July 15, 2025 • 21 mins
With the new riddle and Sophos’ abrupt disappearance, Marie, JJ, and Christian are eager to talk with their unexpected new ally, Madame Amato. Will she provide the answers they are looking for?
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Previously on Adventures on AwayIsland, after resolving their
disagreement, Marie, JJ and Christian were excited to review
new found clues. The dragon Stuffy claimed from
the library lost and found that looks just like the metal dragon
figurine, the strange symbol that keeps appearing on things
(00:22):
and another Riddle. Just when they thought they had
a dead end with Safos's disappearance, they got an
unexpected ally in Madam Amato. Welcome to adventures on Awe
(00:44):
Island. Chapter 4.
An Unexpected Ally, Part 1 As she'd expected, Marie struggled
to quiet her mind that night so she could fall asleep.
(01:04):
She toyed with the edge of her bed sheet, feeling restless.
She couldn't begin to imagine what Madam Amato would tell
them. How did she know Safos?
Would she know what the symbol was?
What the riddles meant as she pondered these questions.
After much tossing and turning and re fluffing of her pillow,
(01:28):
Marie finally fell asleep. When she startled awake the next
morning, it felt like she had only closed her eyes for a few
moments, but she knew it must bemorning because daylight
streamed through her bedroom window.
Quickly she checked the time on her watch and it read 836.
(01:50):
Oh my gosh, she whispered to herself as she quickly hopped
out of bed and dressed as fast as she could.
Then she grabbed her backpack and made sure everything related
to their adventure was stashed securely inside in case she
needed to show it to Madame Amato.
She had the map, the linen bag with the symbol on it, the photo
(02:13):
of the teenagers, the two Dragons, and the Riddle.
In the excitement of finding outMadam Amato had information that
could help them, Marie had forgotten to ask her parents
permission to go to the ice cream shop that morning.
As she headed into their kitchen, both her mom and dad
(02:33):
were seated at the kitchen tableeating breakfast.
Well, you finally woke up. Her mom teased with a smile.
It's nice to sleep in a little on a Saturday, isn't it?
Good morning. Yes, it is.
Marie agreed before quickly changing the subject.
I'm really sorry I didn't ask sooner, but I'm supposed to meet
(02:56):
JJ and Christian at Amato's ice cream shop this morning at 9:00
to. Marie hesitated a moment,
scrambling to find the least suspicious explanation.
To interview Madam Amato for a project.
In a sideways manner, it was true.
(03:16):
Can I go and can you please giveme a ride so I'm not late?
She asked, trying not to sound desperate.
She'd woken up earlier, there would have been plenty of time
to walk, but now time was short and Marie didn't want to be
late. Her parents exchanged a look,
then her mom said. OK, you can go, but we would
(03:40):
like more advance notice next time, please.
Marie smiled and nodded, relieved.
I'll give you a ride. I need to go to the library
anyway, her dad said. You can meet me there when
you're done with your interview and we can run our Saturday
errands together. OK, thanks.
(04:01):
Marie said gratefully. Her dad got up from the table,
gave her mom a kiss, and put hisdirty dishes in the dishwasher.
Then, with a nod to Marie, he headed for the door to their
garage. Marie gave her mom a goodbye
hug, slung her backpack over hershoulder, and followed him.
(04:23):
Good luck, sweetie. Her mom said on the short car
ride. Marie said nothing.
She was too eager to get to the ice cream shop.
When they reached the library parking lot, she was already
reaching for her backpack. Thanks again.
She said, giving her dad a quickhug.
(04:43):
I'll meet you here. After she hopped out, a glance
down at her watch told her it was 855.
Marie raced next door to the icecream shop.
JJ was already standing outside,notebook in hand.
Within moments, Christian's mom dropped him off.
Smart thinking. Christian said, nodding towards
(05:05):
JJ's notebook. Let's go.
Marie said. The trio walked up to the
doorway of the ice cream shop and pulled the heavy door open.
Madame Amato was inside, wiping down the glass counter that
showcased all the ice cream flavors.
It was strange to be inside the ice cream shop before it
(05:27):
officially opened. Usually it was bustling with
customers. Without anyone there, the shop
felt almost asleep. Well, hello, you 3, Madame Amato
said. Right on time.
I see, thanks for meeting with us.
JJ said. It is time Madam.
