The Mystery of the Northern Lights
You are purchasing the Paperback format on this book. Mimi, Papa, Christina and Grant may have bitten off more than can chew when they decide to Canada – from one end to the other! Mysterious totem-pole clues lead them across the massive, magnificent country via a long black limo, a swank private jet, the mysteriousOcean train, and even by dogsled! Along the way, the kids meet two new Inuit friends to guide them – and giggle with! – as they get wet at Horseshoe Falls… touch the sky at CN Tower… meet a mysterious Mountie… and get into mischief at the Calgary Stampede! Overshadowing it all are those mysteriously beautiful lights in the sky. "Is the sky on fire?" Grant wants to know. Hang on to your hat… and jump on board a mystery Canada – the second-largest country in the World!
You are purchasing the Paperback format on this book. Mimi, Papa, Christina and Grant may have bitten off more than can chew when they decide to Canada – from one end to the other! Mysterious totem-pole clues lead them across the massive, magnificent country via a long black limo, a swank private jet, the mysteriousOcean train, and even by dogsled!
Along the way, the kids meet two new Inuit friends to guide them – and giggle with! – as they get wet at Horseshoe Falls… touch the sky at CN Tower… meet a mysterious Mountie… and get into mischief at the Calgary Stampede! Overshadowing it all are those mysteriously beautiful lights in the sky. "Is the sky on fire?" Grant wants to know.
Hang on to your hat… and jump on board a mystery Canada – the second-largest country in the World!
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What Kids Say About<br />
Carole Marsh Mysteries . . .<br />
“I love <strong>the</strong> real locations! Reading <strong>the</strong> book always makes me<br />
want to go and visit <strong>the</strong>m all on our next family vacation.<br />
My Mom says maybe, but I can’t wait!”<br />
“One day, I want to be a real kid in one <strong>of</strong> Ms. Marsh’s<br />
mystery books. I think it would be fun, and I think I am a<br />
real character anyway. I filled out <strong>the</strong> application and sent<br />
it in and am keeping my fingers crossed!”<br />
“History was not my favorite subject till I starting reading<br />
Carole Marsh Mysteries. Ms. Marsh really brings history to<br />
life. Also, she leaves room for <strong>the</strong> scary and fun.”<br />
“I think Christina is so smart and brave. She is lucky to be<br />
in <strong>the</strong> mystery books because she gets to go to a lot <strong>of</strong> places.<br />
I always wonder just how much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> book is true and what<br />
is made up. Trying to figure that out is fun!”<br />
“Grant is cool and funny! He makes me laugh a lot!!”<br />
“I like that <strong>the</strong>re are boys and girls in <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> different<br />
ages. Some mysteries I outgrow, but I can always find a<br />
favorite character to identify with in <strong>the</strong>se books.”<br />
“<strong>The</strong>y are scary, but not too scary. <strong>The</strong>y are funny. I learn<br />
a lot. <strong>The</strong>re is always food which makes me hungry. I feel<br />
like I am <strong>the</strong>re.”
