On Saturday morning the Aldens leaned over the rail as the West Wind sailed into Nassau, the capital of the Bahama Islands, and docked at Prince George wharf.
“It will take a while before we’re able to go into town,” Grandfather said. “They need to prepare the ramp for disembarking. Right now, let’s have breakfast.”
“I can’t wait to see Nassau’s Straw Market,” Violet said.
“It’s big,” Grandfather said. “You’ll have fun there.”
The children went through the line, heaping their plates with their favorite food and fruit.
“The steward told me we’ll be free to go ashore in one hour,” Grandfather said.
“Good!” Benny said. “It’s our last stop before we go home, and I want to see everything.”
“And you will,” Grandfather promised, chuckling.
While they were lingering over breakfast, Max rushed toward them. “The captain and I are going to confront Tom Bishop. Will you come along?”
“You bet!” Henry said, jumping to his feet.
Jessie hurried alongside Henry, her heart beating hard. What would Tom say? What would he do?
“Maybe he’s in the exercise room,” Benny said.
“Let’s try his cabin first,” the captain said. “Usually when we’re about to go ashore passengers are getting ready in their rooms.”
The captain rapped on Tom’s door. No answer. He knocked louder.
Finally, Tom flung open the door and stared sleepy-eyed at the captain, Max, and the Aldens. “What do you want?” he asked in an annoyed tone. “You woke me up!”
“We need to talk to you. It’s about what’s been happening on my ship,” the captain said sternly.
“What are you talking about?” Tom asked angrily, his face flushing a deep red. “I had nothing to do with the ship’s delay or anything else!”
“Yes, you have!” Max said. “What about this?” And he thrust the telegram in Tom’s face.
Tom grabbed the wire, and his face grew white.
“You’re in this with Carla, aren’t you, Thomas?” Max said, folding his arms across his chest and waiting for an answer.
“No, I’m not!” Tom sneered. “And you’d better watch who you’re accusing or you’ll end up with a lawsuit!”
Suddenly, Benny shouted, “What’s this?” And he dashed toward an iron box sticking out from under the bed. He pulled it out.
“It’s a toolbox,” Henry said, kneeling down and examining hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers.
“So what if I do own a toolbox.” Tom snorted. “Is that a crime?” Behind his boldness, though, he appeared shaken.
Benny lay on the floor, peering under the bed. “I’ve found something else!” he yelled. “This!” He hauled out a rod-shaped piece of iron.
The captain swooped down on the piece, holding it up in triumph. “This is a part that was taken from the engine!” He glared at Tom. “Now what do you have to say for yourself?”
Tom stepped backward, bumping into the dresser.
“Admit it, Tom,” Max said. “Do you want to take all the blame and let Carla off scot-free?”
“All right,” he growled. “So I tried to slow down the ship. Will I be sent to prison for that?”
The captain looked solemn. “What you have done is very serious, Mr. Bishop. You also kept messages from being sent and from coming in!”
“And what about shouting ‘Man overboard’?” Henry said sternly.
“I only wanted to delay the ship. I didn’t mean any harm.” He glared at them.
“And you tried to hide in a closet so you couldn’t be counted,” Jessie said, tightening her lips.
Tom bent his head. “Yes,” he confessed. “I’m engaged to Carla.” He shot Max a hateful look. “We wanted to stop you from getting everything.” He paused, then snapped, “You always were Great-Aunt Edith’s favorite!”
“I’ve called ahead, Mr. Bishop,” the captain said calmly, “and the police are waiting for you in Nassau.”
“Who cares!” He gave Max a wicked smile. “At least you’ll be late coming into Miami! You won’t get a penny!”
“Look out your porthole, Tom,” Jessie said.
Tom glanced at her, then rushed to the porthole. His mouth dropped open. “We’re in Nassau!” He exclaimed in confusion. Whirling about, he faced the captain. “You announced we’d be delayed a day!”
“Yes,” the captain said, chuckling. “We played a trick on you.” He nodded in Jessie’s direction. “Give that young lady credit for a good idea!”
“We’ve lost,” Tom muttered, sinking down on his bed.
“You’ll be locked in your cabin until we go ashore,” the captain said.
Tom didn’t reply, still shaking his head in disbelief.
The captain and Max left, followed by the Aldens.
Sadly, Benny turned and gave Tom a last look. “I’m sorry, Tom. I liked you, but you did bad things.”
Tom covered his face with his hands.
“Good-bye, Tom,” Benny said softly, closing the door.
The captain locked Tom in, and they went up on deck.
“Thanks for your help,” the captain said. “You children are good detectives.” He moved toward the stairs. “Now I need to prepare for the passengers getting off at Nassau.” With a wave he was gone.
So it’s over, Violet thought. Instead of gaining money, Tom and Carla are going to end up in prison.
“Hurry up, Violet,” Jessie urged. “Let’s see Nassau!” |