"You mean you released the horses?" Henry said.

  Miserably, Betsy nodded.

  "You stuffed up the chimney?" Davey asked.

  Betsy nodded.

  "You unplugged the refrigerator?" Soo Lee questioned.

  Betsy nodded.

  "You poured water over the firewood?" Violet said.

  Betsy nodded.

  "You broke the stove?" asked Benny.

  Betsy nodded.

  "You smashed your own window?" Jessie asked in surprise.

  "Yes," Betsy whispered and hung her head. Tears trickled down her cheeks.

  "Did you put the mouse in our room, too?" Violet asked.

  "No! I didn't do that," Betsy said.

  "Hey!" Ralph poked his head in. "What's the hold up?" When he saw Betsy, his smile became a frown. "What's wrong, dear?"

  "Oh, Uncle Ralph, I must tell you something," Betsy murmured, wiping her eyes and blowing her nose. She rose.

  Ralph, his face filled with concern, said, "What is it?"

  Gently, Betsy guided her uncle into a big chair. Once he was sitting down, she confessed the awful things she'd done to the inn.

  "But why?" Ralph asked.

  "I wanted Larry to be blamed," she said between sniffles. "I thought if he were blamed, then I would inherit Snowflake Inn when you retired. I intended to sell it and open a restaurant in Philadelphia. I realize now how terrible I've been."

  Uncle Ralph stood and put his arm around Betsy. "You've done some very bad things. But come into dinner, Betsy. We'll discuss this later."

  When they arrived in the dining room, Grandfather was ready to carve the turkey.

  The children sat down, relieved that, at last, the mystery had been solved.

  Grandfather gave thanks for such a splendid dinner, then everyone heaped their plates with turkey, potatoes and gravy, dressing, cranberry sauce, corn, and candied yams.

  "This is delicious," Steven Miller said.

  "I peeled the potatoes," Davey piped up.

  "And I baked these," Hannah said, passing a basket of biscuits.

  "I'm proud of both of you," Rose said. "Would you like to help me cook and bake when we get home?"

  "Yes!" Davey and Hannah answered together.

  After dinner, everyone helped clean up. Then the children sat in front of the kitchen fireplace.

  "We're leaving at 5:30 in the morning," Hannah said. "I hate to go."

  "We're sorry to see you go, too," Jessie said.

  "I had a good time," Davey admitted, poking at the fire and watching the flames shoot up. "I didn't think I would."

  "We both had fun," Hannah said. "I'm glad I came."

  Henry said, "Davey, did you put a mouse in the girls' room?"

  Davey looked guilty. "It was just a joke."

  "It's all right, Davey," Jessie said. "We can take a joke."

  Hannah turned to Violet. "Will you be my pen pal?"

  "Oh, yes," Violet answered. "We'll write often!"

  After they'd said good-bye, Jessie said, "I can't believe that I'd thought they were the troublemakers. They're really nice kids." The other Aldens agreed.

  The next morning the Aldens rose early to pack and prepare breakfast. Hannah and Davey were already on their way back to Boston.

  Betsy came into the kitchen. She poured a cup and sat at the kitchen table. "You know, Uncle Ralph forgave me! Everyone has been wonderful and I've been so rotten." She paused, sipping her coffee. "Uncle Ralph is going to help finance my restaurant, and I've promised to pay for all the damage I've caused."

  "Was Larry angry?" Benny asked.

  "Very angry," Larry said, coming in from the living room. "At first." He smiled at Betsy. "But I'm glad everything's out in the open and over, at last!"

  "I hate myself for doing those things," Betsy said. "And you were so understanding."

  "Hi, kids," Ralph said, entering the room. "Can you believe I'm hungry after our feast last night?"

  Benny nodded. "I'm hungry, too."

  "You know, Dad," Larry said, "I think you're right. Snowflake Inn is charming just the way it is."

  Ralph winked. "We do need a phone, though. And a new boiler."

  Chuckling, Larry gazed warmly at his father. "Do you think we've reached a compromise on our inn?"

  "Guess so," Ralph answered. "If we each give a little, we'll have a mighty fine place."

  After breakfast, the Aldens packed, then got in the car. As Grandfather pulled out of the drive, they all waved to Betsy, Larry, and Ralph, who stood in the doorway.

  Grandfather gave a horn toot, and they were on their way back to Massachusetts!

  It had been a great vacation, Jessie thought, leaning back on the seat. A vacation with a mystery. What could be better?

 

 

  Gertrude Chandler Warner, TBCS 03: The Mystery at Snowflake Inn

 

 

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