Old Toby
OLD TOBY'S TREASURE
Chapter 1:
The gang were having fun collecting sea shells off the east coast sandy beach
"Oh wow, look at this one."
Cookie said holding up a big shell with different colors spread across it
"That's a pretty one.
It'll look really nice on our sea shell wall inside our clubhouse when it's done."
Vicky Dragonfly told her smiling
"Yah, it's been a great spring break so far hanging out at your aunt and uncle's beach house.
Cookie, even if we had to conceal our overnight cook out last night.
Due to that storm." Daisy Penguin added
"That remains me.
You still owe me two bucks from our I kicked your butt card game last night."
Tommy Cub told Daisy gloating.
Sammy Turtle laughed and was about to reply
When something shinny caught his eye.
He bent down and started digging in the sand between the two rocks
In where the object was logged in. he slowly pulled it out
"Hey Sammy, what you got there?" Tommy asked him.
Sammy brushed it off and shrugged
"Don't know. It looks like some sort of old bottle with a piece of paper inside of it."
"Let's take it back to the house. I'm sure that my uncle Axel, will know what it is
He's always finding cool stuff out here.
He once gave me a silver coin that was a hundred years old.
That he found while walking out on the beach using his metal walker."
Cookie suggested
But before they went back since it was so hot and they were sweating.
They decided to stop by the Shake shop to grab a nice ice shake to cool them off.
Tommy was about to ask Sammy a question
When he spotted a weird looking swan staring at them
"Hey Sammy, you think you are hot?
Check out that swan over there she must be melting wearing that black long coat."
Tommy whispered over to him.
Sammy was about to answer him back
when the swan walked up to them and asked Sammy what he was holding
"Huh?" Oh this?" It's just some old bottle that I found out on the beach."
Sammy shrugged holding the bottle up
"Mind if I take a picture of it?
I know it sounds weird but I like walking around the board walk
taking pictures of the interesting things found buried in the sand."
The swan asked him
The gang looked at one another with confused looks on their faces and thought this swan is a bit strange. Why would she want to take a picture of an old bottle
"Umm, sure, why not?"
Sammy mumbled then after the swan took the picture she just took off without even a good-bye
Chapter 2:
"Did you kids, have a good time out on the beach?"
Cookie's aunt asked them once they got back
"Yes, we found all sorts of great-looking shells that are going to look great.
once we glued them onto our wall of our clubhouse." Cookie smiled
"And I found this cool old bottle that was hidden between some rocks.
I'm not sure how I'm going to open it to see what the piece of paper inside is without breaking it." Sammy added once he showed it to her
"Wow, that's nice. I think I know of how we can I'll be right back."
Cookie's aunt answered.
She returned a few minutes later with a screw driver and a pair of long tweezers
she carefully placed the screw driver slightly inside the cork
that was on top of the bottle and popped it open
she then took the tweezers and pulled out the crumpled small piece of paper easily from inside of it.
They all gathered around the piece of paper that showed a whole bunch of squiggly tiny lines on it. Along with a few circles that looked like little caves and a big rock, with a big x over it
underneath the letters O.T. was writing
"Whoa, this looks like a treasure map!" Tommy cried out
"It certainly does Tommy,
and I'm not certain but I believe that this map may have once belong to Old Toby."
Cookie's aunt told them with an awe tone of voice
Who was old Toby? They all wanted to know
"Old Toby, according to legend was an old stage couch robber.
Who depending on who tells the story was both lucky and unlucky at the same time
He was lucky because by the time he was in his twenties
he had stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars in silver and gold coins.
And unlucky since he didn't live long enough to enjoy any of it." Cookie's aunt began
"Rumors also has it, that Old Toby would make both real and fake maps of his treasure.
So if he was ever captured they'd have the wrong information and his treasure would be safe
"Others still believe that only half of his treasure has been found.
And the other half is still out there being haunted by Old Toby, himself."
