The Mystery at Maypenny's

can prove that most of the people around here really don’t want the factory to expand, then International Pine will probably just drop the whole idea. They need community goodwill in order to succeed.
    “If the town is split, or if most of the people actually want the expansion, then they’ll try to stop it through legal means, changing the laws or using laws that are already on the books to protect the environment.”
    “You seem to know quite a bit about the issue,” John Score observed.
    “I’ve been giving it some study,” Brian said. “He’s going to be in a debate next week,” Trixie added. “The whole school is invited to watch.“
    “If you need more information, I’d be happy to give it to you,” Score said.
    “I don’t think you would be,” Brian replied. “I’m debating in favor of the expansion.”
    As Score looked at Brian in surprise, David Maypenny spoke again. “Are you from Sleepyside?”
    “No,” Score replied. “I’m from Ohio. Why?“
    “Just wondering,” David said innocently. “I thought your accent sounded quite a bit different from the ones I’ve been hearing around here. Why would you want to come all the way from Ohio to get involved in something that really doesn’t concern you?”
    “Any threat to the environment concerns me,” John Score said, “whether it’s in Ohio or New York or—or Timbuktu.”
    “Don’t you think the people in this area are smart enough to decide for themselves whether or not they want the factory to expand?” David’s tone of voice remained casual, but now Trixie was beginning to feel uncomfortable for John Score. For some reason, David Maypenny was trying to back him into a corner.
    “The people are smart enough,” John Score said, his voice quiet but firm. “They’re plenty smart enough to know their own minds. What they don’t know is how they can fight for their rights. That’s what CAUSE helps them do. We show them how to fight—-legally, if possible; outside the law, if we have to resort to that. We do anything we have to, to protect the environment—anything. ’ ’
    Abruptly, John Score stood up. “I shouldn’t have interrupted your party, Mr. Maypenny. I’d like to talk to you again sometime. Good night.” The room seemed very quiet and very empty after John Score left. Until then, Trixie hadn’t realized how strong his presence had been. She heard the car door open and slam shut and the engine start up. I wouldn’t ever want to have him mad at me , she thought.

A Sudden Departure ● 6

    AFTER JOHN SCORE’S departure, the silence he had left behind lengthened. Even Honey’s diplomatic attempts at getting the conversation started up again did not work. Everyone felt uncomfortable, and everyone was relieved when Jim stood up and said, “I think it’s time for us to go. I have a lot of studying to do this weekend, and I’d like to get some of it done before Sunday night, for a change.”
    Trixie and her brothers got to their feet immediately. “That sagacious concept is one that I aspire to emulate,” Mart said.
    “I won’t get much homework done,” Trixie added, “but I do have to get Bobby ready for bed. Thanks for the party, Mr. Maypenny.”
    “Thank you for coming.” It was David Maypenny who replied. “I’m glad I got the chance to meet all of you. I hope to see you again real soon.”
    As the other Bob-Whites said their thank-you’s and good-byes, Trixie caught Dan’s eye. He was looking forlornly around the group, as if he did not want to be left behind when his friends went home. Thinking about the subtle way in which David Maypenny had cornered John Score, Trixie wondered if Mr. Maypenny’s nephew was doing the same thing to Dan when nobody else was around.
    As they walked down the path, Brian took a deep breath of the fresh September air and exhaled slowly. “It feels good to be out here,” he said. “It was getting a little bit too warm for comfort in there.”
    “It heated up pretty fast toward the end,” Jim said.
    “Why did David Maypenny attack John Score that way?” Honey asked.
    “I think ‘attack’ is a pretty strong word,” Jim told her. “He was just asking some questions about John Score’s presence here in Sleepyside. I think they were questions worth asking.”
    Brian shook his head. “I disagree. I don’t want to start another heated discussion, Jim, so don’t take this personally. But I think David Maypenny was way too harsh with John