What Parents and Teachers Say About<br />
Carole Marsh Mysteries . . .<br />
“I think kids love <strong>the</strong>se books because <strong>the</strong>y have such a wealth<br />
<strong>of</strong> detail. I know I learn a lot reading <strong>the</strong>m! It’s an engaging<br />
way to look at <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> any place or event. I always say<br />
I’m only going to read one chapter to <strong>the</strong> kids, but that never<br />
happens—it’s always two or three, at least!”<br />
—Librarian<br />
“Reading <strong>the</strong> mystery and going on <strong>the</strong> field trip—Scavenger<br />
Hunt in hand—was <strong>the</strong> most fun our class ever had! It really<br />
brought <strong>the</strong> place and its history to life. <strong>The</strong>y loved <strong>the</strong> real kids<br />
characters and all <strong>the</strong> humor. I loved seeing <strong>the</strong>m learn that<br />
reading is an experience to enjoy!”<br />
—4th grade teacher<br />
“Carole Marsh is really on to something with <strong>the</strong>se unique<br />
mysteries. <strong>The</strong>y are so clever; kids want to read <strong>the</strong>m all.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Teacher’s Guides are chock full <strong>of</strong> activities, recipes, and<br />
additional fascinating information. My kids thought I was an<br />
expert on <strong>the</strong> subject—and with this tool, I felt like it!”<br />
—3rd grade teacher<br />
“My students loved writing <strong>the</strong>ir own Real Kids/Real Places<br />
mystery book! Ms. Marsh’s reproducible guidelines are a real<br />
jewel. <strong>The</strong>y learned about copyright and more & ended up with<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own book <strong>the</strong>y were so proud <strong>of</strong>!”<br />
—Reading/Writing Teacher<br />
“<strong>The</strong> kids seem very realistic—my children seemed to relate to <strong>the</strong><br />
characters. Also, it is educational by expanding <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge<br />
about <strong>the</strong> famous places in <strong>the</strong> books.”<br />
“<strong>The</strong>y are what children like: mysteries and adventures with<br />
children <strong>the</strong>y can relate to.”<br />
“Encourages reading for pleasure.”<br />
“This series is great. It can be used for reluctant readers, and as<br />
a history supplement.”
y Carole Marsh
Copyright ©2014 Carole Marsh/Gallopade International<br />
Current Edition ©May 2014<br />
All rights reserved.<br />
Manufactured in Peachtree City, GA<br />
Ebook edition Copyright ©2014<br />
Carole Marsh Mysteries and its skull colophon are <strong>the</strong> property <strong>of</strong> Carole Marsh<br />
and Gallopade International.<br />
Published by Gallopade International/Carole Marsh Books. Printed in <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States <strong>of</strong> America.<br />
Senior Editor: Janice Baker<br />
Assistant Editor: Gabrielle Humphrey<br />
Cover Design: John Hanson<br />
Content Design and Illustrations: Randolyn Friedlander<br />
Gallopade International is introducing SAT words that kids need to know in<br />
each new book we publish. <strong>The</strong> SAT words are bold in <strong>the</strong> story. Look for<br />
this special logo beside each word in <strong>the</strong> glossary. Happy Learning!<br />
Gallopade is proud to be a member and supporter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se educational<br />
organizations and associations:<br />
American Booksellers Association<br />
American Library Association<br />
International Reading Association<br />
National Association for Gifted Children<br />
<strong>The</strong> National School Supply and Equipment Association<br />
<strong>The</strong> National Council for <strong>the</strong> Social Studies<br />
Museum Store Association<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> Partners for Public Lands<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> Booksellers for Children<br />
Association for <strong>the</strong> Study <strong>of</strong> African American Life and History<br />
National Alliance <strong>of</strong> Black School Educators<br />
This book is a complete work <strong>of</strong> fiction. All events are fictionalized, and although<br />
<strong>the</strong> names <strong>of</strong> real people are used, <strong>the</strong>ir characterization in this book is fiction. All<br />
attractions, product names, or o<strong>the</strong>r works mentioned in this book are trademarks<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir respective owners and <strong>the</strong> names and images used in this book are strictly<br />
for editorial purposes; no commercial claims to <strong>the</strong>ir use is claimed by <strong>the</strong> author<br />
or publisher.<br />
Without limiting <strong>the</strong> rights under copyright reserved above, no part <strong>of</strong> this<br />
publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or<br />
transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying,<br />
recording or o<strong>the</strong>rwise), without <strong>the</strong> prior written permission <strong>of</strong> both <strong>the</strong> copyright<br />
owner and <strong>the</strong> above publisher <strong>of</strong> this book.<br />
<strong>The</strong> scanning, uploading, and distribution <strong>of</strong> this book via <strong>the</strong> Internet or via any<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r means without <strong>the</strong> permission <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> publisher is illegal and punishable by<br />
law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or<br />
encourage electronic piracy <strong>of</strong> copyrightable materials. Your support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> author’s<br />
rights is appreciated.
