judy bolton #33 the secret quest
DESCRIPTION
Several books from this incredible series are in the public domain. The entire 38 book series has been republished by Applewood Books and available in paperback from Amazon. Check them out and enjoy Judy's adventures.TRANSCRIPT
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
1/202
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
2/202
The Secret Quest
The latest exciting mystery in which Judy becomes
involved starts innocently enough. Judy and her young FBI
husband Peter Dobbs go to the airport in Washington, D. C,to meet Peters sister Honey, who is going to visit them for a
week and take in the many interesting sights.
Back at the motel where the three are stopping, Honey is
amazed to find that accidentally she has picked up the
wrong suitcase. Instead of the pretty suits that she herselfhad designed, the bag contains some very old-fashioned
garments, an old diary dated 1847, and an old coffee mill.
Even more startling is Peters discovery of a sheaf of noteson solar science stuffed inside the drawer of the coffee mill.
The odd clothes remind Honey of two quaintly dressed
little old ladies who were on the plane with her. And later,
when she and Judy and Peter catch a glimpse of the same
two old ladies in the company of the new artist whosearrival at the Dean Studios caused Honey to lose her job
there, the three young detectives are even more perplexed.At a solar science exhibit in the Smithsonian Institution,
Judy picks up the first slim clue to an increasingly baffling
mystery and starts on her secret quest for its solution. Dont
miss this spine-tingling story of Judy Boltons latestadventure and its weird outcome.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
3/202
The Famous JUDY BOLTONMystery StoriesBy MARGARET SUTTON
The Vanishing Shadow
The Haunted AtticThe Invisible Chimes
Seven Strange Clues
The Ghost Parade
The Yellow Phantom
The Mystic Ball
The Voice in the Suitcase
The Mysterious Half Cat
The Riddle of the Double Ring
The Unfinished House
The Midnight Visitor
The Name on the Bracelet
The Clue in the Patchwork Quilt
The Mark on the Mirror
The Secret of the Barred Window
The Rainbow Riddle
The Living Portrait
The Secret of the Musical Tree
The Warning on the Window
The Clue of the Stone LanternThe Spirit of Fog Island
The Black Cats Clue
The Forbidden Chest
The Haunted Road
The Clue in the Ruined Castle
The Trail of the Green Doll
The Haunted Fountain
The Clue of the Broken Wing
The Phantom FriendThe Discovery at the Dragons Mouth
The Whispered Watchword
The Secret Quest
The Puzzle in the Pond
The Hidden Clue
The Pledge of the Twin Knights
The Search for the Glowing Hand
The Secret of the Sand Castle
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
4/202
A Judy Bolton Mystery
THE SECRET
QUEST
By
Margaret Sutton
________________________________________________________
Grosset & Dunlap
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
5/202
1962 BY GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The Secret Quest
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
6/202
Contents
CHAPTER PAGE
I Honeys Arrival 1
II The Wrong Suitcase 9III In Borrowed Clothes 18
IV The Turreted Museum 26
V A Fearful Exhibit 33
VI Solar Power 40
VII Other Powers 48
VIII Promises 54
IX Homeward Bound 61
X After the Fire 70XI Horaces Clue 77
XII Headlines and Headaches 85
XIII Warned Away! 93
XIV Poltergeists! 102
XV A Time for Prayer 110
XVI A House of Flying Objects 118
XVII A Difficult Question 125
XVIII A Terrifying Answer 132
XIX A Strange Likeness 138XX A Web of Thread 146
XXI A Secret Departure 153
XXII A Dampened Spirit 161
XXIII A Promise Is Kept 167
XXIV Another Promise 175
XXV The Real Quest 183
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
7/202
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
8/202
To my teenage daughter
LINDA SUSETTE SUTTON
Just because . . .
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
9/202
The Secret Quest
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
10/202
1
CHAPTER I
Honeys Arrival
Honey, whats wrong?
Judy wasnt sure just why she asked the question.
In the five minutes since Honey had stepped off theplane she must have assured Judy a dozen times that
she was glad to be in Washington.
Nothing is wrong,Honey insisted. The flight
was a little bumpy, thats all.Changing the subjectabruptly, she asked, Is this dress all right to wear
when we go sightseeing?
It was an attractive summer print that brought out
all the gold in her honey-colored hair. Judys ownhair was unmistakably red, but she had learned to
like the color and to choose her clothes morecarefully because of it. Both girls looked lovely and
told each other so.I brought a lot of stuff with me, Honey
confided. Id like to stay a whole week instead of
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
11/202
2
the weekend we planned, if thats all right with you
and Peter. I wouldnt want to spoil any of your
plans.What an idea!exclaimed Judy. Honey, youre
part of our plans. Were both delighted to have
you.Judy meant it. She loved Honey dearly and
couldnt think of anything shed rather do than show
her around the nations capital. They were more than
best friends. Judys marriage to Peter Dobbs hadmade his sister hers. Peter had left to bring the car
around while Judy and Honey waited for the
baggage to be unloaded from the plane.
Theres my suitcase! Honey called out,pointing, and the baggage man placed the brand-new
suitcase at her feet. She was about to pick it up when
Peter reappeared and took it from her hand.Whew!he ejaculated as he lifted it. This thing
is heavy. What did you bring? The kitchen stove?
No, only a book or two.
Didnt anybody tell you there are bookstores and
libraries here in Washington?Oh, Peter!Honey was blushing now. Its only
clothes and my diary and a book of poems Horacegave me. If the suitcase is heavy, blame Judys
brother. He thinks I should read a poem a day for the
good of my soul.
Judy laughed. Knowing you, I think it does your
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
12/202
3
soul more good to draw pictures.
I did sketch a few of the passengers on the
plane,Honey confessed. There were two little oldladies who fascinated me. There they are now!she
exclaimed. Did you ever see such a funny hat?
Its a sunbonnet! Judy couldnt help staring.The shorter one of the two doll-like old ladies just
leaving the air terminal was actually wearing a
checked gingham sunbonnet. Her dress was of the
same material, ruffled and edged with white braid.The other ones her sister, I think, Honey
explained as they watched.
The sister was wearing a less colorful dress and a
little straw hat trimmed with nodding flowers. Itseemed as if she, too, had stepped out of the past.
They just dont know what year it is,Judy said,
laughing.You meet all kinds of people coming to
Washington to see the sightsThey are the sights, Peter interrupted with a
chuckle. Bless them. Somehow they remind me of
Grandpa and Grandma Dobbs. How are they,
Honey?Theyre fine,Honey replied. They want me to
stay a whole week.
Can you? What about your work at the studio?
asked Peter.Mr. Dean doesnt need me, Honey answered
slowly. I did enjoy fabric designing, of course. This
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
13/202
4
dress Im wearing is one of our new summer prints.
But work is slow right now, and they have other
artists.I dont believe they have one as good as you are,
Honey. Besides, Judy remembered, youve
already had your vacation. That trip to Yellowstonewhen we made the Discovery at the Dragons
Mouth
They hired a new artist while I was away,
Honey broke in. I cant explain just why, but Idont like him. And now . . .
What? Peter asked when his sisters voice
trailed off into an unspoken thought.
Oh, I dont know. Things kept disappearingfrom the studio. Art supplies and designs.
Now Peter was puzzled, too. Judy could see it in
his blue eyes. He asked a few more questions aboutthe new artist as they walked out to the car. Looking
back, they could see a crowd of people standing on
the observation deck atop the modern air terminal.
We were up there watching when your plane
came in, Honey,Judy said.You would be. Youre always there when I need
you,
declared Honey.
You were there when I firstheard the Invisible Chimes. I might never have
known I was Peters sisterand now yours, Judy, if
it hadnt been for you.
I dont deserve all the credit, Judy protested.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
14/202
5
What about Horaces part in solving the mystery?
And suppose my father hadnt consulted Dr.
Faulkner and he hadnt compared your heart-shapedthumb print with that of the baby he remembered?
Thats one thing youll have to see while youre
here in Washington,Peter put in. The FBI has thelargest collection of fingerprints in the world. Ill
take you around myself and show you exactly how
fingerprints are used as a means of identification.
Did you show Judy around?asked Honey whenthey were on their way in the car with Honey in the
front seat between Judy and Peter
I started to, but the tour was interrupted, and
Peter went on to tell his sister all about theWhispered WatchwordJudy had overheard.
I scared myself wandering around without
knowing what to expect,confessed Judy.
It will be
different touring the Capitol Building with you.Well visit Blackberry
Judy, youre joking!Honey exclaimed. What
would Blackberry be doing in the Capitol?
