Free Mystery in New York by Gertrude Chandler Warner

detectives,” said Benny. “Very good detectives.”
    â€œThat’s true,” said Mrs. Teague. “If you’d asked me, I could have told you. After all, I was there when the Aldens solved the mystery at the dog show.”
    â€œMr. Pound,” Violet said softly, “may I ask you something?”
    â€œOf course, Violet. I owe you that at least.”
    â€œYou tried to keep the Star hidden and all to yourself, but didn’t you tell us your wife wanted people to see it? That she wanted to share it?”
    â€œThat’s very true, Violet.”
    â€œWell, I know a place where lots of people would see it — the Museum of Natural History, with the other beautiful gems.”
    â€œAnd there are lots of kids there,” said Benny. “Mrs. Teague told us you liked children.”
    Mrs. Teague looked embarrassed, but Benny went right on talking. “And the museum’s so close you could visit the Elizabeth Star whenever you wanted to and you could see all those children, too.”
    Mr. Evans put the diamond on the table in front of Mr. Pound. Mr. Pound looked at the Elizabeth Star for some time, then looked up at Mr. Evans. “I guess we’d both better talk to the police,” he said.
    â€œI think it would be the right thing to do,” said Henry.
    â€œI think if you confess,” Grandfather put in, “you’ll be able to work something out so you don’t go to jail. After all, you haven’t yet actually reported it missing to your insurance company, have you?”
    Mr. Pound shook his head. “No, I haven’t.”
    Grandfather went on, “And Mr. Evans here did cooperate, finally. If you don’t press charges against him perhaps the police will drop the case.…”
    When Mr. Pound had left, Jessie said to Mr. Evans, “Thanks for your help in solving the mystery.”
    â€œGlad to do it,” said Mr. Evans. “An honest electrician, that’s me.” He emphasized the word honest and added, “From now on.”
    â€œGood,” said Violet, smiling at him.
    â€œHey, I saw the light,” said Mr. Evans. “That’s a joke.”
    â€œIn the chandelier?” asked Benny, puzzled.
    Everyone laughed. And, as usual, Benny laughed, too, although he wasn’t quite sure why everyone was laughing.
    The Aldens spent their last day in New York City hunting for souvenirs and packing. By late afternoon they were waiting in the lobby with Mrs. Teague for the hired car that would take them to the train station when the elevator doors slid silently open.
    â€œLook out,” cried a familiar voice. And out came Lydia into the hall. But this time, she didn’t have five French bulldogs on a leash. She had a huge Irish wolfhound.
    â€œWoof,” said Watch, and stopped, unsure of himself. Even he had never seen a dog that big.
    â€œDon’t worry. Erin — that’s her name — is very friendly,” said Lydia, pulling on the leash.
    Erin sat down.
    â€œIs Erin one of your new dog clients?” asked Violet.
    â€œYep. And guess what? I just got a part in a new play. Diamonds and Hearts . On Broadway!” said Lydia.
    â€œCongratulations,” all the Aldens said at once.
    â€œYou’ll have to come see it. It opens at Christmas. And you know why I got the part?” she went on.
    â€œYour lucky crystal?” asked Henry.
    â€œWell, that, maybe. And the dog who has a starring role liked me!” Lydia beamed. “I guess it’s all my experience with dogs. Critt’s Critters is going to make me a star!”
    Erin stood up.
    â€œOkay,” Lydia said to Erin.
    â€œLydia,” said Jessie quickly, “a few nights ago, after you walked the French bulldogs, you stayed upstairs a long time. What happened?”
    Lydia thought a moment, then grinned. “Jill got away, out in the hall. It took me almost twenty minutes to catch her, the little