The Thirteenth Pearl

by Carolyn G. Keene

  “Then I must examine your sleeves,” the officer said.

  He found nothing in the left one, then reached into the right. To Nancy’s horror he pulled out a gorgeous ruby and diamond necklace!

  CHAPTER XIV

  The Trap

  NANCY was so shocked at seeing the beautiful necklace taken from her sleeve that for a moment she was speechless.

  Her father came to her defense. “This is ridiculous. My daughter certainly does not own that and did not take it from anyone.”

  The officer asked how she could explain its presence in her sleeve. “You had better come up with a good story, or I will have to take you to headquarters!” he said sternly.

  “I have already spoken to the chief about a case I’m working on involving stolen jewelry,” Nancy said.

  The officer raised his eyebrows in amazement.

  “It started in the United States,” the girl detective went on. “A valuable necklace was stolen from a jeweler in my hometown just before the jeweler mysteriously disappeared. My father and I came here to investigate because several leads pointed to Japan. We hope to locate the stolen piece and also the thief.”

  “Is it this necklace?” the officer asked.

  “No. But I saw a very suspicious man take a string of pearls from a woman. When I accused him, he denied it. Since he didn’t have it on his person, we couldn’t prove it, and he left. Then other people complained about having their jewelry stolen. I know he framed me before slipping out so I could not pursue him any longer!”

  Nancy gave more details of the case, and the young officer did not know how to proceed. Since evidence was found on her person, could he legally let her go?

  By this time Mr. and Mrs. Mise had come up to Nancy and her father and asked what the trouble was. They knew the officer. As soon as they heard what had happened, both vouched for Nancy, saying the accusation was unjust.

  The policeman finally agreed to release Nancy into the Mises’ custody if they would guarantee her appearance in court if she were called. Mr. Mise promised.

  The commotion over the jewelry thefts had ruined the wedding reception. Nancy and her father went to find the bride and groom and their parents, but all of them had left.

  “I certainly feel sorry for them,” Nancy declared. “It should have been such a happy occasion. To have something like this happen will be an unfortunate memory for them.”

  Mr. Drew and the Mises agreed.

  “I see they have opened the doors once more,” Mr. Mise said. “I suppose they did not find the thief and his accomplice. Evidently they escaped before the doors were closed. We may as well go home ourselves now.”

  He kept in close touch with the police for the next few hours, but learned nothing helpful. Had the reception thieves left the country, or was Caputti still in Japan?

  Mrs. Mise remarked, “As long as Mrs. Caputti is in jail, I doubt that her husband would leave town.”

  “He might,” Mr. Drew said. “Benny’s a very cruel man.”

  The following morning Nancy asked Mr. Mise if he would take her and her father back to the World Wide Gems offices to talk to Mr. Kampura about the case. He was not in, and the only person available was Mr. Hashi, the local manager.

  When questioned by the Drews about the various jewel thefts, he said he knew nothing about them. Nancy asked him if he was aware that World Wide Gems was under suspicion.

  “Oh, no! We are a reputable organization!” he replied. “Where did you hear such a rumor?”

  Nancy gave no details but thought she detected a frown on the man’s face. Other than that, he showed no sign of being disturbed. Instead, he insisted on the fine reputation of the company and that it was considered the finest jewelry wholesaler in the world.

  “That must be of great satisfaction to you and the other executives,” Nancy said. “Actually we were told that the president and other top of ficials are not directly involved.”

  Mr. Hashi was annoyed. He took this remark as an inference that he might be under suspicion, not being a top official himself.

  “If you are implying that I am dishonest, I wish to inform you that my integrity has never been questioned. Now I must say good-by to you,” he said coldly.

  He arose, then bowed stiffly and held this position until the callers had left his office. As they were walking down the hallway, the visitors came face to face with Mr. Taro, the president of the company. He wished them a pleasant morning and kept on going.

  Nancy stopped him. “Mr. Taro,” she said, “we came to ask if any jewelry has been offered to you by a Mr. Caputti or a Mr. Slate.”

