The Dragon's Secret

Sixteen year old Leslie Crane has come to the New Jersey shore as a companion to ailing Aunt Marcia, whose doctor has sent her there for some quiet rest and recuperation. While the beach is lovely in October, Leslie quickly finds herself getting lonely with no one her own age to talk to. Little does she realize that she will not only soon make a new friend, but that they will both end up in the midst of a puzzling mystery centered on the closed up bungalow next door. Augusta Huiell Seaman is the author of over 40 historical fiction and mystery novels for older children most of which are currently out of print. The Dragon's Secret was originally published in 1921. (summary by J. M. Smallheer)


It had been a magnificent afternoon, so wonderful that Leslie hated to break the spell. Reluctantly she unrolled herself from the Indian blanket, from which she emerged like a butterfly from a cocoon, draped it over her arm, picked up the book she had not once opened, and turned for a last, lingering look at the ocean. A lavender haze lay lightly along the horizon. Nearer inshore the blue of sea and sky was intense. A line of breakers raced shoreward, their white manes streaming back in the wind. Best of all, Leslie loved the flawless green of their curve at the instant before they crashed on the beach. 


“Oh, but the oceans wonderful in October!, she murmured aloud. I never had any idea how wonderful. I never saw it in this month before. Come, Rags! A black-and-white English sheep-dog, his name corresponding closely to his appearance, came racing up the beach at her call. Did you find it hard to tear yourself away from the hermit-crabs, Rags she laughed. You must have gobbled down more than a hundred. Its high time you left off! She started to race along the deserted beach, the dog leaping ahead of her and yapping ecstatically. Twice she stopped to pick up some driftwood. Well need it to get supper, Rags, she informed the dog. Our stock is getting low. He cocked one ear at her intelligently.”