The Clue of the Carved Ruby

Paris, London, Rome! Vicki Barr finds it hard to believe

her good fortune. Now that she is a transatlantic stewardess

for Worldwide Airlines, she can visit the most romantic

cities of the worldand where Vicki goes, adventure and mystery surely will follow.

Even before her first New York-to-Paris flight, Vicki

becomes involved in an interlocking series of events which

leads her right into the arms of a gang of international

criminals.

It all starts in New York City when a series of fabulous

jewel thefts headline the newspapers. Unwittingly, Vicki

and her Swedish roommate Karen foil the thieves master plan by accepting an envelope containing a picture post

card of Grand Central Station and a key to a luggage

lockerboth meant for someone else. Vicki, of course, cannot resist a mystery, and she traces the key to its

sourcewhere a paper bag filled with valuable jewels awaits her.

In Paris and New York, Vicki and Karen can find no

escape from the entangling web of intrigue, which involves

them with a very handsome but mysterious young man and

a much-too-charming socialite couple.

Join Vicki Barr on her first transatlantic flight into a

whole new world of excitement, romance, and spine-

tingling adventure.

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

Silver Wings for Vicki

Vicki Finds the Answer

The Hidden Valley Mystery

The Secret of Magnolia Manor

The Clue of the Broken Blossom

Behind the White Veil

The Mystery at Hartwood House

Peril Over the Airport

The Mystery of the Vanishing Lady

The Search for the Missing Twin

The Ghost at the Waterfall

The Clue of the Gold Coin

The Silver Ring Mystery

The Clue of the Carved Ruby

The Mystery of Flight 908

The Brass Idol Mystery

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

________________________________________________________

THE CLUE OF THE

CARVED RUBY

BY HELEN WELLS

________________________________________________________

GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS

New York

BY GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC., 1961

All Rights Reserved

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CONTENTS ________________________________________________________

CHAPTER PAGE

I FRESH START 1

II A RANSACKED ROOM 17

III VICKI MEETS THE BAKERS 39

IV BLUE-AND-GOLD WINGS 62

V IN PARIS 80

VI A CHANGE OF HEART 103

VII BAD NEWS 117

VIII THE BANDAGED PASSENGER 132

IX APARTMENT SIX 151

X THE CARVED RUBY 169

XI WHAT JACK KNEW 182

I am grateful to Ginny Roiz, Supervisor

of Flight Stewardesses, to Lloyd Wilson,

Service Manager, and in particular to

George Gardner, Education Director, of

Pan American World Airways, for letting

me visit Pan Americans Stewardess School and other installations, on

several occasions, and for their generous

help in the preparation of this book

The Clue of the Carved Ruby

1

CHAPTER I

Fresh Start

Vicki Barr walked to the head of the aisle,

remembered to smile, and looked earnestly at her

classmates. Sixteen pretty girls in spring dresses,

and four young men, were seated in the simulated

plane cabin. They came from the United States,

Canada, England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria,

Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Lebanon.

They looked expectantly at Vicki; Karen

Sorenson gave her a wide, encouraging smile. Miss

Saunders, head of the staff of fourteen men and

three women who instructed the class, said from the

last seat:

Go ahead, Miss Barr. Vicki took a deep breath and said:

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome aboard your Worldwide Airways airliner, Flight

114. The planes P.A.public-address systemmade her voice sound slightly artificial. Vicki tried

to sound warmer and friendlier. I am your purser,

2

Vicki Barr. Your stewardess is Yvonne Brassai.

Your steward is Leo Forazzo.

Our estimated flying time to Paris will be seven hours. We will be flying at an altitude of thirty-three

thousand feet. Worldwide has completed more

transoceanic flights than any other airline. This is

our eighty-nine thousand, seven hundred and fourth

flight. Vicki explained about airway regulations. Above your seat you will find oxygen mask, reading light, ventilator, stewardess call button.

Dont hesitate to call should you need us. Enjoy your trip! We will serve you dinner soon after take-

off. Thank you. Miss Saunders commented, Very good, Miss

Barr. You sounded hospitable, and thats important. Now in French, please.

Vicki gulped. She wished Yvonne could be

allowed to make the announcement in French, but

each stewardess had to be bilingual. Most of these

young crew members-to-be spoke three languages.

Vicki started out smoothly, Bon soir, mesdames et messieurs She stumbled only once, on saying eighty-nine thousand, seven hundred and fourth in French, then returned to her seat beside Karen and

the Finnish girl Sisco Lappi. Sisco whispered, You did well, Vic

Then young Leo Forazzo made the Welcome aboard announcement in Italian. He was a stocky,

3

husky Swiss-Italian, who had gone to schools all

over Europe, and formerly had worked with the

American Embassy abroad. If the instructor required

it, Leo could give the announcement in German,

Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish, as well. Vicki had

thought Leo formidable at the beginning of their

training six weeks ago, but now she knew him as an

amiable co-worker with a passion for travel, a

fiance in Geneva, and a brand-new taste for riding

New Yorks buses and subways. For that matter, Vicki thought, glancing at the

young faces surrounding her in the mock-up plane,

any member of our class is outstanding. Some of them had studied at Oxford, Grenoble, Rome,

Columbia, the University of California, and other

famous colleges and universities. On the other hand,

Eva Baum, who came from Vienna, had gone to

Paris as a baby sitter for friends of her family, in

order to perfect her French. Sisco had been on the

best ski team in Finland. Bill Whipple, who during

the winters attended a hotel-training school,

eventually would manage his fathers chain of hotels in Texas. Only Vicki herself and one of the classs other American girls, Betty Stevens, had flown as

stewardesses.

Until last March, Vicki had been a stewardess for

Federal Airlines, flying within the continental

United States. Then, while on rest leave at home, at

4

The Castle in Fairview, Illinois, she learned some

interesting news. Worldwide Airways would

interview applicants in Chicago at the end of March.

They were seeking girls to fly as stewardesses to all

parts of the worldsomething Vicki had always hankered to do. She knew the competition was very

greatthat Worldwide, the only American airline in the world to fly around the globe, hired girls from

many countries. Only three girls out of twenty

would be Americans. Only the most highly qualified

girls were chosen. Vicki hoped that her domestic

airline experience would help her graduate into the

very different work of international flights. She

knew that Worldwide Airways thoroughly retrained

everyoneeven hundred-thousand-mile pilotsselected to work under their insignia: a blue globe

flanked by gold wings.

You know how to swim, thats one requirement, Vickis younger sister, Ginny, had said, after reading the announcement. And arent you fluent in at least one foreign language?

Id have to brush up, Vicki had said. Their mother had said, Well, since you have free

time, Vic, and were only downstate from Chicago, you might apply for an interview.

So Vicki had applied, and received in reply a

cordial letter and an appointment. She and Ginny

and their mother decided not to tell Professor Barr

5

anything just yet. He might not understand about

Vickis wanting to gallivant around the world. In Chicago, Vicki met Miss Dorothy Saunders

and practically fell in love with that gracious lady on

sight. Miss Saunders was in charge of all

stewardesses for Worldwide Airways; she had been

a stewardess herself, before her marriage. Vicki

thought her one of the loveliest women she had ever

met. In her quiet, kind way Miss Saunders learned

all about Vicki in record time. The day after her

interview with Miss Saunders, Vicki faced a panel

of two men supervisors and Miss Saunders. The

panel questioned Vicki and talked with her at length.

She was aware that they were judging her for poise

and friendliness, good manners and good English,

good looks and health, and for the ability to deal

with passengers from all nations.

Then came a letter saying Miss Vicki Barr had

been accepted for stewardess training by Worldwide

Airways, to start May first. Worldwide had several

divisions, Atlantic, Pacific, Latin-American,

Scandinavian, Far Eastern, and African. Vicki was

assigned to the Atlantic Division, to fly jets to

Europe.

Vicki had a month until May first, to get ready.

First she had to resign from Federal Airlines, and it

was hard saying good-by there. Then she made

arrangements with two of her former high school

6

teachers to tutor her in French and Spanish. She

practiced at home on her family at every

opportunity. Vicki even spoke in French and

Spanish to Freckles, the Barrs spaniel, and completely confused the little dog.

I believe Freckles is glad to see you go, Mrs. Barr remarked, on the day Vickis family took her to Fairview Airport, to fly to New York. Of course the rest of us arent glad.

Yet they were proud that she had won the

wonderful opportunity. This time, Vicki found,

saying good-by to her parents and sister was almost

painless. She would see them often, because of

frequent, long, rest periods. That is, if she

successfully got through the seven weeks of

training.

At first Vicki was overwhelmed by the jet base.

Classes were held in the Worldwide Airways

administration building at Idlewild International

Airport. Right outside the classroom were

Worldwides huge hangarseach as long as two football fieldswhere the jet planes were serviced. After a cordial welcome, Vickis class was taken through the Boeing 707 jets.

