Read Online The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder by Roderick Benns - Free Book Online Page B

Summer.
    â€œThanks, Max,” said William, “that’s generous of you.”
    â€œNot at all, not at all,” he replied.
    â€œOkay everyone, let’s get going,” William said, as they all said goodbye and walked down the wooden steps toward their wagon.
    Max Taggart stood near the door and muttered quietly to
    himself, pulling on his long moustache.
    ***
    When the wagon and Summer, on her majestic Pinto, arrived at the Diefenbaker homestead, the sun had already fallen significantly from its high perch in the sky. The heat didn’t waver in intensity, hanging in uncomfortable humidity. The sky was dark to the west but it still seemed to be a distant concern.
    Ed Diefenbaker was busy working outside on the new well that had to be built. Mary Diefenbaker was chopping vegetables outside on a makeshift table in a shaded area, where she had escaped the confines of her tiny, dark kitchen.
    Prairie Dancer dutifully walked alongside the wagon for the five mile trip from the Long River reservation where the Diefenbakers had travelled for Summer to pick up clothing and other things that she would need for her week-long stay. When she asked William if her masinasowatim could come—Cree, for Pinto—he thought about it and couldn’t think of any reason to say no, as long as she took care of the mare herself. This was good news for John and Elmer, who delighted in the idea of horseback riding with Summer, at least during the times when Skipper and Blue weren’t needed to pull the wagon.
    If John and Elmer could be considered good riders, John thought to himself, Summer was even better. Summer had
    owned the horse since she was three years old. It didn’t make a difference how hard times got, her father had promised her that they would never sell the horse. He had kept his word. Prairie Dancer was her pride and joy.
    Summer jumped down from her mare with a grin on her face and waved to Mary and then to Ed, who was farther away. John realized that with all the trouble her father was in, staying with friends must be a welcome diversion for her.
    Mary smiled and welcomed Summer, giving her a warm hug. John and Elmer quickly took over the task of unhitching Skipper and Blue from the wagon, something they had mastered long ago. John waved Summer over towards them so that the three of them could work on cooling down the horses. They grabbed some brushes and chatted excitedly while the adults unloaded the supplies.
    Mary fussed over the goods that William had brought home and she soon let him know what mistakes he made shopping. Ed, who had since joined them, gave William a sympathetic look and then appeared amused as he reached down for the tail ends of his shirt and used them to wipe his sweaty face.
    Mary didn’t waste any time reminding the boys of their promises to catch up on their chores.
    â€œYou’re lucky you’ve now got an extra pair of hands to help out,” she called out, referring to Summer.
    â€œI get Summer for my chores!” John called out.
    â€œNo way!” said Elmer. “I need her!”
    â€œSummer can take turns helping you both out,” said Mary sternly. “And don’t talk about the girl like she’s a farm tool, either!”
    â€œYes, Mother,” the boys said, almost at the same time. John, Elmer, and Summer finished their brushing and then set the three horses out to pasture in the north field.
    ***
    All the chores, other than cleaning out the animal paddocks, were done by seven o’clock. Mary told them to get cleaned up for supper and finish afterwards. Once everyone sat down, they joined hands and recited their prayer of grace. Everyone enjoyed Mary’s meal—wild duck that Uncle Ed had shot early that morning, with potatoes and small carrots. For a special treat, in anticipation of Summer coming, Mary had also baked a Saskatoon berry pie, made with the large berries that had an apple-like flavour. Summer shared that