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| author | www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> | 2026-01-01 17:01:19 -0800 |
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| committer | www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> | 2026-01-01 17:01:19 -0800 |
| commit | cd6ff73629ea1e4dcf03ec83ed876330c4a66932 (patch) | |
| tree | a405ca8790594b4a63ae711ac42ab33ffa3edc0e | |
Initial commit of ebook 77602 files
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| -rw-r--r-- | 77602-h/77602-h.htm | 7379 | ||||
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| -rw-r--r-- | 77602-h/images/frontis.jpg | bin | 0 -> 52529 bytes | |||
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| -rw-r--r-- | 77602-h/images/illusc.jpg | bin | 0 -> 80423 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | hiddenstaircase_txt.txt | 5673 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/77602-h/77602-h.htm b/77602-h/77602-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d1f6ebf --- /dev/null +++ b/77602-h/77602-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7379 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> + <title> + the Hidden Staircase | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg"/> + + <style type="text/css"> + body { margin-left:8%;margin-right:10%; } + .pageno { right: 1%; font-size: x-small; background-color: inherit; color: silver; + text-indent: 0em; text-align: right; position: absolute; + border:1px solid silver; padding:1px 3px; font-style:normal; + font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration:none; } + .pageno:after { color: gray; content: attr(title); } + .it { font-style:italic; } + .bold { font-weight:bold; } + .sc { font-variant:small-caps; } + .ul { text-decoration:underline; } + p { text-indent:0; margin-top:0.5em; margin-bottom:0.5em; + text-align: justify; } + div.lgc { } + div.lgl { } + div.lgc p { text-align:center; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; } + div.lgl p { text-indent: -17px; margin-left:17px; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; } + h1 { + text-align:center; + font-weight:normal; + page-break-before: always; + font-size:1.2em; margin:2em auto 1em auto + } + + .sub-head { font-size: smaller; } + hr.pbk { border:none; border-bottom:1px solid silver; width:100%; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em } + hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} + hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} + + .figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; + } + + .caption p + { + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; + margin: 0.25em 0; + font-weight: bold; + } + + x-ebookmaker-drop {display: none;} + + + div.blockquote { margin:1em 2em; text-align:justify; } + p.caption { text-align:center; margin:0 auto; width:100%; } + p.credit { text-align:right; margin:0 auto; width: 100%; } + + div.lgp p.line0 { text-indent:-3em; margin:0 auto 0 3em; } + table { page-break-inside: avoid; } + table.center { margin:0.5em auto; border-collapse: collapse; padding:3px; } + table.flushleft { margin:0.5em 0em; border-collapse: collapse; padding:3px; } + table.left { margin:0.5em 1.2em; border-collapse: collapse; padding:3px; } + .tab1c1 { } + .tab1c2 { } + .tab1c3 { } + .tdStyle0 { + padding: 2px 5px; text-align:right; vertical-align:top; + } + .tdStyle1 { + padding: 2px 5px; text-align:left; vertical-align:top;padding-left:29px; text-indent:-24px; + } + .pindent { margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-indent:1.5em; } + .noindent { margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-indent:0; } + .hang { padding-left:1.5em; text-indent:-1.5em; } + </style> + <style type="text/css"> + .poetry-container { margin-top:.5em; margin-bottom:.5em } + .literal-container { margin-top:.5em; margin-bottom:.5em } + div.lgc { margin-top:.5em; margin-bottom:.5em } + p { margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:0em; } + .sub-head { font-variant: small-caps; } + .credit { font-size: smaller; } + .caption { text-transform: uppercase; } + </style> + </head> + <body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77602 ***</div> + +<div class='figcenter x-ebookmaker-drop'> + <img src='images/illusc.jpg' alt=''/> +</div> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend=';' --> +<p class='line0'><span class='ul'>NANCY DREW MYSTERY STORIES</span></p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line0' style='font-size:2.5em;'>THE HIDDEN</p> +<p class='line0' style='font-size:2.5em;'>STAIRCASE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line0'>BY</p> +<p class='line0'><span style='font-size:x-large'>CAROLYN KEENE</span></p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line0'><span class='it'>ILLUSTRATED BY</span></p> +<p class='line0'>RUSSELL H. TANDY</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line0'>NEW YORK</p> +<p class='line0'>GROSSET & DUNLAP</p> +<p class='line0'>PUBLISHERS</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend=';' --> +<p class='line0'>Copyright, 1930, by</p> +<p class='line0'>GROSSET & DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Inc.</span></p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<div class='figcenter'> + <img src='images/frontis.jpg' alt=''/> + <div class='caption'> + <p>“AND THAT ISN’T THE WORST—LOOK UP THERE!”</p> + </div> +</div> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='iii' id='Page_iii'></span><h1>CONTENTS</h1></div> + +<table id='tab1' summary='' class='center'> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'><span style='font-size:x-small'>CHAPTER</span></td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><span style='font-size:x-small'>PAGE</span></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>I</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>A Rude Visitor</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>II</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>A Warning of Trouble</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_8'>8</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>III</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>Interesting Information</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_14'>14</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>IV</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>A Second Call</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_23'>23</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>V</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>Strange Happenings</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_31'>31</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>VI</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>The Ghost Calls Again</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_40'>40</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>VII</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>What Can It Mean?</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_49'>49</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>VIII</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>The Warning</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_56'>56</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>IX</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>The Anonymous Message</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_63'>63</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>X</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>An Unfruitful Search</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_71'>71</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XI</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>A Cry in the Night</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_80'>80</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XII</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>The Theft</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_86'>86</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XIII</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>Another Surprise</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_95'>95</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XIV</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>What Happened to Carson Drew</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_103'>103</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XV</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>A Prisoner</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_111'>111</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XVI</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>A New Clue</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_119'>119</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XVII</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>Under Cover of Darkness</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_127'>127</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XVIII</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>Inside the Other House</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_134'>134</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XIX</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>A Chance Discovery</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_144'>144</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XX</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>The Underground Passage</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_151'>151</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XXI</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>The End of the Passage</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_160'>160</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XXII</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>The Next Move</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_166'>166</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XXIII</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>Notifying the Police</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_178'>178</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XXIV</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>Nancy Leads the Way</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_185'>185</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle0'>XXV</td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle1'><span class='sc'>Captured</span></td><td class='tab1c3 tdStyle0'><a href='#Page_195'>195</a></td></tr> +</table> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='1' id='Page_1'></span><h1>CHAPTER I<br/> <span class='sub-head'>A Rude Visitor</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>“I declare, I don’t know what makes me so +nervous this afternoon! I have the strangest +feeling—just as though something were about +to happen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As Nancy Drew expressed the thought aloud, +she tossed aside a book she had been trying +to read and restlessly crossed the living room +to glance out of the window. She was alone +in the big house, for her father, Carson Drew, +had been called out of the city on an important +law case and Hannah Gruen, the housekeeper, +had taken her day off.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Usually, Nancy enjoyed a book, but on this +particular afternoon she had been unable to +interest herself in anything. For no apparent +reason she felt nervous and uneasy.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she stood at the window, her eyes rested +for a moment upon an old-fashioned mantel +clock above the fireplace. The timepiece +aroused pleasant memories, for it had been +given to her as a reward for her service in +solving a baffling mystery. Nancy smiled.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I know what’s the matter with me,” she +told herself. “I’m aching for another adventure. +That’s all the good it will do me, too!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With a sigh of resignation, she again settled +herself in a comfortable chair and took up her +book. She had read scarcely a page when her +attention was attracted by the sound of a heavy +step on the front veranda.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The doorbell rang sharply. There was an +electric something about the ring which was +arresting, startling. Before Nancy could get +up from the chair, the bell rang a second time.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She dropped her book and hurried to the +door. Opening it, she stood face to face with +a man she had never seen before.