She added
And before any of the gang could comment on Cookie's aunt's story.
Her uncle walked in and interrupted laughing
"Well, that's one heck of a story you must've been telling them.
Since they all have the same awe look on their faces."
"She was just telling us the story of Old Toby." Cookie answered him.
The gang then filled him in about what Sammy found out on the beach
"Do you believe the story is true?" Cookie asked him
"When I was a young pup.
My friends and I'd explore the old caves near the beach
since that was the place rumored that he hid some of his treasure in
"But of course we never found anything.
A few years ago I read a story of how some treasure hunters claimed to found it
I don't know if they did or didn't but I strongly believe that there's some of Old Toby's lost treasure. Hidden out there just waiting to be found."
He answered
Chapter 3:
The next morning Cookie's uncle asked what they had planned for today
"We were thinking about going to the library and gathered some more information about Old Toby. Before going out and searching for his treasure."
Cookie told him
"I see.
But I wouldn't be in a rush on telling others that you kid, found that treasure map."
He warned them
Why?
And before any of them could respond Cookie's aunt interrupted
"I'm afraid that their secret has been let out already."
"How?"
Cookie's uncle frowned.
She handed her husband the morning newspaper
Which read:
IS THE PIECE OF PAPER INSIDE THIS BOTTLE
A FINAL PIECE IN FINDING OLD TOBY'S LONG, LONG LOST TREASURE
"What in the world? Sammy, when did you take this picture." Cookie's uncle asked him
"Umm, yesterday at the Shake shop.
We were just about to walk in when this weird swan came up to us and asked
"If she could take my picture with the bottle
after I agreed she just took off without even saying thanks, or bye." Sammy explained
"What did this swan look like?" Cookie's uncle asked
"She had wild hair and was wearing a long black coat.
That I thought she'd trip over it when she came running up to us." Sammy answered
"Grip Ponds." Both Cookie's uncle and aunt agreed
"Who's Grip Ponds?" Cookie asked
"She owns the local newspaper.
She also is very nosey and believes that everything has some sort of secret meaning to it
"I bet she saw dollar signs swimming across her eyes
when she saw Sammy carrying the bottle." Her uncle explained
"Wow, if I knew that I would've never agreed to take the picture." Sammy mumbled
"It wasn't your fault Sammy, hopefully Grip will lose interest soon and move on to her next earth breaking story.
But in the mean while if she asks any more question
"Just smile and answer her with a no comment!" Cookie's uncle laughed
Soon afterwards the gang were looking up websites and reading books about Old Toby and his mysterious treasure. Sammy went to ask the librarian who was reading the newspaper where the copy machine was. When she looked up she gasped
"It's you!"
"Excuse me?" Sammy frowned
"Sorry. How can I help you?" She asked him
"Umm, thanks, never mind I think I see it."
Sammy quickly told her then walked away.
When he got back to their table he told the gang what just happened
They were about to leave when the swan came running in and cried out
"Can I speak with you for a few minutes?" She asked Sammy
"Umm, okay." Sammy shrugged
"So, did you find out what the piece of paper inside the bottle read?" Grip asked
"Sorry, no, I just sold it online for twenty bucks." Sammy smiled
"You did what?" Why would you do a dumb thing like that for?" Grip gasped
"I don't think it was dumb.
You'd be dumb not to want to buy the new space rocket video game!"
Sammy laughed
"Oh, leave the poor kid alone already."
The librarian scowled Grip who was going to reply.
But instead just huffed and walked out of the library
"Thanks." Sammy smiled at the librarian
"Don't mention it.
And good luck with your search I hope you kids, do find the treasure."
She smiled back at them then walked back inside her office
Once they got back they explained what happened to Cookie's aunt and uncle
"I've to give it to you Sammy, you're one swell of a little actor.
I would've love to seen the look on Grip's face!" Cookie's uncle laughed
"So, did you kids, learn anything interesting about our new friend old Toby?"