30 Years Ago . . .<br />
As a mo<strong>the</strong>r and an author, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fondest periods <strong>of</strong><br />
my life was when I decided to write mystery books for children.<br />
At this time (1979), kids were pretty much glued to <strong>the</strong> TV,<br />
something parents and teachers complained about <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y<br />
do about web surfing and video games today.<br />
I decided to set each mystery in a real place—a place kids<br />
could go and visit for <strong>the</strong>mselves after reading <strong>the</strong> book. And<br />
I also used real children as characters. Usually a couple <strong>of</strong><br />
my own children served as characters, and I had no trouble<br />
recruiting kids from <strong>the</strong> book’s location to also be characters.<br />
Also, I wanted all <strong>the</strong> kids—boys and girls <strong>of</strong> all ages—to<br />
participate in solving <strong>the</strong> mystery. And, I wanted kids to learn<br />
something as <strong>the</strong>y read—something about <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
location. And I wanted <strong>the</strong> stories to be funny. That formula<br />
<strong>of</strong> real+scary+smart+fun served me well.<br />
I love getting letters from teachers and parents who<br />
say <strong>the</strong>y read <strong>the</strong> book with <strong>the</strong>ir class or child, <strong>the</strong>n visited<br />
<strong>the</strong> historic site and saw all <strong>the</strong> places in <strong>the</strong> mystery for<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves. What’s so great about that? What’s great is that<br />
you and your children have an experience that bonds you<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r forever—something you shared; something you all<br />
cared about at <strong>the</strong> time; and something that crossed all age<br />
levels: a good story, a good scare, and a good laugh!<br />
30 years later,<br />
Carole Marsh
Hey, kids! As you see—here we are ready to embark on<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> our exciting Carole Marsh <strong>Mystery</strong> adventures!<br />
You know, in “real life,” I keep very close tabs on Christina,<br />
Grant, and <strong>the</strong>ir friends when we travel. However, in <strong>the</strong><br />
mystery books, <strong>the</strong>y always seem to slip away from Papa and<br />
me so that <strong>the</strong>y can try to solve <strong>the</strong> mystery on <strong>the</strong>ir own!<br />
I hope you will go to www.carolemarshmysteries.com<br />
and apply to be a character in a future mystery book! Well,<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> Girl is all tuned up and ready for “take-<strong>of</strong>f!”<br />
Gotta go...Papa says so! Wonder what I’ve forgotten<br />
this time?<br />
Happy “Armchair Travel” Reading,<br />
Mimi
About <strong>the</strong><br />
Characters<br />
Christina: Mysterious things really do<br />
happen to her! Hobbies: soccer, Girl<br />
Scouts, anything crafty, hanging out with<br />
Mimi, and going on new adventures<br />
Grant: Always manages to fall <strong>of</strong>f boats,<br />
back into cactuses, and find strange<br />
clues—even in real life! Hobbies: camping,<br />
baseball, computer games, math, and<br />
hanging out with Papa<br />
Mimi is Carole Marsh, children’s book<br />
author and creator <strong>of</strong> Carole Marsh<br />
Mysteries, Around <strong>the</strong> World in 80<br />
Mysteries, Three Amigos Mysteries,<br />
Baby’s First Mysteries, and many o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
Papa is Bob Longmeyer, <strong>the</strong> author’s<br />
real-life husband, who really does wear<br />
a tuxedo, cowboy boots and hat, fly<br />
an airplane, captain a boat, speak in a<br />
booming voice, and laugh a lot!<br />
Travel around <strong>the</strong> world with Christina and Grant as <strong>the</strong>y<br />
visit famous places in 80 countries, and experience <strong>the</strong><br />
mysterious happenings that always seem to follow <strong>the</strong>m!
