The Mystery Cruise by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page A

shoulder. “Isn’t it something, Benny? We’re going to have a great time!”
    â€œYou said it!” Benny answered.
    A man in a white uniform smiled at them and motioned them to come aboard.
    Grandfather went first, followed by Jessie, Henry, Benny, and Violet.
    â€œDo you have a table reserved for dinner?” the man asked.
    â€œYes, our travel agent arranged for a table for six. I suppose one more guest will be seated with us,” Grandfather said, “in order to fill the table.”
    â€œI see,” the man said. “Then the steward will show you to your cabins.”
    Another young man in a uniform greeted them. “Follow me,” he said politely. “A fire drill is scheduled at eleven. Please don’t forget.”
    He led them to their cabins. Violet and Jessie were pleased at their large cabin with twin beds, a dressing table, and a small bathroom. Henry and Benny’s cabin had bunk beds while Grandfather had a single cabin only a few doors away.
    Benny ran to the ladder and climbed to the top bed. “Can I have the top bunk, Henry?” he asked, plumping up the pillow.
    â€œThat’s fine by me,” Henry answered, opening the closet and hanging up his new navy blazer.
    After unpacking, the children met outside on the deck. Their cabins were on B deck.
    Benny looked about at the deck chairs, the shiny floors, and the portholes of the staterooms. “Wow! It’s so big,” he said. “I wish I’d brought my roller skates.”
    Henry laughed. “And what if a wind tilted the ship? You’d go sliding right off the deck into the ocean.”
    â€œNot me!” Benny protested. “I’m a good skater. I’d be able to stay on my feet.”
    â€œCome on,” Henry urged. “Let’s look around. The ship sails at ten o’clock and it’s nine o’clock now.”
    â€œWe have an hour to explore the ship,” Jessie said, walking over to the stairs.
    They went up to A deck and were amazed at how many shops there were.
    â€œNeed a haircut, Benny?” Henry asked, pointing to a barber shop.
    â€œNo way. I don’t want to waste a minute.” Benny touched his hair. “I look fine,” he pronounced.
    They laughed, going past a beauty shop, a jewelry store, a drug store, a perfume shop, and a theater. They went down to C Deck where a gym was located. A nearby room contained the latest exercise equipment.
    Back to B Deck, close to their rooms, they explored the laundry room, the game room, and the library. They didn’t have time to go up to the sun deck to see the swimming pool, for a large blast from the ship’s horn warned them that it was almost sailing time.
    They hurried to meet Grandfather at the railing. Passengers were waving and shouting to friends below.
    Red, white, and blue streamers and confetti floated in the air. A Dixieland band, playing a lively tune, was on the deck in back of them. There was a mighty horn blast and the ship moved slowly away from the wharf.
    Benny danced a few steps in time to the music, then came back to the railing to wave and yell, “Good-bye, everybody!”
    The white buildings on shore slowly receded into the distance.
    Jessie squeezed Violet’s hand. “Isn’t this beautiful?”
    â€œYes, oh, yes,” Violet answered.
    The Aldens stood on the deck until Miami was only a dot.
    Grandfather tapped Benny on the shoulder. “How about a glass of milk and a pastry?”
    Benny nodded, always ready to eat. He went over to a long table with doughnuts, sweet rolls, fresh fruit, and beverages. He helped himself to a chocolate doughnut and milk. Jessie, Violet, and Henry had a snack, too, even though they’d had a small breakfast on the plane. But that seemed like days ago instead of just hours.
    â€œI found out who will be at the table in the dining room with us,” Grandfather said, sipping a cup of steaming