The next short chapter in the story of the mystery of the blue candlestick followed closely upon Florence’s visit to the new museum.
It was on the following morning, as she and Lucile were strapping up their books preparatory to leaving the O Moo, that they heard a sudden loud rapping on the hull of the yacht.
“Who can that be?” exclaimed Lucile.
“I’ll see,” said Florence racing for the door.
Much to her astonishment, as she peered down over the rail she found herself looking into the blue eyes of a strapping police sergeant.
“Florence Huyler?” he questioned.
“Ye—yes,” she stammered.
“How do I git up?” he asked. “Or do you prefer to come down? Gotta speak with you. Nothin’ serious, not for you,” he added as he saw the startled look on her face.
With trembling hand Florence threw the rope ladder over the rail. As the officer set the ladder groaning beneath his weight, questions flew through her mind. “What does he want? Will he forbid us living in the O Moo? What have we done to deserve a visit from the police?”
Then, like a flash Mr. Cole’s words came back to her: “Someone else may wish to talk with you.” That someone must be this policeman.