Her aunt asked smiling
"Some.
He did make some fake and real maps then buried them in certain places around the island." Cookie began
"How do you kids, know that you've a copy of the real map?" Cookie's uncle asked
"Vicky's the one who figured it out.
She found a copy of both a real and fake one and compared ours to it." Cookie began
"Yah, the fake ones only show a whole bunch of lines
that form a whole bunch of circles that seem to lead to nowhere.
But a big circle the book also said that he only made two real maps
"One already was discovered a few years after old Toby, died.
But the fox who found it while digging in his yard,
passed away before he could search of the treasure.
"And the second one was ripped in half one of the halves is rumored to be owned by a rich boar. Who refuses to search for the treasure until both pieces are completed."
Vicky added
"Oh wow, that's interesting. So what's next?" Cookie's aunt smiled
"Tomorrow morning we're going to start looking.
Who knows maybe when we get back not only did we solve the mystery but we could be rich too!" Tommy cried out laughing
Chapter 4:
The next morning the gang got up early and were about to head out to begin their treasure hunt. But before they left the front yard a loud honk startled them
A big limo pulled up right next to them.
The door slowly opened and a well-dressed boar came out and asked
"Excuse me. But which one of you kids, is Sammy?"
Sammy uncertainly waved then answered the boar
"That would be me."
"Well, it's my pleasure meeting you." The boar smiled
"Umm, thanks, so what can I help you with?" Sammy asked
"No son, you can't.
but I can help you I'm here to make you a very nice offer for that bottle you found."
The boar answered him. But before Sammy could reply Cookie interrupted
"I'm sorry mister.
But we really shouldn't be talking with you I should get my uncle and you can talk to him."
And before the boar could answer Cookie and the rest of the gang quickly ran back inside the house
"Oh wow, that was weird.
Did you see the look on his face when Cookie said that she was going to get her uncle?"
Daisy told them as they watch the limo speed away from the living room window
"Yah, I wonder who he was and why he wanted my bottle." Sammy added
"Don't worry Sammy, I don't think he's going to bother you anymore."
Tommy told him patting him on the back
Minutes later the gang made sure that the coast was clear.
They made their way towards the beach
Once there they study the map then carefully began their search for old Toby's treasure
A short time later they came to an opening to a small cave and slowly made their way inside
"Wow, this has to be the smallest cave we barely fit in here." Daisy said
"Yah, I don't think there's nothing in here.
And there's no way that we can go through that."
Sammy answered pointing to a big rock
"Maybe we should--."
"See if we can find something that will help us knock it down.
Great idea Sammy!" Tommy interrupted laughing.
Vicky walked over to it and gently touched it then quickly jumped back
"Whoa, this rock doesn't feel real.
It feels like one of those plastic ones that you can buy at a store or something." She explained
"Hold on, I gotta an idea."
Tommy suddenly cried out.
He ran and grab a large thick stick once he came back he took a big swing at the rock causing small cracks to it.
One by one they took turns hitting the fake rock until it broke in half relieving a secret room
"Wow!" It's really cold in here."
Daisy said as she shined her flashlight around the small space
"Wait, Daisy, shine your light over towards the right again.
I thought I saw something." Cookie told her.
And once they walk over towards they all happily cried out
We found it!
Looking at a large wooden box with a gold lid to it
"Do you think it's really old Toby's lost treasure?" Sammy asked them
"Well, there's only one way to find out."
Tommy smiled before he went to open it. He was about to lift the lid open.
When Daisy interrupted him by asking
"What was that?"
What was what
Chapter 5:
"I don't know. Maybe, it was just the wind or something?"
Daisy shrugged.
But before any of the gang had a chance to answer her back
A loud voice from behind them yelled out
"I knew it!" I knew that you kids, would find my treasure!"
They turned around to see that the old boar was standing there snarling at them
"Huh?" What are you doing here?" Tommy growled
"Why I followed you. Now move out of my way and let see what you found!"
