Pirate Island Treasure by Marilyn Helmer

CHAPTER ONE
Pirate Island
    Charlotte ran to the window. “Today’s the day!” she shouted. The sun was up, bright and shining. It danced across the waves, scattering shadows along the shore.
    She grabbed her binoculars and looked out at the ocean. In the distance was a ribbon of sandy beach. Cliffs rose, dark and mysterious, in the background. Pirate Island. Charlotte felt a shiver of excitement. She could hardly wait to get there. “Heave ho and away we go, treasure hunting, treasure hunting,” she sang as she scrambled into her clothes. “Heave ho and away we go to look for pirate treasure.”
    She grabbed her pirate hat from the bedpost and clamped it over her blond curls. She raced up the hall and banged on her brother’s door. “Jacob, get up! Today’s Pirate Island!”
    Grandpa looked up from the stove as Charlotte came into the kitchen. “Good morning, matey,” he said. “I thought you were going to sleep all day.”
    Charlotte shook her head. “Not today, Grandpa. You didn’t forget, did you?”
    â€œWas I supposed to remember something?” asked Grandpa.
    â€œWe’re going treasure hunting today,” said Charlotte. “To Pirate Island.”
    Grandpa looked out the window. “I think it’s going to rain.”
    Charlotte saw the twinkle in Grandpa’s eyes. “You’re teasing,” she said. “The weather’s perfect. Sunshine, white puffy clouds and no high waves.” She took some dishes from the cupboard and began to set the table.
    Jacob came into the kitchen. “I smell blueberry pancakes,” he said.

    Grandpa piled the pancakes onto a plate. “We can’t go treasure hunting on an empty stomach. Dig in, mateys. Then we’re off to Pirate Island.”
    â€œAll right,” Jacob cheered.
    â€œHeave ho and away we go, treasure hunting, treasure hunting,” Charlotte sang. “Heave ho and away we go to look for pirate treasure.”

CHAPTER TWO
Jack Mawdy
    With breakfast over, everyone scrambled to get ready. Grandpa hurried off to prepare The Seawind for departure. Charlotte washed the dishes while Jacob dried them and put them away.
    Jacob put the last plate into the cupboard. “Come on, let’s go.”
    â€œDon’t forget your backpack,” said Charlotte.
    â€œGot it,” said Jacob.
    They locked the door and hurried toward the beach.
    When they came in sight of the dock, Charlotte said, “Uh-oh. Grandpa’s talking to Jack Mawdy.”
    Jacob grinned. “This could take awhile if Jack starts telling stories.”
    â€œI know. I love his stories,” said Charlotte, “but today isn’t for storytelling. Today is for treasure hunting.”
    Jack Mawdy was one of their favorite people. He owned Captain Jack’s Fish & Chips shop. Captain Jack’s was famous for two things. Jack was the best fish-and-chips cook in the county, and he was also the best storyteller. People came from all over to eat Jack’s fish and chips and listen to his stories.
    Jack saw them and waved them over. “Come see what I found.” A hat lettered Head Chef sat atop his wiry gray hair. A thick mustache curled around his ruddy cheeks. His blue eyes twinkled beneath bushy eyebrows.
    Charlotte loved Jack’s stories. She had already decided that one day she would be a famous storyteller too.
    Jack held out his hand. “Do you know what this is?”
    Charlotte and Jacob examined the object. It looked like a small leather case. Spiny tails trailed from each corner.

    â€œIt’s an egg case from a skate fish,” said Jacob.
    â€œSome people call it a mermaid’s purse,” Charlotte said. “That’s the name I like best.”
    â€œMe too.” Jack chuckled. “There isn’t much of a story in a fish-egg case. But a mermaid’s purse, now that’s sea treasure, and there’s always a story in sea