Free Mystery of the Spider's Clue by Gertrude Chandler Warner

speak. “Ray Munch is my cousin,” she confessed. Then she looked at Thomas. “I happened to pick up the phone the other day when you were talking to Sam Snow. He wanted to know if the invitation he got was genuine. You told him all about your client and the inheritance. When I heard you say you didn’t know who was on your client’s mailing list, it started me thinking.”

    Melissa told them the rest of the story. When Sam read the invitation aloud over the phone, she wrote it down word for word. Then she had an invitation made up for her cousin. Their agreement was to split the inheritance. It seemed like the perfect plan. The only hitch was getting hold of the clues. By a stroke of luck, though, Melissa met the Aldens. That’s when she saw her chance.
    â€œYou stole my notebook,” guessed Jessie. “And Grandfather’s street map.”
    Melissa didn’t deny it. For the first time she looked directly at the Aldens. “When you kids mentioned your boxcar, I decided to check it out. I thought I might find some clues for tracking down the secret code word.” She paused. “I was only there long enough to grab the notebook and the map. I got out pretty fast.”
    Benny put in, “Only you broke the heel of your shoe getting away.”
    Melissa looked at Benny and nodded. She didn’t seem surprised by what the Aldens knew. “I realized what good detectives you were when I looked through that notebook. Everything was in there. All Ray had to do was check out the spider plant at the restaurant.” She let out a long, weary sigh. “I can’t believe he botched it up.”
    â€œAnd I can’t believe you actually stole from the Aldens,” said Thomas, disappointment in his voice.
    â€œI’ve done a lot of things I’m not very proud of,” replied Melissa. She sounded sad.
    Thomas shook his head. “I won’t be needing your services anymore, Miss Campbell,” he said. “Please clear out your desk as soon as possible.”
    Just then the door opened. Sam Snow and Rose Hill stepped inside.
    Sam was wearing his best shirt and pants, while Rose was dressed in pink again. Even her purse had a pink rose on the front.
    As Benny looked over at the owner of the Hollow Tree Restaurant, he suddenly figured out the answer to one mystery. His mouth dropped open.
    Rose Hill was Pinky!

CHAPTER 10
The Mystery Man
    â€œWe thought we’d take you out for lunch with us, Thomas,” said Rose. “And what a stroke of luck to find the Aldens here!” she added, glancing over at the children.
    â€œWe’d sure like it if you’d join us,” Sam told them.
    The children looked at one another. They would never be able to discuss Sam’s past with Sam right there.
    Thomas spoke up before they could answer. “I just have a few things to clear off my desk.” He opened his door a crack. “Why don’t we step inside my office for a minute.” He was almost shouting. “It’ll be more comfortable.”
    Thomas was usually so soft-spoken. Violet wondered why he was raising his voice.
    â€œNo need to yell, Thomas,” said Rose, who seemed to think it odd, too. “We’re right here.”
    They stepped inside a cozy office where law books filled the shelves and chairs were clustered before a huge desk. On the far side of the room was a door leading to an adjoining office.
    Violet moved closer to her younger brother. “What’s the matter, Benny?” She knew by the look on his face that something was up.
    â€œI know who Pinky is!” Benny announced. And he glanced meaningfully over at Rose.
    Henry, Jessie, and Violet exchanged looks of amazement.
    â€œRose Hill is Pinky?” whispered Violet in disbelief.
    â€œHow did you know?” Rose couldn’t help laughing when she overheard. “Pinky was my nickname when I was a young girl.” Then she added, “But