The Camp-out Mystery Read Free

the car.
    Each of the Aldens slipped on a backpack.
    Jessie knelt beside Watch. She put his pack on his back and wound the straps under and over him. He stood very still. When she had buckled the straps, he turned his head to look at the pack. Then, he glanced up at her.
    She laughed. “If you’re going to go camping,” she told him, “you have to carry your own load.”
    â€œThere’s still a lot to carry,” Henry said. “We might have to make two trips.”
    Mr. Alden studied the map. “It’s a long hike to our campsite,” he said. “If we have to make two trips, it might be dark before we’re settled.”

    â€œWe’ll each carry something,” Benny suggested.
    â€œThe groceries are heavy,” Henry said. “I don’t think it’ll work.”
    â€œCome with me, Henry,” Jessie directed. “I have an idea.”
    The others waited while the two oldest ran back to the ranger’s house. Shortly, they returned carrying a board.
    â€œThe ranger said we could use this,” Jessie said. “It’s an old board from one of the park buildings. They’ve been making repairs.”
    Henry set a box near each end of the board. The tents and their other things went in between.
    â€œThat should work,” Jessie said. “The weight is even.”
    â€œWho wants to help me carry the board?”Henry asked.
    â€œI will,” Mr. Alden said.
    â€œViolet and I will carry the cooler,” Jessie suggested.
    â€œWhat about me?” Benny asked. “I can carry something.”
    â€œWould you carry my violin?” Violet asked.
    Benny beamed and took the case from her. “I’ll be very careful with it,” he said.
    Violet smiled at him. “I know you will, Benny,” she said.
    Single file, they started off down the path to their campsite. Watch took the lead. He ran ahead, his nose to the ground. Every so often, he would stop and look back to make sure the others were coming.
    The air was clear and cool. High above them, birds sang. They passed through a stand of pine. The pine needles were soft underfoot. They could hear the murmur of rushing water.
    â€œWe’re nearly there,” Henry announced.
    And sure enough, on the other side of the pine grove was a small clearing. A perfect setting except for the cans and paper bags and plastic cups and tableware.
    â€œSomebody must have been camping here recently,” Jessie said.
    â€œAnd it looks like they left in a hurry,” Benny said.

CHAPTER 4
    Making Camp
    T he Aldens put down their burdens and stared at the mess.
    â€œWhy would anyone leave a campsite like this?” Violet asked.
    â€œThoughtlessness,” Mr. Alden answered. “People don’t think about the effect they have on the environment.”
    Henry slid off his backpack and set it on the ground. Then, he leaned over and picked up a soda can. Following his lead, everyone chose a spot to clean up. Before long, the campsite was cleared of debris, and the garbage pail under the maple tree was nearly filled.
    â€œNow, we can make camp,” Henry said.
    â€œThe first thing to do is decide where the cooking and dining areas will be,” Mr. Alden said.
    Jessie walked over to a circle of large stones. Charred wood lay inside. Nearby, there was a picnic table. “How’s this?” she asked.
    â€œPerfect,” Mr. Alden said.
    Henry and Benny unrolled a flat piece of canvas to protect their supplies from the weather. While it was spread on the ground, they fastened the six tent poles, four to the ends and two in the middle. Next, Henry found a large stone and pounded six pegs into the ground. Then, he tied a line that extended from the top of each pole to a peg.
    â€œOkay,” he said. “Time to put up the tent.”
    The children raised the first two corner poles.
    â€œHold them steady,” Henry directed as he tightened the lines.
    They moved