Bailey and the Santa Fe Secret Read Online Free PDF

herself inwardly cringing on the sidelines when people argued.
    “Maybe you can take us to see the Puye Cliff dwellings sometime,” Elizabeth said. “I’ve never seen ancient rock houses before.”
    “Sure, we can go there. But they have most of it fenced off now, so we can’t get as close as we used to.” Elan checked Elizabeth’s bowl. “This is looking pretty good. But you don’t want to make that side too thick,” he warned. “It will crack in the kiln if it’s thicker than the rest, because it won’t dry evenly.”
    Elizabeth smiled. “Okay, thanks.”
    “So what do we do next now that we have our bowls shaped?” Bailey asked.
    Aiyana jumped in before Elan could answer. “We take them outside and set them in the sun until they’re bone dry.”
    “Do we get to paint them?” Bailey asked.
    “Eventually,” Aiyana replied. “After they’re dry we’ll glaze them. That’s what the paint’s called.”
    “How long does it take them to dry outside?” Elizabeth asked.
    “Usually a day or two.” Aiyana looked at the bright sun beaming through the window. “When it’s this warm outside, probably only a day.”
    The door dinged again, and Elan stood. “I’d better go help Mother with the customers.”
    “Thanks for helping us get this far.” Bailey waved as he left.
    After the boy had left the room, Elizabeth asked, “What do you think about what Elan said?”
    “What do you mean?” Aiyana tilted her head.
    “Do you really think he’d try scaling the Puye Cliff dwellings?” Elizabeth’s eyes were clouded with concern.
    “No.” Aiyana sounded sure of her answer. “He’s talked of doing that plenty of times before. He’d never do it. It’s way too dangerous.”
    Bailey picked up her bowl and followed Aiyana toward the back door.
    “Do you think we should say anything to your mom about it just in case?” Elizabeth scooped her dish up and went with them.
    “No, I’m sure he’s just talking big.” Aiyana held the door for the girls. “We’ve got nothing to worry about.”
    Elizabeth didn’t look so sure. “I hope you’re right.”

Desert Wanderings
    Back at the Tses’ house that afternoon, Bailey flopped onto the bed and opened her laptop. Elizabeth sprawled out next to her. They sent the photos of the ancient pot from Elizabeth’s phone to the other Camp Club Girls. It wasn’t long before Bailey’s phone rang. “Hello?”
    “Hi, Bailey. It’s Kate.”
    “Hi, Kate. Did you get the pictures?”
    “Yes! You were right. That
is
a gorgeous pot. I love all the colors in the sunset!”
    “Me, too. Hang on a second. I’ll put you on speakerphone so Beth can hear, too.” Bailey pushed the speaker button.
    “Hi, Kate! It’s Elizabeth.”
    “Hi, Beth.”
    “Anyway, back to the subject,” Bailey said. “The sunset’s my favorite part, too.”
    “I’m going to print the pictures out so I can research them. Biscuit!”
    Elizabeth giggled when she heard Biscuit panting over the line. “Hi, Biscuit!”
    “He’s going nuts!” Kate laughed. “Get down, boy. Anyway, I’m hoping I’ll spot a clue somewhere in the picture that you didn’t pick up on.”
    “That would be great,” Bailey said. “Let us know if you find anything.”
    “Okay. Will do.”
    “Okay. Bye.” Bailey flipped her phone closed.
    A knock on the bedroom door made Bailey sit up. “Come in!”
    “Hey!” Elan said. “‘S up?”
    “Not much. We just got off the phone with one of our friends from camp,” Elizabeth said. “What about you?”
    “I wondered if you wanted to go see the Puye Cliff dwellings.” Elan held a floppy, off-white canvas hat, and his eyes flashed with excitement.
    “Sure!” Bailey was off the bed in a flash. “Is your mom driving us?”
    “No. It’s not far. We’ll walk.”
    “Really?” Bailey looked doubtful. “They’re that close?”
    “Well, it’s a good hike, but I’ve done it plenty of times.” Elan sounded so sure. But still, a little worry sat at