(05:50):
Amato replied. You do need help and I'm sorry
Sappos had to go away on short notice.
Marie made brief eye contact with Christian and JJ and saw
they looked as shocked as she felt.
Sappos went away, where did he go?
Was he still on Awe Island? Could he ever come back?
(06:16):
They all stood there frozen, notknowing what to say in response.
Sit down, sit down. Madame Amato told them,
motioning to one of the tables as she sat down her cleaning
rag. They sat and JJ immediately
opened her notebook and placed it on the table.
Marie noticed that JJ had already made a list of
(06:39):
questions, and she felt a swell of gratitude for her friend's
forethought. Madame Amato sat with them,
taking a moment to look each of them in the eye.
When her eyes met Marie's, it felt like the old woman could
see straight into her thoughts. Marie held her stare, summoning
(07:02):
every bit of determination she could muster.
As Madame Amato turned to look at Christian, Marie's gaze
lingered on her. There was something Marie hadn't
noticed before. The woman's silvery hair was
swept into its usual bun at the nape of her neck, but now Marie
(07:22):
saw what looked like a butterflyresting gently on top of it.
It was the tip of her hair stickthat was holding the bun in
place. It was old, ornate, and finely
crafted. Something about the thick coil
of hair and the ancient quality of the decorative stick made
(07:43):
Marie wonder just how old Madam Amato really was, though she
knew it would be rude to ask. Madam Amato's voice pulled Marie
out of her thoughts. What would you like to know?
JJ wasted no time. Did you know about the buried
treasure we found in the park? I did, Madame Amato said calmly.
(08:10):
Who are the teenagers in the picture and was it really taken
25 years ago? JJ asked, putting a check mark
next to one of the questions on her list.
Marie rustled in her backpack and produced the linen bag,
which she opened after fishing out the picture.
She unrolled it and handed it toMadame Amato.
(08:31):
The woman looked at it for a long time, her finger gently
tracing over the faces in the image that stared back at her.
She turned it over and saw the year 2000 written on the back.
Then she handed it back to Marie.
Thank you for showing me that. She said, her voice warm.
(08:54):
You're very prepared with your evidence.
Marie beamed at the recognition,taking it as a compliment
regarding her detective skills. Madam Amato turned to JJ.
And your questions are clearly well thought out.
She said with an approving nod. That is indeed a photo from the
(09:15):
year 2000. She confirmed.
But I cannot tell you who the teenagers are.
You can't tell us because you don't know who they are.
JJ asked. Madam Amato chuckled.
Excellent question. She said she didn't seem to mind
that JJ was being so direct. I can't tell you because their
(09:39):
identity is not mine to reveal, it's theirs.
Kristen interjected. Did they live on Alway Island?
Do they still live here? Madam Amato offered a small,
knowing smile. That's also not my prerogative
to reveal. Were they the ones who buried
(10:00):
the treasure and hid the map andthe riddles?
JJ asked, checking off another question on her list.
Yes. Madame Amato replied
definitively with no further explanation.
Do they still need help with whatever the riddle's about?
Marie asked. Yes.
Madame Amato repeated with the same conviction as before.
(10:24):
She paused for a long time, looking down at her folded hands
as if considering something important.
When she finally spoke again, she simply said Next question.
JJ glanced down at her paper, checked something off, then
looked up. What is the problem they need
(10:46):
help with? That is something you'll have to
discover yourself, Madam Amato replied.
However, I can tell you this help is greatly needed because
you were the first to find the riddles and the buried treasure
as you call it. You will be able to help if you
(11:07):
continue to follow the clues. As Marie listened to Madam
Amato, her brain worked in overtime.
This information was a lot to process.
Why did Saphos go away? Will he come back soon?
Marie asked hopefully. I do not know, Madam Amato
replied, her brow furrowed and aworried look flashed across her
(11:32):
weathered face. She glanced out the window of
the ice cream shop into the distance.
Well, where did he go? JJ asked.
Madam Amato did not answer this immediately either.
For a moment she seemed to be gathering her emotions before
looking back to the trio. I am not at liberty to tell you
(11:54):
that. The old woman replied.
But you do know? Marie pressed.
Perhaps. Madame Amato muttered.
Her voice trailed off and the far away expression on her face
was hard to read. Then, very abruptly, her focus
returned to the moment and she stood up.
