The Mystery Off Glen Road by Julie Campbell

Author:Julie Campbell [Campbell, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-307-80875-2
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2011-11-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Guilty Consciences

Trixie’s father came out on the terrace in answer to her call and deftly caught the bundle of papers she tossed to him.

“You’re a regular pony express,” he said and produced a lump of sugar from the pocket of his jacket for Susie. “I’m sorry I asked you to get the papers, Trixie. I forgot about your job.”

“It’s all right, Dad.” She smiled down at him. “We have to go right by Mr. Lytell’s store when we patrol. It was no trouble at all.”

“But stopping off and coming back here must have delayed you,” he said, “and I know you’re in a hurry to get through early today. Ben arrives this afternoon, doesn’t he?”

Trixie felt her cheeks burn. She wanted to say, “Yes, and I couldn’t care less, that crum-bun!” But instead she forced herself to mumble, “Uh-huh. We’re all invited to dinner at the Manor House.”

“That’s nice,” her father said. “But you mustn’t stay up late. Don’t forget you have to get up at dawn to patrol before school tomorrow.” He frowned. “I don’t want you to get overtired and you mustn’t let this job interfere with your homework.”

Trixie laughed. “We haven’t any homework, Dad, and we won’t have any all week, on account of the Thanksgiving holidays beginning on Wednesday. All we’re doing now in school is reviewing.”

He reached up suddenly and touched her hand. “You look worried, Trix. Anything wrong?”

Trixie was sorely tempted to blurt out, “Yes, Dad, everything’s wrong.” But she somehow managed to swallow the lump in her throat and wordlessly shook her head. “I am sort of tired,” she finally got out. “It isn’t the patrolling. It’s grooming the horses and cleaning the tack. You know how strict Regan is. Everything’s got to be just perfect or he has a fit.”

Mr. Belden chuckled. “Every rose has a thorn, and don’t forget that Regan is one of your best friends.” He gave her hand a good-by pat and went up the steps to the terrace.

Trixie waved to him and trotted off down the driveway. I wish I dared tell Dad about the dogs and the deer, she thought dismally. I wish I could tell him that I despise Ben Riker. I wish—oh, she suddenly interrupted herself, I forgot to ask Dad to shut Reddy inside the house.

But it was too late now for the harum-scarum Irish setter had disappeared.

I hope Reddy’s on the trail of a rabbit as usual, she thought unhappily.

When they turned into the Wheelers’ driveway, Susie, without any urging at all, began to gallop, and when she reached the stable, she stopped so short that Trixie almost fell off. Susie had obviously made up her mind that she had already had all of the exercise she needed that day. Until Trixie kicked her smartly with both heels, she refused to budge, and even then she stayed in one spot, bucking and rearing.

Regan came out of the tack room and handed Trixie a quirt. “Give her a good switching,” he ordered. “She’s got a stubborn streak.

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