Finders Keepers Mystery Read Free Page B

I’ll think about it.”
    “Ms. Diaz, don’t take any unnecessary risks,” Mr. Munsey said sternly. “Leaving such valuable quilts lying around in an attic is foolish, at best.”
    “I don’t think so, Mr. Munsey,” Lina said, smiling sweetly. “And don’t worry, I won’t take long to make my decision.”
    “But the quilts,” sputtered Mr. Munsey. “The attic could flood. Or catch fire… or someone could steal them. As a collector myself, I can tell you that there are many people who would do anything to get a quilt like one of these — even steal one.”
    “Who’s going to steal Hope’s quilts? No one knows they’re here except us,” said Violet.
    Mr. Munsey shook his head. “People have ways of finding things out,” he said.
    “Not if you don’t tell anyone,” Jessie replied.
    Lina began folding the quilts before putting them back into the chest.
    “You forgot to look at this quilt,” Benny said suddenly. “What about this one?”
    Mr. Munsey glanced at the faded gray woolen quilt with rough knots holding it together. “Oh,” he said. “That’s what is called a hops or utility quilt. Quickly made just to keep someone warm. Very used, not in good condition compared to these other quilts. Look at the different colors of thread where it’s been repaired. Odd to find it signed and dated, but it does lend it a certain small value. Nothing compared to these others.”
    “Maybe she used it every day and liked it because it was so warm and she didn’t have to worry about tearing it or spilling anything on it,” said Henry.
    “Maybe it was her favorite,” said Violet. She ran her hand over the worn wool. The fabric wasn’t as rough as it looked — in fact, it was soft and warm. The hops quilt was very thick, too, Violet noticed, thicker than the others.
    “Most likely it was just put in the trunk to protect the other quilts,” said Mr. Munsey.
    After placing the hops quilt inside, Lina shut the trunk and glanced around the attic. It was much emptier than before, and not nearly as dusty. Henry had even cleaned the attic window so the light was brighter.
    “Thank you again,” Lina said to Mr. Munsey, leading him down the attic stairs to the front door.
    “I hope you’ll be in touch very soon,” said Mr. Munsey. “The sooner you decide to give the quilts to the museum, the sooner they will be safe. Here’s my card.” He nodded at all the Aldens. “Good day.”
    “I don’t think he’s very happy about having to leave those quilts behind,” said Henry, once Mr. Munsey was gone.
    Lina laughed. “No. But I’ll need a lot more information before I make any decisions.”
    “We’ll stop by the library tomorrow to do some research,” Jessie promised.
    Lina nodded. “Okay. Meanwhile, we’ve got some signs to make for that yard sale.”
    The Aldens and Lina sat around the big old table in the dining room of the house and made signs for the yard sale. TREASURES FOR SALE , Jessie wrote in big blue letters on a piece of cardboard. At the bottom of the sign, she wrote Lina’s address. STOP! LOOK! ATTIC SALE AHEAD! Henry printed on a sign to put at the corner of the street.
    “After the yard sale, we’ll keep looking, won’t we?” Benny asked.
    “For what?” Violet asked. She was painting all her signs in purple, her favorite color.
    “The hidden treasure,” said Benny. “Hope’s treasure.”
    “Wouldn’t that be amazing,” Lina said. “To find that treasure, whatever it is — if there is one.”
    “There is,” said Benny. “I know there is.”
    “Well, first we’ll put these signs up all over town tomorrow,” said Jessie.
    “I have some business in Silver City tomorrow,” Lina said. “I’ll put some up there, too. And I’ll put an advertisement in the newspapers.”

    “It’s going to be a great yard sale!” said Benny. “I can hardly wait.”
    Waving good-bye, the Aldens headed home.
    “Do you think it’s true what the quilt man said?” asked Benny as