14: What they find in the den

After finding that the piggy bank is empty, everyone’s thoughts turn automatically to juice and marmalade and, for a while, no one speaks. Even pTravis has to wipe away a tear of disappointment pretending that he has some dust in his eye. But now they look around and they notice three interesting things.

First, a copy of the newspaper article from a while ago about the Potting Shed opening a savings account to keep their breakfast money. (This was the previous time Alcock had talked to the local newspaper.)

Second, a map. It looks very like a treasure map with even a treasure chest, although Alcock suspects that this is just an ‘embellishment’. (That is, he does not think they will find an actual treasure chest.)

   

Third, there is a very disturbing print-out from a website on which someone has scribbled KILL HIM! and DEATH TO MURDERES!

No one quite knows what to say about this. It does seem a little disturbing. Everyone is quite pleased to get outside as quickly as they can and now no one minds Lottie’s tuneless but distracting singing on the way home.