Big, bigger, still bigger, faster, more powerful, Vicki thought, as the class, awed and dazzled,

trooped through the DC-6s, DC-7Cs, the Douglas DC-8 jet airliners, and the Boeing 707 jets. Their

7

instructor explained that the DC-6s and DC-7Cs were driven by propellers, fueled by gasoline, with

engines like an automobiles. The faster jets with their swept-back wings had newer engines called

turbines, and operated without propellers for faster,

smoother take-off. These jets burned kerosene,

which was lighter weight than gasoline, and so could

carry more fuel and fly longer nonstop flights. Vicki

felt exhilarated by the Boeing 707it could carry as many as one hundred and eighty-seven passengers,

plus flight crew and cabin crewat 600 miles per hour!

The class started at once learning how to use the

707s cabin equipment, in the training mock-up. This was a replica of the actual jet cabin, but with

fewer seats, a make-believe observation lounge, and

one galley to practice cooking in instead of the four

galleys they would actually use in the air.

Exactly as in the actual aircraft, the seats were on

tracks. Their instructors moved the seats two abreast

or three abreast, and at different distances from the

seats ahead, for the two classes of flights. One of the

instructors, talking to the class about payload,

pointed out that a 707 jet could carry up to one

hundred eighty-seven passengers, if all were

Economy seatsbut only forty De Luxe passengers. Vicki and her classmates sat down in each

configuration, and were satisfied that each one

8

allowed plenty of room for comfort.

The main difference, Miss Saunders told the class, is in different menus and niceties of service. Economy Service has a hot tray meal with two

choices of entrees, De Luxe Service is more

elaborate. Both are attractive. Im sure I dont have to tell you that all passengers are Worldwides guests aloft. Nothing we can do to make their trip

pleasant is too much trouble. For safetys sake, the class was trained in first aid

and in emergency procedures they probably never

would have to use, including paddling around in a

rubber life raft in Jamaica Bay. They were taught

how to make good coffee, and toured the vast

frozen-meals kitchens. They were lectured on

customs regulations, flew a demonstration mock-up flight, learned about life jackets. Miss Lynn

Eisner took the girls to a famed school for models to

learn about grooming and good carriage. Voice

recordings were made and played back to them.

Vicki didnt recognize herself at first, and Karen blushed.

I have a trace of an accent, she said distractedly after class to Vicki and Bill Whipple.

Its delightful, said Vicki. I sure sound like Texas, said Bill. Yippee! They learned about routes, timetables, and time

zones. They learned the correct titles for heads of

9

state and how to greet other Very Important Persons

who might be their passengers. Many of their

passengers would be babies, and a special baby kit

was carried aboard for them.

Miss Saunders unpacked the blue cloth box for

the class. Its like an old beggarmans bag, she said, it has everything in it. Out came a dozen diapers, each in cellophane, baby bottle, soft toys, a

disposable cardboard cradle, other baby necessities.

Everything but the bab-ee, said Yvonne Brassai. Vicki and Karen pored over the Stewardess

Manual on Saturdays and Sundays at their hotel,

rested, practiced French with Yvonne, who in turn

was practicing English with John Martin. Yvonne

liked his clear-cut Canadian pronunciation, and John

liked her. Vicki took all of them, and several other

international classmates, to visit the Statue of

Liberty and the Central Park Zoo. Frieda Deinhard

invited them to a Sunday night supper at the

apartment near Idlewild which she shared with three

other German girls. They were stewardesses with

Worldwide, too.

Week ends over, the class reassembled at nine

oclock Monday morning at Idlewild in the mock-up. Seeing planes constantly take off made the class

eager to get through their training and fly. Over and

over during the past six weeks they had prepared

baby formulassmiled and explained complicated

10

weather forecasts to instructors enacting the role of

passengerspracticed serving breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks. They broiled steaks on the jets 700-degree ovens and served them to one another,

on trays in the mock-up.

VickiKaren had sighed over one of the first delicious mealsI must tell you, you smiled like an angel when you served me the coffee, but you

poured a few drops of tea on my hand. I wouldnt tell anyone but you.

Im awfully sorry, Vicki had said. Id better practice the trick of pouring with a coffeepot in my

right hand and a teapot in my left hand. After luncheon or dinner, one of the stewardesses was

supposed to go up and down the plane aisle offering

these beverages to the passengers.

Vicki, Karen confided, did you ever see anything so marvelous as Worldwides kitchens? Lobsters! Roast beef! Ninety-five baskets of

mushrooms! I wrote and described them to my

mother in Stockholm, but she cant believe it. It had been while on a tour of the frozen-food

kitchens, early in their training, that Vicki and Karen

had struck up their friendship. They had chatted

together before, but now they discovered they

snared a lively interest in good cooking. The entire

class, and a group of newspaper writers who toured

with them that day, were impressed by the cuisine

11

planned and tested by Maxims of Paris, and prepared by a battery of chefs in starchy white.

Everyone drooled. But Vicki and Karen felt a

special pleasure and enthusiasm for the decoratively

arranged plates of salads, for the beautiful silver, the

crystal glasses imported from France. They

discovered they shared still other enthusiasmsice skating, dancing, their families, were only a few of

the things they both enjoyed.

Vicki and Karen went on to admit to each other

their occasional shyness. They grinned about their

steely energies, although both girls looked so little

and delicate that most people wanted to protect

them. Karen confessed to Vicki a tendency to spend

more money than she could afford. The airline paid

its stewardesses full salaries during their training

period, so that Karen had quite a bit in her pocketunfortunately.

When I see something pretty, I say to myself, How nice that would be for Mama, or my little sister Helgaor my father would like that. And I buy it. Buy, buy, buy, as if I cant stop myself. Karen had opened her purse. Look! Theres so little left that the rest of the week Ill probably have only soup for dinner.

Why, Karen! Thats awful! Vickis dreamy blue eyes took on a decisive glint. You must be my dinner guest. It may have to be the Automat, but

12

well be fed, at least. Karen had protested, but when Vicki insisted, she

gratefully gave in. Then Karen had said, I wish someone would say to me, Karen, dont be so foolish, dont buy so much! Dont even go into the shop! Would you, Vicki? Please?

Well, if you really want me to Vicki said, half laughing. Only you may hate me for it.

Never, Karen said with her wide, generous smile. Vicki thought how handsome she was, with

her lovely features and light-blue eyes. Karen

looked like a snow maiden with flaxen hair.

Next to her, Vicki looked breezily American, a

little quicker in her movements, a little easier in her

dress, and very prone to smile.

I think, Karen said, that we will be good friends. You are so kind. Ill take you to dinner, in the next week or two. Anywhere! The Waldorf!

Voisin! Or best of all, the Gripsholm! Hold on! Economyremember? They became good friends, and decided to

become roommates. Karen was not very happy

residing with a distant cousin her family had

suggested as a companion. Vicki had been living at

the apartment which belonged to her old stewardess

friends on Federal Airlines. But Celia Trimbles mother was coming up from the South for a

prolonged stay, and Vicki had offered to let Mrs.

13

Trimble have her place. Since both Vicki and Karen

planned to move, they decided to move in together.

After consulting Worldwides department which found accommodations for its staff people, and

talking it over with Miss Saunders, the two girls

settled on the Hotel Roberts. It was one of New

Yorks finest hotels, small, not so impersonal as the huge hotels. The Roberts was expensive, but it was

located conveniently and beautifully at Fifth Avenue

and Central Parkand, anyway, we wont live there very long, Vicki said. So she and Karen had registered and were given Room 1013. Wonder where well stay in Paris?

And in London? And in Rome? And Teheran! Karen exclaimed.

Provided we pass the final exams, Vicki said. By now, with one last week of training to

complete, the class was growing excited and

restless. Today was Friday the ninth of June; if

everything went well, a week from today they would

be celebrating their graduation, and receiving their

first flight schedules.

On this warm Friday afternoon Miss Lynn Eisner

gave the stewardesses still another lesson in speech

and grooming. A stewardesss hair must not touch her collar; it must be styled becomingly and simply,

she stressed.

You must do your own hair on the seventeen-

14

day Johannesburg trip, Lynn Eisner advised them. You wont find many beauty salons along the way.

Good looks, though important, were only a small

part of the stewardesss job. Mr. Kentner, Worldwides Educational Director, talked to the reassembled class about reading in preparation for

travel, and about customer relations. Then Mr.

Carewe, head of Worldwides service departments, came into the mock-up and talked to the class.

At four thirty school was over for the day. The

little United Nations, as Miss Saunders called their class, trooped out of the building into the late

afternoon sunshine. They called to one another:

Have a good week end! Well, Im going to study all week end for exams! Au revoir, Vicki. Karen, dont buy anything more!

The young men and some of the girls who lived

near Idlewild climbed aboard an airport bus. Some

ran for a lift into New York City in crew cars. Karen

and Vicki were lucky enough to find seats in one of

Worldwides station wagons, along with some pilots and flight engineers. The flight crew had just

returned from Istanbul. Vicki and Karen sat humbly

in the back, hoping to overhear them discuss the

flight, but the blue-uniformed fliers were tired and

quiet.