  “No, neither one of them has been here,” the man replied. “In fact, recently no one has come to me with anything valuable to sell.”

  “Thank you,” Nancy said, and her group continued toward the elevator.

  Suddenly her father turned around and hurried back to Mr. Taro. “Pardon me,” he said to the president, “but it is important for me as a lawyer to know whether you, as head of this company, are aware of the fact that World Wide Gems is presently under suspicion of underhanded dealings.”

  Mr. Taro laughed. “It is impossible. You heard a rumor that is absolutely not true.” With that, he hurried on.

  Mr. Drew joined Nancy and Mr. Mise in front of the elevator. Before it arrived, a young Japanese woman, who evidently worked for World Wide Gems, approached them.

  “Follow me,” she said to Nancy in a low voice. “I can tell you something importantl”

  Nancy signaled to her father to watch where they were going in case of foul play, then walked quickly after the woman to a ladies restroom.

  When the door was closed behind them, the stranger said, “I cannot stay away from my desk very long or my boss will be suspicious. I am Mr. Taro’s secretary, and I am worried about him. He is an honest man, but recently he has become suspicious of certain officials in the company. He is afraid that they are carrying on some dishonest schemes in regard to the purchase of jewelry.”

  Nancy nodded. “He probably didn’t want to admit it to us. How did you find out about it?”

  “I overheard a conversation on his private telephone line. I do not know to whom he was speaking, but the other person said, ”Yes, I received a warning note that said four plus nine equals thirteen.”

  Nancy was startled. The look on her face prompted the young woman to ask whether she knew what it meant.

  “I have an idea it stands for danger,” Nancy replied, but did not mention having received several similar warnings.

  “I know you are a detective,” the Japanese woman went on. “I spent some time in your country and read about you. When I overheard your name today, I felt I could trust you. I am so worried about Mr. Taro. Perhaps you can help him. He is a wonderful person, and I do not wish to have any harm come to him.”

  “I’m glad you told me,” Nancy said. “I’ll do my best.”

  “Thank you,” the girl said. “Now I must go.”

  She opened the door and hurried out quickly. Nancy waited several seconds before following her, so that no one in the hallway would suspect that they had been talking. Then she joined her father and Mr. Mise again. They all went down and walked into the street.

  When they arrived home Nancy told her story so that Mrs. Mise could hear it, too. When she was finished, everyone was shocked.

  “This is a most complicated affair,” Mrs. Mise said. “Those jewel thieves are dreadful people!”

  “I have a feeling that top officials at World Wide Gems who are not involved with the underworld might be in grave danger. They must have found out certain things and are now being threatened.”

  “And the criminals would stop at nothing to gain their ends,” Mr. Mise added. “I am so worried about both of you.”

  The Drews did not feel comfortable either, but said that they had been in precarious situations before and never quit when they were hot on the trail of wrongdoers.

  “I’d like very much to see a list of all
people working for World Wide Gems,” she added.

  Mr. Mise jumped up from his chair. “It just occurred to me that I have one. I own a small amount of stock in the company. A list came with the annual report. However, it gives only the names of officers.”

  “That’s enough to start with,” Nancy said, and he went to get it. Nancy and her father read the names of the many vice presidents.

  Suddenly the girl exclaimed, “Look! I can’t believe it!”

  “Don’t tell me Mr. Caputti is an executive of World Wide Gems,” her father teased.

  “No, but wait until you hear who is ! Mrs. Tanya Rossmeyer!”

  Mr. Drew stared at her. “You’re kidding!” I had no idea that she was active in any business.”

  “She certainly doesn’t act like a business woman,” Nancy added, “traveling from one place to another without telling anyone her schedule.”

  “That’s true,” her father agreed. “On the other hand, with her love and knowledge of gems, she would be qualified.”

  “She had some quite valuable jewelry stolen,” Nancy mused. “Perhaps she was allowing herself to be robbed by a confederate of the company as a cover up! Dad, Mrs. Rossmeyer could be in league with the thieves at World Wide Gems!”