(12:14):
Can I get you something to eat? I have some lovely scones I made
this morning. That sounds great, thank you.
Marie said the sudden change of topic was a bit frustrating, but
then again she hadn't eaten breakfast while Madam Amato
disappeared in the back. JJ whispered to her friends.
(12:35):
We still need to ask about the Dragons, the symbol and the
riddles and what the oldest thing is.
Christian added just as Madam Amato appeared carrying a tray.
She placed delicate plates, napkins and butter knives in
front of them, then set down a plate of golden scones and a
(12:57):
small bowl of what looked like extra thick whipped cream.
That's clotted cream, she explained.
It's really delicious with the scones.
Please help yourselves. The old woman disappeared behind
the counter and went into the back again.
Marie, JJ, and Christian each took a scone and a dollop of
(13:20):
cream. Marie took a bite of the
delicately sweet pastry. She'd never had a scone before
and smiled as the clotted cream melted in her mouth.
Adam Amato was right, it tasted heavenly.
For a moment, Marie almost forgot her questions entirely.
(13:42):
These are fantastic. Christian said with enthusiasm.
The scones are so good, JJ said.Madame Amato returned with the
teapot and some tea cups. She poured the tea, set out
sugar and milk, and finally joined them at the table,
serving herself. Let's finish our conversation
(14:05):
after we've eaten, she said, adding milk to her tea.
These scones are fresh out of the oven, and they're best warm.
She broke off a piece of scone, spread some clotted cream on it,
and popped it into her mouth. Marie just nodded, mouthful, and
took a sip of tea. She'd added some sugar and at
(14:29):
the last moment, a splash of milk, just like Madame Amato.
Even that was delicious. As they ate, Madame Amato asked
them about school and their interests.
Though Marie wanted to steer theconversation back to the
mystery, she held back, trustingthey could ask more questions
(14:51):
when they were done eating. The time passed quickly.
Just as they were finishing, Madam Amato looked at her watch.
I need to send you on your way soon.
The shop opens in a few minutes.JJ was indignant.
But you said we could talk more after the scones.
She said frantically. We have a lot more questions, I
(15:15):
know you do, Madame Amato said patiently.
But there are many things I cannot discuss right now.
The most important thing for youto know right now is this.
You have the correct symbol. It will be on the oldest on this
island home, as the Riddle says,and that will tell you what to
(15:36):
do next. Marie's eyebrows shot up as
Madame Amato quoted the Riddle. How did she know the exact
wording? Marie had described the contents
of the two riddles the day before, but had not shared them
verbatim. Before Marie could ask, JJ
spoke. Oldest building?
(15:57):
Perhaps, or perhaps not, Madame Amato replied.
Christian groaned. Why can't you just tell us?
He said, exasperated. You need to be able to prove
yourselves by figuring out the clues.
If you cannot do that, you are not going to be able to help,
(16:18):
said Madame Amato. But since you've gotten this far
already, I believe you are capable.
Then she stood up and began gathering The Dirty dishes.
The conversation was clearly drawing to an end.
Marie, JJ and Christian stood too.
Thank you for the tea and sconesand for helping us.
(16:40):
Marie said, uncertainty filling her voice.
Madam Amato paused in cleaning up and looked Marie in the eye.
She smiled warmly. Don't worry, you're doing very
well and you're not alone on your quest.
I am here, and I will help you when I can stop by anytime you
(17:04):
know where to find me. Reassurance wrapped around Marie
like a soft blanket. Oh, thank you, she said quietly,
carefully stashing the curled photo back in the linen bag and
returning it to her backpack. She hesitated, then added.
(17:25):
I was hoping to show you more things we found.
Madam Amato's kind expression didn't falter, but she gave a
small shake of her head. Another time, dear, another
time. She turned and headed behind the
counter with The Dirty dishes. Marie knew the conversation was
(17:46):
done. After the trio exited the ice
cream shop, they walked next door to the library, stopping
out front to talk. That was amazing.
JJ said breathlessly. You were amazing.
Marie replied. Your questions were great and so
(18:07):
were yours. She said as she turned to
Christian. Christian crossed his arms.
I don't know, I mean yeah it wascool, but she hardly told us
anything. Half her answers were maybe or
perhaps, or. I can't tell you.
How are we supposed to help if we don't know what's going on?