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He was unusually tall and thin with spindling +legs which gave him the appearance of +a towering scarecrow. The illusion was heightened +by his clothing, which was ill-fitting and +several seasons out of style. Nancy could not +help but notice several grease spots on his +coat. However, it was not the man’s clothing +or miserly appearance which repulsed her, but +rather his unpleasant face. He had sharp, +piercing eyes which seemed to bore into her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was permitted but an instant to appraise +her visitor, for as she opened the door +he stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. +This rude action somewhat nonplused +her, but she was too polite to show her displeasure.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am Nathan Gombet of Cliffwood,” the +man told her bluntly. “I want to see Carson +Drew.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My father isn’t here now,” Nancy explained +quietly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where is he?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy did not like the brusque way Nathan +Gombet had of asking questions, but she answered +him politely.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Out of town on business.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I must see him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m very sorry,” Nancy returned patiently, +“but it is impossible. He won’t be back until +late this evening. If you will come back to-morrow——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To-morrow won’t do. I want to see him +now,” he demanded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Can’t you understand that my father is out +of town?” Nancy asked a trifle tartly, for she +was beginning to be irritated. “If you want +to leave a message, I’ll give it to him as soon +as he comes in.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t want to leave a message. I came +after those papers. Did your father leave +them for me?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know what papers you mean.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, you don’t, eh? Well, your father +knows all right. Just ask him about Nathan +Gombet’s property rights on the river and he’ll +tell you all about the nasty deal he and his +friends tried to slip over on me!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What are you talking about?” Nancy demanded +sharply. “Have you lost your +senses?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve just come to ’em, that’s what I’ve +done. Maybe you don’t know about it, but I +own some property down along the river. +Your father induced me to sell a piece of it at +a ridiculously low figure. The land is worth +several times what he paid me for it. I’m not +going to let anyone put over a raw deal like +that. I want the deed back or my price, and +Carson Drew is going to give it to me, too!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You don’t know what you are saying,” +Nancy said icily. “My father wouldn’t cheat +anyone out of a cent.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no!” Nathan exclaimed sarcastically. +“I suppose he’s in business for his health!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He’s not in the business of taking what +doesn’t belong to him—that’s certain!” Nancy +retorted hotly. “If you have anything coming +to you I’m sure it will be turned over to you +just as soon as my father returns.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just as soon as he returns—that’s good,” +Nathan sneered. “Like as not he’s hiding +somewhere in the house this very minute.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How dare you insinuate such a thing?” +Nancy cried angrily. “I’m alone in the house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The instant she had divulged the information, +she could have bitten her tongue.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Alone, eh? Well, maybe I was mistaken +about your father being here, but it’s the truth +I’ve been telling you about those papers. He +cheated me out of a pile of money.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It isn’t the truth, and you know it! I’ve +listened to you just as long as I intend to. +You ought to be ashamed to come here and +say such insulting things about my father. +Now I wish you’d go!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll not stir until I get my papers!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve told you I don’t know a thing about +your old papers.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They’re here some place. I know they’re +in the house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Will you kindly leave?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just try to put me out if you think you +can!” Nathan Gombet said, with an unpleasant +leer. “You know more about those papers than +you let on.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re crazy!” Nancy snapped. She was +so exasperated that she could not keep her +temper in check.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan Gombet’s eyes narrowed to mere +slits and a cruel look came over his face.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Get those papers for me!” he commanded +harshly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was aware that her father sometimes +kept valuable papers in his desk, but she had +no intention of handing over any of them to +this man. She had never heard her father mention +the documents in question, but she had no +doubt that Gombet was trying to get something +which did not belong to him. Although +frightened at the man’s strange conduct, she +faced him boldly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll not give you anything! Now get out +of here!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right, if you’ll not hand over the papers, +I’ll just have a look around for myself.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A crafty look had come into the man’s eyes. +As he spoke, he moved toward the study +which adjoined the living room. From where +he had been standing, Carson Drew’s desk +was in plain sight.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you dare go in there!” Nancy cried +indignantly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, so that’s where the papers are? I +thought as much!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A half dozen long strides took Nathan Gombet +across the room and into the study. Reaching +the desk he jerked open a drawer and +began pawing through it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Stop that!” Angrily, Nancy grasped the +man by the coat and pulled him away from +the desk. “You get out of here or I’ll call +the police!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With one vicious jerk, Nathan Gombet freed +himself and wheeled upon her. His face was +convulsed with rage and Nancy saw that he +was desperate.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Instinctively, she threw up her hands to +ward off a blow.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='8' id='Page_8'></span><h1>CHAPTER II<br/> <span class='sub-head'>A Warning of Trouble</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan Gombet did not strike Nancy Drew, +although for an instant it appeared that he +intended to do so. He remained motionless, +regarding her with a hatred he made no effort +to conceal. His face was distorted and he +stood in a half-crouched position, like an animal +about to pounce upon its prey.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy knew that she must act quickly, for +she saw the man was beside himself with rage. +Unless she handed over the papers he demanded, +she did not doubt but that he would +attempt to do her bodily injury. She must depend +upon her own wits to save her, for there +was no one within calling distance. If only +she could reach the telephone!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As the thought came to her, her eyes rested +for a moment on the instrument. Nathan Gombet +saw the look and understood that she intended +to carry out her threat to telephone +the authorities. His lips parted in an ugly +snarl.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Call the police, will you? Oh, no, my little +lady, you won’t do that!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He made a vicious lunge for her, but she was +too quick for him. As he reached out to grab +her, she stepped to one side and, neatly eluding +his clawlike hands, placed the table between +them. She caught up the telephone receiver.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Gombet saw that Nancy Drew was not to be +bluffed and instantly a change came over him. +The look of anger on his face changed to one +of genuine fear.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t telephone,” he begged almost childishly. +“I’ll go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy hesitated, undecided in her course. +She had no wish to start a scandal in River +Heights by calling the attention of the police +to the threats the man had made, for she realized +that the resulting publicity might not do +her father any good. Yet she wondered if she +could trust the man to keep his word.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right, then, go,” she said curtly, without +relinquishing her hold on the telephone. +“I’ll give you twenty seconds to get out of +here! If I see you hanging around the house +I’ll call the police!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hastily, Nathan Gombet picked up his hat +and with a last glance toward Carson Drew’s +desk, turned to leave. Nancy followed him +from the study, watching him closely lest he +try to work a trick upon her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In the doorway, the man paused and looked +back.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll have my rights before I get through,” +he muttered. “Your father ain’t seen the last +o’ this, not by a jugful!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Slamming the door behind him, he tramped +across the porch and was gone. From the living +room window Nancy watched him until he +disappeared beyond the corner.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I almost wish I’d called the police,” she +thought. “The idea of saying the things he did +about Dad! He thought he could scare me into +giving him those papers!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The encounter had disturbed her considerably, +for she realized that in Nathan Gombet +her father could have a troublesome enemy. +She was convinced that the man was without +scruples. Unquestionably, his accusations +were entirely false, but if he spread his story +about River Heights, undiscerning persons +might accept it as fact.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As former district attorney at River Heights, +a city in the Middle West, Carson Drew had +built up an enviable reputation for himself, but +the character of his work was such that he had +made enemies as well as staunch friends. +Those whom he had antagonized were ever on +the lookout for an opportunity to undermine +the reputation he had made for himself. So +far, Carson Drew had more than held his own +against unscrupulous persons, for he was known +as a “fighter.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was Carson Drew’s only child, but, +though she had been indulged, she had never +been spoiled. She was an unusually pretty +girl, fair of skin with friendly blue eyes and +golden curly hair. Her friends declared that +she was as clever as she was attractive.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Since the death of her mother a number of +years before, Nancy had found it necessary +to be resourceful and efficient. Not only had +she assumed the management of the Drew +household, but she took a keen interest in her +father’s law cases, especially those which +smacked of mystery. She had been present at +a number of interviews with noted detectives, +and her father declared she had a natural talent +for digging into interesting cases.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Only the summer before, she had taken it +upon her own slender shoulders to solve a mystery +which had baffled capable lawyers. When +no one could locate Josiah Crowley’s missing +will, Nancy, in an effort to aid Abigail Rowen +and Allie and Grace Horner, had taken over the +task herself. Her thrilling adventures, which +included an encounter with robbers, are told +in that first volume of this series, entitled, +“The Secret of the Old Clock.