The Mystery Cruise Read Free Page A

ship sailed past, blocking their view.
    Henry whistled. “That ship is twice as long as ours.”
    â€œIt’s called the Viking, ”Jessie said, reading the red letters on the prow. “It’s a Norwegian ship. See the red flag with two blue stripes edged in white?”
    Soon the West Wind was docked alongside the Viking.
    After a hearty breakfast the children and Grandfather descended the ramp onto the streets of Charlotte Amalie.
    The main street was lined with shops, but Grandfather led them to a store called The Watchman. There, the children tried on various watches until each one had chosen just the right one.
    Proudly wearing their watches, the Aldens walked with Grandfather, peering in windows and exploring alleyways.
    â€œAll these shops were once pirate warehouses,” Henry explained. “Blackbeard the pirate and Sir Francis Drake once walked these streets.”
    â€œOh, Henry,” Jessie teased. “Just because you read the guidebook you think you’re an expert.”
    â€œI am.” Henry laughed.
    They stopped to rest at Emancipation Park, a small waterfront park. Next they went through Government House, where the governor lived, then they had lunch at an outdoor cafe.
    â€œI’m ready to go back,” Benny said, drinking the last of his milk.
    Violet agreed.
    â€œThen let’s head for the ship,” Grandfather said. “Is everyone ready?”
    â€œYes,” Henry and Jessie echoed together.
    Once on board the ship, Grandfather went directly to his cabin, but the children lingered to watch a few new passengers check in with the first officer.
    The arrivals were a burly blond man in a bright flowered shirt, a young girl in the ship’s uniform, and a young couple with a crying baby.
    â€œHi, kids,” the man in the tropical shirt boomed. “Do you like this cruise?” He reached over and grabbed Violet’s hand, shaking it.
    â€œIt’s been fine,” she answered softly, astonished at how friendly this stranger was.
    â€œMy name’s Tom Bishop,” he stated, still pumping Violet’s hand. “What’s your name?”
    â€œV-Violet Alden,” she stammered, her face turning as pink as her T-shirt.
    â€œI’m her brother, Henry,” Henry said, stepping forward, “and this is Jessie, and—”
    â€œAnd I’m Benny,” Benny declared. “You’ve got big arms, Tom.”
    Tom threw back his head and laughed. He flexed his arm, causing his muscles to bulge. “Soon as I’m unpacked, I’m heading for the exercise room.” His small eyes squinted at Benny. “I could build you up to be a big boy, Benny.”

    â€œI am a big boy,” Benny retorted, keeping his eyes fastened on Tom.
    â€œSure you are!” Tom paused. “I’ll bet you kids know every inch of this ship.”
    â€œOf course we do,” Benny said. “The exercise room is on C Deck.”
    â€œThanks,” Tom said breezily. “See you.” He called over his shoulder, “I’ll depend on you to show me around.” He chuckled and climbed the stairs.
    â€œHe seems very friendly,” Jessie said to the young woman who had finished signing aboard.
    â€œYes, he is,” she answered. “He talks quite a bit.”
    Jessie laughed. She studied the girl, who wore a neat white skirt and jacket. “We’re the Aldens.”
    â€œI-I’m Heather Kowalski, a new crew member,” she said.
    â€œHi, Heather,” Benny said. “We’re pleased to meet you.”
    â€œTh-thanks.” She looked embarrassed.
    â€œHeather?” a steward asked, coming up to the young girl.
    â€œYes, she answered, turning.
    He grinned, handing her a bunch of red roses. “These are for you.” Then he added, “I couldn’t help seeing the message. The flowers are from ‘C’ and he wishes you ‘Good Luck.’ ” The steward gazed