(18:28):
JJ nodded. Yeah, but she thinks we can do
it anyway. And now we know we have a real
adventure, one that isn't just something made-up by a bunch of
kids as a joke. Someone really needs our help.
I can't believe it, Marie said breathlessly.
(18:50):
She usually had more to say, butshe needed some time to think
about everything they'd just learned.
Ah, there you are, I was just coming to get you.
A voice said from outside their huddle.
Marie turned and looked to see her dad approaching.
Hi Mr. Duguay. JJ said.
Hi JJ. Hi Christian.
(19:10):
He replied. Then he turned to his daughter.
We need to get going, Marie. Goodbye kids.
He started back to the car in the library parking lot.
Marie gave her friends a big grin and she did a little skip
to fall in step next to her dad.As soon as Marie got home that
(19:31):
afternoon, she took out her private journal.
It was a small notebook that hada dark blue cover with sparkling
stars on it, just like her favorite hoodie.
She sat down at her desk and made note of everything Madame
Amato had told them in her notes.
She used the initials MA as her secret agent, shorthand for
(19:54):
Madam Amato. She couldn't wait to talk to JJ
and Christian and plan their next move, so she asked her mom
if she could meet her friends atthe library the following
afternoon. With her mom's approval, she
sent JJ and Christian a message.Can you meet me at the library
tomorrow to do homework? She asked.
(20:17):
Putting the word homework in allcapital letters and inserting a
smiley emoji. Asking now and me too, came the
replies and shortly after confirmation they would meet at
3:00 PM. Marie could hardly sit still,
she was so excited. She paced her bedroom for a bit,
(20:41):
then rechecked her notes from today to make sure she hadn't
forgotten any details. The library was the perfect
place to meet tomorrow. They could research the oldest
building on Albe Island, or maybe discover something else
even older. Marie couldn't wait to find out.
(21:10):
The conversation with Madam Amato provided some helpful
insights but also raised many questions to follow the next
clue. Marie, JJ, and Christian still
need to figure out the oldest thing on Away Island.
They assume it must be one of the buildings.
Are they on the right track? Find out when the adventure
(21:31):
continues in our next episode ofAdventures on Away Island.
Thanks for listening to Adventures on Away Island.
Be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player so you
don't miss an episode.
Previously on Adventures on AwayIsland, after resolving their
disagreement, Marie, JJ and Christian were excited to review
new found clues. The dragon Stuffy claimed from
the library lost and found that looks just like the metal dragon
figurine, the strange symbol that keeps appearing on things
(00:22):
and another Riddle. Just when they thought they had
a dead end with Safos's disappearance, they got an
unexpected ally in Madam Amato. Welcome to adventures on Awe
(00:44):
Island. Chapter 4.
An Unexpected Ally, Part 1 As she'd expected, Marie struggled
to quiet her mind that night so she could fall asleep.
(01:04):
She toyed with the edge of her bed sheet, feeling restless.
She couldn't begin to imagine what Madam Amato would tell
them. How did she know Safos?
Would she know what the symbol was?
What the riddles meant as she pondered these questions.
After much tossing and turning and re fluffing of her pillow,
(01:28):
Marie finally fell asleep. When she startled awake the next
morning, it felt like she had only closed her eyes for a few
moments, but she knew it must bemorning because daylight
streamed through her bedroom window.
Quickly she checked the time on her watch and it read 836.
(01:50):
Oh my gosh, she whispered to herself as she quickly hopped
out of bed and dressed as fast as she could.
Then she grabbed her backpack and made sure everything related
to their adventure was stashed securely inside in case she
needed to show it to Madame Amato.
She had the map, the linen bag with the symbol on it, the photo
(02:13):
of the teenagers, the two Dragons, and the Riddle.
In the excitement of finding outMadam Amato had information that
could help them, Marie had forgotten to ask her parents
permission to go to the ice cream shop that morning.
As she headed into their kitchen, both her mom and dad
(02:33):
were seated at the kitchen tableeating breakfast.
Well, you finally woke up. Her mom teased with a smile.
It's nice to sleep in a little on a Saturday, isn't it?
Good morning. Yes, it is.
Marie agreed before quickly changing the subject.
I'm really sorry I didn't ask sooner, but I'm supposed to meet
(02:56):
JJ and Christian at Amato's ice cream shop this morning at 9:00
to. Marie hesitated a moment,
scrambling to find the least suspicious explanation.