The crew car circled out of Idlewild International

15

Airport, past its fountains, gardens, terminals,

chapels, and hotels, and entered one of the Long

Island parkways leading to New York City. Toward

the end of the sixteen-mile drive, one of the pilots

turned on the car radio. The announcer was in the

middle of a newscast.

at three oclock this afternoon, according to the police report. No one among the household staff

or building employees recalls seeing any stranger

leave or enter the premises about that time. Among

the jewels taken were a string of pearls with a jade

clasp, a pair of matched topazes, and a diamond

bracelet. Police are trying to find out One of the pilots interrupted. Can you get some

national or international news, please? The pilot up front switched to another station. A

report of the days happenings in Washington, D.C., came on. Karen and Vicki listened attentively until

the crew car drew up in front of the Hotel Roberts.

They said thanks to the driver, nodded good-by to

the flight crew, and entered their hotel.

The two girls stopped at the desk to ask for mail

or any messages. The desk clerk, who knew them by

now, smiled as he handed Karen a letter postmarked

Stockholm. For Vicki there was a post card from

Ginny (No other news so will close, love). The clerk also handed the girls a plain, sealed envelope

marked simply: 1013. Karen was busy opening her

16

letter so Vicki took the envelope. At first she

thought it might contain a hotel bill, but she felt

something hard and a little heavy in the envelope.

She would wait until they went up to their room to

open it.

17

CHAPTER II

A Ransacked Room

As Karen and Vicki unlocked the door to their room,

the telephone started to ring. Vicki answered it.

Did you just get in, honey? a mans voice said. Ive been waiting for you to phone me.

Vicki had never heard this tense, excited voice

before. She said hesitantly, Hello? There was a pause at the other end of the line.

Who is this? the man demanded. Who is this? Vicki said. To whom do you

wish to speak? The caller asked, Isnt this Room 1013? Yes, said Vicki, it is. Oh, then this is the maid? The mans voice was

guarded now.

No, Im not the maid, Vicki said. Excuse memy mistake The man hung up. Vicki hung up, too. Karen was reading a letter

from her mother and said absently, Wrong number, hmm?

18

Yes. Vicki picked up the plain envelope marked only with their room number, and opened it.

She took out the contents.

Thats strange, Vicki said to Karen. She handed Karen a key with a serial number

stamped on it, and a picture post card of Grand

Central Station. The post card had nothing written

on it.

Karen set aside her mothers letter and examined the key and post card. I dont understand, she said. Are these for us?

Well, someone wrote our room number in ink on the envelope, Vicki said.

But who? Isnt there also a letter? No, no written message. Theres no senders

name or address on the envelope, Vicki said. Nothing printed on the envelope, either. The envelope was an ordinary white envelope,

purchasable at any stationery store or variety store.

Their room number, 1013, was written carelessly in

blue ink. Otherwise, the envelope was anonymous.

No clue there, Vicki said. But the key Look, Karen, its a key to one of those luggage lockers you can rent in railroad stations.

Karen nodded. And the post card seems to say the locker is in Grand Central Station, I think?

I think so, too. They looked at the key, uneasy, tantalized. Vicki said, Perhaps we ought to ask the

19

desk clerk who brought this envelope. She picked up the telephone and asked for the

desk clerk. He told her:

Seems to me someonea manhanded me the envelope about an hour ago. . . . No, he didnt say anything. But I could be mistaken, Miss Barr, its been a busy afternoon.

Vicki thanked the desk clerk and hung up.

A man left the envelope an hour ago, she repeated to Karen. Andas you hearda man just telephoned this room, asking for 1013. I wonder if

theres any connection? Vicki, you may be dreaming up a connection

which isnt really there. Karen held up the key. What shall we do with this? What do you suppose is in the locker? Im curious to find out!

So am I. Vicki felt more curious and excited than she cared to admit. If there actually is a locker with this number at Grand Central Station

Only one way to find out! Karen jumped to her feet.

Wait, Karen! This might be like opening Pandoras box. Butbut if we dont open it, what shall we do with the key? Turn it in to the hotel

manager, or the Lost and Found desk at Grand Central?

Whatever for? It was sent to us! Maybe it is a surprise, or a joke, or a present.

20

Maybe, Vicki said skeptically. Oh, shucks! Im dying of curiosity! Lets go find out.

They traveled downtown by subway and emerged

directly into the huge, shadowy railroad station. It

was crowded with travelers and commuters. Vicki

and Karen picked their way slowly through the

crowd. A porter directed them to a section of the

station where rental lockers were located.

They could not find any locker number

resembling the number stamped on the key. They

asked another porter, and he sent them down a

corridor to another big unit of lockers. Here they

found the locker number which tallied with their

key. Karen eagerly wanted to try the key at once, but

Vicki stopped her.

Wait! Vicki glanced up and down the corridor. In case anyone is following us or watching us, we wont touch that locker. She glanced at a woman hurrying along with two children, and an old man.

It seems all right. Go ahead, Karen. Karen put the key in the lock, and turned it. The

locker door opened. They saw inside a small,

bulging, brown paper bag.

Is that all! Karen exclaimed. A grocery bag! She lifted it out. Its rather heavy.

Wed better not open it here. I hope it isnt ticking, or warm, Vicki said, half joking.

Karen scoffed, but she agreed with Vicki on two

21

precautions. One was to take the locker key with

them. Just in case anyone questions us about this incident, Vicki said, Id like to be able to produce the key. In order to remove the key, Vicki had to deposit a coin in the slot. Then she locked the empty

locker, took out the key, and put it in her purse.

Her other idea was to inspect their find in a

private place. They were too inquisitive to wait and

take the brown paper bag back to their hotel room.

With Karen carrying the paper bag inconspicuously

in the crook of her arm, they walked through the

station to the women s lounge. There Vicki rented a

dressing room by dropping a quarter in the slot.

Both girls entered the cubicle, and Karen set the

bundle on the washstand.

Would you like to open it? Karen said. My hands are shaking, Im so excited.

Vicki opened the brown paper bag, peered in, and

gasped at what she saw. What? Karen demanded. Spread out a towel, Vicki said. She was

stunned, breathless. Karen did so, and Vicki dumped

out of the paper bag a tangle of jewels. They lay

sparkling on the towel in a profusion of shapes and

colors.

Will you look at that! Vicki whispered. Oh, my goodness! Karen exclaimed.

Diamondspearlsand whats that yellow? Sh! Vicki cautioned her in a whisper. It may

22

not be safe for us to have these things in our

possession. Why, these must be worth a fortune! Carefully, whispering, Vicki and Karen spread

out the pieces of jewelry one by one. An antique

cameo set in golda pearl necklace with a green jade claspa bracelet of fiery diamondsrings, a pina pair of matched topazesVickis face was flushed as she studied them. She fished in the paper

bag for any message, then examined the bag itself,

but could find no identifying lead.

These may be stolen, she whispered to Karen. Do you remember the radio newscast we heard in the crew carabout the jewel theft this afternoon? Didnt the announcer mention a string of pearls with a jade clasp, and a pair of topazes?

Yes. And he mentioned a diamond bracelet. There it layflashing and winking under the electric lights. Oh, Vicki, I dont like this! Why were we directed to the jewels? By mistake?

Must be a mistake. Vicki realized this might put her and Karen in a dangerous position,

particularly in view of the phone call. The man on

the phone had wanted Room 1013. If the same man

left the key, he must know by now that 1013s occupants were in possession of the keyand possibly the jewels. Vicki shivered.

That phone call Karen said uneasily. Maybe there was a connection, as you said.

23

Or maybe not. Anyhow, I dont like being involved with jewels of such value, Vicki said, in case they are stolen. Wed better ton them over to the police immediately.

Karen nodded. Vicki gingerly put the jewels back

into the paper bag, with Karen helping. Vicki

squeezed the bag into her roomy purse, out of sight.

I think wed better go to the stationmaster, Vicki said, and have him call the police. I want to get rid of these just as fast as we can.

They left the womens lounge, asked at the information desk for the stationmasters office, and hurried there as fast as they could. No one seemed to

be following them.

At the stationmasters office, women secretaries and several men were at work in an outer room.

They did not pay much attention to the two small,

blond girls request to see the station-master, until Vicki gave one secretary a glimpse into the brown

paper bag. Her face changed. She went into the inner

office, and quickly came back to usher the two girls

in.

Sit down, young ladies. The stationmaster was a large, heavy man with a patient face. What can I do for you?

Vicki put the brown paper bag and the locker key

on his desk. She and Karen together told him what

had happened. The stationmaster looked inside the

24

bag, gave a low whistle, and picked up his

telephone. Vicki noted that he called, not the station

police, but the regular New York City police.

