The Mystery Cruise by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page B

scooping up the last of her ice cream.
    â€œLet’s go,” Henry said. “The magic show doesn’t start until nine-thirty.”
    So they played a game of bingo, then went into the grand ballroom for the magic entertainment.
    The opening act was a juggler who did all sorts of tricks with three golden tenpins. Next was a magician who pulled a rabbit out of a hat, and sawed a woman in two. For his final act the band struck up “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” while from his sleeve the magician drew yards and yards of silk flags.
    Benny’s foot kept time to the lively music, and when it was over, he turned to Henry, saying, “I wish there was more.”
    Henry looked at his watch. “Do you know it’s midnight?”
    Benny gave Henry a sidelong glance. “Really? I could stay up this late every night.”
    â€œNo way,” Henry said. “It was a good show, though, wasn’t it?”
    â€œThe best!” Benny said.
    â€œTime to go to our cabins,” Grandfather said.
    That night Violet went to bed with a smile on her face. What a wonderful day. They had not only seen Nassau, but a magic show as well. It was hard to believe that tomorrow they’d return to Miami. She was sorry to see the end of the cruise, but it would be good to get home, too.

CHAPTER 11
    Sailing Home
    O n Sunday, after the children had finished packing and eaten their breakfast, Benny said, “Let’s visit my favorite place.”
    â€œAnd where’s that?” asked Henry. “The navigation deck?”
    â€œNo,” Benny replied, grinning.
    â€œThe pool?” Violet asked.
    â€œNooo.”
    â€œThe dining room?” Jessie teased.
    â€œNot the dining room, either,” Benny said.
    â€œThen, where?” Violet asked, sounding puzzled.
    â€œI want to visit Isaac!” Benny loudly announced.
    â€œAh,” Henry said with understanding. “The kitchen. I should have guessed that was it.”
    â€œYes, Benny,” Jessie said. “We must all say good-bye to Isaac. We dock in Miami at noon, so we have time to do some visiting, too.”
    â€œThe ship feels like home, now,” Violet said.
    Henry laughed. “True. We know the ship from the engine room to the top of the navigation deck.”
    â€œFollow me!” Benny said, leading the way to the kitchen.
    Isaac, cleaning a refrigerator door, stopped when he saw the children and a wide smile creased his face. “Come in, come in,” he said, taking off his tall white hat and wiping his brow. “Did you come to say good-bye?”
    â€œYes,” Benny said, feeling sad.
    â€œI’m sorry to see you go, but you’ve all enjoyed yourselves, haven’t you?” Isaac asked.
    â€œOh, yes,” Violet said.
    â€œI wish I had a treat for you, but everything has been wrapped and put away.” Isaac put a finger to the side of his nose, thinking. “Wait. I think there’s a package of chocolate chip cookies that I could give you,” he said.
    Jessie laughed. “We just finished eating breakfast, Isaac. Besides, we didn’t come for any sweets. We came because you’re our friend.”
    â€œNo, no, I insist,” Isaac said, snapping his fingers. “I know! I have something you’ll like even better than chocolate chip cookies.”He went to a freezer, taking out a plate holding four, giant chocolate-covered strawberries. He offered them to the children. “Taste these!”
    Each Alden took a strawberry. Biting into his, Benny rolled his eyes. “Hmmmm, good.”
    Isaac laughed. “I thought you’d like them.” He set his hat squarely on his head and solemnly stuck out his hand, shaking hands forcefully with Henry, Violet, and Jessie. Finally, he turned to Benny and scooped him up in his arms. “You’ve been my helper, Benny, and I’m glad I met you.”
    â€œAnd I’m glad I met you,” Benny said