Bad Times, Big Crimes by Carolyn Keene

Author:Carolyn Keene
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aladdin

7

When in Doubt, Blame It on a Belgian

It’s a barter system,” I said to Bess. “It came to me last night. You see, on my way to Hooverville I had to stop by the grocery store to pick up some things for Hannah, and it was the strangest thing—I ran into Ne—um. This guy Neum.”

“What kind of name is that?” Bess wondered.

“Sounds foreign,” said George.

“That’s because it is,” I said. “Neum is from Belgium.” I didn’t want to lie to my friends, but I also didn’t want to blow Ned’s cover. I had a feeling that since he didn’t want me knowing about his work at the grocery store, he wouldn’t want others knowing either. I thought it was totally admirable that Ned would help his family out like this. Nothing to be ashamed of—but still, it was his business, so it was his call. “Anyway, Neum was working there, sweeping up and stuff. But instead of paying him in cash, Mr. Babson paid him in food.”

“Weird,” said Bess.

“Kind of. But it also makes a lot of sense, when you think about it. Anyway, he and Mr. Babson had worked it all out and it got me thinking that maybe we can do the same thing in Hooverville—”

“Wait, slow down,” said George. “We’re barely awake.”

“Sorry,” I replied. “I suppose I’m getting ahead of myself.” It was true. I just couldn’t contain my enthusiasm. As soon as I’d woken up that morning, I threw on another uncomfortable dress, brushed the tangles from my hair, and then drove over to George and Bess’s house. I needed to fill them in fast, because in order to make my plan work, I’d need their help. I didn’t realize it was only 7:30 a.m. until I’d knocked on their front door. After they let me inside, I saw that their families were eating breakfast in their pajamas. They seemed so comfy and happy. It left me feeling nostalgic. I was starting to wonder if I’d ever get home to the twenty-first century. I sure hoped so. I mean, yes, some things were familiar—but this still wasn’t exactly home for me.

I took a deep breath and tried to slow myself down. “So I thought we’d help everyone set up a system of trading,” I explained. “Miss O’Brian wants to teach, but she needs to eat. No way would she take charity. She’s very stubborn on that point. But what if the townspeople paid her to teach their children with something other than money?”

“Like what?” asked Bess.

“Her meals, and maybe rides to and from the schoolhouse. Whatever she needs.”

“That just might be crazy enough to work,” said George.

“I have a hunch the Smiths will think it’s a great idea, and I bet they’d be happy to help. Bob Smith was a tailor before he had to give up his shop. But he still has his supplies, so he can always work from home—er, from my home for now.”

“I hardly think that Miss O’Brian needs new dresses, though,” George said.

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