Mystery of the Queen's Jewels by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page B

children chorused.
    A week later, their suitcases packed, the Aldens were boarding a large airplane, bound for London. It was almost nine o’clock at night. Grandfather had explained that they would sleep on the airplane and the next morning they’d be in England.
    â€œWe’re in row three,” called Jessie, leading the way. “We can put our backpacks up here, Benny.” After putting her own backpack in the overhead bin, she reached for Benny’s. He had packed all sorts of games and toys in his little red backpack.
    â€œBut I wanted to do some of the puzzles I brought,” he said.
    â€œGrandfather said we have to put everything away before takeoff,” said Jessie.
    She settled into her seat and helped Benny buckle his seat belt. Henry and Violet were sitting right across the aisle, and Grandfather was in front of them, reading his newspaper.
    Just then, a man came rushing down the aisle. He was wearing a wrinkled suit and a raincoat. His arms were filled with newspapers, and over his shoulder was a red backpack much like Benny’s. The man’s face was flushed, as if he’d been running, and his hair was a mess. He stopped when he got to the third row, and dropped everything onto the floor. After searching in all his pockets, he finally pulled out a crumpled ticket. He looked at it, then turned to Henry and spoke softly with a British accent. “Excuse me. I believe you’re in my seat.” He held out his ticket for Henry to see.
    Henry looked at the man’s ticket. “I think you’re in this row,” he said politely, pointing to the seat in front of Jessie.
    â€œI am? Yes, you’re right. I’m so sorry,” the man said. He looked down at his pile of things on the floor. “Oh, dear, what a mess.”
    â€œCan I help you?” Henry asked. “How about if I put your backpack up here?” He placed the backpack in the overhead bin.
    â€œThanks so much.” The man put out his hand to Henry. “I’m Charles Finchley.”
    â€œI’m Henry Alden, and this is my grandfather, James Alden, and my sisters and brother, Violet, Jessie, and Benny,” Henry said.
    â€œIt’s our first trip to London,” Benny said.
    â€œIt is?” Charles said. “London’s my home. I’m sure you’ll like it very much.”
    A friendly voice began speaking over the loudspeaker. “This is the pilot. Please take your seats. We’re ready to taxi out to the runway.”
    Soon all the passengers were settled in their seats, and the airplane taxied out to the runway and took off. After a while the flight attendants came down the aisles pushing large carts filled with drinks and snacks. While the children drank their juice and ate their small packets of peanuts, they chatted with Charles and some of the other passengers about London. Charles suggested some sights near their inn that they might like.
    The flight attendants came down the aisles and gave a set of earphones to each passenger.
    â€œWhat are these for?” Benny asked.
    â€œYou plug them into the side of your seat,” Jessie explained. “You can listen to music, or you can use them to hear the movie that’s going to be shown.” She motioned to the screen at the front.
    The children all plugged in their earphones and enjoyed the funny movie. When it was over, they felt very tired. Grandfather had urged them to get some sleep, but they’d been having too much fun. Finally, one by one, the children curled up and went to sleep. They’d been so busy, they’d forgotten all about the puzzles in Benny’s backpack, which was still up in the overhead bin.
    The children were awakened a short while later by sunlight streaming through the small airplane windows. The flight attendants were passing out trays of breakfast: scrambled eggs, toast with jam, slices of melon, and orange juice.
    â€œAre we there yet?” Benny asked