Andi's Birthday Mystery (ages 9-12)

 By Olivia S. 

Andi Carter took a writing tablet and pack of pencils.  She ran up to Mr. White and dug into her pocket.  She pulled out six pennies and handed them to Mr. White.  

“Hmmm,” said Mr. White, counting the pennies.  “Do you have another penny?”

“No, I paid three pennies for the paper and three for the pencils,” she said.

“The price was changed for the paper; it’s now four pennies,” said Mr. White.

“Oh!” said Andi.  “I’ll get another penny.”

Andi got distracted by thinking about the church party.  It was a birthday party for Miss Hall.  That's why Andi had bought the paper and pencils.  It was a present for her “favorite” teacher.  Andi forgot to get another penny.

When she got home, she found Melinda in her sewing corner that Mother had made for her.  “It has short sleeves, right?” Andi made sure. 

 Melinda shook her head.  “No,” she said, “Mother wanted it to have long ones.  She said it’s too cold for short ones.”  

“It’s only October,” Andi said in a huff.

“Andrea,” said Mother, “Your sister is being kind by making you a new dress to wear to the party on Saturday.  You should be thankful.”  

Andi didn’t talk back.  Instead, she went and wrapped her gift.

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Finally Saturday came and at last it was Andi’s turn to give her gift.  “Mother,” said Andi, “I can’t find it!  I put it right here!”  

Chad looked over out the window at the sign on a tree.  “WANTED. DEAD OR ALIVE.  $100 REWARD.”  It said under a picture of a man.  “Hmmm,” said Chad.  

When the party was over, Andi still had not found the gift.  “I’m sorry, Andrea,” said Mother.  “It’s very strange that you couldn’t find your gift.”  

Andi didn’t answer.  She was too upset.

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The next day, Chad had a familiar looking visitor who had a familiar looking writing tablet.  He wanted Chad to sign an agreement and sell a small part of the ranch to him.  Chad sold a small piece of land to the man for five dollars.  Big mistake.  Soon, Chad found out that it was a plot to take over the ranch for himself.  

Andi had seen the “Wanted” sign and knew in an instant that it was the same man. “Mitch!” she yelled for big brother.

“Whoa! Andi, slow down!”

“Please, can… will you saddle Taffy for me?”

“Sure!” said Mitch.  “And where are you off to, young lady?”

“I’m not sure yet,” she answered, “but I’ll be back in time for supper.”

“Ok,” said Mitch, “Be careful, bye!”  And Andi took off.

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Later that day, Andi, with her lasso ready, was still holding a “Wanted” sign and looking for the man.  Then she saw him coming right toward her. She caught him with her lasso and dragged him home with her.  

“Chad!” she yelled when she got home.  “I caught the man who had the plot to take over the ranch! And it’s the same man on the ‘Wanted’ signs!  I get a hundred dollars!”

“Way to go, Andi!” shouted her family.

The man was put in jail, and Andi got a hundred dollars!  She bought a new writing tablet and pack of pencils and gave them to Miss Hall for her birthday.  She also paid Mr. White the extra penny for the other writing tablet. 

 Andi never forgot what had happened and it was a pretty good memory that she would one day tell her children.