Read Online The Camp-out Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner - Free Book Online Page B

out that Andy Watts of all people was causing so much trouble!”
    â€œShe wanted to tell the authorities what I’d done,” Andy said. “I couldn’t let her do that, could I? They’d put me in jail!”
    â€œAnd that’s why you locked her in your bathroom,” Doris concluded.
    â€œI would’ve let her out,” Andy said. “I decided to pack up—get out of here. Go someplace where no one could find me. I would’ve let her out when I was ready to go.” He looked from one to the other. His eyes were sad. “I didn’t mean any harm,” he said. “Please, believe me.”
    â€œMean it or not, Andy Watts, you did cause harm,” Doris said. “You ruined people’s camping trips and the park’s reputation. Something has to be done about it.”
    â€œOh, I know,” Andy said. “It was foolish of me to think of running away. I knew that even while I was packing to go. This is my home. I’d never be happy anywhere else— especially after what I’ve done.” He sighed deeply. “I’ll go turn myself in to the ranger.”

CHAPTER 17
    A Problem Solved
    T he next night, Doris and Hildy joined the Aldens around the campfire.
    â€œIt’s hard to believe that Andy Watts caused so much trouble,” Doris said.
    â€œI think I understand what he did,” Hildy said. “I’ve felt the same way about some campers. So many of them just don’t appreciate the beauty around them.”
    The children stared at her. She seemed an entirely different person than she was before.
    She smiled at them. “Are you having trouble believing old Hildy likes nature?”

    â€œWe didn’t think you liked anything!” Benny said.
    â€œNow, Benny, mind your manners,” Grandfather warned, but he said it lightly, and Benny knew he was amused.
    â€œHush, James Henry,” Hildy said. “I deserved that. I wasn’t very nice to your grandchildren—or to anybody for that matter. But I’ve learned my lesson. These children taught me. Independence is important, but so is knowing people care.”
    â€œYou know, Hildy,” Doris said, “for a while I was afraid you were the one causing all the trouble.”
    Hildy chuckled. “My own sister!” she teased. “You should have known better. My way of dealing with the campers was to ignore them. Keep my distance.”
    â€œWell, things will be different now,” Grandfather said.
    â€œThey sure will be,” Doris said. “Andy did a good thing by turning himself in. Things went easier for him because of it.”
    â€œI hope they aren’t going to put him in jail,” Benny said. “He might have done bad things, but he’s a good man.”
    â€œThat’s exactly what the ranger said,” Doris told him. “He came up with a plan to have Andy educate and help campers. It’ll accomplish a lot more than a jail sentence would.”
    â€œWhat exactly will he teach the campers?” Violet asked.
    â€œHe knows all about the forest,” Doris answered. “He’ll take people on nature hikes, and teach new campers about safety procedures and anything else they might want to know.”
    â€œI hope he teaches them about neatness,” Benny piped up. “This place was a mess when we got here.”
    â€œI wish we could help,” Jessie said.
    â€œYou already have,” Doris reminded her. “You solved the mystery. Now, campers won’t be afraid to come here.”
    â€œBut we’d like to do more,” Violet said.
    â€œMaybe we can,” Grandfather said. “Andy mentioned the need for more trees to keep the soil from eroding. I’ll donate some.”
    â€œWe could come weekends and help plant them,” Henry suggested.
    â€œThat’s a fine idea, Henry,” Grandfather said. “I’m sure the ranger would approve.”
    â€œAnd the