I cant believe it! said Mrs. Spencer, shaking her head in wonder, Thanks to the Aldens, I can finally hang Millys portrait on my wall. After leaving the gallery, Edmund had invited everyone to join him at Cookes Drugstore for a quick bite to eat. Now...
It was almost dinnertime when Grandfather phoned, asking the children to meet him at the gallery right away. He sounded very mysterious. The four Aldens got on their bicycles and pedaled as fast as they could to Town Square. When they arrived, they s...
When they got back from the gallery, Grandfather wasted no time in tearing the wrapping away from the painting hed bought. He held up a landscape of clover fields edged with autumn trees that seemed to glow with light and color. In a bottom corner wa...
It was the Mona Lisa Henry told Grandfather that evening at dinner. Shes the lady with the famous smile. And thanks to Violet, added Jessie, helping herself to the roasted potatoes, we finally figured it out. Benny, who was pouring gravy onto his roa...
It rained in Greenfield for the next few days, and the children spent their time inside, puzzling over the strange rhyme. They thought and thought, but they still couldnt come up with any answers. I have an idea, Violet said when the sun finally came...
Solving mysteries is hard work, Benny said as they wheeled their bikes back onto the road. But its fun, too, he quickly added. Thats for sure! Jessie said. And the others agreed. The Aldens were never happier than when they were figuring out clues. H...
As the Aldens settled around the table again, Mrs. Spencer opened a kitchen drawer. She pulled out a white envelope. I found this in my mailbox this morning, she told them in a quiet voice. What is it, Mrs. Spencer? Violet couldnt help asking. She wa...
The Aldens! Mrs. Spencer looked surprised. She stood at the door, wiping her hands on an apron. Her snowy white hair was pulled back into a bun. Back again! Did you forget something? Jessie shook her head. We didnt forget anything, Mrs. Spencer, she...
Everyone stared wide-eyed at the message on the airplane. It was printed in thick black ink. I cant believe it, Violet said in a hushed voice. Read it, Jessie, urged Benny. Jessie tucked her dark hair behind her ears, then read the message out loud....
I sure hope it flies! cried six-year-old Benny as he jumped to his feet. Do you think it will? Theres only one way to find out, said Henry who was fourteen. Toss it in the air and see what happens. It was a warm August afternoon and the four Alden ch...