  Mrs. Mise had sat down in one corner and started to read the morning paper. Suddenly she cried out, “Here is an amazing article!”

  “What does it say?” Nancy asked.

  “It is a report from Rome that states that Mrs. Tanya Rossmeyer, while attending a dinner, was robbed of a priceless necklacel”

  CHAPTER XV

  Phony Papers

  “WHAT else does the newspaper article say?” Nancy asked Mrs. Mise.

  The Japanese woman continued to read, then translated. “The police have been unable to locate Mrs. Rossmeyer since the theft. Newsmen and friends have not heard from her either.”

  Mrs. Mise went on reading. “It was conjectured that Mrs. Rossmeyer might have left for the United States. Police and friends have said that oftentimes, on a whim, she would pack up, leave wherever she was, and not tell anyone where she was going. Then suddenly she would turn up in a different country.”

  “She might have gone home to River Heights,” Nancy speculated. “One thing we have never asked about is the companion who is said to travel with her. Was she with Mrs. Rossmeyer? Is she mixed up in the jewel racket?”

  Mr. Mise spoke up. “Would you like me to call the newspaper and ask if they have any information about the woman?”

  “Please do,” Nancy replied.

  Mr. Mise went to the phone. He returned in a short time to say that when last seen, Mrs. Rossmeyer’s companion was with her. “Would you like to go to headquarters and talk to the chief?”

  “Yes,” Nancy and her father replied together.

  The chief had little to add to the newspaper story, but while his visitors waited, he made a long distance call to the chief of police in Rome. Then he reported that an investigation had been made, and anyone who might have any information on the jewel theft or the whereabouts of Mrs. Rossmeyer had been questioned thoroughly.

  “One person overheard the two women talking about returning to the United States,” he added. “But someone else had heard them mention that they would go to Paris. Where they went, nobody knows.”

  Nancy asked him what he knew about World Wide Gem’s recent business dealings. When Nancy told of her theory regarding Mrs. Rossmeyer, the chief nodded.

  “We do not feel that she is involved in any dishonest dealings,” he said. “All the information we have collected indicates that Mrs. Rossmeyer is not really active as an officer of World Wide Gems. It was advantageous for them to use her name, which is synonymous with fine jewelry and good advertising. But we are still investigating all angles.”

  The telephone rang, and the chief answered. After a brief conversation he hung up and said, “I just had a message from Interpol. Someone in your hometown claims to have seen the missing Mr. Moto in the back seat of an automobile. The police strongly suspect that he never left River Heights!”

  Nancy and her father looked at each other. “I had almost come to the same conclusion,” she said.

  After thanking the chief, they drove back to the Mise home. Mrs. Mise had a message for Mr. Drew. His office had called and indicated that it was important for him to return home as soon as possible.

  “In view of what we just heard at headquarters,” Mr. Drew said to Nancy, “I don’t think it would be worthwhile for you to stay, either. Both Mr. Moto and Mrs. Rossmeyer are obviously not in Japan, and I don’t believe you can do any more to locate Mr. Caputti than the police can.”

  Nancy agreed. She felt it was more important to follow the clue to Mr. Moto, who, she was convinced now, was being held against his will by someone in his hometown. Also, in the back of her mind was the statement from Bess and George that Ned, Burt, and Dave were coming to visit the girls in River Heights.

  “Maybe they can help us hunt,” she thought.

  The Drews told their hosts that they were planning to leave the following day.

  “Oh, we must have a farewell party,” Mrs. Mise said at once.

  “That’s very sweet of you,” Nancy said, “but it is not necessary. Anyway, we are not giving you enough time to plan anything.”

  Mrs. Mise said, “Perhaps, as you say, there is not enough time to invite friends, but I suggest that we go to Mr. Mise’s club this evening. It has a very fine restaurant, and I think you will enjoy the food there.”

