"I'll be careful," Tina
promised.
"I know you will, Butterfly,"
he said. "Now, let's grab those provisions you made and get started
on our adventure!"
Uncle
Marvin drove out to the woods near the lake, not far from where they
had "gone fishing" last summer. As they approached a small parking
area, Uncle Marvin slowed the car. There were several other cars parked
here; Tina saw a teenage couple with backpacks and hiking boots trekking
into an opening in the woods nearby.
"Where are we, Uncle
Marvin?" Tina questioned. She petted her dog, Max, who had insisted
on coming along.
"According to this map,
we're at the starting point of our treasure hunt!" he answered,
as he brought the car to a halt and began gathering their gear together.
He pulled a small pile of maps and clues from under Max's leg. The
dog was curled up on the seat between them with his head on Tina's
lap. Uncle Marvin shoved the papers into his backpack along with
the stamps and inkpads Tina had admired earlier.