Books in<br />
This Series<br />
#1 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at Big Ben • (London, England)<br />
#2 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Eiffel Tower • (Paris, France)<br />
#3 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Roman Colosseum • (Rome, Italy)<br />
#4 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ancient Pyramid • (Cairo, Egypt)<br />
#5 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Great Wall <strong>of</strong> China • (Beijing, China)<br />
#6 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Great Barrier Reef • (Australia)<br />
#7 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at Mt. Fuji • (Tokyo, Japan)<br />
#8 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> in <strong>the</strong> Amazon Rainforest • (South America)<br />
#9 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at Dracula’s Castle • (Transylvania, Romania)<br />
#10 <strong>The</strong> Curse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Acropolis • (A<strong>the</strong>ns, Greece)<br />
#11 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Crystal Castle • (Bavaria, Germany)<br />
#12 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> in Icy Antarctica<br />
#13 <strong>The</strong> Rip-Roaring <strong>Mystery</strong> on <strong>the</strong> African Safari • (South Africa)<br />
#14 <strong>The</strong> Breathtaking <strong>Mystery</strong> on Mount Everest • (<strong>The</strong> Top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> World)<br />
#15 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Onion Domes • (Russia)<br />
#16 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Maya Ruins • (Mexico)<br />
#17 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong> • (Canada)<br />
#18 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Taj Mahal • (India)
Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />
1 High Tide at Flowerpot Rocks 1<br />
2 Lost and Found 5<br />
3 Incoming! 13<br />
4 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> Magnet Club 17<br />
5 You’re It! 23<br />
6 <strong>The</strong> Man in Black 27<br />
7 HONK! HONK! 31<br />
8 La Ville Souterraine 37<br />
9 Mole Boy 41<br />
10 Al Quinn Park 49<br />
11 Tom’s Poem 55<br />
12 A City Without Sweet Dreams 63<br />
13 Hello, Toronto! 67<br />
14 Pea Soup 73<br />
15 Midnight Sun 79<br />
16 Swirling <strong>Lights</strong> 85<br />
17 Suspending Suspense 91<br />
18 Cloned! 95<br />
19 Animal Carvings 103<br />
20 On <strong>the</strong> Cotton Ball Trail 107<br />
21 A Sticky Situation 115<br />
22 Blood Is Thicker Than…Syrup?! 121<br />
About <strong>the</strong> Author 125<br />
Built-In Book Club: Talk About It! 126<br />
Built-In Book Club: Bring It to Life! 128<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong> Trivia 130<br />
Glossary 132
Canada<br />
NORTHWEST<br />
TERRITORIES<br />
PRINCE<br />
EDWARD<br />
ISLAND
1<br />
High Tide at<br />
Flowerpot Rocks<br />
“Quick, in here!” whispered Christina to<br />
her little bro<strong>the</strong>r Grant. <strong>The</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>r-and-sister<br />
duo scurried into a narrow crevice in <strong>the</strong> side <strong>of</strong><br />
a cliff.<br />
“Do you think he saw us?” asked Grant<br />
worriedly. Wet sand matted down his curly<br />
blonde hair. His blue eyes darted from his older<br />
sister to <strong>the</strong> opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir rocky hideout.<br />
“I don’t think so,” replied Christina. “Go<br />
see if he’s still out <strong>the</strong>re,” she added, giving her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r a light shove.<br />
Grant inched out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir rocky hiding<br />
place. His feet left squishy prints in <strong>the</strong> sand.<br />
1
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong><br />
“Is he gone?” whispered Christina.<br />
“I don’t see him—or anyone else!” he<br />
exclaimed. “Come on!”<br />
<strong>The</strong> water lapped at <strong>the</strong>ir feet as <strong>the</strong>y<br />
made <strong>the</strong>ir way toward shore. Hungry seagulls<br />
