Mystery of the Star Ruby Read Online Free PDF Page B

Jessie’s ruby through a jeweler’s loupe, a special lens that fit over one eye. After a moment, he looked up at the Aldens with a surprised grin on his face.
    “Great day in the morning!” he exclaimed. “That’s the biggest star ruby that’s ever been found in this mine, at least since my family took it over.”
    “Is Jessie rich?” Benny wanted to know.
    “Your sister could be very rich,” Mr. Knight told him. “And famous as well.”
    Jessie blushed. “I don’t want to be famous. And we have enough money.”
    “Some people believe that rubies bring the wearer health, wealth, and wisdom,” Mr. Knight said to her. He winked at Grandfather. “But I think your granddaughter is already wise.”
    “She’s the levelheaded one in the family,” Grandfather agreed proudly.
    Cecil Knight gave the stone back to Jessie. “If you should decide to make this into a ring—and it’ll be a doozy!—wear it on your left hand. According to tradition, you won’t have any enemies.” Then he added, “If you decide to sell the stone, I’d love to have it in my museum.”
    Jessie wrapped the ruby in a piece of tissue that the man at the grading window gave her and put it in her plastic container. She slid the container carefully into the pocket of her backpack.
    “Jessie, do you want me to keep your stone?” offered Grandfather. “It might be safer with me.”
    “I’d like to look at it more,” she told him. “I won’t let my pack out of my sight. I promise.”
    “Are you ready for lunch?” Grandfather asked the children.
    Benny answered for all of them. “Yes!”
    The dining room was nearly filled when the Aldens walked in. Many people stood up and cheered.
    “Why is everyone clapping?” Violet asked Grandfather.
    “I think it’s because of Jessie’s incredible find,” he replied.
    “How does it feel to discover a treasure?” Jonathan asked Jessie.
    She sat down, embarrassed at all the attention. “It could have been any of us. The ruby just happened to be in my bucket—it was just luck.”
    “What are you going to do with it?” Sybil asked, passing the basket of Italian bread. Today was spaghetti day.
    “I was thinking, suppose we sell the stone and buy books for that library that was struck by lightning,” Jessie suggested. “But it’s a family decision.”
    “That’s a great idea!” Benny said. “Let’s do it!”
    The others agreed.
    “Jessie’s stone is bigger than yours,” Sybil said to Donald. “ And it’s a star ruby. Unless somebody finds a bigger star ruby than Jessie’s, she will win the contest.”
    “It isn’t over until it’s over,” Donald said levelly.
    After lunch, the kids went hiking again. When the afternoon shadows grew long, they headed back to the cabins.
    Violet unlocked the door to her and Jessie’s cabin. She immediately spotted a white envelope lying on the rug just inside the door.
    “This has your name on it,” she said, handing it to Jessie.
    “It must be from Grandfather,” Jessie said absently as she opened the envelope. Then she gasped.
    “What is it?” Violet asked.
    Wordlessly, Jessie showed the note to Violet.
    WISE UP AND GO HOME—OR ELSE! read the crudely lettered message. It was unsigned.
    “I guess Mr. Knight was wrong about the ruby protecting me,” Jessie said in a worried voice. “I have made an enemy, after all.”
    Then another thought occurred to her.
    What if the ruby I found has put us all in danger?
    The girls told the boys about the note on their way to dinner.
    “Let’s not mention it to Grandfather,” said Violet. “It would just worry him.”
    “We can solve this case ourselves,” Henry said confidently. “We’ve figured out lots of mysteries before.”
    In the dining room, everyone was excitedly chatting about the contest. There was only one more day left.
    “I sure wish that star ruby had been in my bucket,” Sybil said wistfully. “I’ve been coming here for years and have never found one.”
    “Maybe