The Canoe Trip Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page A

trip.”
    â€œEveryone we’ve met seems to have something to hide,” Henry observed, thinking of Lorenzo Espinosa and now Rob Wilson.
    â€œWell, at least Rob Wilson isn’t warning us to stay away from this lake, like everyone else is,” Violet pointed out.
    â€œYes, he’s even going in the same directionwe are,” Jessie said. “He must not think Timberwolf Lake and Catfish Lake are dangerous.”
    â€œDo you think he’s trying to solve the riddle, too?” Benny asked.
    â€œI don’t know,” Henry said. “We really don’t know anything about him yet. I don’t think we should tell him too much.”
    â€œCan’t we tell him about the riddle or the coin robberies?” Benny wanted to know.
    â€œNo, I think we should first find out why he’s on this trail.” Henry sounded firm.
    â€œHenry, it’s not like you to be suspicious of everyone,” Aunt Jane remarked. “But I agree, it’s best to be careful.”
    Rob had not returned by the time the Aldens were ready to go to sleep.
    â€œI hope he doesn’t snore,” Benny said. He lay inside his sleeping bag on the bottom bunk. Henry was in the top bunk reading his book by the light of his flashlight.
    â€œThat’s the least of our worries, Benny,” Henry said.
    Benny gulped. “Do you think Rob Wilson is a burglar?” He motioned across the roomto Rob’s empty bunk. Rob had left a large backpack and two fishing poles on top of his sleeping bag.
    â€œI don’t know what to think about Rob. But he’s probably all right.” Henry tried to sound comforting.
    â€œI hope we won’t hear any wild animals tonight,” Benny said sleepily.
    â€œI hope not, Benny,” Henry said softly. He looked down and saw Benny’s eyes were closed. It never took Benny very long to fall asleep, no matter where he was.

CHAPTER 6
    The Storm
    N othing unusual happened that night. Everyone slept very well, even Rob Wilson, who must have returned very late. He came limping out of the lean-to in the middle of the Alden’s breakfast.
    â€œMay I join you?” Rob asked. They nodded, and he sat down beside Jessie. Although he still limped, he said the swelling on his ankle had gone down.
    â€œThis is the first good night’s sleep I’ve gotten since my canoe trip began,” he confided. He poured some orange juice from histhermos and offered some to the Aldens. They shook their heads.
    They were drinking the hot chocolate Jessie had made. It was cold in the mornings, and the air smelled of pine and wood smoke.
    They had woken up early to prepare breakfast—hot oatmeal with lots of brown sugar and raisins. Rob reached in his pack and pulled out a loaf of hard bread. He broke off a piece for himself and hungrily eyed the Alden’s big pot of oatmeal.
    â€œWould you like some?” Violet offered, passing him a bowl.
    â€œThank you. I’ll only take a little,” Rob said. He ate his portion quickly. “It’s wonderful,” he said between mouthfuls. “You must let me cook a meal for you before you leave this campsite.”
    Aunt Jane and the Aldens looked at each other. Henry still could not decide whether or not to trust Rob. No one said much to him at breakfast. They were all too busy eating.
    â€œHe does seem much friendlier today,” Jessie remarked softly after Rob left to gethis binoculars from the cabin. He wanted to do some bird-watching.
    â€œWell, having a good night’s sleep helps,” Aunt Jane said. “He seems much more relaxed than he did yesterday.”
    When Rob came out of the cabin, Benny was eating a second bowl of oatmeal.
    â€œSo you’re still hungry,” Rob teased, poking Benny playfully in the ribs. Henry and Jessie exchanged glances. Why was Rob so friendly today and so quiet and secretive yesterday?
    The Aldens decided to stay another night at their comfortable