Mystery in New York Read Online Free PDF Page A

mopped his forehead and managed a wan smile. “Maybe it will,” he said to Benny. To Mrs. Teague he said, “Thank you. Maybe it would be best if I got away from all this.”
    â€œSounds like a good idea,” said the policewoman. “We have Mrs. Teague’s apartment and phone numbers so we can reach you if we need you.”
    The Aldens, Mrs. Teague, and Mr. Pound returned to the apartment. Mr. Pound sank down heavily onto the sofa.
    â€œJust sit down and relax,” said Mrs. Teague.
    Grandfather Alden and Violet sat down with him to keep him company, while Jessie, Benny, and Henry went with Mrs. Teague to help make tea.
    â€œI don’t feel at all well,” said Mr. Pound. “This is terrible, just terrible.” He mopped his face and tugged at the collar of his shirt. “Maybe a glass of ice water …” His voice trailed off.
    Violet stood up. “I’ll get it for you,” she said.
    â€œYes, thank you, Violet. That might help,” Mr. Pound said gratefully. He shivered and looked around.
    â€œThe door to the terrace is open,” said Grandfather Alden. “I’ll close it.” He got up and hurried out.
    A moment later, Mrs. Teague returned with the tea tray. She found Mr. Pound standing in the dining room by the dinner table. He looked almost like he’d been walking in his sleep.
    â€œIs there anything wrong, Edgar?”
    â€œWhat?” he said, surprised to see her. “No … no, nothing’s wrong. Let me help you with the tea tray,” he added quickly.
    They returned to the living room.
    â€œHere’s your water,” said Violet.
    â€œThank you,” said Mr. Pound. “I feel better now.” He shook his head. “I just don’t understand how it happened. Why didn’t the alarm work before, when the thief took the diamond?”
    â€œMaybe the thief didn’t use the door. Maybe there’s another secret door into the room,” said Benny. “Maybe someone sneaked in through that and took the diamond.”
    â€œNo. There are no secret doors or windows,” said Mr. Pound. “I had that room built especially for the Elizabeth Star. The only way in or out was through that door in the back of the closet.”
    â€œHave you had the alarm long?” asked Henry.
    â€œTwo years,” said Mr. Pound. “I have it checked once a year. I just had it checked a few weeks ago. It was working fine.”
    â€œMaybe someone sneaked into the room and hid, and then took the diamond,” suggested Benny.
    But Jessie said, “No. There was nowhere to hide in that room. It was too small.”
    â€œAnd how would anyone get out without setting off the alarm?” added Violet.
    â€œThey could if the alarm wasn’t working right,” said Henry. “And it wasn’t. It started ringing after Mr. Pound punched in the code.”
    â€œThat’s true,” said Mr. Pound. “Someone must have tampered with it.” He paused, then said, “The police will know.”
    â€œWe’ll find out,” Benny said. “Don’t worry. We’re very good at solving mysteries. We’ll solve this one for you.”
    Benny had said this before about other mysteries, and he had been right before. But Mr. Pound didn’t know that. He smiled at Benny. “That’s very kind of you, young man. But leave solving mysteries to the police.”
    He wiped his face one last time, then smoothed his handkerchief out and folded it up and tucked it into his pocket. He stood up. “Thank you again for all your help. And for the delicious dinner.”
    â€œOf course,” said Mrs. Teague.
    She and Grandfather Alden walked with Mr. Pound to the front door. The children gathered up the plates and saucers and teacups and took them into the kitchen to wash them.
    â€œI don’t think Mr. Pound believed me when I told him we could solve the mystery,” Benny