landed briefly to pluck crabs <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> sand.<br />
<strong>The</strong> kids moved quickly along <strong>the</strong> sea floor<br />
<strong>of</strong> Canada’s Bay <strong>of</strong> Fundy, where <strong>the</strong> tides from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Atlantic Ocean were starting to come in. If<br />
<strong>the</strong>y didn’t get out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>re, <strong>the</strong> water would rise<br />
as high as a five-story building within a few hours.<br />
Christina shielded her bright blue eyes<br />
from <strong>the</strong> afternoon sun. She watched a seagull<br />
wrestle with its pinching prey atop one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
tall Hopewell Rocks jutting out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sand. <strong>The</strong><br />
statuesque rocks had earned <strong>the</strong> nickname<br />
Flowerpot Rocks because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trees that grow<br />
on top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir twisting rock bases.<br />
“He’s coming back!” cried Christina. <strong>The</strong><br />
kids dashed back to <strong>the</strong> base <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cliff to hide.<br />
Christina’s leg brushed against <strong>the</strong> fuzzy<br />
green moss growing in clumps on <strong>the</strong> rocks.<br />
2
High Tide at Flowerpot Rocks<br />
Grant pointed. “I see him! He’s by one<br />
<strong>of</strong> those flowertop, flowerplop, flowerflop, flower<br />
whatchamacallit thingamagigies!”<br />
Christina put her finger to her lips to quiet<br />
her bro<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Grant whispered, “He looks like one <strong>of</strong><br />
those Canadian Mountie Police guys! See his red<br />
suit? I bet he carries a gun!”<br />
Red Suit stood in <strong>the</strong> rising seawater. He<br />
removed his hat and scratched his head. His snowwhite<br />
hair was thick and molded to <strong>the</strong> shape <strong>of</strong><br />
his hat. He sloshed around in <strong>the</strong> water, lifting<br />
each leg high before bringing his brown kneelength<br />
boot down in front <strong>of</strong> him with a splash.<br />
“He looks too mean to be a Mountie,”<br />
whispered Christina. “Mounties are supposed to<br />
help people, not chase kids!”<br />
“<strong>The</strong> tide! We have to get out <strong>of</strong> here!”<br />
hollered Grant.<br />
Red Suit darted this way and that through<br />
<strong>the</strong> rising seawater. Suddenly, a voice cracked<br />
over <strong>the</strong> walkie-talkie clipped to his belt. He<br />
lifted <strong>the</strong> mouthpiece and spoke into it.<br />
3
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong><br />
“<strong>The</strong>y’re not here,” he said, “but <strong>the</strong> boy<br />
has it! I’m sure <strong>of</strong> it! Over!” <strong>The</strong> kids couldn’t<br />
hear <strong>the</strong> response. “I’m going up now!” he barked.<br />
“You have something <strong>of</strong> his?” Christina<br />
asked her bro<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Grant shrugged.<br />
“Come on. <strong>The</strong>re’s a way out through<br />
here.” Christina secured her long brown hair in<br />
a ponytail and led her bro<strong>the</strong>r through a narrow<br />
passageway behind <strong>the</strong> high face <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cliff. She<br />
imagined that over time, <strong>the</strong> Hopewell Rocks,<br />
standing tall and alone on <strong>the</strong> beach, had once<br />
been part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cliff <strong>the</strong>y were escaping into.<br />
“No way! Not up <strong>the</strong>re!” Grant protested.<br />
“We’re gonna get stuck and end up as crab bait!”<br />
“I won’t let that happen,” said Christina, as<br />
she began climbing <strong>the</strong> red-tinged cliff.<br />
Halfway up, it happened. <strong>The</strong>y were stuck!<br />
4
2<br />
Lost and Found<br />
“Hey, up here!” called a girl’s voice.<br />
