Mystery of the Secret Message Read Free Page B

history of Greenfield. This statue was created by Franklin Bond.”
    “Here’s the marker,” said Jessie, pointing to a small brass plate at the base of the statue. “It says, ‘Sculpted by Franklin A. Bond, June 4, 1855.’ ”
    “Now, think about these dates,” Rick told them. “Josiah Wade was born in 1763. The Revolutionary War took place between 1775 and 1783.”
    Henry did the math quickly in his head. “Josiah was only twelve when the war began.”
    “Exactly!” Rick was warming to his subject. “Josiah Wade was a teenage boy during the period. He probably remembered the war quite well, but I doubt he actually fought in it.”
    Benny was confused. “Then why would Franklin Bond make Josiah a soldier if he wasn’t?”
    “Franklin Bond grew up in Greenfield,” replied Rick. “When he was a young boy he knew Josiah Wade. By the time Franklin created the statue, Josiah was an old man. Franklin probably listened to Josiah’s stories about the war. Maybe Josiah told Franklin he fought with the patriots.”
    Henry studied the bronze statue. “If Josiah really wasn’t a soldier, then that’s a good joke on us!”
    “Josiah Wade helped form the town of Greenfield, so he deserved a statue in his honor,” Rick said. “A man looks more important in a uniform. But I doubt Josiah Wade ever wore one.”
    Since it was lunchtime, the square was growing busy. Sylvia Pepper came out of her florist’s shop to inspect the Aldens’ cleaning job.
    “Not bad,” she said critically. “I don’t suppose there’s anything you can do about that crumbly old base.”
    “We’ve been trying,” Henry told her. “But little stones keep dropping off. It’ll be great when old Josiah gets a new base.”
    “It would be even better if the statue were moved,” Sylvia said. She eyed Rick Bass. “You’re the town historian, aren’t you?”
    “Actually,” he corrected, “I’m the curator for the new museum.”
    “Well, don’t you agree the statue should be moved? It just clutters the square,” Sylvia said. “My building is the oldest on the square, so it should be in front of my shop.”
    Rick shook his head. “If the town wants to move the statue, I believe it should be part of the museum.”
    “Bury it in the basement of the town hall!” Sylvia said shrilly. “What a ridiculous idea!”
    “I’ve got to go back to work,” Rick told the Aldens abruptly. “Thanks for the cookie.”
    Violet could tell Rick didn’t like Sylvia. She didn’t blame him. Sylvia Pepper wasn’t very friendly.
    Dawn Wellington joined the group. Today her blond ponytail was tied back with a blue ribbon that matched her eyes.
    “The statue really sparkles!” she said.
    “We were just talking about where it should be moved,” Sylvia said.
    “But we don’t know if it will be moved,” Dawn pointed out. “The vote won’t be announced until Saturday. I put in my ballot!”
    “Anyone with any sense will agree the statue should be moved.” Sylvia waved her arm, her silver bracelets jangling. “We want a nice, modern fountain there.”
    “Not all of us,” Dawn said. “I like the square just the way it is.”
    “What do you know?” Sylvia retorted. “You’ve just come here.” With that, she flounced across the square to her shop.
    Dawn bit her lip. “I didn’t mean to make her mad.”
    “She’s awfully touchy,” Jessie observed.
    “I shouldn’t repeat gossip,” Dawn said, “but Mrs. Turner told me that Sylvia’s shop isn’t doing very well. I guess that’s why she’s a little testy.”
    Just then Violet remembered the photograph in the picnic basket.
    “I have a strange picture. Maybe you could tell us about it.” She pulled the mysterious photo out and handed it to Dawn.
    “See? It’s got that funny blank spot near the top,” Benny pointed out.
    Dawn squinted at the picture. “Hmmmm,” she said thoughtfully. “I’d like to try something in my studio. May I borrow your picture, Violet?”
    “Sure.