The Mystery Cruise by Gertrude Chandler Warner

if I do own a toolbox.” Tom snorted. “Is that a crime?” Behind his boldness, though, he appeared shaken.
    Benny lay on the floor, peering under the bed. “I’ve found something else!” he yelled. “This!” He hauled out a rod-shaped piece of iron.
    The captain swooped down on the piece, holding it up in triumph. “This is a part that was taken from the engine!” He glared at Tom. “Now what do you have to say for yourself?”
    Tom stepped backward, bumping into the dresser.
    â€œAdmit it, Tom,” Max said. “Do you want to take all the blame and let Carla off scot-free?”
    â€œAll right,” he growled. “So I tried to slow down the ship. Will I be sent to prison for that?”
    The captain looked solemn. “What you have done is very serious, Mr. Bishop. You also kept messages from being sent and from coming in!”
    â€œAnd what about shouting ‘Man overboard’?” Henry said sternly.
    â€œI only wanted to delay the ship. I didn’t mean any harm.” He glared at them.
    â€œAnd you tried to hide in a closet so you couldn’t be counted,” Jessie said, tightening her lips.
    Tom bent his head. “Yes,” he confessed. “I’m engaged to Carla.” He shot Max a hateful look. “We wanted to stop you from getting everything.” He paused, then snapped, “You always were Great-Aunt Edith’s favorite!”
    â€œI’ve called ahead, Mr. Bishop,” the captain said calmly, “and the police are waiting for you in Nassau.”
    â€œWho cares!” He gave Max a wicked smile. “At least you’ll be late coming into Miami! You won’t get a penny!”
    â€œLook out your porthole, Tom,” Jessie said.
    Tom glanced at her, then rushed to the porthole. His mouth dropped open. “We’re in Nassau!” He exclaimed in confusion. Whirling about, he faced the captain. “You announced we’d be delayed a day!”
    â€œYes,” the captain said, chuckling. “We played a trick on you.” He nodded in Jessie’s direction. “Give that young lady credit for a good idea!”
    â€œWe’ve lost,” Tom muttered, sinking down on his bed.
    â€œYou’ll be locked in your cabin until we go ashore,” the captain said.
    Tom didn’t reply, still shaking his head in disbelief.
    The captain and Max left, followed by the Aldens.
    Sadly, Benny turned and gave Tom a last look. “I’m sorry, Tom. I liked you, but you did bad things.”
    Tom covered his face with his hands.
    â€œGood-bye, Tom,” Benny said softly, closing the door.
    The captain locked Tom in, and they went up on deck.
    â€œThanks for your help,” the captain said. “You children are good detectives.” He moved toward the stairs. “Now I need to prepare for the passengers getting off at Nassau.” With a wave he was gone.
    So it’s over, Violet thought. Instead of gaining money, Tom and Carla are going to end up in prison.
    â€œHurry up, Violet,” Jessie urged. “Let’s see Nassau!”

CHAPTER 10
    The Straw Market
    O nce the all clear sounded, the Aldens and Max hurried down the ramp onto Bay Street.
    Grandfather reached over and shook Max’s hand. “Good luck!” he said.
    â€œI’ll make it,” Max said. “Thanks for all your help!”
    The chilren waved good-bye, for Max was already rushing to a taxi.
    â€œTo the airport!” Max shouted and jumped into the cab.
    â€œI’m glad Max is on his way,” Jessie said, breathing a sigh of relief.
    â€œI’m glad, too,” Grandfather said. “He’ll soon be in Miami.”
    â€œWon’t Carla be surprised to see him?” Violet said with a smile.
    â€œThere’s the police,” Henry said happily, pointing to two officers in white Bermuda shorts.
    â€œThey’re waiting to arrest Tom,” Jessie