The Mystery of the Emeralds

while ago, but now I would like to ask you, in all seriousness, if you really believe there’s a secret passage, let alone an emerald necklace.”
    “I know it’s hard to believe, Mr. Lynch,” Trixie answered soberly. “I guess that’s why we didn’t tell you all the details the other day when you finally suspected that we were on the trail of a mystery. Until today, there were times when I was ready to give up.”
    “What happened today?” Mrs. Lynch asked eagerly. “Did you find any clues?”
    “You sound just like a Bob-White, Mummy,” Di said with a laugh. “We’re always asking Trixie if she’s uncovered any more clues. Go on, tell what you found in the music room, Trixie.”
    “Well, I just happened to hit on a secret staircase,” Trixie said, “a circular one going down to the cellar and maybe beyond.”
    “I love the way she says she ‘just happened’ to hit on it,” Jim chuckled. “Trixie figured the whole thing out after she’d seen the blueprints, with no help from any of us.”
    Trixie took a sip of water and hoped that no one noticed the color that she could feel mounting in her cheeks. Honey, realizing how embarrassed Trixie was, began to elaborate on the discovery so attention would be drawn away from her friend for a few minutes. By the time she had finished, dinner was served, and they became so engrossed in the delicious Southern fried chicken, com fritters, and buttery mashed potatoes that conversation lagged, and Mr. Lynch seemed in no hurry to press the Bob-Whites for more details. Then, after they had managed to make away with an assortment of luscious sundaes, he asked, very casually, if they were planning to pursue their exploration of the secret staircase the next day.
    “Oh, of course!” Trixie cried. “It’s our last chance. It’s tomorrow or never—at least, never for us.” She wondered why Mr. Lynch smiled as she said this. It was almost as though he had a secret he wasn’t willing to share just yet.
    “I must try to get out to Green Trees before we go home,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot about it and what a wonderful job of restoration they’re doing. Maybe I can make it tomorrow afternoon.”
    “Oh, I’d love to have you see it!” Trixie replied with enthusiasm.
    “And you really should meet Mr. Carver,” Di added. “He’s a marvelous person. You and Mummy would like him, I know.”
    Just as they were going into the cottage after dinner, the phone rang. Mrs. Lynch answered it, then called Trixie. “It’s for you, dear,” she said, handing the receiver over.
    A puzzled look came over Trixie’s face.
    Maybe it’s Neil, she thought. I can't imagine who else would be calling me.
    It was apparent immediately that what was being said on the other end of the wire came as a shock, for Trixie slumped into the chair near the telephone, a look of bewilderment coming over her face.
    “He has ?” the others heard her say. “Where? When?”
    After listening for a moment longer, she ended the conversation.
    “Yes, we’ll be out in the morning,” she said. “Around ten? Yes. I’ll try not to worry. Thanks, Mr. Carver.”
    She slowly replaced the receiver in its cradle. Then, looking up, her face a picture of despair, she said, “I guess you heard. It was Mr. Carver. Jenkins has just phoned to tell him he’s found the necklace!”
    “Oh, no!” Honey cried. “I can’t believe it.”
    “He’s coming over with it in the morning, and Mr. Carver wanted us to be there,” Trixie added.
    “Did Mr. Carver say what kind of deal Jenkins wants to make?” Mr. Lynch asked. “From what you tell me about the fellow, I’m sure he has something up his sleeve.”
    “No,” Trixie replied. “He just said Jenkins was coming and wanted to talk with him.” She obviously was making a valiant effort to keep the tears back.
    “Well, I hate to have you go out there alone and run the risk of getting into any kind of trouble,” Mr. Lynch said. “But with the boys along, I’m sure you’ll be able to cope with Jenkins. I’d go with you, but I have an important engagement in the morning. However, I’ll come out right after I’ve finished.”
    “Well, knowing how Jenkins acted when Lizzie James threatened him, I don’t think we have anything to worry about,” Trixie assured him. “But who knows what he plans to do with the emeralds?” Although the Bob-Whites retired early, hoping that sleep would blot out the awful disappointment they all felt, it was