Great! Here's **Chapter 21: Mysterious Traces in the Attic** in its full, comprehensive novel form: ---

 

## **Chapter 21: Mysterious Traces in the Attic**

The Borkowski family's house stood on the outskirts of town—tall, wooden, dating back to the war. Its creaking stairs, old rooms, and dusty nooks inspired respect even in adults. However, it was the attic that held the most mystery. For several days, the household had been hearing strange noises from upstairs: footsteps on the floorboards, soft scratching, and sometimes the sound of something heavy being moved.

"Commissioner Nowak!" called Mrs. Borkowska, the property owner. "Something bad is happening in the attic! I'm afraid to go in, and the children are terrified! Please come over!"

Jakub looked at Argo, who immediately perked up and began sniffing, as if he already sensed a mystery.

"Argo, I think it's time to go to the old attic." New tracks lay ahead… and probably new noises.

The dog barked softly, as if in confirmation, and started leading the way when they reached their destination.

--

### **First Clues**

The steep stairs leading to the attic creaked with every step. When Jakub opened the heavy wooden door, they were hit with the smell of dust, old books, and something else—something fresh.

Argo led the way. His nose worked furiously, guiding him past old trunks, discarded toys from years past, and dusty picture frames.

Suddenly, the dog stopped.

“Did you find something?” Jakub whispered, not wanting to disturb the silence of the place.

Small paw prints were clearly visible on the dusty floor. Fresh. Leading behind old wardrobes.

--

### **Building the Tension**

Jakub carefully moved the heavy wooden wardrobe. Argo tensed, ready to react. A faint rustling sound came from behind the furniture. Jakub raised his flashlight.

On the floor lay an overturned cage, scattered grain… and a small, trembling creature—a white ferret, which looked at them with enormous eyes.

"Well…" Jacob muttered. "Our 'attic ghost.'"

But that wasn't the end. Argo suddenly began to sniff more intently and headed for the chimney. There, they found more tracks—this time larger and more spread out. As if something was being dragged across the floor.

Jakub froze.

"Argo… careful."

The dog lowered its stance, paws padding silently on the boards. It jumped behind an old, scratched trunk and barked a warning. Jakub immediately approached and… froze.

There lay an old puppet—a theater mannequin, with a damaged face and a broken arm. It must have fallen from the ceiling beam or been knocked over by the ferret, creating the noise that frightened the family.

---

### **Solution to the Puzzle**

Jakub caught the ferret carefully, stroking its back to calm it down.

"Mrs. Borkowska?" he said, coming downstairs. "Your noises aren't an intruder. They're an escapee from the nearby pet store. They probably got in through the chimney or an open window."

Argo stood proudly nearby, as if saying, "All the work was mine."

The family burst into laughter, and the children immediately fell in love with the furry visitor.

The dummy was returned to its place, and the ferret was taken to the pet store owner, who admitted that the "little artist" had escaped several times.

---

### **Post-Adventure Reflection**

As they returned to the police car, Jacob looked at Argo with pride.

"Another mystery solved. No chases, no suspects... just a lot of dust and one mischievous animal."

Argo wagged his tail, proud of his work, knowing that another adventure awaited them.

--

If you want, I can now write **Chapter 22: The Disappearing Gardener from the City Park** or any other chapter of your choice. Want to continue?