Working for the government, naturally.Your cat? Now I know youre joking. How can a
cat work for the government?
Easy, Judy replied, and now Peter was
laughing, too. Hes official mousecatcher in the
basement of the Old Senate Office Building. He
wasnt welcome at the motel. In fact, he was
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
15/202
6
practically catnapped. Liz Holbrook will tell you.
She and Rosita are waiting to meet you.
Ill be glad to meet your new friends, Honeysaid, but its you and Peter I really came to see.
And all this, of course.
They were driving along Mount Vernon highway,and the scenery across the blue Potomac was
breathtaking in its beauty. Honey was taking it all in
as they crossed the second bridge and turned north
on Fourteenth Street. Now, looking to the west, theycould see the tall shaft of the Washington
Monument towering into the sky and reflected in the
oblong pool that extended all the way to the Lincoln
Memorial.To the east was the famous mall with its
picturesque museums and art galleries. The older
buildings were red stone with turrets and pinnaclesoutlined against the sky. Beyond, the CapitolBuilding itself dominated the city and gave it a quiet
dignity that, once seen, could never be forgotten.
See those cathedral-like buildings? Peter said,
breaking the silence that had fallen over the three inthe car. I promised Judy wed explore them.
What are they?
asked Honey.Collectively, Peter said, his eyes twinkling,
they are known as the Smithsonian Institution.Oh, no! Not institution.This seemed funny to
Honey, and she began to laugh. Why on earth do
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
16/202
7
they call them that? They look like fairy castles.
There are all sorts of exhibits inside,Peter said,
and theyre open on Sunday. I thought wed go toAll Souls Church tomorrow and after that, we can
visit those turreted museums, and you girls can
explore to your heartscontent.That will be fun.They had passed the buildings
now, and Honey was exclaiming over other things.
Peter stopped the car to point out the Department of
Justice Building which was one of several importantbuildings to the right as they looked back toward the
Capitol. Just ahead was the White House. They
circled the grounds and then turned when they
reached New York Avenue. In five more minutesthey were at their motel.
I hoped Liz would be at the desk,Judy said as
Honey registered,but you
ll meet her later. She
s
the girl who toured the FBI with me andafterwards She shivered at the memory. Come
on, Honey. Ill show you around.
Judy took Honey through the lobby past a court
enclosed on three sides by the long motel buildingsand on into a dark passageway that proved to be a
shortcut to the outside rooms.Meanwhile Peter was unloading the car which he
had parked just outside the door of their adjoining
rooms. Honey liked her room and exclaimed over
the red, white, and blue color scheme and the eagle
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
17/202
8
decorations.
Let me help you unpack, Judy suggested as
Peter brought in Honeys suitcase and put it down.Honey opened it with her key and threw back the
lid.
Is that your diary or the book of poems?askedJudy, observing a worn brown book on top of a pile
of folded clothing.
It isnt either one! Honey exclaimed. She
snatched up the book and opened it. Its a diary allright, but its dated 1847! And look! This is what
made the suitcase so heavy. I neverbrought along an
old coffee mill.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
18/202
9
CHAPTER II
The Wrong Suitcase
Honey stared at the contents of the suitcase, a
dismayed expression on her face. The coffee mill,
gaily decorated with pink painted roses, sat squarelyon top of a pile of calico printed garments. They
were ruffled and tucked and trimmed with white
braid. Beside them was another pile of white things.
Its uncanny, isnt it?Judy wasnt sure whethershe ought to laugh or sympathize.
Its horrible!Honey exploded. Nothing in here
is mine.She snatched up an embroidered petticoat
with matching undergarment. Do you think Idwear these? Even Grandma Dobbs doesnt wear
white embroideredwhat are they, anyway? Sliptops?
Judy giggled. She couldnt help it. Corsetcovers, I believe. Grandma Smeed used to wear
them. I found some in the attic of our house in Dry
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
19/202
10
Brook Hollow. Dig a little deeper, Honey, and you
may find the corset
But I want my own things, Honey protested.How do you suppose these funny old-fashioned
clothes got into my suitcase?
It cant be your suitcase, Honey,Peter told her.Youve taken a suitcase belonging to someone
else.
But my key opened it, she insisted, and it
looks exactly like mine.Wheres the baggage check?asked Judy.
Oh dear!Honey cried. I tore it off and threw it
away without looking at it. I felt so sure this suitcase
was mine.Well soon find out who owns it,Judy declared
as they explored its contents. She unrolled a pair of
long black stockings and exclaimed,Ill bet those
two old ladies we saw at the airport wear stockingslike this.
Judy, do you think this could be their suitcase?
Honey asked.
Quite likely,Judy replied. The same key couldfit both locks. And look, Honey! These dresses are
all cut after the same pattern, and they are like thedresses those two old ladies were wearing. Theres
even a sunbonnet to match this one.This looks like one of your grandmothers
antiques, Judy, Peter said, examining the coffee
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
20/202
11
mill. This was quite an invention for its day, he
remarked as he began to turn the handle. You
poured the coffee beans in the top, ground them uplike this, and they came out here.
He pulled open the little wooden drawer to
demonstrate and then whistled in surprise.Now what have you discovered? exclaimed
Judy as Peter withdrew a stack of folded papers and
immediately became absorbed in what was written
on them. Judy noticed that there were drawings, too.Not sketches of the kind Honey made, but diagrams
to illustrate text.
They look like the sort of drawings you see on
blueprints,she observed. Is that what they are?Peter nodded, not taking his eyes off the pages.
Honey glanced at them and then picked up the old
diary.Strange,
she murmured as she turned the
pages. This is like mine, only its about schoolboysinstead of schoolgirls.
Is that a boys diary?asked Judy.
A mans, I think. I cant find his name. Hes
talking about his schoolmates as if some time hadgone by. Here, read it for yourself, Honey
suggested, handing Judy the well-worn book.She found the handwriting a little hard to read
with all the curlicues and flourishes. Under the date,
May 1, 1841, she read: Today a great honor came
to an old schoolmate of mine. The cornerstone of a
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
21/202
12
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
22/202
13
magnificent building to house him and his staff was
laid with impressive ceremonies. President Polk and
his Cabinet were there and Im sure our oldprofessor was there too, in spirit. He used to
encourage us to play at chemistry and I remember
some sad results of those early experiments. PoorHenry was nearly burned to death when he
attempted to stamp out a fire set by one of Joes
balloons. We were seeking an answer to the
question: Why does smoke fly upward? Why does it?Honey interrupted.
Warm air is lighter than cool air, Peter
explained, but go on, Judy. I think I know what
building hes talking about. Is there anything moreabout this boy, Henry?
The one who was burned? No, its all about Joe,
the boy with the balloon. He kept on with hisexperiments Oh, I see, his name was JosephHenry. That name seems to ring a bell.
It certainly should. Joseph Henry was a famous
scientist, and his friend who was burned must have
been Henry James. Are their names mentionedanywhere else in the diary?Peter asked.
I don
t see many names. Do you, Honey? Mostof this seems sort of private and personalIm not
sure we ought to read it.But Judy, it cant be private and personal after
more than a hundred years, Honey objected. Its
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
23/202
14
an antique like everything else in the suitcase.
Not everything,Peter protested. These papers
I took from the drawer in the coffee mill arent old.They look to me like notes on the latest findings in
solar science.
Then we were wrong! Judy exclaimed. Whatwould those two old ladies we saw at the airport
know about solar science?
They might know quite a bit if one of their
ancestors wrote this diary, replied Peter. Oldpeople are full of surprises.
I dont like this kind of a surprise, declared
Honey. If they threw away their baggage check
without looking at it, the way I did, they may carrymy suitcase around for hours without knowing it
isnt theirs. I have to get it back some way. Oh, I
wish I knew their names!
Ill phone the airport and describe bothsuitcases, Peter said. They may have found out
right away that it wasnt theirs and left it at the lost-
and-found desk. If they did, we can drive right back
and get it.Please, Peter, call them right away, begged
Honey.
I simply can
t go to church tomorrow withnothing to wear. I packed a little summer suit and
hat to match.Youll get them back. I know you will. In the
meantime, how about wearing this?Judy giggled as
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
24/202
15
she held up a creation of brown silk and velvet with
lace sleeves and a trailing skirt.
Oh, Judy!Honey refused to make light of thematter. It isnt Halloween.
Well, your suitcase isnt at the airport, Peter
reported. He had just finished making a telephonecall from the adjoining room. Now he suggested
dinner.
In this? Honey indicated the soiled dress she
was wearing. Ill have to change into somethingelse. I leaned up against something and made a big
smudge on the back
It doesnt show,Peter told her.
