Wont it be swell, Mom! he said. Dad couldnt have done anything to make Ted and Monnie happier.
Now, looking at his fathers worried face, Biff wondered if the call from Dr. Weber might mean a change in plans. He hoped not. Not only for his own sake, but for his brothers and sisters. It would be a wonderful rest and vacation for Mother, too. Biff wished he knew more about his fathers real reason for the trip.
Dad, will that call make any difference about your taking us on the trip with you?
I dont know, his father said slowly. Dr. Webers call puts the whole trip in a new light.
Gosh, Dad, Teds and Monicas hearts would be broken.
Tom Brewster stood up. He went to the door without replying. When he opened it, his two younger children swarmed all over him.
That call from Honolulu? What was it about? Ted asked.
Tell us, tell us! chirped Monica.
Mrs. Brewster had entered the room. She looked at her husband questioningly.
The twins looked at their father. He ruffled Teds hair and patted Monica on the cheek.
Were still going, arent we? Monica said in a small, hopeful voice.
I guess Yes, we sure are.
Squeals of delight filled the air. But Mrs. Brewster, reading the expression on her husbands face, knew that the trip was no longer just a pleasure jaunt for him.
CHAPTER IV
Aloha!
The blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, fourteen thousand feet below, sparkled under the slanting rays of the rising sun. Sleepy-eyed passengers aboard the Northwest airliner yawned, stretched, and brought their reclining seats to an upright position. Two stewardesses hurried back and forth along the aisle of the plane, carrying breakfast trays of chilled pineapple juice, slices of golden yellow papaya, and steaming coffee.
The younger members of the Brewster family, Biff and the twins, had been awake from the time of take-off, although their mother had insisted they try to rest. Mr. and Mrs. Brewster still lay stretched out with their chairs in a reclining position, but now they showed signs of coming out of their fitful sleep.
How much longer, Biff? How long till we get there? Youve been to Honolulu before, Monica said.
Only for a short stopover on my way to Burma, Biff replied. He looked at his watch. Id say we ought to be there in an hour. Maybe a little longer.
The Brewster family had boarded the plane at six oclock that morning, their flight having been delayed on take-off for an hour by a low-hanging bank of fog. The big planes four jet engines and a favorable tailwind had pushed it through the sky at a speed of over 600 miles per hour.
Thomas Brewster leaned over the seat in front of him where Ted and Monica were fussing in low tones over whose turn it was to sit next to the window.
Morning, children.
Morning, Dad.
My, youre surely wide awake for such an early hour! he said.
Early? Gee, Dad, its after ten oclock, Ted replied, looking at his wrist watch.
Mr. Brewster laughed. Guess Ted doesnt know about setting his watch back. You set yours right, Biff?
Biff nodded his head.
What do you mean, set my watch back? Ted demanded.
Difference in time, Ted. With daylight-saving time further complicating matters, its three hours earlier in Hawaii than it is in Seattle. So, if your watch says ten, then its only seven oclock in Honolulu. People are just getting up there.
Ted, although still puzzled, turned his watch back three hours.
Biff came to the seat where Ted and Monica both had their noses pressed to the planes window.
Scrunch over, small fry. Well be raising Diamond Head soon. Your big brother will point it out to you.
The plane zoomed through the air, racing the sun to Alohaland. The Fasten Seat Belts sign flashed on.
Wont be long now, Biff said. Ought to see Diamond Head any minute. Look just over the right wing. See that sort of dark blur? Thats Oahu, the island Honolulu is on.
Minutes later, Diamond Head rose majestically into view. The plane sped over the yawning crater of the extinct volcano, then bore to the left out over Honolulu Harbor. It turned back north, coming in low, and then settled gently down on Honolulus International Airport.
The plane rolled to a stop, doors opened, and landing ramps were wheeled into place. The twins, hardly able to contain their excitement, were first at the exit. Biff, his mother, and his father were right behind them.
Outside, a band played the familiar welcoming song, Aloha. Native girls, in hula skirts, with fragrant flowers in their hair and brightly colored necklaces of more flowers around their necks, swayed to the rhythm of the music.
Monica danced down the landing ramp. At its foot, a hula dancer stepped forward and placed a lei, a beautiful necklace woven of flowers around the excited girls neck. Ted got the same treatment. More leis for Biff and Mr. and Mrs. Brewster, until the whole family wore fragrant chains of flowers up to their chins.
