1997 - The Chocolate Money Mystery (5 page)

Max and Maddy left Switzerland the next day. But before they left, Mr Huffendorf invited them into his study to discuss their payment.

“You’ll remember that I said you could have it in money or chocolate,” he said. “That offer still holds. Which would you prefer?”

Max turned to Maddy and the two of them had a quick, whispered discussion. Then he turned back and announced their choice.

“Chocolate money,” he said. “If that’s all right with you.”

Mr Huffendorf clapped his hands with delight. “What a clever choice,” he said. “In that way you get both. I shall immediately arrange for it to be delivered to you at the station.”

They said farewell, and they both gave Rudolf and the other dogs a very special hug.

“These dogs will all be returned to their owners,” said Mr Huffendorf. “All of them, except Rudolf, were the victims of kidnapping by those wicked men. Now their owners will get them back.”

Mr Huffendorf drove them to the station and said goodbye on the platform, then the two children climbed into their carriage and settled down in their seats.

“Oh,” said Maddy suddenly. “We forgot about the chocolate money!”

Max smiled. “Look up,” he said.

Maddy did. There, above their heads, neatly stacked on the luggage racks, were ten large sacks, each of them stuffed full of delicious-looking chocolate coins.

“That’ll keep us going for years!” exclaimed Maddy. “What a generous present.”

Max nodded. “Perhaps we should try just one or two,” he said. “I promise not to eat too many before we get home.”

Max really meant that promise, but there are some promises which are really just too hard to keep. I’m sure you understand what I mean, don’t you?