Put my jacket on over it,Judy suggested, andlets eat. Well figure out some way to solve your
clothes problem.
On the way to the outdoor tables they met twogirls whom Judy introduced as Liz Holbrook and hertwelve-year-old cousin, Rosita Rocklin.
Liz works at the switchboard, and Rosita is the
managers daughter, Judy finished the
introductions. Theyve been looking forward tomeeting you.
Honey greeted them warmly. But her faceclouded when they began to plan things for her to
do.Im afraid I wont be staying that long she
began.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
25/202
16
But you said you could stay all week, Judy
objected.
How can I, with nothing to wear?Honey picked up the wrong suitcase by
mistake,Judy explained. Its full of old things that
look as if they belonged in a museum.That isnt such a tragedy,declared Liz, smiling.
Youre just my size, Honey. Let me lend you some
of my clothes.
Thanks, Liz,Honey said gratefully. I will needsomething to wear to church tomorrow.
See you later then.
After dinner Honey paid a visit to Liz and
returned with her arms full of what she laughinglycalled loot. She put everything down on the bed and
then, almost as if she were afraid of what she might
discover, picked up one of the notes from the drawerof the coffee mill and sniffed it.
Is it perfumed paper?Judy asked with a laugh.
Honey shook her head. It smells just like any
paper. Judy,she added abruptly, Ive decided not
to stay all week even though Liz was nice enough tolend me these things.
If it
s on account of your clothes, you might buya few things,Judy suggested. Youll have time for
shopping Monday. I always travel light and buy
things. Then I can say to myself, This is the dress I
bought in New York or Washington, or wherever
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
26/202
17
Ive been.
You dont understand.
Honey was right about that. Judy didntunderstand, but she meant to find out.
What dont I understand?she asked.
Why I ought to go home,Honey answered. Itold you things have been disappearing from the
studio, didnt I? And that artist I told you about has
been working overtime even though Mr. Dean let
me out because he says work is slow. If I return toFarringdon unexpectedly I may find out whats
going on behind my back.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
27/202
18
CHAPTER III
In Borrowed Clothes
Honey, are you still determined to go back to
Farringdon? Judy asked the following morning
when they were getting ready for church.Yes, Honey replied, shrugging into her
borrowed dress, and I wish you would come with
me. You arent needed here in Washington, are
you?Peters here, and if I can be of any help to him
Judy began.
But if you can help him more by leaving
Honey interrupted.How can I help Peter by going back to
Farringdon, Honey?Judy asked curiously.Honey studied her reflection in the long mirror on
the wall before she answered. The dress fitted as if ithad been made for her.
Judy,she said slowly, if you were in my place,
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
28/202
19
you would be worried, too.
I am worried, declared Judy, if you are. Do
you intend to fly back?Not if youll drive me back.
And leave Peter here? I wouldnt think of it.
You would if you thought there was a realmystery to solve. I know you, Judy, and this time
Im asking for your help. The Dean Studios make
photostats of sketches like those in the drawer
Lots of firms make them,Judy interrupted.Lots of firms arent missing some of their
supplies. Honey lowered her voice. Maybe Mr.
Dean suspects somethings going on but for some
reason is afraid to say anything. Maybe thats whyhe wanted me here in Washington where its safe.
Safe!exclaimed Judy. If youd been here last
week when we tangled with those men from theprotection racket, you wouldnt say that. I have to behere for the hearing on Tuesday. Liz is married
She is? She doesnt look old enough to be out of
high school,declared Honey.
She dropped out of high school and married ayoung salesman who was forced into the protection
racket,
Judy explained.
He cooperated with us,and I can help him by testifying. After that, if you
really think we should, I suppose we could drive
back to Farringdon.
I really do want to. Please,implored Honey.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
29/202
20
Well see. Now hurry into your borrowed finery,
or well be late to church.
They were a little late. Washington streets wereconfusing, especially the streets named after states.
I never thought Id cross so many states all in
the space of ten minutes, laughed Honey as Peterturned north on Fifteenth Street.
Thats Meridian Hill Park to your left, Peter
pointed out. Its filled with statues, but you cant
see them very well in this fog.It isnt fog. Its rain. Oh dear!exclaimed Judy
as big drops began to splash against the windshield.
Why does it always have to rain on Sunday?
I hope it wont spot this lovely dress I borrowedfrom Liz. It was good of her to lend it to me, and the
hat, too. Id hate to spoil them,Honey said.
Borrow this lovely transparent rain cape from
me, and you wont. There!Judy exclaimed as Peterstopped the car half a block from their destination.
It covers both of us.
Judy folded the rain cape back into a small square
and put it in her pocketbook as they entered thechurch. They had missed the doxology and the
opening sentences all except the very end:
Summer bringeth heat.
Thy rays nourish every garden.
They live and grow by Thee.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
30/202
21
Thats part of Akhenatens prayer to Aten,
Honey whispered. Its in my book of poems.
Judy hadnt the least idea what Honey wastalking about, but now wasnt the time to ask her.
The congregation had risen to sing the first hymn:
Joyful, joyful we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
Hail thee as the sun above.
The sun? Thats it,thought Judy. Aten was the
Egyptian word for the sun, and Akhenaten was an
ancient Pharaoh of Egypt.Judy had never thought of it before, but during
the service she learned that the first people to
believe in one God were the ancient sunworshippers. Akhenaten had written his hymns tothe sun and proclaimed that Aten bound all men
together.
Scientists today are finding out how true his
words were,the minister continued.Honey whispered something, but Judy was
listening to the sermon and didn
t pay muchattention. Afterwards she asked, What were you
trying to tell me?Just that a woman quite a way in front of us has
on a covered pillbox hat like one in my suitcase.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
31/202
22
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
32/202
23
They stood to sing the closing hymn, and then
walked down the aisle toward the vestibule. Honey
was urging them to hurry.You could be wrong, Peter told her. There
might be another hat like yours. There was another
suitcaseMy suit! Honey suddenly interrupted. The
nerve of them! They arewearing my clothes.
Judys sympathies were suddenly with the two
old ladies who were just leaving the church. She feltsure they had been as upset about taking the wrong
suitcase as Honey had. They were wearing identical
suits except for the color and little hats of matching
material that looked strange perched atop their knotsof gray hair. The suits didnt fit very well, Judy
noticed.
They had to wear something,
she defended
them.Theyve hailed a taxi. We can overtake them in
the Beetle if we hurry,urged Peter, pulling the two
girls along with him.
The Beetle was the name Judy had given Peterscar. It was parked on Fifteenth Street with its nose
pointed toward downtown Washington, the directionin which the taxi went. In almost no time they were
following it.Theres a man with them,observed Peter. You
didnt see him at the airport, did you, Honey?
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
33/202
24
No, but they were waiting for someone. Cant
you drive a little faster?
Peter was driving as fast as safety allowed. Judyglimpsed a number of embassies she had wanted to
see as they sped past them with the taxi still in sight.
Then came one of those annoying little parks with amonument to house a statue in the center.
I dont see them any more, cried Honey when
they had passed the monument.
I dont either,Judy exclaimed. But, look, isntthat the President?
She had caught sight of the President himself in a
chauffeured car.
Honey, we saw him,she breathed when she hadrecovered her breath.
And his wife, too. Isnt she beautiful? Honey
was lost in admiration, the chase forgotten until thePresidents procession had passed. Suddenly theintersection was filled with cars.
They created a beautiful traffic jam, Peter
complained. We really let that taxi get away from
us, but I have his number. Ill check with the cabcompany if your suitcase isnt returned soon,
Honey.
Judy was glad they had seen the President even if
it did mean losing sight of the taxi they had been
following. Peter drove on down Fifteenth Street in
the hope that the cab had not turned off on any of
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
34/202
25
the intersecting streets. It was a lovely drive, even in
the rain.
We have lost that taxi, but I have an idea wherethose two old ladies may have been going, he
declared. Do you remember the magnificent
building mentioned in the diary? Well, I imaginethat turreted museum seemed quite magnificent a
hundred years ago when it was standing all by itself
on the green meadow west of the Capitol.
Oh, Peter! Is thatwhere you think those two oldladies were going? Judy asked eagerly. Maybe
they were bringing that old diary to exhibit there.
But now they have mine! Honey objected. I
hope they dont want to exhibit that.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
35/202
26
CHAPTER IV
The Turreted Museum
They drove on toward the group of magnificent
buildings known collectively as the Smithsonian
Institution.They were named for the founder, James
Smithson, Peter explained. That red stone
museum that looks like a castle is the original
building.Is that a statue of Mr. Smithson?
Judy noticed the statue while Peter was driving
around looking for a place to park.
