The Clue of the Carved Ruby

Paris, London, Rome! Vicki Barr finds it hard to believe

her good fortune. Now that she is a transatlantic stewardess
for Worldwide Airlines, she can visit the most romantic
cities of the worldand where Vicki goes, adventure and
mystery surely will follow.
Even before her first New York-to-Paris flight, Vicki
becomes involved in an interlocking series of events which
leads her right into the arms of a gang of international
criminals.
It all starts in New York City when a series of fabulous
jewel thefts headline the newspapers. Unwittingly, Vicki
and her Swedish roommate Karen foil the thieves master
plan by accepting an envelope containing a picture post
card of Grand Central Station and a key to a luggage
lockerboth meant for someone else. Vicki, of course,
cannot resist a mystery, and she traces the key to its
sourcewhere a paper bag filled with valuable jewels
awaits her.
In Paris and New York, Vicki and Karen can find no
escape from the entangling web of intrigue, which involves
them with a very handsome but mysterious young man and
a much-too-charming socialite couple.
Join Vicki Barr on her first transatlantic flight into a
whole new world of excitement, romance, and spinetingling adventure.

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

Silver Wings for Vicki
Vicki Finds the Answer
The Hidden Valley Mystery
The Secret of Magnolia Manor
The Clue of the Broken Blossom
Behind the White Veil
The Mystery at Hartwood House
Peril Over the Airport
The Mystery of the Vanishing Lady
The Search for the Missing Twin
The Ghost at the Waterfall
The Clue of the Gold Coin
The Silver Ring Mystery
The Clue of the Carved Ruby
The Mystery of Flight 908
The Brass Idol Mystery

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

________________________________________________________

THE CLUE
OF THE
CARVED RUBY
BY HELEN WELLS
________________________________________________________

GROSSET & DUNLAP

PUBLISHERS
New York

 BY GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC., 1961

All Rights Reserved

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CONTENTS
________________________________________________________

CHAPTER

PAGE

FRESH START

II

A RANSACKED ROOM

17

III

VICKI MEETS THE BAKERS

39

IV

BLUE-AND-GOLD WINGS

62

IN PARIS

80

VI

A CHANGE OF HEART

103

VII

BAD NEWS

117

VIII

THE BANDAGED PASSENGER

132

IX

APARTMENT SIX

151

THE CARVED RUBY

169

XI

WHAT JACK KNEW

182

I am grateful to Ginny Roiz, Supervisor

of Flight Stewardesses, to Lloyd Wilson,
Service Manager, and in particular to
George Gardner, Education Director, of
Pan American World Airways, for letting
me visit Pan Americans Stewardess
School and other installations, on
several occasions, and for their generous
help in the preparation of this book

The Clue of the

Carved Ruby

CHAPTER I

Fresh Start

Vicki Barr walked to the head of the aisle,

remembered to smile, and looked earnestly at her
classmates. Sixteen pretty girls in spring dresses,
and four young men, were seated in the simulated
plane cabin. They came from the United States,
Canada, England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria,
Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Lebanon.
They looked expectantly at Vicki; Karen
Sorenson gave her a wide, encouraging smile. Miss
Saunders, head of the staff of fourteen men and
three women who instructed the class, said from the
last seat:
Go ahead, Miss Barr.
Vicki took a deep breath and said:
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome
aboard your Worldwide Airways airliner, Flight
114. The planes P.A.public-address system
made her voice sound slightly artificial. Vicki tried
to sound warmer and friendlier. I am your purser,
1

Vicki Barr. Your stewardess is Yvonne Brassai.

Your steward is Leo Forazzo.
Our estimated flying time to Paris will be seven
hours. We will be flying at an altitude of thirty-three
thousand feet. Worldwide has completed more
transoceanic flights than any other airline. This is
our eighty-nine thousand, seven hundred and fourth
flight. Vicki explained about airway regulations.
Above your seat you will find oxygen mask,
reading light, ventilator, stewardess call button.
Dont hesitate to call should you need us. Enjoy
your trip! We will serve you dinner soon after takeoff. Thank you.
Miss Saunders commented, Very good, Miss
Barr. You sounded hospitable, and thats important.
Now in French, please.
Vicki gulped. She wished Yvonne could be
allowed to make the announcement in French, but
each stewardess had to be bilingual. Most of these
young crew members-to-be spoke three languages.
Vicki started out smoothly, Bon soir, mesdames et
messieurs She stumbled only once, on saying
eighty-nine thousand, seven hundred and fourth in
French, then returned to her seat beside Karen and
the Finnish girl Sisco Lappi. Sisco whispered, You
did well, Vic
Then young Leo Forazzo made the Welcome
aboard announcement in Italian. He was a stocky,
2

husky Swiss-Italian, who had gone to schools all

over Europe, and formerly had worked with the
American Embassy abroad. If the instructor required
it, Leo could give the announcement in German,
Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish, as well. Vicki had
thought Leo formidable at the beginning of their
training six weeks ago, but now she knew him as an
amiable co-worker with a passion for travel, a
fiance in Geneva, and a brand-new taste for riding
New Yorks buses and subways.
For that matter, Vicki thought, glancing at the
young faces surrounding her in the mock-up plane,
any member of our class is outstanding. Some of
them had studied at Oxford, Grenoble, Rome,
Columbia, the University of California, and other
famous colleges and universities. On the other hand,
Eva Baum, who came from Vienna, had gone to
Paris as a baby sitter for friends of her family, in
order to perfect her French. Sisco had been on the
best ski team in Finland. Bill Whipple, who during
the winters attended a hotel-training school,
eventually would manage his fathers chain of hotels
in Texas. Only Vicki herself and one of the classs
other American girls, Betty Stevens, had flown as
stewardesses.
Until last March, Vicki had been a stewardess for
Federal Airlines, flying within the continental
United States. Then, while on rest leave at home, at
3

The Castle in Fairview, Illinois, she learned some

interesting news. Worldwide Airways would
interview applicants in Chicago at the end of March.
They were seeking girls to fly as stewardesses to all
parts of the worldsomething Vicki had always
hankered to do. She knew the competition was very
greatthat Worldwide, the only American airline in
the world to fly around the globe, hired girls from
many countries. Only three girls out of twenty
would be Americans. Only the most highly qualified
girls were chosen. Vicki hoped that her domestic
airline experience would help her graduate into the
very different work of international flights. She
knew that Worldwide Airways thoroughly retrained
everyoneeven hundred-thousand-mile pilots
selected to work under their insignia: a blue globe
flanked by gold wings.
You know how to swim, thats one
requirement, Vickis younger sister, Ginny, had
said, after reading the announcement. And arent
you fluent in at least one foreign language?
Id have to brush up, Vicki had said.
Their mother had said, Well, since you have free
time, Vic, and were only downstate from Chicago,
you might apply for an interview.
So Vicki had applied, and received in reply a
cordial letter and an appointment. She and Ginny
and their mother decided not to tell Professor Barr
4

anything just yet. He might not understand about

Vickis wanting to gallivant around the world.
In Chicago, Vicki met Miss Dorothy Saunders
and practically fell in love with that gracious lady on
sight. Miss Saunders was in charge of all
stewardesses for Worldwide Airways; she had been
a stewardess herself, before her marriage. Vicki
thought her one of the loveliest women she had ever
met. In her quiet, kind way Miss Saunders learned
all about Vicki in record time. The day after her
interview with Miss Saunders, Vicki faced a panel
of two men supervisors and Miss Saunders. The
panel questioned Vicki and talked with her at length.
She was aware that they were judging her for poise
and friendliness, good manners and good English,
good looks and health, and for the ability to deal
with passengers from all nations.
Then came a letter saying Miss Vicki Barr had
been accepted for stewardess training by Worldwide
Airways, to start May first. Worldwide had several
divisions, Atlantic, Pacific, Latin-American,
Scandinavian, Far Eastern, and African. Vicki was
assigned to the Atlantic Division, to fly jets to
Europe.
Vicki had a month until May first, to get ready.
First she had to resign from Federal Airlines, and it
was hard saying good-by there. Then she made
arrangements with two of her former high school
5

teachers to tutor her in French and Spanish. She

practiced at home on her family at every
opportunity. Vicki even spoke in French and
Spanish to Freckles, the Barrs spaniel, and
completely confused the little dog.
I believe Freckles is glad to see you go, Mrs.
Barr remarked, on the day Vickis family took her to
Fairview Airport, to fly to New York. Of course the
rest of us arent glad.
Yet they were proud that she had won the
wonderful opportunity. This time, Vicki found,
saying good-by to her parents and sister was almost
painless. She would see them often, because of
frequent, long, rest periods. That is, if she
successfully got through the seven weeks of
training.
At first Vicki was overwhelmed by the jet base.
Classes were held in the Worldwide Airways
administration building at Idlewild International
Airport. Right outside the classroom were
Worldwides huge hangarseach as long as two
football fieldswhere the jet planes were serviced.
After a cordial welcome, Vickis class was taken
through the Boeing 707 jets.
Big, bigger, still bigger, faster, more powerful,
Vicki thought, as the class, awed and dazzled,
trooped through the DC-6s, DC-7Cs, the Douglas
DC-8 jet airliners, and the Boeing 707 jets. Their
6

instructor explained that the DC-6s and DC-7Cs

were driven by propellers, fueled by gasoline, with
engines like an automobiles. The faster jets with
their swept-back wings had newer engines called
turbines, and operated without propellers for faster,
smoother take-off. These jets burned kerosene,
which was lighter weight than gasoline, and so could
carry more fuel and fly longer nonstop flights. Vicki
felt exhilarated by the Boeing 707it could carry as
many as one hundred and eighty-seven passengers,
plus flight crew and cabin crewat 600 miles per
hour!
The class started at once learning how to use the
707s cabin equipment, in the training mock-up.
This was a replica of the actual jet cabin, but with
fewer seats, a make-believe observation lounge, and
one galley to practice cooking in instead of the four
galleys they would actually use in the air.
Exactly as in the actual aircraft, the seats were on
tracks. Their instructors moved the seats two abreast
or three abreast, and at different distances from the
seats ahead, for the two classes of flights. One of the
instructors, talking to the class about payload,
pointed out that a 707 jet could carry up to one
hundred eighty-seven passengers, if all were
Economy seatsbut only forty De Luxe passengers.
Vicki and her classmates sat down in each
configuration, and were satisfied that each one
7

allowed plenty of room for comfort.

The main difference, Miss Saunders told the
class, is in different menus and niceties of service.
Economy Service has a hot tray meal with two
choices of entrees, De Luxe Service is more
elaborate. Both are attractive. Im sure I dont have
to tell you that all passengers are Worldwides
guests aloft. Nothing we can do to make their trip
pleasant is too much trouble.
For safetys sake, the class was trained in first aid
and in emergency procedures they probably never
would have to use, including paddling around in a
rubber life raft in Jamaica Bay. They were taught
how to make good coffee, and toured the vast
frozen-meals kitchens. They were lectured on
customs regulations, flew a demonstration mockup flight, learned about life jackets. Miss Lynn
Eisner took the girls to a famed school for models to
learn about grooming and good carriage. Voice
recordings were made and played back to them.
Vicki didnt recognize herself at first, and Karen
blushed.
I have a trace of an accent, she said distractedly
after class to Vicki and Bill Whipple.
Its delightful, said Vicki.
I sure sound like Texas, said Bill. Yippee!
They learned about routes, timetables, and time
zones. They learned the correct titles for heads of
8

state and how to greet other Very Important Persons

who might be their passengers. Many of their
passengers would be babies, and a special baby kit
was carried aboard for them.
Miss Saunders unpacked the blue cloth box for
the class. Its like an old beggarmans bag, she
said, it has everything in it. Out came a dozen
diapers, each in cellophane, baby bottle, soft toys, a
disposable cardboard cradle, other baby necessities.
Everything but the bab-ee, said Yvonne Brassai.
Vicki and Karen pored over the Stewardess
Manual on Saturdays and Sundays at their hotel,
rested, practiced French with Yvonne, who in turn
was practicing English with John Martin. Yvonne
liked his clear-cut Canadian pronunciation, and John
liked her. Vicki took all of them, and several other
international classmates, to visit the Statue of
Liberty and the Central Park Zoo. Frieda Deinhard
invited them to a Sunday night supper at the
apartment near Idlewild which she shared with three
other German girls. They were stewardesses with
Worldwide, too.
Week ends over, the class reassembled at nine
oclock Monday morning at Idlewild in the mockup. Seeing planes constantly take off made the class
eager to get through their training and fly. Over and
over during the past six weeks they had prepared
baby formulassmiled and explained complicated
9

weather forecasts to instructors enacting the role of

passengerspracticed serving breakfasts, lunches,
dinners, snacks. They broiled steaks on the jets
700-degree ovens and served them to one another,
on trays in the mock-up.
VickiKaren had sighed over one of the first
delicious mealsI must tell you, you smiled like
an angel when you served me the coffee, but you
poured a few drops of tea on my hand. I wouldnt
tell anyone but you.
Im awfully sorry, Vicki had said. Id better
practice the trick of pouring with a coffeepot in my
right hand and a teapot in my left hand. After
luncheon or dinner, one of the stewardesses was
supposed to go up and down the plane aisle offering
these beverages to the passengers.
Vicki, Karen confided, did you ever see
anything so marvelous as Worldwides kitchens?
Lobsters! Roast beef! Ninety-five baskets of
mushrooms! I wrote and described them to my
mother in Stockholm, but she cant believe it.
It had been while on a tour of the frozen-food
kitchens, early in their training, that Vicki and Karen
had struck up their friendship. They had chatted
together before, but now they discovered they
snared a lively interest in good cooking. The entire
class, and a group of newspaper writers who toured
with them that day, were impressed by the cuisine
10

planned and tested by Maxims of Paris, and

prepared by a battery of chefs in starchy white.
Everyone drooled. But Vicki and Karen felt a
special pleasure and enthusiasm for the decoratively
arranged plates of salads, for the beautiful silver, the
crystal glasses imported from France. They
discovered they shared still other enthusiasmsice
skating, dancing, their families, were only a few of
the things they both enjoyed.
Vicki and Karen went on to admit to each other
their occasional shyness. They grinned about their
steely energies, although both girls looked so little
and delicate that most people wanted to protect
them. Karen confessed to Vicki a tendency to spend
more money than she could afford. The airline paid
its stewardesses full salaries during their training
period, so that Karen had quite a bit in her pocket
unfortunately.
When I see something pretty, I say to myself,
How nice that would be for Mama, or my little
sister Helgaor my father would like that. And I
buy it. Buy, buy, buy, as if I cant stop myself.
Karen had opened her purse. Look! Theres so little
left that the rest of the week Ill probably have only
soup for dinner.
Why, Karen! Thats awful! Vickis dreamy
blue eyes took on a decisive glint. You must be my
dinner guest. It may have to be the Automat, but
11

well be fed, at least.

Karen had protested, but when Vicki insisted, she
gratefully gave in. Then Karen had said, I wish
someone would say to me, Karen, dont be so
foolish, dont buy so much! Dont even go into the
shop! Would you, Vicki? Please?
Well, if you really want me to Vicki said,
half laughing. Only you may hate me for it.
Never, Karen said with her wide, generous
smile. Vicki thought how handsome she was, with
her lovely features and light-blue eyes. Karen
looked like a snow maiden with flaxen hair.
Next to her, Vicki looked breezily American, a
little quicker in her movements, a little easier in her
dress, and very prone to smile.
I think, Karen said, that we will be good
friends. You are so kind. Ill take you to dinner, in
the next week or two. Anywhere! The Waldorf!
Voisin! Or best of all, the Gripsholm!
Hold on! Economyremember?
They became good friends, and decided to
become roommates. Karen was not very happy
residing with a distant cousin her family had
suggested as a companion. Vicki had been living at
the apartment which belonged to her old stewardess
friends on Federal Airlines. But Celia Trimbles
mother was coming up from the South for a
prolonged stay, and Vicki had offered to let Mrs.
12

Trimble have her place. Since both Vicki and Karen

planned to move, they decided to move in together.
After consulting Worldwides department which
found accommodations for its staff people, and
talking it over with Miss Saunders, the two girls
settled on the Hotel Roberts. It was one of New
Yorks finest hotels, small, not so impersonal as the
huge hotels. The Roberts was expensive, but it was
located conveniently and beautifully at Fifth Avenue
and Central Parkand, anyway, we wont live
there very long, Vicki said. So she and Karen had
registered and were given Room 1013. Wonder
where well stay in Paris?
And in London? And in Rome? And Teheran!
Karen exclaimed.
Provided we pass the final exams, Vicki said.
By now, with one last week of training to
complete, the class was growing excited and
restless. Today was Friday the ninth of June; if
everything went well, a week from today they would
be celebrating their graduation, and receiving their
first flight schedules.
On this warm Friday afternoon Miss Lynn Eisner
gave the stewardesses still another lesson in speech
and grooming. A stewardesss hair must not touch
her collar; it must be styled becomingly and simply,
she stressed.
You must do your own hair on the seventeen13

day Johannesburg trip, Lynn Eisner advised them.

You wont find many beauty salons along the
way.
Good looks, though important, were only a small
part of the stewardesss job. Mr. Kentner,
Worldwides Educational Director, talked to the
reassembled class about reading in preparation for
travel, and about customer relations. Then Mr.
Carewe, head of Worldwides service departments,
came into the mock-up and talked to the class.
At four thirty school was over for the day. The
little United Nations, as Miss Saunders called
their class, trooped out of the building into the late
afternoon sunshine. They called to one another:
Have a good week end! Well, Im going to
study all week end for exams! Au revoir, Vicki.
Karen, dont buy anything more!
The young men and some of the girls who lived
near Idlewild climbed aboard an airport bus. Some
ran for a lift into New York City in crew cars. Karen
and Vicki were lucky enough to find seats in one of
Worldwides station wagons, along with some pilots
and flight engineers. The flight crew had just
returned from Istanbul. Vicki and Karen sat humbly
in the back, hoping to overhear them discuss the
flight, but the blue-uniformed fliers were tired and
quiet.
The crew car circled out of Idlewild International
14

Airport, past its fountains, gardens, terminals,

chapels, and hotels, and entered one of the Long
Island parkways leading to New York City. Toward
the end of the sixteen-mile drive, one of the pilots
turned on the car radio. The announcer was in the
middle of a newscast.
at three oclock this afternoon, according to
the police report. No one among the household staff
or building employees recalls seeing any stranger
leave or enter the premises about that time. Among
the jewels taken were a string of pearls with a jade
clasp, a pair of matched topazes, and a diamond
bracelet. Police are trying to find out
One of the pilots interrupted. Can you get some
national or international news, please?
The pilot up front switched to another station. A
report of the days happenings in Washington, D.C.,
came on. Karen and Vicki listened attentively until
the crew car drew up in front of the Hotel Roberts.
They said thanks to the driver, nodded good-by to
the flight crew, and entered their hotel.
The two girls stopped at the desk to ask for mail
or any messages. The desk clerk, who knew them by
now, smiled as he handed Karen a letter postmarked
Stockholm. For Vicki there was a post card from
Ginny (No other news so will close, love). The
clerk also handed the girls a plain, sealed envelope
marked simply: 1013. Karen was busy opening her
15

letter so Vicki took the envelope. At first she

thought it might contain a hotel bill, but she felt
something hard and a little heavy in the envelope.
She would wait until they went up to their room to
open it.

16

CHAPTER II

A Ransacked Room

As Karen and Vicki unlocked the door to their room,

the telephone started to ring. Vicki answered it.
Did you just get in, honey? a mans voice said.
Ive been waiting for you to phone me.
Vicki had never heard this tense, excited voice
before. She said hesitantly, Hello?
There was a pause at the other end of the line.
Who is this? the man demanded.
Who is this? Vicki said. To whom do you
wish to speak?
The caller asked, Isnt this Room 1013?
Yes, said Vicki, it is.
Oh, then this is the maid? The mans voice was
guarded now.
No, Im not the maid, Vicki said.
Excuse memy mistake The man hung up.
Vicki hung up, too. Karen was reading a letter
from her mother and said absently, Wrong number,
hmm?
17

Yes. Vicki picked up the plain envelope

marked only with their room number, and opened it.
She took out the contents.
Thats strange, Vicki said to Karen.
She handed Karen a key with a serial number
stamped on it, and a picture post card of Grand
Central Station. The post card had nothing written
on it.
Karen set aside her mothers letter and examined
the key and post card. I dont understand, she said.
Are these for us?
Well, someone wrote our room number in ink on
the envelope, Vicki said.
But who? Isnt there also a letter?
No, no written message. Theres no senders
name or address on the envelope, Vicki said.
Nothing printed on the envelope, either. The
envelope was an ordinary white envelope,
purchasable at any stationery store or variety store.
Their room number, 1013, was written carelessly in
blue ink. Otherwise, the envelope was anonymous.
No clue there, Vicki said. But the key Look,
Karen, its a key to one of those luggage lockers you
can rent in railroad stations.
Karen nodded. And the post card seems to say
the locker is in Grand Central Station, I think?
I think so, too. They looked at the key, uneasy,
tantalized. Vicki said, Perhaps we ought to ask the
18

desk clerk who brought this envelope.

She picked up the telephone and asked for the
desk clerk. He told her:
Seems to me someonea manhanded me the
envelope about an hour ago. . . . No, he didnt say
anything. But I could be mistaken, Miss Barr, its
been a busy afternoon.
Vicki thanked the desk clerk and hung up.
A man left the envelope an hour ago, she
repeated to Karen. Andas you hearda man just
telephoned this room, asking for 1013. I wonder if
theres any connection?
Vicki, you may be dreaming up a connection
which isnt really there. Karen held up the key.
What shall we do with this? What do you suppose
is in the locker? Im curious to find out!
So am I. Vicki felt more curious and excited
than she cared to admit. If there actually is a locker
with this number at Grand Central Station
Only one way to find out! Karen jumped to her
feet.
Wait, Karen! This might be like opening
Pandoras box. Butbut if we dont open it, what
shall we do with the key? Turn it in to the hotel
manager, or the Lost and Found desk at Grand
Central?
Whatever for? It was sent to us! Maybe it is a
surprise, or a joke, or a present.
19

Maybe, Vicki said skeptically. Oh, shucks!

