The Mary Celeste Mystery: Part 2

By CAROL KRUEGER

Only the whistling wind replied. As they walked around the deck in their bare feet, their steps sounded unnaturally loud. The deck creaked as if it were trying to tell them something. The sails flapped like great white wings.

"She's run into some bad weather," said Wright. "And the wheel's running free. It must've been left in a hurry."

Deveau looked around the deck once more. "The lifeboat is missing," he said. "The rope is gone, too."

"There's also a leak," replied Wright. "The pump box cover is off. Someone must have been testing the water level. But where is everyone?"

Slowly, not knowing what to expect, the men went down into the captain's cabin. Deveau struck a match. Its pale light flickered as they looked around. There was water on the floor.

In a corner was the sort of organ known as a melodeon. It still had a page of music on it - waiting to be played. There was also a sewing machine that looked as if it had recently been used. The strangest thing of all, however, was the shape of a child's head in a pillow. It was if the child had only just got up.

Publisher Shortland Publications

Age group: 10-12 yrs

$8.95

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