The old boar growled back. He lifted the lid and whistled
"Oh my, this is better than I imagined!"
"I'm rich!"
He added while looking over all the gold and silver coins that were inside the treasure chest
"What do you mean you're rich?" That's our treasure, we were the ones who found it!"
Cookie cried out
"That's what you think.
I've been searching for this since before any of you were even born
This belongs to me and only me!" Now what I'm going to do with you kids?"
The old boar smirked
"You're going to nothing except let them go." An annoyed voice snorted
"Grip, oh great!" Don't tell us that you've been following us too."
Daisy sighed
"Wow, we really have to work of our let's not get followed skills."
Tommy mumbled over to them
"No, I've been following this old fool." Grip cried pointing to the old boar.
"I knew he was up to no good and for your sakes it's a good thing that I did
"Who knows what he would've done if I didn't show up." She added
"Ms. I don't know who you are. But kindly mind your own business and go away while I.."
"Oh, put a sock in it, you old fool.
I hate to disappoint you but that treasure these kids, found is fake."
Grip interrupted him
What!
"It looks real to me." The old boar frowned
"Then you're dumber than I thought.
What's in that chest is nothing but a box full of golden and silver chocolate coins."
Grip laughed
"Well, I don't believe you."
Grip walked over to the chest and pick up one of the coins and handed it over to the old boar
"Go ahead try it.
But I'm warning you now your stomach isn't going to be very happy." She smiled
Which the old boar did then quickly spit it out. And before Grip could gloat Vicky interrupted
"Grip, how did you know that the gold was fake?"
"Because the legend of old Toby is nothing more
but that a silly old legend that's being around for way to long." Grip began
"That's impossible!" The old boar interrupted waving an old copy of torn map in the air
"If you'd let me finish I'll explain why that map's also fake.
Before I was a young egg my family have been in the newspaper business
But the years weren't always kind to our business so during those times my granddad began writing
"About an old mysterious stage couch by the name of old Toby and his hidden treasure.
Soon the papers were selling faster than he could print them
"After he passed away the newspaper business went to my father,
who continued writing about old Toby.
He even went out in making fake maps and hidden them just to keep the legend going
"When he passed away it was my turn to run the newspaper,
but I didn't want to continue lying so I began buying back the fake maps.
And hoping that with time and writing about real stories
the legend of old Toby would fade away."
"So that's why you were so eager trying to get my bottle." Sammy told her
"Yes, I was trying to end the legend without letting out my family secret."
Grip answered him
Chapter 6:
"Why you lying little thief!"
And before the old boar could attack Grip a loud siren filled the air
"Kids?" Are you okay?" Both Cookie's aunt and uncle cried out
"Yes, but how did you find out where we were?" Cookie happily answered
"Grip, told us where.
But when she didn't come back when she told us we got worried and phoned the police
"Then drove out here with them." Cookie's uncle explained
"I'm just so glad that you all are okay. Let's get out of here and go home."
Her aunt added
A short while later they were all sitting inside Cookie's aunt and uncle kitchen
"So what's going to happen to Grip and the boar?" Sammy asked
"Well, I guess the police will ask them a few questions then probably let them go."
Cookie's uncle answered
"I can't believe that Grip's family just made up that whole story." Tommy pouted
"I know that you kids, are disappointed with how this all turned out.
But sometimes grownups make up little white lies.
Not thinking that it'll hurt or disappoint others when the truth finally comes out
"But no matter how small or big a lie's a lie and it's never okay.
I believe Grip that she was doing the right thing
but she should've just told the truth
once she took over instead of trying to make things better on her own."
Cookie's aunt explained
"Now enough of this gloom and doom.
I've a surprise for you kids, for doing such a great job in solving this little mystery."
Cookie's uncle smiled.
He walked out of the room then returned carrying five golden chocolate treasure boxes
Copyrights © belong to jack 2006