To interview Madam Amato for a project.
In a sideways manner, it was true.
(03:16):
Can I go and can you please giveme a ride so I'm not late?
She asked, trying not to sound desperate.
She'd woken up earlier, there would have been plenty of time
to walk, but now time was short and Marie didn't want to be
late. Her parents exchanged a look,
then her mom said. OK, you can go, but we would
(03:40):
like more advance notice next time, please.
Marie smiled and nodded, relieved.
I'll give you a ride. I need to go to the library
anyway, her dad said. You can meet me there when
you're done with your interview and we can run our Saturday
errands together. OK, thanks.
(04:01):
Marie said gratefully. Her dad got up from the table,
gave her mom a kiss, and put hisdirty dishes in the dishwasher.
Then, with a nod to Marie, he headed for the door to their
garage. Marie gave her mom a goodbye
hug, slung her backpack over hershoulder, and followed him.
(04:23):
Good luck, sweetie. Her mom said on the short car
ride. Marie said nothing.
She was too eager to get to the ice cream shop.
When they reached the library parking lot, she was already
reaching for her backpack. Thanks again.
She said, giving her dad a quickhug.
(04:43):
I'll meet you here. After she hopped out, a glance
down at her watch told her it was 855.
Marie raced next door to the icecream shop.
JJ was already standing outside,notebook in hand.
Within moments, Christian's mom dropped him off.
Smart thinking. Christian said, nodding towards
(05:05):
JJ's notebook. Let's go.
Marie said. The trio walked up to the
doorway of the ice cream shop and pulled the heavy door open.
Madame Amato was inside, wiping down the glass counter that
showcased all the ice cream flavors.
It was strange to be inside the ice cream shop before it
(05:27):
officially opened. Usually it was bustling with
customers. Without anyone there, the shop
felt almost asleep. Well, hello, you 3, Madame Amato
said. Right on time.
I see, thanks for meeting with us.
JJ said. It is time Madam.
(05:50):
Amato replied. You do need help and I'm sorry
Sappos had to go away on short notice.
Marie made brief eye contact with Christian and JJ and saw
they looked as shocked as she felt.
Sappos went away, where did he go?
Was he still on Awe Island? Could he ever come back?
(06:16):
They all stood there frozen, notknowing what to say in response.
Sit down, sit down. Madame Amato told them,
motioning to one of the tables as she sat down her cleaning
rag. They sat and JJ immediately
opened her notebook and placed it on the table.
Marie noticed that JJ had already made a list of
(06:39):
questions, and she felt a swell of gratitude for her friend's
forethought. Madame Amato sat with them,
taking a moment to look each of them in the eye.
When her eyes met Marie's, it felt like the old woman could
see straight into her thoughts. Marie held her stare, summoning
(07:02):
every bit of determination she could muster.
As Madame Amato turned to look at Christian, Marie's gaze
lingered on her. There was something Marie hadn't
noticed before. The woman's silvery hair was
swept into its usual bun at the nape of her neck, but now Marie
(07:22):
saw what looked like a butterflyresting gently on top of it.
It was the tip of her hair stickthat was holding the bun in
place. It was old, ornate, and finely
crafted. Something about the thick coil
of hair and the ancient quality of the decorative stick made
(07:43):
Marie wonder just how old Madam Amato really was, though she
knew it would be rude to ask. Madam Amato's voice pulled Marie
out of her thoughts. What would you like to know?
JJ wasted no time. Did you know about the buried
treasure we found in the park? I did, Madame Amato said calmly.
(08:10):
Who are the teenagers in the picture and was it really taken
25 years ago? JJ asked, putting a check mark
next to one of the questions on her list.
Marie rustled in her backpack and produced the linen bag,
which she opened after fishing out the picture.
She unrolled it and handed it toMadame Amato.
(08:31):
The woman looked at it for a long time, her finger gently
tracing over the faces in the image that stared back at her.
She turned it over and saw the year 2000 written on the back.
Then she handed it back to Marie.
Thank you for showing me that. She said, her voice warm.
(08:54):
You're very prepared with your evidence.
Marie beamed at the recognition,taking it as a compliment
regarding her detective skills. Madam Amato turned to JJ.