No,he replied, its a statue of Joseph Henry.The boy in the diary! Why on earth
He wasnt a boy when that diary was written. Hewas a man with a number of brilliant scientific
discoveries to his credit. He was chosen to be theInstitutions first secretary.
Why is it called an institution?Honey wanted
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
36/202
27
to know.
An institution can be a place of learning. This
one is, declared Peter. Its famous for itscontribution to scientific knowledge. The head
offices of such organizations as the Bureau of
American EthnologyIn plain English, American Indians, Judy put
in, seeing the dazed look on Honeys face.
Peter laughed. As I was saying, the Institution
houses ten or twelve bureaus, among them theAstro-physical Observatory. I believe its the only
organization in the world devoted exclusively to the
study of the sun.
On a day like this?Judy teased.Well, the suns still there,Peter reminded her.
I know. Behind the clouds the suns still shining.
Unquote. Think of that, Honey, whenever you feelblue about losing your clothes,advised Judy.
It wasnt just my clothes, Honey protested. I
wanted to surprise you
I wassurprised.
Oh, Judy! I dont mean like that. There wassomething in my suitcase I wanted to give you.
There was my diary, too, and that beautiful book ofpoems Horace gave me. How am I going to tell him
I lost it?Easy, Peter said reassuringly. Being a
newspaper man, Judys brother likes a good story.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
37/202
28
Nothing would please him better than to join us in
our search for those two elusive old ladies. They
may be hard to spot, though, disguised in yourclothes.
Not for me, Honey said. I designed those
prints myself. Judy and I were going to wear them.That was supposed to be the surprise, but I may as
well tell you. Those two suits were ours, Judy.
Yours and mine. I thought it would be fun to go
sightseeing dressed in similar suits. The pale yellowwith the lacy spider-web design was mine, and the
pale green was yours, and there were hats to match.
I saw them, Judy said, unable to conceal her
disappointment. Those darling little pillboxescovered with matching material. They would look
better on us
Much better,
agreed Honey.
They didn
t know
how to put them on, and the suits didnt fit.Judy sighed. Well,she said, they had to wear
something to church, and those clothes they had on
yesterday wouldnt do. I dont believe they want to
give up that old diary and all those scientific papers,either. They must have been taking them somewhere
to show someone. That is, if they knew the paperswere in the drawer.
Do you suppose they didnt? Then weve really
made a discovery. Well, here we are, announced
Peter as he eased the car into a parking space not far
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
38/202
29
from the Smithsonian Institution.
Again Judy and Honey protected their clothing
with the transparent rain cape and ran through therain until they reached the main building with its
confusion of towers, turrets, and pinnacles. It was a
copy of an old Norman castle, Peter told them, andthey could well believe it. Judy suspected some of
the people surging through the arched doorway were
more interested in keeping out of the rain than they
were in scientific findings about the sun.Look at the crowds! Honey explained. A
museum cant be that interesting.
This one is.Peter steered the two girls down a
crowded aisle toward an exhibit of old cars. Many ofthem looked more like wagons with their leather
seats and high, spoked wheels.
Can
t you just imagine those two old ladies
riding in them?asked Judy.Yes, Honey giggled. I dont see them
anywhere, do you, Judy?
No, Judy admitted after looking over the
crowds, but well find them. Im sure of it, Honey.Wont it be fun to return that old coffee mill and tell
them what
s in the drawer? Maybe they
ll telephonethe motel. Liz is at the switchboard. Shell take the
message.
Honey shook her head. No, Judy, they wont
call. I have one of my hunches
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
39/202
30
Which, Peter broke in with brotherly candor,
are not very reliable.
Just the same, if they were going to call, whydidnt they?Honey asked.
Peter had to admit that he didnt know why.
Down another aisle Judy found a number ofrooms reconstructed from long ago. Wax figures
stood about in various poses. She called Honey over
to see them.
Do you recognize these ladies?she asked.Honey looked at them closely. Is this one
supposed to be Martha Washington? Oh, and Im
sure this one is Dolly Madison! Isnt her gown
beautiful?Its all the First Ladies in their inaugural gowns.
See!Judy pointed out the furnishings of the rooms
in which the wax figures were exhibited. Some wereseated on plush divans. Some were standing.Antique chairs, tables, and desks made the rooms
look much as they must have looked in the days of
Washington, the Adamses, and Thomas Jefferson.
Honey said they reminded her of store windows.And yet they are different,she added.
I should think so. Just look at those dresses!
enthused Judy, moving from one room to another.
Here theyre getting a little more modern. See this
one, Honey! Its almost like that brown silk and
velvet dress in the suitcase.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
40/202
31
How real she looks! Honey was gazing up at
the figure wearing the dress. Doesnt she make you
feel creepy? I dont like manikins, the way theystare.
Youd like them even less if they blinked,Judy
said, moving on to the next display and shivering alittle as the wax figure seemed to look back at her.
Honey shivered, too. Theyre all a little too
lifelike, arent they?
They certainly are,agreed Judy. I suppose itsthe way the light reflects on their glass eyes or
something. If we hadnt seen the real First Lady this
morning, these wax figures wouldnt bother me.
If we hadnt seen the real First Lady wewouldnt have lost sight of that taxi, Honey
reminded her. You havent forgotten that were still
looking for those two old ladies, have you? Maybe ifwe went upstairs and looked down from the
balcony
Thats an idea, agreed Judy. We might find
Peter, too. Hes deserted us for some scientific
exhibit that interested him. I guess he thought wedspend the rest of the day looking at First Ladies in
their inaugural gowns.
Did he go up this way?Honeys hand was on
the stair rail.Yes, to the right, I think . . .
But Honey wasnt listening. She was already
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
41/202
32
halfway up the stairs and for some reason, turning to
the left.
Wait a minute!called Judy.Other people on the stairway were blocking her
way. She couldnt pass them without appearing
rude. It seemed that everyone was turning to the left.Honey had reached an open doorway. There she
stopped and stood as if frozen.
What is it? Oh, what is it? cried Judy as she
hurried after her.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
42/202
33
CHAPTER V
A Fearful Exhibit
Honey stood there, frightened, gazing at something
just inside the door. Judy was almost afraid to look.
When she did, she couldnt help staring infascination.
Its nothing but another exhibit!she exclaimed.
You had me worried for a minute, Honey. You
opened your mouth just as if you were going toscream.
II almost did,Honey admitted. This room is
enough to scare anybody. Look, Judy! That is what
everybody came to see.She didnt need to point. Everybody was looking
in the same direction. There, on a pedestal, stood atransparent figure with moving parts to show the
digestive system and the circulation of the blood.Skeletons stood about in various poses. They didnt
frighten Judy. She had seen too many pictures of
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
43/202
34
such things in her fathers medical books.
Look at it the way I doshe began, but Honey
shook her head.I cant. Im not a doctors daughter. When I look
at a skeleton I cant help thinking that once it was a
living, breathing person, and now its nothing but anunidentified collection of bones.
But that transparent moving figure isnt really
frightening, Judy said. You came upon it a little
unexpectedly, that was all. We should have stayedtogether.
Were together now. This fact seemed to
comfort Honey. But wheres Peter?
Hell be along in a minute. Lets go and look forhim, shall we?Judy suggested. I saw him turn to
the right at the top of the stairs. He may be over
there.
She indicated an exhibit with flashing lights. Thesign said it was operated by solar power. A whole
group of people were standing around it while a
young scientist demonstrated the appliances that
might be found in the homes of the future.This display looks more like one of the homes of
the past,
Honey observed as they turned down theaisle toward the solar exhibit.
The display was of an antique kitchen with more
wax figures in the act of cooking and serving meals.
The imitation food reminded Honey that she was
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
44/202
35
hungry.
I could use some real food,she declared.
Honey, look!Judy was standing on tiptoe to seewhat was on a high shelf in the old-fashioned
kitchen. Isnt that a coffee mill? It doesnt look as
old as the one we found in the suitcase.You dont suppose those two old ladies were
bringing it here for this display, do you? asked
Honey.
They certainly werent going to grind coffeewith it, unless
Judy stopped speaking as she noticed something
else inside the cubicle Honey had called a home of
the past. The Queen Esther range in the antiquekitchen was a real curiosity. A wall calendar
advertised horse blankets. January, February, March,
and April had been torn off. The month thatappeared was May, 1847, the same date as that onthe diary. Judy could hardly wait to tell Peter about
it. Could there possibly be some connection?
Unless what? Honey was asking. You started
to say something, but you didnt finish.I was about to say they might be living in some
room where they are allowed to do their owncooking. Maybe they dont like instant coffee and
want to grind their own from fresh coffee beans.
