William Henry Warner

“Doesn’t that look like Mr. Mason from behind?”Henry grabbed the glasses. “I think it is him. I recognize the red hat he had on yesterday. If he had a motorboat, why did Hilda tell us they didn’t have time to go to the hardware store?”Jessie found the towel she’d packed and shared it with Henry. “The sun will have to dry off the rest of us,” she said. “If you ask me, those two are trying to keep us away from Cousin Charlotte’s property.”“Well, they can’t,” Henry said. “Hop in, everybody. We’re going to follow Mr. Mason back to Skeleton Point.”But Henry couldn’t follow the motorboat to Skeleton Point. It sped right past there without stopping.“He must be docking someplace else,” Jessie said. “That gives me an idea. Instead of going back to Skeleton Point, let’s row to that cove we passed not too far from the general store. We’ll hike up from there. If Hilda and William don’t spot our boat coming in, we’ll have a chance to see what they’re up to before they expect us back.”Henry didn’t need to think twice about Jessie’s good suggestion. He dipped one oar into the water and headed for the deserted cove.The Mystery at Skeleton Point””

“When the children returned to the studio, the STUDIO CLOSED sign was still on the door. This didn’t stop the Aldens.“Hi, Hilda! It’s the Aldens,” Jessie yelled as she rapped on the window.Hilda whirled around, startled to see four pairs of eyes staring at her. She opened the door slightly. “What are you doing here? My studio is closed right now.”Violet looked past Hilda. “Oh, so you have the Clover Dodge statue,” she said before the young woman could block her view. “Are you fixing it? I’d love to see how.”Hilda stared at Violet. “I’m not here to teach art classes, Violet. I’m here to…well, I haven’t time to explain.”Henry, who was taller than Hilda, peered right over her shoulder. “Are you fixing the arm from the angel statue, too? Charlotte will be glad you got started on that.”Hilda studied the Aldens’ faces. “What do you mean? William was the one who got me working on the angel statue, not Charlotte. He told me she left most of the decisions up to him.” Hilda pushed the door to keep the children back. “I really must get back to my work. I’ll see you at Skeleton Point later this afternoon.”The Aldens had a lot more to say, but they never got the chance. After she slammed the door, Hilda walked over to the windows and pulled the shade down one by one. The Mystery at Skeleton Point””

“Perhaps you should head home until you hear from her again.”The children looked at one another. Why was this woman always trying to make them go away?Jessie surprised her brothers and sister by agreeing. “Sure. I guess we will go. See you tomorrow.”When the children got outside, Benny was confused. “Why are we going home? Can’t we ask her about my photos?”Jessie put her arm on Benny’s shoulder. “We’re only going to pretend to leave. We’ll sneak to the other side of the house and see what the two of them are up to.”When the children came outside, they waved at William.“See you tomorrow,” Henry called out loudly. Then in a whisper he said, “And probably a whole lot sooner.”The Mystery at Skeleton Point””