The Mystery of the Black Raven by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page B

about the time they spent in the goldfields. Year after year, they relived their adventures. It became a tradition.”
    A voice beside Grandfather’s chair said, “And that’s why we’re here.”
    Jessie turned to see a young couple. The sandy-haired man wore khaki pants and a thick blue sweater. Next to him stood a pretty dark-haired woman. She also wore khaki pants, but her sweater was red. The color made her cheeks pink and her blue eyes bluer.
    The young man had spoken. He continued, “I’m sorry to break into your conversation. But my wife and I couldn’t help overhearing—”
    Now Grandfather rose from his chair. “You must be Steve Wilson! I’m James Alden, Edward Alden’s great-nephew.”
    “I figured as much,” said Steve. “This is Jennifer. We’ve only been married a month.”
    Jennifer held Steve’s hand. “We decided to make the reunion our honeymoon.”
    “How nice,” said James Alden. “These are my grandchildren—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. This is the first time I’ve brought them to Alaska.”
    Benny was confused. “Are you guys going to hunt gold, too?”
    Everyone laughed.
    “I didn’t finish explaining,” said Grandfather. “You see, even after the original Four Rock Miners died, their relatives continued the tradition of meeting in Skagway.”
    “I’m the great-great-grandson of Frank Wilson,” Steve said. “He was one of the men Edward Alden met on the boat to Alaska.” Then he added, “Your grandfather wrote to each of us, setting up the reunion date.”
    Jennifer sat down in the empty seat next to Jessie. “I think this is so wonderful. The way the men went to Skagway every year, no matter what.”
    “There were four men,” Henry said. “Where are the relatives of the other two?”
    Grandfather signaled the waiter for the bill. “They are waiting at our hotel. We’ll meet them there.”
    The waiter came over. “We’ll be docking shortly. You might want to go see Alaska come into view, the way the old miners did.”
    Everyone slipped windbreakers over their sweaters and went outside on the deck. Gray waves slapped the sides of the ferry.
    Benny’s sharp eyes spotted land first.
    “There it is!” he cried. “Alaska, here we come!”
    Everyone was so excited about seeing the faraway state, they remained on deck the rest of the trip, even though it was chilly.
    When the ferry docked at Skagway, the Aldens saw a huge cruise ship farther down the beach. Then they were busy hauling their luggage off the ferry. Grandfather called a taxi. The Wilsons followed in a separate cab.
    “This is Broadway,” their driver informed the Aldens. “It’s the main street in town.”
    Jessie was amazed at the storefronts. “It looks like an old Western movie!”
    Their driver laughed. “Skagway was like an old Western movie! Here you are.” He pulled up in front of a rustic-looking building with a sign that read THE TOTEM LODGE .
    The kids piled out of the cab. A bellhop hurried through the swinging door to take their bags.

    Inside the lobby, Grandfather went over to the main desk.
    “What a neat place!” Henry exclaimed.
    The Totem Lodge was like a big log cabin. A real canoe with hidden lights hung overhead. Native American masks and gold-mining spades and other tools decorated the walls. Massive poles with strange carvings guarded the doorway into the dining room.
    The lobby was warm, with potted plants, chairs, and drum-shaped tables scattered around. From one of those chairs, a silver-haired woman got up and approached Grandfather.
    “You must be James Alden,” the children heard her say. The woman, neatly dressed in green slacks and a leaf-green sweater, stuck out her hand. “I’m Madeline Parker.”
    “Miss Parker, I’m delighted to meet you in person!” said Grandfather. He introduced his grandchildren, adding, “This is their first time to Alaska.”
    “Mine, too,” Miss Parker confessed. “I’m so thrilled. I’m a retired teacher. It’s