THE CURSE OF THE EGYPTIAN RING Shirley Holmes was a tenth grader at Bakersville High. She was the best crime solver in Bakersville, even though she was only a teenager. She found everything from missing cats to stolen bicycles. The people of Bakersville didn't dare to do anything bad when Shirley was around. One day, Shirley's father came home from work and said to Shirley, "Pack your bags, honey. We're going to the Big Apple." Shirley's father worked at the Bakersville Museum, and his field of expertise was ancient Egyptian jewelry. A museum in New York City had recently acquired an ancient Egyptian ring and needed the help of Shirley's father. Shirley had never been to New York, so she excitedly packed her belongings. When they arrived at the museum in New York, they were generously greeted by the director, Mr. Paddington. They were introduced to other Egypt experts from around the world. Mr. Ahmed was from Saudi Arabia, Mr. Drakos came from Greece, and Ms. Kapango was from Nigeria. After some small talk, they were taken to the ring. It was made of pure gold and had a large face with many ancient Egyptian symbols such as birds and stars carved on it. As soon as Shirley's father saw the ring, he commented, 1
Absolutely gorgeous. This ring dates as far back as 600 BC." Mr. Ahmed nodded. "Right. The design looks like it's from the 26th dynasty or later." Mr. Drakos said, "I've never seen anything like it. Ms. Kapango whispered in a gentle voice. "A word of caution. It may be beautiful. But be careful of the curse of the Egyptian ring! The ring was only meant to be possessed by the royal family. If anyone outside the family took the ring, they would experience great misfortune." Shirley laughed. "That story was probably made up by the royal family." Mr. Ahmed said, "The story may be more genuine than you think, young lady. Last year in Saudi Arabia, a man was seriously injured in a car accident on his way home after he bought a ring like this. Shirley replied in a shaky voice, "Perhaps, that was just... a coincidence." Mr. Paddington said, "Enough talk about curses. Shall we take a break? There are some refreshments downstairs. I'll join you shortly. Shirley and her father were the first to leave the room. They were walking down the stairs when they heard a sharp scream. They rushed back into the room. Shirley rapidly scanned the room. Mr. Paddington was lying on the floor face down. To his left, there was a broken vase and the floor was damp. 2
Mr. Drakos ran back into the room. Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Kapango followed shortly. Shirley asked Mr. Paddington. "Are you okay?" Fortunately, Mr. Paddington replied, "I have a bump on my head and it's a little sore but I'll be fine. I was locking up the case when someone smashed me on the head with something from behind." Mr. Ahmed said, "It must've been that vase. What happened to the ring?" Mr. Paddington said, "Luckily, it's right here. The attacker tried to tear it from my hands, but I held onto it as tightly as I could. The thief's fingerprints should be on it." Ms. Kapango remarked, "It's the curse. I warned you! I'm getting out of here!" Mr. Drakos picked up the phone on the wall. He shouted, "Everybody freeze! I'm calling 112. He spoke into the phone, "Send the police immediately. A crime has been committed. 3
It was only a matter of minutes before there was a knock at the door. I am Detective Marcel. I was in the neighborhood and came as soon as I could." Mr. Paddington explained the situation to Detective Marcel. Marcel asked the others, "Where were you when you heard Mr. Paddington scream?" Shirley and Mr. Holmes replied, "We were going down the stairs." Marcel wondered, "The elevator was very close by, yet you decided to walk down." Mr. Holmes said, "Yes. I wanted a little exercise." Mr. Ahmed said, "I was waiting for the elevator. I came back as soon as I heard the scream. Marcel asked, "You're wearing a watch on your right hand. Are you left-handed?" Mr. Ahmed replied, "Yes. What does that prove?" Marcel shook his head. "Nothing yet. 4
Ms. Kapango said, "I went to the ladies' room to wash my hands before getting some refreshments." Marcel looked at her hands. "You still have water on your hands." Ms. Kapango said, "I didn't have a chance to dry them. Mr. Drakos said, "I also went to the men's room." Marcel noted, "But your hands are dry." Mr. Drakos complained, "Are you accusing me? I didn't even touch the water. I ran back as soon as I heard Mr. Paddington." Ms. Kapango protested, "Cease this nonsense! I assure you there is no thief. It's the curse!" Detective Marcel said, "Keep calm, everyone. Once I get the vase and the ring to the police lab for fingerprints, we will get to the bottom of this. Until the results come in, everyone is a suspect, so don't think about leaving town. Shirley confidently declared, "There's no need for further investigation. I know who the thief is! Or should I say "thieves"? I've texted the real police at 911 and they're coming to take you to jail." Who are the thieves and how did Shirley know? 5