Oh, Mother! exclaimed Monica. Its everything I ever dreamed of! Just like Ive read about and seen in pictures.
It was a gay, exciting sight. The warm air, the gentle breeze, the music a real Aloha, a real welcome. The spirit of Hawaii took over at once. Everywhere, happy people became happier. Gaiety filled the air. A soft scent of flowers cloaked the new arrivals.
The crowd milled about the gate leading to the terminal. It seemed there were hundreds of people all trying to pass through at once. The Brewster family clung together, Monica clutching her mothers hand.
Thomas Brewster looked carefully over the crowd.
I dont see Dr. Weber, he said to Biff. I thought surely hed meet us.
Maybe hes just late, Dad.
Ted came up and touched Biffs sleeve. Look, Biff, see that man over there? He pointed.
Biff looked in the direction Ted indicated.
See, Biff, hes taking pictures. He took several of you and Dad. I was watching him.
Biffs eyes met those of the man with the camera. He was a swarthy man, short, wearing a rumpled white suit.
Gee, I guess Dad must be some sort of a celebrity, taking his picture and all, Ted said excitedly.
Biff didnt think that was the reason. The man didnt look like a newspaper photographer on an assignment. His eyes shifted as Biff stared at him. The man made no attempt to get just one more shot, as official cameramen are apt to do. Biff started toward him, determined to find out why the man seemed to be so interested in photographing Mr. Brewster.
Seeing Biff approach, the man drew back, fading into the crowd. By the time Biff had forced his way to where the man had been standing, the picture-taker had disappeared.
Biff frowned. He hadnt liked the mans appearance, and his slinking away made Biff even more suspicious. Why had he taken the pictures? How had he known which of the arriving visitors was Mr. Brewster? Biff shook his head. The answer to that question might have some connection with the call his father had received from Dr. Weber.
He had better tell his father about the incident, Biff decided. He rejoined the family and was about to speak when Mr. Brewster raised his voice.
Over here! Over here, Mr. Mahenili! He waved to an approaching man who in turn waved back, calling, Aloha, my friend. Aloha!
It was Hanale Mahenili, a native Hawaiian with whom the Brewster family was to stay during their visit to the islands. Mr. Mahenili was the Hawaiian representative of the Ajax Mining Company.
Over here! Over here, Mr. Mahenili! He waved to an approaching man who in turn waved back, calling, Aloha, my friend. Aloha!
It was Hanale Mahenili, a native Hawaiian with whom the Brewster family was to stay during their visit to the islands. Mr. Mahenili was the Hawaiian representative of the Ajax Mining Company.
Introductions were made, and with the smiling Hawaiian leading the way, the party entered the airport terminal.
Passing a newsstand, Mr. Brewster halted quickly. He strode to the newsstand and snatched up a copy of the Honolulu Star Bulletin. Biff stepped to his fathers side and read the eight-column headline over his shoulder.
Dr. Weber, Famous Scientist, MissingCHAPTER V
Detective Biff
Thomas Brewster read the startling story hurriedly. Biff read along with him. The story was sketchy. There were few details. Dr. Weber had been scheduled to open the first session of the mining engineers conference the previous afternoon. The meeting had started, but Dr. Weber failed to appear. When the meeting ended, and Dr. Weber was still missing, the police were notified.
Do you know anything about this, Hank? Mr. Brewster asked Hanale Mahenili. Hanale was the Hawaiian form of the proper name, Henry. Among his business associates, Mr. Mahenili liked to be called Hank. His Hawaiian friends called him Hanale.
Yes, my friend, I do, Mr. Mahenili replied. It is most sad, most frightening. In fact, I was the one who discovered his disappearance.
When and how? Mr. Brewsters voice showed his concern.
Yesterday afternoon, at the opening of the conference.
Tom Brewster turned to his wife. Martha, why dont you take Ted and Monica over to that bench and sit down? Well only be a minute. Biff, you stay with me. I want you to know whats going on. Sorry, Hank, but I didnt want my wife alarmed. Please continue.
Biff felt highly pleased that his father wanted him in on whatever was happening.
Well, Tom, when Johann failed to appear at his place at the speakers table, I thought at first he might have been detained, perhaps held up by traffic. Or that he might have been napping after lunch, and had overslept. Hes an old man, you know. And not too strong.
Yes. I know. Weve all been worried about him. He still tries to do too much for a man his age.
I waited about fifteen minutes, Hanale Mahenili continued. Then I left the head table to go to his hotel. Hes been staying at the Royal Poinciana. On my way there, my fears that he had become ill increased.
