A treasure hunt

Where is Long Don Silver's lost treasure?

That was the theme of a game last night for my great-niece and great-nephew, Milagros and Carlos, when they and their parents came for dinner.

When the kids walked out on the deck, there was an envelope marked "secret" with their names on it. Inside was an explanation of the game.

ARRRRGH!

Once upon a time, many years ago, Long Don Silver gave up the pirate life after many years of sailing under the skull and crossbones. He settled in Richmond, Virginia, right here in this house.

He knew that his mates would someday come looking for his treasure, so he hid it carefully where only a little boy and a little girl would find it one day!

But ... he left clues for them to follow.

Since you, Carlos, are a little boy, and you, Milagros, are a little girl, you fit the requirements!

Here's the first clue that Long Don Silver left just for you.

With his mother's help, Carlos puzzled out the words and meaning in the message and began the hunt. (At this stage of her young life, Milagros is content to follow along behind her big brother, whom she adores.)

The clues I wrote were not difficult. They led the kids all over the deck and the back yard -- to the tool shed, the watering can, the mat outside the back door, a pet's blue water-dish, and a large stone under the deck. (Note the dirty knees on both kids in the picture.)

After much thinking and exploring, laughter and puzzlement, they solved the last clue and found their treasure -- tucked under a large conch shell my father brought back from the South Pacific after World War II. With squeals of delight, they danced around on the deck holding up their bags of Long Don Silver's ancient treasure -- foil-wrapped chocolate "coins."

Their mom made them wait until after dinner -- hot dogs, barbecue, potato salad, corn on the cob and lemonade -- before they ate their treasure.

It's so much fun watching kids have a good time.