Ghost Town Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner Read Free Book Online Page B

makes her sound worse than she really is.”
    “She doesn’t like anyone on her land,” said Violet.
    “We aren’t moving in,” said Jessie. “We’re just asking for directions. The last time we stumbled on the trail home. But Gert must know a better way.”
    Benny was game. “Let’s go see her!”
    They reached the cabin shortly This time Benny strode up to the door and knocked.
    The huge woman opened the door. When she saw Benny, she said, “What do you want? I thought I told you kids to keep off my land.”
    “We’re lost again, Miss Gert,” said Benny. “Can you tell us how to get to Eagles Nest? We don’t want to see the ghost!”
    “What ghost?” asked Old Gert, softening her tone slightly. Today she wore a blue plaid shirt over her jeans. Her belt was a piece of rope.
    “The ghost of Tincup. Rose Payne,” Violet explained. “We’ve seen her!”
    The old woman snorted. “Is Adele Harrington still dragging out that old tall tale?”
    “You mean there isn’t any ghost?” asked Jessie. In her heart, she knew ghosts didn’t exist, but the Lady in Gray was so mysterious. And they had seen her.
    “You see,” Henry added, “our grandfather owns Tincup and the land around it now.”
    “Is that right?” Gert seemed suddenly interested. “What’s he planning to do with the land?”
    “We don’t know,” Benny answered. “Another man wants to buy it from him. And he’s not even scared of the ghost!”
    Gert leaned against the doorway. “Let me tell you kids something. If you’re so keen on the story of Rose and Duncan Payne, forget about the ghost.”
    “Forget about her?” repeated Violet.
    “Yes,” said Gert with emphasis. “Remember the descendants of Rose and Duncan. That might be the answer to your mystery.”
    “Who — ” Jessie began, but the old woman pointed toward a grove of evergreens.
    “Go through those trees,” Gert directed. “The shortcut to Eagles Nest is on the other side.”
    Henry knew they had worn out their welcome. “Thanks very much,” he said.
    “One more thing,” Gert called out to them.
    The Aldens turned around.
    “I’ve never met your grandfather, but please tell him for me that this land is home to many animals and birds.” Her booming voice dropped. “And me. My land borders his. People should just ... let us be.”
    “We’ll tell him,” Violet promised. Once again, she had that odd feeling about Old Gert. What was it?
    As the children walked through the cool stand of trees, they talked about Gert’s clue to the mystery.
    “Who are the descendants of Rose and Duncan Payne?” Jessie asked, trying to recall the details of the story Mrs. Harrington told them the first night.
    Violet knew. “They had one daughter. Her name was Seraphina. And Rose was supposed to be beautiful, with blue eyes and long black hair.”
    “Her daughter could have looked like her,” said Henry. “And probably her children, if she had any.”
    The idea came to the kids at once.
    “Marianne!” Violet cried. “She has blue eyes and long black hair. And she’s really pretty. Is it possible she’s related to Rose and Duncan Payne?”
    Benny frowned. “Then wouldn’t Mrs. Harrington be related to the ghost, too? She’s Marianne’s mother.”
    “Not necessarily” Henry said. “ Mr. Harrington could be related to Seraphina. He married Mrs. Harrington, but she isn’t related to the Paynes. But their child, Marianne, is.”
    “This is so confusing!” Jessie exclaimed. “Ghosts and mountain women and property ... will we ever untangle this mixed-up mystery?”
    “Gert seemed awfully worried about Grandfather selling the land to Victor Lacey,” said Violet. “I wonder if she’s afraid of Mr. Lacey making trouble for her.”
    “I can’t imagine that lady being afraid of anybody” said Benny, making them laugh.
    “The only way we’ll solve this case,” Jessie said, speaking for them all, “is to track down the ghost.”

CHAPTER 9
The Ghost