Judy waved a hand toward the display. Ill bet they
still five like this.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
45/202
36
And Ill bet theyre going back in my clothes to
wherever they live, Honey added. That taxi they
took was probably to the station. I dont believetheyre flying back. They were frightened on the
plane. They kept telling each other theyd never fly
again.What else did you overhear?asked Judy.
Honey shook her head. Nothing of much
importance. Snatches of whispers. This is their last
trip. I heard the older one say so. She said aftertheyd seen Washington and found out what it was
all about, theyd go back home and live on
borrowed time. It was rather sad. I suppose we ought
to be glad they have our suits if they will make themfeel young again.
But will they?
Honey sighed.Im afraid not. Those prints
werent designed for old people. They weredesigned for us. It was going to be such a nice
surprise, Judy, but now its spoiled just like
everything else. All my lovely designs It makes
me just heartsick to think about them.Why?asked Judy. What happened to them?
Aldin improved on them. That
s the name of thenew artist, Aldin Launt,Honey explained. Maybe
he is as good as Mr. Dean thinks he is, but I cant
see it. I liked my designs better the way they were.
He didnt change them much. But I dont see why
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
46/202
37
they needed changing at all.
Did you ask Mr. Dean about it?Judy asked.
II was afraid to,Honey admitted.I wish you had asked him. Honeys sudden
timidity puzzled Judy. Its always better to come
right out with your questions instead of worryingyourself sick over possible answers. There are
answers, you know.
They could bethe wrong answers.Honey was
hesitating again. I dont know anything for sure,Judy. It was my designs that disappeared and then
were returned, and I think Aldin Launt did it, but I
dont know how nor why. Ive had it on my mind so
much that I see him in places where he couldntpossibly be.
What kind of places, Honey?
In that taxi with those two old ladies. It looked
like his back, but it couldnt have beenMaybe it could. Youre a sensible girl, Honey,
Judy told her. You arent in the habit of seeing
things that arent there.
It isnt that,Honey protested. There wouldntbe any reason for him to come to Washington. You
see, I had it all figured out that he wanted me out ofthe way so hed be free to work out his own fabric
designs, but if he came here, tooOn Sunday? He could be back by Monday,
Judy reminded her.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
47/202
38
Thats so. Honey pondered this for a moment
while Judy turned her attention back to the crowds
around the solar exhibit. She didnt see Peter, andyet she was sure he had turned to the right because
he would be interested in the solar exhibit.
I hadnt thought of that. You see, Judy, I do needyour help, Honey was saying. If you really care
about me youll drive back home with me and help
me find out whats going on.
I do care, Honey. Ill ask Peter if he can sparethe car, Judy promised. If its all right with him,
we can start back Wednesday morning. Will that be
soon enough?
It cant be too soon. Well return the suitcaseI hadnt thought of that, Judy said, but I
suppose if that man in the taxi really was Aldin
Launt, then he knows the old ladies. We could askhim where they live and take the suitcase thereourselves. It would be an adventure. Remember
when we found that other suitcase and heard the
voice
Yes, and when we explored the ruined castle andsomeone locked us in the dungeon. I hope it wont
be that kind of an adventure.
Dont worry, Honey. It wont be. After all, well
just be calling at the home of two little old ladies.
What could happen?
Honey shivered. I can think of possibilities
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
48/202
39
Well, dont. Just leave everything to me. Ill
question this Mr. Launt myself and find out the
addressPlease, Judy, dont question him. Well have to
find out some other way. I dont trust Aldin Launt.
You might call it a hunch, and Peter doesnt believein hunches. Here he comes, Honey observed with
an imploring glance that begged for secrecy. I dont
want to talk about it any more.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
49/202
40
CHAPTER VI
Solar Power
Peter had been looking at the exhibits in the room to
the right of the stairs, just as Judy had thought. She
could hardly wait to tell him her latest theory.Its in this cubicle. Honey called it a home of the
past. See the date of the calendar? And theres a
coffee mill on the shelf, but it isnt as old as the one
we found. I think those two old ladies intended thecoffee mill in the suitcase for this exhibit, and the
diary, too. Cant you just imagine it opened to that
part about Joseph Henry? Theres a table right in
front with nothing on it. Im sure the diary wasmeant to go there.
Im sure of it, too.Peter had agreed with her almost too readily.
Suddenly Judy realized he must have facts to backup his statement.
Youve found those two old ladies! she
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
50/202
41
exclaimed.
Peter shook his head. Not so fast. I didnt find
them, but I did find out who they are. Theres ayoung solar scientist here who says hes their great-
nephew. As a matter of fact, his father sent them
their plane ticketsAnd you told him about the suitcases being
mixed up?Honey prompted him.
Yes,replied Peter, but he says the coffee mill
and the old diary they promised to bring cant beexhibited until they sign a release.
I hope you found out their names and where they
live,Judy said.
I did. Peters blue eyes twinkled. You cantrust me to find out the facts. He called them Aunt
Dorcas and Aunt Violetta, although actually theyre
his great-aunts. They live in Ulysses, a little townsomewhere to the northeast of Farringdon.
I know where it is. Peter, I think I will drive
home with Honey if you can spare the car, Judy
decided. Ill be free after Tuesday, wont I?
Peter hesitated. Yes, but I thought you wanted toshow Honey the sights
We could start early Wednesday morning.
Judycontinued making plans. That will give me time to
testify. And it will give those two old ladies time to
return Honeys suitcase or take it home if they
intend to keep it. I dont think they do. Theyre
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
51/202
42
probably just as mixed up as the suitcases. Peter,
what else did you find out about them?
Not too much, Peter admitted. The scientistwas rather vague. Theyre his grandfathers sisters, I
believe. Anyway, they brought him up. His name is
Jewell, the same as theirs. Joseph Henry Jewell.With a name like that, Judy put in, he could
hardly be anything but a scientist. But what about
his great-aunts? Were they on their way here?
He thought so. They had telephoned that theywould meet him here right after church, but for
some reason, they never showed up.
Thats strange. What do you think happened?
I dont know,replied Peter, looking concerned.I was beginning to think something had happened
to you, too. Where were you all this time?
Peter wanted to see the room they pointed out,and so Judy and Honey showed it to him. Thetransparent figure had stopped moving. Judy
explained that it was set in motion every so often,
she didnt know how, but Peter said it might be
operated by solar power.But doesnt that mean sunshine? How can
anything operate by solar power on a cloudy day?
Thats a good question, Angel. Henry Jewell
could probably give you the answer.Please, Peter, lets not look at his exhibit now,
Honey protested. Im so hungry I could even eat
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
52/202
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
53/202
44
our supply of coal and oil will be exhausted. But the
energy that comes from the sun is inexhaustible.
Right now the girls are more interested in theenergy that comes from food,Peter reminded him.
Even that would be impossible without
sunshine, the scientist continued as he led themback toward the solar exhibit to demonstrate his
point. Well be going out to dinner soon . . .
Very soon, I hope. Judy said this under her
breath as he described the dinner they would beordering. He picked up a plate of wax food that was
part of the display. Take this dinner, for instance.
Roast beef with baked potato, green vegetables, and
a glass of milk. The meat and milk were once storedin the body of a cow. The cow got its energy from
the grass it ate. The grass got its energy from the
sun. So did the vegetables and fruit
What about the sugar frosting on that cake?
asked Honey as she pointed out an artificial dessert.
Sun power,he replied, demonstrating with the
light machine. This shows the process by which
plants make sugar out of water and carbon dioxidewith the help of sunlight. Its called photosynthesis.
So we may think of the sugar, too, as hiddensunshine. When we eat either animal or vegetable
foods the sunshine is built into us.Thats what the minister was saying this
morning! exclaimed Judy. He read a part of
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
54/202
45
Akhenatens hymn to the sun. Do you remember it,
Honey?
Part of it,she replied. We five and grow byThee. I have the whole thing in a book in my
suitcase. Your great-aunts took it by mistake, Mr.
Jewell, and I took theirs. Im sure theyll try toreturn it. My address was in it.
Your Washington address?
No, my home address, replied Honey. It was
on the flyleaf of that book of poems. They wouldnttry to return it to my home, would they?
Who knows? Henry Jewell dismissed the
subject with a gesture of impatience and continued
demonstrating his sun-powered machines. AgainJudy asked the question that had puzzled her before.
How can these machines operate on a cloudy
day like this? If direct sunshine must be caught on acurved mirror
Exactly, he interrupted. In this way a large
amount of sunshine can be brought to focus in a
small space. This produces heat and stores it for a
limited time. Unlimited storage of sun power is ouraim. Think of all the wasted heat in deserts.