And your questions are clearly well thought out.
She said with an approving nod. That is indeed a photo from the
(09:15):
year 2000. She confirmed.
But I cannot tell you who the teenagers are.
You can't tell us because you don't know who they are.
JJ asked. Madam Amato chuckled.
Excellent question. She said she didn't seem to mind
that JJ was being so direct. I can't tell you because their
(09:39):
identity is not mine to reveal, it's theirs.
Kristen interjected. Did they live on Alway Island?
Do they still live here? Madam Amato offered a small,
knowing smile. That's also not my prerogative
to reveal. Were they the ones who buried
(10:00):
the treasure and hid the map andthe riddles?
JJ asked, checking off another question on her list.
Yes. Madame Amato replied
definitively with no further explanation.
Do they still need help with whatever the riddle's about?
Marie asked. Yes.
Madame Amato repeated with the same conviction as before.
(10:24):
She paused for a long time, looking down at her folded hands
as if considering something important.
When she finally spoke again, she simply said Next question.
JJ glanced down at her paper, checked something off, then
looked up. What is the problem they need
(10:46):
help with? That is something you'll have to
discover yourself, Madam Amato replied.
However, I can tell you this help is greatly needed because
you were the first to find the riddles and the buried treasure
as you call it. You will be able to help if you
(11:07):
continue to follow the clues. As Marie listened to Madam
Amato, her brain worked in overtime.
This information was a lot to process.
Why did Saphos go away? Will he come back soon?
Marie asked hopefully. I do not know, Madam Amato
replied, her brow furrowed and aworried look flashed across her
(11:32):
weathered face. She glanced out the window of
the ice cream shop into the distance.
Well, where did he go? JJ asked.
Madam Amato did not answer this immediately either.
For a moment she seemed to be gathering her emotions before
looking back to the trio. I am not at liberty to tell you
(11:54):
that. The old woman replied.
But you do know? Marie pressed.
Perhaps. Madame Amato muttered.
Her voice trailed off and the far away expression on her face
was hard to read. Then, very abruptly, her focus
returned to the moment and she stood up.
(12:14):
Can I get you something to eat? I have some lovely scones I made
this morning. That sounds great, thank you.
Marie said the sudden change of topic was a bit frustrating, but
then again she hadn't eaten breakfast while Madam Amato
disappeared in the back. JJ whispered to her friends.
(12:35):
We still need to ask about the Dragons, the symbol and the
riddles and what the oldest thing is.
Christian added just as Madam Amato appeared carrying a tray.
She placed delicate plates, napkins and butter knives in
front of them, then set down a plate of golden scones and a
(12:57):
small bowl of what looked like extra thick whipped cream.
That's clotted cream, she explained.
It's really delicious with the scones.
Please help yourselves. The old woman disappeared behind
the counter and went into the back again.
Marie, JJ, and Christian each took a scone and a dollop of
(13:20):
cream. Marie took a bite of the
delicately sweet pastry. She'd never had a scone before
and smiled as the clotted cream melted in her mouth.
Adam Amato was right, it tasted heavenly.
For a moment, Marie almost forgot her questions entirely.
(13:42):
These are fantastic. Christian said with enthusiasm.
The scones are so good, JJ said.Madame Amato returned with the
teapot and some tea cups. She poured the tea, set out
sugar and milk, and finally joined them at the table,
serving herself. Let's finish our conversation
(14:05):
after we've eaten, she said, adding milk to her tea.
These scones are fresh out of the oven, and they're best warm.
She broke off a piece of scone, spread some clotted cream on it,
and popped it into her mouth. Marie just nodded, mouthful, and
took a sip of tea. She'd added some sugar and at
(14:29):
the last moment, a splash of milk, just like Madame Amato.
Even that was delicious. As they ate, Madame Amato asked
them about school and their interests.
Though Marie wanted to steer theconversation back to the
mystery, she held back, trustingthey could ask more questions
(14:51):
when they were done eating. The time passed quickly.
Just as they were finishing, Madam Amato looked at her watch.
I need to send you on your way soon.
The shop opens in a few minutes.JJ was indignant.
But you said we could talk more after the scones.
She said frantically. We have a lot more questions, I
(15:15):
know you do, Madame Amato said patiently.
But there are many things I cannot discuss right now.
The most important thing for youto know right now is this.