Standing at <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cliff waving <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
arms were two kids about <strong>the</strong> same ages as<br />
Grant and Christina.<br />
“Grab on!” yelled <strong>the</strong> girl. A thick rope<br />
flopped against <strong>the</strong> side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cliff. “Pull<br />
yourselves up.”<br />
“I’ll go first!” Grant <strong>of</strong>fered. He scrambled<br />
up to Christina’s level and grabbed <strong>the</strong> rope.<br />
Halfway up, he began to slip.<br />
“AAAAAAAH!” he screamed. He dangled<br />
precariously from <strong>the</strong> rope. His legs kicked at<br />
<strong>the</strong> air. Chunks <strong>of</strong> rock and mud came loose from<br />
<strong>the</strong> bottom <strong>of</strong> his shoes.<br />
“Hang on, Grant!” Christina yelled,<br />
dodging <strong>the</strong> flying mud.<br />
5
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong><br />
Once Grant was high enough up <strong>the</strong> rope,<br />
<strong>the</strong> two kids pulled him to safety. Christina<br />
soon followed.<br />
“Thanks…a…lot!” cried Grant, breathless.<br />
“Yeah, thanks!” repeated Christina,<br />
brushing <strong>the</strong> dirt <strong>of</strong>f her clo<strong>the</strong>s.<br />
“I thought we were crab bait for sure!”<br />
Grant remarked.<br />
“No problem,” said <strong>the</strong> boy. He had <strong>the</strong><br />
same olive-colored skin, dark hair, and brown<br />
eyes as his sister, but he was a whole foot shorter.<br />
“But, you may want to go out <strong>the</strong> normal way<br />
next time.”<br />
Hopewell Rocks at <strong>the</strong> Bay <strong>of</strong> Fundy<br />
6
Lost and Found<br />
<strong>The</strong> boy skillfully untied <strong>the</strong> rope from a<br />
nearby tree, coiled it up neatly, and dropped it<br />
into a blue backpack.<br />
“Wow! Do you always carry a rope around<br />
with you?” asked Grant.<br />
He nodded. “I’m a Canadian Cub Scout.<br />
We’re always prepared,” he answered with a smile.<br />
“Cool! I’m a Cub Scout, too—but in <strong>the</strong><br />
United States!” exclaimed Grant. <strong>The</strong>y highfived<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Christina quickly scanned <strong>the</strong> bay below.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re was no sign <strong>of</strong> Red Suit. She brea<strong>the</strong>d a<br />
sigh <strong>of</strong> relief and turned to <strong>the</strong> girl. “Thanks for<br />
helping us. I’m—”<br />
“Christina, right?” <strong>the</strong> girl interrupted.<br />
“And this is your little bro<strong>the</strong>r Grant.” <strong>The</strong> girl<br />
giggled. “Your grandparents sent us to find you.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y said you liked adventure, but I’ve never<br />
seen anyone try to climb out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bay <strong>of</strong> Fundy<br />
like that!”<br />
“Well, we don’t plan to ever again!”<br />
promised Christina. “You must be Anana.”<br />
“Yes, and this is my little bro<strong>the</strong>r Koda,”<br />
Anana replied.<br />
7
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong><br />
“Your mom is Mimi’s book agent here in<br />
Canada, right?” asked Christina.<br />
“That’s right. She’s organizing your<br />
grandmo<strong>the</strong>r’s book tour,” explained Anana.<br />
Christina asked hopefully, “Does that<br />
mean you and Koda will be traveling with us<br />
across Canada?”<br />
Anana nodded and smiled.<br />
“That’s great!” said Christina.<br />
Mimi was a children’s mystery book writer.<br />
She and Papa <strong>of</strong>ten took Grant and Christina on<br />
trips to o<strong>the</strong>r countries while Mimi researched<br />
her latest books. This trip was different. It was<br />
a book-signing tour, where Mimi would sign her<br />
mysteries at planned events across <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
Christina and Grant were thrilled to have friends<br />
to travel with—it was always more fun that way!<br />
Koda challenged Grant to a race.<br />
