The Mystery Cruise Read Free

officer set Benny on a high stool where he could see for miles. Jessie studied the complicated instrument panel and the elaborate compass. Then they visited the engine room and radio room. After the tour they returned to B deck to play shuffleboard.
    Grandfather, seated in a deck chair, put down his book. “Hello, children. How was the tour?”
    Surprised, Violet turned around. “Fine, Grandfather,” she said. “But I thought you and Max were playing chess.”
    â€œWe were.” Grandfather’s face grew grave. “But Max suddenly said he didn’t feel well and he left.” He shook his head. “I’m afraid something is wrong, but Max won’t talk about it.”
    Benny took the shuffleboard stick that Jessie handed him. “Why don’t we just ask him?” he questioned, shoving the disk toward number ten, but it fell short of its goal.
    Grandfather smiled. “Maybe he’ll tell us when he’s ready, Benny. We don’t want to pry.”
    Benny thought this over. “No, I wouldn’t want to do that.”
    After Henry won the game, the children ate lunch, then went out on deck. As they were leaning over the railing looking at the blue, shimmering sea, they heard someone on the ship-to-shore telephone.
    â€œThat’s the radio room,” Henry said, pointing at an open porthole.
    â€œThat’s Max’s voice,” Violet whispered. The children couldn’t help overhearing his words.
    â€œWell,” Max said, “I will, but only because you think I should. Yes, I’ll do everything you told me.” A few more words and he hung up.
    Henry put his hands on his hips. “What do you make of that?”
    Puzzled, Jessie wrinkled her forehead. “It sounds like he’s doing something he really doesn’t want to do.”
    â€œWho would make him do something he doesn’t want to?” Violet questioned.
    Henry looked at Violet and shook his head.

CHAPTER 3
    New Passengers
    O n Tuesday, the third day of the cruise, Jessie and Violet were awakened by Grandfather. “We’re sailing into St. Thomas,” he called. “Come and see. Benny and Henry are already on deck.”
    It wasn’t long before the five Aldens, hands resting on the rail, viewed the harbor scene. Cliffs on both sides of the port dropped into the sea. Many cruise ships, yachts, and sailboats were afloat on the turquoise water.
    â€œSt. Thomas is one of the Virgin Islands,” Henry said. “I read about it in our guide book.”
    â€œIt will be fun to look in the shops,” Violet said. “We have six hours in Charlotte Amalie.”
    Confused, Benny said, “I thought this was St. Thomas.”
    â€œIt is,” Henry said with a chuckle. “Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas.”
    â€œOh,” Benny replied. “I wish I could buy something in those shops.”
    â€œYou can,” Grandfather answered. “I want each of you to buy a good watch.” He glanced at his grandchildren, delighted at their surprised faces. “On St. Thomas you’ll find some of the best jewelry shops in the world.”
    â€œGrandfather!” Violet exclaimed, her face lighting with pleasure. “You’re so good to us.”
    â€œI’ve been wanting a better watch,” Henry said, with a broad smile. “My old one is always too fast or too slow.”
    â€œI’d love a new watch,” Jessie said.
    â€œI’ve never had a watch,” Benny said, “except, of course, for Watch, our dog.” The other Aldens chuckled. “But,” he hastened to assure Grandfather, “I can tell time.”
    â€œI know you can, Benny,” Grandfather said, placing his hand over Benny’s.
    All at once Benny shouted, “Look! A big fish jumped out of the water.”
    â€œIt’s a dolphin!” Violet said eagerly, watching it splash in the water.
    A long black cruise