After he completed his call to the nearest

precinct, he said to the two girls: Stay here, young ladies. A couple of detectives will want to talk to

you. Karen and Vicki exchanged glances. A robbery

was an ugly thingsurely the police would not suspect them! The stationmaster noticed their

uneasiness, and smiled at them in a fatherly, kindly

way, but he did not say anything. Several minutes

went by. Vicki wondered why she and Karen had

been rash enough to use that key.

Though probably just receiving the key would be enough to involve us, she thought.

A few minutes later two plain-clothes men

arrived. They were youngish men, courteous but

firm. After a few minutes questioning, the detective who had introduced himself as Walter McCall said

to Vicki and Karen:

You understand that we dont for a minute suspect either of you. However, we want you to tell

us every detail about what you know and how you

found these jewels. The rigorous questioning took an hour. The other

detective, Philip Miele, remarked once that he had

no doubt these were the same jewels stolen that

25

afternoon. Vicki pricked up her ears, hoping to learn

more, but apparently the police were as much in the

dark as she and Karen were, at this stage. Vicki

managed to keep her poise during the long

questioning. So did Karen, though she looked upset

and timid. Vicki was sorry, knowing Karen still felt

like a stranger here in the United States. When the

interview was over, Karen admitted:

II feel unhappy about going back to our room. If the man on the telephone wanted Room 1013our room

Well accompany you girls to your room, Detective McCall said. Dont worry.

Did you leave the envelope and picture post card in your room? Detective Miele asked. Vicki and Karen said Yes. Good. Naturally well want them.

The detective explained that the experts in the

police laboratory, using microscopes and

spectroscopes, could trace the handwriting of the

numerals on the envelope, could locate the source of

the envelope and the pen, could find fingerprints on

the post cardand so would find the person or persons who handled that envelope and post card.

What about the key? the stationmaster asked. He had sat in the background during the questioning.

I suppose the burglars fingerprints on the key have been covered over by now by these young ladies fingerprints?

26

Afraid so, Detective Miele said. The lab will try, anyway. Well have a man come over here right away and pick up the key and the jewelry.

They went uptown by taxi to the Hotel Roberts. It

was a little past seven. The city streets were quieter,

with the approach of evening. Karen still seemed

nervous. Vicki did not feel any too gay herself. In

the hotel lobby and elevators, people were talking,

laughing, just as usual, as if nothing untoward had

happened.

But when Vicki unlocked the door to Room 1013,

she gave a cry. Even before she switched on the

lights, even in the dusk, she could see that their

room was a shambles.

Whats the matter, Miss Barr? Detective McCall said quickly. Let us go in first.

Vicki took Karens hand, and followed the two men into their ransacked room. She felt a little sick,

looking at the open, tumbled dresser drawers, the

desk drawer dumped upside down and left on the

carpet, the closet doors left open with her and Karen

s belongings in wild disarray. Whoever had broken

in had searched thoroughly and in haste.

Where are the envelope and the picture post card? Detective Miele asked.

We left them on top of the dresser, Karen faltered.

Well, they arent here now, Philip Miele said.

27

28

All four of them searched, but the envelope and post

card were gone.

The man who phoned you girls, Detective McCall explained, realized he had the wrong room number and had put the wrong room number on the

envelope. So he, or someone else, came in here

looking for the locker key. Id say he was looking for the jewels as well.

Vicki felt unnerved.

Is there anything missing besides the envelope and post card? the detective asked.

Vicki and Karen took a quick look around.

Nothing else had been taken. While they looked, the

detectives searched, but found no clues.

No fingerprints, Detective Miele said. The entrant evidently wore gloves.

No sign of tampering with the door lock, Detective McCall said. He must have used a

passkey. Please? said Karen, looking as if she were

about to cry. Someone has a key to our room? You mean the maid?

It might have been the maid or a waiter, Detective McCall said. Ormore likely in view of this afternoons jewel theftit might have been an outsider who has a passkey to open all the rooms in

this hotel. He probably had tins master key made for

the purpose of burglary.

29

The detectives explained tersely. In almost all

hotels and office buildings, all the locks in the

building are of one make, and they are all made with

an extra barrel surrounding the identical inner one.

This is necessary in order to give the building

manager a master key, to allow firemen to enter a

locked room in case of fire, for instance. A would-be

thief could rent a room at a hotel, secretly remove

the entire tumbler lock of his own room, andcopying the code number on the inner lockhave a dishonest, or gullible, locksmith make a master key.

Then the burglar could open any door in the hotel.

Vicki and Karen looked at each other miserably.

Perhaps we shouldnt stay on at this hotel, Karen said. But whatever hotel we go to, someone could have a passkey. So

Maybe we ought to get out of Room 1013, Vicki said. She turned inquiringly to the plainclothes

men.

I dont think you girls are in any danger, do you, Phil? Detective McCall said. Well see to it that in an hour therell be a radio bulletin saying that the stolen jewels are now in the hands of the policeso the thieves will know the jewels are not in your

room. Does that make you feel safer? Vicki nodded, though Karen was undecided.

If youre still uneasy, Detective Miele suggested, ask the hotel manager to move you to

30

another room. I dont think its necessary, though. Karen bit her lip. It is a nuisance to moveand

we need all our time to study for final examinations

next week, Vicki. It will take a lot of time just to put our

belongings back in order, Vicki said with a sigh. She went over to the open dresser drawers with

their ransacked tangled heap of slips, stockings,

gloves. Something unfamiliar in the top drawer

caught her eye. Vicki held up a fine, elaborately

embroidered handkerchief with the initial H. The

initial was in a pastel blue.

This doesnt belong to either Miss Sorenson or me, she told the plain-clothes men. Karen stared.

Lets see that handkerchief! The men examined it. It was crumpled, but new. Do either of you know anyone whose name starts with H? Classmates who

visit you? Acquaintances at this hotel? Vicki and Karen thought, but they knew no one

with the initial H.

The detectives kept the handkerchiefthe only clue so farand requested Karen and Vicki to notify them if anything else should turn up.

Detective McCall remarked that the entrant must

have dropped the handkerchief when ransacking the

room. Evidently the entrant was a woman.

The four of them went downstairs and talked to

the hotel manager, Mr. Sloan, in his private office.

31

Mr. Sloan, an impeccably dressed man, lost some of

his airs and graces as the plainclothes men told him

what had happened.

If the young ladies wish it, we will install a special lock, or a chain, or both on their door. He apologized with real distress, and promised to

instruct the hotel detective to watch out especially

for Miss Barr and Miss Sorenson.

We want to find the owner of this handkerchief, Mr. Sloan, the plain-clothes men said. They spread out the handkerchief on his desk. Vicki studied it,

too, noting its distinctive hand embroidery, rolled

hem, and the tall, curving script of the colored initial

H. She would recognize that handkerchief

anywhere.

What about the chambermaids? Detective McCall was saying. They all have passkeys. Do any of the maids working on the tenth floor have

names beginning with H? Ill ask the housekeeper. The hotel manager

picked up a phone. After a brief conversation, he

hung up and told them, We have a maid named Harriet working on the tenth floor. The housekeeper

will send her down. Vicki and Karen exchanged glances, and

shrugged. They did not know one chambermaid

from another, since they usually were out at the hour

when the maid cleaned their room.

32

Detective Miele asked, Does Harriet work on any floor besides the tenth?

I believe the housekeeper said she works on both the tenth and eleventh floors, Mr. Sloan said. He nervously rearranged some papers on his desk. Our employees are very carefully screened, gentlemen.

Of course a dishonest person may slip in now and

then. If there is any evidence against this Harriet,

she will be fired. And black-listed. What I wonder

about is whether a chambermaid would use an

expensive handkerchief like this one. Unless, Karen said unexpectedly, a guest gave

it to Harriet for a present or a tip. Its a possibility, Detective McCall said. While they waited for Harriet, the plainclothes

men checked hotel records on other guests for whom

the locker key might have been intended. Vicki

noticed them sift through the names of all guests on

the tenth and eleventh floors. Then they looked

through the names of all guests in rooms ending in

thirteen. They made notes; their faces were guarded.

Vicki could not tell whether they had found any

leads.

Harriet came in. She was a shriveled, bent little

woman whose black uniform and white apron hung

on her. She stood, polite and frightened, before the

managers desk while he and the two plain-clothes men cross-questioned her.

33

They were fair but rather harsh, Vicki thought.

The maid glanced toward Vicki and Karen, as if

asking them to help her.

No, sir, that handkerchief doesnt belong to me. I never saw that handkerchief before. Harriet twisted her veined hands together. No, sir, Mr. Sloan, honestly I aint been in 1013 since I cleaned in there this morning.

Can you prove that? Mr. Sloan demanded. The maid choked back tears. I was cleaning on

the tenth and eleventh floors all day, sir. I worked

mostly with Sadie today. Mrs. Martin, the

housekeeper, knows that, sir But part of the time you worked alone?