Judy had never thought of sunshine as beingwasted. She glanced at Honey, who seemed to be
taking in all this information with wide-eyed
wonder.
Sunshine is stored in the air, in the sea, and in
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
55/202
46
the ground, as you can see by this photograph,the
scientist was saying. What would you say this
was?Judy thought it was a photograph of cars on a
parking lot, and that was exactly what it turned out
to be. The strange part of it was that when thephotograph was taken the cars no longer were there.
It is their shadows you see. Such photographs
are possible, the young scientist explained,
because of sunlight stored in the ground. You seehow useful this sort of photography might be in
crime detection.
Its already in use, declared Peter. Youre
interested in pure science, but in the FBI we makepractical use of what you discover. Its our job to
protect your discoveries, too.
I worked with my father and grandfather on
most of them, Henry Jewell said. You see, bystudying these natural storage tanks, science is
gradually working out artificial ways of storing
sunshine. We are convinced that our deserts will
eventually become the sites of great solar powerplants and that sun-powered rockets will take us on
flights to the moon and Venus. Sun power of anytype will work better outside the earths
atmosphere.
He explained why, and Judy listened, but she was
growing hungrier with every word.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
56/202
47
It will be cheaper than atomic power and will
solve the problem of getting back to earth from
space flights, he continued. Our sun-poweredspace ships would resemble flying saucers with the
suns rays reflected in the center. I had it all worked
out on paper. If I had not lost my notesWhere do you think you lost them? Honey
asked.
If I knew wherehe began and then stopped
as if he had been about to blame someone else forthe loss and then changed his mind.
Perhaps they were just put away somewhere,
Judy suggested.
She knew what Honey had in mind, but when sheglanced at Peter, he shook his head at both of them.
For some reason, he did not want them to mention
the papers that had been found in the drawer of thecoffee mill.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
57/202
48
CHAPTER VII
Other Powers
Before they left the museum, the young scientist
insisted on exhibiting a new solar battery that had
been used in space photography. A picture of the
earth taken from outer space showed the misty cloudcovering. Oceans and continents were partially
hidden. The familiar world Judy knew so well from
maps was strangely unfamiliar in the picture. It
resembled the other planets.Who knows what secrets the atmosphere of a
planet like Jupiter or Venus may be hiding?Henry
Jewell asked. Theyre children of the sun just like
our earth.They were on their way to a nearby restaurant
when Honey asked, How did you first becomeinterested in sun power, Mr. Jewell?
Call me Henry, he said. I hope we will befriends. It was my Aunt Violetta who first awakened
my interest. She is quite a naturalist. One day we
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
58/202
49
were examining a leaf through a magnifying glass
when suddenly it began to smoke.
The suns rays did it! We did that onceourselves, didnt we, Judy?Honey asked.
It was quite by accident. We were looking for
clues.Judy was more eager to hear about the scientists
missing great-aunts than she was about his boyhood
experiments, but he went on talking, and Honey
encouraged him. He had made what he called agalvanometer out of a piece of cardboard lined with
tinfoil and shaped into a hollow cone. He explained
how it worked.
A magnetic needle was suspended over a coil ofwire. When the axis of the conical reflector was
directed toward a distant object, such as a horse
Did your great-aunts keep horses?
Judy
interrupted to ask.They did then,he replied. This scar under my
right eye is proof of it. One of their horses threw me.
I hit a stone and landed with my leg doubled under
me. The weeks I spent recovering from the accidentgave me time to study with Grandfather. The body
temperature of an animal is usually greater than thesurrounding area. I was amazed that the difference
in radiant heat was shown by the needle on my
homemade galvanometer.
Did your great-aunts encourage such
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
59/202
50
experiments?asked Judy.
Aunt Violetta did. I had a feeling that Aunt
Dorcas vaguely disapproved. She resisted changethe way a heavy sled resists the energy of a boy
pulling it uphill. That was another one of the
wonders I discovered as a child. I was continuallyasking, Why?
His questions, the scientist went on to explain,
were usually answered with patience and
understanding. Not all the answers were scientific,but they did stimulate thought. It was not until they
were seated around the restaurant table that Judy
learned, to her surprise, that Henry Jewell had not
seen his great-aunts since he was ten years old.We wrote to each other regularly until a few
months ago when, suddenly, their letters stopped. It
puzzled me at first,he admitted,
but then I decided
I must have said something that rubbed them thewrong way.
Havent you any idea what you said? Judy
questioned.
He shook his head sadly. It might have beensomething I didnt say. I was so preoccupied with
my own work at the time that I probably forgot toanswer some query of theirs or ask after their health.
My grandfather is living there with them now, so my
father sent three plane tickets and asked him to bring
them down here for a visit. It seemed a shame, after
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
60/202
51
all these years. . . .
His voice drifted off. Honey looked at him with
that understanding smile of hers and then gave herattention to the food that was being served. It looked
delicious but then, as Honey had said, even the wax
food had begun to tempt her.Were filling ourselves with sunshine, arent
we?she asked, attempting to turn the conversation
back to something more cheerful.
You sound like Aunt Violetta, the scientistcommented. She was always the sunny one. I
remember, when I was a boy, how we used to climb
up to the observation room at the top of the house
and study the sun through a homemade telescope.My grandfather provided the lens. He lived with us
for a while after Grandmother died. I dont
remember her very well, but Ill never forget my
great-grandmother and her tapping cane. She was aninvalid and used to manage the house from her bed.
My great-aunts had to report all their own activities
and my misdeeds to her. But up in the observatory
we felt free.If they brought you up until you were ten years
old it must have been hard for them to give you up.What happened?Judy asked.
Henry Jewell hesitated for so long that Judy was
afraid she shouldnt have asked the question. Peter
hadnt done much talking, but Judy knew he had
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
61/202
52
been listening and making mental notes of every
word. This time he did not shake his head at her
question. He wanted to hear the answer, too.Maybe you dont want to talk about what
happened,Honey ventured. I understand
It isnt that, the young scientist interrupted.The explanation is simple. My father married
again. He didnt want divided loyalties. That sort of
thing. I soon became fond of my stepmother and
didnt want to hurt her by acting homesick.But you werehomesick?Judy prompted him.
Yes, I suppose I was. That house has been in the
family for five generations, he explained. My
great-great-grandfather, Nathan Jewell, built it. Hewent to school with Joseph Henry, and it was his
diary my great-aunts said they were bringing to
Washington. I read it when I was a boy.
Nathan Jewell. So that was your great-great-grandfathers name!exclaimed Judy. We couldnt
find it anywhere in the diary. He mentioned Joseph
Henry and Henry James and a lot of other important
people, but never once did he give his own name.My people were all like that. Modest to a fault.
I
d like to know them,
Judy said.
Honey and Iare thinking of driving home in a couple of days. We
could drive on to your great-auntsplace and pick up
Honeys suitcase if they still have it. Well return
theirs, of course.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
62/202
53
Give them my love when you see them, wont
you? My father expected they would come to our
house, but they insisted upon going to a hotel. Theytelephoned yesterday, probably before they
discovered they had the wrong suitcase. Afterwards
they may have become frightened and stayed justlong enough to go to church and pray about it.
They took a taxi from church. Were sure of that
much,declared Peter. They attended All Souls
Thats our church. They would go there.There was a man in the taxi with them, Judy
began.
Henry Jewell laughed. Why didnt you tell me
that before? I guess the joke is on me. The man inthe taxi was probably my father. Ill call home right
now and find out if my aunts changed their minds
and went there. They may have patched up theirquarrel with my father and had dinner with him andmy stepmother.
This was the first Judy had heard about a quarrel.
It was all very puzzling. If the man in the taxi was
Henry Jewells father, why had Honey mistaken himfor Aldin Launt, a much younger man? And why
hadn
t Peter told the scientist about the papersconcealed in the drawer of the coffee mill? They
were supposed to be looking for answers, but how
could they find them when they were keeping
secrets from each other?
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
63/202
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
64/202
55
It will be fun, wont it, Judy?Honey agreed.
They talked of the proposed trip as if all four of
them were taking it. Plans were made for sightseeingall day Monday.
Each time you tour the Capitol Building or the
FBI its like the first time, declared Judy. Thereare so many new things to see. Honey, youll be
especially interested in the microdots used in various
designs. They are on exhibit in the Department of
Justice Building. Magnified, these microdotsbecome secret messages sent back and forth by
subversive groups.
May I accompany you on the tour?
