The Mystery of the Tiger's Eye (9 page)

BOOK: The Mystery of the Tiger's Eye

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Melanie couldn't believe it. “I studied that picture, but I never noticed the ring!”

Iona examined the tiger. “The left eye is amber glass. The stone in this ring is tiger's-eye, an actual stone. I have a bracelet in my shop made of tiger's-eye.”

Benny nodded. “I saw it when we were in your shop. Every time I came in here, I felt like the tiger was looking at me.”

“Is the ring magic?” Dorsey wanted to know.

“There are those who say that tiger's-eye makes its wearer feel confident and independent, but also lonely,” said Iona. “Maybe that's why Houdini put his ring in the eye of the tiger.”

Edward compared the ring to the one Houdini was wearing in the photograph. “They seem to be identical. Do you think Houdini put his ring in the tiger so everyone in the house would be lonely? Or was it truly a gift?”

“I don't think we'll ever know,” said Grandfather. “But the ring is a nice addition for your collection.”

“Now, what about you?” Edward asked Melanie. “Do you think I should fire you?”

“I wouldn't blame you if you did,” she said sadly. Then she lifted her chin. “But you and Iona are my friends, the closest friends I have. I'd like to finish cataloging your collections, Mr. Singleton, without pay. I'm very sorry for the trouble I caused.”

Edward sighed. “Well, I always believe in giving people a second chance. But you'll have to hand over the key to this house.”

Gratefully, Melanie surrendered her key. “Thanks for not being mad. You're terrific!” She looked at Dorsey. “Too bad you can't see that.”

To everyone's surprise, Dorsey burst into tears.

“I know Uncle Edward is great,” he sobbed. “I wish I didn't have to go to that school!”

Edward looked at him in surprise. “But you've acted like you can't wait to leave Cliffwalk Manor.”

“I love Cliffwalk Manor,” Dorsey sniffed. “It's the neatest house I've ever seen.”

Violet spoke up. “I think Dorsey was afraid to tell you because he thought everyone expected him to go to boarding school. He didn't know how to tell you he wanted to stay here.”

“And you didn't tell him you wanted him to stay,” Jessie said to Edward. “It's a big misunderstanding.”

“I'll say!” said Edward. “Dorsey, of course I want you to live with me. If that's what
you
want. We'll call your parents tonight.”

“Can I keep Houdini?” asked Dorsey. “The rabbit, I mean.”

His great-uncle laughed. “You bet! And tomorrow we'll send for your things from that school.”

“Sounds like Cliffwalk Manor won't be so lonely anymore,” said Grandfather.

Edward turned to Iona. “You've been dropping hints about how this house is too much for me.”

“Are you planning on moving?” Iona said, her blue eyes twinkling.

Edward smiled. “James is right. A house is not a home without a family. No matter how many things I have, I need more people in my life. A long time ago I asked you to marry me.”

“I thought you were kidding,” Iona said.

“I wasn't kidding then and I'm not now.” Edward held her hand. “Will you marry me, Iona?”

“Yes, Edward, I will marry you,” Iona said, hugging him. “And I'll be happy to live in this great big house. Cliffwalk Manor does have a special magic.” She turned to Dorsey. “Is this okay with you?”

“You bet!” he said. “You're a better cook anyway!”

“This calls for a celebration!” said James Alden, going into the kitchen.

Soon he produced a bottle of bubbling ginger ale, which he poured into antique glasses. He raised his glass to the ceiling, preparing to give a toast.

“Wait!” cried Dorsey. “We're not all here.” He rushed off and came back with Houdini, the rabbit. “Okay, now everybody is here.”

“To the family in Cliffwalk Manor,” said Grandfather. “May they find the magic of happiness always.”

“Hear, hear!” said Henry.

They all clinked glasses, then sipped the ginger ale.

“How about a toast to the Alden detectives?” said Edward.

“Hear, hear!” Dorsey cheered.

Everyone lifted their glasses once more.

“I have a toast,” said Benny. “I hope the next mystery will be as fun as this one!”

“Hear, hear!” chimed Jessie, Henry, and Violet.

All rights reserved, including without limitation the right to reproduce this ebook or any portion thereof in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Illustrations by Hodges Soileau

Published by Albert Whitman & Company

250 South Northwest Highway, Suite 320

Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

www.albertwhitman.com