Im dying of curiosity! Lets go find out.
They traveled downtown by subway and emerged
directly into the huge, shadowy railroad station. It
was crowded with travelers and commuters. Vicki
and Karen picked their way slowly through the
crowd. A porter directed them to a section of the
station where rental lockers were located.
They could not find any locker number
resembling the number stamped on the key. They
asked another porter, and he sent them down a
corridor to another big unit of lockers. Here they
found the locker number which tallied with their
key. Karen eagerly wanted to try the key at once, but
Vicki stopped her.
Wait! Vicki glanced up and down the corridor.
In case anyone is following us or watching us, we
wont touch that locker. She glanced at a woman
hurrying along with two children, and an old man.
It seems all right. Go ahead, Karen.
Karen put the key in the lock, and turned it. The
locker door opened. They saw inside a small,
bulging, brown paper bag.
Is that all! Karen exclaimed. A grocery bag!
She lifted it out. Its rather heavy.
Wed better not open it here. I hope it isnt
ticking, or warm, Vicki said, half joking.
Karen scoffed, but she agreed with Vicki on two
20

precautions. One was to take the locker key with

them. Just in case anyone questions us about this
incident, Vicki said, Id like to be able to produce
the key. In order to remove the key, Vicki had to
deposit a coin in the slot. Then she locked the empty
locker, took out the key, and put it in her purse.
Her other idea was to inspect their find in a
private place. They were too inquisitive to wait and
take the brown paper bag back to their hotel room.
With Karen carrying the paper bag inconspicuously
in the crook of her arm, they walked through the
station to the women s lounge. There Vicki rented a
dressing room by dropping a quarter in the slot.
Both girls entered the cubicle, and Karen set the
bundle on the washstand.
Would you like to open it? Karen said. My
hands are shaking, Im so excited.
Vicki opened the brown paper bag, peered in, and
gasped at what she saw. What? Karen demanded.
Spread out a towel, Vicki said. She was
stunned, breathless. Karen did so, and Vicki dumped
out of the paper bag a tangle of jewels. They lay
sparkling on the towel in a profusion of shapes and
colors.
Will you look at that! Vicki whispered.
Oh, my goodness! Karen exclaimed.
Diamondspearlsand whats that yellow?
Sh! Vicki cautioned her in a whisper. It may
21

not be safe for us to have these things in our

possession. Why, these must be worth a fortune!
Carefully, whispering, Vicki and Karen spread
out the pieces of jewelry one by one. An antique
cameo set in golda pearl necklace with a green
jade claspa bracelet of fiery diamondsrings, a
pina pair of matched topazesVickis face was
flushed as she studied them. She fished in the paper
bag for any message, then examined the bag itself,
but could find no identifying lead.
These may be stolen, she whispered to Karen.
Do you remember the radio newscast we heard in
the crew carabout the jewel theft this afternoon?
Didnt the announcer mention a string of pearls with
a jade clasp, and a pair of topazes?
Yes. And he mentioned a diamond bracelet.
There it layflashing and winking under the
electric lights. Oh, Vicki, I dont like this! Why
were we directed to the jewels? By mistake?
Must be a mistake. Vicki realized this might
put her and Karen in a dangerous position,
particularly in view of the phone call. The man on
the phone had wanted Room 1013. If the same man
left the key, he must know by now that 1013s
occupants were in possession of the keyand
possibly the jewels. Vicki shivered.
That phone call Karen said uneasily. Maybe
there was a connection, as you said.
22

Or maybe not. Anyhow, I dont like being

involved with jewels of such value, Vicki said, in
case they are stolen. Wed better ton them over to
the police immediately.
Karen nodded. Vicki gingerly put the jewels back
into the paper bag, with Karen helping. Vicki
squeezed the bag into her roomy purse, out of sight.
I think wed better go to the stationmaster,
Vicki said, and have him call the police. I want to
get rid of these just as fast as we can.
They left the womens lounge, asked at the
information desk for the stationmasters office, and
hurried there as fast as they could. No one seemed to
be following them.
At the stationmasters office, women secretaries
and several men were at work in an outer room.
They did not pay much attention to the two small,
blond girls request to see the station-master, until
Vicki gave one secretary a glimpse into the brown
paper bag. Her face changed. She went into the inner
office, and quickly came back to usher the two girls
in.
Sit down, young ladies. The stationmaster was
a large, heavy man with a patient face. What can I
do for you?
Vicki put the brown paper bag and the locker key
on his desk. She and Karen together told him what
had happened. The stationmaster looked inside the
23

bag, gave a low whistle, and picked up his

telephone. Vicki noted that he called, not the station
police, but the regular New York City police.
After he completed his call to the nearest
precinct, he said to the two girls: Stay here, young
ladies. A couple of detectives will want to talk to
you.
Karen and Vicki exchanged glances. A robbery
was an ugly thingsurely the police would not
suspect them! The stationmaster noticed their
uneasiness, and smiled at them in a fatherly, kindly
way, but he did not say anything. Several minutes
went by. Vicki wondered why she and Karen had
been rash enough to use that key.
Though probably just receiving the key would
be enough to involve us, she thought.
A few minutes later two plain-clothes men
arrived. They were youngish men, courteous but
firm. After a few minutes questioning, the detective
who had introduced himself as Walter McCall said
to Vicki and Karen:
You understand that we dont for a minute
suspect either of you. However, we want you to tell
us every detail about what you know and how you
found these jewels.
The rigorous questioning took an hour. The other
detective, Philip Miele, remarked once that he had
no doubt these were the same jewels stolen that
24

afternoon. Vicki pricked up her ears, hoping to learn

more, but apparently the police were as much in the
dark as she and Karen were, at this stage. Vicki
managed to keep her poise during the long
questioning. So did Karen, though she looked upset
and timid. Vicki was sorry, knowing Karen still felt
like a stranger here in the United States. When the
interview was over, Karen admitted:
II feel unhappy about going back to our room.
If the man on the telephone wanted Room 1013
our room
Well accompany you girls to your room,
Detective McCall said. Dont worry.
Did you leave the envelope and picture post card
in your room? Detective Miele asked. Vicki and
Karen said Yes. Good. Naturally well want them.
The detective explained that the experts in the
police laboratory, using microscopes and
spectroscopes, could trace the handwriting of the
numerals on the envelope, could locate the source of
the envelope and the pen, could find fingerprints on
the post cardand so would find the person or
persons who handled that envelope and post card.
What about the key? the stationmaster asked.
He had sat in the background during the questioning.
I suppose the burglars fingerprints on the key have
been covered over by now by these young ladies
fingerprints?
25

Afraid so, Detective Miele said. The lab will

try, anyway. Well have a man come over here right
away and pick up the key and the jewelry.
They went uptown by taxi to the Hotel Roberts. It
was a little past seven. The city streets were quieter,
with the approach of evening. Karen still seemed
nervous. Vicki did not feel any too gay herself. In
the hotel lobby and elevators, people were talking,
laughing, just as usual, as if nothing untoward had
happened.
But when Vicki unlocked the door to Room 1013,
she gave a cry. Even before she switched on the
lights, even in the dusk, she could see that their
room was a shambles.
Whats the matter, Miss Barr? Detective
McCall said quickly. Let us go in first.
Vicki took Karens hand, and followed the two
men into their ransacked room. She felt a little sick,
looking at the open, tumbled dresser drawers, the
desk drawer dumped upside down and left on the
carpet, the closet doors left open with her and Karen
s belongings in wild disarray. Whoever had broken
in had searched thoroughly and in haste.
Where are the envelope and the picture post
card? Detective Miele asked.
We left them on top of the dresser, Karen
faltered.
Well, they arent here now, Philip Miele said.
26

27

All four of them searched, but the envelope and post

card were gone.
The man who phoned you girls, Detective
McCall explained, realized he had the wrong room
number and had put the wrong room number on the
envelope. So he, or someone else, came in here
looking for the locker key. Id say he was looking
for the jewels as well.
Vicki felt unnerved.
Is there anything missing besides the envelope
and post card? the detective asked.
Vicki and Karen took a quick look around.
Nothing else had been taken. While they looked, the
detectives searched, but found no clues.
No fingerprints, Detective Miele said. The
entrant evidently wore gloves.
No sign of tampering with the door lock,
Detective McCall said. He must have used a
passkey.
Please? said Karen, looking as if she were
about to cry. Someone has a key to our room? You
mean the maid?
It might have been the maid or a waiter,
Detective McCall said. Ormore likely in view of
this afternoons jewel theftit might have been an
outsider who has a passkey to open all the rooms in
this hotel. He probably had tins master key made for
the purpose of burglary.
28

The detectives explained tersely. In almost all

hotels and office buildings, all the locks in the
building are of one make, and they are all made with
an extra barrel surrounding the identical inner one.
This is necessary in order to give the building
manager a master key, to allow firemen to enter a
locked room in case of fire, for instance. A would-be
thief could rent a room at a hotel, secretly remove
the entire tumbler lock of his own room, and
copying the code number on the inner lockhave a
dishonest, or gullible, locksmith make a master key.
Then the burglar could open any door in the hotel.
Vicki and Karen looked at each other miserably.
Perhaps we shouldnt stay on at this hotel, Karen
said. But whatever hotel we go to, someone could
have a passkey. So
Maybe we ought to get out of Room 1013,
Vicki said. She turned inquiringly to the plainclothes
men.
I dont think you girls are in any danger, do you,
Phil? Detective McCall said. Well see to it that in
an hour therell be a radio bulletin saying that the
stolen jewels are now in the hands of the policeso
the thieves will know the jewels are not in your
room. Does that make you feel safer?
Vicki nodded, though Karen was undecided.
If youre still uneasy, Detective Miele
suggested, ask the hotel manager to move you to
29

another room. I dont think its necessary, though.

Karen bit her lip. It is a nuisance to moveand
we need all our time to study for final examinations
next week, Vicki.
It will take a lot of time just to put our
belongings back in order, Vicki said with a sigh.
She went over to the open dresser drawers with
their ransacked tangled heap of slips, stockings,
gloves. Something unfamiliar in the top drawer
caught her eye. Vicki held up a fine, elaborately
embroidered handkerchief with the initial H. The
initial was in a pastel blue.
This doesnt belong to either Miss Sorenson or
me, she told the plain-clothes men. Karen stared.
Lets see that handkerchief! The men examined
it. It was crumpled, but new. Do either of you know
anyone whose name starts with H? Classmates who
visit you? Acquaintances at this hotel?
Vicki and Karen thought, but they knew no one
with the initial H.
The detectives kept the handkerchiefthe only
clue so farand requested Karen and Vicki to
notify them if anything else should turn up.
Detective McCall remarked that the entrant must
have dropped the handkerchief when ransacking the
room. Evidently the entrant was a woman.
The four of them went downstairs and talked to
the hotel manager, Mr. Sloan, in his private office.
30

Mr. Sloan, an impeccably dressed man, lost some of

his airs and graces as the plainclothes men told him
what had happened.
If the young ladies wish it, we will install a
special lock, or a chain, or both on their door. He
apologized with real distress, and promised to
instruct the hotel detective to watch out especially
for Miss Barr and Miss Sorenson.
We want to find the owner of this handkerchief,
Mr. Sloan, the plain-clothes men said. They spread
out the handkerchief on his desk. Vicki studied it,
too, noting its distinctive hand embroidery, rolled
hem, and the tall, curving script of the colored initial
H. She would recognize that handkerchief
anywhere.
What about the chambermaids? Detective
McCall was saying. They all have passkeys. Do
any of the maids working on the tenth floor have
names beginning with H?
Ill ask the housekeeper. The hotel manager
picked up a phone. After a brief conversation, he
hung up and told them, We have a maid named
Harriet working on the tenth floor. The housekeeper
will send her down.
Vicki and Karen exchanged glances, and
shrugged. They did not know one chambermaid
from another, since they usually were out at the hour
when the maid cleaned their room.
31

Detective Miele asked, Does Harriet work on

any floor besides the tenth?
I believe the housekeeper said she works on both
the tenth and eleventh floors, Mr. Sloan said. He
nervously rearranged some papers on his desk. Our
employees are very carefully screened, gentlemen.
Of course a dishonest person may slip in now and
then. If there is any evidence against this Harriet,
she will be fired. And black-listed. What I wonder
about is whether a chambermaid would use an
expensive handkerchief like this one.
Unless, Karen said unexpectedly, a guest gave
it to Harriet for a present or a tip.
Its a possibility, Detective McCall said.
While they waited for Harriet, the plainclothes
men checked hotel records on other guests for whom
the locker key might have been intended. Vicki
noticed them sift through the names of all guests on
the tenth and eleventh floors. Then they looked
through the names of all guests in rooms ending in
thirteen. They made notes; their faces were guarded.
Vicki could not tell whether they had found any
leads.
Harriet came in. She was a shriveled, bent little
woman whose black uniform and white apron hung
on her. She stood, polite and frightened, before the
managers desk while he and the two plain-clothes
men cross-questioned her.
32

They were fair but rather harsh, Vicki thought.

The maid glanced toward Vicki and Karen, as if
asking them to help her.
No, sir, that handkerchief doesnt belong to me.
I never saw that handkerchief before. Harriet
twisted her veined hands together. No, sir, Mr.
Sloan, honestly I aint been in 1013 since I cleaned
in there this morning.
Can you prove that? Mr. Sloan demanded.
The maid choked back tears. I was cleaning on
the tenth and eleventh floors all day, sir. I worked
mostly with Sadie today. Mrs. Martin, the
housekeeper, knows that, sir
But part of the time you worked alone?
Detective McCall asked.
No, sirthat is, yes, sirone of us has to get
linens from the supply room. Sadie and me, we take
turns. And then late this afternoon Mrs. Martin gave
me extra rooms to clean The maid grew upset
and utterly confused. Oh, please dont accuse me of
ransacking the young ladies room! I never in my
life done such a thing!
The housekeeper, Mrs. Martin, was called in. She
was a large, severe woman, who told Mr. Sloan,
Its not humanly possible to keep every maid under
my eye every minute of the day. Asked to vouch
for Harriets honesty, she said coldly that Harriet
had been employed here for only three weeks, and
33

she, Mrs. Martin, could not vouch for anything.

The elderly maid wept openly. Other maids,
including Sadie, were questioned but they said
guardedly they had no way of knowing whether or
not Harriet had gone through Miss Barrs and Miss
Sorensons belongings.
Vicki spoke up out of pity for the maid. I must
tell all of you that nothing has ever been taken or
even disarranged in our room before. Vicki glanced
toward the housekeeper. And Harriet has always
left our room very clean and neat.
Yes, said Karen. Oh, yes!
Mr. Sloan and Mrs. Martin did not soften. The
two plain-clothes men, and the hotel detective who
had come in, exchanged glances.
Detective Miele said gently:
Tell us, Harriet, did someone ask you or pay you
to enter Room 1013? The maid numbly shook her
head. Tell the truth, now, that is always best. Did
anyone send you into 1013 to get the envelope and
the post card?
What envelope and post card? the maid cried in
bewilderment. Who would send me? I dont know
about those things, or about that handkerchief! I
cant help if it s got an H on it! All I know is, if you
fire me, Ill be black-listed and I wont be able to get
another job, and Im alone, and whatll become of
me?
34

Vicki felt distressed for Harriet. She almost felt

responsible, since it was her and Karens room that
had got the maid into trouble. Of course Vicki knew
this feeling was unreasonable, but she could not
simply shrug off her concern for the maid.
That will be all the questioning for now,
Detective McCall said. He smiled at Harriet. Id
like to point out that nothing has been proved
against this woman.
Well keep her on here, the manager said, but
more or less on probation. If thats all right with
you, Mrs. Martin?
The housekeeper glared and marched out. The
other maids followed her, with Harriet miserably
bringing up the rear. The door closed on them.
Detective McCall turned to Mr. Sloan and said,
It doesnt look to us as if Harriet had anything to do
with ransacking Room 1013. The hotel detective
muttered his agreement. The woman wants her job.
That would keep her honest.
I agree, the hotel manager said. But we have
to be cautious in order to protect our guests.
Detective Miele picked up the handkerchief from
the desk. Too bad this is the only clue we have. Let
us know if you discover any further clue or
information, he said to the hotel detective.
Vicki took a final, careful look at the
handkerchief before Detective Miele pocketed it. If
35

she could trace that handkerchief, perhaps she could

help clear the unfortunate maid. She had an idea
Karen was thinking much the same thing.
She was. The girls talked about Harriet, and the
jewels they had found, while they had a muchbelated supper at a restaurant. When they returned to
the hotel, Vicki stopped at the stand in the lobby and
bought a newspaper, tomorrow mornings edition.
News of the jewel theft and the recovery of the
stolen gems was headlined.
The girls took the newspaper up to their
disordered room to read. The story stated:
A well-dressed man, posing as a visitor,
yesterday afternoon entered the apartment of Mr.
and Mrs. Warren Deming, wealthy East Side
residents, and in their absence opened a bedroom
safe. He made off at approximately three oclock
with jewelry valued at more than a hundred
thousand dollars.
The jewels, which were insured, were found in a
rental locker in Grand Central Station late in the
afternoon. Police and station officials declined to
reveal who discovered them, or how, except to say
that the jewels are now in the possession of the
police.
Vicki felt relieved that her and Karens names
were withheld, and their role kept hidden. This was
for their own protection. She went on reading:
36

The theft was discovered by the Demings when

they returned home at four oclock. Earlier in the
afternoon they had had lunch with friends and then
attended an opening of an exhibition at the Phoenix
Art Gallery.
The doorman who admitted the man to the
building, and the Demings cook who admitted the
man to the apartment at about two thirty, said he
represented himself as a friend of the Demings and
was expected. When told the Demings were out, he
said he would wait. About five minutes after the
visitors arrival, according to the cook, Mrs. Deming
telephoned her and instructed her to go to the
grocery store. The cook did so and on her return the
visitor had left.
Police say the man was a skilled safebreaker and
evidently wore gloves. No traces of
Karen interrupted. That man! The man who
telephoned us by mistake! Could he be
the safebreaker? The burglar? Vicki said.
We have no way of knowing. But we can guess
thissome accomplice of the jewel thief must be
right here in some room in this hotel! In whatever
the right room number is.
Now you are worried, Vicki. Please dont,
Karen said. Also, Vic, maybe by now the acaccomI mean the safebreakers friend, maybe hes
checked out of the hotel by now.
37

Yes. Vicki took a long breath. Im glad the

detectives think were not in any danger.
Oh, lookKarens well-manicured finger
rested on the final paragraph of the news story
theres an item about the jewels we found.
Together, they read:
The stolen jewels recovered by the police are a
pearl necklace with a jade clasp, valued at five
thousand dollars, a ruby and diamond ring, two
diamond rings, a pin set with sapphires, and a pair of
matched Brazilian topazes. Mrs. Deming denies that
she telephoned her cook but would not discuss the
burglary with reporters.
The news story did not mention the diamond
bracelet nor the antique cameo, Vicki realized. She
pointed this out to Karen. Maybe the police, when
they told the reporters, forgot to mention every
single item.
Karen yawned. Never mind diamonds. All I want
is to go to sleep.
Vicki was sleepy, too, but she could not stop
thinking about the days extraordinary events.
Facessnatches of talkplacesdanced in her
head. She was almost reluctant to look in the
ransacked drawers for a nightgown; she would just
as soon not find another clue. Fortunately, or
unfortunately, she found only her nightgown and a
pair of gloves she had mislaid.
38

CHAPTER III

Vicki Meets the Bakers

The next morning several guests at the hotel heard

from the maids of Harriets difficulty. Vicki and
Karen, as they dressed, overheard snatches of
conversation in the hall. When they left their room
to have breakfastluxuriously near noon on a
Saturday morningand stood waiting for the
elevator, Harriets teammate, Sadie, rushed up to
them.
Not one single guest believes Harriet did it!
Sadie told them. They feel awful about it!
Vicki murmured her sympathy. The elevator
came down, and she and Karen stepped in. Two
women were already in the elevator. The younger
one was immensely chic, with short, straight, darkbrown hair. She spoke impulsively to the two girls.
Isnt it a shame about poor Harriet? Youve
heard, havent you? The poor woman is so
distressed she can scarcely work this morning!
Vicki replied briefly, sympathetically. The
39

woman chattered on. I understand that if Harriet

isnt cleared here, shell be dismissed and blacklisted from getting another job. Doesnt that seem
dreadfully harsh? Dont you think so, Mrs.
Hatfield?
She turned to the dignified white-haired woman
beside her. The older woman said in a reserved way,
I dont quite know what to think, Irene, although I
am sorry. She smiled faintly at the two girls. Vicki
noticed the pearl necklace Mrs. Hatfield wore with
her quiet black dress. It was as fine as the stolen
pearls she had found yesterday, though a different
size.
Well, I am sorry, too, Karen burst out.
Of course you are! the younger woman said.
Perhaps some of us could do something to help that
unfortunate woman. My husband says Oh! Wait!
The elevator reached the street floor, and they all
stepped out. The younger woman exclaimed, Why,
you two must be the young ladies who put in a good
word for Harriet last evening when she was being
questioned! She told me how you tried to help her
That was good of you.
Not at all, Vicki said. Especially since it didnt
help, Im afraid.
Well, possibly several of us together can help.
Im Irene Baker The woman held out her hand,
first to Karen who obviously admired her, next to
40

Vicki. She smiled dazzlingly at them; her striking

looks and vivacity were most appealing. The girls
introduced themselves, too. Apparently Mrs.
Hatfield, like Vicki, did not like so casual and
accidental an introduction. There were murmurs of
good-by, and they parted. Karen, smiling, watched
Irene Baker cross the lobby with her woman
companion.
Isnt she delightful! Karen said.
Yes, but Vicki was thinking some hardheaded thoughts. Mrs. Hatfieldher name begins
with Hand did you notice her pearls?
Yes, but you cannot dunk? She is a gentle
person, a lady.
Anything is possible, Vicki said. Lets go see
the hotel manager for a moment.
The ostensible reason for their visit was to ask
whether the detectives had found any further clues.
Mr. Sloan said that, so far, questioning employees
and checking on other guests had yielded no
information, no suspects.
Thats a shame, Vicki said. So many people
feel concerned about Harriet. When Miss Sorenson
and I came down in the elevator just now, we had
the pleasure of talking just a little bit with Mrs.
Hatfield. Vicki paused inquiringly.
The hotel managers face lighted. Ah, yes, Mrs.
Hatfield. A lovely person. She has lived here for
41

yearssince before her husband died. Everyone

here loves her.
Yes, indeed, Vicki said, pretending not to see
Karens wide grin. Well, thank you, Mr. Sloan.
Karen teased her unmercifully at breakfast about
being Miss Detective.
If you think so little of my efforts, Vicki
retorted good-humoredly, then you neednt come
along while I trace that handkerchief.
Oh, no! Ill come!
Vicki and Karen shopped until they found a small
store which sold fine handmade blouses, lingerie,
and handkerchiefs. They described the handkerchief,
and the saleswoman produced its twin. She was
surprised, and so was the store owner, when Vicki
asked him:
Can you please tell us to whom you have sold
these handkerchiefs? Particularly those initialed H?
We need to know if were to help someone.
The shop owner said, I would be happy to oblige
you, but we keep no record of such aa small
detail. I am sorry. Then he looked again at Vicki.
Are you from the police? A detective was in here
early this morning asking the same question.
No, were not from the police, though my friend
and I have been co-operating with them, Vicki said.
The man seemed reassured, and volunteered some
information. Its possible the handkerchief in
42

question wasnt purchased in my shop, although

were the only New York shop to stock this
handkerchief. It may have been purchased in Paris
its made there. Would you like to have the name of
the maker?
Vicki and Karen nodded. They might very well
be in Paris one of these days soon.
The maker is Lron Frres, 14 Rue Belnord, the
shop owner said. They can give you the names of
the Paris shops which sell this handkerchief. They
do a large special-order business in Paris, and theyd
have records of who ordered what initial.
Karen was even more disappointed than Vicki.
The girls said thank you, and left.
The rest of that spring Saturday they studied, and
practiced announcements on each other. Tomorrow
is a day of rest, they consoled each other.
On Sunday, after attending morning church
services, the two girls strolled in Central Park, and
then returned to the Hotel Roberts. It was lunchtime.
Irene Baker and Mrs. Hatfield were together in the
lobby, apparently waiting for someone. Vicki could
not help overhearing, as Karen paused to admire the
hotels display of flowers. The two women were
discussing Mrs. Hatfields pearls, which she wore
again today.
But arent you worried, Irene Baker asked, in
view of this recent jewel theft? Wouldnt they be
43

safer in the vault?

Yes, but I have to wear the pearls every day for
a few weeks each year. Mrs. Hatfield touched her
pearls. As you know, if pearls arent worn, they
lose their color and luster, and go dead.
At least, said Irene Baker, I hope you keep
them overnight in a safe place? Or do you sleep with
your pearls around your neck? I think I would!
Irene Baker laughed, tossing back her short, straight
hair.
The older woman smiled. You mustnt worry. I
lock the pearls away every night. Havent you
noticed that small, heavy safe in my bedroom?
Irene Baker shook her head. Forgive me, but
George and I do worry about you. Because youre
alonebut I mustnt presume, must I? Oh, theres
little Vicki Barr!
She waved to Vicki, and to Karen too, as if they
were old acquaintances. Her gaiety was catching.
Karens light-blue eyes danced. Both girls went over
to her and Mrs. Hatfield, just as a middle-aged man
also joined them. In a pleasant flurry of good
mornings, Irene Baker introduced her husband,
George Baker, to the girls.
He said How do you do? in a quiet, rather stiff
way, but his smile was ingratiating. He turned to
Mrs. Hatfield. Youre lunching with us, I hope?
Dillon is coming. Cant you stay?
44

Mrs. Hatfield said she was expected at a friends

house for luncheon, and had only been sitting with
Irene until George Baker arrived.
How kind of you, Mr. Baker said. At least let
me see you to your car.
He was all deference and courtesy and friendly
concern. Mrs. Hatfieldshe was quite elderly, Vicki
noticedappreciated having his arm to lean on. She
left with a smile and nod. Irene Baker at once started
to chatter.
Of all the people weve met here at the hotel,
theres no one lovelier than that dear lady. Unless
its to be you delicious-looking blond young things!
Are you sisters? No? . . . Whatever are you doing in
New York by yourselves?
Vicki thought Irene Baker asked too many
questions, but Karen responded to her directness and
undeniable charm.
Were training to be flight stewardesses, Mrs.
Baker, said Karen, and added proudly, with
Worldwide Airways.
Oh, my word! Worldwide! Youll be flying all
over the globe! I cant wait to see you both in
Worldwides blue uniformsuch good style, with
those demure little white collars. Every time George
and I fly, weve remarked on how becoming they
are. Clothes can be so important, dont you think
so?
45

Oh, yes, said Karen, admiring the sophisticated,

delightful Irene Baker. Vicki was interested in Mrs.
Bakers saying, or implying, that she and her
husband flew abroad often with Worldwide
Airways. She felt a glow of pride for her airline.
I wish I knew someone young and gay for you,
Irene Baker was saying. But I do! And here he is!
Dillon, come right over here and be introduced
isnt this lucky? she cried.
A tall, redheaded, young man was just coming in
from the street. He was well dressed, but Vicki
thought his black pearl tie tack a little conspicuous.
He grinned pleasantly at Irene Baker and said, You
look beautiful! Im starving! Where is George? He
smiled at both girls.
Well feed you immediately, Irene Baker said
to him, and to the girls, This is Dillon Smith. Miss
Karen Sorenson, Miss Vicki Barr. Guess what they
do?
Do? Theyre Salvation Army lassies, said the
redheaded young man, dead pan. Or pastry chefs.
Or wigmakers.
No, no, no, you ridiculous boy! Irene Baker, so
intent on charming others, was charmed by him.
Theyre stewardesses with Worldwide.
Very nice. I should think thats hard work, he
said to Vicki.
It is, but Im surprised that anyone realizes it.
46

The public thinks were merely glamour girls.

