Gertrude Chandler Warner - Mystery of the Hidden Elves

MYSTERY OF THE HIDDEN ELVES

When the Aldens went to Dr. Iris Perezs summer camp, they planned on learning about dinosaurs. But it didnt take long for them to realize there was more to the campand the camp directorthan met the eye. Now the children are joining Dr. Iris as she investigates other strange mysteries, all around the world!

In Iceland, the group looks into stories of hulduflk, or hidden people. Could the elf-like creatures be the cause of the Aldens troubles on the island?

Albert Whitman & Co.

More than 100 Years of Good Books

www.albertwhitman.com www.boxcarchildren.com

Cover art by Thomas Girard

Copyright 2021 by Albert Whitman & Company

Printed in the United States of America

The Boxcar Children investigate legendary creatures!

Elf rock? Whats that? asked Violet. She had not had much time to learn about the creatures theyd come to Iceland to investigate.

That is where elves are said to livein the stones, said Dr. Iris.

Like an elf guesthouse? Benny said. Will we get to see them?

Remember, Benny, we talked about that, Jessie said. The elves in Iceland are said to be mostly invisible. Thats why they are also called the hulduflk, or hidden people. We might not actually see one, even if they do exist.

I remember, Benny said. But you said mostly invisible. If were careful, we might just sneak up on one!

Copyright 2021 by Albert Whitman & Company

First published in the United States of America in 2021 by Albert Whitman & Company

ISBN 978-0-8075-0805-3 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-0-8075-0814-5 (paperback)

ISBN 978-0-8075-0809-1 (ebook)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

THE BOXCAR CHILDREN is a registered trademark of Albert Whitman & Company.

Printed in the United States of America

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Illustrations by Thomas Girard

Visit The Boxcar Children online at www.boxcarchildren.com.

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L and ho! Benny Alden called, pointing out the window of the airplane. For hours, he had seen only the white waves of the ocean far below. Now, as he pressed his nose up to the window, a green island rose up in the distance.

It just comes right up out of the water, Jessie said, peering past her brother.

Ten-year-old Violet had been napping in the row behind Benny and Jessie. She rubbed her eyes. Its so green. I thought Iceland would be moreicy.

Henry looked up from the guidebook he was reading. At fourteen, he was the oldest of the Alden children and had learned about Iceland in geography. Greenland is the icier one. Its even farther north than Iceland.

Benny tilted his head. So Greenland is icier, and Iceland is greener? Thats confusing.

Henry laughed. I agree. But Iceland can get icy too, especially in the winter.

Well, its a good thing were visiting in the middle of the summer, Violet said. I hope we get perfect weather. I want to take lots of pictures.

The pilot came over the speaker to announce they were starting their descent. As the plane turned, the children got an even better view of the coast. In the distance, they could see white-tipped mountains. It had been a long flight, but their destination was already worth the wait.

Then something caught Jessies eye. At first she thought it was a storm cloud over the mountains. But when they got closer, she saw that it looked more like smoke. Jessie was twelve. She liked to be prepared when she and her brothers and sister traveled. Excuse me, she said as a flight attendant walked past, checking seat belts. Is there a wildfire going on?

The flight attendant shook her head and spoke calmly. The smoke you see is coming from a volcano. Iceland has about thirty active volcanoes.

Thirty! Benny stuck his nose up to the window. Is there hot lava everywhere?

Violet did not like the sound of that.

The flight attendant gave a gentle smile. No need to worry. With so many volcanoes, we get some activity about every five years, but it is not like the pictures you see of hot lava and fire.

Id like to see a volcano close up someday, Jessie said. Just not on this trip.

So they arent dangerous? Violet asked.

The biggest danger is from ashfall, the flight attendant said. It can make it hard to breathe, and if the heat melts the ice, then we worry about flooding. But we have many scientists who monitor them. Theyll tell us when we need to be more careful. She smiled. Were almost ready to land. Please stay in your seats until all the other passengers get off. I will take you to meet someone who will take you to meet your party.

After the flight attendant left, Violet said, If that volcano erupts, the scientists who are watching it cant stop it.

Dr. Iris will tell us if its a problem, said Henry. Dr. Iris was a friend of Grandfathers. She was a paleontologist, but she also had another job: investigating unsolved mysteries around the world. She was planning a television program for children about the mysteries. The Aldens had met her at summer camp, where there was said to be a bigfoot lurking in the forest. The children were so helpful in figuring out what was going on that Dr. Iris had asked them to come along as she investigated other reports of legendary creatures.

Jessie got out a small journal. Im going to write down that we saw a volcano. Dr. Iris said she wants to know everything that interests us, so shell know what to talk about when she films the program.

I hope this trip doesnt have as many scary things happen as the last time we were with Dr. Iris, Violet said. She loved going on adventures and traveling. But sometimes the legends of creatures worried her, even if she was pretty sure they werent real.

I see the airport! Benny bounced up and down in his seat. Were almost there!

After the plane landed, the friendly flight attendant introduced the children to another airline worker, who led them to customs. As they walked, the man asked, Is this your first time in Iceland?

Yes. Were going to go look for legendary creatures! Benny told him.

The man laughed. I hear that from many visitors, he said. But I hope you take the time to enjoy the beautiful landscape, too, all the waterfalls and mountains.

Violet was glad the man did not seem worried about their missionor the volcano.

With the mans help, it didnt take long for the children to get through customs. Just beyond was a big crowd waiting for passengers.

Theres Dr. Iris! Benny pointed to a woman with silvery-black hair who was waving at them. The children thanked the airline attendant and headed off to meet her.

Hello! Dr. Iris said when they reached her. She gave each of them a hug. Are you ready for our adventure?

We still get to go? Benny asked.

We saw smoke from a volcano, Violet said. We were afraid our trip would be canceled.

So far, the eruption is not a problem, Dr. Iris said. But we will listen to the news, and Ill keep your grandfather updated with all of the information we have. Now, we have a lot to do. Lets get your bags and start investigating!