CHAPTER ELEVEN

Heroes

The police had just arrived when the group stepped back into the clearing.

“We’ve been looking for this guy for a long time,” said the sergeant. “He’s wanted in several provinces for disturbing native burial grounds and removing artefacts belonging to local tribes.”

“You boys are heroes,” said Mr. Parker.

“You know,” said the sergeant. “I always thought there were two of them. Seems like a lot of work for one man.”

Making sure Billy was still close by, Ibrahim turned to the officer.

“There is more than one,” he said. “There’s a reason Camp Chimo’s cook can’t cook.”

Everyone turned to Billy as his eyes widened in fear. He turned to make a run for it, but Mr. Barnell put out his foot. With a loud thud, Billy landed face first in a pile of fresh mud.

***

“Why didn’t you tell me Billy was involved?” asked Mr. Parker.

“Billy was always around when the ghostly moans were heard,” explained Ibrahim. “Zayn and I only heard him talking to Stan, so we had no proof. We needed him to prove his own guilt by running.”

As Billy was being taken away in handcuffs, he turned to Ibrahim.

“How did you know it was me?” he asked with a scowl.

“A simple process of elimination,” said Ibrahim. “Well, that and your cooking!”

The class clapped and cheered as Billy and Stan were taken away.

“You know,” said Zayn, turning to Mr. Parker. “At first we thought it was you.”

“I guess I was always gone at the wrong time,” he laughed.

“But we couldn’t figure out a motive,” said Ibrahim. “Especially after Zayn read the Haunted Lake book.”

“So, you found my grandfather’s book in the library,” said Mr. Parker.

“You have a very rich family history,” said Zayn, yawning. “You should make it part of the Camp Chimo experience.”

“Not a bad idea,” said Mr. Parker, smiling. “Now, go get some sleep! It’s very late, and I’m afraid breakfast tomorrow will be cold cereal with milk.”

The children hollered and cheered!