Three days later, Mandie was feeling much better. Her arm was in a sling and she had to use crutches, but she was excited to get outside for some fresh air. They had all decided
that the clue was talking about the drums at the council house.
Mandie washed her face, put Snowball on his leash and limped down. The boys were already in the wagon when Celia, Sallie and Mandie joined them.
"Hello slowpokes! Freshening up must be hard work if it takes that long", Jonathan teased as the girls climbed aboard. Joe snorted. "Say that to yourself"
The wagon bumped along slowly on the path to the council house. Mandie had seen he Cherokee Indians make several important decisions there.
They met Dimar at the council house and headed inside.
"The drums should be right there", Dimar said, pointing at the stage.
Everyone crowded around the stage to look. After a few minutes of feeling around, banging and inspecting, the young people decided to take a break.
"I don't get it. The clue clearly talks about the drums", Celia muttered.
Sallie thought for a moment. "Wait"! she exclaimed. "My grandfather told me about a switch that opens the drums. It should be around here…" She felt around the painted
decorations until finding one that clicked. The drum lid loosened and Sallie lifted it off.
"The clue!" Mandie cheered. Inside the drum was an envelope just like the ones before. Sallie fished it out and gave it to Mandie, who opened it excitedly.
"Cherokee Indians are really good at hiding things", Jonathan commented.
"Here, Sallie. You should read it", Mandie said, handing it back to Sallie. Sallie blushed and unfolded the note.
"The next clue involves my family history. The clue is located in the house of one of my relatives. I have given the clue to that person for safekeeping. He will only give it to you ifyou have good intentions", Sallie read.
Mandie thought for a moment and snapped her fingers. "That's it! It must be Uncle Wirt's house! Let's go!"
"That does sound pretty likely. He probably knew about it all along", Sallie said.
Upon arriving at Uncle Wirt's house, the young people climbed out of the wagon and knocked on the door. Aunt Saphronia answered it.
"Hi Aunt Saphronia! Is Uncle Wirt home?" Mandie asked.
"Papoose! Wirt outside. Be back soon. Saphronia hear accident. You okay?"
"I'm fine. I have a sprained ankle and a broken arm but I feel much better." Mandie gave the old woman a hug.
Mandie quickly explained what had happened to Aunt Saphronia and Tsan'i who was also listening.
" So that's why we need Uncle Wirt." Mandie concluded.
"Papooses come in," Aunt Saphronia suggested.
"Mandie, I think Aunt Saphronia is right, we need to go in and,uh, eat!" Jonathan exclaimed.
The young people went inside while Tsa'ni hurried out to fetch his grandfather. Aunt Saphronia served them some tea. "Papoose think Wirt has clue?"
"Yeah, unless it was another one of Talitha's siblings. But I feel like it's Uncle Wirt!" Mandie insisted. Tsan'i had gone outside to fetch Uncle Wirt while everyone sat down at the
table. Joe hesitated as if wondering if he should taste the tea.
Aunt Saphronia laughed. "This is rose tea."
Soon, Uncle Wirt came in. "Papoose see me?" he asked.
Mandie ran over to hug him.
"Uncle Wirt! Remember how we were hunting for clues?"
Uncle Wirt nodded. "Papoose need next clue?"
"We think it might be in your house."
Uncle Wirt looked solemn. "Yes. Clue in house. I get it"
He stood up and knocked three times on the chair Mandie was sitting on.
"This Talitha's favorite chair," he explained. The wood sild open revealing an envelope. Uncle Wirt handed it to Mandie.
" Papoose trustworthy." he declared. Mandie was overcome with emotion and accepted the envelope. "Thank you so much Uncle Wirt. We will find the heirloom and give it to the
Cherokee Indians to keep", she promised.
"If we find it", Jonathan reminded her.
Mandie ignored him and slit the envelope open.
"To whomever is reading this: You have just met one of my relatives. If he gave you this, then you must be trustworthy. Here is your last clue: White man's house, shelves of
books, hidden door, where is the treasure?"
"White man's house?" Tsa'ni questioned. "Why would Talitha hide it there?"
Mandie paced around. "Heirloom. White man's house." I feel like there's a connection but I can't seem to place it", she exclaimed, frustrated. Joe patted Mandie's shoulder. "It's
alright. I'm sure you'll figure it out. For now, we should get back to Uncle Ned's cabin."
"Yes, it is almost time for lunch." Sallie explained. Waving good-bye to Tsa'ni, Aunt Saphronia and Uncle Wirt, the group set off to Uncle Ned's cabin.
"Mrrf! Delicious!" Jonathan declared, stuffing his mouth full. Morning Star's smile broadened. Mandie ate slowly, her mind deep in thought about the clue. Just then. There was a
knock on the door. Uncle Ned opened it and Uncle John stepped in. "Hello everyone!"
"Uncle John! "Guess what! We found the lost heirloom!"" Mandie told him while giving him a hug.
"The what?"
"You remember the Great Warrior Tsali don't you?"
Uncle John nodded.
"Well, we found some letters written by Talitha Pindar saying that his belongings are hidden in some secret place! We figured out most of them but the last one is challenging."
"Woah! Slow down! Start from the beginning."
So everyone sat down in the living room and explained to Mandie's uncle about their discovery.
"And my mother was the last one with the heirloom?" Uncle John asked, when they finished talking.
"That's right! She knows some really good hiding places. What are you doing here anyway?" Mandie asked.
"Just delivering some news. Your grandmother wrote a long letter regarding plans for your birthday, Amanda. Y'all will be going home with me tomorrow," he answered.
"My birthday! I nearly forgot it was coming up!" Mandie exclaimed.
She tore the fat envelope open and scanned it.
"What does it say?" Celia peeked over her friend's shoulder.
"Grandmother is planning a birthday ball for me when we get home," Mandei announced. She flipped the paper over and frowned. "And she's inviting some of her friends as well."
Celia took the letter.
"Look what it says here!" she giggled. Everyone gathered to look.
P.S: I have a dear friend in Georgia who has a handsome, rich son looking for a wife. I told her you would be happy to meet him and I sent him your picture. His name is Henry
Patrick Campbell. I have invited him and his mother to the ball. I hope you will get to know him well and be on your best behavior.
With love, your grandmother.
Mandie groaned and slapped her forehead. Celia and Sallie laughed. Joe was frowning and Jonathan chuckled.
"This isn't funny!" Mandie nearly shouted. "I don't want to meet someone I barely know!"
Uncle John patted her shoulder. "I'm sorry dear but your grandmother thinks it's about time you get married. Just try to get acquainted with him, alright?"
"Okay" Mandie sighed.
"How many hearts do you plan on breaking?" Jonathan teased. Celia shot a worried glance at Mandie. Her friend seemed really upset and Jonathan wasn't helping. "Well,
Jonathan. How would you feel if you had to see Polly every single day?" Celia asked.
Jonathan jumped. "Don't scare me like that!"
Mandie broke into laughter. "The ball will be exciting. Even if I have to 'get acquainted' with Henry", she said.
"We better get packing", Joe suggested.
"Yes, we should", Mandie agreed. Her mind was now on the ball and she had almost forgotten about the hunt for the heirloom.