The young scientists request was unexpected.Honey seemed pleased. She was not looking
forward to sightseeing alone on Tuesday, she said,
when both Judy and Peter would be at the hearing.But with Henry to show her around, none of her
precious time in Washington would be wasted.
There was so much to see in just two days. The
girls planned to pick up Judys cat at the Capitol on
Wednesday morning, take a last-minute tour of thebasement, and then start home.
We
ll join you there on Sunday,
Peterpromised.
The we puzzled Judy. She glanced at Honey to
see if she understood and surprised a look of utter
absorption in her eyes. Wasted time had reminded
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
65/202
56
the young scientist of wasted sunshine, and he was
off again.
The sun, as if weary of so much discussion,appeared briefly only to hide behind a rosy cloud in
the west. Judy could see it through the restaurant
window. It was late for dinner and later still whenthey finished. The museum closed at five. Henry
went back to finish up some paper work he was
doing, and the others headed for Peters car. Judy,
able to speak freely now, turned to Peter.Why did you say we? she asked. Is Henry
Jewell coming with you?
He may. We havent discussed it,Peter replied.
It seems to me theres a lot we haventdiscussed, declared Judy, and Im not talking
about sunshine. Didnt you tell him anything about
those papers in the drawer of the coffee mill? Istarted to, but you gave me that look
Peter laughed. I have you well trained. I did
mention the coffee mill but only to promise that we
would see that it was returned
But wasnt it intended for the museum?It was. You guessed right about that.
Then why didn
t you want me to talk about it?Those papers in the drawer were probably his lost
notesProbably, Peter agreed. The question is, how
did they get there? He didnt mail them to the old
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
66/202
57
ladies, unless he accidentally put them in an
envelope with one of his letters.
Do you think he did?No. A scientist doesnt do things like that.
Maybe hes sort ofwell, absent-minded,
Honey suggested. Like Horace. You know how heis, Judy. Ive seen him put sugar on his potatoes
instead of in his coffee when his mind was on
something else.
That could be what happened, Peter, Judyagreed. Henry Jewells mind is on sunshine. If he
had a round face instead of a rather angular one, Id
call him a human sunflower.
Mr. Sunflower! Oh, Judy! I like Jewell better.He is a jewel, declared Honey. Were going to
help him, arent we?
We
ll try,
Peter promised.
He seems confident
that you girls will find his aunts at home andexchange suitcases without any trouble. If theyre
still in Washington
Honey shook her head. I dont think they are.
Its just one of my hunches. You dont believe inhunches, so why discuss it? Well find out for sure
when we go home. I
m looking forward to meetingthe Misses Dorcas and Violetta Jewell. If we walk
up to the door with their suitcaseJust a minute, Peter stopped her. Before you
rush into this, I have a request to make. Those
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
67/202
58
papers, as you say, may be Henry Jewells lost
notes. His aunts may or may not know they were
hidden there. You can tell by the way they act whenthey open the suitcase. If they open the drawer of the
coffee mill and act surprised to find it empty, I want
to know it.Well report everything exactly as it happens,
wont we, Judy?Honey said.
Yes, but what if they dont open the drawer?
Judy asked. I dont see how we can find out whoput those papers there unless
Honey did not let her finish. Well think of a
way. You know how good Judy is when it comes to
mysteries, and I have helped her solve a few ofthem. Trust us, Peter.
Just the same, Peter said gravely, you girls
keep in touch with me. If any harm has come tothose two old ladies, let me know. Ill be ready toinvestigate at this end. As for the papers, theyll be
safe with me. Ill see that theyre returned to Henry
Jewell after Ive looked into this myself. You can
tell his aunts where they are if they ask about them.But suppose they dont ask?
Judy
s question was followed by a long silence.Finally Peter said, If they dont ask for those papers
youll know they were put there by someone else,
and its up to us to find out who that someone is. I
want you to telephone me immediately. You know
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
68/202
59
where to reach me. Will you promise to do that?
We promise,Judy and Honey answered.
When they arrived back at the motel, there hadbeen no inquiries concerning the suitcases. Liz
Holbrook had been at the switchboard all day, and
she agreed with Judy and Honey. The Jewell sistersprobably had left for home with the wrong suitcase.
But dont worry, Honey, she finished. They
may leave your suitcase with your grandparents if
its on their wayIt is if they left by train. They have to pass right
through Farringdon.
You see? Its all solved then. I wish my
problems were that easy.Judy promised Liz she would do her best to help
her solve her problems, too, when the case against
Lizs husband came up. And Judy
s testimony at the
hearing on Tuesday did help Charlie Holbrook.Its always like this, Judy said to Peter when
the morning in court was over. We wind up one
mystery just to be plunged into another.
You dont agree with Liz that Honeys mysteryis solved as soon as she finds her own suitcase, do
you?
Peter said as they started for the restaurantwhere they were to meet Henry Jewell and Honey
for lunch.I certainly do not. Those papers puzzle me,
Judy confessed. They arent perfumed, and yet
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
69/202
60
Honey sniffed them just as if she expected to smell
something. Im going to ask her about that if I get a
chance to speak to her privately.When Judy did have an opportunity to question
Honey, she received her answer in one word:
ammonia.Ammonia! gasped Judy. But thats used in
washing. You dont wash papers. They
disintegrate.
Its used in other ways, Honey repliedmysteriously. Ill show you when we get back to
Farringdon. Until then lets forget it and enjoy
ourselves.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
70/202
61
CHAPTER IX
Homeward Bound
Honeys remark about ammonia continued to puzzle
Judy. Honey didnt want to talk about it. But she did
say this much, as the two girls were packing to leaveWednesday morning.
My suspicions are probably without any
foundation in fact. And the more I think about it, the
surer I am that the man I saw in the taxi couldnthave been Aldin Launt. I only saw his back.
Peoples backs all look alike.
Do they? asked Judy. Id know Peters back
anywhere. Theres something about his shouldersand the way he turns his head
You love him. Thats why.But if you dislike someone, your feelings may
be just as strong and you may be just as aware of hispeculiarities.
Perhaps. Honey dismissed the subject with a
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
71/202
62
bang as she closed the folding bed. Half of it
disappeared into the wall. She threw cushions on the
other half and said, There! Now the room looks justas neat as it did when I moved in. Where do I put the
bedding?
Just leave it there, Judy told her. The maidswill take it. Thats the beauty of living in a motel
room. I wish you could have stayed the whole week.
Anyway, we had two wonderful days of
sightseeingThree wonderful days,Honey said. Have you
forgotten I toured the FBI with Henry? I like him,
Judy. Thats my trouble. I like so many boys Ill
never settle down to just one.Dont tell my brother that,warned Judy. Hes
still waiting for you to settle down. I never liked that
word much myself. It sounds like a broody hensettling over a bunch of eggs and just staying there.
Well never be like that, will we?
Never,agreed Judy. I like to travel. But home
is best. I find myself wishing the house in Dry
Brook Hollow wasnt rented. Id even enjoy dustingit.
Honey sighed.
I feel the same way about mydrawing board. There was something homelike
about my little corner. I suppose somebody else is
working in it.
You dont really think Mr. Dean has replaced
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
72/202
63
you, do you, Honey?Judy asked.
I dont know what to think. Well see whats
going on when we get there. Im certainly travelinglight.
They were all packed now. What few things
Honey had went into Judys suitcase. The othersuitcase would be returned just as it was except for
one small detail. Henry Jewells notes were no
longer in the drawer of the coffee mill. How they
came to be there in the first place remained amystery.
I can hardly wait to see their faces when they
open the drawer,Honey commented.
Whose faces?asked Judy.She was checking to see if they had forgotten
anything and wasnt paying much attention.
The Jewell sisters, of course.
Suppose they dont bother to open the drawer?Peter said then wed know the papers were
hidden there by someone else. Where is he,
anyway?
Hes out in the car waiting for us. Come on,Honey, Judy urged her. Were going to the
Capitol to pick up Blackberry, and I thought we
dinclude Washingtons crypt in this last bit of
sightseeing.
The crypt, Honey soon discovered, was in the
sub-basement of the Capitol Building. Few tourists
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
73/202
64
knew it was there. But Judy and Peter were familiar
with this part of the building because of their
frequent visits to Blackberry.I hope he finished off all the mice down here,
Peter said as they searched for the cat. They could
hear a scratching sound. Honey shivered.Is George Washington really buried down
here?she asked. I thought his tomb was in Mount
Vernon.
It is, but it was supposed to be here, Judyreplied as she pointed out a space directly below a
circular rail. The guide told me that, when the
foundations for the rotunda were laid, a marble
monument was meant to stand just about wherewere standing now. That railing above was so
people could stand around in a circle and look
down
Peter laughed. Do you see whos looking down
now?
