Helga once again had the chance to follow Gerald and Arnold after school on Monday. She followed as quietly as she could so that way they wouldn't know. As usual, Arnold and Gerald walked to work, but it was different since Arnold couldn't go back to his hate store for a while.

"Have you come up with any new ideas on this hat thing?" Arnold asked his best friend.

"Playing around for now," answered Gerald.

"What did you come up with?"

Arnold told himself that it better be good.

"Maybe it could've been Helga who put those hats in your locker. She probably wants to see if you'd be interested in trying a different color of hats. Whatever she came up with is pretty odd."

Arnold had to agree.

"That's a good thought. Remember she tried those same hats that I did?"

Gerald nodded.

"Sure I remember. You both looked really silly with those hats on. I laughed until I was able to go to bed."

"I'm sure you did, but I found it a bit embarrassing. You did have a very good thought about all of these hats hanging out in my locker everyday. The one thing I don't understand is that how did Helga learn my combination?"

Helga saw that the football head and tall hair boy were finally figuring out her mystery. This sounds good to share with Big Bob, but she wasn't going to be the one to tell. The three of them saw the police car drive by. It indeed was Big Bob himself. Even he didn't pay any attention that she was following her friends.

"Hi, Bob," Arnold greeted him as he rolled down the window.

"Hello, boys."

"Mind if we talk with you? We have an idea about the hat robbery."

"All right, football head. You can hop in and tell me what you've been coming up with. I'm thinking of giving up. Even I don't have any ideas to solve this thing."

"We have a very good idea. We just talked about it before you came by. Are you heading back to the police office?"

"Yes, I am, Gerald. Whatever your thought is, we can take in the ride on the way over."

So Arnold and Gerald hopped into the backseat and her father drove away. She told herself that her friends probably did change their minds about working. This whole hat robbery she planned has been on everybody's mind these days."

"Too bad I cant hear what that football head is going to tell Dad. Maybe he'll bring it up at dinner."

So Bob was able to see that his spot was still available for the squad car to sit. Helga didn't want to walk to the police department, so nobody would pay any attention she was following her father, so all she had in mind was walk home.

"So Sheriff Pataki, the idea we came up was that Helga could've been the one who did this and let us figure it out."

"I thought it was her also, but I figured she wouldn't have done such a thing."

"Well, there's more to important to us than money right now."

"How did this whole thing happen?"

"At school, Sheriff. I have been finding a different hat everyday that's not blue. I never gave out my locker combination to anyone. Trust me."

"I trust you, Arnold. Please continue. I'm listening."

"Well, before I do, I would like to ask you when could I have my job back?"

"I'm still working on that, Arnold. Maybe I'll come up with something when you tell me the rest of the story."

So Arnold continued.

"Well, I also did think it could've been Helga who robbed the store and put them in my locker."

"I like your idea. It sounds like a good one. Do you have anything more to add?" Big Bob asked.

"I think so. I'm not really a big fan of mysteries, but this one sure is sounding like it."

"I can't argue with you, Arnold. This idea you're putting into could be solved."

"And I'm the one who's figuring this out, but I don't mind it. I'm also thinking Helga wanted to give me a surprise."

"And it is. What else have you thought of?" Big Bob asked.

He was still giving Arnold his full attention.

"Well, I think you will have to ask her that yourself."

"I know one thing, Sheriff. Helga has a secret crush on Arnold."

Arnold looked at Gerald.

"What gave you that idea, Gerald?"

"I didn't have the idea. Phoebe told me," he said truthfully.

Arnold never thought of that one.

"All right. I'll ask her tonight at supper and see if her side of the story matches yours, but it could also be different. You're both welcome to leave."

"Okay, Sheriff Pataki. Have you come up with any ideas if I could return to the hat store? I miss it there."

"I'll answer your question now. Since your story was good, you may return to your job tomorrow after school."

"That means you'll tell my boss."

"Exactly."

Arnold and Gerald left.

"It was a good thing that he liked your idea, Arnold. To me, it already looks like you solved the hat mystery."

"I think so too, Gerald."

Now that it was too late to go to work, both ended up walking home instead.

"maybe Helga will add more details to my side of the story, Gerald. Just let her tell us at school tomorrow."

"Yes, she might not even mention it. If she does, good for her."

They made it to the boarding house where Arnold grew up in.

"Do you want me to stay over and we can do homework together?"

"Sure. What about Harold? Do you think he will handle the customers on his own?" Arnold asked once he opened the door.

"Of course he will. He's done it a few times. I'm not worried about him."

Neither of them had much homework, so it wouldn't take long to do it. When they finished, Gerald thought about heading home.

"See you tomorrow, Gerald.'

"You will."

Then Gerald was out of the door.