“Hey, no fair! You got a head start!”<br />
shouted Grant as he chased after him.<br />
<strong>The</strong> girls took <strong>the</strong>ir time. <strong>The</strong>y walked<br />
to <strong>the</strong> upper level <strong>of</strong> Hopewell Rocks Park on<br />
ground littered with small branches and nuts that<br />
crunched under <strong>the</strong>ir feet.<br />
8
Lost and Found<br />
Christina saw Grant and Koda disappear<br />
into <strong>the</strong> Tidal Treasures Gift Shop.<br />
Seconds later, <strong>the</strong>y exited <strong>the</strong> store<br />
with Mimi and Papa. Mimi wore a stylish grey<br />
pantsuit with a bright red scarf. Papa towered by<br />
Mimi’s side in his signature white Stetson hat,<br />
c<strong>of</strong>fee-colored cowboy boots, and comfortable<br />
jeans. A woman resembling Anana and Koda<br />
stood with <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
“Hi, Mom!” called Anana. “We found <strong>the</strong>m!”<br />
“Grant, Christina,” Mimi said, “this is Mrs.<br />
Arnold, Anana and Koda’s mo<strong>the</strong>r. Mrs. Arnold<br />
will be making all <strong>the</strong> arrangements for my booksigning<br />
tour.”<br />
“It’s nice to finally meet <strong>the</strong> inspiration for<br />
your grandmo<strong>the</strong>r’s mysteries!” said Mrs. Arnold.<br />
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” Christina<br />
replied.<br />
“Nice to meet you, too,” said Grant with a<br />
big smile, “and your kids!”<br />
“For <strong>the</strong> first leg <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trip, we’ll be staying<br />
in a Halifax bed and breakfast,” announced Mrs.<br />
Arnold. “<strong>The</strong> limousine will be leaving shortly.”<br />
9
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong><br />
“Limousine? You mean one <strong>of</strong> those really<br />
long, fancy cars?” asked Grant.<br />
“That’s right!” said Mimi. “My publishing<br />
company is going all out on this book-signing tour<br />
across Canada. We’ll be crossing <strong>the</strong> country,<br />
east to west, in style—by limo, train, and even by<br />
private jet!”<br />
“Yes!” shouted Grant, pumping his fist in<br />
<strong>the</strong> air.<br />
Just <strong>the</strong>n, a man wearing a red Royal<br />
Canadian Mounted Police uniform and a tan hat<br />
popped out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gift shop. A gust <strong>of</strong> cool air<br />
escaped with him.<br />
He eyeballed Grant and Christina. “It’s<br />
dangerous to be walking around on <strong>the</strong> sea floor<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bay <strong>of</strong> Fundy when <strong>the</strong> tide rolls in, eh?”<br />
“Yes, sir,” said Christina. Her heart was<br />
pounding. “Grant!” she hissed, elbowing her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
“Ouch!” Grant glared at his sister.<br />
“Yes, sir!”<br />
“Did you take anything from <strong>the</strong> Bay <strong>of</strong><br />
Fundy?” Red Suit asked abruptly.<br />
10
Lost and Found<br />
“Umm, no, sir,” said Christina. “We<br />
take nothing but photos and leave nothing but<br />
footprints.”<br />
“Uh huh. Lots <strong>of</strong> footprints,” agreed<br />
Grant. He stared at Red Suit’s wet boot prints<br />
slowly disappearing from <strong>the</strong> hot pavement.<br />
Red Suit didn’t look convinced. He stared<br />
hard at Grant.<br />
Grant noticed a colorful wooden totempole<br />
keychain swinging from Red Suit’s belt.<br />
Shapes <strong>of</strong> animals were carved into <strong>the</strong> wooden<br />
trinket, along with eyes that glowed a swirling,<br />
pale green when Red Suit moved.<br />
A tall man wearing a black chauffeur’s<br />
cap and dark sunglasses emerged from <strong>the</strong> limo<br />
waiting at <strong>the</strong> curb. As he approached, Red Suit<br />
scuttled away.<br />
11
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong><br />
12
3<br />
Incoming!<br />
<strong>The</strong> limo driver opened <strong>the</strong> door to <strong>the</strong><br />
long black limousine.<br />
He stopped Grant. “Your shoes,” he<br />
demanded. Grant removed his wet shoes and<br />
