Read Online Mystery of the Queen's Jewels by Gertrude Chandler Warner - Free Book Online Page A

think the brooch did, too?”
    â€œWe’d better speak to someone in charge,” said Henry, heading to the information desk. “Hello, we’d like to speak to someone about the royal jewelry,” he said to the woman who was sitting there. “It’s important.”
    The woman studied Henry for a moment. She was obviously trying to decide whether he was serious.
    â€œWe’ve found something that may be worth a lot of money,” Jessie added.
    The woman at the desk picked up her telephone and dialed. “Mrs. Scherr, there are some children here who want to see you, if you have a moment. I know you’re busy, but they say it’s important.” She listened for a moment and hung up the phone. Then she motioned to one of the uniformed security guards. “Please take these children to speak to Mrs. Scherr,” she said. “She’s the head of the British Antiques Department,” she told the Aldens.

    The guard led them to the section of the museum where the offices were. “Here’s Mrs. Scherr’s office,” he said.
    â€œThanks,” said Jessie as the children went inside.
    A dark-haired woman was sitting behind a large desk, which was covered with books and papers. She smiled when she saw the Aldens. “Can I help you?”
    â€œWe found something that may belong in this museum,” Jessie said, pulling the package out of her pocket and laying it on the desk.
    Mrs. Scherr looked at the children curiously and then began unwrapping the package. When she saw the brooch she gasped. “But — but — wherever did you find this?”
    â€œI know this is going to sound strange,” Henry began. “It was tucked inside my little brother’s backpack.”
    Benny smiled proudly and held up the red backpack.
    â€œHow did it get there?” Mrs. Scherr asked.
    â€œWe have no idea,” said Jessie.
    â€œThis is a very valuable brooch,” Mrs. Scherr explained. “It belonged to Queen Victoria. It’s part of a set.”
    â€œIt goes with the earrings in the glass display case, doesn’t it?” asked Violet.
    â€œYes,” said Mrs. Scherr. “This brooch was in a private collection. Last week it was auctioned — in America. I sent my assistant to purchase it for the museum, and he’s due back next week. I can’t imagine how the brooch ended up in your backpack!”
    â€œWe were just as surprised as you are,” said Jessie.
    Suddenly Benny said, “What is your assistant’s name?”
    â€œMy assistant?” Mrs. Scherr asked. She sounded surprised at the question. “His name is Charles. Charles Finchley.”
    â€œCharles?” said Jessie and Henry at the same time.
    â€œI think I know what happened,” said Benny.
    Everyone turned to Benny.
    â€œRemember Charles was sitting right near us on the plane, and he had a red backpack just like mine?” Benny said.
    â€œThat’s right!” said Jessie. “He did.”
    Benny went on, “The backpacks were both in the overhead bin during the flight and—”
    â€œAnd I put the brooch in the wrong backpack,” said a voice in the doorway.
    Everyone turned to see Charles standing there, his head down.
    â€œCharles, what is going on?” Mrs. Scherr demanded.
    â€œI’m so sorry, Lauren. I never meant for this to happen,” said Charles. “I went to the auction and bought the brooch, just as I told you on the telephone. But I was so excited I wanted to bring it back myself to surprise you. So I caught an earlier flight. Midway through the flight I took the brooch out to make sure it was safe, and then I returned it to my backpack. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized I’d put it in the wrong bag. I’m so scatterbrained sometimes.”
    â€œYou certainly are,” Mrs. Scherr agreed, but her voice was gentle.
    â€œSo why didn’t you tell us?”