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Of late, Nancy Drew had longed for another +exciting experience which would give her an +opportunity to use her wits, little dreaming +of what was in store for her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Yet, as she turned slowly away from the +window after watching Nathan Gombet vanish +down the street, she had a certain premonition +of trouble ahead.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If I hadn’t threatened to call the police, +that man would have injured me,” she thought. +“I do wish father were here. I want to tell +him about Nathan Gombet and the threat he +made. It wouldn’t surprise me if he should +try to make trouble.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was indeed disturbed. Never for an +instant did she credit any of the statements +the man had made, but from his appearance +and actions, she was inclined to believe that he +would stoop to anything in order to gain +his end.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He has some dishonest scheme up his +sleeve,” she assured herself. “Dad will explain +everything when he comes home.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Try as she would, she could not forget the +unpleasant interview. Her afternoon was completely +ruined. In vain she tried to read. +After a time she busied herself with some sewing, +but had to rip nearly everything out.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s no use,” she sighed. “I can’t keep my +mind on what I’m doing. I wish someone +would come home. This house is getting on +my nerves!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Glancing at the clock, Nancy saw that it was +only four o’clock. Hannah would not return +for at least an hour, and she could not expect +her father until late that evening. Folding up +her sewing, she arose and crossed over to the +desk. She regarded it speculatively.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Gombet said it was a deed he wanted,” she +told herself. “If it’s actually here I think I’d +better find it and put it in the safe.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She seated herself before the desk and, opening +a drawer, began to go over the papers +carefully. As she examined the first document +she picked up, there came a sharp ring of the +doorbell.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>So unexpected was the noise that Nancy +started. What could it mean? Had Nathan +Gombet returned to make more trouble?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Quickly thrusting the papers back into the +desk, she closed down the top and locked it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Then she made her way resolutely to the +front door.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='14' id='Page_14'></span><h1>CHAPTER III<br/> <span class='sub-head'>Interesting Information</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew swung open the heavy oak door, +fully expecting to see Nathan Gombet on the +veranda. She had braced herself for another +unpleasant ordeal, but when she saw that her +fears were groundless, her face relaxed into a +pleased smile.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Allie Horner!” she exclaimed enthusiastically. +“What a scare you gave me!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Meaning that I look a fright?” Allie bantered.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mercy, no! I can’t remember that I ever +saw you looking better in your life.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The compliment was a sincere one. In the +last few months plenty of good food and freedom +from worry had done wonders for Allie. +She had grown becomingly plump and there +were roses in her cheeks. Her eyes were bright +and she seemed to have an overabundance of +vitality.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy could remember the day when she first +met Allie Horner and her sister, Grace. They +lived on a farm along the River Road and at +the time were undernourished and beset with +financial worries. Through Nancy’s efforts, +the girls had come into an inheritance, and +their troubles had vanished. They still resided +on the River Road, but they had used +a portion of their income to modernize the +place, with the result that it was considered a +model farm.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do come into the living room, Allie,” +Nancy urged cordially. “It’s been months +since I saw you last.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Grace and I don’t get to town very often.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Too busy, I suppose. But I’m so glad you +came to-day. I’ve been lonesome for someone +to talk with.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can’t stay very long, Nancy. I dropped +in to give you a little present.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A present?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, it’s not much of a gift, I’m afraid,” +Allie smiled apologetically as she thrust two +packages into Nancy’s hands. “Just a chicken +for your Sunday dinner and two dozen eggs.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, that’s a fine gift, Allie! You’re never +sure of getting fresh eggs when you buy them +at the grocery store—you have to take the +fresh part on trust. And sometimes your trust +is betrayed.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think you’ll find these eggs fresh. I +gathered them this morning.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After thanking Allie for the gift, Nancy +carried the chicken and the eggs to the kitchen +and placed them in the electrical refrigerator. +Returning to the living room, she pulled her +chair up close to Allie’s, and the two girls +settled themselves for a chat.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell me about everything,” Nancy commanded. +“How is your sister?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Grace is fine, and fairly rolling in +wealth,” Allie declared proudly. “She wanted +to come with me this afternoon, but she couldn’t +take the time from her work. Dressmaking +has picked up tremendously and she has more +orders than she can fill. You should see her +new electric sewing machine.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I suppose you’ve made a great many +changes since I last visited your place?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes. We get a big kick out of landscaping +everything. We’ve even gone in for +grand names—we call our place the chicken +ranch now. I’ve had wonderful luck with my +Leghorns, and I intend to double my flock next +year.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As Allie spoke, her eyes came to rest upon +the old-fashioned mantel clock.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Every time I see that old clock I think of +how much you did for all of us,” she said +quietly to Nancy. “I wish you would permit +Grace and me to give you a more suitable +reward.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But the clock is all I want, really it is,” +Nancy protested.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re the strangest girl I ever knew,” +Allie sighed. “Oh, well, I know it won’t do +any good to urge you, so I’ll drop the matter. +Tell me about yourself.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s nothing to tell.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then you’re not involved in any more +mysteries?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not so far as I know,” Nancy laughed. +Then the smile faded from her face and she +regarded Allie seriously. “Still, an odd thing +did happen this afternoon, just a few minutes +before you arrived.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell me about it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, a strange man came to the door and +asked to see my father. When I told him Dad +was out of town on important business he +didn’t believe me. He ranted a lot about his +‘property rights on the river,’ whatever that +may mean. He claimed that he had been +cheated out of some money. If I hadn’t threatened +to call the police he would have gone +through everything in Dad’s desk.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You have no idea who the man was?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I never saw him before, but he gave his +name as Nathan Gombet.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nathan Gombet?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, do you know him?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, rather! He used to buy eggs and +chickens from me until I told him not to come +back any more. He’s a regular miser, if ever +there was one. He has a home over in Cliffwood.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I suspected he was a miser from his appearance.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You can’t trust him out of your sight. One +day after I had sold him five dozen eggs I +turned my back for a minute and he tried to +slip an extra dozen into the crate!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He claims my father cheated him out of his +property rights.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Allie laughed shortly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Knowing Nathan as I do, I’d be quicker to +think he was trying to cheat your father. What +property does he mean?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know anything about it except that +it’s along the river.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It must be the property that was condemned +for the railroad bridge,” Allie suggested.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Did the bridge go up on Gombet’s land?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“As I recall it, he sold a strip of land on +either side of the river. Then after the bridge +went up he claimed the railroad had built over +its boundary line.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why didn’t he find that out before the +bridge was finished?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no one believes his claim, Nancy. The +land was carefully surveyed, you know. It’s +my personal opinion Nathan Gombet isn’t perfectly +right in his mind.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You mean he’s——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s +crazy, Nancy; but he’s money mad. It’s an +obsession with him that someone is trying to +cheat him out of something. He went nearly +daffy when the bridge went up. He even +threatened he’d blow it up if they didn’t pay +him his price.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He ought to be arrested. It’s dangerous +to have him at large.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I think so myself. Of course it’s only +a rumor about his threat to blow up the bridge, +but I believe he said it all right.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So do I, after the way he acted this afternoon. +He’ll bear watching.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Allie nodded soberly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re going to tell your father, aren’t +you?” Allie queried.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, just as soon as he gets home.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The girls talked for some time and then +Allie Horner announced that she must leave.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have a notion to ride out into the country +with you and hike back,” Nancy told her. +“Father won’t be back for several hours yet +and I’m tired of sitting here in the house with +nothing to do.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish you would come with me,” Allie +urged.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right. Wait until I get my hiking boots +and I’ll do it!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy left the room and soon returned +dressed for hiking. After locking the doors +and windows, she left the house with Allie.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you like our new automobile?” +Allie demanded, as she paused in front of a +roadster which was parked at the curbing. +“Grace and I bought it last week.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s a beauty,” Nancy replied. “You didn’t +tell me about that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I intended to, but we got to talking about +Nathan Gombet and I forgot.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The two girls sprang into the roadster and +Allie took the wheel. She drove rather slowly, +for as yet she was not perfectly familiar with +the various controls.