The Mystery of the Lost Village Read Free Page B

be here before we know it,” he added heading down the front walk.
    â€œMom, who was that?” Joe asked, concerned.
    His mother sighed. “Michael Running Deer works for the real estate developer,” she said sadly. “I’m afraid we’re very close to losing the forest.”
    â€œThen let’s get going,” Benny said, barreling out the door. “Maybe we can find the lost village today!”
    Mrs. Lightfeather smiled. “That would be wonderful, Benny, but don’t count on it.”
    It was a bright, sunny day and, by mid-morning, Henry and Joe decided to take a break. They had just settled down on a log to drink some cider, when they were surprised by a young woman in a nice dress and high heels, with a video camera slung over her shoulder.
    â€œOh,” she said, startled. “I didn’t expect to find anybody here.” She looked at the grid Henry had drawn in the soft earth, and the mounds of dirt that the children had overturned. “I guess I should introduce myself,” she said in a friendly voice. “I’m Rita Neville.”
    â€œI’m Henry Alden and this is my friend, Joe Lightfeather,” Henry told her.
    â€œWhat are they doing?” the woman asked, pointing to Jessie and Amy who were vigorously digging with their trowels.
    Henry hesitated. The lost village was a secret, and he knew that Joe didn’t feel like sharing it with anyone.
    â€œIt looks like a treasure hunt,” she prompted, when no one answered her.
    â€œIt’s more like a scavenger hunt,” Joe said finally. “We’re playing a game.”
    â€œWell, have fun.” She took another quick look at the dig and turned to leave. “I’ve got to get back to work now.” Her high heels sank into the soft earth, and she nearly stumbled.
    â€œExcuse me, but what are you working on?” Joe asked.
    â€œI’m a television producer,” she said brightly. She patted her camera case. “I’m planning a documentary on Indian life, and I need some location shots.”
    â€œBut this isn’t part of the reservation,” Henry told her.
    â€œOh, I know,” she said quickly. “I just felt like taking a hike. I’m staying at Morton’s Motel.”
    â€œWhat did you think of her?” Henry asked when Rita Neville was out of earshot.
    Joe shrugged. “I don’t think she wandered here by mistake. Nobody goes for a hike dressed up like that.”
    â€œYou’re right. There isn’t even a path.” He squinted at the midday sun, just as Violet called to him from the dig.
    â€œHey, break time is over!” she teased him.
    Henry nodded. “I guess we should get back to work.”
    It was late afternoon when Violet squealed in surprise. “Look what I found!” she said, pointing to a dark red circle in the dirt.
    â€œWhat is it?” Jessie asked.
    â€œI think it’s the rim of a plate, or bowl,” Henry said excitedly. “And it looks like it’s not even broken. You’ll have to be careful getting it out in one piece.”
    â€œI’m going to take my time,” Violet said. She hunched over her find and began brushing away layers of earth. After a few minutes, she sank back on her heels. “There it is!”
    â€œIt’s beautiful,” Jessie told her. Together they lifted the large earthenware bowl out of the sandy soil. “And there’s not even a single chip on it.”
    â€œViolet, I think you found something important,” Joe said.
    â€œI want to find a bowl, too!” Benny said eagerly.
    Amy laughed. “All right, Benny. But I don’t think we’ll be lucky twice in one day.”
    At the end of the day’s work, the four Aldens were tired, but happy. After congratulating Violet on finding the bowl, Mrs. Lightfeather talked about plans for the Pow-Wow.
    â€œWe really need to get started on a project. The Pow-Wow is