儿童英语读物 The Mystery Cruise CHAPTER 6 Sightseeing in San Juan

Max’s problems were soon forgotten when the children arrived in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. It was late afternoon, but they had a number of hours before the ship left at midnight.



The Aldens hurried down the ramp 1 onto the narrow cobblestoned streets of Old San Juan. El Morro, the sixteenth-century fort, loomed 2 ahead. The Aldens climbed up to the fort, now a museum. After exploring its many rooms, Grandfather urged them to go outside and wait for him. “I want to study this treaty,” he said, indicating a yellow parchment in a glass case.



“We’ll be resting under the trees,” Benny said.



“Good,” Grandfather replied. “Then we’ll have our dinner at the Cat’s Paw in New San Juan.”



Once outside, Henry leaned back against a tree, a slight frown on his face. “I wonder what Max meant when he said he hoped he hadn’t put us in any danger.”



“I wonder, too,” Violet said. “It’s all very strange.”



Benny’s eyes widened. “I hope we don’t have a shipwreck 3.”



“I don’t think we need to worry about that,” Henry said with a chuckle 4.



Jessie said, “I’m sure Max knows what’s behind all this.”



Violet shook her head. “I hate to think he could be causing these things.” She hesitated, then added, “But he’s always in the middle of any problem.”



Henry nodded. “Remember when we overheard Max on the phone? He said, ‘I will, but only because you think I should. Yes, I’ll do everything you told me.’ ” Henry rubbed his forehead. “I don’t like to admit it, but those words sound pretty suspicious to me.”



“I still say it’s one of the new passengers,” Jessie said. “Maybe it’s Tom. He’s strong and quick, too. He could pull out wires before anyone caught sight of him.”



“Not Tom,” Benny protested. “He’s a good weight lifter, and exercise is all he cares about.”



Violet sighed. “It’s all very confusing. And the Rands are new passengers, but they’re such a sweet family.”



“Yes,” Jessie said. “But they used to work for another cruise line.”



“Maybe they’re trying to hurt the West Wind,” Benny said. “So their ship could get more passengers than ours!”



Henry shrugged 5. “I doubt it. I think Heather could be the one. Like the Rands, she’s sweet, too. You need to remember that she knows the ship and, being a crew member, she can go anywhere she wants, and she’s the one who heard the splash.”



“She’s always nervous,” Jessie added, “and she never wants to talk to us for very long.”



“And she received a telegram from C,” Violet said.



“Yes,” Henry said. “She could be working for this C. Remember the message she sent saying that everything was going along fine?”



Soberly, Jessie nodded. She hated to think that Heather could be so sneaky and underhanded, but she certainly acted very mysterious.



“Here comes Grandfather!” Benny shouted, standing 6 and waving.



“Well, well,” Grandfather said, coming nearer. “Are you solving all the ship’s troubles?”



“Not really,” Violet said, smiling. She rose and gazed about at the city below. “Isn’t San Juan beautiful?”



“Yes, I just wish we had more time here,” Jessie added.



“We’ll make the best of the time we have,” Grandfather assured her. “Let’s go to our cafe.”



“Yes!” Benny said. “I’m hungry.”



They all laughed at the familiar words as they wended their way down to the narrow street below. The busy sidewalks were filled with people and the small shops were busy.



The Cat’s Paw, a tiny cafe tucked away in an alley 7, had a small marimba band and a singer who sang in Spanish.



When they had finished eating a dinner of broiled 8 chicken, browned rice with fresh pineapple, and a creamy pudding with caramel sauce for dessert, they walked back to the ship.



They arrived an hour before sailing and sat on the deck, waiting for the boat to sail.



“This is fun,” Benny said. “I don’t get to stay up this late very often.”



At midnight, as the ship glided 9 away from the dock, the Aldens watched the harbor lights gradually disappear into the darkness.



On Thursday morning, Jessie picked up the morning’s bulletin which had been slid under the door and quickly scanned it. All at once she stopped and stared at the paper.



“What is it?” Violet asked anxiously.



Quietly, Jessie handed her the paper. “Due to engine trouble the ship will be delayed by a day.”



“Another problem!” Violet said, shaking her head.



Jessie said slowly, “I’m getting scared. Not that I’d mind staying an extra day on the cruise, but do you think someone has deliberately 10 tampered 11 with the engine?”



“Let’s see what Grandfather says,” Violet said, opening the door. “He’ll be at breakfast.”



“No, let’s not worry him. He’s enjoying the cruise so much,” Jessie said.



The girls met Henry, Benny, and Grandfather at their favorite table. As usual Benny’s plate was heaped with pancakes, bacon, muffins, and fruit.



Ralph Rand stopped at their table. “Good morning,” he said, holding a sleepy Robin 12. “How are the Aldens?”



“We’re fine,” Jessie said, smiling at the baby.



“Where’s Melissa?” Violet asked, glancing around.



“Over there,” Ralph motioned with his head, “loading up food on our breakfast tray.”



“The chefs give a person enough to eat, don’t they?” Henry said.



“Oh, I suppose so,” Ralph replied. “But the French ship that we worked on had more delicious food.” He gave a low chuckle. “And now this ship has engine trouble!”



“Oh, I’m sure we won’t be delayed very much over a day,” Grandfather said reassuringly 13.



“I’d like an extra day,” Benny said. He looked up at Ralph. “Were you a chef?” Benny inquired.



“I was a steward 14, and Melissa was the social director. In fact, that’s where we met.”



“What’s a social director?” Benny said curiously 15.



“Oh, she does things like planning Scrabble tournaments and dance contests,” Ralph explained, shifting Robin’s weight.



Melissa came up behind her husband and blew her baby a kiss. She said happily, “Isn’t it a beautiful day?”



“The best!” Benny answered.



Ralph said, “We’ll see you later. Have fun.” The small family moved to an empty table.



“I like the Rands,” Benny said. “But they act like the ship they worked on had better food than ours.”



“I don’t think that’s possible, do you?” Henry asked, taking a bite of his spinach 16 omelette.



“This food is the best I’ve ever tasted,”Violet agreed.



Max paused at their table, his face white. “Hello,” he said, attempting a smile. “How is everyone? Did you see the bulletin? We’ll be delayed a whole day!”



“Sit down, Max,” Grandfather urged. “Have some breakfast. It might calm your nerves.”



Max sat down, folding and unfolding his hands. He gazed at each Alden. “You’ve been so kind to me.” He smiled briefly 17. “Even when I’ve behaved rather strangely.”



“What’s wrong, Max?” Henry questioned gently.



Max’s blue eyes grew dark. “I think I owe every one of you an explanation. Do you have time to listen to my story?”



“Oh, yes,” Jessie said, leaning forward. “Please tell us.”



And so Max began his story.