Free The Mystery at the Fair by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page B

Alden children will be receiving a $50 reward for solving this mystery,” the judge said. “Thank you.”
    â€œYou’re welcome,” Henry said.
    â€œWe’re glad we were able to help,” Jessie said.
    â€œThank you, children, for making my job much easier,” Mr. Pearson said, smiling.
    â€œBut what about the posters?” Benny asked. “Who tore up all the posters?”

    â€œI’m afraid I did that too,” Susie replied. “I thought if there weren’t as many entries this year, I’d have a better chance of winning.”
    â€œI’m sure the contest officials would like to speak with you, Susie,” Mr. Pearson said. “Please come with me.”
    Susie followed Mr. Pearson out of the office.
    â€œI didn’t want to say anything,” Kristie said. “But I saw Susie ruining the pies the first day of the fair.”
    â€œSo that’s why you were so upset that day,” Violet said.
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell anyone?” Henry asked.
    â€œI was going to,” Kristie said, “but then you found those prizes in my book bag. I didn’t think anyone would believe me if I told them what I’d seen in the pie tent.”
    â€œThat’s probably why Susie put the prizes in your book bag in the first place,” Jessie said. “She must have known that you’d seen her ruining the pies. I’ll bet she was hoping everyone would think you were the guilty one.”
    â€œI guess so,” Kristie said. “I’m glad this whole thing is finally over.”
    â€œNot yet,” the judge said. “Your beautiful painting of a sunset received the second largest number of votes. You are now the winner!”
    â€œCongratulations, Kristie,” Violet said.
    â€œThank you,” Kristie said.
    â€œLet’s make the announcement to the crowd,” the judge said, smiling. “They’ve waited long enough to meet the real winner of the Greenfield County Fair Art Competition!”
    After the fair was over, the Boxcar Children went shopping. Their first stop was the Greenfield Bookshop.
    â€œHello there! Nice to see you again,” Mr. Owens said when the children entered the shop.
    â€œHello, Mr. Owens,” Jessie said. “We’re back to buy that book for our grandfather.”
    â€œI have it right here,” Mr. Owens said. He handed the beautiful book to Jessie. “I’m glad you were able to earn enough money to buy it.”
    â€œSo are we,” Henry said as he paid for the book.
    â€œGrandfather will be so surprised,” Benny said.
    â€œHe sure will,” Violet said. “Thank you for holding it for us, Mr. Owens.”
    â€œIt was my pleasure,” Mr. Owens said.
    â€œLet’s go buy some balloons and party hats,” Henry said. “Good-bye, Mr. Owens.”
    â€œGood-bye, children,” the shopkeeper said. “Have fun.”
    The children bought everything they needed for the party.

CHAPTER 10
    The Surprise
    T he next morning, Jessie got up early to wrap Grandfather’s birthday present. Violet made a special birthday card for their grandfather and a get-well card for Michael. Benny blew up balloons. And Henry hung beautifully colored crepe paper streamers all over the dining room. By lunchtime, everything was finished.
    â€œThe place looks lovely, children,” Mrs. McGregor said as she placed the birthday cake in the center of the table.
    â€œGrandfather should be home soon,” Violet said. “Everyone needs to sign his card before he arrives.”
    â€œI can’t wait to see his face when he opens our present,” Jessie said. “He’s going to be so surprised.”
    The children heard the key turning in the lock.
    â€œHide everyone!” Jessie said. “Grandfather’s home.”
    Grandfather came into the dining room.
    â€œSurprise! Surprise!” the children shouted. “Happy Birthday,