Detective McCall asked.

No, sirthat is, yes, sirone of us has to get linens from the supply room. Sadie and me, we take

turns. And then late this afternoon Mrs. Martin gave

me extra rooms to clean The maid grew upset and utterly confused. Oh, please dont accuse me of ransacking the young ladies room! I never in my life done such a thing!

The housekeeper, Mrs. Martin, was called in. She

was a large, severe woman, who told Mr. Sloan,

Its not humanly possible to keep every maid under my eye every minute of the day. Asked to vouch for Harriets honesty, she said coldly that Harriet had been employed here for only three weeks, and

34

she, Mrs. Martin, could not vouch for anything.

The elderly maid wept openly. Other maids,

including Sadie, were questioned but they said

guardedly they had no way of knowing whether or

not Harriet had gone through Miss Barrs and Miss Sorensons belongings.

Vicki spoke up out of pity for the maid. I must tell all of you that nothing has ever been taken or

even disarranged in our room before. Vicki glanced toward the housekeeper. And Harriet has always left our room very clean and neat.

Yes, said Karen. Oh, yes! Mr. Sloan and Mrs. Martin did not soften. The

two plain-clothes men, and the hotel detective who

had come in, exchanged glances.

Detective Miele said gently:

Tell us, Harriet, did someone ask you or pay you to enter Room 1013? The maid numbly shook her head. Tell the truth, now, that is always best. Did anyone send you into 1013 to get the envelope and

the post card? What envelope and post card? the maid cried in

bewilderment. Who would send me? I dont know about those things, or about that handkerchief! I

cant help if it s got an H on it! All I know is, if you fire me, Ill be black-listed and I wont be able to get another job, and Im alone, and whatll become of me?

35

Vicki felt distressed for Harriet. She almost felt

responsible, since it was her and Karens room that had got the maid into trouble. Of course Vicki knew

this feeling was unreasonable, but she could not

simply shrug off her concern for the maid.

That will be all the questioning for now, Detective McCall said. He smiled at Harriet. Id like to point out that nothing has been proved

against this woman. Well keep her on here, the manager said, but

more or less on probation. If thats all right with you, Mrs. Martin?

The housekeeper glared and marched out. The

other maids followed her, with Harriet miserably

bringing up the rear. The door closed on them.

Detective McCall turned to Mr. Sloan and said,

It doesnt look to us as if Harriet had anything to do with ransacking Room 1013. The hotel detective muttered his agreement. The woman wants her job. That would keep her honest.

I agree, the hotel manager said. But we have to be cautious in order to protect our guests.

Detective Miele picked up the handkerchief from

the desk. Too bad this is the only clue we have. Let us know if you discover any further clue or

information, he said to the hotel detective. Vicki took a final, careful look at the

handkerchief before Detective Miele pocketed it. If

36

she could trace that handkerchief, perhaps she could

help clear the unfortunate maid. She had an idea

Karen was thinking much the same thing.

She was. The girls talked about Harriet, and the

jewels they had found, while they had a much-

belated supper at a restaurant. When they returned to

the hotel, Vicki stopped at the stand in the lobby and

bought a newspaper, tomorrow mornings edition. News of the jewel theft and the recovery of the

stolen gems was headlined.

The girls took the newspaper up to their

disordered room to read. The story stated:

A well-dressed man, posing as a visitor, yesterday afternoon entered the apartment of Mr.

and Mrs. Warren Deming, wealthy East Side

residents, and in their absence opened a bedroom

safe. He made off at approximately three oclock with jewelry valued at more than a hundred

thousand dollars.

The jewels, which were insured, were found in a rental locker in Grand Central Station late in the

afternoon. Police and station officials declined to

reveal who discovered them, or how, except to say

that the jewels are now in the possession of the

police. Vicki felt relieved that her and Karens names

were withheld, and their role kept hidden. This was

for their own protection. She went on reading:

37

The theft was discovered by the Demings when they returned home at four oclock. Earlier in the afternoon they had had lunch with friends and then

attended an opening of an exhibition at the Phoenix

Art Gallery.

The doorman who admitted the man to the building, and the Demings cook who admitted the man to the apartment at about two thirty, said he

represented himself as a friend of the Demings and

was expected. When told the Demings were out, he

said he would wait. About five minutes after the

visitors arrival, according to the cook, Mrs. Deming telephoned her and instructed her to go to the

grocery store. The cook did so and on her return the

visitor had left.

Police say the man was a skilled safebreaker and evidently wore gloves. No traces of

Karen interrupted. That man! The man who telephoned us by mistake! Could he be

the safebreaker? The burglar? Vicki said. We have no way of knowing. But we can guess thissome accomplice of the jewel thief must be right here in some room in this hotel! In whatever

the right room number is. Now you are worried, Vicki. Please dont,

Karen said. Also, Vic, maybe by now the ac-accomI mean the safebreakers friend, maybe hes checked out of the hotel by now.

38

Yes. Vicki took a long breath. Im glad the detectives think were not in any danger.

Oh, lookKarens well-manicured finger rested on the final paragraph of the news storytheres an item about the jewels we found.

Together, they read:

The stolen jewels recovered by the police are a pearl necklace with a jade clasp, valued at five

thousand dollars, a ruby and diamond ring, two

diamond rings, a pin set with sapphires, and a pair of

matched Brazilian topazes. Mrs. Deming denies that

she telephoned her cook but would not discuss the

burglary with reporters. The news story did not mention the diamond

bracelet nor the antique cameo, Vicki realized. She

pointed this out to Karen. Maybe the police, when they told the reporters, forgot to mention every

single item. Karen yawned. Never mind diamonds. All I want

is to go to sleep. Vicki was sleepy, too, but she could not stop

thinking about the days extraordinary events. Facessnatches of talkplacesdanced in her head. She was almost reluctant to look in the

ransacked drawers for a nightgown; she would just

as soon not find another clue. Fortunately, or

unfortunately, she found only her nightgown and a

pair of gloves she had mislaid.

39

CHAPTER III

Vicki Meets the Bakers

The next morning several guests at the hotel heard

from the maids of Harriets difficulty. Vicki and Karen, as they dressed, overheard snatches of

conversation in the hall. When they left their room

to have breakfastluxuriously near noon on a Saturday morningand stood waiting for the elevator, Harriets teammate, Sadie, rushed up to them.

Not one single guest believes Harriet did it! Sadie told them. They feel awful about it!

Vicki murmured her sympathy. The elevator

came down, and she and Karen stepped in. Two

women were already in the elevator. The younger

one was immensely chic, with short, straight, dark-

brown hair. She spoke impulsively to the two girls.

Isnt it a shame about poor Harriet? Youve heard, havent you? The poor woman is so distressed she can scarcely work this morning!

Vicki replied briefly, sympathetically. The

40

woman chattered on. I understand that if Harriet isnt cleared here, shell be dismissed and black-listed from getting another job. Doesnt that seem dreadfully harsh? Dont you think so, Mrs. Hatfield?

She turned to the dignified white-haired woman

beside her. The older woman said in a reserved way,

I dont quite know what to think, Irene, although I am sorry. She smiled faintly at the two girls. Vicki noticed the pearl necklace Mrs. Hatfield wore with

her quiet black dress. It was as fine as the stolen

pearls she had found yesterday, though a different

size.

Well, I am sorry, too, Karen burst out. Of course you are! the younger woman said.

Perhaps some of us could do something to help that unfortunate woman. My husband says Oh! Wait! The elevator reached the street floor, and they all

stepped out. The younger woman exclaimed, Why, you two must be the young ladies who put in a good

word for Harriet last evening when she was being

questioned! She told me how you tried to help her That was good of you.

Not at all, Vicki said. Especially since it didnt help, Im afraid.

Well, possibly several of us together can help. Im Irene Baker The woman held out her hand, first to Karen who obviously admired her, next to

41

Vicki. She smiled dazzlingly at them; her striking

looks and vivacity were most appealing. The girls

introduced themselves, too. Apparently Mrs.

Hatfield, like Vicki, did not like so casual and

accidental an introduction. There were murmurs of

good-by, and they parted. Karen, smiling, watched

Irene Baker cross the lobby with her woman

companion.

Isnt she delightful! Karen said. Yes, but Vicki was thinking some hard-

headed thoughts. Mrs. Hatfieldher name begins with Hand did you notice her pearls?

Yes, but you cannot dunk? She is a gentle person, a lady.

Anything is possible, Vicki said. Lets go see the hotel manager for a moment.

The ostensible reason for their visit was to ask

whether the detectives had found any further clues.

Mr. Sloan said that, so far, questioning employees

and checking on other guests had yielded no

information, no suspects.

Thats a shame, Vicki said. So many people feel concerned about Harriet. When Miss Sorenson

and I came down in the elevator just now, we had

the pleasure of talking just a little bit with Mrs.

Hatfield. Vicki paused inquiringly. The hotel managers face lighted. Ah, yes, Mrs.

