Grandfathers eyebrows raised in surprise as he watched his grandchildren and Rachel Cunningham climb onto the stage. They stood beside the podium. I hope this interruption is important, James Alden said. Its about Marks paper, Henry said. Mark sat up...
At first Rachel looked startled when she saw the children. Then her whole body slumped. I knew youd come sooner or later, she said quietly. Youre smart kids. It didnt take you long to figure out where I was. We stumbled on this cabin a few days ago,...
The next morning, the Aldens reported to the dining room a half hour before the breakfast crowd. Hazel Watson was waiting for them. Good morning, she greeted. Im so thankful you children are pitching in. Were glad to help out, said Jessie. Hazel hand...
Violet leaned back with a contented sigh. Stars lay scattered against the velvety black like diamonds. She felt like she was part of the soft summer night. Benny sat up. I dont see anything, he said. Except outer space. You will, Randy promised. Keep...
This place looks like our boxcar, Benny remarked as he stepped inside the cabin. It does! Violet agreed. Its got a shelf with dishes, same as our boxcar. Only we didnt have a fireplace, Henry said. Our boxcar was cleaner, too, Jessie added. Cobwebs d...
What do you mean you cant find her? Violet asked. Shes not in her room, Hazel said. I just went in there to thank her for singing for us tonight. Her bed is still made up. Shes nowhere to be seen, and its getting very late. Maybe shes taking a walk,...
Right after breakfast the next morning, the Aldens marched up the mountain to the observatory. I think we should take another look at that log, said Jessie. There was something odd about the way Eugene Scott made Mark leave. Mark said it was his turn...
We shouldnt have gone down this trail, Violet said. No one knows where we are. Dont worry. Well find our way back, Henry assured her. Im hungry, Benny said. Lost or not, he wasnt about to miss lunch. Looking around, he spotted a faint path twisting t...
Jessie grabbed Bennys hand and ran toward the dormitory. Lightning flashed all around them. The claps of thunder were deafening. Everyone scurried for shelter. Jessie and Benny raced inside the Seneca Building, just ahead of Violet and Henry. Mark Ja...
I cant believe were going to college! said Violet Alden, as the van rounded a steep mountain curve. Next to her, fourteen-year-old Henry Alden grinned. Were not exactly going to college, he teased his little sister. Well only be at Mountvale College...