He gave her a quiet, thoughtful smile, entirely
unlike his manner with Irene Baker. George Baker
came in and joined them, shaking hands with the
young man, whom he called Jack.
Why Jack? Karen asked ingenuously.
Well tell you at lunch, Irene Baker said.
Thank you, but we dont want to intrude, Vicki
said. But Mrs. Baker insisted it was no intrusion,
and since Mr. Baker seconded the invitation, the
girls accepted. Irene Baker saw to it that Dillon
Smith sat between the girls.
To make lunch more fun for you! About
Dillonor do I mean Jack? Irene Baker laughed.
Everyone has a nickname, but can you shorten
Dillon to Dill? Dill? He tells me he objects to being
called Pickle! So we settled for Jack.
The young man leaned toward Vicki. My first
name is JohnJohn Dillon Smithso the Jack isnt
sheer invention. Irene just prefers to call me Dillon.
Irene Baker eyed them. You seem to have things
to say to each other, you two. Wouldnt it be
wonderful if we all flew together sometime?
As a matter of fact, Jack said, Im going to
Paris soon. On business for my uncle, again. Not
sure when. Will you and George be going over soon,
too, I hope? Irene, voulez-vous et votre cher mari
come with me to the races?
47

Dillon, youre disgraceful! Irene Baker scolded

him. With your perfect French to speak such a
patois! Mais oui, wed love to come to the races
avec vous. Je ne sais pas quand.
George Baker finished ordering their lunches, and
looked up. Quand?When? Any time soon, now.
I have some business that mustnt wait too long. He
turned to include Vicki and Karen.
During lunch they all talked of Paris. Through her
familys contacts, Karen had lived in Paris with a
French family for six months, to perfect her French.
The Bakers looked bored, though Jack Smith and
Vicki were interested.
My dear child, Irene Baker said to Karen, did
you have a chance to visit the French couturiers
showings? Or the smaller modistes? Theyre
excellent, too. Youd love it! Ill try to get you
invited, since I can see from the charming flowered
dress youre wearing that you have a real feeling for
style. Hasnt she, Vicki?
So now they had advanced to a first-name basis.
Vicki thought Irene Baker was pressing this
acquaintance. Still, Vicki had to admit that these
people were good company, and she was enjoying
the unexpected luncheon party. It seemed harmless
enough. She smiled and said something polite.
Now you, my dear, Mrs. Baker considered
Vicki, have a completely different sense of style
48

from Karens. Very streamlined, very American.

Wouldnt you say so, George? JackDillon?
Jack Smith hesitated, then said, Yellow dress,
yellow hair, it seems like a good idea to me.
But doesnt Vickis costume need an accent of
some sort? Irene Baker cocked her head. I cant
help wishing, if youll forgive my making a
suggestionif youd add one smashing pin, or a
flower, or a brilliant of some sortIm sure you
own something which would be perfect.
Vicki was growing embarrassed at so much
attention. She saw that Karen was fascinated by this
stunning womans talk of fashion, as almost any girl
would be. And the men looked amused
Come up to my room, Irene Baker offered or
if you prefer, Ill come up to yours one dayand
lets see what you have, to set off your pretty yellow
dress. Id love to lend you something of mine, if
youd like.
It was a generous, impulsive offer, yet Vicki
caughtor thought she caughtan undertone which
put her on guard. Or am I being overcautious?
Vicki wondered. Aloud, she said, Thank you, thats
kind of you, Ill see. She was afraid Karen would
accept for both of them, but Karen was watching
and listening, and seemed to sense Vickis
reluctance. Karen skillfully brought the subject back
to Paris, and the talk went on from there.
49

Presently Irene Baker said, Have any of you

seen the current issue of Paris-Match? I havent.
Diane told me it has the most marvelous color
photographs. If any of you see a copy on a
newsstandits flown inwont you please buy it
for me?
Over dessert and coffee, Vicki brought up a
subject which was troubling her.
This isnt a very cheerful topic, Vicki said, but
from what you said yesterday, Mrs. Baker, you feel
as concerned as Karen and I do. About the maidI
mean, the maid whos in trouble.
Oh, yes. Harriet. Irene Bakers smile drained
away. In repose she looked older, about forty. That
poor woman. I am so sorry for her. But George tells
me there really isnt much we can do. In fact She
groped for words, for once.
Her husband said, In fact, we might do more
harm than good. You know how do-gooders are.
Wed better think carefully. Possibly we might take
up a collection. Dillon, have you heard about the
excitement here at the Roberts yesterday?
George Baker launched into an account. He
talked well. The redheaded young man listened,
expressionless. Too bad for the maid, he muttered,
when George Baker got through. Then, somehow,
they were all getting up from the table, and saying
thank you and good-by, and the question of helping
50

Harriet got lost in the shuffle. The Bakers excused

themselves and went off to keep an appointment
with friends.
Can I interest you young ladies in a Sunday
afternoon stroll? Jack Smith asked.
Karen said, Id like to look for a newsstand that
has a copy of Paris-Match. But why dont you two
walk in the park? I want to study quite soon,
anyway. She gave Vicki a roguish look and walked
away.
Vicki and the young man entered the park, and
joined the strolling Sunday crowds. Vicki could not
decide whether to think of him as Jack or Dillon. He
seemed like two distinct personalities: as Jack, he
was warmhearted, rather serious; as Dillon, he was
sophisticated and flippant, as Irene Baker was. Vicki
liked the Jack side of him better than the Dillon side.
Oh, well, she thought, Ive just met him. Its
far too soon to know what hes really like except
that hes awfully likable.
He was talking about his uncles shop on
Madison Avenue, a scholarly junk shop with
curios in it from all over the world: medieval
tapestries, dried human heads from South America,
odd musical instruments, rare stuffed animals.
Whenever I go traveling, he said, I try to pick
up things I think would interest my uncle and his
occasional customers.
51

His work sounded casual as he described it.

Perhaps this young man had independent means,
Vicki thought, and traveled mostly for pleasure. His
black pearl tie tack suggested wealth. Yet his intent
look and the way he walked gave the impression that
he was a young man of drive and purpose. Vicki was
puzzled.
Have you known the Bakers long? she asked.
A few weeks. Theyre good fun.
I just met Mrs. Baker yesterday, Vicki said.
She spoke to me in the hotel elevator.
Ive noticed how often Irene speaks to people
she thinks shed like to know, Jack Smith said. In
fact, thats how I met the Bakers, too. Sans
introduction.
Then you dont really know them very well?
I dont imagine anyone knows them very well.
Vicki did not understand that. Perhaps he meant
that the Bakers kept all their relationships on a
lighthearted, gay surfacebut she let it go.
When Mrs. Baker spoke to me yesterday, Vicki
said, it was about that unfortunate chambermaid. I
wish something could be done for her.
His interest quickened. It can. Ive been thinking
about that maid, too. Its a shame. I should think,
he said, that the main thing is to clear her, so she
wont be fired and black-listed.
52

53

Vicki was surprised. At lunch Jack Smith had

appeared indifferent toward Harriets plight. Now
here he was showing concern. That was more than
Mrs. Baker had done, for all her talk yesterday.
Vicki started to say that she was making a small
effort to clear Harriet by tracing the handkerchief,
but that would sound smug. She said, Mr. Baker
said something about taking up a collection, but
charity isnt what Harriet needs.
I didnt agree with Georges idea, either, Jack
Smith said. No, what that frightened woman needs
is to be cleared. That may take time. In the
meantime, someone ought to reassure her that even
if shes fired and black-listed, she wont starve.
There are all sorts of public and private welfare
agencies to help her financially. He was thinking
intently. Could you tell her, Vicki?
If I have another chance to see her, Id be glad
to. The only thing is, I think Harriet has been
transferred to work on other floors.
Too bad. Well, perhaps you and I can hunt her
up.
Vicki smiled at him. He sounded like a solid
citizen. But then Jack Smith said:
Provided I dont go off to Paris very soon. Id
probably be back before long
His vagueness made Vicki wonder. Who was he
and what exactly did he do? She had met him
54

through the Bakers whom she did not know, either.

She knew nothing of any of their backgrounds.
Vicki, dont worry about Harriet, he said. The
hotel probably will keep her on for a while. Well
talk about this again. He glanced at his wrist watch
and gave a low whistle. Oh, my gosh! I have an
appointment in ten minutes.
He hurriedly escorted Vicki back to the hotel.
Im sorry to rush away like this, said Jack
Smith. I only wish I were free to spend the rest of
the day with you.
I couldnt, anyway, Vicki said. I have to study
with Karen. A week from tomorrow well be flying
off tosomewhere, anywhere, in Europe.
He looked anxious. Hope Ill see you soon
again. Maybe Paris? London? Ill call you at the
airline. Here or over there. Ill find you.
He grinned at her and held the entrance door
while Vicki walked through. She glanced back. He
was still watching her. He waved and strode away.
Upstairs, in Room 1013, Vicki was in no mood to
study. Karen was fretting because she had been
unable to find a copy of the French magazine.
Try again during the week when the foreignlanguage bookshops are open, Vicki advised her.
Silently she advised herself, Now forget about that
young man, and the Bakers, and everything except
studying the Stewardess Manual.
55

And she did.

Monday, in the mock-up, the class listened to
final lectures on giving their passengers the best, the
most cordial service. Vicki took her turn at the head
of the aisle, demonstrating how to put on and inflate
the emergency life jacket. If only the class wouldnt
grin at her! She repeated the demonstration and
speech in French, then went down the aisle. Have
you any questions, ladies and gentlemen?
Miss Saunders said, from a seat in the rear of the
mock-up, Leo Forazzo and Alison Pearce, will you
distribute the landing cards next?
Leo handed out printed landing cards, issued
under an Aliens order by the country to which they
were flying. After the passengers had filled in
names, date and place of birth, nationality, passport
number, and signature, Alison collected the cards.
She announced: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
Worldwide Airways will help you through the
formalities and customs when we land.
Class members passed out beautifully illustrated
dinner menus. John Martin, as steward, served
tomato juice cocktails. Vicki followed him and
offered a tray of canaps. Then Vicki and John set
up tables across the arms of the seats, and brought
individual Irish linen tablecloths, silver service
wrapped in dinner napkins, and crystal glasses with
56

the airlines insignia.

Sighs of pleasure went up from the class as Karen
brought bowls of salad, and Frieda served a creamy
soup from the tureen on a wheeled cart. Just try not
to splash the soup at six hundred miles an hour!
said Frieda.
Next, Bill Whipple pushed the roast-beef cart
down the aisle, carving for each passengeror
served lobster or ham steak with pineapple, as the
passenger preferred. With these, Bill served
piping-hot vegetables, fresh from their galley. One
of the men instructors corrected Bill on a fine point
of carving. John Martin offered seconds on hot rolls.
Vicki, just behind him, brought more butter and
cordially asked the happy passengers if they
would like more of anything.
Finally, they asked and served the passengers
preference in desserts: a parfait, or a basket heaped
with fresh fruits, or, from a cart, a tray of assorted
cheeses. Vicki followed down the aisle with the
coffeepot and the teapot. She took pride in serving
such a resplendent meal.
The luxury of tins meal troubled Vicki in a way.
It reminded her, by contrast, of the poverty Harriet
might face. She determined again to make her own
contribution, however small, toward clearing the
maid.
The classs guests aboard today were some
57

magazine people escorted by Mr. Carewe, head of

Worldwides service operation, and Mr. Kentner,
Worldwides learned, gracious Educational Director.
Both men had traveled around the world many
times, by air, and the class glowed at praise from
them.
Invite us again sometime, will you, Miss
Saunders? the two men asked. Its a great treat.
Youre always welcome, Dorothy Saunders
said. Come tomorrow if you can. Well be serving
coffee and sandwiches, big delicious ones.
There was a reason for carrying sandwiches
aboard on every flight, in addition to regular meals.
Sometimes passengers boarded along the route at
between-meal hours. Or, once in a long while, a
flight delay occurred. Or simply, a passenger might
get hungry at the unlikeliest timesince for world
travelers, stomach time isnt always the same as
clock time, Miss Saunders said.
The reason the class served only sandwiches on
Tuesday, the next day, was that they were busy all
day in the huge hangars. For the final time before
actual flight, providing they graduated, they
reviewed the planes inside and outside. The jet 707
was almost a block wide, wing tip to wing tip.
Why, the length of its fuselage is longer than the
Wright brothers first flight, Mr. Carewe told them.
He was not scheduled to be on this review tour with
58

the class, but he could not stay away from the

planes.
Maintenance crews were giving each plane a
four- to five-hour check before sending it up.
Everyones hair blew in the powerful drafts from
roaring propellers and the strong suction breeze
from the jets. The instructor, Mr. Ventura, had to
raise his voice to the class.
Dont let your passengers wander off at stops en
route! Jet schedules are very tight. Even a fiveminute delay counts. Watch it.
A warning horn blew to let people in the hangar
know that one of the huge doors was opening, and
one of the parked planes was ready to move.
The horn continued to blow in Vickis mind for
hours afterward, after that exciting tour. She was
still excited when they reached their hotel late that
afternoon.
Karen was excited, too, and for an additional
reason. On their way home she had found and
purchased a copy of Paris-Match, as Irene Baker
had requested.
Vicki, Karen asked, as they entered the lobby,
do you suppose shed mind if I brought the
magazine up to her? Id phone first and ask
permission.
I suppose you could ask her, Vicki said.
At the desk Karen asked the clerk for the Bakers
59

room number. He hesitated, then, apparently

remembered having seen the girls and the Bakers
together.
Theyre in Room 1113, the clerk said.
Room 1113! Vicki exclaimed. Why, thats
Thats what? Karen asked. But Vicki shrugged,
and Karen went over to one of the house phones.
After a minutes talk, she hung up, smiling.
Mrs. Baker said shes dressing to go out, but I
should come right up, Karen reported. And she is
charmed to have the magazine.
Vicki went on alone to her and Karens room,
1013. She sat down on her bed, thinking. So the
Bakers room number was 1113. Vicki was struck
by the similarity to her and Karens room number,
1013. She wondered whether the envelope
containing the locker key might have been intended
for 1113? Could it have anything to do with Irene
Bakers being so awfully friendly toward Karen and
me? Vicki asked herself.
Her doubts were vague but they would not go
awaynot even when Karen returned, glowing.
I had such a pleasant visit with Mrs. Baker,
Karen said. Shes a lovely woman. Lovely.
Is she? said Vicki. She did not like to spoil
Karens pleasure, but she felt uneasy. By the way, I
dont suppose she said anything further today about
helping Harriet?
60

Well, no Karens enthusiasm wavered. But

Mrs. Baker did tell me that she and her husband
have ever so many social engagements. Theyre so
busy! So popular! And, on yes! She suggested that
you and I lunch with her the first day that she is
free.
Vicki turned away without answering. Why these
persistent overtures? And why had Irene Baker
talked of helping Harriet, then left it so farat
mere talk? And what about tins coincidence in the
room numbers 1013 and 1113? Three small doubts,
but taken together, did they add up? And to what?

61

CHAPTER IV

Blue-and-Gold Wings

That warning horn still blew in Vickis imagination

the next day, Wednesday, as the class worked
silently all morning through their final examination.
If she didnt pass, the horn seemed to say, she
wouldnt be allowed to fly in those magnificent
planes!
Miss Saunders came in and encouraged them.
Do your best. We pride ourselves on choosing
young people who are well worth training. None of
our candidates has ever failed yet.
That afternoon they practiced once more in the
mock-up. Around four thirty, their instructors came
in, beaming.
Congratulations! they said. Weve just graded
the papersand you all passed.
The class was jubilant. Up on the bulletin board
Miss Saunders put an announcement about the
graduation party to be held in Hangar 14, the day
after tomorrow. Everybody shook hands with
62

everybody else, there were kisses and laughter, and

Adele Cerutti wept for joy.
The class stayed on another two hours for crew
scheduling. Crews were scheduled with the planes
as if, Vicki thought, we and the planes are almost
part of each other. Worldwides flights all over the
world were so numerous that six flight supervisors
were needed. The class members were impatient this
afternoon to learn their routes, their immediate
futures.
There was a little sadness, too, at breaking up the
class. Sisco Lappi, the Finnish girl, begged Miss
Saunders to have her and Yvonne Brassai scheduled
together, but the supervisor said:
Its no use asking, Sisco. You might as well
knowall of youthat on each flight, youll be
working with a fresh crew. We have hundreds of
stewards and stewardesses, so itll be a rare event if
you work with the same persons twice. Every class
gets scattered. It cant be helped.
Vicki and Karen looked at each other. They
hadnt thought of this possibility. They could hope
to meet on their rest days, but these could be
scheduled for any time in any country, and their
schedules might not tally. Karen looked sad. Miss
Saunders noticed, and smiled.
Once in a while theres an exception. When two
girls are about the same height and look well
63

togetherwhen they make a pair, as you and Vicki

dothen sometimes they are scheduled together.
There was great excitement when a flight
supervisor brought in the first schedules. Each
graduate read his assignment aloud. On Monday,
Leo Forazzo was to go to Paris and on to Rome,
Alison Pearce was to fly to London, her home,
Frieda Deinhard was scheduled for Frankfurt. Sisco
was scheduled for London and on to Stockholm,
Yvonne for a Paris flight, Bill Whipple for Rome
and on to Istanbul. And, wonderful news, Karen and
Vicki were scheduled to fly together on Monday to
Paris.
Flight 116, Vicki said joyfully, leaves Idlewild
on Monday at five thirty P.M.
All the next day, Thursday, the girls of the class
were at some of the finest shops in New York
having themselves, their coiffures, their new
uniforms polished into a state of perfection
courtesy of Worldwide Airways. Beauty comes
second, Miss Saunders reminded them. She had
often told them this, and coming from so beautiful a
woman, it was impressive. First comes an
intangible qualitya real wish to serve others a
something within you that makes you a gracious
hostess. That quality will make you good
stewardesses and good wives. Thats first.
Miss Lynn Eisner, their grooming-and-voice
64

instructor, agreed completely, but she could not

resist saying, Girls, try not to muss your hair when
you go to sleep tonight. Vicki and Karen would
have been willing to sleep sitting up. Wear your
uniforms tomorrow.
Photographers were waiting for the class the next
morning, and all Friday morning graduation
photographs were taken. Vicki wished today were
not the last time together for herself and her
classmates. However, Miss Saunders assured them
they would come across one another from time to
time, most often right here at Idlewild.
That afternoon their instructors held a discussion
period, where the class received help on their lastminute doubts and questions. After that, everyone
felt completely ready for Mondays flightsand for
the graduation party right now.
It was held in empty Hangar 14. Miss Saunders
herself set up the refreshment buffet. Teachers and
staff came in. Mr. Carewe presented small diplomas
and pinned on each graduates jacket Worldwides
blue-and-gold wings. Then he made a lighthearted
speech, and the celebration was in full swing. Vicki,
Karen, and their friends were now full-fledged
members of Worldwides Atlantic Division.
The first thing Vicki did that week end was to
telephone her family in Illinois, on Saturday
morning, and tell them the good news. Her younger
65

sister, Ginny, said over the wire:

What are you so excited about? I knew all along
youd make it. Congratulations, of course. . . .. Well,
yes, it is wonderful. . . . Well, yes, I am sort of
thrilled. In fact, Im so excited for you I could
explode!
Vicki laughed, and talked next to her parents.
They were proud of her, and anxious to know what
her itineraries would be. Vicki promised to keep
them advised, especially about her rest periods so
that they all might plan for a family visit. Vickis
family sent their congratulations to Karen, too.
Karen looked rather wistful while Vicki
telephoned from their room. Karen could not very
well afford to telephone her family, in Stockholm.
Never mind, she said, Ill tell Mrs. Baker, I
know she takes an interest. Ill call her room.
Irene Baker was delighted to learn about Karens
and Vickis graduation, and invited the girls to have
lunch with her tomorrow, Sunday. She was
especially happy for the girls that they were
scheduled for Paris.
She sounded as if she were in a hurry, Karen
reported. She was pleased about the luncheon
invitation. Vicki was less interested. She and Karen
had so many things to do before their trip abroad.
They debated what clothes to take, since, from Paris,
they were to fly on to other European cities. Vicki
66

and Karen decided hopefully to include their swim

suits and at least one afternoon dress apiece, along
with their daytime clothes, and not too many of
those. They would actually pack a few hours before
take-off on Monday.
I want to take along some American soap and
stockings, Karen said, and dashed out to buy a
small supply of these. Vicki, meanwhile, drew up a
list of relatives and friends for whom she hoped to
buy little presents abroad. She copied off and mailed
to her family a list of the hotels in various countries
where they could reach her. The airline would
provide overnight or layover quarters.
Karen returned, and together they checked that
each had her passport, health certificate, table of
foreign currencies, global time selector (a small
cardboard wheel by which they could figure the time
all over the world), fountain pen, wrist watch, and
book of American Express checks. They kept these
things separate from their many stewardess papers
and route books. Karen was also taking along some
pocket-size foreign-language dictionaries, but not
her camera.
I spend too much on film, she said. Ive
reformed, you see?
What about this blouse you just bought, along
with the soap and stockings? Vicki asked.
It is for my little sister, Helga, Karen said
67

virtuously. It was such a bargain, and so pretty.

Then she noticed Vickis amused, reproving glance.
Yes, I will reform!
Hmm, said Vicki. Im glad the shops are
closed by now.
Their preparations, plus writing a few letters, had
taken all day. They spent a happy evening at a class
supper in a restaurant, celebrating their graduation
all over again. Bill Whipple did a hilarious spoof of
a demanding passenger. Everyone laughed, but
everyone admitted he or she was going to do some
last-minute studying.
After Vicki and Karen had tumbled into bed, tired
but happy, Vicki reached out from her bed and
turned on the radio for the eleven-oclock news.
a carved ruby, the announcer was saying. It
is a deep red, carved in a shape resembling a fullblown rose. Valued at five thousand dollars, the
unset ruby stone is the rarest item among the jewelry
stolen some time today. Police have declined to give
out any further details of the burglary at the present
time, on the grounds that publicity might interfere
with their apprehension of the thief, and have
thrown a cordon of detectives around the Choate
house on Long Island. I will be back with more
news in one minute, after this announcement from
our sponsor
Karen turned the radio down low. Ill bet the
68

police arent telling anything because they dont

know anything. Not yet, anyhow.
Could be, Vicki murmured. A carved ruby! I
never even heard of one, did you? A ruby rose! It
must be lovely. . . . You know, this is the second big
jewel theft within a few days.
Karen turned the radios volume up again, but the
next news item was on another topic. She tried other
stations, but there was nothing further about the theft
of the carved ruby. Vicki telephoned the lobby,
asking whether the Sunday newspaper was on sale
yet. It was, in an early edition. A bellboy brought a
copy up to Room 1013.
Look! The carved ruby made front-page
headlines. Vicki spread the newspaper open on the
desk, and she and Karen read together:
Jewelry valued at a total of several hundred
thousand dollars was stolen today from the Long
Island country home of Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt
Choate. The jewelry, which belongs to Mrs. Choate
and her daughters, was to have been worn Saturday
evening at a birthday ball. It had been removed, only
the afternoon before, from the familys safe-deposit
vault by Mr. Choate and transferred by him to a safe
in the library of the Choate home.
Police believe that the burglary took place
sometime between eleven A.M. and four P.M. today,
when the Choate family and their house guests were
69

out swimming and sailing. They took along a picnic

lunch and did not return to the house for lunch. In
their absence, the household staff was at work on
final preparations for last evenings ball. Mrs.
Choates secretary, who was in charge, told
reporters that several delivery-men, caterers men, a
television
repairman,
and
a
musicians
representative installing a loudspeaker were in and
out of the house during the day. Police are checking
on these men. Mr. Choate stated that he believes
members of his household staff are beyond
suspicion; all of them have been in the Choates
employ for at least ten years.
There is speculation as to whether Saturdays
jewel theft may be linked with the burglary of the
Deming apartment on June 9, only nine days ago. In
both cases, the burglar was an expert safe-breaker,
and entered and left the premises without arousing
suspicion. However, police are inclined to regard
todays theft as an inside job, as only members of
the family, their house guests, and immediate
household knew that the jewelry was in the house.
The carved ruby belonging to Mrs. Choate was
the most spectacular piece of jewelry stolen. The
most valuable was a gold, diamond, and pearl
necklace.
Karen commented, I do not care for that. I like
bettershe read on . . . the diamond floral spray,
70

pearl necklace, and gold vanity case.

