Chapter 7

Chapter 7 "What, you think Yondo stole the gold?" Sammi asked. "Well, he made a lot of other stuff disappear," Dink said. "Like you, Ruth Rose." "He didn't make me disappear," Ruth Rose said. "It was a trick. While you guys were changing for the party, Yondo asked me to help him. See, he's a ventriloquist, too. He threw my voice up to the ceiling. When you guys all looked up there, I scooted out of the box and crawled under the table. Then I just got up and sat back in my chair again."

"If Yondo is the thief, where did he hide the gold?" Sammi asked Dink. "And how would he get it away from Nere? The guards check every car going through the gate. No one could get past them." "Except maybe a magician," Dink mumbled. "I think Riko and Mr. Baz are the crooks," Ruth Rose said. "I hate to admit it, but I agree with Ruth Rose," Josh said. "I think Mr. Baz was on the other side of the wall with the getaway car, waiting for Riko to drop the gold over." "They both told the cops they had never seen that note," Sammi said. "Mr. Baz said someone must have stolen that writing paper from his office." Just then a shadow fell over the kids. Yondo had appeared at the top of the stairs. "We meet again," the magician said. "What are you whispering about?" "We're just talking about the gold robbery," Sammi said. "Ah, yes, your parents told me about the bank manager and the job foreman," Yondo said. "What a shame. Well, I leave early tomorrow morning, so

I will say good night. And happy birthday, Sammi." Yondo walked past the kids and disappeared into his room. They all heard the door lock. The next morning, the kids walked down to the aquarium pit. No one was working in it. Yellow crime-scene tape had been strung around the whole place. The backhoe stood right where it had been left. The bank was locked up, with a big CLOSED sign on the door. "I wonder if my father will ever get the gold back," Sammi said. "Did Yondo leave yet?" Dink asked. Sammi nodded. "I saw him drive away this morning," he said. "Hello!" the kids heard someone yell from behind them. Dr. Skor had tied a yellow inflatable dinghy to the dock and was walking toward them. "Any news on the robbery?" he asked when he reached the four kids.

Sammi brought him up to date on Riko and Mr. Baz. Dr. Skor nodded. "Yes, I assumed it was an inside job," he said. "At least the culprits are behind bars, where they belong. And how was your party, Sammi?" "Cool! My dad hired a magician, and he was awesome!" Sammi said. "A magician, how wonderful!" Dr. Skor showed the kids a grocery shopping list. "I must get to the store. Your parents are joining me for lunch on my boat," he said. "You kids are invited, too, of course!" He hurried off toward the shops. "I hope Dr. Skor is a good cook!" Josh said. At noon, a sturdy-looking fiberglass boat pulled up to the dock. A boy who looked about sixteen years old was at the motor. He wore a bathing suit and a tank top. "Hi, Hugo!" Sammi cried. "These are my friends Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. They're from Connecticut in America."

"I want to visit your country someday," Hugo said. "Do you live near New York City?" "Yes," Dink said. "My uncle Warren lives there. If you come to visit, you can stay with us!" Hugo beamed. "Thank you!" "Hugo is going to study at the new school," the king told the kids. "And one day he'll work at the aquarium." Hugo helped everyone aboard and motored toward the yellow yacht. "How are you spending your summer vacation?" the queen asked Hugo. The boy grinned. "I'm doing a lot of diving and snorkeling," he said. "Do you see a lot of fish around here?" asked Josh. Hugo nodded. "Every size and color you can imagine," he said. "I'll take you guys snorkeling later if you want." Sammi looked at his parents. "Can we?" he asked. His father said, "Of course. Hugo, do you have four life vests?" "Yes, sir," Hugo said. He looked at his diver's watch. "How about three o'clock?"

"Excellent!" Sammi said. "I've got snorkel gear you guys can borrow." A few minutes later, Hugo dropped them off, and they climbed aboard Sundown. "Please come back for us at two o'clock!" the king called back to Hugo. Hugo saluted. "I'll be here," he said. Soon the lunch guests were seated on comfortable benches around a table on Sundown's foredeck. A canvas canopy kept the sun off. "Your boat is beautiful!" Ruth Rose told Dr. Skor. "Thank you, my dear," Dr. Skor said. "Would you like to explore her before we eat?" "Sure!" she said. The kids scampered away. They examined every part of the yacht, fore and aft. In the galley, they found a stove, sink, and refrigerator. A man was preparing their lunches. There were three bedrooms. The kids stepped inside the largest onto a bright blue carpet. The room had a king-size bed and a chair near an open porthole. Next to the door was an antique desk. Dink saw papers and letters with Dr. Skor's name on them.