The Niagara Falls Mystery Read Online Free Page A

he’s been sitting there for a while. Maybe it was a delivery person.”
    While the Aldens were still discussing the intruder, Will walked in.
    â€œGuess what?” Benny asked, bursting with news. “We just chased somebody out of the display room.”
    Will looked puzzled. “Somebody was in there? You don’t mean the couple I hired, do you? I brought them upstairs so they could settle in before they start work later today. The husband just left to pick up my new store sign. Maybe he took a shortcut through the shop.”
    â€œI think you were all still upstairs,” Henry explained. “The person who was in the display room went through the shop and out the front door. Were you expecting a delivery?”
    Will shook his head. “Not this early. Hmmm. It’s possible one of my suppliers came by and dropped something off. But I don’t see any packages.”
    â€œWhoever it was got out of here fast,” Jessie said. “Anyway, we’re in a hurry, too — to get to work.”
    Will looked around. “Well, everything seems to be in place, so I’m not going to worry. I’m just glad you’re all here to give me a hand. Follow me.”
    Will led the Aldens into the display room. He turned on the light. “This room is Granddad’s pride and joy,” Will explained. “He’s been collecting antiques and oddities from around Niagara Falls his whole life. We usually get a lot of tourists in here — people who want to know about the history of Niagara Falls. Most of the things in this room are one of a kind.”
    The room was a jumble of dusty treasures. Old photographs hung on the walls. Postcard albums lay open on the counters. A tag on a section of metal cable explained that it was part of the first cable bridge built across the Niagara River. Two barrels stood in the corner with signs describing the people who had gone over the falls in them.
    Benny pointed up to the ceiling where a long curved wooden pole hung from corner to corner. “What’s that?”
    â€œThat’s a balancing pole a famous tightrope walker used in 1859 to cross over the river down by Whirlpool Rapids. The rapids are pretty dangerous. This pole is the most famous item in my grandfather’s collection, except for one.”
    Will walked over to a glass display case in the center of the room. He turned on the overhead light. “Hey! Why is this case unlocked?” he asked. “Maybe Granddad was in a rush and forgot to close it. I wouldn’t want anybody to get his hands on this guest book. It’s pretty valuable.”
    The children came over to see what Will was talking about.

    â€œIt’s just a plain old book,” Benny said, a little disappointed. The balancing pole on the ceiling was a lot more exciting.
    â€œIt’s not just a plain old book, Benny,” Will began. “It’s a priceless guest book from a hotel my great-great-grandparents owned. When the Prince of Wales visited Niagara Falls in 1860, he stayed at their hotel and signed this book. It’s been in our family for over a hundred and thirty years.”
    â€œIs it usually locked up?” Jessie asked.
    â€œAlways,” Will answered. “In fact, the insurance company keeps telling Granddad he should keep it in a safe or at a bank. But he won’t hear of it. He wants to share these treasures with visitors who come to the shop. Granddad must have left the case unlocked by mistake. Good thing I noticed. I’ll lock it up now.”
    Will was walking toward a cabinet in the corner of the room when he accidentally kicked something. “Gosh! Granddad really must have been rushed. He dropped these keys. I’d better lock up the guest book case right now.” He turned the key in the lock and rechecked it twice before putting the keys into his pocket.
    For the next half hour, Will showed the Aldens where things were and what to do.