Vicki sighed. Id choose the carved ruby.
She dreamed of the carved ruby that night. It was
an unnatural rose, blood red, terrifying in its beauty.
Sunday brought church service, followed by
lunch with Irene Baker. She was waiting by herself
in the hotel lobby, looking like a fashion model,
only less studied, more carefree.
Karen! Vicki! Im delighted to see you.
Congratulations again on starting your new careers!
Unfortunately, my husband is unable to be with us,
but he sends you his three cheers, too.
She led the girls into the dining room, chattering
away at a great rate. After ordering their meal, Irene
Baker explained that Mr. Baker was busy trying to
get flight reservations for both of them, for Paris.
For when? Karen asked.
For just as soon as he cantomorrownext
day Mrs. Baker shrugged. Were hoping
someone will cancel two reservations at the last
moment, so we can have them. It often happens, we
may be lucky
Wouldnt it be wonderful, Karen said, if you
came on our flight! Its Monday afternoon!
Vicki politely smiled and nodded. Irene Baker
noticed her detachment. She talked winningly to the
two girls about Paris, and the sights they must be
sure to see there. She knew Paris well; she and Mr.
71

Baker often were in Paris to see friends and to take

care of their business interests. She hinted that they
lived on investments, and so had a great deal of
leisure to travel about. On this coming trip, the
Bakers expected to stay in Paris only a short while
and then return to New York.
I hope well all be in Paris at the same time,
Irene Baker said. You must give us the name of
your Paris hotel. Oh, by the way, Dillon Smith is
over there now! He flew over a few days ago. Id
love it if all of us could meet there! Dillon told us he
has so many personal contacts to renew, abroad. I
understand he has wide andwellvery good
connections. He knows ever so many well-to-do
people.
To Vicki, it sounded as if the Bakers would like
to meet some of Jack Dillon Smiths very good
connections. Vicki wondered whether the Bakers
were social climbers. She wondered, too, about Jack
Smith. He had not seemed to her to be the Bakers
kind of person, yet they were all very chummy. Mrs.
Baker said:
I nearly forgot! Dillon asked me to tell you, with
any luck, he hopes to see you in Paris sometime.
Both of you, of course, though I think he means
Vicki especially. Mrs. Baker smiled dazzlingly at
Vicki, who somehow was not won over by this
woman.
72

Their hostess chattered on about everything under

the sun. I shall give you a list of good shops in
Paris, and the names of some excellent, inexpensive
little dressmakers. You really must shop while
youre in Paris! And at least go look at the jewels at
Carriers and Mauboussins! She mentioned the
jewel theft. Isnt it incredible? How can people go
off for a swim and leave a fortune in jewels, with all
those strangers trooping in and out of their house! A
carved ruby! What a rarity! I should adore to see it. I
adore jewels, dont you? Karen, your necklace is
most becoming. But you, Vicki, why dont you wear
the pretty ornaments I am sure you must have?
Not a word in all her chatter about Harriet, the
chambermaid she had said she wanted to help. Well,
perhaps by now Mrs. Baker had helped Harriet in
some way. Or perhaps not. Vicki did not feel it
would do any good to raise the subject.
They parted after lunch with many thanks by the
girls, and Bon voyage! Happy landings! all
around. Irene Baker dashed upstairs to visit Mrs.
Hatfield.
Isnt she lovely! Karen sighed.
No, said Vicki. Im sorry to disagree with you,
but I just dont like Irene Baker. Or George Baker.
Well, its possible you are right and I am
wrong, Karen said. But you do like that young
man, Dill Pickles Smith?
73

Dillon Smith. Or Jack SmithI think he prefers

to be called Jack.
Karen grinned her wide, friendly grin. I think
youre changing the subject.
Vicki felt her cheeks grow warm. Well, yes, I do
rather like him. Then she added, Ive only seen
him once.
It seemed to Vicki that the rest of Sunday and
most of Monday vanished in a twinkling of a
second, studying, packing, reciting, Welcome
aboard, ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et
messieurs
Then it really was time for Flight 116 to start. It
really was five thirty on a glorious June afternoon,
and Vicki was standing in the open doorway of their
jet airliner Mayflower, in the sun and breeze,
welcoming the men, women, and children who
climbed up the portable staircase. Her uniform and
cap were so new they did not feel quite comfortable
on a first wearing. Vicki smiled at the baby one
woman carried aboard, and signaled Karen, in the
music-filled cabin, to seat the woman and bring a
baby kit. Their highly experienced purser, a
youngish man named Sigurd Nielsen, at work here
in the Luxury Section, was a reassuring presence to
Karen and Vicki on their indoctrination flight. Even
more comforting was the knowledge that Miss
Saunders was aboard, as flight supervisor and
74

trouble shooter for her new people. Just now she

was in the rear or Economy Section of the airliner,
where Bill Whipple was working with Marcia
McFadden, another experienced Worldwide crew
member.
Hello, Vicki! Surprise! Irene Baker came up
the stairway ramp, with her husband behind her.
We did get a cancellation.
Vicki welcomed them aboard. As they entered the
cabin, she heard Karens little cry of pleasure.
However, all the passengersand everything
elsefaded momentarily for Vicki in the excitement
of the jet 707s take-off. Before Vicki knew it the
No Smoking sign went off, and they were aloft.
The jet was so smooth and quiet that Vicki felt no
sensation at all of flying, though they were traveling
at nearly 600 miles per hour.
She was so preoccupied to do everything right on
her first jet flight, and her first transatlantic flight,
that afterward she remembered it only in vivid
snatches. They came down at Bostons Logan
International Airport at six twenty, where more
passengers emplaned. Then the jet airliner took off
again at seven oclock for the long pull across the
Atlantic. Vicki noticed, even though she, Karen, and
Sigurd were busy serving dinners, how abruptly they
flew from the American dusk into the oceans
midnight, flying toward tomorrow which it already
75

was in Paris. Her wrist watch on New York time no

longer made sense, it was hours behind the stars and
first faint streaks of dawn outside.
The passengers napped after dinner, then a few
awoke to enjoy more coffee and strolls and lowvoiced chats with the stewardesses. They were due
in Paris at the equivalent of thirty minutes after
midnight, New York and Boston time, so the
evening was still young. Vicki noticed that the
Bakers sat in the observation lounge, talking
animatedly with some new acquaintances. All
eveningor nightMiss Saunders came in and out
of the Luxury Section, watching, suggesting,
helping. Vicki and Karen brought pillows and
blankets for everyone, and after a while turned off
almost all the cabin lights. The baby cried once, and
one elderly man asked for a digestant tablet. Vicki
and Karen took turns bringing coffee every hour to
the flight crew up front. Vicki ate her own dinner
standing up in the galley while Karen slept briefly.
Vicki felt too exhilarated to sleep. She answered a
few passengers calls, and hurried to write out her
reports. Through the cabin windows, she saw the
first pink of dawn bathe the starboard wing. Below
the 707, she saw only clouds.
Then the cloud banks began to drift and rip apart
as their plane lost altitude, and in the gaps in the
clouds, she had glimpses far below of the green
76

coast of France. It looked like a tiny patchwork quilt

in varying shades of green, before clouds and
morning mist concealed, revealed, hid it againas
the jet rushed ahead into full daylight now.
Passengers were stirring in the cabin, standing up
and stretching. The children awoke, still sleepy but
ready to play. Vicki, Karen, and Sigurd brought hot
coffee and rolls, then brought the passengers their
coats, and helped with children and parcels and
landing cards. The captain announced over the
public-address system in English:
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It is six
twenty Paris time. We have reduced speed and will
land at Orly Airport in ten minutes, exactly on time.
The temperature on the ground this morning in Paris
is 82 degrees, a clear, sunny day. I hope you have
enjoyed your flight. Sigurd Nielsen repeated the
announcement in German, and then it was up to
Vicki to repeat it in French. She did well.
They made a smooth, perfect landing at Orly
Airport. The cabin crew saw to it that the passengers
got off with all their hand luggage and went ahead to
Customs, their passports ready. Karen carried the
baby while its mother got out her necessary
documents. Vicki and Sigurd remained behind in the
cabin, smiling, saying good-by, as the passengers
thanked them for a pleasant flight. The Bakers
smiled, waved, and left the plane with the others.
77

Miss Dorothy Saunders came through from the

Economy Section, looking poised and fresh and
lovely, as if she had not been working hard for seven
hours.
All of you did extremely well, she said to Vicki
and Sigurd. Tell Karen for me, in case I dont see
her. Miss Saunders was flying on to London that
morning to see some of Worldwides stewardesses
and flight supervisors there, and to interview new
applicants. In fact, Miss Saunders said, with a
smile at Vicki, tell Karen that Im proud of you.
Vicki nearly burst with relief and pride. She
stepped out of the plane into the Paris sunshine. Her
crew was congregating to admire a British Overseas
Airways jet. Karen joined them.
Sleep, anyone? their captain asked.
Why sleep when we can see Paris? several of
them said together. Vicki and Karen nudged each
other in delight.
Exactly how I feel, the captain said. I suggest
we all go back to the hotel, check in, change out of
flight uniform, and go to Les Halles for breakfast.
Its early, but theyve been open there all night.
Then well do some sightseeing. What do you say?
Everyone agreed. A crew car drove them eleven
miles through suburban Paris into the heart of the
city. Vickis eyes bugged out on the way, everything
was so different, yet in some ways not so different
78

from home, and soso French, she whispered to

herself, then thought, Well, what did you expect,
you idiot? Gosh, Im so happy!

79

CHAPTER V

In Paris

To Vickis surprise, she relished a breakfast of caf

au lait and croissants with her crew, although her
body knew perfectly well it was one thirty Monday
night in New York. But the sunshine streaming
across the food and flower stalls of Les Halles
market place, and the early, bustling sights and
sounds of Paris starting for work, not to mention the
old pendulum clock ticking loudly above the caf
counter, convinced her it was seven thirty Tuesday
morning, Paris time.
Paris! She was really here!
Whos for making the grand tour? their captain
asked. Or as much of Paris as we can see today?
The captains name was L. P. Mitchell. Sigurd,
seated next to Vicki and Karen, told them L. P.
stood for Long Playing.
Its a sin to waste time sleeping in Paris, the
navigator declared, standing up. We can sleep in
less exciting cities.
80

So they picked their way through crates of

country produce and haggling sellers, dodged
porters carrying heavy loads on their backs, and
commandeered two ancient taxis. They started off
on a mad, careening drive to visit Notre Dame
Cathedral.
Beside the Seine River, the cathedral rose up like
gigantic lacework carved in stone. Its bell-tower, a
guide said, was begun in 1165 and completed in
1330. Vicki and her group entered the shadowy
cathedral. Looking up at the famous rose windows
and the arching vaults, listening to the organ music
and the shuffle of many feet on the worn stone
floors, Vicki sensed the great age of this place.
Napoleon had been crowned here, and kings married
here, and what she had read in history books
suddenly came alive for Vicki.
Outdoors again, her group walked beside the
Seine, watching men fishing at the edge of its stone
walls, and paused to browse at the bookstalls which
lined the embankment. Vicki wanted to linger, but
Captain Mitchell swept them into a bus and off to
Napoleons resplendent tomb. Here, indoors, Karen
began to yawn and Vickis eyes felt heavy, dazzled
though she was by gold-and-marble mementos of
the Empire.
Fresh air is what you need, L. P. said.
Off they went to ride a lift to the very top of the
81

Eiffel Tower. High above Paris in the sun and air,

with the lovely city spread out below them like a
map, they did feel refreshed. It was almost noon
when they descended, carrying miniature Eiffel
Towers and tiny tricolor flags as souvenirs.
Now lets take a fiacrethats a horse carriage,
Captain Mitchell suggested, and drive through the
Bois. This was the Bois de Boulogne, a woods in
the heart of Paris, with walks and bridle paths and
lakes. Well stop for lunch at a lakeside restaurant,
and then on to the Bastille.
But the flight crew had seen much of Paris before
and wanted a nap. Karen and Marcia wanted to go
shopping. Vicki had a special errand in mind. So
they separated, and Vicki went by herself to the
nearest public telephone, in a nearby arcade.
Looking up a name and number in the Paris
directory was simple, but using an unfamiliar coin
telephone, with unfamiliar currency and in a foreign
language, was quite a trick. Fortunately for Vicki, a
woman who was using the adjoining telephone came
over and got Vickis number for her.
Merci bien, madame, Vicki said gratefully.
Pas de quoi, mademoiselle, the woman said.
Voil
She handed Vicki the phone and went away. A
mans voice came on. Vicki managed to converse in
French with a member of the firm of Lron Frres.
82

Yes, the man said, the hand-embroidered, colorinitialed

handkerchief
which
mademoiselle
described was theirs. Yes, he would be glad to give
her a list of the Paris shops which sold the
handkerchiefs. The man gave her five names, saying
only a few shops stocked this expensive item, and
then asked:
Where
are
you
telephoning
from,
mademoiselle?
I am near the Eiffel Tower.
Then why not try the Larue Shop? You are near
there.
Vicki thanked him and hung up. She would have
preferred to walk to the shop, along the tree-lined
boulevard with its sidewalk cafs and crowds of
well-dressed, assured people. But with only today to
spend in Paris, and not knowing how soon the
airline would send her here again, Vicki hailed
another of those ancient taxis.
The driver let her off not far from one of the great
avenues, on a narrow, winding side street. Its many,
small, old buildings were as ornamental as a
wedding cake, and housed fine shops.
Vicki paused before the Larue Shops manypaned window. On display were beautiful trinkets,
antique fans, a velvet tray of jewels, mostly
semiprecious stones, a few flowered porcelain cups
and saucers, embroidered table linens.
83

A little of everything, like our gift shops, Vicki

thought, and went in.
The shop was tiny and dim, curtained off at the
back. Apparently there was a back room. Two men
and a saleswoman stood at the small glass display
counter, looking at something. The saleswoman
quickly came forward before Vicki could glimpse
what the article was.
Bon jour, may I help you? the saleswoman
asked pleasantly in French. She was an alert woman,
and seemed to Vicki a little tense.
Im looking for a special handkerchief, Vicki
replied. Her attention was drawn toward the two
men. There was an air of secrecy about themthe
way they bent over an open box on the counter, and
spoke rapidly in low tones. Vicki heard the
customer, holding his hat, address the other man as
M. Larue. He seemed to be the owner, a tall, middleaged man. The saleswoman prompted her:
What sort of special handkerchief?
Embroidered, very elaborate, with an initial in
color
For just an instant Vicki saw the flash of precious
gems as M. Larue moved the velvet box. There was
the pure white flash of a diamond, the softer white
of pearls, and she thought she sawshe was not
certaina massive carved red stone. But in that split
second the saleswoman took a step or two and
84

blocked off Vickis view.

What initial? the saleswoman asked.
Vicki floundered. B, please. The saleswoman
reached for handkerchiefs on the shelf, and as she
moved, Vicki saw that M. Larue had closed the lid
of the velvet box and was putting it aside.
Here is a B, mademoiselle. In blue. Very pretty,
the saleswoman said.
Yes, but Vicki saw M. Larue take out
another velvet box. She wanted to stay in the shop
long enough to see what the second box contained.
But have you the initial in pink?
I believe I have. The saleswoman flipped
through the pile of handkerchiefs. M. Larue opened
the second box. Vicki saw that it held only some
brassy costume jewelry. The conversation between
the two men had come to a standstill.
Yes, here is the handkerchief in pink, the
saleswoman said. Shall I wrap it for you?
Yes, please, andand Vicki felt the men
were being careful not to look in her direction, felt
that they all wanted her out of the shop. What was
going on in this tiny, dim, gift shop? To stall for
time, Vicki said to the saleswoman, If you also
have the handkerchief with a yellow or green initial,
Id like to buy that, too.
I am afraid not, mademoiselle, the saleswoman
said. Shall I wrap the pink one? She sounded a
85

86

trifle impatient.
Yes, please wrap the pink one. Vicki decided it
would be useless to hem and haw. How much is
it?
Twenty-one hundred francs, mademoiselle. Or,
in your currency, six dollars.
Vicki was startled at the high price. Had the
saleswoman boosted the price in order to discourage
her from coming here to shop again? Vicki said with
amusement, as she paid:
I should have asked the price first.
Mademoiselle, do not take it if you feel it is too
expensive. But as you see, in the Larue Shop we
carry only the finest things.
Including the jewels of which she had had the
merest glimpse? And was the saleswomans
charming smile meant to smooth over any
suspicions Vicki might have? Vicki said she did
want to buy the handkerchief and accepted the little
package which the saleswoman handed her. Then,
quickly, M. Larue called the saleswoman over
with first a half-bow of apology to Vickito help
him find a certain jade necklace. Very neatly, very
unobtrusively, Vicki was shown that they had no
more time to wait on her. She was, in effect,
dismissed.
Out on the street, Vicki strolled slowly away from
the shop. The incident left her uneasy, dissatisfied.
87

She tried to recollect what that massive red gem had

looked likecould it, by any chance, have been a
ruby? A carved ruby?
Just because a carved ruby was stolen in New
York, and I think I saw an unusual red jewel in
Paris Vicki thought uncertainly. Thats not
sufficient reason for me to go to the police.
She hesitated, wondering what to do, whether to
do anything. She walked to the corner, crossed over
to a main street with a lunchtime crowd, and turned
around for a last look at the Larue Shop. M. Larue
came out of the shop just then. He headed in her
direction, although keeping to his own side of the
narrow street. Something bulky bulged in his breast
pocket. Vicki was consumed with curiosity.
Almost of their own accord, her legs carried her
along, after M. Larue. He turned and walked rapidly
along the main boulevard, his tall figure rising above
the crowd. After a block or two, he went into an
attractive-looking restaurant. Vicki was brought up
short.
Shall I follow him in there? she thought. Id
like to see whether hes going to meet anyone
there.
What held her back was the fear that, after
purchasing that handkerchief, she might not have
enough money left to pay for her lunch. The airline
had money waiting for her and all her crew members
88

at their office, but by the time she got it and came

back here, M. Larue might have left the restaurant. .
..
Well, hello, Vicki! said an American voice.
What are you doing around here?
Of all people, it was redheaded Jack Smith. He
beamed at her as if she were a long-lost friend. Vicki
was suddenly aware that she had not peeked at
herself in a mirror for repairs during all these hours
of sightseeing and shopping, and by now she must
look pretty frayed. Not from the way Jack Smith
looked at her, though! Vicki smiled back up at him
and forgot about herself.
What fun to bump into you, she said. How are
you?
Fine. You look fine. How was the flight? Your
first transatlantic flight, wasnt it?
You are nice to remember that, Vicki said.
Its a marvelous thing to fly across the ocean in a
few hours. Or to fly at all. I get a big bang out of
every flight, Jack Smith said.
Vicki agreed, and wondered where was the
flippant, rather cold, side of him today? Or did that
side of him come out only with the Bakers?
Ill tell you what, he said. Lets have lunch
and you tell me about your flight. If youI mean
are you free for lunch? He betrayed a trace of
shyness. Vicki liked him for it.
89

Id love to have lunch with you, Vicki said, and

started to giggle. You know what? Ive hardly sat
down, except for breakfast and taxi rides, since an
hour before take-off time yesterday. I may fall
asleep during lunch. Fair warning.
Well go some place quiet, and Jack Smith took
her arm protectively.
Vicki half hoped he would take her into the
restaurant which M. Larue had entered. But he chose
another restaurant, a small, beautiful room with
distinguished food and service. Vicki was touched
by his efforts to please her. Halfway through the
meal, though, she wondered if he wanted some sort
of information. What put her on guard was the
vague, half-evasive way he answered her question
about his own work.
I thought I told you last time, Jack Smith said,
sounding a little guarded himself. I collect things
for my uncle and that fantastic, museumlike shop of
his. Thats why I travel.
Yes, you did tell me, Vicki said. You must be
pretty learned to know what to collect, and where to
find it, and not get fooled by fakers. Did you study
for this work?
Well, ahyes, some. Though I picked up most
of what I know from being around my uncle. Im no
art expert, Vicki, nor an archaeologist. Dont get me
wrong. My uncle is, but Im not.
90

But surely youre not an amateur, either?

The young man looked embarrassed.
Look, Vicki, I do this for my uncle as a sort of
hobby. Im learning as I go along. Itsits sort of a
casual thing, and I may not do it forever.
Vicki was puzzled by his answer. His occupation
sounded rather aimless and halfhearted for a young,
vigorous man. Was there something further he did
not want to tell her?
She hoped she had not been prying or tactless,
and said:
Well, it all sounds interesting and unusual.
Jack smiled broadly at her. He had a merry smile
and a straightforward gaze. Lets talk about you.
Ill bet you have a nice family, to have produced
you.
I have. Vicki described her parents, and her
little sister Ginny, and Freckles, their spaniel. Jack
Smith told her about his parents and his brother,
who lived in Ohio. All of the men in his family were
redheads; in spite of the superstition, they all had
easygoing dispositions.
Its my mother who has a temper, he said. One
of the few things that annoys me is being called Red,
or Brick, or Dill. I prefer Jack.
The Bakers call you Dillon, Vicki recalled. She
stifled a yawn; all this relaxation and good food was
making her sleepy.
91

Oh, that reminds me, Jack said. I telephoned

the Bakers this morning at the Crillon, and were
dining together this evening. Id like to invite you to
come along, he said, with again a slight shyness,
but Irene has plans of her own. Theyre only going
to be in Paris about a week this time, on business, so
their schedule is crowded.
Vicki wished she could come right out and say to
Jack, I dont like or trust the Bakers very much,
and Id just as soon not be invited along with them.
Whatever do you see in such shallow people as the
Bakers? Theyre too old for you, besides. But of
course she could not blurt out such a thing. So she
smiled and explained that she had only this one day
in Paris; tomorrow morning she was to leave on
another flight.
Jack ordered a fabulous dessert for her, and told
her funny stories while she ate it, and teased her
because her eyes were growing heavy.
My eyes are practically closed, Vicki said. But
its wicked to sleep on my first day in Paris.
Youd better, or youll fall asleep tomorrow
while youre handing some passenger his lunch,
Jack said, laughing. Wont you be back in Paris
often? Vicki said there was a good chance of it.
Well, you must try Jack Smiths Guided Tours.
Jack leaned across the table. You are falling asleep.
Guess what time it is, New York time?
92

Vicki yawned. I dont know and dont careooh, Im so tired all of a sudden!
Its early morning in New York, time to wake up
after the nights sleep you didnt have, Jack said.
Come on.
He took her by taxi to the crews hotel. Vicki
thanked him for the lunch and his kindness.
It was a great pleasure for me, Jack Smith said.
Lets do it soon again. Ill be going back and forth
between Paris and New York in the next few weeks,
just as you will, so Ill find you again.
That would be nice. By the way, Vicki asked,
struggling to keep her eyes open, how did you find
me today?
Sheer accident and good luck. Vicki, dont fall
asleep standing here! Ill put you on the elevator
The last she saw of him was through the black
iron grillwork of the old-fashioned lift, smiling at
her as the lift lurched upward.
Vicki let herself into her and Karens room. The
blinds were drawn and Karen, that eager shopper,
was fast asleep on one of the two beds. Karen had
kicked her shoes off, but had fallen asleep with her
dress and one glove on. Vicki smiled, and picked up
a loosely tied parcel which had dropped on the floor.
It contained some flowered silk; apparently Karen
planned to have a dress made. That was the last
thing Vicki noticed, for she fell asleep herself.
93

She could have slept for hours, except that at five

thirty, their room telephone rang. The clerk said in
French:
There is a Monsieur Marcel waiting in the lobby
to see Mademoiselle Barr.
Vicki shook her head to clear it. Monsieur
Marcel? I do not know him. What does he want?
He says he wishes to see you on business.
Vicki groaned. In her present sleepy state, she
might be forgetting someone or something
important. She splashed cold water on her face and
wrists, dressed, and went down to the lobby.
Glancing around, she did not recognize anyone she
knew.
A slight, gray-haired man came toward her. His
manner was extremely modest, almost humble, like
his worn suit. Vicki thought he might be a
messenger or a guide, particularly when he
addressed her in English. His accent was French.
Miss Vicki Barr? I am sorry to disturb you, I
hope I do not interrupt. You?
Not at all. You are Monsieur Marcel?
Yes, mademoiselle. I am a courier. For travelers.
I am often working in and out of Orly Airport, and it
is there I see you and Miss Sorenson and your crew
arrive this morning. One of the airlines men, a friend
of mine, told me your names and your hotel. The
little man smiled at her apologetically, placatingly.
94

I hope you will forgive my approaching you,

mademoiselle. I think perhaps you may be interested
in a matter of business.
What sort of business? Vicki was astonished
and rather suspicious.
The little man fidgeted with his hat. Oh, a
perfectly legitimate business, mademoiselle, I assure
you! As you no doubt know, here on the Continent
we greatly value your American goods. Sometimes
your American flight crews bring along electric
appliances or nylon hosiery or American cigarettes.
They bring a very good price here. I can be of
service to you and Miss Sorenson, in case you have
brought with you anything you wish to sell. He
waited humbly for her answer.
Ive never heard of any crew member bringing
in articles to sell. Vicki shook her head. It sounds
like black market, or at least gray market.
No, no, no, mademoiselle! You misunderstand
me. Excuse me, I did not put it well. I should have
known that young ladies would not think to bring
electrical gadgets, but perhapshe sidled closer to
heryou wish to dispose of some personal
belonging? Something to wear, some heirloom,
which you are tired of? I am a buyer, you see.
I have nothing to sell, Vicki insisted. Neither
has Miss Sorenson. She was bewildered. I dont
know why you have come to me, Monsieur Marcel.
95