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>When they came to the Muskoka River Nancy +thanked Allie for the ride, and expressed the +intention of hiking back.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If I walk right along, I’ll get home before +dark,” she assured Allie, as she stepped from +the roadster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew watched Allie out of sight, and +then struck off at a brisk pace along the river.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A walk will do me good,” she told herself. +“It may help me get rid of my nervousness.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Although the day was warm, there was a +cool breeze blowing along the river, and Nancy +found the air invigorating. She swung blithely +along, pausing occasionally to skip a tiny +stone out into the water or to watch a school +of minnows in the shallows near shore.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After a time, the path led through thick +bushes and tall trees. When she emerged into +the clearing again she saw, less than three +hundred yards ahead of her, a gigantic arc of +iron and steel that stretched across the Muskoka +River. It was the first time Nancy had +ever seen the new railroad bridge at close +range and she gave a cry of interest.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hurrying on, she climbed over a fence which +marked the boundary of the railroad right of +way and came to the tracks. There she paused +and surveyed the bridge with awe.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It must have cost a mint of money,” she +thought.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she was considering the remarkable engineering +feat which the bridge represented, a +shrill locomotive whistle caused her to wheel +about. The block signal was down and she +knew a train was approaching from the west.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She moved hastily to a safe distance from +the tracks. With a fascination which was +tinged with horror, she watched a long, heavy +eastbound flyer as it roared around the bend +and like a mighty monster charged down upon +the railroad bridge.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What if Nathan Gombet dared to carry +out his threat?” she asked herself, with a +shudder.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Even after the flyer had clattered safely +across the bridge and had vanished in a cloud +of smoke, Nancy could not shake off the uneasy +feeling which had taken possession of her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Now that she had viewed the bridge, she +had a graphic picture in her mind of the damage +Gombet could accomplish if he were so +inclined. As she turned away and walked +slowly on toward her home, she lost herself in +sober reflection.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nathan Gombet is a dangerous man, that’s +certain,” she told herself. “If only there were +some way to put him behind prison bars before +he harms anyone!”</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='23' id='Page_23'></span><h1>CHAPTER IV<br/> <span class='sub-head'>A Second Call</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>It was nearly six o’clock when Nancy Drew +reached home after her long tramp. She ate +dinner and then waited impatiently for the arrival +of her father on the evening train. At +last she heard his step on the veranda and ran +to meet him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, Nancy, how did you make out while +I was gone?” Carson Drew asked, as he +dropped his brief case on the table. “Everything +go all right?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Dad, the meanest old man came to +see you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Quickly, Nancy poured out the story of her +encounter with Nathan Gombet. Her father +listened gravely until she had finished.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So he came here to bother you, did he? +I’m sorry you’ve worried so much about it. +Next time don’t let him in.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But, Dad, there’s nothing to what he says, +is there? You don’t owe him any money?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not a cent, Nancy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s what I thought. But why did he +make such a fuss?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Because he’s a natural trouble-maker, I +guess. You see, some time ago Gombet’s land +was condemned for the railroad right of way. +I was on the land commission and I saw to it +that Gombet was well paid. He seemed satisfied +with the deal which was made. But after +the bridge went up he began to pester the commission +for more money. Claimed that the +bridge had damaged the rest of his property, +and I don’t know what all. I didn’t pay much +attention to his claims because they were ridiculous. +He’s only a sorehead.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He’s been making some ugly threats, Dad. +It’s said he talks about blowing up the bridge.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A man in his right mind wouldn’t go around +telling things like that,” Mr. Drew said, with +a troubled frown. “I think I’d better keep +an eye on him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’ll be careful, won’t you, Dad?” Nancy +pleaded. “I’m sure he means to do you harm.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I’ll be cautious,” Carson Drew promised +smilingly. “But I’m not afraid of Nathan +Gombet. I know how to handle him. What +worries me is the way he came here bothering +you. If he should ever try to harm you——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I’ll probably never see him again,” +Nancy said lightly. “At least I hope I never +shall.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she spoke, her eyes turned toward the +window and what she saw caused them to +dilate in horror.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh,” she gasped. “There was someone at +the window just then! I saw the face distinctly! +It was Nathan Gombet!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You must be mistaken,” Carson Drew protested, +as he too glanced toward the window.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I’m sure of it, Dad. There’s someone +on the porch now.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Even at that moment there came a sharp +rap on the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t go,” Nancy whispered. “I know it’s +Nathan Gombet and I believe he means to harm +you. He may have a gun.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I may as well see him now and get it over +with, Nancy. I’ll not have him snooping +around here!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Resolutely, Carson Drew walked to the front +door and flung it open. The light from the living +room revealed Nathan Gombet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well?” Carson Drew demanded. “What +do you want here?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You know what I want.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What you want and what you may get are +two entirely different matters. Come in. I +have something to say to you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Mr. Drew permitted the man to enter, but +did not offer him a chair. He looked Nathan +Gombet straight in the face, but the man could +not return the straightforward gaze. Involuntarily, +he lowered his eyes.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell me what you mean by coming here and +bothering my daughter?” Mr. Drew asked +curtly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I came after my just due.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Let me tell you something. If you bother +Nancy again I’ll turn you over to the police. +Get that straight!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I want my rights.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your rights? What do you mean by +rights? You’ve had more now than you +deserve.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You cheated me! My land was worth several +times what I was paid for it. Either I +want the deed back or I want my price.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So you were trying to get the deed when +you rumaged in my desk this afternoon?” Mr. +Drew demanded severely. “Well, Nathan +Gombet, it won’t do you a particle of good if +you do get your hands on it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What do you mean?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It has been recorded.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then I want my price.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, you’re crazy, man,” Carson Drew +snapped, with growing impatience; “the commission +gave you your price once, and an exorbitant +one it was, too! If the railroad hadn’t +wanted your land you couldn’t have sold it +for a dime.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The railroad had to have my land. I could +have had anything I wanted to ask.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re mistaken, Mr. Gombet. Charging +all the traffic will bear doesn’t go any more. +Anyway, the bridge could have gone across +the river at a point south of your land without +costing the railroad a cent more money. You +were lucky that they bought your property at +any price.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The bridge damaged the rest of my land.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Damaged it?” Carson Drew smiled. “In +what way?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, ah—” Nathan Gombet began to +stammer. Then he thought of something. +“The trains scare my horses.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How many horses have you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why—er—one.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh! You have one horses?” Mr. Drew +smiled broadly and Nancy could not hold back +a giggle.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you dare ridicule me!” Gombet +snorted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am not ridiculing you, Mr. Gombet. I am +merely trying to bring you to reason. If I recall +correctly, your horse is an old nag that couldn’t +even bat an eye at a train. At all events, your +fight is with the railroad and not with me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You drew up the papers.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I was merely acting as an agent.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t care what you say. I know you and +your scheming friends are trying to swindle +me out of my property!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know how you came by such a silly +idea. The land commission is very fair in all +their dealings. What you ask is most unreasonable. +As far as I am concerned, the matter +is closed!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not much it ain’t! I was swindled out of +ten thousand dollars!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew laughed shortly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It is useless for us to talk further, I see. I +am convinced you are trying to work a graft, +but you’ve come to the wrong place this time!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If you don’t give me my money I’ll——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“None of your threats!” Mr. Drew cut him +off sharply. “Now get out of here!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Give me my money.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not a cent.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s final?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Absolutely.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan Gombet faced Carson Drew with +clenched fists and his features were distorted +by rage. Nancy, who stood a short distance +away, was fearful lest he attack her father. +But Mr. Drew showed no signs of flinching, and +Gombet was not overburdened with courage. +He preferred to obtain his ends by underhand +methods.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He turned abruptly toward the door, but before +he reached it he wheeled upon Carson +Drew again. Nancy thought that he looked +like a wild animal making its last stand.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Take warning, Carson Drew,” he muttered. +“If I don’t get my money, I’ll do something +desperate!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With that he slammed the door and vanished +into the night.