handed <strong>the</strong>m to <strong>the</strong> driver. In return, Grant got<br />
a towel. “Dry <strong>of</strong>f!” <strong>the</strong> man ordered.<br />
“Wow!” exclaimed Grant, as he climbed<br />
into <strong>the</strong> air-conditioned limo. “A whale could fit<br />
in here!”<br />
“Hey, Grant, check this out,” said Koda.<br />
He pushed a button next to a long, pod-like<br />
enclosure. <strong>The</strong> glass swished open to reveal a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> sandwiches, desserts, and cold drinks.<br />
“Help yourselves,” called Mrs. Arnold<br />
from her seat. “It’s a three-hour drive to Halifax,<br />
Nova Scotia.”<br />
13
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong><br />
“Thanks!” shouted <strong>the</strong> kids.<br />
Christina and Anana settled on <strong>the</strong> butter<br />
tart, an Eastern Ontario invention, made <strong>of</strong> butter,<br />
sugar, eggs, raisins, and pecans. “Mmmm! This<br />
butter tart just melts in your mouth!” exclaimed<br />
Christina through sticky bites.<br />
Grant popped <strong>the</strong> top on a soda can and<br />
leaned back. “Aaaah! This is <strong>the</strong> life! I’ll take<br />
riding around in this limo over being stuck on a<br />
cliff any day!”<br />
Christina winced. “Grant! Keep it down!<br />
We don’t want to ruin this trip for Mimi!”<br />
When Anana and Koda went to get seconds<br />
on snacks, Grant plopped down next to his sister.<br />
“Look at this,” he said, handing Christina<br />
a wooden totem-pole keychain. “I found this in<br />
a crack in one <strong>of</strong> those tall, twisty-looking rocks<br />
down at <strong>the</strong> Bay <strong>of</strong> Fundy.”<br />
Christina took <strong>the</strong> keychain. “Its eyes!<br />
<strong>The</strong>y glow!”<br />
“I know. Red Suit had one like it hooked to<br />
his belt,” he said.<br />
14
Incoming!<br />
“Red Suit had one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se?” she asked,<br />
turning over <strong>the</strong> small wooden trinket. A tiny<br />
message was carved on <strong>the</strong> back.<br />
“Yeah, but its eyes glowed a different color<br />
and <strong>the</strong> message carved on <strong>the</strong> back <strong>of</strong> his looked<br />
different,” he said.<br />
Christina read <strong>the</strong> message:<br />
On <strong>the</strong> “Mouth” all alone<br />
A giant gift, standing tall<br />
Holds a sweet clue!<br />
A look <strong>of</strong> worry spread across Christina’s<br />
face. “A clue? You’re just now showing me this?”<br />
“I really didn’t think it was important<br />
until I saw <strong>the</strong> keychain on Red Suit’s belt,”<br />
whined Grant.<br />
“You should have given this to him!”<br />
exclaimed Christina. “He asked us if we found<br />
15
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Lights</strong><br />
anything! What if he is a Mountie, and this clue<br />
is part <strong>of</strong> an investigation?”<br />
Grant shrugged an apology. “Sorry,<br />
Christina! I just thought it was a cool toy.”<br />
Anana and Koda returned to <strong>the</strong>ir seats,<br />
just as <strong>the</strong> limo purred to life.<br />
Christina noticed <strong>the</strong> limo driver staring<br />
piercingly at <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> rearview mirror. She<br />
swung around to tell Grant and accidentally<br />
smacked his arm. His soda can flew through<br />
<strong>the</strong> air.<br />
“Incoming!” shouted Grant, covering<br />
his head.<br />
<strong>The</strong> kids fell to <strong>the</strong> floor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> limo.<br />
Carbonated beverage shot out <strong>of</strong> Grant’s spinning<br />
soda can, covering <strong>the</strong> windows with sticky liquid.<br />
From <strong>the</strong> corner <strong>of</strong> her eye, Christina saw<br />
<strong>the</strong> tinted glass separating <strong>the</strong> front from <strong>the</strong><br />
back <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> limo swish closed.<br />
16
RL 3–5 007–014<br />
$7.99 US<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0-635-11164-7