The Mystery of the Emeralds

ruins of Rosewood Hall,” Neil said. “He’s sure the emeralds are there somewhere. He even talks about a secret passage. What a crazy idea!”
    Hmmm! Trixie thought to herself. Apparently Jenkins didn’t tell Neil about the message in the locket, or he wouldn’t think the idea so crazy. Then, aloud, she asked, “Do you still think they’re there?”
    “I don’t know, and, frankly, I don’t care. They’ve got me in enough hot water already. I just hope you find ’em before he does!”
    “So do we!” Trixie said earnestly. “But I might as well be frank with you. So far we’ve had no luck.” Mr. and Mrs. Lynch were walking up and down in front of the cottage as they drove up. It was obvious, from the looks on their faces, that they were worried about the Bob-Whites getting back so much later than usual, but Di hurried to set their minds at ease. Then their anxiety gave way to curiosity when they saw Neil in the car.
    “This is our friend Neil,” Di said, “and he’d like to talk to you, Daddy, if you have a few minutes.”
    Mr. Lynch gave Di and Neil an appraising look and then said, “Suppose we go inside, where we’ll have some privacy, and you can tell me what’s on your mind.”
    “I’d like to have Di and Trixie come with me, if you don’t mind,” Neil said. “This was sort of their idea, and I’d feel better if they were along.” His face reddened as he said this, but Mr. Lynch was quick to reassure him.
    “Of course, of course,” he said. “You others go for a swim while we have a little chat, and then we’ll meet in time for dinner.” Putting his arm around Neil’s shoulders, he went into the cottage, followed by Trixie and Di.
    Trixie realized that the time had come to tell Mr. Lynch about the letter she had found in the attic at Crabapple Farm and the circumstances of her first meeting with Neil. He listened attentively to her story, smiling occasionally when Trixie’s enthusiasm made her get ahead of herself and forced her to backtrack in her account of what had happened.
    “And did you all plan to meet Neil down here and hunt for the treasure?” he asked when Trixie had finished.
    “No, sir,” Neil spoke for the first time. “I came down on my own hook.” Then he went on to tell about his encounter with Jenkins and his change of heart about going on with the search.
    “So you see, Daddy,” Di broke in, “we hoped you’d have some suggestion about where Neil might get work or something.”
    “Then I take it no one has found the necklace.” Mr. Lynch looked from one to the other.
    “No,” Trixie answered. “That is, we haven’t—and so far as we know, Jenkins hasn’t, either.”
    “Well, that’s something I’ll have to leave up to you, I guess. Treasure hunts are a little out of my line.” He smiled indulgently at the two girls. “But Neil’s problem is something I may be able to do something about.”
    “Oh, I knew you would, Daddy!” Di said fervently. “What do you plan?”
    “Well, that’s a good question, dear,” her father replied. “Several things suggest themselves to me, but it will take a little time to decide what’s best for this young man. Suppose you come back tomorrow about this time, and we’ll talk again.”
    “That’ll be great, Mr. Lynch!” Neil said. “You can count on me from now on!”
    “I’m sure I can,” Di’s father answered, extending his hand to Neil. “And by the way, my boy, how about a small loan to take care of your needs for the next day or so? You’d be welcome to it.”
    “No, thank you,” Neil said proudly. “I still have some of my pay. I’ll make out just fine!” Then turning a warm smile on Trixie and Di, he said, “Be seeing you,” and he was gone.
    “Well, this trip has turned out to be quite a little adventure.” Mr. Lynch laughed. “Of course, we don’t really know anything about this Neil, but he impresses me as being sincere, and I’m ready to give him a chance.”
    “You’re the greatest!” Di said, giving her father an affectionate kiss. “Now we’d better go and get dressed for dinner. I’m starved. Come on, Trix.”
    Trixie was dead tired, but a hot shower and fresh clothes did much to revive her. By the time they all met for dinner, she had regained most of her natural bounce. After everyone had ordered, Mr. Lynch leaned back in his chair.
    “Trixie,” he said, “I didn’t want to show too much curiosity about this necklace while I was talking to Neil a