The Mystery at Mead's Mountain

as it descended into the storm.
    Di grew pale. “My stomach can’t take much more of this,” she groaned.
    “It won’t have to,” Honey reassured her. “I can see the runway lights now.”
    “Hey, look!” Trixie cried. “It’s really snowing like mad. No wonder there was so much turbulence.”
    The plane hit the ground, bounced back up, touched the ground again, and finally rolled to a stop. For a moment, they all stayed in their seats, taking in their first look at Groverville through the dense pattern of snow.
    “At least this snow will make for good skiing tomorrow,” Jim said, as Bob helped them all out of the plane.
    “Sure, if it stops by then,” Mart grumbled.
    “Yipes,” moaned Trixie. “After all this, you mean we’re going to be trapped inside the lodge the whole week?”
    “Oh, Trixie, don’t worry,” Honey laughed. “The storm will pass, probably by morning. Daddy said he made arrangements for a rental car. Let’s find it.”
    “That must be it over there,” Miss Trask said, pointing to a beige Volkswagen van parked in front of a sign reading RESERVED FOR RENTALS.
    “I always thought this clan needed a tan van,” quipped Mart.
    “That’s cute,” giggled Di. She picked up a handful of snow and threw it in the direction of the car. “I hereby christen you the Tan Van.”
    Honey turned to Bob. “Are you coming to the lodge with us?” she asked. “Or may we drop you off somewhere?”
    “I’m going to secure the plane and catch a cab to the nearest hotel. I’ve got to be back in town first thing tomorrow,” Bob said cordially as he handed them their luggage from the plane’s hold. “I’ll see you next week. Have a great time, kids, and you, too, Miss Trask.”
    Twenty minutes later, Miss Trask was pulling off the main highway and onto the steep winding road that led to the lodge. The snow was falling harder now, making it difficult to see the road. Miss Trask, a superb driver, shifted into low gear and slowly maneuvered her way up the hill. Everyone in the car was silent, letting her concentrate on driving.
    Trixie stared out her window, watching the wind swirl the snow around the trees along the side of the road. It looked so cold and unfriendly outside that she pulled her parka tighter around her and started snuggling down into the seat.
    Suddenly, one of the swirls seemed to take form— the form of a human being! Trixie jerked up and pressed her face against the window. Was the wind playing tricks on her, or was there a person out in this awful storm?

A Dubious Welcome • 3

    STOP THE CAR!” Trixie yelled.
    Miss Trask began to brake, and the van swerved. “I can’t stop—it’s too dangerous,” she said tersely. “What’s the matter?”
    “I—I think I saw an old woman lost in the storm.” Miss Trask sighed. “Now, Trixie, you know you have a vivid imagination.”
    “But I saw someone, really!”
    What exactly did you see, Trixie?” asked Jim. “The back of a person disappearing into the woods,” Trixie said. “She had all this long white hair.”
    “I know what you saw,” said Brian matter-of-factly. “A tree stump covered with snow.”
    “But it moved, Brian.”
    “It must have been a stump, Trixie,” Honey argued gently. “No one would be out in this storm.”
    Trixie was not convinced. “Di, did you see anything?” she demanded.
    “Well, I did see some movement right before you yelled,” Di replied doubtfully, “but it could have been the wind.”
    Miss Trask swung the van into the lodge parking area and breathed deeply. “Well, I for one am glad to be off the roads before they get any worse. Trixie, do you really think we have to go back and check out the old woman you thought you saw?”
    The long day’s activities were starting to take their toll on Trixie. Getting ready for the party that morning seemed like years ago. “No, Miss Trask,” she murmured. “I guess not. Even if it were a woman, she’d be gone by now.” She sighed and curled up on the seat. “Boy, am I tired. I could go to sleep right here.” Mart leaned over and tapped her on the head. “Un momento, dear sister. I don’t mind carrying your luggage, but you most definitely are too heavy.”
    Trixie jumped up. “Did you hear that? He volunteered to carry my suitcase!”
    “I’ve been had!” Mart protested.
    Miss Trask pulled the van as close to the lodge as she could. While the others got their luggage out, Trixie ran for the large double doors of the