Finders Keepers Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page B

Watch.
    “What?” said Benny.
    Violet said, “Benny… that might explain it!”
    “Explain what?” said Henry.
    “Explain where the hidden treasure is — where Hope hid her wedding quilt,” Violet said.
    Jessie looked up, excitement in her face. “A quilt to cover a quilt,” she said.
    “Like the quilt cover that Coral was making to cover the pillow,” Henry said, catching on. “Hope made a new quilt and hid her wedding quilt inside!”
    “She did?” said Benny.
    Violet jumped to her feet. “Well, if she did, we’ve found the most valuable quilt of all, Benny,” said Violet.
    Now Jessie jumped to her feet. “And I think I’ve thought of a way to catch a quilt thief,” she added.
    “How?” Benny said.
    “We’ll need Coral’s help,” said Jessie. “Listen.”
    She told them her plan.

    “Those are good stitches, Benny,” Coral said. “You’re really getting the hang of this.” Coral was giving the Aldens a quilting lesson — and helping them set a trap to catch a thief.
    Customers came into the shop as they worked, and Coral answered questions, sold sewing and quilting materials, and gave people advice. Meanwhile, the Aldens sewed and waited for their chance to act on Jessie’s plan.
    Then, near lunchtime, Henry glanced up at the open door of the shop and saw what he’d been waiting for. He quickly looked back down at his sewing and said, in a loud, clear voice, “I can’t believe those letters had the clue to where the treasure is hidden.”
    “I know,” said Jessie, just as loudly. “It was right there in the attic at the bottom of that trunk.”
    “And I’m so glad we found the wedding quilt — it’s the most valuable quilt of all,” added Henry.
    Benny wiggled in his seat, trying not to look up or say anything that would give the trap away.
    “Wait until Mr. Munsey hears about this,” Violet said.
    “I just hope it’s safe to leave the trunk with the treasure and the wedding quilt there in Lina’s attic,” said Henry.
    “Sure it is,” said Jessie. “It’s been safe there all these years, hasn’t it?”
    Coral had been straightening a display of thread. Now she turned to the doorway and said, “Oh! Dirk! I didn’t see you standing there.”
    Dirk Grey stepped into the shop. “Hello,” he said, bouncing slightly. “Making quilts?”
    “Yes,” said Benny, glad to be able to say something at last. “It’s fun.”
    “Yes. We’ve even convinced Lina to try it. She’s going to come over this afternoon to join us,” said Henry.
    “And she’s bringing pizza!” Benny added.
    “That’s nice,” said Dirk, edging out of the shop. “Well, I just wanted to say hello, Coral. See you later.”
    “See you later, Dirk,” said Coral cheerfully.
    When he was gone, Jessie let out a sigh. “I hope it works,” she said. “I hope so, too,” said Henry.
    “Where’s the van?” Jessie said in a low voice as Lina joined them where they were waiting by the back wall of her house.
    “I parked it at your house,” Lina answered, “then walked back using the shortcut.”
    Lina and the four Aldens dashed through her backyard and in the back door of her house. Moving as quickly and quietly as possible, they hurried up the stairs to the attic.
    “Good thing we didn’t clean out everything for the yard sale,” said Violet.
    “Let’s hide,” Henry urged. “We may not have much time.”
    The five of them scattered around the attic. Jessie stepped behind an old wardrobe. Benny slid behind a chair. Violet crouched beneath a desk. Henry pulled an old blanket over him and huddled in the darkest corner of the attic. Lina hid behind an old door propped against one wall.
    Then they waited.
    Before long they heard footsteps moving quickly but quietly up the stairs.
    Benny held his breath and hoped he wouldn’t sneeze. He clamped two fingers over his nose, just in case.
    The attic door swung open. Brisk, sure footsteps crossed the room. They were going straight for the