There must be some mistake. In any case, I dont

want anything to do with youryour business.
He shrugged delicately. I think to myself, it
never hurts to ask. Forgive me for taking up your
time, Miss Barr.
He bowed slightly and went away.
Karen was awake when Vicki returned to their
room. She described M. Marcels visit. Karen was as
puzzled as Vicki.
I dont think he wanted simply electric razors or
nylons, Vicki said. I had the impression he was
hinting at something illegitimate.
Karen was frowning. This is the first time I ever
heard of a courier who buys and sells. It isnt usual;
it isnt right. I dont understand why he came to us.
He saidor he led me to believethat he
approaches all American flight crews, Vicki said.
Im going to ask Marcia and Bill Whipple and our
other crew members about this.
When they all met for dinner, Vicki asked her
question. None of the crew had ever been
approached as M. Marcel had approached Vicki,
even though the men in the flight crew had been
flying all over Europe for years. Captain Mitchell
was angry.
Fliers dont dabble in gray-market trade. That
man was crooked, Vicki. If you ever see him again,
report him to the nearest policeman or customs
96

officer.
Yes, I will, Captain.
Crooked, Vicki thought. I had the same
impression about the Larue Shop this morning.
Was there any connection here? The gift shop
carried mostly small objects of art, linens, and
jewelry, whereas M. Marcel had asked for useful
things. Still, he had asked if she wished to sell some
personal belonging or something to wear. . . . But he
must know that a stewardess working for her living
did not own anything particularly valuable. Then,
too, M. Marcel knew her name and Paris address,
the people at the Larue Shop did not, so that did not
seem like a connection. And Vicki could not picture
an expensive shop like Larues doing business with
a shabby courier. M. Larue would scarcely need that
sorry little man. So much for that.
Vicki still could not understand why M. Marcel
had approached only her and Karen. She discussed
the question with Karen while they packed for the
next mornings flight, and incidentally mentioned
the Larue Shop.
Karen was polite but not too interested. She said,
Why do you think the red stone might be a carved
ruby? You hardly saw it! Vicki, your imagination is
full of carved rubies! About M. MarcelI think
really it is useless for you to wonder. You have no
way of arriving at an answer. Maybe hes just made
97

a stupid mistake.
Karen was reasonable on both points, Vicki had
to admit.
But do you think, Vicki said, that M. Marcel
mighteven remotelyhave anything to do with
the jewelry we found in the locker?
Couldnt be! We turned those jewels over to the
police. Our role in that is all finished. Those two
detectives said so, remember?
Yes, thats true. Finally Vicki decided to forget
about the courierat least for now.
From Orly Airport at nine thirty the next
morning, they flew by jet south to Rome, with a load
of passengers speaking French, Italian, Turkish, and
broken English, and a multilingual cabin crew
whom Vicki and Karen met for the first time that
Wednesday morning. The flight crew were
Americans, as usual. Vicki and Karen had barely
completed the breakfast service when their jet
airliner landed at Leonardo da Vinci International
Airport, just outside Rome.
The Italian airport was the most magnificent
Vicki had ever seen. During the hour stopover, the
grandeur almost consoled her and Karen for not
having a chance to see Rome this trip. Their jet took
off a few minutes after noon with additional
passengers going home to India and China and a
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group or American engineers. Vicki and her crew

served lunch (preparing special dishes for one dieter,
two babies, one vegetarian aboard), passed out
newspapers in several languages, brought coffee
every hour up forward to the flight crew, and
snatched glimpses below of clouds, sometimes
mountainous land, and intensely blue seas. They
flew southeast.
By three forty that afternoon (it was two forty
Paris and Rome time), their jet came down at
Istanbul, Turkey. The plane went on, but the crew
got off, to spend a rest day in this city of Byzantine
mosques.
Thursday in Istanbul! They were in Asia, across
the Black Sea from Russia, across the Mediterranean
Sea from Egypt! Vicki and Karen spent a marvelous
day with their crew visiting the famed Moslem
church St. Sofia, and the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed
III, and the Seven-Towers Castle, and the Seraglio
Palace where sultans once lived. In the bazaars
Vicki bought small presents to bring homeattar of
roses perfume, hand embroideries, silver filigree
but bargaining first, as her crew told her was
customary. Karen had to be restrained from
spending her entire months salary for a beautiful
little Oriental rug. Vicki looked in vain for any
veiled women or men in fezzes, but there were no
longer any. Istanbul was as modern and
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cosmopolitan a city as Paris or New York, but with

its own Asiatic flavor. Most of the Turkish people
she met spoke French and were cordial. The day
ended with a dinner of chicken stuffed with rice,
currants, pine nuts, and spices, and thick, sweet
Turkish coffee. She and Karen went to their room
after buying, for a trifle, bunches of roses,
chrysanthemums, and brown orchids. That night
Vicki dreamed of Mount Ararat, nearby, where
Noahs Ark had come to rest.
Vicki and Karen took off late the next afternoon,
with part of the same crew, plus some new crew
members, and sixty passengers, for Ankara. Where
Angora cats originally came from, Karen said.
After less than an hours flight, they stopped over at
the Ankara airport. Their jet flew off in the early
evening with some additional passengers, heading
southeast, for Teheran, capital of Iran, formerly
called Persia. Vicki and Karen served dinner aloft to
men in odd garb and women in saris, then served
after-dinner coffee all evening. The plane reached
Teherans airport exactly on time as usual. Again
they had lost clock time in flying eastward; in
Istanbul, it was an hour and a half earlier, in Paris
two and a half hours earlier than here. The crew
helped their passengers change planes for Calcutta,
Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
If we kept on flying on this route, Vicki said to
100

Karen, wed end up in San Francisco and the good

old U.S.A. Right around the world!
But the crew remained in Teheran for the night.
Vicki had read of Persias roses, nightingales, and
poetry, and wished they did not have to leave at six
the next morning. Next morning at the airport,
though, Vicki was not so sorry. This desertlike
country was the first place so far where she felt the
intense heat of the sun. She, and Karen too, took
cover in the planes air-conditioned cabin.
This country isnt for blondes, Karen said. A
few minutes exposure at boarding time had
reddened her fair skin.
From Teheran back to Istanbul, on Saturdayon
Sunday, from Istanbul, with a stop at Rome, then
back to Paris. They arrived thirty minutes after
midnight. Monday in Paris was a rest day. Vicki and
Karen slept all day and most of the evening. They
didnt want to waste time sleeping, but they needed
the rest.
On Tuesday noon they reported in at Orly
Airport. The flight crew was new to them. With a
capacity load of passengers, mostly Americans, they
flew west across the Atlantic to New York.
Home! said Vicki, as she wearily left the plane
Tuesday afternoon at Idlewild and took a deep
breath of the bracing American air. Her arms and
shoulders ached from carrying heavy trays of food.
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Home at last!
Karen was so tired she did not think she could
stay on her feet until they reached the Hotel Roberts.
Vicki led her into an airport coffee shop where, like
other crews just off other planes, they fortified
themselves with chocolate sundaes and hot coffee.
An older Worldwide stewardess sitting near them
smiled. Just in from Johannesburg for the first
time.
Just in from Teheran for the first time, Vicki
admitted.
The first time is the hardest, the older
stewardess said.
Anyway, they now had three days off in New
York.

102

CHAPTER VI

A Change of Heart

Coffee or tea, madam? Karen muttered from the

twin bed next to Vickis.
Karens eyes were closed, she was talking in her
sleep. Vicki smiled and snuggled against the pillow,
and went back to sleep.
When they both finally woke up, they had to stop
and figure it was Wednesday morning, June 28,
eleven oclock.
And never mind what date and hour it is
anywhere else, said Vicki.
They phoned Room Service to send up a
combination of breakfast and lunch. Both girls were
astonished at how unambitious they felt, even after a
great deal of sleep. While they were eating, the maid
unlocked the door, carrying fresh towels.
Oh, excuse me! the maid said, embarrassed. I
thought you young ladies had gone out by now. I
didnt see any Do Not Disturb sign. They had
forgotten to put it outside the door of Room 1013.
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Excuse me. Ill come back later.

Vicki smiled at her. Wed appreciate that.
Wait Arent you Sadie? You and Harriet worked
together on this floor and the eleventh floor, didnt
you? The maid nodded. I hope Harriets trouble
here has been cleared up by now.
No, maam. Sadie stepped into the room.
Harriets been fired. And shes black-listed! She
cant get any job!
You mean shes still under suspicion? Vicki
was appalled, and Karen was, too. Nothing was
proved against her, was it?
No, maam, Sadie said. The hotel detective
thinks shes innocent. None of us maids knows why
she was let go. Harriet dont know why, herself. All
I know is, she said last week she has almost no
money left and dont know where to turn next. Shes
all alone, poor thing.
Thats awful, Vicki said. Im going to speak to
the hotel manager and see if something cant be
done for her.
First, Vicki and Karen telephoned to the
Stewardess Office at Idlewild. Miss Saunders was
back, and they had a nice chat with her.
Next, they went downstairs to the lobby, to the
Western Union desk. Vicki sent a telegram to her
family, and Karen sent a cablegram to her parents.
Both girls sent the same message: Marvelous trip.
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Am fine. Resting here. Will write soon. Love.

As they turned around, they caught sight of the
Bakers. Karens face lighted up and she started
toward them. But the Bakers seemed not to see the
two girls, until Karen eagerly said:
Hello! Im so happy to see that youre back!
George Baker looked bored. He nodded at the
girls, and left them talking to his wife.
How was the flight, my dears? Irene Baker
asked them. Im sure you enjoyed Paris! How well
you both look! Paris agreed with us, too. We had the
most perfect time
We flew to Istanbul and Teheran, Karen told
her, eyes shining.
Did you? Splendid! I wish I had time to hear
about it now, Irene Baker said, but Im afraid we
must run. So nice to see you bothanother time, I
hopeau revoir!
The Bakers dashed for the elevator and left the
two girls standing there. Karen looked at Vicki in
disappointment.
Mrs. Baker didnt say one word about phoning
her, or lunch together again, not anything, Karen
complained. I dont understand.
Perhaps they really are in a hurry today, Vicki
said to console her.
No, they were cool toward us, Karen said.
Have I done something to offend them? I thought
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in Pariseven though we were there only one day

and then another one dayI thought it strange that
Irene Baker didnt send the list of good shops and
modistes. She promised it to me, and she knew the
name of our hotel, where she could send it.
She may have been too busy, Vicki said.
No, shes had a change of heart, Karen said.
Shes no longer so interested. And she was so nice
to us at first! I dont understand at all.
Neither did Vicki, but since she had never liked
the Bakers, she did not care. She was much more
concerned about Harriet. She remembered Jack
Smiths suggestion, on their first meeting, that a
social-work agency might help the maid.
The hotel manager, Mr. Sloan, mentioned the
same thing when Vicki and Karen inquired about
Harriet.
I believe she is about to receive temporary
financial assistance from a welfare agency, Miss
Barr, he said. I appreciate your interest in Harriet.
I feel bad myself that we had to dismiss her. She
was a good worker, and a nice person.
Did the hotel really have to dismiss her, Mr.
Sloan? Vicki asked.
The hotel manager hesitated. It wasnt only the
possibility that she might have ransacked your room.
None of us seriously believed that, though we
havent been able to disprove it, either. No, you see,
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one of our guests lodged a complaint against

Harriet.
Both girls urged him to give the details. The hotel
manager said reluctantly:
The complaint came, in fact, from a friend of
yours. From Mrs. Baker. She told me, with great
regret, that several small articles were missing from
her room, and she had every reason to believe
Harriet took them. Well, as you can see, a direct
charge of dishonesty, in addition to the suspicion of
ransacking your room, made it impossible for the
hotel to keep her on here. He did look sorry.
Vicki was astounded. At firstright after Room
1013 was ransackedMrs. Baker had strongly
expressed her pity and desire to help Harriet. Why,
she had felt so strongly that though she did not then
know Vicki and Karen, she had spoken to them in
the elevator about the maid. And now Mrs. Baker
herself had charged Harriet with petty thefts! Was
Mrs. Baker telling the truth, or was it a trumped-up
charge?
The hotel managers phone rang. Before
answering it, he said, I understand that Harriet has
also applied to the social-work agency for advice in
clearing her name. And thats all I know. Excuse
me He picked up the ringing phone.
Thank you, Mr. Sloan, both girls said, and left
his office.
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Vicki and Karen talked over Harriets situation,

rather fruitlessly. Vicki wondered whether it would
help to go to the social-work agency and put in a
good word for Harriet, since it was their room which
had been ransacked. Karen expressed some hope of
persuading Irene Baker to retract her charges.
However, they were unsure of what to do and rather
than fumble, they decided to think further. For the
balance of that day, they rested.
The next morning, Thursday, they did some
necessary shopping. They went back to the hotel
about noon. Irene Baker and Mrs. Hatfield were just
coming into the lobby.
Heres our chance to ask Mrs. Baker about those
charges, Vicki muttered.
But Karen faltered. Vicki said, All right, Ill ask
her. You talk to Mrs. Hatfield.
Shes so reserved! What can I say?
Admire her pearls, or something.
The girls went up to the two ladies, said good
morning, and Vicki asked Irene Baker if she might
speak to her for a moment privately. Mrs. Baker
raised her eyebrows in surprise, but she moved
aside.
As tactfully as she could, Vicki asked Mrs. Baker
about the unfortunate charges against Harriet.
Harriet? Irene Baker seemed not to remember
who Harriet was.
108

The chambermaid, Vicki prompted her. That

poor woman is out of work and penniless.
My dear child, you cant expect me to be
responsible for the whole world! Irene Baker
exclaimed. Of course I am sorry for the maid
extremely sorrybut what would you do if you
missed gloves and stockings and other articles from
your room?
Are you sure that it was Harriet who
Yes, Im sure! Quite sure! Irene Baker snapped
back. Then she recovered her dazzling smile. It
does you credit, Vicki, to take such a warm interest
in that poor soul. I do respect your good intentions.
Never mind the flattery, Vicki thought, and said
to Mrs. Baker, I remember your own sympathy for
Harriet when Karens and my room was ransacked.
How can you be so positive of her guilt now?
Oh, Vicki, you are naive! I was, too, at first,
about Harriet. Dont waste your sympathy on her! I
dont wish to sound cold. It hurt me very much to
lodge a complaint against her. But I had no choice.
Excuse me, Mrs. Hatfield is waiting.
Vicki did not believe a word of this smooth, selfexcusing speech. Irene Bakers change of heart
toward Harriet was too sudden, too complete. It
occurred to Vicki that Mrs. Baker might never have
felt any pity for Harriet in the first place.
Again Vicki pondered over her earlier suspicions
109

about the similarity in their room numbers, 1013,

1113. Did the Bakers have any interest in, or
knowledge of, the stolen jewels to which Vicki and
Karen had been directed by mistake? Now Vicki
remembered how, at the first lunch, Irene Baker had
talked to her and Karen about jewelrysomething
about wearing jewelry. In a flash of insight Vicki
wondered, Was Mrs. Bakers first speech in the
elevator about Harriet just an excuse for scraping an
acquaintance with Karen and me?
The two women left together. Karen came over
and joggled Vickis elbow. But Vicki was absorbed
in her thinking. Perhaps Irene Baker suspected that
she and Karen knew something about the stolen
jewels. Were the BakersVicki was startled at the
blunt thoughtthemselves jewel thieves? Or
connected with the jewel thieves who sent the locker
key? That would explain the otherwise unlikely
interest of a rich, fashionable, socially ambitious
woman in two young flight stewardesses. But it did
not add up! The Bakers must have read in the
newspapers that the stolen jewels, found in the
Grand Central locker, had been turned over within a
few horns to the police. The Bakers had been
extremely cordial to the girls after that
announcement. And now they were losing interest
why?
I hope the Bakers completely lose interest in us,
110

Vicki thought. I dont want anything more to do

with stolen jewels intrigue! I wish I knew why the
Bakers got Harriet fired. They must have had some
reasonconnected with the stolen jewels.
Vicki, Karen said, and joggled her elbow again.
You look as if you were a million miles away.
Oh. Sorry. Come upstairs, Karen, I want to see
what you think ofof some possibilities about the
Bakers
She and Karen had a long, thoughtful talk. Karen
was too levelheaded to be blinded completely by
admiration. She pointed out that the Bakers were
friends of the eminently respectable Mrs. Hatfield.
Still, Karen agreed the Bakers might have had some
interest in the jewels she and Vicki had found.
There was a second jewel theft, too, remember?
Karen said. Just before we flew to Paris.
Yes, the second theft when the carved ruby was
stolen, Vicki said. The carved ruby stayed in her
mind. But you dont think the Bakers had any
interest in the second theft, do you?
Karen shrugged. I dont see how. The Bakers
flew to Paris on their own business. You remember,
they were on our plane. Lighthearted, laughing.
Irene Baker talked to me about Paris, nothing else.
With these indefinite suspicions, their
conversation lagged. They were discussing where to
go for lunch, when their telephone rang. Karen
111

answered, laughed, and said:

I will never call you Mr. Pickles, and I
remember you quite well! . . . Yes, she is here. She
handed the phone to Vicki.
Hello, Jack Smith said, I told you Id find you
again. How are you? . . . Are you free for lunch?
Karen was gesturing vigorously that Vicki should
not decline Jacks invitation in order to have lunch
with her.
Yes, Im free for lunch, thanks, Vicki said.
Shall I look for you in the hotel lobby?
Would you mind meeting me at the restaurant
instead? Jack said. He gave her the name and
address of a restaurant nearby. In half an hour? Tell
your friend Karen Ill take you both to lunch or
dinner one of these days.
Karen smiled broadly when Vicki told her, and
said, I have my own very nice beau at home in
Stockholm, thank you.
Lunch in New York with Jack Smith was every
bit as much fun as lunch with him in Paris. They
exchanged notes on their last weeks travels, and
Jack wanted to hear all about Istanbul and Teheran.
Golly! How Id like to see those places! he
said.
Youd probably be able to find curios there for
your uncles shop, Vicki said.
He shrugged indifferently. Vicki, you look a
112

little more serious than usual today. You look

mighty prettybut what are you so serious about?
Vicki was surprised that he sensed her mood.
They were getting better acquainted.
If you really want to know, she said, I feel bad
about that chambermaid who was in trouble at my
hotel.
Vicki told him how Irene Bakers complaint, on
top of the earlier suspicion, had caused Harriet to be
fired and black-listed. Jacks face did not show any
expression when Vicki mentioned his friends, the
Bakers.
Dont you think that was a harsh thing for Mrs.
Baker to do? Vicki asked. Or am I mistaken?
Well, Irene is like that, he said noncommittally.
Poor Harriet. She needs help. If theres anything I
can doI feel as you do, shes probably innocent.
Victimized.
The hotel manager thinks so, too. Shes applied
to a social-work agency Vicki gave him the
facts.
Good. Good. Jacks face cleared a little. He
was genuinely concerned about the maid. I should
think it would help the social workers in clearing
Harriets reputation if you would give them all the
information you can. For instance, how Harriet
never took anything of yours and Karens, how she
did a good job cleaning your room, anything
113

favorable that you can honestly say.

I could tell them firsthand about our room being
ransacked And then Vicki stopped short.
Perhaps she should not tell too much to Jack, who
was a friend of the Bakers. She mistrusted the
Bakers. Should she be wary with Jack, too? Yet he
looked at her with such a direct, kindly gaze, and he
was trying to think of ways to help the maid. Quite a
contrast to Irene Bakers behavior! Vicki felt a fresh
surge of liking for him, and told him the entire,
mystifying story: the misaddressed envelope, the
mans misdirected telephone call, the jewels she and
Karen had found in the locker, and how they had
returned to a ransacked room. Jack Smith listened
dead pan and without making any comment.
About Harriet, he said thoughtfully. He asked
several questions about the maid, some about Irene
Bakers professed sympathy for her. Vicki told him
what she knew.
Then he put his hand over hers. May I give you
some friendly advice? Youre a nice girl, I like you,
and I dont want to see you involved in any He
broke off. Listen to me, Vicki. You and Karen
forget all about what you saw and heard about the
jewels. And stay away from the Bakers.
But theyre friends of yours! Vicki said.
Keep away from them just the same. Just keep to
yourselves.
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Jack seemed to be trying to protect her and Karen

in some way. Vicki was impressed. Ill do as you
say, she promised.
Id feel a lot happier if you would. Ill phone
you, maybe tomorrow. Well make it soon again.
And now Im going to have to drop you at your
hotel and go keep a business appointment.
At the hotel, Vicki asked Mr. Sloan for the name
and address of the social-work agency. She went
there, and talked with the patient, middle-aged
woman social worker who was handling Harriets
case. The information which Vicki gave went at
once into Harriets case records. The social worker
was hopeful that it would help establish Harriets
innocence. Vicki left feeling better.
Jack Smith did not call her the next day. In the
afternoon Vicki and Karen went out to Idlewild,
where they ran into their former classmates, Eva
Baum, who had been to Vienna and back, and
Alison Pearce, who had been to London and back.
They reported to Miss Saunders who said, You did
very nicely with meal service, girls. Dont clutter up
the cockpit with trays. And please pay more
attention to housekeeping. Keep the aircraft as tidy
as you can. Then Miss Saunders gave them their
flight schedules, which they had been expecting.
Vicki was to leave tomorrow on Flight 100, lasting
four days in all, to London, Copenhagen, Hamburg,
115

and return to New York. Karen was also to take off

tomorrow, on a similar itinerary. They would be
back in New York for rest days at the same time,
and Miss Saunders thought they might be scheduled
together again next flight.
When Vicki and Karen returned to the Hotel
Roberts, there was no message from Jack Smith. He
did not come or telephone the next day, Saturday,
either. Vicki thought of telephoning him to say that
she had visited the social-work agency, but then
realized she did not know where to reach Jack. She
was puzzled and rather disappointed, by his silence.
Vicki took off for London without any word from
him.

116

CHAPTER VII

Bad News

Vickis plane left New York at ten oclock Saturday

morning, New York time. She worked the six and a
half hour nonstop jet flight with a crew new to her,
and landed at Londons North Airport at nine thirty
that night, London time. It was raining hard. The
rain continued all the next day, Sunday. Vicki
ventured out in the morning to Westminister Abbey.
But she could not see much of Londons stately
streets and monuments and many flowering parks
from a taxi in a driving rain. So Vicki rested and
read. She missed Karen. On Monday with the same
crew she flew the short flight from London to
Copenhagen and on to Hamburg. With a different
crew on Tuesday, the fourth of July, she flew the
turn-around flight to the same cities and back
across the Atlantic to New York. That was a long
pull, and all day Wednesday in New York, Vicki
slept.
Karen returned sometime Wednesday; when
Vicki awoke, she saw Karen asleep in 1013s other
117

twin bed. By evening both girls felt refreshed

enough to go out for supper.
As they were leaving the hotel, the Bakers and
some friends swept past them into a waiting
limousine. Karen called out a timid hello to her, but
Irene Baker did not turn around. Her party drove
away, laughing and talking.
I guess Mrs. Baker didnt see me or hear me,
Karen said to Vicki.
Well, you know, Jack Smith thinks we ought to
forget about the Bakers, Vicki said.
But it seems a shame to stop knowing someone
so beautiful and gay and exciting.
They did not have much choice. Vicki and Karen
were at the desk asking for their mail the next
morningthere still was no message from Jack
Smithwhen Mrs. Baker came up to the desk, too.
She gave them the briefest Good morning.
Oh, Mrs. Baker, you looked so beautiful last
evening, Karen burst out.
Thank you. Irene Baker glanced through her
mail.
Have you been away again? Karen asked. Irene
Baker said No, without any encouragement in her
tone. Karen said, Ive been to London, for the first
time . . . Her voice died away.
Irene Baker pushed back her short, dark hair from
her cheek in a characteristic gesture, and looked at
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another letter. London? Oh, have you? Good for

you. Oh, theres George
She darted away from them, toward her husband
who was coming in with Mrs. Hatfield.
My dears, how was it? Irene Baker exclaimed.
Did you find just the present you want for your
daughter, Mrs. Hatfield?
She was even more cordial and deferential than
usual to the older woman. George Baker, too, was
playing up to her with smiles and extra little
courtesies, carrying a beribboned package for her.
Mrs. Hatfield seemed pleased. The three of them
vanished into the elevator together.
Karen was so disappointed, so hurt. To distract
her, Vicki suggested they visit her old stewardess
friends from Federal Airlines, at their apartment.
They did that, and found themselves treated like
visiting royalty. Every one of the girls thought it
thrilling and wonderful that Vicki and Karen were
flying all over Europe. Karens mood lifted a little;
Vicki would have felt more cheerful herself if after
this six-day interval there were some word from
Jack Smith.
The girls did not quite know what to do with
themselves on these hot July days in New York.
Friends on Long Island invited them to go
swimming and sailing, but it meant a long, hot ride
to get there. Karen was uncomfortable in the intense
119

heat, so they decided to stay mostly indoors, in airconditioned movie theaters and the Hotel Roberts
cool, flower-filled lobby.
On Friday afternoon about one oclock Karen was
taking her second shower of the day, and Vicki was
sitting in the Hotel Roberts lobby, reading a
newspaper. It was the twelve P.M. edition, just out on
the stands with some political news headlined. Vicki
found herself interested in quite a different news
story, or rather in two related stories. They were on
page one, with a big spread of photographs. Vicki
startedone photo showed the pair of Brazilian
topazes which she and Karen h.ad found.
The first item was just a brief notice: Gems
StolenHotel Suite PlunderedPolice have
revealed that twenty thousand dollars in jewelry and
cash were stolen from Mr. and Mrs. Perry Bennetts
suite at the Merilton Hotel last evening. The
Bennetts were out to dinner and the theater, and
discovered the theft when they returned around
midnight. The jewel thief had skillfully opened a
safe, and evidently had entered the suite with a
master key.
The second news story filled two columns, and
was surrounded by photographs of jewels. Vicki
quickly scanned the pictures. Here were the topazes,
and the jade-clasped pearls, some jewelry she had
never seen, and a large carved ruby, shaped like a
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rose. She stared at the picture of the carved ruby,

unable to decide whether it might be the red stone
she had barely glimpsed at the Larue Shop in Paris.
She read the accompanying story with mounting
excitement.
Safebreaker CapturedLong Wanted Suspect
SeizedA safebreaker with a long record of arrests
for burglary and thefts, Don James, alias Ralph
Seeley, was picked up by city detectives late last
night on a subway platform. He is being held on
suspicion of several recent jewel thefts, including
last evenings twenty-thousand-dollar haul from the
Hotel Merilton. An elevator man at the Merilton,
John Quito, took the man up to the fifteenth floor
and saw him enter Apartment 1501, using a key. The
elevator man did not realize this was the Bennetts
suite and the man a burglar, until the Bennetts
returned and reported that their apartment had been
burglarized. Police came at once and the elevator
man furnished them with a description of the thief.
Quito said he was a tall, burly man wearing a navyblue suit, walking with a rapid, somewhat rolling
gait.
This description tallies with one of a television
repairman given by members of the Choates
household staff, where a fortune in jewelry was
stolen from the Long Island house on June 17. The
loot, taken from a safe in the Choate library during
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preparations for a ball, included a carved ruby.

A tall, heavy-set man with a rolling gait was also
described by a cook employed by Mr. and Mrs.
Warren Deming, whose apartment was robbed on
the afternoon of June 9robbed of the jewels
Vicki and Karen had found in the locker.
Vicki suddenly remembered the mans
mysterious telephone call, just before she and Karen
went to the Grand Central Station locker. Could it
have been the safebreaker, the burglar, who had
telephoned 1013 by mistake? He had wanted another
room. Vicki thought of the Bakers in 1113 . . . the
numbers 1013 and 1113, if written carelessly, could
look very similar. Had it been the safebreaker who
had ransacked Room 1013, searching for the locker
key? He might deliberately have left the H-initialed
handkerchief, Vicki guessed, in order to divert
suspicion from himself.
She remembered that her search for the Hinitialed handkerchief had led her to the Larue Shop
in Paris, where she had thought she had glimpsed
the red stone. Paris. . . . The Bakers had flown to
Paris on her and Karens first transatlantic flight . . .
that unforgettable date was Monday, June 19. And
the Choate robbery had taken place only two days
before, on June 17. Had the Bakers been carrying
smugglingthe carved ruby and other stolen Choate
jewels out of the country, for disposal in Paris? She
122

did not know; she read on.