  The club proved to be not only an excellent place to eat, but it was filled with many interesting art objects. A lovely Japanese girl named Lei greeted them. She wore a beautiful flowered satin kimono with a contrasting obi. She had a very fetching high hair-do accented by combs. Lei showed them several charming old pictures of Japanese life as it was hundreds of years ago.

  Mr. Drew was particularly interested in pictures of old-time Japanese fishermen using the cormorant bird to make their catch. They held the bird like a kite on a string. When the cormorant swooped down to the water and scooped up a fish in its bill, the fisherman would quickly pull it in and take the catch!

  “The poor cormorant!” Nancy said. “He worked so hard for nothing.”

  Their guide smiled. “I venture to say that the fishermen allowed the birds to have their fill after they did their job.”

  Next to the pictures, Lei showed them jeweled crowns, which she said had been worn by royal children in various countries. She pointed to one, which she said was Russian.

  “Long ago girls usually married young in that country. The brides were shaved in order to accommodate the crown jewels they would wear,” she explained.

  While the group was eating, the headwaiter told Mr. Mise that he had read about the disappearance of Mrs. Tanya Rossmeyer.

  “She is a member of our club,” he remarked. “I hope nothing has happened to her. She was here only a short while ago.”

  “Did she by any chance mention to you where she was going after her visit to Rome?” Mr. Drew inquired.

  “No. I have no idea. She frequently travels from place to place.”

  When the group arrived home, Nancy and her father packed. They were booked to fly to the United States the following evening.

  “It’s high time we get back and take up our work,” the lawyer said.

  “I can hardly wait,” Nancy added.

  After breakfast, the young detective said she would like to go to the jail and try to talk to Mrs. Caputti.

  “Maybe if I tell her I know a lot about the jewel thefts, she may break down and confess,” Nancy reasoned.

  “I doubt it,” her father said, “but I suppose it’s worth a try.”

  Mrs. Mise offered to go along, and when the two arrived, they asked to see the warden. After introducing themselves, they inquired whether it would be possible to speak to Mrs. Caputti.

  The warden smiled. “So sorry,” he said. “Her lawyer came here with certain papers and
she was released.”

  “Released!” Nancy exclaimed. She was stunned. “But I’m sure there must be some mistake. Mrs. Caputti’s husband is wanted in the United States, and we believe she works with him in committing jewel robberies!”

  The warden shrugged. “I am certain you must be wrong. I told you, her lawyer came here with the papers.”

  “What did he look like?” Nancy asked.

  “He was tall for a Japanese, and powerfully built. Rather stern faced, I would say.”

  The truth dawned on the girl detective. “What was his name?”

  “Mr. Kampura!”

  CHAPTER XVI

  Mysterious Invitation

  “OH NO!” Nancy exclaimed in dismay.

  The warden stared at her. “What is wrong?”

  “Mr. Kampura is suspected of dishonest dealings. I’m sure he forged those papers. Will you please check them and verify the signature?”

  By now the warden felt uncomfortable. “Of course. I will get them from my file,” he said, and left. A few minutes later he returned with a folder. “The documents were signed by Judge Hiawasa. I shall call him at once and confirm his signature.”

  He phoned the judge’s chambers and apparently found him in. After a brief conversation in Japanese, the warden hung up. His face ashen white. “You were right. Judge Hiawasa never issued an order for the release of the woman prisoner. Oh, what have I done!”

  “You let a known criminal out of jail,” Nancy said. “But it was not your fault,” she added, realizing the man’s distress. “I’m sure the forgery was an excellent one.”

  The warden promised to get in touch with higher authorities at once. He thanked Nancy and Mrs. Mise for their help, and both said they were glad to have been of some service to him.

  Nevertheless, they were worried about Mrs. Caputti being free and spoke about it on the way home. “I suppose now she’ll join her husband,” Nancy said, “and perhaps they will leave the country together, if he has not already gone.”

  When Mrs. Mise and Nancy reached home, the girl detective packed her bags. Then their hosts drove the Drews to the airport and said good-by.