Hatfield. A lovely person. She has lived here for

42

yearssince before her husband died. Everyone here loves her.

Yes, indeed, Vicki said, pretending not to see Karens wide grin. Well, thank you, Mr. Sloan.

Karen teased her unmercifully at breakfast about

being Miss Detective.

If you think so little of my efforts, Vicki retorted good-humoredly, then you neednt come along while I trace that handkerchief.

Oh, no! Ill come! Vicki and Karen shopped until they found a small

store which sold fine handmade blouses, lingerie,

and handkerchiefs. They described the handkerchief,

and the saleswoman produced its twin. She was

surprised, and so was the store owner, when Vicki

asked him:

Can you please tell us to whom you have sold these handkerchiefs? Particularly those initialed H?

We need to know if were to help someone. The shop owner said, I would be happy to oblige

you, but we keep no record of such aa small detail. I am sorry. Then he looked again at Vicki. Are you from the police? A detective was in here early this morning asking the same question.

No, were not from the police, though my friend and I have been co-operating with them, Vicki said.

The man seemed reassured, and volunteered some

information. Its possible the handkerchief in

43

question wasnt purchased in my shop, although were the only New York shop to stock this handkerchief. It may have been purchased in Parisits made there. Would you like to have the name of the maker?

Vicki and Karen nodded. They might very well

be in Paris one of these days soon.

The maker is Lron Frres, 14 Rue Belnord, the shop owner said. They can give you the names of the Paris shops which sell this handkerchief. They

do a large special-order business in Paris, and theyd have records of who ordered what initial.

Karen was even more disappointed than Vicki.

The girls said thank you, and left.

The rest of that spring Saturday they studied, and

practiced announcements on each other. Tomorrow is a day of rest, they consoled each other.

On Sunday, after attending morning church

services, the two girls strolled in Central Park, and

then returned to the Hotel Roberts. It was lunchtime.

Irene Baker and Mrs. Hatfield were together in the

lobby, apparently waiting for someone. Vicki could

not help overhearing, as Karen paused to admire the

hotels display of flowers. The two women were discussing Mrs. Hatfields pearls, which she wore again today.

But arent you worried, Irene Baker asked, in view of this recent jewel theft? Wouldnt they be

44

safer in the vault? Yes, but I have to wear the pearls every day for

a few weeks each year. Mrs. Hatfield touched her pearls. As you know, if pearls arent worn, they lose their color and luster, and go dead.

At least, said Irene Baker, I hope you keep them overnight in a safe place? Or do you sleep with

your pearls around your neck? I think I would! Irene Baker laughed, tossing back her short, straight

hair.

The older woman smiled. You mustnt worry. I lock the pearls away every night. Havent you noticed that small, heavy safe in my bedroom?

Irene Baker shook her head. Forgive me, but George and I do worry about you. Because youre alonebut I mustnt presume, must I? Oh, theres little Vicki Barr!

She waved to Vicki, and to Karen too, as if they

were old acquaintances. Her gaiety was catching.

Karens light-blue eyes danced. Both girls went over to her and Mrs. Hatfield, just as a middle-aged man

also joined them. In a pleasant flurry of good mornings, Irene Baker introduced her husband, George Baker, to the girls.

He said How do you do? in a quiet, rather stiff way, but his smile was ingratiating. He turned to

Mrs. Hatfield. Youre lunching with us, I hope? Dillon is coming. Cant you stay?

45

Mrs. Hatfield said she was expected at a friends house for luncheon, and had only been sitting with

Irene until George Baker arrived.

How kind of you, Mr. Baker said. At least let me see you to your car.

He was all deference and courtesy and friendly

concern. Mrs. Hatfieldshe was quite elderly, Vicki noticedappreciated having his arm to lean on. She left with a smile and nod. Irene Baker at once started

to chatter.

Of all the people weve met here at the hotel, theres no one lovelier than that dear lady. Unless its to be you delicious-looking blond young things! Are you sisters? No? . . . Whatever are you doing in

New York by yourselves? Vicki thought Irene Baker asked too many

questions, but Karen responded to her directness and

undeniable charm.

Were training to be flight stewardesses, Mrs. Baker, said Karen, and added proudly, with Worldwide Airways.

Oh, my word! Worldwide! Youll be flying all over the globe! I cant wait to see you both in Worldwides blue uniformsuch good style, with those demure little white collars. Every time George

and I fly, weve remarked on how becoming they are. Clothes can be so important, dont you think so?

46

Oh, yes, said Karen, admiring the sophisticated, delightful Irene Baker. Vicki was interested in Mrs.

Bakers saying, or implying, that she and her husband flew abroad often with Worldwide

Airways. She felt a glow of pride for her airline.

I wish I knew someone young and gay for you, Irene Baker was saying. But I do! And here he is! Dillon, come right over here and be introducedisnt this lucky? she cried.

A tall, redheaded, young man was just coming in

from the street. He was well dressed, but Vicki

thought his black pearl tie tack a little conspicuous.

He grinned pleasantly at Irene Baker and said, You look beautiful! Im starving! Where is George? He smiled at both girls.

Well feed you immediately, Irene Baker said to him, and to the girls, This is Dillon Smith. Miss Karen Sorenson, Miss Vicki Barr. Guess what they

do? Do? Theyre Salvation Army lassies, said the

redheaded young man, dead pan. Or pastry chefs. Or wigmakers.

No, no, no, you ridiculous boy! Irene Baker, so intent on charming others, was charmed by him.

Theyre stewardesses with Worldwide. Very nice. I should think thats hard work, he

said to Vicki.

It is, but Im surprised that anyone realizes it.

47

The public thinks were merely glamour girls. He gave her a quiet, thoughtful smile, entirely

unlike his manner with Irene Baker. George Baker

came in and joined them, shaking hands with the

young man, whom he called Jack.

Why Jack? Karen asked ingenuously. Well tell you at lunch, Irene Baker said. Thank you, but we dont want to intrude, Vicki

said. But Mrs. Baker insisted it was no intrusion,

and since Mr. Baker seconded the invitation, the

girls accepted. Irene Baker saw to it that Dillon

Smith sat between the girls.

To make lunch more fun for you! About Dillonor do I mean Jack? Irene Baker laughed. Everyone has a nickname, but can you shorten Dillon to Dill? Dill? He tells me he objects to being

called Pickle! So we settled for Jack. The young man leaned toward Vicki. My first

name is JohnJohn Dillon Smithso the Jack isnt sheer invention. Irene just prefers to call me Dillon.

Irene Baker eyed them. You seem to have things to say to each other, you two. Wouldnt it be wonderful if we all flew together sometime?

As a matter of fact, Jack said, Im going to Paris soon. On business for my uncle, again. Not

sure when. Will you and George be going over soon,

too, I hope? Irene, voulez-vous et votre cher mari

come with me to the races?

48

Dillon, youre disgraceful! Irene Baker scolded him. With your perfect French to speak such a patois! Mais oui, wed love to come to the races avec vous. Je ne sais pas quand.

George Baker finished ordering their lunches, and

looked up. Quand?When? Any time soon, now. I have some business that mustnt wait too long. He turned to include Vicki and Karen.

During lunch they all talked of Paris. Through her

familys contacts, Karen had lived in Paris with a French family for six months, to perfect her French.

The Bakers looked bored, though Jack Smith and

Vicki were interested.

My dear child, Irene Baker said to Karen, did you have a chance to visit the French couturiers showings? Or the smaller modistes? Theyre excellent, too. Youd love it! Ill try to get you invited, since I can see from the charming flowered

dress youre wearing that you have a real feeling for style. Hasnt she, Vicki?

So now they had advanced to a first-name basis.

Vicki thought Irene Baker was pressing this

acquaintance. Still, Vicki had to admit that these

people were good company, and she was enjoying

the unexpected luncheon party. It seemed harmless

enough. She smiled and said something polite.

Now you, my dear, Mrs. Baker considered Vicki, have a completely different sense of style

49

from Karens. Very streamlined, very American. Wouldnt you say so, George? JackDillon?

Jack Smith hesitated, then said, Yellow dress, yellow hair, it seems like a good idea to me.

But doesnt Vickis costume need an accent of some sort? Irene Baker cocked her head. I cant help wishing, if youll forgive my making a suggestionif youd add one smashing pin, or a flower, or a brilliant of some sortIm sure you own something which would be perfect.

Vicki was growing embarrassed at so much

attention. She saw that Karen was fascinated by this

stunning womans talk of fashion, as almost any girl would be. And the men looked amused

Come up to my room, Irene Baker offered or if you prefer, Ill come up to yours one dayand lets see what you have, to set off your pretty yellow dress. Id love to lend you something of mine, if youd like.