You have the correct symbol. It will be on the oldest on this
island home, as the Riddle says,and that will tell you what to
(15:36):
do next. Marie's eyebrows shot up as
Madame Amato quoted the Riddle. How did she know the exact
wording? Marie had described the contents
of the two riddles the day before, but had not shared them
verbatim. Before Marie could ask, JJ
spoke. Oldest building?
(15:57):
Perhaps, or perhaps not, Madame Amato replied.
Christian groaned. Why can't you just tell us?
He said, exasperated. You need to be able to prove
yourselves by figuring out the clues.
If you cannot do that, you are not going to be able to help,
(16:18):
said Madame Amato. But since you've gotten this far
already, I believe you are capable.
Then she stood up and began gathering The Dirty dishes.
The conversation was clearly drawing to an end.
Marie, JJ and Christian stood too.
Thank you for the tea and sconesand for helping us.
(16:40):
Marie said, uncertainty filling her voice.
Madam Amato paused in cleaning up and looked Marie in the eye.
She smiled warmly. Don't worry, you're doing very
well and you're not alone on your quest.
I am here, and I will help you when I can stop by anytime you
(17:04):
know where to find me. Reassurance wrapped around Marie
like a soft blanket. Oh, thank you, she said quietly,
carefully stashing the curled photo back in the linen bag and
returning it to her backpack. She hesitated, then added.
(17:25):
I was hoping to show you more things we found.
Madam Amato's kind expression didn't falter, but she gave a
small shake of her head. Another time, dear, another
time. She turned and headed behind the
counter with The Dirty dishes. Marie knew the conversation was
(17:46):
done. After the trio exited the ice
cream shop, they walked next door to the library, stopping
out front to talk. That was amazing.
JJ said breathlessly. You were amazing.
Marie replied. Your questions were great and so
(18:07):
were yours. She said as she turned to
Christian. Christian crossed his arms.
I don't know, I mean yeah it wascool, but she hardly told us
anything. Half her answers were maybe or
perhaps, or. I can't tell you.
How are we supposed to help if we don't know what's going on?
(18:28):
JJ nodded. Yeah, but she thinks we can do
it anyway. And now we know we have a real
adventure, one that isn't just something made-up by a bunch of
kids as a joke. Someone really needs our help.
I can't believe it, Marie said breathlessly.
(18:50):
She usually had more to say, butshe needed some time to think
about everything they'd just learned.
Ah, there you are, I was just coming to get you.
A voice said from outside their huddle.
Marie turned and looked to see her dad approaching.
Hi Mr. Duguay. JJ said.
Hi JJ. Hi Christian.
(19:10):
He replied. Then he turned to his daughter.
We need to get going, Marie. Goodbye kids.
He started back to the car in the library parking lot.
Marie gave her friends a big grin and she did a little skip
to fall in step next to her dad.As soon as Marie got home that
(19:31):
afternoon, she took out her private journal.
It was a small notebook that hada dark blue cover with sparkling
stars on it, just like her favorite hoodie.
She sat down at her desk and made note of everything Madame
Amato had told them in her notes.
She used the initials MA as her secret agent, shorthand for
(19:54):
Madam Amato. She couldn't wait to talk to JJ
and Christian and plan their next move, so she asked her mom
if she could meet her friends atthe library the following
afternoon. With her mom's approval, she
sent JJ and Christian a message.Can you meet me at the library
tomorrow to do homework? She asked.
(20:17):
Putting the word homework in allcapital letters and inserting a
smiley emoji. Asking now and me too, came the
replies and shortly after confirmation they would meet at
3:00 PM. Marie could hardly sit still,
she was so excited. She paced her bedroom for a bit,
(20:41):
then rechecked her notes from today to make sure she hadn't
forgotten any details. The library was the perfect
place to meet tomorrow. They could research the oldest
building on Albe Island, or maybe discover something else
even older. Marie couldn't wait to find out.
(21:10):
The conversation with Madam Amato provided some helpful
insights but also raised many questions to follow the next
clue. Marie, JJ, and Christian still
need to figure out the oldest thing on Away Island.
They assume it must be one of the buildings.
Are they on the right track? Find out when the adventure
(21:31):
continues in our next episode ofAdventures on Away Island.
Thanks for listening to Adventures on Away Island.
Be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player so you
don't miss an episode.
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