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Dad, what did he mean by that?” Nancy +cried, as soon as the door had closed behind the +man. “I’m afraid he’ll do something terrible—perhaps +blow up the railroad bridge.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t believe he’d dare attempt that, +Nancy. Nathan Gombet isn’t a very courageous +man.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then he’ll try something underhanded. I +know he will!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You may be right about that, Nancy. He’s +obsessed with an idea, and there’s no talking +him out of it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“An idea! I’d call it a mania!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps that’s a better word to describe +his state of mind.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m afraid he’ll try to harm you, Dad.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m not afraid of him, Nancy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I know you’re not, but he’s a tricky sort of +enemy to have. Promise me you’ll be careful, +won’t you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll promise, Nancy. Now, don’t worry +about it any more. Nothing will come of the +threat, I am sure.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Mr. Drew picked up the evening paper and +began to read as unconcernedly as though nothing +had happened. Nancy found it impossible +to follow her father’s example. She was dreadfully +worried, for she was afraid her father did +not consider Nathan Gombet seriously. Oh, +how she did hope he would be cautious!</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='31' id='Page_31'></span><h1>CHAPTER V<br/> <span class='sub-head'>Strange Happenings</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>With the passing days, nothing more was +heard of Nathan Gombet, and Nancy Drew began +to grow easier in her mind. After all, his +threat had been nothing more than bluff, she +assured herself. Probably she would never +see him again.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But as she became less vigilant, she could not +know that Nathan Gombet was plotting revenge. +Happy in her false security, Nancy +forgot about the man and turned her thoughts +into more pleasant channels.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I believe I’ll call on Abigail Rowen this +afternoon,” she told her father one day at the +luncheon table. “I haven’t seen her for +months and I’m curious to know how she is +getting along.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’ll be back before dark?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, I’ll be gone only a few hours.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As soon as luncheon was over, Nancy backed +her blue roadster from the double garage and +set off for Abigail Rowen’s cottage, which was +several miles from River Heights.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Approaching the house, she was pleased to +observe that there had been many changes in +the last few months. The former description +of the place, “the worst looking house on the +road,” no longer applied.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The cottage had received a fresh coat of +white paint and the shutters were a gay green. +The old picket fence had been torn entirely +away, as had the old plank walk which led to +the house. In its place there was a new one +of concrete. The yard was well kept, and at +the rear of the cottage Nancy saw a man working +in a vegetable garden.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope I’ll find Abigail well,” she thought, +as she parked her roadster and walked toward +the house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She rapped firmly upon the door. As she +waited for someone to answer the knock she +could not help but recall the first time she had +called upon Abigail Rowen. The old woman +had been confined to her bed with injuries received +from a bad fall, and Nancy had found +her in a deplorable condition. There was little +food or money with which to buy it, and Abigail +had firmly refused medical attention because +she could not pay for it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was through Nancy’s instigation that she +had received her inheritance from the Crowley +estate and she had wisely devoted a portion +of the money to medical service.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy’s thoughts were cut short as the door +was opened by an old woman in a black silk +dress. It was Abigail Rowen, and she beamed +when she saw her visitor.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I declare, if it isn’t Nancy Drew!” +she exclaimed, with evident pleasure. “Do +come in and sit a spell.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How is your hip now?” Nancy inquired +solicitously, as she followed Miss Rowen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It ain’t hurt me for going on two months +now. I still limp a bit, but the doctor says +I’ll soon get over that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re looking much better than when I +saw you last.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And I’m feeling better too. Things looked +mighty black for a while and I didn’t much +care whether I lived or died. I owe everything +to you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, not at all,” Nancy said quickly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she entered the living room she saw that +Abigail had another visitor.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Rosemary, we were just speaking about +Nancy Drew,” Miss Rowen said by way of introduction. +“Well, here she is. One of the +finest girls you ever set eyes on.” The old +woman turned to Nancy. “I want you to meet +my friend, Rosemary Turnbull. She came +over from Cliffwood to see me to-day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Graciously, Nancy acknowledged the introduction. +Rosemary Turnbull was an elderly +maiden lady, tall and a trifle too thin, but not +at all severe-looking in spite of her clothing. +She wore an old-fashioned dress, long and wide +of skirt and high in the neck, but she had a +kind face, and Nancy was instantly attracted +to her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nancy is just the girl to help you out of +your difficulties, Rosemary,” Abigail said significantly. +“She helped me get my inheritance +and I know she’ll help you if you ask her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Certainly, I’ll help anyone I can,” Nancy +agreed pleasantly. “What is it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I hardly know how to tell you,” Rosemary +Turnbull began. She laughed unsteadily. +“It seems I’m living in a haunted house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A haunted house?” Nancy cried.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, of course it isn’t really haunted. I +don’t believe in ghosts and things like that.” +She lowered her voice. “But the strangest +things have been happening lately.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What sort of things?” Nancy asked, with +interest.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mostly little things. But after a while they +get on your nerves. You see, I live in an old +stone house in Cliffwood——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Alone?” Nancy interrupted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no. My twin sister Floretta lives with +me. Our house, which is generally known as +The Mansion, was built before civil war time, +so you can imagine how old it is.” She laughed +nervously. “A wonderful setting for a ghost +story, isn’t it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Go on,” Nancy begged.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Floretta and I have lived there for thirty +years and we’ve never been disturbed until recently. +Just the last few weeks things have +happened which we can’t explain. We hear +strange noises at night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“In the attic?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not exactly. We hear sounds in all parts +of the house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re sure it isn’t mice?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, mercy, it couldn’t be mice or rats.” +Rosemary was horrified at the thought. “Floretta +and I are very particular about anything +like that. There isn’t a mouse in our house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell her about the flies,” Abigail prompted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Our house is just filled with them now,” +Rosemary declared. “And until lately we +never had them at all. I can’t understand it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So far your trouble doesn’t sound very +alarming,” and Nancy smiled. “Probably +there is a screen off some place.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary shook her head firmly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We thought the same, so we made a thorough +inspection. And we’re very particular to +keep the doors and windows closed.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell her about the shadows,” Abigail encouraged.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We see strange shadows on the walls,” +Rosemary went on. A note of fear had crept +into her voice now.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What sort of shadows?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Floretta thought she saw a human shadow +one night. She’s beginning to think the place +is haunted. I don’t put any stock in that +theory, but I’ll admit things are beginning to +get on my nerves.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That would be enough to get on anyone’s +nerves.” Nancy was sympathetic.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And music! One night only last week I +distinctly heard someone playing on a stringed +instrument. It was enough to set my teeth on +edge. Floretta says she’ll be a nervous wreck +if she stays in the house another week. She +didn’t want me to leave her alone even for a +few hours this afternoon. She wants me to +consent to sell the house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And you don’t wish to do that?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No. The Mansion has been in the Turnbull +family for decades and you can’t blame me for +not wanting to turn it over to a stranger. I +don’t take much stock in ghosts and the like. +I can’t believe the house is haunted.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell her about the spoon,” Abigail +prompted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There isn’t anything particular to tell. +One morning we found a silver spoon missing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you sure it couldn’t have been misplaced?” +Nancy inquired.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Floretta and I searched everywhere. We +didn’t think so much about it until we missed +the pocketbook.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You lost a pocketbook, too?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes. Only yesterday morning we discovered +a purse was missing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This begins to look serious. Was there +anything of value in it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nothing except a little money. Eight dollars +and fourteen cents, as I remember.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You keep no servants?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Floretta and I have done our own work for +years. We have a man to take care of the +yard.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How long has he been in your employ?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, for eight or ten years. He’s perfectly +honest. We know he wouldn’t touch a thing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Have you noticed any prowlers about the +house?” Nancy questioned next.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I’ve seen no one except an old organ +grinder, and you couldn’t class him as a +prowler.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Still, his monkey might have climbed in a +window and taken the articles,” Nancy suggested.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I only noticed the organ grinder around +two days, and it wasn’t on those days that we +missed things. Anyway, all of the windows +are screened.