Free Creature in Ogopogo Lake by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page B

tucked her short silver hair behind her ear. Her face broke into a smile as soon as she saw her old friend.
    “James!” She rushed out from behind the counter. “It’s been so long!”
    “Much too long,” said Grandfather, returning his friend’s warm hug. “Abby, I want you to meet my grandchildren—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny.”
    They all shook hands. “It’s very nice to meet you,” Jessie said politely, speaking for them all.
    Benny glanced around. “You sure have lots of Ogopogo stuff in here.”
    Violet followed Benny’s gaze. Everywhere she looked, she could see the famous monster on everything from posters to T-shirts.
    Abby laughed. “That’s our claim to fame around here, Benny. Peachland is known as Ogopogo’s home.”
    The four Alden children looked at each other in surprise. “Ogopogo lives in the town?” Benny asked in disbelief. “I thought he lived in the lake.”
    “Actually, he lives in an underwater cave just across the lake from town,” Abby replied. “At least, that’s what they say.” She pulled a set of keys from her pocket. “I was just about to close up shop. Why don’t I walk you over to your cabin?”
    “Sure thing.” Grandfather gave her a cheery smile.
    “By the way,” Abby said, “how does a picnic supper by the lake sound? I’m planning a get-together tonight.”
    Grandfather thought it sounded great. So did everyone else.
    “I chose the cabin at the far end for you,” said Abby. They followed a stone path that looped its way around the gift shop. “I’ve been airing it out, but … I’m afraid it still smells a bit musty in there.”
    Grandfather waved that away. “I’m sure it’ll be just fine, Abby.”
    Benny, who had raced ahead, suddenly called out from the cabin porch. “Come and see this!” He sounded excited.
    “What is it, Benny?” asked Henry, taking the steps two at a time.
    The youngest Alden pointed to a large wooden carving of a green, snakelike creature with a head like a sheep.
    “Wow!” Henry nodded approvingly. “That’s pretty cool.”
    “There’s an Ogopogo carving on every porch,” said Abby, coming up behind them. “Patch O’Brien was quite an artist.”
    “Patch?” Benny said. “That’s a funny name.”
    “His real name was Patrick O’Brien,” Abby explained. “But Patch always suited him better.” She paused for a moment. There was a faraway look in her eye. “I don’t think I ever saw my old friend in anything but patched-up clothes.”
    “Oh, I get it.” Benny nodded. “Patch was his nickname because he wore patches.”
    “Yes—exactly,” said Abby. “It’s been a few years since he passed away,” she added. “But I still miss him.”

    Violet didn’t like to hear the note of sadness in Abby’s voice. She was trying to think of something cheery to say when Jessie spoke up.
    “It looks like Patch was an expert carver,” she said.
    “Oh, yes!” Abby’s face brightened. “And you know, he made an especially wonderful carving of Ogopogo just for me. He left it to me in his will,” she said, “along with his old boat, and—” She stopped herself in mid-sentence.
    “And what, Abby?” Benny wanted to know.
    Abby hesitated, then laughed a little. “Well, this is going to sound strange,” she said, “but Patch also left me something rather odd.”
    The four Alden children were instantly curious. “What was it?”
    “A riddle,” said Abby. “It’s supposed to lead to a treasure.”
    Henry blinked in surprise. “A treasure ?”
    “Wow!” Benny clapped his hands. “If you found a treasure, you could keep the resort!”
    Abby smiled. “That’s a nice thought, Benny,” she said. “The problem is, Patch never owned anything of real value. Of course, I’d love to figure out the riddle,” she quickly added. “But … I’m afraid I can’t.”
    “Maybe we can help,” Violet offered, and the others nodded.
    “You never know,” insisted Benny. “The treasure might be worth