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day. This is one of the first times we’ve left it and gone out at night.”
    â€œWhy did he break into our room tonight and not before?” asked Benny.
    â€œSomehow it seems as if the person knew we’d be out tonight and probably wouldn’t be bringing the backpack,” said Henry.
    â€œBut who would have known that?” asked Benny.
    â€œWe told Andrew we’d be going to the theater tonight,” said Jessie. “And remember what he said about hiding something where it would be safe!”
    â€œHe does seem like the most likely suspect,” said Henry. “But don’t forget Donna. She saw us as we were leaving the inn tonight. And Mrs. Brown said something about her having a secret plan to get rich. If she stole this brooch and sold it, she’d be rich.”
    â€œMrs. Brown even said her plan was sort of like stealing,” Benny added.
    â€œI just thought of someone else,” Jessie said. “We told Charles we were going to the theater tonight, too.”
    â€œBut he’s such a kind man,” said Violet. “I can’t believe he’d do anything like this.”
    When Mr. Alden came back downstairs, the children showed him the brooch. He turned it over in his hands, studying it. He was just as mystified as they were.
    At last he said, “I have a very important meeting first thing tomorrow morning, and I’ve got to get some sleep. But as soon as my meeting’s over, we’ll all go to the police station and show them this brooch. Maybe someone has reported it missing. At any rate, the police will know what to do. For now I think the best thing is to get some sleep.” He turned to the boys. “I think it’s safe to sleep here. Whoever broke in didn’t find what he was looking for. I’m sure he won’t come back.”
    â€œAnd you’ll be right across the hall if we need you,” said Benny, yawning loudly.
    â€œYes,” said Grandfather. “Good night.”
    But although it was very late and they were all tired, a long time passed before any of the Aldens could fall asleep.

CHAPTER 10
Mystery Solved!
    A fter all the late-night excitement, the children slept late the next morning. When they awoke, their grandfather had already left for his business meeting. He’d left a note telling them when he’d be home and how to reach him if they needed to.
    Because it was so late, the Aldens were the only ones at breakfast. Mrs. Brown told them that the bobby had spoken to Andrew and Donna earlier, but there was no new information.
    Jessie turned to the others. “Grandfather probably won’t be back until this afternoon, so what should we do until then?”
    â€œHow about going to a museum?” suggested Henry. “There are lots in London and so far we’ve only been to one, the British Museum.”
    â€œThat’s it!” said Violet.
    Everyone turned to look at her.
    â€œThat’s why that brooch looks familiar,” Violet said. “Remember that jewelry exhibit at the British Museum we saw on our first day here? There were some earrings there that looked just like the brooch — they’re probably a matching set!”
    â€œLet’s go back there and take a look,” said Jessie. “Maybe there’s someone who works at the museum we could talk to.”
    The Aldens finished eating quickly and left the inn. They brought the brooch with them, wrapped up and tucked carefully in Jessie’s pocket.
    At the museum they went straight to the glass display case that held the antique jewelry.
    â€œLook!” said Jessie, pointing. “Violet was right. Those earrings are a perfect match for the brooch.”
    The children all peered into the case: in amazement. The earrings were the same oval shape, with the same jewels and intricately engraved HRH.
    â€œIt says they belonged to Queen Victoria over one hundred years ago,” said Violet. “Do you