Mr. Mahenili paused, as if ordering his thoughts.
Yes, yes. Go on.
At the hotel, I rang his room. There was no answer. I went to the desk, and they told me they believed the doctor was still in his room. He hadnt left his key at the desk, which was his habit every time he left the room.
Ill bet you were really worried then, Biff said.
I certainly was, young man. I called for the manager, and we went up to Johanns room. The manager had a pass key, and, after knocking, we entered his suite.
And no Johann Weber, Mr. Brewster said.
Thats right, Tom. He has a two-room suite. He wasnt in either room.
Was there any evidence that the room had been searched?
Mr. Mahenili shook his head. It was hard to tell. Papers on his desk were in a disordered mess. Two drawers in his bureau were pulled out, with clothing messed up, and a few things strewn on the door. But you know how careless Johann was. He was never one for neatness and order.
But it could have been someone else who had searched the desk, and pulled out the drawers, Mr. Brewster said.
Yes, it could. There was no way of telling definitely.
Sir, Biff said. Were you able to get any idea of when he had last been in his room?
No, Biff. We werent. I was coming to that. We questioned the elevator operators and the desk clerks. Both night and day clerks. None of them could remember when they had last seen the doctor.
Biffs brows were knitted in questioning thought. Sir, Id like to make a suggestion, or, rather, ask you this. Do you know if Dr. Weber usually had his breakfast in his room?
Why, the idea never occurred to us.
Good thinking, son, Mr. Brewster said.
And were the maids asked if his bed had been slept in the night before?
Henry Mahenili gave a shrug of helplessness. Im afraid, young man, that youre a far better detective than I am. No, the maids werent questioned.
Well, then, Dad
Thomas Brewster interrupted his son. Im right with you, Biff. Our first stop in Honolulu had better be the Royal Poinciana Hotel.
My cars right outside. Your luggage should be off the plane by now, Mr. Mahenili said. The hotels on the beach Waikiki Beach. Im sure your family will enjoy seeing the most famous beach in the United States.
Gee, thats great, Biff said. Ted and Monica will flip. And so will I. After all, were tourists.
All right, lets go.
Luggage and family were assembled and placed in Mr. Mahenilis open convertible. The Brewsters were in for a thrilling ride.
Leaving the airport, Mr. Mahenili turned onto a dual thoroughfare called Ala Moana. They crossed the Ala Wai Canal nearing the famous Waikiki Beach section.
On the right, Mr. Mahenili pointed out, is the Kapaiama Basin.
Yachts of every color and description lay at anchor in the beautiful harbor. Some were moving out into the main harbor of Honolulu.
Everywhere the Brewster family looked, they saw flowers. One street would be lined with trees bearing white flowers. The next street would be one of red flowering trees, or yellow, or deep blue.
The car turned off Ala Moana onto Kalia Road. They saw the gleaming dome of the Hawaiian Village. To their right now, they could see the beautiful hotels standing like sentinels guarding the beach. Then Mr. Mahenili turned the car into the spacious Garden-of-Eden-like grounds of the Royal Poinciana Hotel. Mrs. Brewster and the twins walked down to the beach. Biff, his father, and their Hawaiian friend went into the hotel.
The manager of the Royal Poinciana received the two men and Biff in his office. Biff looked at his father.
Go ahead, Biff. This was your idea.
Sir, Biff said, addressing the manager, I wonder if you could find out if Dr. Weber usually had his breakfast in his room since hes been here?
Easily, young man. Wont take a minute. The manager picked up the telephone on his desk.
And would you ask if he had breakfast there yesterday morning?
The manager nodded his head and spoke into the phone. He asked both questions Biff had suggested, nodded his head, and replaced the phone on its cradle.
No real help there. Sometimes he called for breakfast service; sometimes not. Yesterday morning, room service reports, there was no call from Suite 210-11 thats where Dr. Weber was staying.
Well, one more thing. Biff continued his role of detective. Would the same maids who were on duty yesterday be on duty this morning?
Ill check that with the floor supervisor. I think I know what your question will be had Dr. Webers bed been slept in?
Biff smiled. Thats right, sir.
Again the manager placed his call and asked his questions.
The floor supervisor will call back as soon as shes checked. Only take a minute or two. While we wait, let me extend my welcome to Hawaii to you. I regret that this most unfortunate situation has come about. But Im sure Dr. Weber will be found.