Deserted Library Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner Read Free Book Online

can’t find what he wants,” Jessie answered. Her eyebrows knit together in a frown. “The intruder not only balled up pages and tossed them aside, but stabbed the bigger books with his scissors or a knife!”
    â€œWhat a shame,” Violet said. “He must have been furious when he didn’t find what he was hunting for.”
    â€œI need to check upstairs and see how many books have been ruined up there,” Henry said.
    Jessie moved to his side. She anxiously chewed on her underlip. “Grandfather will be so disappointed if the library isn’t a landmark.”
    Henry smiled grimly. “I know, Jessie. It’s pretty discouraging, but we’ll clean up this mess.” He wheeled about and hurried upstairs.
    Soon Henry returned. “Good news! The upstairs has hardly been touched. The intruder only tore apart one shelf.”
    Violet tilted her head. “We must have interrupted whoever it was,” she said thoughtfully.
    â€œYou’re right, Violet,” Jessie said. “When he heard us coming, he must have dashed out the backdoor.”
    â€œDo you think the awful person will come back?” Benny asked. His brown eyes were big.
    â€œHe probably will, Benny. He wants that sword! I’m sure of it.” Henry tossed a ruined book on top of the damaged pile.
    â€œDo you think we should call the police?” Violet asked.
    â€œThere’s no phone here or in the cabin,” Henry said. “Let’s wait. The police would probably want us to stay out of the library.”
    For the rest of the day they tackled the books. Book after book was put back on the shelves. Others were stacked neatly in piles.
    By the end of the day the floor had been cleared. Jessie had collected the damaged books in a box. Henry had swept the floor of all the torn pages and debris.
    Miguel leaned backward, then forward. “My back hurts,” he complained with a smile. “I feel good, though. Look how much we’ve done!”
    Henry smiled at Miguel, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I don’t know what we’d have done without you!”
    Miguel grinned, happy to be needed.
    â€œI’ll lock the door,” Henry said, “but I’m not sure it will keep out the stranger. I’m willing to bet he has a passkey. He must have.”
    They left for the house, tired and discouraged. Henry kept his thoughts to himself, but certain questions ran through his mind. What if they returned tomorrow and the books were topsy-turvy again? How could they go through all this work another time? Someone seemed to know their every move. And what if that someone found the missing sword piece before they did? And what if he didn’t ?If the intruder was desperate enough for the sword, there was no telling what he might do!
    Jessie caught up with Henry. “At least the intruder didn’t find what he was searching for.”
    â€œNo, Jessie,” Henry responded. “But I’m afraid he might become dangerous.” He frowned. “Maybe we’d better pack up and go home.”
    â€œWe’ve come this far,” Jessie said softly. “We mustn’t give up now!”
    Henry gave her a grateful glance. “I was hoping you’d say that!” He patted his back pocket. “The letter is with me all the time, and the sword is either under my pillow or on my bike or in the library when I’m working.”
    Violet lagged behind, picking wildflowers. She loved flowers, especially violet ones. The others were far ahead, and the sun was setting. She felt uneasy. She’d better catch up with everyone. All at once she heard a faint noise in back of her. Someone was following her! Heavy steps on the pebble path made a crunching noise. She whirled about. A shadowy figure dived into the shrubs. Violet raced toward the others. “Henry!” she called. “Wait!”
    They stopped. “What is it, Violet?” Henry