The Dangerous Treasure Hunt

 By Samantha L., age 11

#7 Attic Surprise

One rainy day Andi Carter sat thinking. She sighed.  It was too rainy to go riding on Taffy, her beloved horse.  There was nothing to do.  “Why don’t you go to the attic and look around.” suggested Mother.  Anything is better than sitting here, thought Andi as she slowly climbed the stairs to the attic. 

When she opened the door lots of junk met her.  Wading through the junk, Andi stopped at an old trunk.  She tried to open the lid, but it was stuck. After she pulled and pushed, the trunk flew open knocking Andi over. She got up and reached inside the trunk. First, she pulled out an old tin box.   Andi lifted the lid of the tin box and pulled out an old, crumbling piece of paper.  Carefully unfolding the paper, Andi stared.  There in her hands was a treasure map!  Excitedly she raced down the stairs.

“Mother look what I found!” Andi cried dancing around.

“What is it, Honey.” asked Mother.

“A treasure map. May I please go search for the treasure?” said Andi handing Mother the map.

As Mother looked at the map she said, “Well since it is on our land, I’ll allow you to search for the treasure tomorrow. But be home before dark.”

“Thank you, Mother.” said Andi. Andi spent the rest of the day planning her treasure hunt. She invited Rosa, the Spanish servant, to go with her. Early the next morning Andi and Rosa set out on Taffy.

“Good luck,” said Mother, “Have a fine time.”

“We will.” called Andi.

Later that day Andi showed Rosa the creek on the map.  Then they headed west. An hour later Andi stopped Taffy. “Let’s walk now because my legs are sore from riding.” groaned Andi heading up the mountain.  Several minutes later Andi and Rosa began digging with the small shovels Andi had brought.  Suddenly Andi’s shovel hit something lumpy. She dug even faster, but the sack of something was stuck in the hole.  Andi and Rosa were so busy digging and pulling at the sack that they didn’t hear the footsteps behind them. Suddenly someone grabbed Andi.  “Let me go.” she said thrashing wildly.  Andi heard a scream and saw someone had captured Rosa. 

“What are you doing.” asked the man, who held Andi, gruffly.

“Um, digging.” Andi didn’t want these men to know what they were really doing.

“Hm.  Digging up treasure. Isn’t that cute.” Turning to the other man, he said,” Carlos get the horses.”

“How did you know about the treasure?” asked Andi.

“We overheard you taking to your friend about it and decided to lock you up.” At Andi’s shocked faced he laughed. Then the man named Carlos returned leading two horses.  Pushing the girls up on the horses they rode up the mountain.  Much later the men stopped their horses near a small cabin.  They dragged the two girls inside.

“Who are you anyway?” demanded Andi as she was drug inside the cabin. Ignoring Andi, the man began to converse quietly with his companion.

            “Sleep well.” said the man heading for the door.

“Wait, you can’t leave us here.” protested Andi jumping up.

“Sure can and will.” he said closing the door. Then Andi heard the click of the lock. 

“Don’t worry amigo, maybe the windows are loose.” said Rosa comfortingly. They tried the windows, but the bars stayed in place.  “Perhaps the door can be opened.” suggested Rosa.  They pulled and pushed on the door, but it would not even shake. Then Andi and Rosa yelled for help as loud as they could.  Still nothing.  Exhausted, Andi fell asleep trying to figure a way out.

 The next morning Andi and Rosa tried again to get out. Suddenly the door opened and Carlos, one of their captors stepped in.  “What do you want.” Andi demanded. 

“Before you get to riled up, let me speak,” he took a deep breath,” I came to rescue you.”

“Why would you rescue us?  You were the one who captured us.” asked Andi.

“My conscience kind of pricked me. Now let’s get out of here before Jedd, the other guy, finds out that I betrayed him.” Carlos led them out of the cabin to his horse.  “Climb on.” he said. Andi quickly decided that nothing could be worse than being locked in a cabin, and if she tried to run, Carlos would quickly catch her, so she climbed on the horse.

“Why were you with that Jedd guy? asked Andi.

“Let’s just say he is my brother, who started gambling and then went broke.  He asked me to help him get money, so I agreed.  But when we kidnapped you, I couldn’t stand it.”

            “Well, I’m glad you came to your senses, because my mother must be worried.  Oh, my horse is over there.” said Andi pointing.

“Good to know.  We couldn’t find your horse when we went to take it.” After Carlos tied Taffy’s lead rope to the saddle he said,” Can you lead me to your house?  I don’t know where it is.” So, Andi led Carlos to her house.  When they reached the Carter’s house Andi quickly slipped off the horse and ran inside.  Carlos and Rosa followed her at a slower pace.

“Mother I’m home.” shouted Andi. Mother immediately appeared in the hall.

“Darling, what happened? We were so worried.  I sent your brothers and the ranch hands to find you.” Just then Rosa and Carlos appeared.  “Andrea who is this stranger.” asked Andi’s concerned mother.

“This is Carlos.  He captured and rescued us.”

“What!” exclaimed Mother in shock. Then Andi along with Rosa told what happened.  “Oh, I ‘m thankful to you for rescuing them. Though I don’t appreciate you capturing them.” Mother told Carlos.

“My pleasure, Madam, though I’m sorry I captured them, too.” said Carlos with a grin. Then turning to Andi, he dropped a sack of gold next to her. “Here’s your treasure.  I grabbed it while Jedd was asleep, though it was really stuck.”

“Oh, thank you.” cried Andi.

“Do you know of any steady work nearby?” he asked Mother.

“Right here.” said Mother with a smile.

“I’m grateful.” said Carlos bowing.

“Andrea show Carlos the ranch and when your brothers get back tell them to go after the other kidnapper.” Mother commanded.

This is home, sweet home, thought Andi as she walked out the door, humming “Home, Sweet Home.”