.

  Kate: I’ll send you my mini-microcamera and some other stuff. Maybe you can use some of it when you fish.

  Alexis: Awesome!

  Elizabeth: And I’ll pray that God sends you tons offish, just like He did when He fed the five thousand people in the Bible!

  Sydney: I don’t think we need five thousand fish, Beth. Just pray for us to catch the biggest one. We met this disgusting kid, Duncan, who acts like he’s already won the contest. We’re going to show him.

  Elizabeth: Remember James 4:6 says that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Trust God to do what’s best.

  Sydney: Will do. Have to sign off now. Someone’s waiting for the computer.

  A man and a little boy stood patiently near the workstation at the back of the shop. The boy was eating a chocolate ice cream cone, and it melted and dribbled down his arm.

  Kate: Please take very good care of Biscuit.

  Alexis: I promise.

  Bailey: Text me if anything happens, and I’ll tell the girls.

  Sydney: OK. Goodnight, everyone.

  As the girls walked away from the computer, Sydney’s cell phone rang.

  “Sydney?” Aunt Dee said. “I’d like you girls to come home. Mr. Miller just found a dead coyote on the beach. The man in Cabin Two saw something big run into the forest. He thinks it was a bear. I’d feel better if you were here.”

  Ghost Dog

  When the girls got to the resort, Mr. Miller was walking toward the office. He carried a shovel, and his T-shirt was spattered with blood.

  “Are you okay?” Sydney asked.

  He wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I just buried a dead coyote. Something got him good. Nearly tore him apart.”

  Sydney’s stomach churned. She loved animals. “What do you think did it?” she asked.

  Mr. Miller set the shovel on the ground and wiped his hands on his overalls.

  “I’m guessing a bear,” he said. “I can’t think of anything else that would tear an animal apart like that. Usually, a coyote can hold its own.”

  Alexis shuddered. “Do bears often kill things around here?”

  “Not that much,” said Mr. Miller. “When they do, it’s mostly late at night, and they drag their prey into the woods to eat it. A bear coming at dusk and leaving what it killed isn’t a good sign. It means it might be sick.” He picked up the shovel. “You girls stay inside tonight, and keep your dog inside, too.”

  “Charlie, telephone!” Mrs. Miller stood on the front porch. She held a cordless phone.

  Mr. Miller said, “If you need anything, call the office. Don’t be out in the dark.”

  Alexis linked her arm in Sydney’s as they walked to the cabin. “I just had a scary thought,” she said.

  “What about?” asked Sydney.

  “Well, last week, I was playing a new Nancy Drew video game. It happens at a cabin on a lake. In it, a pack of howling ghost dogs attack her friend’s house at night.” Alexis took a deep breath. “Syd, you don’t think—”

  “Oh Alex, you don’t believe the howling we heard in the woods was a ghost dog, do you?”

  “I don’t believe in ghosts,” Alexis said. “But if I did, I’d think that the mountain man is the ghost of Jacques Chouteau, and Fang, his wolf or whatever that thing is, is a ghost, too. Of course, I don’t believe that.”

  “So, we have to go back in the woods and find out what’s really going on,” said Sydney.

  They were almost to the back door of the cabin. The sun had set behind the trees, and the sky was becoming dark. Whatever was in the woods was lurking in the darkness.

  “We’re not going into the woods tonight, Syd,” said Alexis. “It’s too dangerous with that bear, or whatever it is, indent around.” She opened the door to the cabin.

  “I didn’t mean tonight,” said Sydney. “But tomorrow, maybe, in the bright daylight.”

  Biscuit ran to the back door to meet them. Alexis bent and patted him on the head. “What about the bear?” she asked.

  “We’ll need something to protect us,” Sydney said.

  “Protect you from what?” Aunt Dee’s voice came from the living room.

  “Careful,” Sydney whispered. “Excellent hearing.”

  She closed the back door and flipped the lock.

  The girls went into the living room where Aunt Dee sat on the floor playing the card game Solitaire.

  “We were just talking about what would happen if we ran into the bear in the daylight tomorrow,” said Sydney. “We were wondering how to protect ourselves.”

  “I’ve already thought of that,” said Aunt Dee. “I’m going to give you some pepper spray to carry. It’s a good idea for you to have protection in case you run into something, but only use it in a dire emergency. Understood? Only if your life depends on it.”

  “Understood,” Sydney agreed.

  “In the meantime, I called a ranger from the forest office. He’s coming to look at the dead coyote. He should be able to tell what killed it.” Aunt Dee uncovered the ace of spades and put it above the other cards on the floor.

  “Good luck,” said Sydney. “Mr. Miller already buried it.”