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then that theory won’t work,” Nancy said, +with a troubled frown.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And it doesn’t explain the strange shadows +on the walls at night,” Rosemary added.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No. I’m afraid we must look for another +explanation.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m more troubled about the shadows than +anything else. It’s getting to a point where I +don’t feel safe to sleep in my own bed. I don’t +know where it will all end. Floretta says she +won’t stay in the house another week if things +go on as they have been, and I can’t say that I +blame her. If only something could be done +before it’s too late!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nancy will help you,” Abigail Rowen declared +confidently.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You will, won’t you?” Rosemary pleaded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know whether I can or not,” Nancy +said doubtfully. “I’m tremendously interested +in your story and I’d like to visit The Mansion +some time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, when can you come?” Rosemary asked +eagerly. “The sooner the better.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew glanced thoughtfully at the +watch on her wrist.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have my roadster outside. If you wish, +I could drive you to your home now and stop +there before returning to River Heights.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, if you only will! Floretta will be so +grateful! I don’t like to give up the house, but +things are becoming unbearable. I am sure +you can help us.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll do my best to solve the mystery,” +Nancy smiled as she arose from her chair. +“But I’m not in the least confident. I have +a suspicion that your ghost isn’t going to be +very easy to capture.”</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='40' id='Page_40'></span><h1>CHAPTER VI<br/> <span class='sub-head'>The Ghost Calls Again</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew said good-bye to Abigail Rowen +and, after promising to call again soon, left the +cottage with Rosemary Turnbull.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s nice of you to offer to take me to The +Mansion,” Rosemary remarked, as she stepped +into the blue roadster. “I came by bus you +know, and it’s a slow, tiresome ride that way. +Floretta will be delighted to see me back home +earlier than I had planned.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is your sister inclined to be nervous?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes. The slightest thing sets her off. +She wouldn’t stay at The Mansion alone at +night for anything in the world.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t wonder she is nervous. So many +strange things have happened there.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Floretta is certain The Mansion is haunted. +I keep telling myself I don’t believe in ghosts, +and I don’t—but those shadows!” Rosemary +shuddered. “There’s something uncanny +about it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>From the general conversation Nancy Drew +had gathered that Rosemary Turnbull was not +the type of woman to be easily frightened. +She was eager to visit the old stone house, for +she felt that she had encountered a genuine +mystery.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Have you told anyone about the strange +happenings?” she inquired presently.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary shook her head.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Only the sheriff, and he just sniffed. +Seemed to think someone was playing a joke on +us. To-day I told Abigail Rowen, but otherwise +I haven’t mentioned it to a soul. You see, +I thought that if we should want to sell, the +rumor that the house was haunted wouldn’t +help the sale.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hardly,” Nancy replied. “But you don’t +wish to sell, do you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Only as a last resort.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy drove rapidly, for the hour was late +and she feared that unless she hurried she +would not reach her home before dark. When +at last she did reach Cliffwood it was nearly +dusk.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary directed her to The Mansion, +which was located in an isolated spot on the +outskirts of Cliffwood. Through the tall oak +and maple trees which partially hid the house +from the road, Nancy Drew caught her first +glimpse of the place. She was a little startled, +for with its two large turrets at the front, the +Turnbull residence was not unlike a ruined +castle.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was a large, massive structure, built of +white stone which, with the passing of the decades, +had blackened and crumbled. Undoubtedly, +in years gone by it had deserved the title +of “mansion,” but now it could boast little of +its old glory. With the ebb of the Turnbull +fortune, the house had fallen into decay.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As Nancy drove up the winding driveway +she could not help but notice the ghostlike +shadows which the trees, swaying in the breeze, +cast on the stone walls. A feeling of uneasiness +came over her, a sensation which she was +at a loss to explain.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s something creepy about the place,” +she thought. “As Miss Rosemary said, it’s a +perfect habitat for a ghost.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was not superstitious and certainly +she did not believe in ghosts, but it seemed to +her that the very air about the old place was +oppressive. Perhaps Rosemary Turnbull had +experienced the same sensation, for she turned +her eyes toward the second story.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t see a light in Floretta’s room,” +she observed. “I do hope nothing has happened +while I have been away.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy stopped the roadster in front of the +house and Rosemary alighted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re coming in, aren’t you?” she inquired +hopefully.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy hesitated.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I intended to, but it’s growing so late. I +promised father I’d be home before dark.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s only a short way to River Heights from +here. Floretta will be disappointed if you +don’t come in for a few minutes at least. I +want you to hear her version of the mystery.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am eager to hear it, too,” Nancy declared, +switching off the motor. “All right, +I’ll come in even if it is late. Dad will forgive +me this time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary fitted her latchkey into the lock +and opened the heavy front door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ve thought it best to keep the house +locked the last few weeks,” she explained.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As Nancy Drew stepped inside she noticed +that the entire house had the appearance of +having been built in more opulent times than +the present. The rooms were spacious, especially +the living room which was furnished with +old-fashioned Colonial furniture. The walls +were adorned with massive, gold-framed portraits, +obviously of ancestors of the Turnbull +line.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As Nancy gazed at the pictures she realized +that once the Turnbulls had been the leading +family in Cliffwood. They had been a proud +family, but with Rosemary and Floretta the +line would die out. Little remained of a fortune +which had once been large. Rosemary +and Floretta, while not poor, had an income +only sufficient for their needs. Yet because +they were the last of the Turnbulls, they were +welcome in the best of society.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My great great grandfather,” Rosemary +commented, indicating one of the pictures +which had attracted Nancy’s interest. “He +fought in the Revolution. I am sure if he were +living to-day no ghost would dare invade The +Mansion,” and Rosemary smiled slightly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy did not reply, for at that moment an +elderly lady came hurrying down the stairway +to the living room. In appearance she closely +resembled Rosemary, though she lacked her +sister’s firm chin. Nancy knew at once that it +was Floretta. She saw, too, that something +had disturbed the woman, for she was so agitated +that she failed to note the presence of a +visitor.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Rosemary,” she burst out, “why did +you leave me here alone? I knew something +terrible would happen!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Floretta, you—you haven’t seen anything?” +Rosemary demanded shakily.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s my diamond bar pin! It’s gone!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Floretta, are you sure? Perhaps you +misplaced it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, it’s gone. I’ve looked everywhere. +Oh, what shall I do? I can’t bear to lose it!” +Floretta turned and saw Nancy for the first +time. She made a valiant attempt to compose +herself. “I beg your pardon,” she said somewhat +stiffly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary introduced Nancy Drew and explained +that the young girl had offered to help +solve the baffling mystery.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’ve come just in time,” Floretta declared. +“Oh, if only you can tell me what became +of my bar pin! It was an heirloom. +We’ve had it in the family for years.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When did you have it last?” Nancy asked +quietly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Only this afternoon. I was dressing in my +room and was just completing my toilet when I +heard the iceman at the back door. I dropped +my bar pin on the dresser and hurried downstairs +to let him into the kitchen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Were you gone long?” Nancy interrupted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Only a few minutes. Not more than ten at +the most. When I came back my pin was +gone!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you certain it didn’t drop to the floor, +or perhaps fall behind the dresser?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I’ve looked everywhere!” Floretta +sank into a chair and buried her head in her +hands. “I’m just sick about it. I wouldn’t +have lost it for anything in the world.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary went to her sister and tried to +comfort her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ll find the pin, Floretta. I’m sure it +will turn up somewhere.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She spoke with confidence but nevertheless +turned uneasy eyes upon Nancy.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps a bird flew in at an open window +and took the pin,” Nancy suggested.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I’m sure that couldn’t have happened,” +Floretta insisted. “But if you’d like to see the +room I’ll be glad to show it to you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She led the way up the narrow circular +stairs and Nancy and Rosemary followed. +Floretta’s room was in the east wing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is this the top floor?” Nancy questioned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The attic is above,” Rosemary responded. +She attempted to smile. “There’s no ghost up +there, though. I know, because I looked myself.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Floretta’s room was small. Nancy noticed +that it had only one door which opened into +the hall. There were two windows, both +screened.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I left the pin right here,” Floretta said, indicating +the dressing table. “A bird couldn’t +have taken it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I see now,” Nancy said quietly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She crossed the room and examined the +screens carefully. Apparently they had not +been touched, for an accumulation of dust was +undisturbed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I know someone entered my room while I +was talking with the iceman,” Floretta declared +firmly. “Oh, I don’t want to stay in +this horrible house another night!