12/5/06—Today was the last day of the annual Christmas Shoe Box Drive at Whit's End. Townspeople stuffed shoe boxes with toys for kids who don't have much. As I manned the collection booth, I noticed one of the packages had come open. There, staring up at me, was the impossible-to-find Timbo Ryan rookie baseball card in almost-mint condition! I had a pack of baseball cards in my pocket, and nobody was around. I'll just replace the one card with a whole pack! I thought. I felt a little guilty, but wouldn't a kid be happier with more cards anyway?

12/6/06—1:23 a.m.—I can't sleep. Apparently, guilt is made from caffeine.

12/6/06—5:14 p.m.—I confessed everything to Mr. Whittaker. Unfortunately, the shoe boxes had already been shipped. Mr. Whittaker suggested I return the card to its original owner. After watching three hours of Whit's End security tape, my vision was blurry but I had identified the mysterious ABC (Abandoner of the Baseball Card)—Tom Riley.

12/9/06—Today I took the card back to Mr. Riley. “I didn't think this card was worth anything,” he said. “It used to be my son's. But what would I want with a baseball card of some guy who looks mean? You keep it. I'm proud of you for doing the right thing.” I wanted to keep that card more than anything, but every time I looked at Timbo, he seemed to have a disappointed look in his eye that reminded me of how selfish I'd been.

Whit had another great idea. Collector's Corner was thrilled to buy the card. With the money, I put together three more shoe boxes in honor of Mr. Riley's generosity. Timbo would be proud (though he wouldn't look like it).

—A.J. out!