It was a generous, impulsive offer, yet Vicki

caughtor thought she caughtan undertone which put her on guard. Or am I being overcautious? Vicki wondered. Aloud, she said, Thank you, thats kind of you, Ill see. She was afraid Karen would accept for both of them, but Karen was watching

and listening, and seemed to sense Vickis reluctance. Karen skillfully brought the subject back

to Paris, and the talk went on from there.

50

Presently Irene Baker said, Have any of you seen the current issue of Paris-Match? I havent. Diane told me it has the most marvelous color

photographs. If any of you see a copy on a

newsstandits flown inwont you please buy it for me?

Over dessert and coffee, Vicki brought up a

subject which was troubling her.

This isnt a very cheerful topic, Vicki said, but from what you said yesterday, Mrs. Baker, you feel

as concerned as Karen and I do. About the maidI mean, the maid whos in trouble.

Oh, yes. Harriet. Irene Bakers smile drained away. In repose she looked older, about forty. That poor woman. I am so sorry for her. But George tells

me there really isnt much we can do. In fact She groped for words, for once.

Her husband said, In fact, we might do more harm than good. You know how do-gooders are.

Wed better think carefully. Possibly we might take up a collection. Dillon, have you heard about the

excitement here at the Roberts yesterday? George Baker launched into an account. He

talked well. The redheaded young man listened,

expressionless. Too bad for the maid, he muttered, when George Baker got through. Then, somehow,

they were all getting up from the table, and saying

thank you and good-by, and the question of helping

51

Harriet got lost in the shuffle. The Bakers excused

themselves and went off to keep an appointment

with friends.

Can I interest you young ladies in a Sunday afternoon stroll? Jack Smith asked.

Karen said, Id like to look for a newsstand that has a copy of Paris-Match. But why dont you two walk in the park? I want to study quite soon,

anyway. She gave Vicki a roguish look and walked away.

Vicki and the young man entered the park, and

joined the strolling Sunday crowds. Vicki could not

decide whether to think of him as Jack or Dillon. He

seemed like two distinct personalities: as Jack, he

was warmhearted, rather serious; as Dillon, he was

sophisticated and flippant, as Irene Baker was. Vicki

liked the Jack side of him better than the Dillon side.

Oh, well, she thought, Ive just met him. Its far too soon to know what hes really like except that hes awfully likable.

He was talking about his uncles shop on Madison Avenue, a scholarly junk shop with curios in it from all over the world: medieval

tapestries, dried human heads from South America,

odd musical instruments, rare stuffed animals.

Whenever I go traveling, he said, I try to pick up things I think would interest my uncle and his

occasional customers.

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His work sounded casual as he described it.

Perhaps this young man had independent means,

Vicki thought, and traveled mostly for pleasure. His

black pearl tie tack suggested wealth. Yet his intent

look and the way he walked gave the impression that

he was a young man of drive and purpose. Vicki was

puzzled.

Have you known the Bakers long? she asked. A few weeks. Theyre good fun. I just met Mrs. Baker yesterday, Vicki said.

She spoke to me in the hotel elevator. Ive noticed how often Irene speaks to people

she thinks shed like to know, Jack Smith said. In fact, thats how I met the Bakers, too. Sans introduction.

Then you dont really know them very well? I dont imagine anyone knows them very well. Vicki did not understand that. Perhaps he meant

that the Bakers kept all their relationships on a

lighthearted, gay surfacebut she let it go. When Mrs. Baker spoke to me yesterday, Vicki

said, it was about that unfortunate chambermaid. I wish something could be done for her.

His interest quickened. It can. Ive been thinking about that maid, too. Its a shame. I should think, he said, that the main thing is to clear her, so she wont be fired and black-listed.

53

54

Vicki was surprised. At lunch Jack Smith had

appeared indifferent toward Harriets plight. Now here he was showing concern. That was more than

Mrs. Baker had done, for all her talk yesterday.

Vicki started to say that she was making a small

effort to clear Harriet by tracing the handkerchief,

but that would sound smug. She said, Mr. Baker said something about taking up a collection, but

charity isnt what Harriet needs. I didnt agree with Georges idea, either, Jack

Smith said. No, what that frightened woman needs is to be cleared. That may take time. In the

meantime, someone ought to reassure her that even

if shes fired and black-listed, she wont starve. There are all sorts of public and private welfare

agencies to help her financially. He was thinking intently. Could you tell her, Vicki?

If I have another chance to see her, Id be glad to. The only thing is, I think Harriet has been

transferred to work on other floors. Too bad. Well, perhaps you and I can hunt her

up. Vicki smiled at him. He sounded like a solid

citizen. But then Jack Smith said:

Provided I dont go off to Paris very soon. Id probably be back before long

His vagueness made Vicki wonder. Who was he

and what exactly did he do? She had met him

55

through the Bakers whom she did not know, either.

She knew nothing of any of their backgrounds.

Vicki, dont worry about Harriet, he said. The hotel probably will keep her on for a while. Well talk about this again. He glanced at his wrist watch and gave a low whistle. Oh, my gosh! I have an appointment in ten minutes.

He hurriedly escorted Vicki back to the hotel.

Im sorry to rush away like this, said Jack Smith. I only wish I were free to spend the rest of the day with you.

I couldnt, anyway, Vicki said. I have to study with Karen. A week from tomorrow well be flying off tosomewhere, anywhere, in Europe.

He looked anxious. Hope Ill see you soon again. Maybe Paris? London? Ill call you at the airline. Here or over there. Ill find you.

He grinned at her and held the entrance door

while Vicki walked through. She glanced back. He

was still watching her. He waved and strode away.

Upstairs, in Room 1013, Vicki was in no mood to

study. Karen was fretting because she had been

unable to find a copy of the French magazine.

Try again during the week when the foreign-language bookshops are open, Vicki advised her. Silently she advised herself, Now forget about that young man, and the Bakers, and everything except

studying the Stewardess Manual.

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And she did.

Monday, in the mock-up, the class listened to

final lectures on giving their passengers the best, the

most cordial service. Vicki took her turn at the head

of the aisle, demonstrating how to put on and inflate

the emergency life jacket. If only the class wouldnt grin at her! She repeated the demonstration and

speech in French, then went down the aisle. Have you any questions, ladies and gentlemen?

Miss Saunders said, from a seat in the rear of the

mock-up, Leo Forazzo and Alison Pearce, will you distribute the landing cards next?

Leo handed out printed landing cards, issued

under an Aliens order by the country to which they

were flying. After the passengers had filled in names, date and place of birth, nationality, passport

number, and signature, Alison collected the cards.

She announced: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Worldwide Airways will help you through the

formalities and customs when we land. Class members passed out beautifully illustrated

dinner menus. John Martin, as steward, served

tomato juice cocktails. Vicki followed him and

offered a tray of canaps. Then Vicki and John set

up tables across the arms of the seats, and brought

individual Irish linen tablecloths, silver service

wrapped in dinner napkins, and crystal glasses with

57

the airlines insignia. Sighs of pleasure went up from the class as Karen

brought bowls of salad, and Frieda served a creamy

soup from the tureen on a wheeled cart. Just try not to splash the soup at six hundred miles an hour! said Frieda.

Next, Bill Whipple pushed the roast-beef cart

down the aisle, carving for each passengeror served lobster or ham steak with pineapple, as the

passenger preferred. With these, Bill served piping-hot vegetables, fresh from their galley. One

of the men instructors corrected Bill on a fine point

of carving. John Martin offered seconds on hot rolls.

Vicki, just behind him, brought more butter and

cordially asked the happy passengers if they would like more of anything.

Finally, they asked and served the passengers preference in desserts: a parfait, or a basket heaped

with fresh fruits, or, from a cart, a tray of assorted

cheeses. Vicki followed down the aisle with the

coffeepot and the teapot. She took pride in serving

such a resplendent meal.

The luxury of tins meal troubled Vicki in a way.

It reminded her, by contrast, of the poverty Harriet

might face. She determined again to make her own

contribution, however small, toward clearing the

maid.

The classs guests aboard today were some

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magazine people escorted by Mr. Carewe, head of

Worldwides service operation, and Mr. Kentner, Worldwides learned, gracious Educational Director. Both men had traveled around the world many

times, by air, and the class glowed at praise from

them.

Invite us again sometime, will you, Miss Saunders? the two men asked. Its a great treat.

Youre always welcome, Dorothy Saunders said. Come tomorrow if you can. Well be serving coffee and sandwiches, big delicious ones.

There was a reason for carrying sandwiches

aboard on every flight, in addition to regular meals.

Sometimes passengers boarded along the route at

between-meal hours. Or, once in a long while, a

flight delay occurred. Or simply, a passenger might

get hungry at the unlikeliest timesince for world travelers, stomach time isnt always the same as clock time, Miss Saunders said.

The reason the class served only sandwiches on

Tuesday, the next day, was that they were busy all

day in the huge hangars. For the final time before

actual flight, providing they graduated, they

reviewed the planes inside and outside. The jet 707

was almost a block wide, wing tip to wing tip.