Detectives pointed out that in these three
burglaries, and other unsolved jewel thefts, the
thieves have used the same methoda presentable
safebreaker who gained entry without arousing
suspicion, who in some instances used a master key
illegally made by a locksmith. He always knew
where the jewels were kept, and apparently knew the
victims habits and their whereabouts at the time of
the burglaries. Police theorize that accomplices must
have furnished the safebreaker with this detailed
information, accomplices who possibly are friends
or acquaintances of the victims. In each case the
persons who were victimized are rich, muchtraveled, often well-known persons, and have a wide
circle of acquaintances. Police plan to question
many such persons. They also are looking for
another suspect, a locksmith with a long police
record, as a possible partner in the wave of jewel
thefts.
Police believe the burglaries are the work of one
ring, and hope the man apprehended last night will
reveal the names of the other ring members.
Authorities believe the gems were shipped or taken
out of the city to a fence. So far, except in the
Deming robbery on June 9, none of the stolen jewels
have been recovered.
Vicki held the front page, fully open, in front of
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her and again studied the photographs of jewels,

particularly the carved ruby.
Some sixth senseor her acute hearingtold her
that some people walking across the lobby had
paused just in back of her; she felt their gaze on her.
She turned her head and saw the Bakers. They were
glancing over her shoulder at her newspaper with its
spread of jewel photographs and the headline:
Safebreaker Captured. Vickis eyes met Irene
Bakers. Mrs. Baker gave her a look of surprise and
dislike.
George Baker went over to the newsstand in the
lobby and purchased a copy of the same newspaper;
his wife hurried over to him. Together, they glanced
at the front page. One look seemed to be enough.
They discarded the newspaper and whispered to
each other. Vicki was electrifiedthat news article
had alerted them, warned themGeorge Bakers
face had turned chalk-white.
They are involved in these jewel thefts! Vicki
thought. I should report everything I know to the
policeright awayand to the hotel manager, too,
so Harriet can be cleared
She opened her purse for coins with which to
telephone the police and stood up. As she did so,
Jack Smith came in from the street. Two women and
another man were with him; they were all
expensively dressed. Jack was well turned out, and
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today wore his black pearl tie tack. Chatting with his
friends, he walked past Vicki, glanced in her
direction, ignored her, and hailed the Bakers.
Vicki was so bewildered that she sat down again,
unable to do anything but watch and listen.
Irene! George! Are we late? Jack said.
Irene kissed the two women, her poise and charm
recovered, and chattered with them in a mixture of
French and English. George Baker still looked pale,
but he said something to Jack and the other man, and
managed to laugh. The Bakers were good actors,
Vicki thought.
But Jackwhy was he snubbing her like this? He
had asked her to keep away from the Bakers, now he
himself was friendlier than ever with them. Was he
in cahoots with them? Was his friendly advice a
means of keeping her from interfering? Who was
Jack Smith, anyway? His dress and manner today
made him one of the Bakers crowd. Vicki was so
hurt she did not know what to think of Jack. She
must be a fool for ever trusting a friend of the
Bakers, no matter how nice hed been to her.
Im absolutely delighted that you could come,
Irene Baker said to the new man. Imagine finding
anyone one knows in New York in this heat! She
chattered at a wild rate.
George Baker coolly broke in. Irene, wheres
your ring? Did you leave it on the dressing table
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again? Irene Baker faltered and made an uncertain

reply. Her husband said, Wed best go upstairs and
look for it, if you will excuse us
Oh, dont go, George, said Jack Smith. Or at
least leave Irene with us. We cant spare her.
Sorry, but we must look for her ring, George
Baker said. Why dont you go ahead to the
restaurant? Well join you there.
Jack tried to detain them, but the Bakers darted
into a waiting elevator. See you at Vittorios,
George Baker said, and the elevator doors closed.
Vicki watched numbly to see whether Jack, now
that the Bakers were out of the way, would come
speak to her, or at least smile at her. He did nothing
of the sort. Escorting one of the women, he went
with the other couple out of the hotel lobby. The last
Vicki saw of him was the back of his red head.
She looked down at her hand clenched angrily in
a fist. Then she remembered the coins she held in
her hand, remembered she must telephone the police
before the Bakers got away. What if notifying the
police were to get Jack into trouble, too? What if
that black pearl of his were stolen?
Then so much the worse for him! Vicki
thought. But she felt troubled as she dialed and
asked Operator for the police precinct where
detectives McCall and Miele were assigned.
Phil Miele was in, and listened attentively to
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everything Vicki could tell him. He asked a few

questions, which Vicki answered, then said:
Ill be right over. Ill notify McCall.
Youd better hurry, Vicki said, and hung up.
She then went to the hotel managers office. Mr.
Sloan was not there and she had to wait a few
minutes. When he came in, he did not immediately
grasp what Vicki was reporting to him, but then he
saw its urgency. He phoned the hotel detective to go
to Room 1113 at once and detain the Bakers.
Maybe now well be able to clear Harriet, Mr.
Sloan said to Vicki. Miss Barr, where will you be
in case the detectives need you?
Ill wait in the lobby, Vicki said.
She saw the two city detectives come in five
minutes later. They nodded to her and went directly
upstairs. A few minutes later Karen joined Vicki in
the lobby.
I just remembered I have to go visit my cousin
Margaret this afternoon, Karen said. Would you
like to come along? It wont be much fun, but if you
wish
No, thanks anyway, Vicki said. You go ahead.
Ill tell you some very interesting news when you
come back.
Not nice news, I think, from your face, said
Karen, moving off.
Vicki waited by herself in the lobby. She noticed
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some men who might have been plainclothes men or

reporters come in hurriedly and go upstairs. After
half an hour, Detective Miele came and quietly sat
down beside Vicki.
The Bakers are gone, he said in a low,
disgusted voice. Weve searched their room,
searched all the elevators and stairways and exits in
this building, all the washrooms and public rooms,
weve alerted the staffbut theyve cleared out.
McCall checked Vittorios Restaurant, checked with
taxi drivers and doormen, but The detective
shook his head. The Bakers were quick. Weve sent
out a citywide alarm for them, but crooks like them
know how to elude us. Have you any idea, Miss
Barr, where they might have gone? Any close
friends, or a favorite hangout?
None that I know of, Vicki said. Did you talk
with their friend, Mrs. Hatfield?
Yes. Useless. She was surprised theyre gone.
She doesnt know much about them, Detective
Miele said. You should see Room 1113! The
Bakers mustve torn through it like a whirlwind,
getting only their most valuable things to take with
thempossibly the jewels from the Bennett
burglary. They were in such a hurry they left their
luggage and their clothes hanging in the closets
and they left a large unpaid hotel bill.
Vicki wanted to ask the detective whether he
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could tell her anything about Jack Smith, or rather,

John Dillon Smith. But it would be indiscreet on her
part to ask such a question, from personal motives.
Sooner or later the truth about Jack Smith would
come out. She could wait.
She had to wait only half an hour. Jack found her
having a sandwich and coffee in the hotel coffee
shop. He came in almost running and threw himself
into the chair beside her.
This is the soonest I could get back here to you.
Vicki! Look at me. Youre angry because I didnt
speak to you, arent you?
Well, it wasnt a very friendly way to behave,
Vicki said. She was relieved to see him, but wary
and angry.
Vicki, stop hiding your face behind that coffee
cup and look at me! I want to apologize for not
speaking to you. I wanted to. I couldnt. Can you
believe that? I was with those people and I just
couldnt.
Vicki accepted his apology coolly. Very well,
you couldnt, if you say so. But its hard to
understand whether youre my friend, or the Bakers
friend, oror what.
I dont blame you for wondering, he said. Im
awfully sorry. Youll understand better later on. He
tried to take her hand, but Vicki pulled hers away.
Understand what? she asked.
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He sighed. Oh, gosh, how can I tell you? Look,

Vicki. Cant you take me on faith for a while
longer? Please. You mustnt think badly of me, he
said, with an anxious note in his voice.
I want to think well of you, she said, relenting a
little. I did until today.
Didnt we get on well the times we had lunch
together? he asked. Honestly I couldnt help
myself when I was with the Bakers! He sounded
annoyed. You know what? They never showed up
at Vittorios.
I know they didnt keep their appointment with
you, Vicki said, and Jacks mouth opened.
Theyve left the hotel.
He hesitated. You mean theyve checked out?
Your friends, the Bakers, didnt stop to check
out, Vicki said. Theyve just gone.
He looked stunned and blank. Gone? Why?
Vicki showed Jack Smith her newspaper. He
quickly scanned the story about the safebreaker, the
Bennett theft, the photographs of the stolen jewels.
Jack shoved aside the newspaper in chagrin and
sat there thinking. Vicki was not sure what he was
preoccupied about. Were his sympathies with the
police or with the Bakers?
Vicki He looked up, troubled. How do you
know the Bakers have gone?
WellI She did not like to lie, but not
130

knowing where Jack stood, she could not afford to

tell him that she had called the police. Well, I was
in the hotel managers office
Oh. Jack sat up straight in relief. About
Harriet, I suppose? And you overheard something.
Vicki let it go at that. He looked so regretfully at
her that Vicki wondered what it was he could not
tell.
Vicki, just because I amuhacquainted with
the Bakers, he said awkwardly, earnestly, you
mustnt think that I Well, that I condone this dirty
business. He touched the newspaper. Im no
criminal, cant you see that?
Vicki had to smile. He did not seem even
remotely like a thief, his behavior toward her had
been exemplary (if she didnt count todays snub),
and then there was his unselfish concern for
Harriets welfare, which spoke well for him.
Come on, Vicki, forgive me about today. Arent
we still friends?
Ye-es, I guess were still friends.
Then Ill tell you something, Jack said. The
Bakers He seemed about to confide something,
then changed his mind. Im going away for a while
on business. For entirely legitimate reasons, you
understand? And I hope to see you soon, anyway.
Vicki was mystified. When? Where?
Dont know. But Ill turn up, Jack promised.
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CHAPTER VIII

The Bandaged Passenger

Saturdays newspaper reported minor new facts

about the Bennett jewel theft, and nothing further
about the arrested safebreaker. Vicki and Karen did
not see the Sunday newspaper because at ten on
Sunday morning they were greeting passengers
boarding Jet Flight 100 to London. This time the
same crew flew a turn-around flight, from London
back to New York on Monday, then a rest day in
New York on Tuesday. Most of Wednesday, too,
was a rest day for Karen and Vicki, since their Jet
Flight 114 did not take off until seven thirty in the
evening.
The passenger agent advised Vicki, standing in
the plane doorway, that every seat aboard was taken.
She and Karen, assigned to the big Economy
Section, were going to be awfully busy tonight
especially when she saw a young woman with a
baby and a small boy come struggling up the
portable staircase. Vicki ran down to carry the baby.
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Then she made the young family comfortable in

their reserved seats, while Karen brought a baby kit
with a cardboard cradle, and coloring books and
crayons for the little boy.
Thank you both ever so much! the young
mother said. I hope Susie and Dick wont be any
trouble. Once the lights go out, they generally fall
asleep.
Just please ask us for milk and cookies, or
diapers, or anything you want, Karen said. She
strapped them all in, while Vicki went back to her
place in the planes open doorway.
This time the passenger agent advised her that an
invalid, Mr. Peter Carey, and his nurse, Mrs. Ruth
Fisher, were coming aboard and might require
special attention. Vicki notified Karen and watched
for them. At the last minute before takeoff time, a
heavily bandaged man was slowly helped aboard by
a nurse. Vicki was appalled by the looks of him: his
head and most of his face were swathed in bandages,
and his left arm and chest were encased in plaster
casts.
His nurse perceived Vickis distress for him, and
murmured very low:
Auto accident. Doctor says okay to travel,
though.
Tell us what we can do to help, Vicki said, as
she and the nurse eased the man into his seat. He
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was able to recline, and closed his eyes tiredly. Hot

coffee right away? Vicki asked. And here are
blankets and pillows
Thats fine, said the nurse, who spoke with a
slight Southern drawl. She was a neat, plain-looking
woman, with short, blond hair brushed straight back,
glasses, no make-up. She wore a nurses white
uniform and cap, and carried a nurses cape and bag.
Vicki thought the nurse looked vaguely familiar, but
she probably was mistaken. There isnt much we
can do for Mr. Carey, the nurse said to Vicki. Just
keep him warm and quiet.
Miss Sorenson and I will come by several times
during the flight, Vicki said, to see if theres
anything you want.
Thank you, said the nurse, and turned to her
patient.
While they served dinner, Vicki noticed that the
bandaged man was able to eat, with assistance from
the nurse. They thanked her and Karen for their
brief, repeated offers of help or special services, but
none seemed to be needed.
Apparently Mr. Carey was well on the way to
recovery. Vicki hoped the baby and small boy would
not howl and keep him, or other passengers, from
sleeping. Once dinner was over, and the flight crew
fed, Vicki and Karen lowered the lights in the cabin,
and turned on the music system softly for a while. A
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few passengers read or wrote letters and reports,

using individual reading lights, but most of their
passengers slept. Vicki turned off the music. A few
persons rang for blankets; more lights went out;
finally the cabin was quiet. Vicki and Karen ate their
own suppers in the galley, within earshot of the call
bells. Then Vicki patrolled the cabin.
She noticed an odd tiring. People asleep, sitting
up, often fell into ludicrous postures, a few
mumbled or twitched. But the nursein her sleep
kept brushing back her short hair. Vicki remembered
that gesture. Wasnt it Irene Bakers gesture? And
why hadnt the nurse taken off her glasses before
going to sleep? In the dimness Vicki took a closer
look at the nurse. Could this woman, by any chance,
be Irene Baker, with her hair style and hair color
changed, and wearing glasses and nurses clothing?
Her even features were astonishingly similar to Irene
Bakers! Vicki then glanced toward the bandaged
man. He was so concealed by bandages and plaster
casts that she could not be sure what he looked like.
Except thatwait!she remembered the invalids
height and general build from when he came aboard.
About the same as George Bakers!
She cautiously bent for another look at the
nursethe resemblance to Irene Baker was
unmistakable! Vicki caught her breath.
Plaster casts and those bandageswhy, theyd
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136

make a good hiding place for jewels! Vicki

realized. She thought, The Bakers disappeared right
after that latest jewel theftthe safebreaker was
arrested, but without the jewels. Did he manage to
get them to the Bakers before the police arrested
him? Or did he leave them somewhere for the
Bakers to pick upthe way someone left the first
haul of jewels to be picked up from the locker in
Grand Central Station? Could be!
That settled it! No, not quite
Vicki hurried back to the galley where Karen was
tidying up. She told Karen what she suspected about
the bandaged man and his nurse.
Go have a look at them, Vicki urged.
Karen was gone for two or three minutes. She
came back into the galley, wide-eyed.
I think it is Irene Baker! Karen said. No
mistake! Same face, same hands. Oh, my! What are
you going to do?
Notify the pilot that we may have two jewel
smugglers aboard.
Captain Price was skeptical at first. Vicki had to
tell him the whole story before she could convince
him. She talked fast, because their aircraft was less
than an hour away from Paris. Once in France, the
Bakersif these two actually were the Bakersand
possibly the jewels could disappear again.
Please, Captain, Vicki begged, please radio
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ahead to Orly Airport and alert French customs

officials about these two passengers. Karen is as
nearly certain as I am about them.
The pilot was very doubtful. His crew agreed
with Vicki. All right, he said, Ill radio to Orly on
an off-chance. Itll be up to the French customs men
to decide whether they want to take any action about
this suspicion of yours.
Thank you, Captain Price, Vicki said, and went
back to the cabin.
Passengers were already awake, as early sunshine
flooded the cabin, and Karen was serving the first of
the breakfast trays. Vicki served, too, giving special
attention to the young mother, baby, and little boy.
She offered extra service to the bandaged man, but
his nurse said, Dont bother. Thanks, anyway. We
can manage.
Their jet airliner made a perfect landing at eight
thirty, right on time. Passengers streamed off the
plane. Vicki carried the baby on one arm and held
the little boys hand in her free hand, while their
mother got out the passports. Vicki noticed the nurse
shake her head at Karens offer to help escort the
bandaged man.
The passengers and crew showed their passports
and health certificates on entering the terminal
building. This took a few minutes. Then French
customs officials caught sight of the invalid and
138

nurse, and courteously waved them forward to be

first on line at the counter where the passengers
baggage was. Vicki, holding the baby, stood on line
a few paces behind them. One customs man
addressed the bandaged man and nurse in English.
Are you bringing into the country anything in
excess of one thousand cigarettes, four pounds of
tobacco, two pounds of food, or any nylons or
clothing except for your own use?
No, sir, said the nurse. Neither of us. Nothing
we need to pay duty on.
Will you open your suitcases, please?
The nurse did so. The customs man examined the
contents rapidly, expertly, asking a few questions.
Vicki noticed another customs man unobtrusively
come up. He said:
Msieu, madame, I regret that I am obliged to
make a rather unusual request. These bandages and
the plaster castswe would like to examine them. If
you will both come with me to the disrobing room

What! Unwind the bandages! the nurse said

indignantly. I will not submit my patient to such a
dangerous procedure! His health
We have a doctor in attendance, madame. Your
patients health will be respected.
Certainly not! the bandaged man spoke up.
That voice, muffled by bandages, reminded Vicki of
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George Bakers voice. This is stupid and insulting!

I am in no condition to
Then, msieu, we will merely X-ray your plaster
casts and bandages, the second customs man said.
That will do you no harm, and will take only a few
minutes.
The man, with his one good hand, threw his
passport down on the counter and said in a fury:
We are American citizens and we will call in the
American consul if you insist on thisthis assault
on an invalid! Do you want an international incident
on your hands? If thats what you want, go ahead!
But I warn you Ill call in the consul!
The two customs men conferred together in low
voices. They seemed reluctant to risk creating
trouble on the basis of a slight suspicion.
Let us see your passports, madame, msieu.
The customs men examined the two passports.
Vicki wondered whether they might not be forged.
The bandaged man said impatiently:
Here! If you want further proof, look at these!
He prodded the nurse who took a few letters from
her handbag and handed them to the customs men.
The customs men examined these, and then again
went through the luggage of Peter Carey and his
nurse, very thoroughly this time. They found
nothing, affixed stamps to the luggage, and said:
Very well, madame, msieu, you may go.
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The nurse angrily closed and locked their

suitcases. Over her head the bandaged man gave
Vicki a deliberate, hostile stare. If these two were
the Bakers, they probably knew that Vicki had
reported them to French customs.
And if they realize that, Vicki thought, then
theyll want me out of the way. She shivered. Id
better be careful and alert, the next few days in
Paris.
She moved forward in the line with the baby, and
watched the bandaged man and nurse disappear
among the crowd in the terminal.
Perhaps it was this dispiriting failure to stop the
Bakers, or perhaps it was normal fatigue after a
flight that made Vicki feel so tired. Yet she was too
restless to sleep for long, at the hotel where the crew
was assigned. She awoke at noon, showered,
dressed, and left a note for Karen who was still
asleep. She knew Karen wouldnt mind going
shopping or to a dressmakers by herself or with one
of the other stewardesses.
Besides, Vicki had an errand of her own. It might
be dangerous. Shed be cautious. But she wanted
another look at the Larue gift shop. She was not sure
what she expected to find thereanother glimpse of
the red stone which might be a carved ruby?
Another look at M. Larue, that tall, elegant, evasive
man? Vicki wondered whether the elegant Bakers
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ever patronized the Larue Shop. Probably not.

Theyd probably go to the famous shops like
Cartiers or Van Cleefs.
Vicki took a taxi to the Rue de la Paix, got out,
and walked to the ancient, winding street with its
tall, narrow, ornate houses. She came to the Larue
Shop and halted. In its window was only a sign:
Closed for Vacation. The shop itself was dark. In
disappointment Vicki tried the door, but of course it
was locked.
Is M. Larue really on vacation? Vicki
wondered. It was hot enough weather to leave the
city. Or is M. Larue lying low?
For there persisted in her memory an overtone of
something secret, something uneasy connected with
this tiny shop. She suddenly remembered the shabby
courier who had called at her hotel. She had never
been able to explain his visit, any more than she
could explain for certain why she had been politely
hurried out of the Larue Shop.
But the shop is closed, and that leaves me at a
dead end, Vicki thought. Well, the sign doesnt
say Gone Out of Business. I may learn something
about this place yet.
It was only a hunch, possibly a mistake, but she
associated the rare carved ruby with this shop.
She had a quick lunch, then decided to visit the
Louvre. Her father had urged her to see all she could
142

of its art treasures; it held the work of centuries.

Vicki rode along the Rue de Rivoli, then walked
through the Tuileries Gardens, and entered the
immense fortresslike palace.
She purchased a guidebook and asked a guide
where she should start, in these hundreds of rooms
and galleries. The guide directed her first to the
Grande Galerie. She started with the Italian
paintings, deciding it would take her a weeka
happy weekto see just this one gallery with any
thoroughness.
Vicki was dimly aware of other persons also
moving slowly before the paintings, then acutely
aware of one person standing beside her for several
minutes. This was a very old woman. Her wrinkled
face was partly hidden under a brimmed hat and a
half-opaque veil, as if the ancient creature were
ashamed of her age. She wore a fur scarf, in spite of
the heat of the July day. When she caught Vicki
looking at her, she broke into a pitiful grimace
which was a smile.
How nice to see a young person with an
appreciation of painting, she said. Her voice was
surprisingly strong, and her English had an
American accent. Have you noticed this beauty
?
She drew Vickis attention to a Leonardo da
Vinci painting. Vicki said, Thank you, madame,
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and would have turned away. But the old woman

followed her, pulling the furs closer around her bony
shoulders.
At my age, one always feels cold. She
grimaced again. Dont ever grow old, my dear. Its
a dreadful nuisance.
Vicki smiled at that, and chatted a little with her.
The old woman seemed to be lonesome, and almost
to be afflicted with age. She was openly grateful for
Vickis attention.
Its so cheering to have a young person to talk
with, the old woman said. And an American, a
young compatriot! My own grandchildren She
sighed. They never come to France. Would you
please dont be offended by an old womanwould
you have tea with me? At some confiserie nearby.
After you have looked at the pictures, of course.
Vicki hesitated. Tea with an elderly woman
sounded harmless enough. Spending half an hour
with her would be a kindness, and might prove
interesting. But then Vicki remembered the
resolution she had made at Orly Airport this
morning: to be wary during these rest days in Paris.
Youre very kind, madame, Vicki said, but
unfortunately I have only limited time to spend in
the Louvre, and then I must join my friends.
I am sorry, too, the old woman said. She did
not insist, and moved away a little.
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But the rest of the time Vicki spent in the Louvre

that afternoon, she was aware of the old woman
hovering nearbyas if she hoped Vicki might
change her mind. The sight of her made Vicki a little
unhappy, and she left the Louvre earlier than she
had planned.
That was a lucky thing, for no sooner had Vicki
entered her and Karens hotel room than the phone
rang. It was Jack Smith.
We are calling to see if we can interest you in
Smiths Personally Conducted Tours, he
announced. How would you like to take our extraspecial, all-day tour to Versailles with me?
Vicki laughed. How did you find me?
Simple. I phoned your airline when I arrived in
Paris a few days ago and learned your schedule and
the name of your hotel.
Youd make a good detective, Vicki said, still
laughing.
Well, I dont know about that, but I had to use a
little persuasion to get the Worldwide office to tell
me, Jack said at his end of the phone. Am I calling
you at an inconvenient time?
Not at all, said Vicki. She was a little surprised
to hear from Jack this soon. Are you here on
business again for your uncle?
Yes, Ive bought some curios for him, andoh,
Ive been seeing people.
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Anyone I know? Jack understood that she

meant the Bakers.
Youre not still annoyed with me in connection
with the Bakers, are you? I havent seen them here.
In fact I cant find them, though I tried phoning all
their usual hotels and restaurants yesterday and
today.
You expected them to be coming to Paris?
Vicki said cautiously.
Well, they expected to be here about now. Have
youuhseen or heard from them since they left
the Hotel Roberts in such a hurry?
No, said Vicki, and kept quiet.
Ah, never mind the Bakers, Jack said. How
about driving out to Versailles with me tomorrow?
Its a lovely thing to do on a summer day. Well be
back in Paris in time for dinner.
Vicki hesitated about going on a days tour with a
friend of the Bakers. But she remembered how,
earlier, he had warned her to stay away from the
Bakers for her own good. And she remembered his
earnest plea, on the day the Bakers fled, to accept
him on good faith.
Thank you, Id love to go, said Vicki.
The next day Jack called for her in a little
Dauphine; he had rented the car for the duration of
his stay in Paris. Versailles was only twelve miles
away, a lovely drive through a countryside of green
146

fields and forests, bright rivers, pleasant farms. This

land around Paris was the ancient He de France;
with Paris, it was the center and heart of France.
In the tree-filled little town of Versailles, they
parked the car and went through gardens into the
Palace of Louis XIV. Here they walked through the
Hall of Mirrors and grands appartements where
royalty had lived in elaborate rooms filled with
exquisite gilded furniture and brocades, Svres
porcelain, and painted ceilings. Here the courts of
Louis XIV, XV, and XVI had lived so
extravagantly, and at such heedless cost to the
French people that the last of the courtiers ended up
on the guillotine in the Revolution of 1789 which
changed France from a monarchy into a republic.
They wandered happily through the vast gardens,
acres of lawns graced by flower beds and sculptures.
Vicki was breathless at seeing the magnificent
fountains of Versailles. Jack almost had to drag her
away for lunch at the inn.
Conversation at lunch was lighthearted. Vicki
noted how carefully he ordered for her. He even
extracted the garlicky snails from their shells for her.
Some Americans at another table remarked they
were having trouble with their car, and Jack offered
to give them a ride back to Paris in case they found
they needed it. He was nice, Vicki thought.
Catch me up on your news, he said, and Vicki
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found herself telling Jack about her last flight, and

the bandaged passenger and his nurse. She did not
say she believed them to be the Bakers, but admitted
their presence had troubled her. She mentioned to
Jack, too, the very old, veiled woman who had
approached her in the Louvre.
He listened with close attention.
Anything more to tell me? he asked. Vicki
shook her head. I dont mean to alarm you, Vicki,
but I dont like these incidents. Vicki wondered
whether he meant she was still involved in some
way because of the jewels she and Karen had found.
However, all Jack said was, Those people you just
described to me sound like unsavory characters.
Keep away from people like that. Be careful. Im
worried about you.
I am careful, Vicki said. Im sorry I told you
these things if they make you worry. Can we talk
about something pleasanter now?
Sure. Jack smiled warmly at her. Lets talk
about shopping. Thats dear to any girl.
He asked her advice about what to buy as
presents for his mother and an aunt. Then he wanted
Vickis opinion of certain Paris shops.
Did you ever hear of a shop called Larues?
Jack asked. They had some pretty things in the
window some time agoon the day that I bumped
into you on the street and we had lunch together,
148

remember?
Vicki stiffened. So that was how he had happened
to be in the same neighborhood as she was, that day.
What was Jacks interest in the Larue Shop? What
had drawn him there, or who had sent him there?
Vicki asked.
Nobody sent me there, Jack answered. I just
noticed a good-looking shop. I did go back there.
Theyre closed for vacation, but Ill give it a try later
on if you think its worth while.
He saw Vickis puzzled expression. She was
thinking that perhaps Jack was trying to find out
what or how much she knew about Larues. But why
would he care?
Vicki, you dont have to look so solemn, he
said, amused. All I want is a feminine viewpoint
about that shop.
They have pretty things, fine things. She
decided not to mention the red gem which might or
might not be a carved ruby. II bought a perfectly
beautiful handkerchief there and it cost me six
dollars. In spite of herself, she groaned.
Jack laughed so hard at the groan that Vicki had
to laugh, too. They were unable to speak for a few
minutes, wiping away tears of laughter.
Ive been seeing goblins, Vicki thought.
Jacks a good person, I neednt mistrust him.
When, at the end of the afternoon, he invited her
149

to drive out to Versailles with him again late

tomorrow to dine and see the nocturnal fireworks,
lighted fountains, and ancient dances, Vicki
accepted without hesitation.
Fine, Jack said. His eyes sparkled with
pleasure. Ill call for you at your hotel at five
tomorrow.

