49

“We have to plan this out,” David told his sister and the  two friends and then asked Aaron, what he thought they should  do first?”

Aaron thought for a moment and then said, “The poem talks about Mary, Mary quite contrary,HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? There are several  gardens around here, but I do remember seeing  a big one  near the fig  tree in one direction?  I’m sure  there is one. I think we should start at the fig tree and walk  l00 paces in  the direction of that garden.”

“That makes sense!”  Beth said, and the others  all agreed.

The children went  down the staircase.  It was only a few moments more when they came to  the fig tree.

“Okay, let’s count.”  David led the way.
l, 2, 3, 4,   ...................................74, 75--- They were at the garden gate.

 

50


“Now which way?”

 No one seemed to know.

There were 25 paces left, but in which direction?
The garden wasn’t huge, but it wasn’t small either.

“Maybe it has to do with silver bells and cockle shell and little maids all in a row, whatever they are,” Carrie said to the others. “They are mentioned in the nursery rhyme ,' Mary Mary Quite Contrary.'

Do  any of you know what they are?”

“They sound like the names of flowers,” Beth put in.“ You know what? I think we have to ask Mrs. Lomber. Didn't she say that she is the family gardener?”

CLICK