The Mystery Cruise

New Passengers

  On 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.

  “St. Thomas is one of the Virgin Islands,” Henry said. “I read about it in our guide book.”

  “It 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.”

  “It is,” Henry said with a chuckle. “Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas.”

  “Oh,” Benny replied. “I wish I could buy something in those shops.”

  “You 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.”

  “Grandfather!” Violet exclaimed, her face lighting with pleasure. “You’re so good to us.”

  “I’ve been wanting a better watch,” Henry said, with a broad smile. “My old one is always too fast or too slow.”

  “I’d love a new watch,” Jessie said.

  “I’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.”

  “I 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.”

  “It’s a dolphin!” Violet said eagerly, watching it splash in the water.

  A long black cruise ship sailed past, blocking their view.

  Henry whistled. “That ship is twice as long as ours.”

  “It’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.

  “All these shops were once pirate warehouses,” Henry explained. “Blackbeard the pirate and Sir Francis Drake once walked these streets.”

  “Oh, Henry,” Jessie teased. “Just because you read the guidebook you think you’re an expert.”

  “I 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.

  “I’m ready to go back,” Benny said, drinking the last of his milk.

  Violet agreed.

  “Then let’s head for the ship,” Grandfather said. “Is everyone ready?”

  “Yes,” 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.

  “Hi, kids,” the man in the tropical shirt boomed. “Do you like this cruise?” He reached over and grabbed Violet’s hand, shaking it.

  “It’s been fine,” she answered softly, astonished at how friendly this stranger was.

  “My name’s Tom Bishop,” he stated, still pumping Violet’s hand. “What’s your name?”

  “V-Violet Alden,” she stammered, her face turning as pink as her T-shirt.

  “I’m her brother, Henry,” Henry said, stepping forward, “and this is Jessie, and—”

  “And 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.”

  “I am a big boy,” Benny retorted, keeping his eyes fastened on Tom.

  “Sure you are!” Tom paused. “I’ll bet you kids know every inch of this ship.”

  “Of course we do,” Benny said. “The exercise room is on C Deck.”

  “Thanks,” 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.

  “He seems very friendly,” Jessie said to the young woman who had finished signing aboard.

  “Yes, 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.”

  “I-I’m Heather Kowalski, a new crew member,” she said.

  “Hi, Heather,” Benny said. “We’re pleased to meet you.”

  “Th-thanks.” She looked embarrassed.

  “Heather?” a steward asked, coming up to the young girl.

  “Yes, 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 at Heather, who was very pretty. “I’m jealous. Who’s C?”

  “I must go.” Hurriedly Heather backed away, then wheeled about and fled up the stairs.

  Henry rubbed his chin. “She certainly was in a hurry to get away.”

  Jessie nodded. A baby’s cry had startled her.

  The mother looked apologetic as she shifted her tote bag to her hip and jiggled the baby up and down. “Shhh,” she cooed softly. “It’s all right, Robin. Shhh.”

  Violet removed her charm bracelet and dangled it before the baby. The baby’s eyes widened, and he stopped crying.

  “Let me hold this for you,” Henry offered, taking the mother’s tote bag.

  “Thanks,” the woman said, handing the bag to Henry. “We’re the Rands. I’m Melissa. This is Robin, who’s nine months old, and over there, signing in, is my husband, Ralph. We’ve spent a week on St. Thomas, but we’re ready to return to our home in Miami.

  “I appreciate your help,” Melissa said gratefully as a steward took their bags and the Rands started up the stairs.

  “Melissa, I’ll bet you this ship won’t be nearly as good as ours,” Ralph said.

  Melissa laughed. “I wouldn’t take that bet! Our ship was so wonderful!” With these words they disappeared into their cabin.

  Jessie wondered what ship they could have been talking about. Nothing could be finer than the West Wind.

  That night at dinner Melissa, Ralph, and Tom Bishop were seated at a table near the Aldens.

  Tom bounced out of his chair and dashed over to their table. “Hi, kids. I had a great workout. Come to the exercise room tomorrow and I’ll show you how I lift weights.”

  “You can lift weights?” Benny said, with enthusiasm. “Like in the movies?”

  “Like in the movies,” Tom repeated.

  “Tom Bishop, this is our grandfather, James Alden,” Henry introduced, “and our friend, Max Greene.”

  Tom reached over and heartily shook Grandfather’s hand, then Max’s. Max barely mumbled hello.

  “See you tomorrow,” Tom said, swaggering back to his table.

  Max looked uncomfortable. “Excuse me,” he said, rising. “I need to send a message. I’ll be right back.”

  Violet spread her napkin across her lap, and glanced at Max’s retreating back. “Wh
y is Max so nervous?”

  “I wish we knew,” Henry answered.