  “You’re kidding!” Aunt Dee exclaimed. She put the two of spades on top of the ace.

  “Nope,” Sydney said. “We met him on the driveway, and he told us all about it. He had a shovel in his hands, and his shirt was bloody.”

  Aunt Dee uncovered the king of hearts and laid it face up. “Well, maybe Ranger Geissman can find some evidence where the body was.”

  “Do we know for sure that a bear killed it?” Sydney asked.

  “Mr. Miller said the man in Cabin Two saw something, but he couldn’t say for sure what it was,” said Aunt Dee. “He said that it was big, and it moved very fast.”

  Sydney took the leftover dough out of the refrigerator. “Cabin Two is the Lumleys.’ “

  “How do you know that?” asked her aunt.

  “We’ve seen the kid, Duncan, a couple of times. He’s rude. So is his dad. He thinks it’s really dumb that Alex and I entered the fishing contest.”

  Sydney opened a can of tuna, and Biscuit came running into the kitchen to investigate the smell. “He told Mr. Miller that he doesn’t want a couple of girls getting in the way of Duncan winning the contest.”

  Sydney mixed the tuna with the dough and rolled it into little balls. Then she rolled them in cornmeal.

  Soon, the beams from a car’s headlights flashed through the cabin windows. Sydney looked outside and saw a Park Service car pull up to their back door. “I think the ranger’s here,” she said.

  The girls and Aunt Dee went out to meet him.

  “So, where’s the dead coyote?” Ranger Geissman asked. “The resort owner buried it,” said Aunt Dee. “But maybe we can find enough evidence to get some idea about what killed it.”

  She got her flashlight from the kitchen table, and they all walked to the shore. “It was right over here,” said Aunt Dee.

  Ranger Geissman shined his flashlight on the sandy strip at the edge of the lake. The only pieces of evidence left were a few spots of blood and gobs of matted, gray fur. “Well,” he said, “looks like there was a struggle here. Looks like the coyote tried to fight off whatever got it. Usually, a coyote won’t get much of a chance to fight with a bear. A bear attacks, and that’s it.”

  He walked around the area looking for clues. “This is interesting,” he said. “Looks like two sets of canine footprints here. Charlie Miller found just one body, right?”

  Aunt Dee shined her flashlight on the ground to get a better look at the prints. “That’s right. Just one dead coyote, and the man in Cabin Two saw something run away.”

  “Did he say what it was?” asked Ranger Geissman.

  “He thought it was a bear, but he wasn’t sure. He just said it was big and fast.”

  AR-AR-AR-ROooooooooooooooooooo … AR-AR-AR-ROoooooooooooooooooooo … A mournful cry
came from deep in the forest. Sydney whispered in Alexis’s ear. “It’s Fang!”

  “Well, there’s your answer,” said the ranger. “I think a big wolf killed your coyote. If you look at this other set of prints, you can see they’re huge. They’re not coyote, but definitely canine and probably a wolf.”

  He walked up and down the narrow beach looking for more evidence. “I don’t see any sign of a bear,” he said. “And no blood trail leading into the woods, so the other dog must not have been badly injured. Looks like a dog fight to me. Most likely your coyote tangled with a good-sized wolf.”

  Aunt Dee sighed with relief.

  “Well, that’s good to hear,” she said. “The last thing we need is a sick bear wandering around. Will you stop at the office and tell the Millers what you found?”

  “Will do,” said Ranger Geissman, walking to his car. “And I hope you get the job at the ranger station,” he added. “You’d be good on our team.”

  “Thanks,” said Aunt Dee. “I hope so, too.”

  The ranger drove to the office, and Aunt Dee and the girls went back inside.

  Boom! Boom! Boom!

  Someone pounded hard on the front door. Boom! Boom! Boom!

  “Now who would that be?” Aunt Dee wondered. She walked to the door and peeked through the curtains on the window. “It’s Mr. Lumley from Cabin Two.” Aunt Dee opened the door. Fred Lumley stood there with Duncan at his side.

  “We want to know what’s going on over here,” Mr. Lumley said.

  Aunt Dee invited them in. “Why, nothing’s going on,” she said. “What do you mean?”

  Mr. Lumley looked around the cabin as if he expected someone to be there. Meanwhile, Duncan stood next to him with a snide grin on his face.

  “Dunk here, said you were all wandering by the lake with flashlights. Then he saw a police car drive away. If there’s trouble, I want to know.”

  Aunt Dee got her backpack from the bedroom and unzipped it. She took out her ranger identification badge and handed it to Duncan’s dad. “I’m Dee Powers,” she said. “I’m a US Park Ranger. Another ranger and I were trying to find out what killed the coyote on the beach.”