The Caribbean Cruise Caper by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online Page B

direction.
    â€œThe important part being . . . ?” David asked, looking around the circle.
    â€œThe guy stole her wallet when he shoved her,” Jason said. “That’s an old stunt. Some dude tried it on me once when I was getting off a bus. I gave him a swift elbow below the belt. Boy, did he look surprised.”
    â€œWhat do you think happened after the tape ended?” David asked.
    Boris shrugged. “The other guy—the woman’s friend—probably caught him. He was pretty fast off the mark.”
    â€œAnd then?” David continued.
    â€œThe police put the pickpocket in jail,” Sylvie said.
    â€œMaybe it works that way in Canada,” Cesar said. “My bet is he got himself a terrific lawyer and walked.”
    â€œSo, Sylvie, you think the perpetrator was arrested. What about the rest of you? Everybody agree?” David asked, giving another look around the circle. The contestants nodded.
    â€œJoe? Frank?” David added.
    â€œWell . . .” Frank said. He glanced over at Joe, who gave him a grin. “Tell them.”
    â€œEven if the pickpocket got caught,” Joe said, “I doubt if the cops could arrest him. No evidence.”
    â€œWhat about the wallet?” Elizabeth demanded. “Even if he threw it down on the sidewalk, it would still tell against him.”
    â€œHe didn’t have the wallet,” Frank said. “Right after he took it, he passed it to his accomplice, who strolled off in the other direction. Right, David?”
    â€œI knew there was something about that other guy,” Cesar said. He slapped his palm against his forehead.
    â€œYou tricked us!” Elizabeth declared crossly.
    David smiled. “Good,” he said. “I was hoping to. Just remember, the bad guys aren’t out to make it easy for crime solvers.”
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    Lunch was assorted sandwiches and chips, served on the afterdeck. No one would have wanted to stay inside and miss the view. The Colombe d’Or was approaching its next port of call. Ahead, a green island loomed up out of the blue sea. Frank thought its steep slopes and peak looked like a child’s drawing of a volcano.
    David confirmed this. “That’s Mount Orange,” he told the group. “It’s still active. The last major eruption was about fifty years ago. It buried one of the towns on the island under superheated gas and ash. Over ten thousand people died.”
    Sylvie shivered. “That’s terrible! What if it explodes while we are there?”
    â€œThere’s usually some warning before a big eruption,” Frank assured her, “Sort of like clearing your throat before you sing.”
    â€œIn any case,” David added, “we’ll dock at Fort William. The volcano has never touched it. The town that was destroyed was on the opposite side of the island. If we had more time, we could go over and explore the ruins.”
    â€œSpooky-y-y,” Cesar said in a hollow voice. He waved his open hands in Sylvie’s direction.
    â€œOoo, don’t!” Sylvie exclaimed. Cesar grinned.
    â€œLet her alone,” Boris said gruffly.
    â€œYeah, stop playing the clown,” Jason added.
    Cesar’s grin flickered. “At least I know when I act like a clown,” he retorted. “Unlike some people I could name who don’t know it and can’t help it.”
    Sylvie smiled at him. “It’s all right, Cesar,” she said. “I know you were just trying to be funny. I think you’re cute.”
    Cesar beamed. Frank glanced at Jason and Boris. Both were trying to look unconcerned.
    â€œHow long will we be stuck on this island?” Elizabeth asked in a bored voice. “Is there anything to do on it?”
    â€œThe old part of the city is very picturesque,” David replied. “I like to just wander. There are also some very elegant boutiques and shops around