Free (#20) The Clue in the Jewel Box by Carolyn Keene Page B

Helen and Jim’s group already had arrived. All the young men except Michael offered to carry the picnic hampers to a spot among the trees.
    Nancy introduced Michael to the others, then said, “Let’s go for a swim!”
    “The prince will have a chance to show us his skill,” Ned added.
    Michael smiled in a superior way. “Sorry, I didn’t bring swim trunks.”
    “I’ll let you have mine,” Jim offered. “We’re about the same size.”
    “No, thank you,” the young man declined. “I never wear anybody else’s clothing.”
    The others felt certain that he was giving these lame excuses because he was a poor swimmer. While they dived and raced in a sheltered cove, he amused himself by throwing sticks into the water for his dog to retrieve.
    “Can’t you play that little game somewhere else?” Ned demanded crossly.
    “So sorry,” Michael replied, but he kept on throwing sticks in the swimming area.
    “I’ve had my fill of that guy!” Ned muttered.
    “So have I,” added Bob Dutton.
    Out of earshot of Nancy they formed a plan to be put into effect if Michael should annoy them any more. The young people decided to dress. Nancy’s clothing had dried.
    The girls were ready first and began to set out the lunch. Michael took several sandwiches for his dog without asking permission.
    “I wish those boys would hurry,” Helen said after fifteen minutes had gone by.
    Presently the youths turned up, broad grins on their faces. Nancy suspected they were up to some trick.
    As the food was passed, it became evident that the prince had not learned anything about good manners from his association with his grandmother. He was as greedy as ever.
    “Michael,” said Ned, addressing him abruptly, “will you do us a favor?”
    “What is it?” Michael asked suspiciously.
    “Katherine left her coat in the motorboat. Dash down and get it for her,” Ned replied, giving the girl a wink.
    The young man considered a moment, and then smiled at Katherine. “I’ll do it for you. But when I get back, I’ll expect a reward.”
    “You’ll get it,” Ned promised.
    As Michael started toward the beach with his dog, Nancy glanced questioningly at Ned. Instantly the boys arose and hurriedly stuffed the remaining food into the hampers.
    “We pulled the motorboats to another dock,” he explained. “Here’s where we leave Prince Charming! Come on!” Ned urged. “A ferryboat touches Star Island every two hours. His highness can get home on that.”
    Nancy felt that they should not desert the young man, but was overruled. Keeping out of sight, the young people slipped down to the dock and boarded the two boats. The roar of the motors brought Michael sprinting madly along the beach.
    “Hey, wait for me!” he shouted.
    “Can’t hear you,” Bob called through cupped hands. “Louder!”
    Michael shouted again and again. Finally, as the boats sped away, he slumped down on the beach.
    “It was a mean trick—” Nancy began, but Ned interrupted her.
    “He deserved it. Don’t waste any of your sympathy on him. Save it for Mrs. Alexandra.”
    When the young people reached River Heights, they all went to a movie.
    The next morning Nancy dropped in to see Mr. Faber about her father’s birthday gift. The antique dealer said, “I think I have found just the right gentleman’s box for Mr. Drew.”
    He showed her a handsome brown leather chest trimmed with silver.
    “It’s beautiful!” she said and lifted the lid. “And in wonderful condition,” she added, gazing at the velvet-lined trays for jewelry.
    “I hope your father likes it,” he said anxiously. “Madame Alexandra asked me to make a special effort to please him.”
    “How nice of her!” Nancy exclaimed. “Have you seen her recently?”
    “No, but Michael was here early this morning.”
    “Michael?”
    “Yes, he brought me a ring to sell for Madame Alexandra.” Mr. Faber’s face became troubled. “I gave her the best price I could, but it worries me that she