Detective Fuzzy thought it was going to be a normal old day. But little did he know that the mystery of mysteries had just begun. The day had started off boring and dull. The sky was an ugly shade of gray. The sleet rolled down his windows like teardrops off a small child’s face. The wind howled tremendously. Fuzzy was playing a game of cards with his favorite servant, Jessica. Her curly blond hair was pulled into a neat chignon, and her dress was bright pink with little red berries. Her fur was light brown, and her face was always cheerful. At least Fuzzy had a nice servant to keep him company. Just then, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll go,” Jessica said in a singsong voice. Fuzzy waited. He always enjoyed it when he had company, but he especially enjoyed it when Mr. Robert came along. Whenever it was old Robert, there was always something interesting going on. Since Fuzzy didn’t have any fingers to cross, he crossed his paws. Just then, Jessica came back into the room.  

“Excuse me, Sir,” she said politely.

“Yes, Jessica. Who is it?” Fuzzy responded.

“ Mr. Robert has stopped by to pay you a visit.” Fuzzy felt like he was just having the best of luck.

“Oh, Robert? Please tell him to come in right away.”

“Yes, Sir.” Jessica left the room. Mr. Robert! Fuzzy thought. He’s nearly 3 centuries old! The oldest bear in all of town! Whenever he stops by to pay someone a visit, there’s always something interesting going on. Oh, boy, oh boy! Jessica came in with Old Mr. Robert. As always, the fur on the very top of his head was very whispy, few, and grey. Mr. Robert began to hobble toward Fuzzy.

“Oh, good heavens, sir!” Fuzzy rushed to Mr. Robert’s side. “Please, sit down, sir, please sit down.”

“Thank you, thank you, young detective,” wheezed Mr. Robert, while Fuzzy helped him into one of the thick, cushy white armchairs.

“What may I do to help you, sir?” Fuzzy asked.

“Well, it comes to my attention that while my servant, Georgetta, was making my bed, she felt a piece of paper underneath the mattress. She pulled it out, and cried out loud! Of course, I was very worried, so, I came in as fast as I could, which was not very fast, and there she was, holding an old, yellow, wrinkled piece of paper. She handed it to me. ‘Sir, I think this was meant for you. You see, it is from your dear old wife that I cherished just dearly, Roberta T. Bear.’” Fuzzy clapped his paw over his mouth.

“Roberta?!” Fuzzy whispered. “She died 70 years ago.”

“Precisely. I have read the note with my old eyes, but do not understand a word of it.”

“Let me see the note,” Fuzzy commanded.

“Certainly.” Mr. Robert handed Fuzzy the note. Fuzzy decided to be very careful with the old, wrinkled paper, and read it carefully.

Oh, people have pestered and pestered me about my treasure

Cats, dogs, bears, rabbits alike, and

Every time I try to make clear that it is hidden safe

Away, people just say, “Roberta! Tell me and I will keep it safe!”

No.

If you just read that carefully, you would realize that I just told you where my treasure is. It is meant for Robert specifically, but it could also be for whoever will use it for good.

Good luck. This is basically my will.

-Roberta

Fuzzy looked at Mr. Robert.

“What does it all mean?”

“I was hoping you’d know the answer to that.” Fuzzy studied the note.

“Well, it says that she told us specifically where it is…”

“Yes, but I don’t see what she meant.”

A thought suddenly struck Fuzzy.

“Did a servant come with you?”

“Yes, Georgetta is in the kitchen, talking to Jessica.”

“Someone might find out about the letter, and try to steal the treasure.”

“We must be very careful.”

“Trust no one.”

“Not even you?”

“Well, yes, we’ll trust each other, just no one else. This is top secret.” Fuzzy scratched his head. “It doesn’t really tell you anything, does it?”

“Not at all, except… ho, hum… hullo! What have we here?” Robert looked at Fuzzy. “A thought just struck me… perhaps it is in code. Perhaps you need to find out all of the spelling errors and spell the incorrect letters into the location or something of the sort…” Fuzzy looked at the note carefully. Then he jumped about 5 miles high out of his chair.

“First letter of each line!” he shrieked. “Give me an O! Give me a C! Give me an E! Give me an A! Give me an N! What does it spell?”

“OCEAN!!!” Fuzzy and Robert shouted at the same time. “It’s at the beach!”

“Oh, thank you, thank you, young detective,” Robert said, patting Fuzzy on the back. “I am much obliged for your help.

“Well, Georgetta and I must be getting home now, so we will be on our way and leave you be. You will go searching tomorrow, if you don’t mind, it’s much too wet to go today. Good day to you.” Mr. Robert stood up and hobbled towards the door, and Fuzzy went to get Georgetta.

But Georgetta wasn’t there.