Read (#20) The Clue in the Jewel Box for Free Online Page B

grandmother.”
    “Honestly? Where is she?” he demanded.
    “I can’t tell you that until you produce proof of your identity.”
    “I don’t get it,” Francis Baum said. “If you think I’m a fake—”
    “Oh, I didn’t mean to suggest that I doubt you,” Nancy corrected hurriedly.
    “Bring your credentials to us soon, Mr. Baum,” said Carson Drew, his tone ending the interview. “And thank you for calling.”
    As soon as the young man had gone, Hannah voiced her candid opinion of him.
    “If he’s a lost prince, then I’m a queen! Did you see the way he gobbled his food?”
    Mr. Drew frowned. “I guess he was very hungry.”
    Mrs. Gruen continued, “He didn’t show any refinement at all!”
    “He talked rather well at first,” Nancy remarked. “But toward the end he almost seemed like a different person.”
    “You forgot to give him the lost photograph,” Mr. Drew reminded her.
    “I didn’t forget, Dad. I decided to keep it until I’m sure of his claims.”
    “Then you distrust Baum?”
    “Not exactly. I’ll admit I don’t like him. He doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to the boy in the photograph.”
    “Mark my words,” Hannah announced flatly, “he’ll never show up with any credentials.”
    The housekeeper’s prediction proved to be wrong. Francis Baum returned, bearing a package which contained a letter written by his former nurse, and a small toy lamb with a jeweled collar. Much as she disliked to do so, Nancy felt compelled to invite the young man to stay to lunch.
    “When can I see my grandmother?” Francis Baum asked Nancy as he again ate ravenously.
    “Soon, I hope,” she replied. “I will talk with her today, and show her the letter and the toy.”
    “Why can’t I see her myself?” he asked sullenly.
    “I have my reasons,” Nancy replied. “If you expect me to help, you’ll have to wait. Your credentials seem satisfactory, but only your grandmother can determine whether or not they’re genuine.”
    “She’ll recognize these things all right,” he replied confidently.
    Three o’clock found Nancy seated in Mrs. Alexandra’s home with the letter spread out on a table between them. A lump came into her throat as she watched the woman caress the toy lamb.
    “My darling grandson played with this in his nursery,” the former queen said, smiling. “I gave it to him myself on his third birthday.”
    ‘And the letter? Can you identify that, too?”
    Mrs. Alexandra scanned the worn sheet of paper.
    “Yes, this is the handwriting of my grandson’s faithful nurse, Nada. The young man is my lost Michael! Have him pack his belongings at once and come here to live.”

CHAPTER VII
    Mistaken Identity
    “OH, Madame Marie!” Anna protested. “We have no room prepared for Prince Michael.”
    “That is true,” agreed Mrs. Alexandra. “When my grandson comes, we must show him every consideration. We will have a dinner in his honor.”
    “Would it not be better to wait a day or two at least?” pleaded Anna.
    “Very well,” Mrs. Alexandra consented. “But prepare for my grandson’s arrival quickly. I shall write him a letter of welcome.”
    Nancy ventured to suggest that it might be advisable to put away some of the most valued antiques. Anna nodded approvingly, but Mrs. Alexandra seemed displeased by the idea.
    “I am sure my grandson is to be trusted,” she said coldly.
    “Your grandson—yes,” Nancy replied. “As for this Francis Baum, you are not certain yet that he is the missing prince. His credentials seem authentic, but they might not be.”
    “I shall reflect upon your suggestion,” Mrs. Alexandra said, her good humor restored.
    Nancy was fearful that the woman would not have the treasures removed. She tried to bring up the subject of the singing nightingale and its strange message, but Mrs. Alexandra showed no willingness to discuss the matter. All her thoughts were centered upon her grandson.
    “I will do what I can with Madame,” Anna