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s apparent no one entered by means of +the windows,” Nancy said quietly. “Tell me, +from where you stood in the kitchen could you +see the stairway?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, I could have if I had looked, I suppose. +The kitchen door was open.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You saw no one go up the stairs?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not a soul. But someone might have entered +the house when I had my back turned.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Weren’t the doors locked?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I had forgotten that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And if anyone had gone up those stairs +wouldn’t you have heard them?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think I would have,” Floretta admitted. +“The stairs are old and they creak.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then how did the thief get in?” Rosemary +cried. “Floretta’s bar pin couldn’t have walked +off by itself!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish I could tell you what became of the +pin, but I can’t,” Nancy said regretfully. “I’m +as puzzled as you are.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she spoke she turned and for the first +time noticed a closet door. Was it possible +that the thief had entered the house early in +the day and had hidden in the closet, biding an +opportune time to snatch the pin?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Floretta divined Nancy’s thought and a look +of horror came over her face.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, you don’t suppose someone has been +spying upon us?” she demanded fearfully. “I +never once thought of that closet! What if +there’s someone in there now?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary laughed nervously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t be silly, Floretta.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>However, she eyed the closet door with misgiving +and made no effort to investigate.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just to make sure there’s no one inside I’ll +have a look,” Nancy remarked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She crossed the room and paused before the +closet door. Hesitating only an instant, she +jerked it open.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='49' id='Page_49'></span><h1>CHAPTER VII<br/> <span class='sub-head'>What Can It Mean!</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>“Empty!” Nancy Drew announced, as she +flung open the closet door and looked carefully +inside. “There’s no one here now, at least!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Floretta, who had been clinging to her sister, +relaxed her hold, but continued to gaze +uneasily about the bedroom as though expecting +to find the thief in plain sight.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m afraid it’s a case for the police,” +Nancy said thoughtfully.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, we don’t want to call them,” Rosemary +protested quickly. “They will only laugh.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We talked to them once about strange +things that have been going on here, and they +weren’t interested. They seemed to think +someone was trying to play a joke on us, and +they didn’t even send a man to investigate,” +Floretta added.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If only you will take the case, Miss Drew,” +Rosemary begged, “we’ll be glad to pay you +well for your work.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I’m not a detective,” Nancy protested</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We heard about the clever way you helped +the Horner girls and Abigail Rowen. Surely, +you can help us. We need help so desperately.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll be glad to do anything I can,” Nancy +promised willingly. “But of course I’ll not +take money.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But it wouldn’t be fair of us to +ask you——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am really tremendously interested in the +mystery. I’ll have a lot of fun trying to solve +it. Whether I can do it or not is another matter. +There really are no clues with which to +start. If I could spend a night or so here——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re more than welcome to come and +visit us if you will,” Rosemary told her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But you come at your own risk,” Floretta +added.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll talk with father this evening and ask +him if I may come,” Nancy promised.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How will you notify us?” Floretta asked. +“We have no telephone.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I’ll send a note. I think it wise not to +advertise the real purpose of my visit.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A good idea,” Rosemary agreed. “Floretta +and I will take care not to mention it to +anyone.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy glanced at her watch.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I must dash for home now, or father will be +worried to death.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hastily saying good-bye, she left the house +and sprang into her roadster. In a few minutes +she had reached the main road and was +driving swiftly toward River Heights.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve certainly struck a real mystery,” she +mused thoughtfully, as she drove along the +smooth road. “The Mansion is haunted all +right, but it’s haunted by a flesh and blood +ghost unless I miss my guess!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew had no theory which would explain +the strange happenings at The Mansion, +but, if her father granted permission, she +planned to stay several days at the house and +investigate everything thoroughly. What the +search would reveal she had no idea, but she +felt certain she would unearth valuable clues.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll go home and try to piece things together,” +she told herself. “That’s what a regular +detective would do!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was after dark when Nancy finally +reached home. She flashed into the garage +with a skill born of long practice, and hurried +guiltily toward the house. As she had expected, +her father had reached home ahead +of her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nancy, I’ve been worried about you,” he +began.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t scold,” Nancy begged. “I tried not +to break my promise, but I couldn’t help it this +time. Oh, I had the most exciting afternoon!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But exciting adventures are hard on poor +old Dad,” Mr. Drew chided. “When you +didn’t get back I thought perhaps you had had +car trouble on the road. I was about ready to +start after you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m terribly sorry. Honestly, I am.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy looked so genuinely sorry that Carson +Drew promptly forgave her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell me about your adventure,” he suggested.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I met two of the dearest ladies. +They’re rather eccentric but, oh, so charming +and nice.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And you call that an adventure!” and Mr. +Drew smiled.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course not. I haven’t reached the adventure +part of it yet. These ladies live in a +haunted house. Of course it isn’t really +haunted, but strange things are going on there, +and they want me to find out what’s what.” +Breathlessly, Nancy poured out her words.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not so fast,” Carson Drew stopped her. “I +can’t make head or tail of what you are saying. +You met two ladies who live in a haunted house +which really isn’t haunted. That doesn’t make +sense.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, you lawyers are so particular about +facts,” Nancy sighed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Beginning at the first of the story, she related +everything which had happened at the +Turnbull mansion. Her father listened quietly +until she had finished.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve heard a great deal about the Turnbull +sisters,” he remarked. “They come from an +excellent family. I believe The Mansion has +belonged to the Turnbulls ever since it was +built.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It would be a tragedy to Miss Rosemary +and Miss Floretta if they had to sell the place +now, Dad. I want so badly to help them. They +have invited me to visit them, and I’d like to do +it. May I?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know what to say, Nancy. From +what you’ve told me I am inclined to believe +there may be danger in visiting that house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll be careful, Dad. It won’t be any worse +for me to sleep in that house than it is for +Rosemary and Floretta Turnbull.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But you’re my daughter.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If you had been assigned to the case you +wouldn’t hesitate to stay there at night, +would you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” Carson Drew admitted reluctantly, +for he saw that Nancy was neatly cornering +him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And you’ve often said you wanted me to +grow up self-reliant and brave.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew threw up his hands in resignation.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You win, Nancy. Your eloquence would +convince a jury.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When may I go?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, let me see. This is Monday.” Mr. +Drew considered the desk calendar. “I’ll be +leaving for Chicago myself Thursday——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re going to Chicago? I didn’t know +that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, on a business trip. The matter just +came up this afternoon. I’ll be gone about a +week.” He looked speculatively at Nancy. +“Wouldn’t you like to go along?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, of course, but if I do I wouldn’t get to +visit the Turnbull sisters.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you willing to give up the trip for the +chance to ferret out this mystery?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew sighed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I guess you’re a born detective, Nancy. +Well, since your heart is set on it I’ll give my +consent. You may visit the Turnbulls while +I am gone.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A whole week?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, if you like.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Goody! Goody!” Nancy pranced wildly +about the room.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew laughed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope you catch the ghost if it will make +you happy.” Then the smile faded from his +lips. “You’ll not run into danger?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not if I see it first.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Seriously, Nancy, you’ll be careful, +won’t you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew crossed the room and paused +in front of his desk. Unlocking a drawer he +took out a shiny object and handed it to his +daughter.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your revolver, Dad!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I want you to take it with you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I sha’n’t need it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope not. But it pays to be prepared. +I’ll feel better if I know you have it. The Mansion +ghost may turn out to be a livelier one +than we expect.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew spoke half-jestingly, little suspecting +that his observation was a true +prophecy.