Free The Mystery of the Lost Village by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page A

who’s here!” Violet said in a low voice. She watched in surprise as Michael Running Deer walked swiftly up the center aisle and took a seat in the front row. “I wonder why he showed up?”
    â€œProbably to hurt our case,” Amy said glumly. “Don’t forget, he works for the developer.”
    â€œI’d like to start by examining the evidence,” Judge Tompkins said. She motioned to Mr. Lightfeather. “Please hold up the items one at a time.” She smiled at the six children in the front row. “I understand that you found all of these items in the forest that borders the reservation?”
    â€œWe sure did!” Benny blurted out. “We dug up every single one of them. I found the arrowheads,” he added proudly, and a ripple of laughter went through the room.
    â€œKinowok tells me that this is strong evidence that a village once existed on the site,” the judge said. “It’s very fortunate that you found these objects.”
    After all the artifacts had been described and examined, the tribal elders met privately with the judge in a small anteroom.
    â€œWhat do you think they’ll decide?” Henry asked Mr. Lightfeather.
    â€œI think Judge Tompkins was impressed, but you never know how these things will go,” Mr. Lightfeather told him. “After all, the developer will tell his side of the story. If he builds homes on the site, it will bring a lot of new jobs into the area.”
    â€œSssh, they’re coming back,” said Mrs. Lightfeather.
    â€œThe elders are smiling,” Joe said. “Do you think that’s good news?”
    â€œI hope so,” his mother answered.
    Judge Tompkins returned to the podium and looked over the crowd. “I’ve seen some very convincing evidence this morning, and there isn’t much doubt that the forest is an important site. Is it worth preserving, worth protecting? According to my young friends” — she gestured to the six children— “the answer is yes. But I must be fair. I must consider all sides of the issue.”
    Judge Tompkins adjusted her glasses and looked over a document in front of her on the podium. “And so in the interest of fairness, I had to ask myself a very important question: Is it important for the Navajo people to know how their ancestors lived? How they hunted, and gathered food, and played with their children?” She paused, and then folded her hands. “The answer is yes. It is very important that this knowledge not be lost for all time. The ancient village — if it really exists — could answer many of these questions. The village must be saved!”
    A gasp went up from the audience, and Benny was so excited he almost jumped out of his chair. Judge Tompkins rapped the gavel to restore order. “I am hereby declaring the forest an historic site. It is protected by law from development, and you may continue your excavations.” She turned over the gavel to Kinowok. “Good luck,” she said to the old man. “Let me know when you find the village and I will celebrate with you.”
    Kinowok took his place in front of the podium. “I thank all of you for coming today,” he said, his voice strong. “And I thank our new friends, the Aldens, for their help. You have added much to our lives, and you have our friendship. The council meeting is over.”
    â€œIs that it?” Violet asked. The elders left the lodge first, and then everyone began filing down the center aisle.
    â€œNot quite,” Joe said. “Michael Running Deer is heading straight for us!”
    â€œI wonder what he wants?” Amy said.
    The Lightfeathers and the Aldens had just reached the door when Michael Running Deer intercepted them. He stood in front of them, barring their way. “Wait a minute, please,” he said. “I need to talk to you.”
    â€œIf you want to ruin the forest, it’s too