150

CHAPTER IX

Apartment Six

Vicki, I am in a mess! Karens voice said on the

phone. Have you any money? I went shopping and
spent all but a few francs, and now the dressmaker,
sheshe refuses Karen broke off to laugh, yet
she sounded distressed. She wont give me my new
dress, and not my old dress, not any dress because I
cant pay her!
Wha-a-at? said Vicki. She was writing letters
this afternoon, in her and Karens hotel room.
Karens phone call had surprised her. But she had
expected Karen to get into just such a situation
sooner or later. Tell meslowlyexactly what
you want me to do.
Yes, Vicki. So, said Karen, I am at the
dressmakers. She has made a lovely dress for me, I
went for a fitting before; now the dress is ready. But
I dont have enough money to pay her. Please, Vicki
will you come and bring some extra francs? Please!
Because Im sitting here in my slip, maybe forever!
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Karen wailed.
Vicki was amused. She started to say of course
she would come to Karens rescue, butcould this
phone call be a trap? It sounded like Karens voice,
all right. Then she recalled the length of flowered
fabric which Karen had bought earlier. Karen must
have planned to take that fabric to a dressmaker.
Please, Vicki, I dont know what to do, Karen
pleaded. I am at 24 Rue Bonnard, Apartment Six,
thats the top floor, and if you will please, please
come with fifteen dollars, about fifty-five hundred
francs Karen sounded ready to cry, though she
forced another laugh.
Vicki asked cautiously, Which new dress is that?
What fabric?
Flower-print, silk, Karen said. You know
flower patterns are my favorites.
Vicki was satisfied. All right. Ill be there as
soon as I can.
Thank goodness! I will never buy anything
again! Never!
Vicki hung up smiling, and looked at her wrist
watch. It was almost three thirty. Jack would call for
her here at the hotel at five. She could be back at the
hotel well before five oclock.
She stopped at the desk and left the address of the
dressmaker with the clerk. This was a precaution her
parents insisted on, and it was habit by now. Also, it
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was wise to leave the address in case Worldwide

Airways called. Then Vicki got into a taxi.
Twenty minutes later the taxi let Vicki out in
front of a respectable apartment building in a quiet,
residential street. She wondered a little about
walking into an unknown apartment, but apparently
the dressmaker could not afford to rent a shop and
sewed at home. Well, that was usual in the United
States, too. She rang the entrance doorbell and the
concierge, asking what apartment she wanted,
admitted her to the building.
The old-fashioned elevator was so slow in
coming down that Vicki considered walking up the
marble stairs alongside it, as did some children.
However, the ascenseur arrived and carried her
slowly to the top floor and Apartment Six.
Vicki rang the doorbell. In a minute or two a
stout, lazy-looking man opened the door.
You are Miss Barr? he said politely. Come in,
please, you are expected. Vicki stepped in and he
closed the door. This way, Miss Barr.
The man was more than stout, he was gross.
Vicki wondered, as she followed him, whether he
was the dressmakers son or husband. He led her
into a living room where there was not the slightest
sign of dressmaking. It was hot and dim in here.
Other doors were closed. Karen was nowhere in
sight.
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Where is Karen Sorenson? Vicki asked. She

felt alarmed. This isnt a dressmaking
establishment! Its a private apartment. Who are
you?
We know who you are, Vicki Barr, the stout
man said smoothly. Youre going to stay with us.
Another voice said, Yes, for quite a long, long
while.
And then Vicki saw, seated in the shadows, an
ugly, withered old womanthe old woman she had
met in the Louvre. Half concealed by tulle wound
around her throat and head, the old womans face
was shockingly ravaged and ugly. Vicki was
appalled by her cold, greedy look. The hat, the other
day, had hidden her face. Even in this hot room the
old creature clutched furs around her shoulders.
Vicki tore her gaze away and faced the stout, sloppy
man.
Where is Miss Sorenson? Vicki demanded.
What have you done with her?
She never was here, the man said. His voice,
like the old womans, was an Americans. Dont be
a fool. We dont want your friend Karen. Its you
who has been making trouble for us.
Then the phone call was a fake? Vicki edged in
the direction of the front door, but the man stood in
her way. You forced Karen to telephone me?
The stout man smiled heavily. Weve had
154

nothing to do with Karen. She is easy to mimic, and

since we have someone who is a clever mimic
He suddenly barked at her. Sit down in that chair
against the wall and dont move!
Vicki sat down. A telephone was on the far side
of the room from her, unfortunately. She noticed
that the windows were open and faced on the
streetif only she could throw something, that
heavy vase on the commode, to call somebodys
attention down in the street But the man stood too
close beside her chair. At least she could yell. But
her throat tightened in fear and anger, and her voice
failed her.
The old woman was watching Vicki like a hawk
and said, Eddie, tie the girl to the chair.
Who are you? Vicki got out. What do you
want with me?
Neither of her hosts bothered to answer. Eddie
turned on the radio, loud, and took a length of rope
from the commode drawer. He quickly passed the
rope around Vickis waist and arms. She started to
jump up, but he pushed her back into the chair. With
the old womans help, he held her there while
manipulating the rope. She struggled and kicked, but
the fat man quickly tightened the rope and knotted
it. It bit into her armsshe found she could not
move. She tried to screamonly gasps came out.
Eddie lowered and closed the Venetian blinds.
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The room grew still hotter and dimmer. Vicki fought

down her panic. She tried to think, tried to provoke
them into revealing their sinister reason for making
a prisoner of her. Frozen with fear, she said in a
hoarse whisper but convincingly:
So youre Eddie? Ive heard of you.
He was not at all surprised or annoyed.
Vicki tried again. And I can guess who the
mimic on the phone was. This was sheer bluff,
another lie. Shes awfully good at that.
The old woman smiled, as if in spite of herself.
Since you know so much, too much, young lady, I
will tell you a little more. I am Irenes
Shut your mouth! the stout man exclaimed.
Irenes and Eddies mother, the old woman
went on stubbornly. Vicki was stunned. Dont you
dare talk to me like that, Eddie, the old woman
said. And put a gag on that girlif she can
whisper, she may soon be able to scream.
Eddie grunted and pulled off the scarf from a long
table. He tied it as a gag around Vickis mouth. She
thought she would suffocate, or choke.
Eddie turned off the radio, and sat down
sprawlingly on a couch facing Vicki. Youre as
gullible as Irene told us you were, he said.
Vicki felt numb at the mention of the name Irene.
That could only mean Irene Baker, and the jewel
thefts. What was the tie-in here?
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If, as she had suspected, the bandaged man and

his nurse were the Bakers and were smuggling
stolen jewels into France, then Eddie wasmust
bewhat? A receiver and seller of those stolen
jewels? This quiet apartment on a respectable street
was a blind! Vicki thought of another quiet place on
another respectable street, here in Paris, the Larue
Shopwhere shed glimpsed some jewels M. Larue
did not want her to see.
The old woman spoke. You see, Eddie, it no
longer matters how much Vicki Barr knows, since
she is now our guest. The horrible old woman
turned toward Vicki. You know too much, little
Miss Vicki. It is a pity you could not have minded
your own business. But we shall see to it that you
never have a chance to tell what you know.
Vicki felt sick. What did they intend to do with
her? She tried to shrink back into her chair, but the
rope would not let her move.
Not so fast, Eddie growled at the old woman.
Wait until George and Irene get here. Well decide
together how to keep the girl silent. Irene wont be
easy on her. She hates her.
Vickis small hopes sank.
What time are Irene and George coming? the
old woman asked.
Between six and six fifteen, Eddie said. Shall
we finish our game of cards?
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They might kill me, Vicki thought. Oh, if only

Jack or Karen or a crew member would realize that
she was missing! And realize it in time! Not much
chance of that. Jack and Karen probably would just
wait at the hotel for her, they would think from the
residential address she had left that she had gone
visiting.
She felt dazed and limp, vaguely seeing the old
woman and Eddie play cards like figures in a
nightmare. The hot, dim room grew intolerable. The
face of the clock on the wall seemed to swim toward
her. It said almost five oclock, an hour or so until
the Bakers arrived. An hour to wait.
When the doorbell rang, the clocks hands had
jumped to five twenty. Vicki shuddered in her chair.
Eddie unhurriedly went to the door, and Vicki heard
a voice. Not Irene Bakers voice. A mans voice
then she recognized it. It was Jack Smith.
Vickis hopes rose. Hed been worried about her;
hed come for her. Thank heavens! She took a deep
breath, then she heard Jack ask:
Are the Bakers here? They gave me this address.
Im a friend of theirs, Dillon Smith.
She heard Eddie say, Oh, yes, Irene and George
have told us about you. How are you? Im Eddie
Norton, Irenes brother. Come in, Mr. Smith.
Theyll be here around six.
Vicki was horrified to see the fat man usher in
158

Jack in a friendly way. As if Jack were one of them

and more or less expected here! Jack came into the
room, barely glanced at Vicki, saw the gag and the
rope, and. with complete indifference walked on
past her. He wasnt here to help her! Jack was one of
them! She started to cry. Nobody paid any attention
to her.
Mother, this is Dillon Smith, Eddie was saying.
You remember Irene and George said?
Vicki controlled her crying enough to watch and
listen. Jack bowed to the ugly old woman.
So you are the young man with so many
excellent international contacts, the old creature
said. Irene didnt tell us you were coming today,
but since we were to meet and discuss business
sooner or later Do sit down, Mr. Smith.
Thank you, Jack said, and sat down. I hope
my contacts will prove useful andahlucrative.
Traveling around to collect curios for my uncle
provides an awfully convenient in.
His wry voice said plainly that he had no such
uncle. The three of them smiled. Jack looked in
Vickis direction with a trace of curiosity.
Eddie said, Thats right, Irene told us youre
acquainted with our little friend, Vicki Barr. Shes
just paying us a visit.
Eddie laughed, a loud snort, and the old woman
said, Miss Vicki is waiting to see her dear friend
159

Irene.
Really? Jack said without any interest. Vicki
turned her face away in despair. By the way, Mr.
Norton, Jack said, I wish Id brought along my
black pearl tie tack today. You might be interested.
Not too much trouble in finding a discreet buyer for
a perfect black pearl, is there?
Eddie gave him a sharp, mistrustful look. Where
did you get it?
Oh, its safe to dispose of it in France, Jack
said. Iahacquired it in Italy, while I was a
guest at the Bertolinis. Do you know them?
Theyve asked me to stay with them again in
August. They plan to give a series of parties, and the
Signora will flaunt the Bertolini emeralds.
Very good, said the old woman, drawing the
furs around her. Who are the Bertolinis?
New rich, Jack said. Thats why you havent
heard of them. They have houses in Rome and
Milan, and a villa at Capri.
Eddies eyes glistened in his fat face. Would you
need help?
If you mean Don James or someone like him
? Jack said, and the fat man nodded. Vicki
remembered that Don James was the burglar and
safebreaker. Yes, Jack said, Td want help rather
thanahacquire the jewels myself. Why risk
exposing the finger man? Why risk cutting me off
160

or cutting Irene and George offfrom valuable

contacts?
Thats right, Eddie said. Irene and George
never do any jobs themselves. We agreed that the
big part of their job is to travel around to the
fashionable resorts and hotels, and work up
friendships with the right people. Irenes a genius at
getting chummy with people. They show her around
their houses, tell her their plans Eddie snorted
with laughter again.
Jack said thoughtfully, I should think the
Bertolinis would be charmed with Irene and George.
And then there are my Texas friends, the Halls.
They often stay in Paris
Very good, but, said the old woman, forget the
Halls. We prefer to acquire jewels outside of France,
and bring them here for resale. Its easier to sell
American jewels here, where the American jewelry
trade doesnt send their minute descriptions of the
gems.
Jack nodded. What about Interpol? he asked.
Vicki knew he meant the International Police
Organization, in which police of all nations
exchanged information and acted in worldwide
cooperation. Its chief headquarters, with files on
criminals from all nations, was located here in Paris.
Jack asked, Dont we have to dodge Interpol in
selling the gems?
161

Eddie said in a self-satisfied way, Interpol hasnt

a thing in their dossiers on us, because no police
force has anything on us. We manage to sell. I
manage. If anyone gets caught, it wont be me.
How about getting the jewels past French
customs? Jack asked. Thats risky.
Irene and George are clever, Eddie admitted.
Thats the other half of their job. Last winter Irene
brought in an emerald necklace sewed into her
muff. He snickered. This time George wore a
plaster cast that was loaded with diamonds.
Jack smiled, too, and mopped his face in the hot
room. Nice going. Maybe we could make use of the
curios I could buy for my uncle.
Vicki began to lose interest. She did not care to
learn all this; the price was too high. She stared at
Jacks red head beside the ugly old face. The clock
in this dim room said five forty. She dully noticed
Jack look at the clock, too.
Funny thing, Jack remarked to the old woman
and Eddie. I had a date with your little friend Vicki
Barr for this evening.
Quite a coincidence, the old woman said.
Its not a coincidence. Jack stood up. I figured
Vicki was here, so I came to get her.
Vicki held her breath in astonishment.
You must be joking, Eddie said. What would
you want with that kid? He stood up, wary.
162

Mr. Smith? the old woman asked sharply.

Arent you going to wait for Irene and George?
Jack walked fast across the room, opening a
pocketknife as he approached Vicki. He slashed the
rope and pulled Vicki out of the chair, then removed
the gag.
The fat man stared in surprise, then ran across the
room at what speed he could muster. Say, who are
you, Smith?
He struck out at Jack. Jack pushed Vicki toward
the wall, out of the way, and hit back. Eddie threw
his big hulking body against Jack. Jack staggered
and yanked out a gun.
Youre a cop! Eddie howled, and grabbed for
the gun.
Jack hung onto it and seized Vickis hand.
Pointing the gun at the fat man, he backed away
toward the door. The old woman started for the
telephone.
Oh, no, you dont! Jack yelled, and swung the
gun directly toward her.
In that instant Eddie snatched hold of Vicki and
dragged her in front of him, like a shield. Vicki
jerked and strained to break the fat mans grip but he
pinned her arms down tight.
Dirty cop! Pretending to be a finger man.
Jack jumped forward to free Vicki, but the fat
man, suddenly turning sideways, kicked him out of
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the way. Then Eddie forced back Vickis arms until

she cried out in pain.
Jack hurled himself again at Eddie and this time
he pulled her free. But his grip loosened on the gun,
and Eddie wrested the gun away from him.
All right! Eddie barked at Jack. Stand still!
The girl, too! He trained the gun on them. Smith,
who are you? Talkor Ill shoot!
Jack was crimson with anger and exertion. Who
do you think I am? he snapped back. Im a
detectivea private detective hired by an insurance
company to get back the jewels and track you
down!
The click of a lock startled them. The old woman
had darted into another room and locked herself in.
She called out:
Eddie, get away! Im too oldtoo slowgo
without me!
The fat man kept the gun trained steadily on Jack
and Vicki. He called back to his mother:
coutez-moi! You can escape down the rear
staircasethey cant stop you, the only access is
through your room! Can you hear me?
The old woman answered that she heard. Eddie
looked balefully at Jack Smith and said:
Im leaving. Dont try to follow me. I know how
to handle this Colt as well as you do!
Eddie backed away, gun in hand, toward the front
164

165

door. He let himself out, and as the door swung

closed by itself, Vicki and Jack heard his heavy
footsteps pounding down the stairs.
Jack ran to the door to follow him, then turned
around and came back into the room.
Look down in the street and tell me whether you
see Eddie, he ordered Vicki. And open up the
blinds and let some air in here!
Jack ran to the telephone and in French asked the
Operator for the police. Vicki leaned out the
window. Just then Eddie ran out of the building,
threw himself into a yellow car parked there, and
roared off. Jack was talking with the police.
Eddies driving off in a yellow sports car!
Vicki reported. Its top is downI cant see the
license number from up here
Jack repeated this information into the telephone,
and asked Vicki, In what direction?
Straight aheadnow hes turning right Now
hes out of sight.
Jack relayed this information as well, explained
rapidly about the Bakers being expected, and
mentioned the old woman. He listened, then urged
that a gendarme be sent to Apartment Six at once,
and hung up.
Will they send a gendarme? Vicki asked.
Yes, but Im not sure how fast, Jack said. He
came over to Vicki. Are you all right? Sure?
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Yes. More scared than hurt. Jack! The Bakers

are due here soon now! Unlessdo you think Eddie
will tip them off not to come?
He hasnt time, if hes to get away himself. And
hed sacrifice anyone to save his own skin.
Well, then, Vicki said, if the Bakers come and
the old woman hasnt left
Right. Shell warn the Bakers about us, Jack
muttered. I dont know whether shes still around
or not. In any case, I want to stay here and try to get
some incriminating statement from the Bakers.
Maybe nab them with some jewels. I can think of a
waya he, a bluffwhich may keep the old woman
from shouting a warning, if shes still here. Another
important thingwill you stay, Vicki? Because the
Bakers expect to find you here. And since Ive lost
my gun, I dont want to arouse their suspicions.
Vicki nodded. Ill stay.
Good. Heres what well do, Jack said softly.
When the Bakers come in, Ill duck out of sight in
the kitchen. They probably have a key to this
apartment; I suspect its headquarters. If they
havent a key, the concierge can let them in. You
stall for time, pretend to throw yourself on their
mercy. Put the rope back on, loosely.
Vicki made a face but nodded. Then Jack went to
the old womans door and raised his voice.
Mrs. Norton, this is Dillon Smith. No response.
167

He kept on talking, anyway. I happen to know your

son-in-law has cheated Eddie on several occasions.
You and Eddie havent found that out yet. But you
will. Jack paused to let this sink in. Mrs. Norton,
if youll keep quiet when the Bakers get here and let
me nab George, theres a good chance George will
take the rap, or most of it. Youd like that, wouldnt
you?
No answer. Had the old woman escaped by the
rear exit?
Jack and Vicki sat down to wait for the Bakers.
They talked in low voices, watching the clock.

168

CHAPTER X

The Carved Ruby

Every time they heard the elevator, Jack and Vicki

jumped. But they still had a few minutes.
Its a good thing you left this address at your
hotel, Jack said. When the clerk told me youd
gone to a so-called dressmakers! Well, I knew
this was an expensive residential address, not a
neighborhood for dressmakers. So I recognized a
trap.
And when you came in, I thought you were their
accomplice! Vicki said. I hated you.
Jack squeezed her hand. Ive wanted to tell you
the truth ever since we met. But I couldnt. I had a
feeling you suspected what the Bakers were up to,
and I figured youd be discreet. But if your talkative
little friend Karen had ever guessedwith her crush
on Irenewow!
They listened to a sound which seemed to come
from the old womans room. But then there was
silence again.
Youyou had to pretend to be friends with the
169

Bakers, Vicki asked, in order to trace the stolen

jewels? Is that it?
Yes, Jack said. It was more than being friends.
Early in June I let the Bakers pick me up in the
lobby of the Hotel RobertsI was wearing
expensive clothes and that black pearl tie tack,
which I rented for this job. And the Bakers saw me
chatting with some expensively dressed people
they were actors hired by the insurance company.
The Bakers figured me for a victim. Once we got
acquainted, though, and I hinted that I wouldnt
mind making a dishonest dollarwell, Ive nearly
persuaded the Bakers to take me on as their
accomplice.
That explains your talk about the Bertolinis,
Vicki said. The new victims you would supply!
The Bertolinis would be actors, and the jewels
would be paste gems, all supplied by the insurance
company. Then we could catch the Bakers and their
hired safebreaker in the act. But now Jack
shrugged. Its touch and go. Were in a dangerous
spot, you know that? Vicki nodded. Jack said,
Well, at least now you know Im not a crook.
I didnt know what to think of you at times,
Vicki confessed.
I was in sort of a fix about you, Jack said, and
smiled at her. I couldnt let the Bakers know I was
dating you, because they were suspicious of you
170

after that Room 1013, Room 1113 mix-up. Thats

why, in New York, I asked you to meet me at a
restaurant rather than in the Hotel Roberts lobby.
And thats why I couldnt speak to you the other
time. He listened for any movement in the corridor,
in the apartment. It was easier here in Paris. You
remember the first time, when we met on the street
near the Larue Shop
Had you been to the Larue Shop?
Certainly. The handkerchief was a lead. And I
suspected that you had gone there for the same
reason.
Yes, and II thoughtIm not certainthat I
saw a carved ruby there. I saw some sort of jewels,
anyway.
You did? Jack exclaimed. Then thats how
Eddie operates his fence. He uses Larue and the
shop as a blind
The elevator creaked up to their floor. Jack
started toward the kitchen. But the footsteps in the
hall went to some other apartment. Jack sat down
beside Vicki again, muttering, Irene is always late.
Do you think George will have a gun? Vicki
asked. Jack didnt know. You said, Vicki
reminded him, that you nearly persuaded the
Bakers to take you on as their accomplice. What was
the hitch?
The Bakers half agreed, Jack said, but they
171

hinted they wanted their friends to meet me first.

