The Happy Hollisters and the Mystery of the Little Mermaid
Holly said to the stewardess We solved a ghost mystery once when we moved into our new house in Shoreham That’s in the United States Hearing this a young woman seated across the aisle from Pam and Pete leaned over and asked Is this your first trip to Copenhagen Yes it is Pam replied to the traveler who held a small black velvet case on her lap Pam introduced herself and the rest of the Hollister family She was proud of her pretty mother and her tall handsome father who owned The Trading Post a combi nation hardware and sports shop Pete was a good-looking boy of twelve with a crew cut and a friendly smile Whenever the Hollister chil dren found a mystery to solve he liked to look for clues So did Pam She was ten with fluffy blond bobbed hair and a kind heart to match her sweet face Ricky seven and Holly who was six were the fam ily imps but none the less lovable Ricky’s reddish hair was usually mussed He was always ready to take a dare such as balancing blindfolded on a fencepost Tomboy Holly often imitated him twirling her brown pigtails busily All the children doted on four-year-old Sue who Grandmother Hollister often said was the cutest child this side of the moon Pam learned that the name of the woman who had spoken to her and Pete was Inger Petersen She was re turning from the United States and had boarded the plane at London Miss Petersen said there were many interesting things to be seen in her country 8
First you must visit the Little Mermaid in the harbor she told the Hollisters and also the Tivoli Gardens That’s the greatest fun park for children in the whole world Pam pressed for more information about the Little Mermaid She’s not a real one of course Miss Petersen said smiling In fact all stories about mermaids those pretty young creatures with human bodies but fish tails in place of legs are legends The beautiful statue in Copenhagen harbor was erected in honor of the little mermaid in a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen Denmark’s most beloved author She’s sort of a symbol of Copenhagen and is now known all over the world Several adult passengers had been listening to Miss Petersen’s story Among them was a bearded man who sat two seats ahead of the Danish woman When he turned to catch more of the conversation Sue giggled Mommy she said in a low voice let’s call him Mr Bushyface Sh Sh Mrs Hollister said holding a finger to the little girl’s lips But the bearded man did not seem to have heard Sue’s remark It was apparent that he had been trying to catch ev ery word of the story Pete noticed that the man kept his right hand in his jacket pocket while he took out a cigarette and held a lighter to it all with his left hand The boy mentioned this to Pam Maybe his right hand was hurt whispered the kindhearted girl 9
The children’s attention returned to Miss Petersen who said Since you’ve never seen the Little Mermaid how would you like to look at a miniature of her Oh yes Holly answered eagerly The children left their seats and crowded about Miss Petersen She carefully opened the velvet case on her lap and from it lifted out the daintiest and most beautiful porcelain figurine that the Hollisters had ever seen Oh it’s precious said Pam The tiny mermaid a wistful expression on her deli cate face sat on a rock her fish tail gracefully draped over it May I hold her for a moment Holly asked If you’re very very careful the woman replied She explained that the figurine belonged to the Danish royal family I am a secretary for them and was asked to go to New York where this very fine replica of the Little Mermaid has been on exhibit I am now returning it to the Queen Mrs Hollister spoke up Perhaps the children shouldn’t handle the figurine she cautioned It’s all right Miss Petersen said I’m sure they won’t harm it As she handed the Little Mermaid to Holly the bearded man fixed his gaze intently on it and watched as she held the dainty porcelain piece close to her face Oh you’re beautiful Holly said She giggled I think I’ll put on a fish tail next time I go swimming Pam asked if she too might hold the porcelain mas terpiece After she and Pete and Ricky had handled the little figure Sue begged for a turn 10
