“Ella? Did you hear what that woman said?” Ethan whispered.
Ella nodded. “Yes, a painting was stolen. That’s awful!”
“I wonder if the thief is still here,” Ethan said.
They glanced at their dad to see if he had heard, too. But he was busy reading his guidebook.
The three of them exited the museum. People had spilled out into the courtyard. A juggler entertained a crowd in front of one of the fountains.
Mr. Briar pulled his map out of his messenger bag. “Kids, I’m going to ask someone for directions to the Arc de Triomphe,” he called out. “It’s a monument that was built in honor of French soldiers. We can spend the rest of the morning there.” He added, “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
In the courtyard, a police officer was talking to a museum guard. Ethan walked over to them.
“Ethan! What are you doing?” Ella called out.
“I want to find out about the stolen painting,” Ethan replied. “Come on!”
Ella sighed and trailed after her brother. When they got within earshot, Ethan stopped and pretended to tie his shoes. Ella pretended to get something out of her bag.
But the police officers and the guard were speaking in French. “It’s no use. Let’s go,” Ethan said, turning away.