  Before they had finished their tomato soup, Max was back, his face pale. His hands were trembling as he picked up a spoon.

  “What’s wrong?” Jessie asked with concern.

  “It’s the radio room,” Max answered. “No messages can be sent and none received. They’re working on the problem, but in the meantime I need to send a message.”

  Henry wondered what had gone wrong with the radio. Poor Max, he thought. He seemed desperate to get in touch with someone.

  CHAPTER 4

  Trouble Aboard

  After dinner the children went shopping. The ship’s stores were well-stocked. Each child bought something. Violet bought a blue T-shirt with West Wind printed across a white cruise ship, Jessie a roll of film, Henry a pair of socks, and Benny a red T-shirt like Violet’s.

  They sauntered from one shop to another, halting at a jeweler’s window to study the rubies, diamonds, and emeralds. Going on they looked in a toy store, which was filled with stuffed animals. Their final stop was at a ship’s store with miniature cruise ships, sailor caps, and flags from all nations.

  Grandfather had promised they could stay up for the late night buffet, so after shopping they walked around the deck, admiring the moonlit waters and the far-off lights of another cruise ship.

  “Let’s go by the radio room,” Henry urged, “and see if they’ve fixed the radio.”

  “Good idea,” Violet said. “I hope for Max’s sake that it’s repaired.”

  When they arrived at the radio room, several officers were talking.

  “Hi,” Benny said. “Can you send a message now?”

  “Yes,” replied an officer. His uniform, decorated with gold braid, was sparkling white. He smiled. “Did you wish to send one?”

  “Not me,” Benny hastily replied.

  “We have a friend, though, who would like to,” Jessie said.

  “Do you mean Max Greene?”

  “Yes,” Jessie said, surprised that he knew who she was talking about.

  “The radio has been repaired, but Max Greene was in some time ago and used the phone,” the officer said.

  “Oh, good.” Violet sighed with relief. She was pleased that Max had got his message through after all.

  “What was the problem?” Henry questioned.

  “Several wires had been pulled loose,” the officer answered. “It wasn’t difficult to repair.”

  Satisfied, Henry turned to the others. “Let’s head for the late night buffet.”

  The officer chuckled. “Don’t eat too much.”

  When they arrived at the grand ballroom, the display of food was spectacular. A dolphin ice sculpture dominated the colorful table of sandwiches, ham, cheeses, chocolate cakes, pies, ice creams, puddings, and coffee.

  “What would you like?” Isaac asked, coming up behind Benny.

  “Isaac!” Benny exclaimed, whirling about. “I’m glad to see you. I’d like a taste of everything.”

  Isaac threw back his head and laughed. “Here,” he said, pointing at a huge cake, “try this lemon cake. It’s as light as a fleecy cloud.”

  “I’ll have two pieces,” Benny answered promptly.

  Jessie smiled. “Save room for that luscious-looking strawberry pie, Benny.” She turned to Isaac. “I’m Jessie Alden, this is Violet, and behind me is Henry. We saw you in the kitchen yesterday, but we didn’t introduce ourselves.”

  Isaac bowed. “My pleasure!” He bustled to the counter and scooped up a cherry tart. “This is delicious,” he said proudly, eager to please them. “It’s one of my specialties.”

  “Thanks,” Violet said. “It’s nice to have a chef tell us the best things to eat.” She hesitated, then added shyly, “Benny said you might let us help out a little in the kitchen.”

  “That would be fun,” Henry said, helping himself to a large piece of coconut cream pie.

  “How about tomorrow?” Isaac asked. “I need eight hundred dollops of whipped cream to top my raspberry tarts.”

  Benny’s mouth formed a big O. “Eight hundred scoops of whipped cream. Wow! I’ll be at the kitchen early.”

  “We all will,” Jessie promised.

  “Good,” Isaac replied. “Come by anytime after ten o’clock.”

  “We’ll be there,” Henry said quickly, with a nod.

  Frowning, Tom Bishop rushed by them. “Hello,” he called briefly and then hurried on.

  “Looks like Tom has other things on his mind than chatting with us,” Violet said, sounding puzzled.

  “Odd isn’t it?” Jessie asked. “He’s usually so friendly.”

  “Weird,” Benny mumbled. “And just when I wanted to ask him how much weight he could lift!”

  When they finished eating, they went back on deck. They slowly stopped when they saw Heather. “Let’s say hello,” Violet said.

  They waited patiently in the doorway until Heather had finished dictating a message to the radio man.

  Heather tilted her head. “Just say, ‘Thanks for the roses. Everything is going along fine.’ End of message.”

  Jessie glanced at Henry, who lightly shrugged.

  “Hi, Heather,” Violet said.

