Mystery on the Ice Read Online Free PDF

axel?”
    “Both,” she said.
    “And the salchow?” Jessie asked.
    “What’s a salchow?” Marcia asked. “I’m from Canada. I’m not familiar with that term.”
    Jessie had thought all ice skaters knew what a salchow was. But maybe the term wasn’t used in Canada.
    “A salchow is a one-revolution jump,” she explained.
    “I see,” said Marcia. She was staring at the courtyard, next to the Civic Center, where several snow sculptures had been made. “Isn’t that clever?” she asked, pointing to an unfinished mermaid.
    Jessie just nodded.
    As they were about to leave the coffee shop, Henry held up his hand. “Wait. Carl is in the courtyard, working on an ice sculpture.”

    Sure enough, Carl was shaping the mermaid’s face, stopping every so often to nervously glance about.
    “Why does he keep looking over his shoulder?” Benny asked.
    “He doesn’t want anyone to see him.” Henry narrowed his eyes. “Look! He’s hiding something in the mermaid’s hand.”
    Jessie said, “Let’s find out Carl’s secret.” She paused, watching Carl pat snow over the sculpture’s hand. “We’ll wait until he leaves.”
    Carl stepped back and examined his work. Then, with a final look around, he walked into the rink office.
    The Aldens hurried outside. Benny dashed ahead to the ice mermaid. He dug into her snowy hand and held up a bright object.
    “Wh-why,” Violet stammered in disbelief, “it’s a diamond ring!”
    In astonishment the Aldens stared at the ring, sparkling in the sun.
    “Put it in your pocket, Violet,” Henry urged, “before Carl returns. This is one diamond he won’t be able to sell!” He felt disappointed. His friend had betrayed him!

CHAPTER 7
The Diamond Ring
    Sadly, Violet slipped the diamond ring in her pocket. It was hard to believe Carl was a thief. “We’d better go home and tell Grandfather,” she said.
    “I suppose you’re right, Violet.” Jessie felt sad, too.
    “Wait!” Benny shouted. “I forgot my scarf!”
    “Hurry back to the shop and get it,” Henry said. “We need to catch the bus.”
    Benny ran inside and dashed back, his red scarf around his neck. “Hide! Hide!” he said, waving his arms in the air. “Carl is coming back!”
    The Aldens rushed to hide behind some bushes.
    Carl glanced around, then returned to his mermaid. He brushed the snow off the sculpture’s hand. When he couldn’t find the ring, he dug deeper. “Oh, no!” he said out loud. He bent down, scooping snow away from the base of the sculpture. “It has to be here! It has to!” His voice shook as he searched the ground.
    Spying Benny’s red scarf fluttering in the wind, Carl strode over. “What are you doing here?” he asked in a puzzled tone.
    “Are you looking for something?” Benny asked.
    “Yes, yes, I am,” Carl admitted.
    “Is this what you’re searching for?” Violet asked, holding up the ring.
    Carl’s face lit up. “My diamond ring!” he exclaimed.
    “Is it your diamond?” Henry asked. “Does it belong to you ?”
    Carl stared at Henry. “Of course, it’s my diamond! I bought it at Morton’s Jewelry Store!”
    “You bought this ring?” Jessie asked.
    “Yes,” Carl answered. “The diamond is an engagement ring for Alex. I was planning to show her my ice sculpture and let her find the hidden ring!”
    Sheepishly, the children looked at one another. Violet handed the ring to Carl.
    Carl snapped his fingers in sudden understanding. “You thought I was the jewel thief?”
    “We didn’t want to think that!” Benny exclaimed quickly.
    Carl heaved a happy sigh of relief. “I’m just glad to have the ring back.” He chuckled. “I suppose I did look suspicious.”
    “Yes,” Henry said. “You not only carried a lot of cash and went into a jewelry store, but you were nervous every time diamonds were mentioned.” He grinned. “Now I know why.”
    Carl returned the ring to the mermaid, nestling it in her hand and piling snow over it. “I’m still going