The Mystery in Arizona

been visiting an ancestral tomb.”
    “That’s right,” Uncle Monty said, taking a letter from his pocket. Consulting it, he continued, “Traditionally the fiesta lasts a week, and the final day is in commemoration of the first Pedro’s death. Maria and Petey arrived in time for that, so I imagine she has been forgiven for not going with her in-laws earlier, I can understand why she, a widow with a child to support, hesitated for so long. In fact, they are all still afraid that I may not understand and will not take them back. At least, they were,” he corrected himself. “I sent them a wire, pronto, saying that I would welcome them with open arms if they would return immediately by plane.”
    Trixie sighed contentedly. “I’m glad now that they did leave. It gave us the chance to earn the exact amount of money that Rosita needs.”
    “True,” said Mart, elevating his sandy eyebrows. “But what good does that do Rosita? She wouldn’t have it as a gift.”
    “I’m not so sure of that,” Trixie said thoughtfully. “At any other time of the year, she probably would refuse it, but if we give it to her as a Christmas present, she can’t possibly refuse.”
    Honey clapped her hands joyfully. “You’re right, Trix. Since Mr. Wellington is going to play Santa Claus tomorrow, we’ll have him give the money to her. Everyone else will be receiving presents at the same time, so she won t have any excuse for refusing to accept hers.”
    “She’ll have to accept it.” Uncle Monty agreed emphatically. “But are you kids sure you don’t want to keep the money for yourselves? You’ve worked awfully hard, and you deserve every penny of it. Are you absolutely sure you want to make this generous gesture?”
    It was Jim who answered the question. “We’d much rather that Rosita had it, sir. And we really didn’t work hard. It was fun, wasn’t it, gang?”
    “Yes,” they chorused.
    Jim took Trixie’s hand in his. “You did work hard at your assignments, and I hereby give you a double E for Excellent Effort. Right, Brian?”
    “Right,” said Brian. “I also vote that we give her a holiday from now until next Monday morning.”
    “I agree,” said Jim.
    “Gee, thanks.” Trixie tried to make her voice sound sarcastic, but she couldn’t. She was truly grateful to the boys for the help they had given her, and she knew now that she would pass the midyears with flying colors. Furthermore, if it hadn’t been for the boys, she wouldn’t have been allowed to fly out to this wonderful place.
    The old clock on the mantel began to strike. Christmas in Arizona was no longer a dream. It was happening right now.
    “Merry Christmas!” Trixie shouted out. “Merry Christmas!”