  “Oh,” Heather said, looking up, “how are you?” She brushed by them as she hurried out. “I must go,” she said apologetically.

  “Let’s find Max,” Henry said, annoyed by Heather’s coolness.

  They went to the cafeteria where Max was sitting alone, drinking coffee. He called to them. “Hi, won’t you join me?”

  Henry sat next to Max. “The radio is repaired, Max.”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Max answered. “I phoned in my message.” He still appeared agitated. “From now on, I’ll use the phone. It’s faster.”

  Max’s business must be urgent, Violet thought.

  “Do you want some dessert?” Benny asked, concerned that Max wasn’t eating anything.

  Max shook his head and a flicker of a smile crossed his face. “Thanks, Benny, but I’ve lost my taste for sweets.”

  Benny shook his head, not understanding how anyone could not like chocolate cake.

  “As a matter of fact,” Max said, “I’m waiting for the radio man to bring me an answer to the phone message that I left on my doctor’s answering machine. I told the radio man where I’d be, so he should be here any minute.”

  “I’m glad,” Jessie said. Maybe if his message was good news, Max could settle down and enjoy the voyage.

  As they were talking, the radio officer approached Max. He leaned over and said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Greene, but no messages are coming through. It seems both the radio and the phone are out of order.”

  Nervously, Max jumped up, upsetting his coffee.

  Quickly, Violet grabbed a handful of napkins and sopped up the hot liquid. She wondered what was going on. Surely this was no simple mechanical difficulty. Not when both the radio and the phone had been knocked out. Was someone deliberately causing trouble for Max?

  CHAPTER 5

  More Trouble

  The first thing the children did the next morning was eat their breakfast and then hurry to the exercise room.

  Tom, his sturdy legs pumping, sat astride a stationary bicycle. He wore a sweat band, but perspiration still poured down his face. “ Good morning,” he panted. “Be right with you.”

  Finally Tom stopped. Using the towel around his neck, he wiped his face. “Benny!” he said in a loud voice, “did you come to see me lift weights?”

  “Yes!” Benny exclaimed. “How many pounds can you lift?”

  “You’ll see,” Tom bragged, lying on a mat. With ease he lifted an iron bar with several twenty-pound iron disks.

  “Wow!” Benny said, sounding amazed. “That’s good.”

  “Just wait,” Tom said with a cocky grin. He stopped and slid on heavier weights. Now he strained every muscle to raise the bar. Grunting with effort, Tom lifted the bar, then carefully put it down. Sitting up, he said be
tween gasps, “Not bad, huh?”

  “Super!” Benny said in an admiring tone.

  “You certainly are strong, Tom,” Violet said.

  Tom rose to his feet. “Want to jog around the deck with me?”

  Henry smiled. “I like to run, but we promised Isaac we’d help him out in the kitchen.”

  “Isaac?” Tom’s blond eyebrows shot way up.

  “He’s a chef,” Jessie explained.

  “Oh,” Tom said, uninterested. Then he gazed at Jessie. “You kids are pretty well acquainted around here, aren’t you?”

  “We know a few people,” Violet admitted, staring at the floor.

  “Do you know the boys in the radio room?” Tom questioned. “I hear they’re having some trouble.”

  “Lots of trouble,” Benny said firmly. “Our friend expected a message and it never came! That’s ’cause nothing’s working!”

  “Well, well,” Tom said, going over to chin himself on a nearby bar.

  “We’re going to figure out who did it,” Benny said.

  Tom, feet off the ground, stared at Benny. “Did what?”

  “We think maybe someone tampered with the radio,” Jessie explained patiently.

  Tom went to the door. “Be careful,” he advised, and jogged out.

  Ralph Rand, in running shorts, came in. “Hi, everybody.” He headed for the rowing machine. “It’s a good time for a workout while Melissa is having her hair done,” he said, giving them a wide smile.

  “Where’s Robin?” Jessie asked with concern.

  “Don’t worry.” Ralph laughed. “He’s in good hands in the nursery.”

  “Oh,” Jessie said with relief. “Doesn’t this ship have everything?”

  Ralph shrugged. “It’s not that great. Melissa and I used to work for a French cruise line and we had all the luxuries the West Wind has, and more.” He turned and settled into the rowing machine, picking up the oars.

  For a few minutes the children watched him as he strained at the oars, going faster.

  At last, Jessie turned to Violet. “Don’t you think we should leave?”

  “Yes, I’m sure Isaac is waiting for us,”Violet answered. “It’s after ten.”

  When they arrived at the kitchen, Isaac had lined up hundreds of tarts. When he saw them, his eyes lit up. “I was hoping you’d come. He handed each of them a large bowl of whipped cream. “About this much,” he said, spooning out a big tablespoonful.