1 White Asparagus

 

   

 

  Miss Mallard, the world-famous ducktective, was invited by the Army Military Base for Ducks in Kaiserslautern, Germany, to talk about her many cases to the troops during an annual May festival.

  The festival celebrated white asparagus, which was Germany’s “king of vegetables.”

  Willard Widgeon of the Swiss Police, Miss Mallard’s nephew, decided to take a holiday and join his aunt. They made reservations to stay at the Hofquacken Hotel in Landsduck, a tiny village near Kaiserslautern.

  The day they arrived, they unpacked their suitcases and went to the outdoor café next to their hotel to enjoy the festival.

  All around them was merriment. An oompah band played German folk songs. Jolly waitresses wearing Black Forest costumes were carrying steins filled with foaming white asparagus juice. Ducks were laughing, singing, quacking, clinking their steins, and having a wonderful time.

  “Isn’t this exciting?” exclaimed Miss Mallard. “And tonight there will be fireworks from the castles along the Rhine River.”

  “Speaking of castles,” said Willard, “have a look at the ruins of one at the top of Hofquacken Mountain behind the hotel.”

  Miss Mallard looked to where Willard was pointing. She saw a path sparkling in the afternoon sunlight that led to ruins at the top of the barren mountain.

  “The hotel owners, Frau and Herr Ente, told me about the castle,” said Willard. “At night they illuminate it with floodlights because they like theme parks.”

 

   

 

A waitress came and took their order. Then the tallest duck Miss Mallard and Willard had ever seen came over to their table.

  “I’ve been looking for you, Miss Mallard,” he said, saluting. “I’m Colonel Randall Tree Duck, commander of operations at Landsduck Medical Center for Ducks. We’re located on the other side of Hofquacken Mountain. It’s the largest military hospital for ducks in Europe. May I speak to you for a moment?”

 

   

 

“Of course,” said Miss Mallard.

  The colonel cleared his throat and began. “At the center, we are being robbed of hospital and kitchen supplies. The robberies must stop or we will be forced to close.”

  “What can I do to help?” asked Miss Mallard.

  The colonel looked from Willard to Miss Mallard.

  “Find the culprits and put an end to the robberies,” he stated. “Please let me put through the necessary papers so you can become a member of my staff. I don’t want anyone to question you. I’ll even have a driver ready to take you anywhere.”

 

   

 

Miss Mallard nodded. “I never turn down a case,” she answered. “Today is Thursday. My speaking tour doesn’t begin until Monday. I can help you.”

  “Thank you!” said the colonel. “I’ll get the required papers signed and pick you up in my jeep tomorrow morning. You’ll be assigned to active duty for our army. I’ll send you fatigues to wear so you will blend in at the center. Please say nothing to anyone about this.”

 

   

 

“Not a word,” said Miss Mallard.

  The colonel said goodbye and vanished into the crowd.

  Miss Mallard turned to her nephew. “What will you do while I am working on the case?” she asked.

  Willard thought for a moment. “I’ll go sightseeing,” he replied. “We can meet at night for white-asparagus festivities.”

  “Fine idea,” said Miss Mallard. “Speaking of festivities, here comes our order for white asparagus with cheese sauce.”

  “And Bavarian chocolate cake for dessert,” said Willard with a big smile.