CHAPTER 1 A Snowy Bump A BIG wet snowflake landed on the tip of little Sue Hollister’s nose It melted before she could blink her brown eyes at the heavy mist that billowed over the woodland path Yikes Switzerland is spooky exclaimed seven year-old Ricky as he sloshed along the snowy trail The trees look like black ghosts We’ll be at the inn very soon said Pam who was ten and she straightened the scarf around her blond hair Here take my hand Holly Mrs Hollister was next in line behind six-year-old Holly whose pigtails peeked out from under a red hat Pete a handsome boy of twelve brought up the rear The family had just stepped off a cable car that had carried them to the top of Felsenegg a ridge overlooking the city of Zurich Although it was the second day of June a spring snowstorm was pelting the pine-clad mountain A white blanket several inches deep covered the ground Suddenly from the fog ahead came a hoarse shout Halt Halt This was followed by several sharp barks 7
as two men and a dog raced out of the mist directly toward the Hollisters Oh my goodness Mrs Hollister exclaimed Stop that man Catch him cried the pursuer who slipped and slid on the snowy path several yards behind the fellow he was trying to catch All the while the dog a beautiful large gray poodle nipped at the fugitive’s heels The man wore a dark topcoat with the collar turned up and his face was half concealed by a plaid cap pulled low over his eyes As he weaved among the startled Hollisters Pete reached for him but the boy’s fingers slipped from the man’s coattails At the same moment the pursuer and his dog crashed headlong into the family Pam seized four-year old Sue and whirled out of the way as Mrs Hollister nimbly stepped aside But Pete and Holly were knocked into the snow The big poodle bowled Ricky over in a double somersault The pursuer too lay sprawled on the ground Is anybody hurt asked Pam We’re all right replied Pete as he and the other children scrambled to their feet The man rose with a sheepish look I’m sorry he said with a Swiss accent but it is so slippery underfoot Pete looked admiringly at the tall stranger who was slender had a long straight nose and brown eyes with laugh crinkles in the corners Pam picked up his hat from the snow brushed it off and handed it to him 8
Thank you he said Shaking his head he looked fugitive had trail where the along the disappeared foggy Why were you chasing him Pete asked That’s a long story the stranger replied and looked down at the poodle who sat obediently at his feet Biffi it’s your fault I told you not to bark You frightened him away Then as Ricky wiped the snow from his red hair and Holly shook the damp white flakes from her coat the man said My name is Johann Meyer Come to the inn with me for hot cocoa I can guarantee you that Swiss chocolate is the best in the world On the way along the trail the Hollisters introduced themselves one by one We flew to Europe with our father Pete explained when he came over to buy toys for The Trading Post That’s his store in Shoreham It’s in the United States Ricky put in When Daddy finished his business he went home Pam said but we stayed and came to see Switzerland We just got here yesterday Holly chimed in I hope you will have a very exciting visit Johann Meyer said as they reached a small restaurant perched high on a ridge overlooking the deep valley below He opened the heavy oak door and ushered them into the cheerful eating place Mm it smells so good Pam said They found seats around a table and loosened their coats Biffi lay down quietly between Pam and his master Meyer ordered hot chocolate and sandwiches 9
