Mystery of the Stolen Sword Read Online Free PDF

does the X stand for?” Benny wanted to know.
    Henry shrugged. “Beats me,” he said. “Remember, this was part of a game Seymour’s children used to play.”
    “Let’s see if we can’t find the newer markings,” Jessie suggested. “These carvings are pretty faded.”
    The Aldens walked alongside the trees, crunching fallen leaves beneath their sneakers. Benny gathered a pile of the leaves in his arms and threw them at Violet. Violet threw some leaves back at Benny. Before long, masses of leaves whirled through the air.
    “Looks like you’re having fun,” a voice said.
    The Aldens turned to face a tall blond boy who stood grinning at them. “I was just pruning some of these apple trees,” the boy explained as he pointed to the large power saw by his feet. “I work in this orchard part-time after school.”

    “Are you Martin?” Jessie asked.
    The boy nodded. “I am,” he said. “And you must be the Aldens. Seymour told me you’d be visiting. I’m pleased to meet you.”
    “We’re pleased to meet you, too,” Jessie said for all of them.
    “We’re looking at these markings on the tree trunks,” Benny informed Martin. “Do you know about them?”
    “Oh, those,” Martin said, laughing. “I think they must have been part of a game the Curtis children used to play.”
    Benny looked disappointed.
    “Are there any other markings like this?” Violet asked.
    “I haven’t seen any,” Martin answered. “But then again, I haven’t been looking.”
    “What do you know about the ghost?” Benny asked Martin.
    Martin laughed. “Well, I’ve heard some rustling in the trees, but I think it’s the sound of an animal, not a ghost.”
    “You’ve never seen the ghost?” Benny asked.
    “No, I don’t think I have,” Martin answered. “But you know, in most of the ghost stories I’ve read, the ghost never actually appears.”
    “It doesn’t?” Benny’s eyes were as round as saucers.
    “No.” Martin sounded very sure. “The room, or the area where the ghost is supposed to appear, just gets colder. And lights flicker, that kind of stuff. People sense a ghost is around, but no one ever actually sees it.”
    “I never thought of it that way.” Benny sounded much happier. He walked farther into the orchard, and the others followed, including Martin.
    Henry was the first to see two markings scratched into the bark of one tree. “These markings look newer!” he exclaimed.
    “Why do you think so?” Violet asked as she bent down to look at them more carefully.
    “They don’t look as weathered,” Henry answered. “So it’s easier to make out what they are.”
    “It’s true,” Jessie agreed. She sat on the ground near Henry. “Here’s a drawing of a sword with a curved blade.”
    “That’s interesting,” Henry said. “Do you think this is still part of the game?”
    “It could be a message or signal for someone,” Violet suggested.
    Jessie’s eyes lit up. “I wonder if the sword that’s missing has a curved blade.”
    “Maybe it’s the ghost of Joshua saying he wants that sword,” Benny pointed out.
    “Maybe,” Martin said. “But I’ll bet it’s a signal for someone who’s alive today, maybe the burglars who take antiques.” He sounded as excited as Jessie.
    “Yes,” Henry agreed. “The message could be that the coast is clear to take a sword with a curved blade.”
    “We should tell Seymour right away,” Jessie said. Benny had already turned around to go back to the farmhouse.
    The Aldens and Martin had not gotten too far when Veronica stepped out from behind a tree and walked directly into their path.
    “Martin, I’ve been looking all over for you.” She sounded angry.
    “Oh, hi, Veronica,” Martin said, blushing a little.
    “Why weren’t you over by the tree where you said you would be? Do you know how long it’s taken me to find you?”
    “Well, Veronica, I—”
    Veronica put her hands on her hips. “I’m sure you have a good excuse, as always,”