Blackberry!exclaimed Judy as two green eyes
glowed at her. He thinks hespeople. How do we
get up there?There was no need. Blackberry had found a way
down. He knew the building better than Judy did.Soon her famous cat was purring in her arms.
I was afraid hed be spoiled, she confessed.He had his picture in all the Washington papers,
but hes the same loving pet hes always been. Peter,
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
74/202
65
I do believe Blackberry is the nicest present you
ever gave me.
Hes the cheapest. That fur coat I gave youIt was lovely, Judy admitted, but it wasnt
alive.
Peter said he hoped not, and the three of them leftthe Capitol Building laughing. Blackberry
remembered his old place next to the back window
of the car and immediately made himself
comfortable.He wont be any trouble,Honey laughed.
And not much protection, either, Peter added.
If anyone tries to follow you girls
Who would?Judy interrupted.Nobody, I hope. But just in case there is
anything at all you have to report, stop at the nearest
telephone and let me know.
We will, Peter,Judy promised.I have to leave you now. Im meeting another
agent in ten minutes. Take care, both of you.
With a kiss for Judy and another for his sister,
Peter was off as soon as Judy started the car. Shedrove for a while, and then Honey took a turn. They
weren
t being followed except by other tourists likethemselves on the busy highway between
Washington and Gettysburg.
The trip was fast and uneventful except for a
short delay at the battlefield. Blackberry crawled
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
75/202
66
inside a cannon and refused to come out until Judy
thought of luring him with a sardine. They escaped a
news photographer just in time. If there was onething Judy didnt want at this point, it was publicity.
Blackberry nearly spoiled our plans, Honey
complained when they were on their way again.Everybody would know we were coming if our
pictures got in the paper trying to fish him out of
that cannon.
We fished him out with a fish, didnt we?laughed Judy. Silly cat. Dozing there by the
window, he almost looks like a dog. It is more usual
to travel with a dog than with a cat.
A watchdog,declared Honey. Well need oneif we stop at the studio. I really dont want people to
see us. Theyd wonder why I came back so soon.
The mixed-up suitcases explain it. Of course, we
know theres another reason. Were on a secret questfor something. Im beginning to wonder what it is
myself,Judy added.
We may find out at the studio
It will be after closing time when we reachFarringdon,Judy reminded Honey. We can tell if
that artist is working overtime. Shall we drive byand look for lights?
Honey agreed, and Judy drove faster in
anticipation. After following the west bank of the
Susquehanna River for some distance, the road
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
76/202
67
turned northwest into Pennsylvanias wooded
mountain region. It was beginning to look and feel
like home.Theres the park where we had our high school
picnic, and you and I were left behind, Judy
pointed out.That was the day we heard the voice in the
suitcase, wasnt it? Theres the old cemetery on the
hill. Do you remember how frightened we were
when we passed it? Those old gravestones still lookspooky,Honey observed.
Judy had been driving for some time now. The
road twisted and turned like a snake and finally took
her into Roulsville where the broken dam still stoodto remind her of the flood that had once swept the
valley.
This road is really haunted with memories,
she
said as they drove on.Above the dam were a few new houses that had
been built since the flood. Below it practically
everything was new. But farther up the valley there
were few changes. The Blade farm looked just as italways had except for the new barn. A fire had
destroyed the old one.The houses along the North Hollow road were the
same. Next came the little private road that led to the
house Judys grandmother had left her. A grove of
trees hid it from view, but she could see enough to
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
77/202
68
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
78/202
69
give her a twinge of homesickness.
It seems strange not to stop, she commented
when they had passed.The sun was just setting as they crossed the last
hilltop and came down into Farringdon. It looked
like a toy city from this distance. Cupped in thevalley as it was, the downtown section looked misty.
Or is that smoke? Judy frowned. See it? Just
beyond the courthouse
Its a fire!gasped Honey. The fire engines arethere already. See that bit of red? Oh, I hope they
have the fire under control!
I hope so, too, agreed Judy, aghast when she
saw what was burning.It was the building that housed the Dean Studios.
Forgetting that Honey wanted to keep their visit a
secret, Judy drove as fast as she could toward thedowntown section of Farringdon.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
79/202
70
CHAPTER X
After the Fire
Oh, Judy! This is terrible. I should trust my
hunches,wailed Honey. Something told me there
would be trouble at the studio. Can you see howmuch damage was done? she asked as they drove
nearer.
I cant see much,replied Judy. Its too smoky,
but I think the fire is under control.The damage to the building appeared to be slight,
but the whole area was thick with smoke. The
downtown section was roped off. Judy couldnt turn
when she reached Grove Street. Traffic was beingdirected around the courthouse square.
Shall we park here and walk over? Judysuggested, noticing a vacant parking space.
I guess well have to if we want to find outanything,agreed Honey.
They closed the car windows so Blackberry
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
80/202
71
couldnt jump out, and hurried toward the still
smoking building. Most of the smoke was coming
from the west end.Thats the end where the presses and most of the
photographic supplies are kept. Maybe some film
caught fire. That would make a lot of smoke,Honey said as they ran.
Suddenly the smoke cleared, giving Judy a good
view of the building. She pointed.
See that, Honey! The whole window frame isburned away, and the bricks are black. It must have
been quite a fire, but its out now. The east end of
the building doesnt seem to have been touched.
Thats where the artists work, isnt it?asked Judy.Thats right. I want to peek in and see if any of
the things in my corner have been disturbed,Honey
suddenly decided.I can see it through this window.
Dont worry! Its safe.Judy wasnt so sure of that. Smoke could be
treacherous, she knew. It could be followed by a
sudden burst of flame.
If a gust of wind blows all that black smoke inour direction, she began, but Honey had already
climbed up, using a basement window ledge forfooting.
Its just the way it always was!she exclaimed.Not a thing has been touched. Judy, I was wrong
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
81/202
72
Were you? asked Judy. Dont be so sure.
Theres a whiff of ammonia in the air, and you were
sniffing those papers for ammonia. You said soyourself.
Didnt I say why?
You certainly didnt, but I think I know. Thatammonia smell comes from photostats just off the
press, doesnt it?Judy questioned.
Burned photostats, Im afraid. Its a shame,
declared Honey. I suppose Mr. Dean will be heldresponsible, though he must be covered by
insurance. Plans and drawings cant be replaced
without a lot of work if the originals were burned
with them.Do you think they were?
Probably. The originals have to be run through
the press to make the photostats. Sometimes you cantell if copies have been made. The paper retains afaint odor of ammonia.
But there wasnt any such odor on those papers
in the drawer of the coffee mill?
No, just a very faint odor of coffee. I really dontthink copies were made of them.
That doesn
t prove that Aldin Launt wasn
ttrying to get hold of them to make copies,declared
Judy. If we can find out what caused this fireWed better not stand here talking, Honey
interrupted fearfully. Lets go before anyone comes
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
82/202
73
along and asks questions.
They started back toward the car, but before they
had gone very far they were surrounded by youngpeople who had come to watch the fire. Among
them were some of Judys friends from high school.
This is a surprise!exclaimed Lois Farringdon-Pett, stopping her. Horace said you and Honey
were spending the whole week in Washington. What
brought you back?
The Beetle, Judy parried the question. Itsparked over there by the courthouse with Blackberry
locked inside. We havent been home.
Then you dont know
What? Judy asked fearfully as Lois lookedabout as if she were wondering whether or not she
ought to tell whatever was in her mind.
Its nothing,
Lorraine said quickly. She and
Lois were always together. Like Judy and Honey,they were sisters-in-law. Lorraine Lee, the
newspaper editors fair-haired daughter, was now
Mrs. Arthur Farringdon-Pett.
If its nothing, why are you girls looking at eachother like that?charged Honey. Tell us the truth,
Lois. What were you going to say?
Lois hesitated. You can find out the truth from
Horace, she said. You know how he is. Always
starting a big crusade against crime. Well, someone
beat him up, and he wont say who it was.
-
7/17/2019 Judy Bolton #33 The Secret Quest
83/202
74
For a moment Judy and Honey were too stunned
by this news to speak. Judy had always thought of
her brother as a timid soul, until he had shown herthat physical courage wasnt the only kind. Had he
tried to defend himself when he received the
beating? Or had he turned the other cheek, accordingto his convictions?
Was he badly hurt? she asked when she could
find her voice.
Were sorry. We didnt mean to frighten youThen tell us,urged Honey.
Not too badly,Lois replied. A few bruises on
his face. He says they make him look worse than he
feels.He moves around all right,Lorraine put in. As
a matter o