Why, the length of its fuselage is longer than the Wright brothers first flight, Mr. Carewe told them. He was not scheduled to be on this review tour with

59

the class, but he could not stay away from the

planes.

Maintenance crews were giving each plane a

four- to five-hour check before sending it up.

Everyones hair blew in the powerful drafts from roaring propellers and the strong suction breeze

from the jets. The instructor, Mr. Ventura, had to

raise his voice to the class.

Dont let your passengers wander off at stops en route! Jet schedules are very tight. Even a five-

minute delay counts. Watch it. A warning horn blew to let people in the hangar

know that one of the huge doors was opening, and

one of the parked planes was ready to move.

The horn continued to blow in Vickis mind for hours afterward, after that exciting tour. She was

still excited when they reached their hotel late that

afternoon.

Karen was excited, too, and for an additional

reason. On their way home she had found and

purchased a copy of Paris-Match, as Irene Baker

had requested.

Vicki, Karen asked, as they entered the lobby, do you suppose shed mind if I brought the magazine up to her? Id phone first and ask permission.

I suppose you could ask her, Vicki said. At the desk Karen asked the clerk for the Bakers

60

room number. He hesitated, then, apparently

remembered having seen the girls and the Bakers

together.

Theyre in Room 1113, the clerk said. Room 1113! Vicki exclaimed. Why, thats Thats what? Karen asked. But Vicki shrugged,

and Karen went over to one of the house phones.

After a minutes talk, she hung up, smiling. Mrs. Baker said shes dressing to go out, but I

should come right up, Karen reported. And she is charmed to have the magazine.

Vicki went on alone to her and Karens room, 1013. She sat down on her bed, thinking. So the

Bakers room number was 1113. Vicki was struck by the similarity to her and Karens room number, 1013. She wondered whether the envelope

containing the locker key might have been intended

for 1113? Could it have anything to do with Irene Bakers being so awfully friendly toward Karen and me? Vicki asked herself.

Her doubts were vague but they would not go

awaynot even when Karen returned, glowing. I had such a pleasant visit with Mrs. Baker,

Karen said. Shes a lovely woman. Lovely. Is she? said Vicki. She did not like to spoil

Karens pleasure, but she felt uneasy. By the way, I dont suppose she said anything further today about helping Harriet?

61

Well, no Karens enthusiasm wavered. But Mrs. Baker did tell me that she and her husband

have ever so many social engagements. Theyre so busy! So popular! And, on yes! She suggested that

you and I lunch with her the first day that she is

free. Vicki turned away without answering. Why these

persistent overtures? And why had Irene Baker

talked of helping Harriet, then left it so farat mere talk? And what about tins coincidence in the

room numbers 1013 and 1113? Three small doubts,

but taken together, did they add up? And to what?

62

CHAPTER IV

Blue-and-Gold Wings

That warning horn still blew in Vickis imagination the next day, Wednesday, as the class worked

silently all morning through their final examination.

If she didnt pass, the horn seemed to say, she wouldnt be allowed to fly in those magnificent planes!

Miss Saunders came in and encouraged them.

Do your best. We pride ourselves on choosing young people who are well worth training. None of

our candidates has ever failed yet. That afternoon they practiced once more in the

mock-up. Around four thirty, their instructors came

in, beaming.

Congratulations! they said. Weve just graded the papersand you all passed.

The class was jubilant. Up on the bulletin board

Miss Saunders put an announcement about the

graduation party to be held in Hangar 14, the day

after tomorrow. Everybody shook hands with

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everybody else, there were kisses and laughter, and

Adele Cerutti wept for joy.

The class stayed on another two hours for crew

scheduling. Crews were scheduled with the planesas if, Vicki thought, we and the planes are almost part of each other. Worldwides flights all over the world were so numerous that six flight supervisors

were needed. The class members were impatient this

afternoon to learn their routes, their immediate

futures.

There was a little sadness, too, at breaking up the

class. Sisco Lappi, the Finnish girl, begged Miss

Saunders to have her and Yvonne Brassai scheduled

together, but the supervisor said:

Its no use asking, Sisco. You might as well knowall of youthat on each flight, youll be working with a fresh crew. We have hundreds of

stewards and stewardesses, so itll be a rare event if you work with the same persons twice. Every class

gets scattered. It cant be helped. Vicki and Karen looked at each other. They

hadnt thought of this possibility. They could hope to meet on their rest days, but these could be

scheduled for any time in any country, and their

schedules might not tally. Karen looked sad. Miss

Saunders noticed, and smiled.

Once in a while theres an exception. When two girls are about the same height and look well

64

togetherwhen they make a pair, as you and Vicki dothen sometimes they are scheduled together.

There was great excitement when a flight

supervisor brought in the first schedules. Each

graduate read his assignment aloud. On Monday,

Leo Forazzo was to go to Paris and on to Rome,

Alison Pearce was to fly to London, her home,

Frieda Deinhard was scheduled for Frankfurt. Sisco

was scheduled for London and on to Stockholm,

Yvonne for a Paris flight, Bill Whipple for Rome

and on to Istanbul. And, wonderful news, Karen and

Vicki were scheduled to fly together on Monday to

Paris.

Flight 116, Vicki said joyfully, leaves Idlewild on Monday at five thirty P.M.

All the next day, Thursday, the girls of the class

were at some of the finest shops in New York

having themselves, their coiffures, their new

uniforms polished into a state of perfectioncourtesy of Worldwide Airways. Beauty comes second, Miss Saunders reminded them. She had often told them this, and coming from so beautiful a

woman, it was impressive. First comes an intangible qualitya real wish to serve others a something within you that makes you a gracious

hostess. That quality will make you good

stewardesses and good wives. Thats first. Miss Lynn Eisner, their grooming-and-voice

65

instructor, agreed completely, but she could not

resist saying, Girls, try not to muss your hair when you go to sleep tonight. Vicki and Karen would have been willing to sleep sitting up. Wear your uniforms tomorrow.

Photographers were waiting for the class the next

morning, and all Friday morning graduation

photographs were taken. Vicki wished today were

not the last time together for herself and her

classmates. However, Miss Saunders assured them

they would come across one another from time to

time, most often right here at Idlewild.

That afternoon their instructors held a discussion

period, where the class received help on their last-

minute doubts and questions. After that, everyone

felt completely ready for Mondays flightsand for the graduation party right now.

It was held in empty Hangar 14. Miss Saunders

herself set up the refreshment buffet. Teachers and

staff came in. Mr. Carewe presented small diplomas

and pinned on each graduates jacket Worldwides blue-and-gold wings. Then he made a lighthearted

speech, and the celebration was in full swing. Vicki,

Karen, and their friends were now full-fledged

members of Worldwides Atlantic Division. The first thing Vicki did that week end was to

telephone her family in Illinois, on Saturday

morning, and tell them the good news. Her younger

66

sister, Ginny, said over the wire:

What are you so excited about? I knew all along youd make it. Congratulations, of course. . . .. Well, yes, it is wonderful. . . . Well, yes, I am sort of

thrilled. In fact, Im so excited for you I could explode!

Vicki laughed, and talked next to her parents.

They were proud of her, and anxious to know what

her itineraries would be. Vicki promised to keep

them advised, especially about her rest periods so

that they all might plan for a family visit. Vickis family sent their congratulations to Karen, too.

Karen looked rather wistful while Vicki

telephoned from their room. Karen could not very

well afford to telephone her family, in Stockholm.

Never mind, she said, Ill tell Mrs. Baker, I know she takes an interest. Ill call her room.

Irene Baker was delighted to learn about Karens and Vickis graduation, and invited the girls to have lunch with her tomorrow, Sunday. She was

especially happy for the girls that they were

scheduled for Paris.

She sounded as if she were in a hurry, Karen reported. She was pleased about the luncheon

invitation. Vicki was less interested. She and Karen

had so many things to do before their trip abroad.

They debated what clothes to take, since, from Paris,

they were to fly on to other European cities. Vicki

67

and Karen decided hopefully to include their swim

suits and at least one afternoon dress apiece, along

with their daytime clothes, and not too many of

those. They would actually pack a few hours before

take-off on Monday.

I want to take along some American soap and stockings, Karen said, and dashed out to buy a small supply of these. Vicki, meanwhile, drew up a

list of relatives and friends for whom she hoped to

buy little presents abroad. She copied off and mailed

to her family a list of the hotels in various countries

where they could reach her. The airline would

provide overnight or layover quarters.

Karen returned, and together they checked that

each had her passport, health certificate, table of

foreign currencies, global time selector (a small

cardboard wheel by which they could figure the time

all over the world), fountain pen, wrist watch, and

book of American Express checks. They kept these

things separate from their many stewardess papers

and route books. Karen was also taking along some

pocket-size foreign-language dictionaries, but not

her camera.

I spend too much on film, she said. Ive reformed, you see?

What about this blouse you just bought, along with the soap and stockings? Vicki asked.

It