Free Deserted Library Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

stolen, too.” He took a breath. “And you must have been the one who robbed Mrs. Tate of her diamond ring!” He scratched his head. “And, by golly, you must have stolen the antique maps from Tom Davis’s map and coin shop. And the set of gold coins he had! Why, if you’re the one, and I think you are, every store owner will be tickled pink that you’re behind bars.”
    â€œHah!” the thin-faced man had a guilty look in his close-set eyes. He knew he’d been found out. “If it hadn’t been for these four kids,” he snarled, “I could have gotten my hands on a Civil War sword!”
    â€œHow did you know about the sword?” Jessie asked. “We didn’t tell a soul.”
    Jake laughed. “You told one person.” He motioned toward Henry. “He told your grandfather on the phone. I was in a booth here and I overheard him.”
    â€œI never even noticed you,” Henry said.
    â€œMove, Jake!” Sheriff Connors ordered, giving him a shove. “We’re taking a ride to the county station. Won’t the boys be surprised to see you?”
    With his hands in the air, Jake walked to the squad car, the sheriff in back of him. Before he got in, he gave the Aldens a dark scowl.
    â€œWhew,” Benny said, mopping his forehead. “I’m glad we caught him. He could have stolen our sword and kept it for himself!”
    â€œYou’re right, Benny.” Violet laughed, throwing an arm about Benny’s shoulder. “That sword belongs in a museum. For everyone!”
    â€œThe milk and cookies are on me!” Pete said in a loud voice.
    Happily everyone followed Pete back into the café. The stranger was going to jail, and they were safe at last!
    Benny’s round face lit up when he saw the big chocolate cookies and the cold, frothy milk. “My heart was beating fast when we caught that mean man! It made me hungry!”
    Everyone laughed and finished the treat.
    Miguel and his father soon stood up to leave.
    â€œThank you for everything,” Pedro Morales said warmly.
    â€œYes,” echoed Miguel. “Thank you.” His dark eyes sparkled as he smiled at everyone.
    â€œMr. Morales,” Grandfather asked, “what will you do without a fishing boat?”
    Pedro shrugged. “I have my son. I don’t need anything else!”
    â€œWe’ll all stay one more day,” Grandfather Alden said firmly. “Tomorrow I want you to meet me at the boatyard at two o’clock. You are to pick out the best fishing boat afloat!”
    Pedro smiled, which lit up his weather-beaten face. “How can I repay you?”
    â€œBring us some fish once in awhile,” Grandfather answered with a smile.
    â€œYes,” Benny said loudly. “And lobsters, too.”
    â€œEvery week!” Pedro promised. He left with his arm around Miguel.
    The next morning Grandfather and his grandchildren drove to the boatyard. Pedro and Miguel were standing by a large boat, waiting for them.
    â€œHi!” Benny yelled, racing toward Miguel. “I’ll help you choose a boat!”
    Miguel grinned. He was lucky to have such wonderful friends.
    Row after row of boats surrounded them. Big boats, small boats, fishing boats, speed boats, row boats, and sailboats.
    Grandfather, his arms folded, leaned against a blue and white yacht. His eyes twinkled. “Have you picked out a boat, Mr. Morales?” he asked.
    Pedro smiled shyly. “No, Mr. Alden,” he responded. “That’s up to you.”
    Benny dashed toward a large gray boat with clean long lines. “This one!” he shouted.
    Grandfather raised an eyebrow. “What do you think, Mr. Morales?”
    Pedro ran his fingers over the smooth surface. “It’s a beauty. Benny has chosen the best boat on the lot.”
    â€œThen it’s settled,” Grandfather said, placing a hand on Pedro’s shoulder. He motioned to the