Discovering Treasure Read Online Free PDF

fed him another cup of water followed by another small piece of sandwich. The dog’s eyes glowed, and he seemed to smile, before resting his head back on the seat. He knew he was safe and he knew he would be cared of. For now that was all that mattered.

4
    Beautiful Vision Valley
    Driving slowly to the top of a long hill, the car was stopped, so they could sit and observe the picturesque valley below. The dirt road continued on, winding halfway down the valley, and into a town larger than the one previously stopped at. It nestled securely on plentiful acres of flat land. At the bottom of the valley, ran a river, shining like silver, glistening in the sun rays. It threaded around like a thin snake coursing the length of the valley before disappearing beyond sight.
    â€œOh! How pretty it is,” Ella broke the mesmerized silence.
    Treasure nodded in agreement. The beauty that spread out before them –, was splendor past description –, it required no words. Treasure alighted from the car and for the last time before arriving at their destination, she gave the dog another drink and the last piece of sandwich. Looking closely at him, she now noted tiny dark brown specks, crawling in its matted coat.
    Oh no! Fleas as well! —. But, they could be got rid of in time, and this poor fellow would mend well with proper care. “Okay, let’s be off then.”
    Back in the driver’s seat Treasure placed the car into gear and began the long slow decent. Thank God it wasn’t steep, her reflexes slowed, as fatigue from their extensive day settled into her bones. But still the sun hadn’t set, and hopefully she would recognize her grandmother’s house at the far edge of the town.
    â€œMy granny’s lawyer told me he’s stocked the house with groceries and had it cleaned. Apparently it was quite a job, standing vacant as it has for the last two years since my grandmother’s passing. The grass had to be scythed and the huge yard cleared. I asked him to re-paint the house inside and out, so I hope he followed my directions, as he assured me he would.” With both hands holding the stirring wheel steady over ruts, Treasure appraised the town while cruising through. Her last time here was as a small child. The one thing she could vividly remember was her granny’s sitting room and the afternoon sun shining through French windows leading onto the veranda. There was also the mahogany piano, where her mother sat and played. That would be familiar to see again.
    She spotted the two-roomed school house and yard where she’d sat happily in the dust, drawing pictures with a stick. The old church stood forlorn next-door on a large lot of land with an acre or so between. Both school and church were in need of a good coat of paint. Next a hardware store that also sold animal produce and goods. How often had she stood by Granny’s side listening to the local chat? That quirky little doctor’s house was gone and so likely was he? Treasure thought of his shiny bald head and the wide bracers holding his pants up over his enormous tummy. That stomach had intrigued her as a child, because it bounced up and down when he laughed. Her grandmother caught her staring at it once, and read her the riot act on their return home. Yes, his house was gone and in its place stood a long building with a hospital sign out front.
    â€˜Doctor in Residence;’ read a plaque tacked to the front door. On the opposite side of the street stood a grocery store, with a fruit and vegetable stall out front. A couple more shops, one with country clothes and foot wear, and another looked like a book, newspaper, and magazine store. A haberdashery was the largest and most impressive building, with a police station, post office and a lawyer’s office. Seeing these through adult eyes, everything looked smaller. There were a few horse and carriages parked, as well as a lorry and truck, plus one small