Oh, they never told me anything definite about what
they were doing. Only vague, indirect hintsthat I
couldnt use as evidence against them, Jack said. I
realized the Bakers would check up on me, so I
provided them with the name and history of an exconvict and said it was my own.
How come you didnt meet Eddie and the old
woman on your first trip to Paris? Vicki asked.
Eddie objected, I think, Jack said. Evidently
he didnt want an outsider. I didnt really know who
objected, I only guessed somebody did. Why, I
didnt know Eddie and the old woman existed until I
walked into this apartment today. He sighed.
George and Irene have been plenty cagey with me.
Still, they promised theyd make a date for me to
meet their friends on this second trip to Paris. But
then Irene and George disappeared from the Hotel
Roberts, probably with the haul from that last jewel
theft. I had no idea where theyd gone to
Then you came to Paris this time to look for
them? Vicki asked. She looked nervously at the
clock. She wished a gendarme would come.
Yes. Because I had an impression that theyve
been disposing of the stolen jewels here. Irene
expected to be here about now. I came here on a
gamble. When you told me about your bandaged
passenger and his nurse, and the fight theyd put up
172

to get through French customs, I thought it might be

the Bakers smuggling that last haul.
So did I, said Vicki.
At least you could have told me sol Jack said.
Then he smiled. No, of course you couldnt trust
me. Well, Jack went on, Ive been searching all
over Paris for the Bakers, but theyre lying low. Ive
been searching for their fence, but the Larue Shop is
closed for vacation. I figured the jewel thieves had a
headquarters in or near Paris, but I couldnt find it. I
was at a dead end, untilas things worked outyou
led me into meeting Eddie and the old woman here
today.
Im a great help to you, not, said Vicki.
Well see, said Jack. He suddenly sat erect. Do
I hear the elevator? Yes! Remember nowstall,
give me a chance to jump Baker
Vicki scrambled back into the chair and Jack
adjusted the rope, stuffing the gag into his pocket.
Then he ran into the kitchen just as a key scratched
in the lock. The front door opened, and the Bakers
walked in. Irene looked as chic as ever. She had a
cocky, self-satisfied look on her face. George Baker
was pale and determined.
They stiffened at the first step as if they instantly
sensed a dangerous situation.
Oh, Mrs. Baker! Vicki cried before they had a
chance to speak. Please untie metheres been a
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horrible mistake!
Wheres Eddie? George Baker demanded.
Yes, and wheres my mother? Irene Baker
asked.
Vicki said, Your mother is feeling sick, and your
brother went out to the drugstore to get her a
remedy. Oh, please
Then why didnt you yell for help, you little
fool? George Baker countered.
I was so scared I lost my voice, Vicki said.
You would, Irene Baker said scornfully. She
crossed the room toward her mothers door.
Shes restingbetter not disturb her, Vicki
said. Please, let me go!
Shut up, said George Baker, and suddenly the
old woman called out:
Irene! Dillon Smith is in the apartmenthes a
detectivecame for the girl! Be careful!
So you brought Smith here, you! and George
Baker started to slap Vicki in the face.
Just then Jack sprang out of the kitchen, aiming to
jump George Baker. But Irene yelled, Hes in back
of you! She kicked over a chair in Jacks way. In
the same instant, Vicki jumped up and snatched a
vase and threw it straight at George Baker. It hit him
in the shoulder, confused him for a moment, but he
pulled out a gun.
That will do! Baker said, quietly furious.
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Jacks arms dropped to his sides; he slumped,

waiting.
The old woman called, They phoned the police!
George Baker said, I realize that. Irene, go
downstairs and get a taxi.
My mother Irene started.
Shell be all right here, George Baker said
curtly. Go on, Irene! Ill bring; the girl.
You cant! Vicki exclaimed. Ill yell and kick
the whole wayeveryone will notice!
Leave the girl, too risky, Irene said.
She started out of the room. Baker saw Jack
edging inch by inch toward the front door.
If you go through that door, Smith, Ill shoot!
Jack and Vicki stood there helplessly. The old
woman whined behind the door for Baker to take her
with them, but he retorted she would slow them
down.
Use the rear stairs, Mother. Start now. George
Baker moved across the room, keeping his gun
pointed at Vicki and Jack, and waited near the
window. Youll never catch us, Smith. Ill kill you
first, and the police, too, if I have to.
Baker glanced out the window and nodded. Irene
must be ready. Without another word, he backed out
of the room.
Give him a minute or two, Jack said to Vicki,
so well be out of direct range of gunfire. Then
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well follow him.

To the Larue Shop? Vicki asked.
Yes. They may have cached the jewels
somewhere in there. He was watching out the
window to identify the Bakers taxi, but muttered
that they must have had the driver park it around the
corner.
Do you think Eddie went to Larues? Vicki
asked.
Possibly. Say, did I mention the Larue Shop
when I phoned the police? Neither of them could
remember. All right, now! Come on!
They tore down the stairs, dashed out of the
building, then ran two blocks to where Jacks rented
car was parked. They clambered into it. He started
off, nosing his way into the heavy traffic.
I know a short cut to the shop, he muttered.
Suppose theyre not there? None of them?
Thats possible, too. Just the same, I wish I had a
gun.
Jack knew the Paris streets well. He drove as fast
and recklessly as the Parisians, but the traffic jam
and traffic fights slowed them down. In
exasperation, Jack turned down a very narrow oneway street but found he was going in the wrong oneway direction. A police whistle blew behind them,
an order to stop.
An angry gendarme came up to them on a
176

bicycle. Jack proceeded to argue and explain. Vicki

did not grasp all of it, until Jack produced his
identification papers and the gendarme climbed into
the car with them. They had acquired a police
escort!
Then they had an unusual piece of luck. Nearing
the Larue Shop, the gendarme saw and hailed a
passing car carrying two men. This, the gendarme
told Vicki and Jack, was a Sret car, and the two
men were detectives. He asked its driver to find and
follow Eddies yellow sports car. He had no
description of the Bakers taxi.
Theres a yellow Citron abandoned around the
corner, was the answer. It has a flat tire.
Then come with us, said the gendarme. Jewel
thieves making a getawaytwo and onetheyre
armed. They may open fire first.
The two cars sped to the Larue Shop and stopped.
In the dusk, at the end of a hot Saturday, the street
was empty. The shop looked dark inside. Its door
was locked. The gendarme and the two detectives
broke the door down.
The young lady is not to come in, said the
gendarme who had ridden with them.
Officer, its much less safe for me to stay
outside alone, if the Bakers or Eddie Norton should
come along, Vicki said.
Come on! Dont waste time arguing, Jack said.
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There may be a stolen carved ruby in that shop.

The three policemen, with guns drawn, entered
the shop first, then Vicki and Jack. They silently
groped their way through the tiny, dim place. It
seemed deserted. The gendarme pulled aside the
dividing curtain, and they crowded into the back
room. From here a faint light showed, as if from a
deep cellar. A faint sound warned them that
someone was down there.
The police conferred in whispers. The gendarme
crept softly down the stairs, out of sight. In a
moment he returned, motioning the two Sret men
to remain on watch where they were. Then he
descended the stairs again. Vicki and Jack followed
him.
The stairs were steep and uneven, a long flight
down. Their shoes made whispering noises on the
steps. The faint sound below had stopped but Vicki
heard somebodys heavy breathing.
Suddenly the gendarme ahead shouted, Drop
your gun! and fire blasted into the air from his own
pistol. In its echo another gun clattered to the
cellars stone floor.
Vicki and Jack, running down the bottom steps,
saw fat Eddie cowering beside the furnace. His face
was gray with fear and his breath came in gasps like
a trapped animal. Near him a wall safe stood open
and out of it spilled a many-colored profusion of
178

jewels. The carved ruby shone out, a blood-red rose.

The gendarme strode forward to take Eddie into
custody. Eddies eyes shifted to a corner of the
cellar. Vicki followed his gaze. In the shadowy
corner she caught sight of another, ramshackle
staircase which might lead up and out to a rear
courtyard. Near the top two shadows, two figures,
barely moved.
The Bakers! Vicki shouted. Up there!
Come down! the gendarme ordered. He blew
his whistle. Come down here!
Gunfire blazed from up in the shadowy corner.
Jack dragged Vicki out of the fine of fire. The
gendarme fired back half blindly just as Eddie made
a lunge for him. Jack caught Eddie short and held
onto the struggling fat man. The two Sret men
raced downstairs and one turned a probing flashlight
onto the back stairs. George Baker fired again and
this time they saw him and Irene in the flashlights
rayshe banging vainly against an old, unused,
stuck door, and George Baker with blood running
down his right hand onto his gun. Echoes of shots
went ringing through the cellar.
Drop your gun and come down!
The Bakers sullenly obeyed. Eddie stopped
struggling and Jack let go of him. One Sret man,
who had a flesh wound in his leg, kept them covered
with his gun while the other two policemen searched
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them. Eddies pockets were stuffed with gems. They

found a few in George Bakers pockets, a few in
Irenes handbag. Evidently, when the criminals
heard the police break down the street door, the
Bakers had tried at once to escapethat was the
sound theyd heard, the Bakers trying to force open
the back doorwhile Eddie, greedier, cockier,
stayed at the wall safe another few minutes.
Can you identify these persons? one of the
Sret officers asked Vicki and Jack.
Yes, they said, and did so.
Can you identify the jewels?
Vicki went over to the wall safe and took the
carved ruby in her hand. This was stolen recently in
New York, she said. Jack looked at the other gems.
All were stolen, all had been described in the New
York newspapers, and Jack was able to give the
names and addresses of the owners.
Theres still an old woman at large, Jack said,
and a M. Larue, and the saleswoman who assists
him in this shop.
And theres a courier, Vicki said, a humbleacting man who calls himself M. Marcel.
The police said, We have already sent out a
radio warning to pick up the old woman. She
probably never even got out of her building. As for
the others, we shall round them up quickly.
Jack said, I suppose youll report these jewel
180

thieves and smugglers to Interpol?

Certainly, msieu, the police said. Interpol will
keep their photographs and fingerprints on file,
instantly accessible by radio to the police and
customs agents of all nations. Our friends here will
find it very hard ever to ply their trade againeven
if they are not dissuaded by long jail sentences. He
added that the Bakers and the Nortons, being
Americans, would be sent to New York under arrest,
to be tried and sentenced in the United States.
Irene Baker glared at Vicki and Jack. To think
that a couple of kids couldcould She did not
finish.
Two of the police herded them at gunpoint up the
main stairs. George Baker looked back over his
shoulder at Vicki and Jack.
Ill pay you back for this someday, Baker said
bitterly.
Dont be a fool, said Irene. Were through and
you know it. Come along, Eddie, you fat idiot.
Vicki and Jack remained with the wounded
Sret man, helping him collect the jewels from the
wall safe. The plain-clothes man smiled at Vicki.
Which gem would you like to keep,
mademoiselle? he said, teasing her.
She looked at the carved ruby, then shook her
head. I dont want any of them. Im just glad to get
out of this nasty business alive.
181

CHAPTER XI

What Jack Knew

Vicki, youve put the hot rolls in the frozen-food

drawers, said Karen patiently, and held on as the
plane climbed. Your mind is on Jack Smith. Please
help John Martin serve, and let me work here in the
galley.
All right, and thanks, Vicki said.
After her hair-raising adventure yesterday, she
had slept today, until time to say au revoir to Paris,
time to prepare for take-off from Orly Airport at six
thirty P.M. Jack Smith was aboard the jet, sound
asleep in the last seat, and no wonder.
He had worked all through Saturday night and
into Sunday morning with the French police,
interrogating the jewel thieves. He had told Vicki
this when, without any prior notice, he had stumbled
aboard the plane at dusk, an hour ago. Vicki woke
him up now, in order to serve him dinner.
When will you be free, Vicki? Jack asked. I
have a lot to tell you.
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It will take time to serve all these passengers and

the flight crew, then clear away afterward, she said,
when Im free to have my own dinner, Ill call you
to come into the galley with me.
That was two hours later, and the jet was far out
over the Atlantic, six miles up, with stars around it
and night clouds under it. The four engines outside
showed as glowing cylinders in the dark. Here in the
lighted galley, at the end of the comfortable, musicfilled cabin, was a private little world, and at last
time to talk.
Did the gendarmes catch the old woman? Vicki
asked.
Yes, minutes after you and I left the apartment,
Jack said. And in the middle of last night, they
brought in M. Larue and his saleswomanshes his
wifeand also that so-called courier, Marcel. The
police found the three of them in a Paris suburb,
where they all lived. You know, Larue didnt own
that shop. Eddie paid the rent there, bought the
merchandise, and hired Larue to lend his name and
act as fence for him. He paid Larue well. Eddie and
the old woman were careful never to sell the jewels
themselves, never went near the Larue Shop. The
French police, Jack said, will recover the rest of
the jewels. Theyll trace the unscrupulous persons
who bought stolen jewels.
Why did the courier call on me? Vicki
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demanded. And how did the Bakers

Now, wait! Jack said. Why dont you let me
piece the whole story together? After last nights
questioning, we have the answers now.
Did the Bakers talk?
Yes. They talked.
The call bell rang in the galley, but Karen looked
in to say she and John Martin would answer all calls
for a while. Thanks, Vicki said gratefully. Go
ahead, Jack.
He started at what had been the beginning for
Vicki: the misdirecting of the locker key to Room
1013 instead of to the Bakers room, 1113. The
Bakers, who could not risk being seen with the
safebreaker, a known criminal, had given him the
name of the Hotel Roberts and their room number
over a public telephone, in advance of the first jewel
theft. Apparently he had either made an error in
jotting down the room number or misread his own
handwriting later.
The safebreaker had carried off the theft right on
schedule. He had secreted the jewels in the Grand
Central Station locker for the Bakers to pick up, as
prearranged. Then the safebreaker put the locker key
in a plain envelope, wrote 1013 on it, and left it at
the Hotel Roberts desk. He waited an hour for the
Bakers to telephone him, as planned, to say that they
had received the key.
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But no call came from the Bakers. He grew

anxious and phoned the hotel; as a matter of
discretion, he did not use the Bakers name but
asked for Room 1013. When the wrong voice
Vickisanswered, he realized there was some
error. He hung up, called the hotel again, asked for
the Bakers by name this timehe now had no
choiceand reached Irene Baker, who said, Were
waiting for the key. The safebreaker told her, I left
it at the desk, marked with your room number,
1013. Wrong room! They had a hasty conversation
to straighten out the error and to decide what to do
next.
I guess by that time, Vicki said, Karen and I
were on our way to search for the locker.
You must have been, Jack said, because Irene
Baker took advantage of your absence to enter your
room.
So Irene did it! Vicki exclaimed.
Yes. She figured the recipient of the key might
be curious enough to go search for the locker. There
was a chance, of course, that the recipient might
have returned envelope and key to the hotel desk.
But Irene was afraid to ask for these telltale things.
It was also too risky for her to inquire whether the
envelope had been given to anyone else, Jack said.
There was a third chancethat the locker key was
simply sitting there in Boom 1013.
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Irene Baker had checked first by ringing Room

1013 on an outside public telephone. Then she went
to the tenth floor of the hotel and knocked on the
door of Room 1013. She got no answer on either try,
and surmised the occupants were out. She quickly
entered, using a passkey which George Baker had
had a dishonest locksmith make for them. She wore
gloves, in order not to leave fingerprints. In haste,
she had ransacked Karen and Vickis room. She
could not find the locker key but did find the
envelope and picture post card. She took both and
later burned them. And she had left behind the Hinitialed handkerchief to divert suspicion to Harriet.
But how come Irene had a passkey? Vicki
asked.
You remember Mrs. Hatfield, Jack said, the
elderly woman who lives permanently at the Hotel
Roberts and wears a valuable pearl necklace? Well,
the Bakers moved into the Hotel Roberts to cultivate
her friendship and learn where she kept her pearls
and other jewels, her habits, the hours she usually
was out. They planned to give this information to
the safebreaker, along with the passkey which would
open Mrs. Hatfields door, or any door in the Hotel
Roberts. Thats how Irene opened your door.
Vicki frowned. But the handkerchief? It was
new and distinctive
I remembered to ask particularly about the
186

handkerchief, Jack said, so we can clear that poor

chambermaid. Seems Irene had gotten it as a little
gift for Mrs. Hatfield, and it came in handy. Shed
picked it up at Larues. While it occurred to her
there was some risk in using it, she didnt think the
police or an insurance company would do a
transatlantic tracing job for a handkerchief
especially since Irene had seen the identical
handkerchief in a New York shop. Here Irene had
made a mistake. But she was in a hurry and she
needed a scapegoat. Harriet.
You see, Jack said, the Bakers made it their
business to pump the maids and all the hotel
employees, for information about other guestsrich
guests the Bakers might meet and eventually
victimize. Thats how Irene happened to know
Harriets name, and the fact that Harriet worked on
the tenth and eleventh floors.
So she framed Harriet, Vicki said angrily.
Dont worry. Harriet will be cleared now. I think
the Hotel Roberts manager will make it a point to
reinstate her on her job.
Thank goodness. Vicki remembered how Mrs.
Baker had professed pity for Harriet, that first time
when she had spoken on the elevator. An excuse to
speakJack, why did Irene Baker scrape an
acquaintance with Karen and me? I suppose
Vicki hesitatedI suppose the Bakers found out
187

that the occupants or Room 1013 were Karen and

me?
Jack nodded.
But the detectives in New York assured us that
we were clear out of the jewel theft, Vicki said.
Because they had radio bulletins sent out right
away saying the stolen jewels were in the hands of
the police. So the Bakers knew Karen and I didnt
have the jewels. Then what did they want with us?
There was a small slip-up, Jack said. The
news items, in describing the recovered jewels,
listed most but not all of the jewels. A diamond
bracelet and an antique cameo werent mentioned.
Whether the oversight was the police officers who
gave out the report, or the newspaper reporters, I
dont know. Anyway, the Bakers thought the
persons who received the locker key had kept those
two items.
Oh! But why didnt the Bakers suspect the
safebreaker? Vicki asked.
Because he lacked safe outlets where he could
dispose of stolen jewels, and the Bakers knew it.
Somehow, George Baker had found out that the
occupants of Room 1013 were Karen and Vicki. The
Bakers then struck up a friendship with the girls,
hoping to recover the diamond bracelet and the
cameo.
I guess the Bakers introduced me to you and
188

Karen, Jack said, in order to provide young

company and hold your interest.
Jack and Vicki smiled at each other wryly. Vicki
said, Well, the Bakers didnt find out anything
from Karen and me about the diamond bracelet and
the cameo, did they? So thats why Irene Baker kept
in close touch with us, until
Until you visited the Larue Shop, Jack said.
M. Larue knew who you were, Vicki. He
recognized you from the Bakers description. He
mistrusted you, but at the same time he thought
perhaps you had come to his shop to offer to sell
him that diamond bracelet and cameo. Illegally. He
thought so especially when you followed him on the
street. Thats why M. Larue sent the pretended
courier, Marcel, to your Paris hotel, to ask whether
you and Karen had brought anything from the
United States that you wanted to sell.
I see. Vicki thought back. Thats right, on our
flight to Parisour first flight after graduationthe
Bakers were aboard. And Karen said Irene Baker
had asked her for the name of our Paris hotel. So
thats how M. Marcel found me! She reflected.
And when Karen and I returned to New York, the
Bakers were unexpectedly cool toward us.
Becausebecause we hadnt any jewels to sell to
Marcel?
Thats right. And because, Jack said, of
189

something I did. Around that time, youd told me

about your room being ransacked, and finding the
stolen jewels. Well, as a detective on the case, I felt
the Bakers were dangerous people for you and
Karen to know. Remember I told you to keep away
from them? And I dropped a hint to the Bakers that
you girls hadnt kept any of the stolen jewels, and
hinted they were wasting their time on a couple of
innocent kids. I wanted the Bakers to drop you, for
your own safety.
Thanks! said Vicki. And at times I thought
you were in cahoots with them! Or I would have
thought so, except for your interest in helping
Harriet That reminds me. When we came back to
New York after that first flight to Paris, and the
Bakers were so cool, I learned Harriet had been
firedmostly because Irene Baker had lodged a
complaint against her. I suppose that figures, too?
Yes, Jack said. Irene didnt want the maid
telling anyone that Mrs. Baker had pumped her for
information about other hotel guests. Especially the
rich ones.
And then, Vicki recalled, the Bakers saw me
in the hotel lobby reading about the safe-breakers
arrest, and they ran off and hid. They were afraid the
safebreaker would talk, was that it? And that after
reading that news item, I would tell the police the
bits and pieces I knew? Jack nodded, and Vicki
190

said, As a matter of fact, I did call the police.

You never told me that! Jack exclaimed.
Well, you never told me about your mysterious
comings and goings, Vicki retorted.
Nothing mysterious about it, Jack said. My
trips to Paris were to try to trace the jewels from
those three thefts, and to pin some proof on the
Bakers. I had an idea from all their traveling, always
soon after a theft, that they were smuggling stolen
jewels intending to sell them abroad. Once I went
off abruptly to the Riviera because my assistant
cabled me hed seen someone there wearing the
matched topazes.
Wow! Exciting to be an insurance-company
detective.
Jack shook his red head. Im a private detective,
my own boss as a rule. This time, the insurance
company which had insured the stolen jewels hired
me as a special investigator. Insurance companies
have their own staff detectives to do routine work,
but when the job calls for a lot of leg work, travel
abroad, or entails physical risks, as a rule they hire
an outsider, Jack explained. I happen to know
something about jewels, so they hired me.
Vicki said, I think you know something about
criminals, too. The Bakers were the bandaged
passenger and his nurse, werent they?
They were, and you were smart to see it. They
191

had a dishonest medical person, a minor hospital

employee, put those plaster casts and bandages on
George, along with the jewels from the third theft,
Jack said. Of course they used forged passports. In
fact, we found out last night that the Bakers own a
whole flock of forged passports, for various
countries under various names! Well, you can be
sure the police will arrest whoever forged those
passports. The hospital man and the crooked
locksmith will be arrested, toothe Bakers
furnished all their names and addresses, in hopes of
getting lighter sentences themselves.
Will they? Vicki asked.
No. And when they get out of the penitentiary,
the French government will prosecute the Bakers for
smuggling jewels in without declaring them and
paying duty.
How did the Bakers smuggle stolen jewels on
earlier trips? Vicki asked. On my plane!
On your first flight to Paris, George wore a
specially made vest with secret pockets in it, and
Irene concealed smaller pieces of jewelry in a jar of
cold cream. They kept changing their methods. They
were ingenious, Jack conceded. This last trick
with patient and nurse was almost brilliant. The
Bakers are still furious that you spotted them.
Furious enough, Vicki said slowly, to want to
do away with me. They must have had someone trail
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me all day, for the old woman to accost me at the

Louvre. Jack nodded. The courier, disguised, had
followed Vicki. And when I wouldnt go with the
old woman, Vicki said, they lured me to
Apartment Six. Who called me up and persuaded me
to go there? Who was the mimic r
That was Irene, said Jack. It isnt hard to
imitate Karens accent and mannerisms. Irene is a
clever mimic.
Remember the first theft? The Demings cook
admitted a man who said he was their friend, then a
few minutes later Mrs. Deming telephoned the cook
to go out to the grocery store. Only that wasnt Mrs.
Deming on the phone. It was Irene. The Bakers had
taken the Demings to lunch that afternoon, and then
to an art gallerykept them out all afternoon. And
while the cook was out, the safebreaker helped
himself to the jewels, and left.
Very neat, Vicki said.
Except that after putting the jewels in the Grand
Central locker, the safebreaker delivered the key to
the hotel desk for Room 1013 instead of 1113.
However, Jack said, the other two burglaries went
off perfectly.
The second burglarythe one at the Choate
house on Long Islandhad been easy. With so
many workmen going in and out of the house in
preparation for the ball, the safebreaker entered
193

unquestioned in the guise of a television repairman.

A television set and the safe containing the jewels
were in the same room. The Bakers, being friends of
the Choates, knew about this, and about the coming
ball.
This time, Jack said, the Bakers had met the
safebreaker in advance of the burglary. They met in
a movie house, and in the dark George handed the
safebreaker a locker key for Pennsylvania Station.
George kept a duplicate key, which hed had the
locksmith copy for him. And they used the same
locker and keys for the third burglary as well.
In the third burglary the safebreaker had entered
the Bennetts suite at the Merilton Hotel, using a
master key. The Bakers knew that their friends, the
Bennetts, would be out to dinner and the theater that
evening. The safebreaker stole the jewels and
immediately took them to the Pennsylvania Station
locker, using his key.
But the New York police were on the lookout for
him as a result of their laboratory examinations of
the paper bag and the locker key which Vicki and
Karen had turned in. The police spotted him as he
was about to board a subway train on his way home.
The safebreaker saw and recognized the plainclothes men coming toward him. He managed,
unobserved, to throw the locker key into a bash can
on the subway platform, just before the police
194

arrested him.
Early the next morning George Baker went to the
locker, and using his key, got the Bennett jewels. He
took them back to the Hotel Roberts and secreted
them in Room 1113. Later that day when he and
Irene saw Vicki reading the news item about the
safebreakers arrest, they duckedgot away from
Jack and their friendshurried to their room to get
the jewels, and fled. They hid out for a few days.
They needed time to devise the patient-and-nurse
scheme, to elude the New York police, and to get a
flight reservation to Paris. The Bakers plan would
have succeeded, except that they flew on Vickis
plane, and Vicki was alert.
Vicki sighed. She and Jack had been talking for a
long time.
Jack, Vicki said, what can you tell me about
the carved ruby? Its taken hold of my imagination. I
even dreamed of it.
Well, as you saw in the cellar, it was still unsold.
It was too distinctive, too easy to identify as stolen,
for anyone to buy safely. Jack said musingly, I
think that Eddie and Larue and even the Bakers were
actually a little frightened of the carved ruby. They
werent able to find a buyer for it, and they were
afraid to keep it. You werent the only one, Vicki,
who had nightmares about the carved ruby.
I suppose it belongs in a museum, Vicki said,
195

a rarity like that. Where is the carved ruby now?

Jack whispered in her ear, On this plane. So are
the rest of the jewels we recovered.
In the cargo compartment? Vicki asked.
Sorry. Im not allowed to tell you where, but the
pilot knows about it.
Vicki whispered, Ill bet the rubys in your
pocket! Jack!
He grinned and refused to say more. Karen
looked into the galley.
Its nearly time to prepare for landing, Karen
said. Come on, you two.
Jack smiled at Karen. You forgot to call me
Pickles. See you later, my lovelies. Ill phone you,
Vicki.
He started out but Vicki caught his arm. One
final question. Do you really have an uncle who
owns a fabulous curio shop? Or was that a tall story,
too?
I do have an uncle who owns just such a shop.
Thats how I learned about jewels. Whats more,
Jack said, Ill take you and Karen to see the shop,
and Ill present you each with an ostrich egg, or a
Turkish ring, or a small East Indian idol.
He walked away, his hand in his pocket.
Vicki! said Karen patiently. Please lets get
ready for landing.
What? Oh, yes! Forgive me, Karenand Vicki
196

started to work. She was glad they were corning

home to America, glad this adventure was over.
Where will Worldwide Airways send me next?
Vicki wondered. For all I know, Karen and I may
be in East India, buying an idol to bring back to
Jack.

197