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='56' id='Page_56'></span><h1>CHAPTER VIII<br/> <span class='sub-head'>The Warning</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>The next two days following her visit to +Cliffwood, Nancy Drew went about the house +in a preoccupied state. Alternately quiet and +talkative, she was never without an air of suppressed +excitement.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In an attempt to strike a plausible explanation +for the strange happenings at The Mansion, +she reviewed every detail of the story +related by the Turnbull sisters.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s possible the shadows on the wall at +night could have been caused by the wind blowing +the trees,” she told herself. “Still, Rosemary +is a practical woman and I’m sure she +wouldn’t be frightened by a thing like that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Before she had visited The Mansion with +Rosemary, Nancy had been inclined to suspect +that someone was playing a practical joke on +the Turnbull sisters, but the loss of the diamond +bar pin made such a theory seem unlikely. +Without doubt, someone had stolen the +pin, but in what manner, she was unable to +guess. Apparently, it had vanished into +thin air.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The longer Nancy reflected on the mystery +the more certain she was that a sinister hand +was behind everything. However, she refrained +from disclosing this thought to her +father lest he reconsider his promise and refuse +her permission to visit the old house during +the week he was to spend in Chicago.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew planned to leave on Thursday. +Nancy had written a note to the Turnbull sisters +telling them to expect her on Saturday +morning. She had taken care not to mention +the approaching visit to anyone save her +father, and even Hannah Gruen was in ignorance +concerning her plans.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>On the day set for Mr. Drew’s departure, +Nancy helped him pack his bag, and then +shortly before train time took him to the railroad +station in her roadster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When shall I expect you home?” Nancy inquired, +as they stood on the platform waiting +for the train.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A week from to-day. If you would like me +to, I’ll stop at Cliffwood on my return trip. +Your story has aroused my interest, Nancy. +I’m curious to have a look at that old stone +mansion.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I wish you would stop for me,” Nancy +declared enthusiastically. She glanced carefully +about to see that no one was within hearing +distance. “If I haven’t solved the mystery +by that time you’ll help me, won’t you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course I’ll do anything I can, but from +what you’ve told me it sounds like a tough +case. I’m not sure that I’ll be able to solve it +myself. However, if you fail, I’ll try it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The conversation was cut short as a shrill +whistle announced the approach of the train.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll telegraph you the exact hour of my arrival +in Cliffwood,” he said hastily.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The Turnbulls live some distance from the +railroad station, so I’ll meet you in the car,” +Nancy promised.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And remember—don’t run into danger.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The heavy passenger train came pounding +and clanging into the station, and Mr. Drew +picked up his bag. Kissing Nancy good-bye, he +made a dash for the Pullman cars, which were +at the rear of the train, far down the track.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy waited until the train pulled out and +then slowly made her way back to the automobile. +Now that her father had actually departed, +she felt lonesome.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I may as well stop at Helen Corning’s before +I go home,” she decided as she stepped +into the roadster. Helen Corning had been her +chum for years.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Accordingly, she called at the home of her +chum and was pleased to find her there. Helen +promptly tempted her into a lively game of +tennis, and before Nancy realized it, the afternoon +was nearly gone.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You must stay for dinner,” Helen urged. +“It won’t be any fun eating at home all +alone.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But Hannah is expecting me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We can telephone her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, all right,” Nancy gave in.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Not only did she stay for dinner, but she +remained during the evening, for Helen would +not permit her to go.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Remember the fun we had at Moon Lake +last summer?” Helen asked her. “You know, +I never did entirely forgive you for cheating +me out of a share in your adventure. Why +didn’t you tell me you were going to chase robbers +that day when you left camp?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t know it myself then.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, if you ever stumble upon another +mystery, I want you to take me in on it!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was on the verge of telling Helen +about her proposed trip to The Mansion, but +she could not bring herself to the point of revealing +the secret. Helen’s intentions were of +the best, but she was a natural born gossip and +Nancy doubted that it would be possible for +her to keep the matter to herself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It might do a great deal of harm if it were +rumored why I am leaving town,” she thought. +“No, I’ll tell Helen after I return.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was late when Nancy reached home and +the housekeeper had retired.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m too sleepy to pack my bag to-night,” +she decided as she locked the doors and windows. +“I’ll do it the first thing in the +morning.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But in the morning there were other matters +which claimed Nancy’s attention. She had +promised the housekeeper a week’s vacation +during her visit in Cliffwood, and before the +house could be closed there were many things +to be done. The entire day had slipped away +almost before she realized it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Miss Nancy, if you don’t mind, I’ll go to a +moving picture show with my sister,” the +housekeeper said to her after the dinner dishes +had been cleared away.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, of course, Hannah,” she agreed generously. +“I don’t mind in the least. I’ll be +busy with my packing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As soon as Hannah had left the house, Nancy +went directly to her room and began sorting +out the dresses that she planned to take with +her to The Mansion. It was ten minutes after +eleven when she finished.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There, I guess that’s all,” she decided. +“Oh, no, I’ve forgotten the revolver Dad gave +me. I must take that!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She hurried downstairs and went directly to +the desk where the revolver had been left. But +with her hand on the drawer, Nancy hesitated.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Uneasily, she glanced about the room. For a +reason she could not explain, she felt that +someone was watching her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I guess my nerves are getting jumpy,” she +thought. “I do wish Hannah would come +home.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Upon impulse, she moved toward the window. +As she took a step forward, she thought +she heard a step on the porch. Was it only +imagination or was someone really prowling +about the house?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Before she could make a move to investigate, +the doorbell rang sharply.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy started.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It must be Hannah,” she assured herself. +“Probably she forgot her key.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But as she crossed the room she distinctly +heard the steps creak under the weight of some +person. Hesitating but an instant, she opened +the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>There was no one in sight. Wonderingly, +Nancy stepped out upon the veranda and +glanced up and down the street.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s strange,” she murmured uncomfortably.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She went to the edge of the porch and peered +in the direction of the hedge. Was it possible +someone was hiding in the bushes? A careful +survey disclosed no human form.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she turned to go inside the house, her +eyes fell upon a white envelope near the door. +Curiously, Nancy picked it up and held it to the +light.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, it’s addressed to me!” she gasped in +astonishment, as she made out the bold scrawl.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hastily entering the house and closing the +door behind her, Nancy Drew ripped open the +envelope. As she scanned the note, the color +faded from her face.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“An anonymous message!” she whispered. +“Someone has sent me a threatening letter!”</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='63' id='Page_63'></span><h1>CHAPTER IX<br/> <span class='sub-head'>The Anonymous Message</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew sank down upon the davenport +and studied the note which had just been delivered +at her door. The message was brief, but +its words carried an import of veiled violence +which mystified and frightened her. It read:</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>“Be warned in time. Keep away from the +Turnbull house.”</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>The threatening communication was unsigned +but was written in a bold scrawl, and, +Nancy fancied, was unmistakably the handwriting +of a man.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Who could have sent it?” she asked herself, +in amazement. “Why, I’ve taken special +pains not to let anyone know I am going to the +Turnbull house. Even Hannah doesn’t know +I am to visit there.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>How could anyone have learned of her plans? +Nancy Drew turned this question over in her +mind as she sat propped up with pillows in a +corner of the big davenport, the very picture +of a pretty girl in a brown study over some +knotty problem. The more she thought about +it, the knottier her problem became, for she +had communicated with Rosemary and Floretta +by writing, and unless her note to them +had been intercepted in the mail, there was no +way, to her knowledge, that the information +could have become known to a third person.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m almost tempted to believe in ghosts +myself,” she thought. “It’s positively uncanny!” +She reflected a moment and then +chuckled: “But, anyway, I don’t believe the +ghost is a very brave one, or he wouldn’t be +afraid to have me on his trail.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she considered the possibility of danger +connected with her visit to the old mansion, the +smile faded from her face and all facetious +thoughts about ghosts passed from her mind. +The note had frightened her, but it had not deterred +her in her purpose to do all within her +power to solve the mystery surrounding The +Mansion. Nancy possessed the fighting instincts +of her father, and it would take more +than a threat to keep her away from the Turnbull +house. She was convinced that underhand +work was going on at The Mansion and she +was determined to expose it if it were possible +to do so.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think Dad was wise to suggest that I take +his revolver,” she told herself. “And I’ll take +plenty of ammunition, too! Enough to annihilate +an army! Though, truth to tell, I don’t +know whether I could hit the broad side of a +barn or not.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Getting up from the davenport, Nancy +crossed over to the desk, and with a glance at +the window shades to see that they were down, +removed the revolver from the drawer. Taking +it upstairs, she placed it carefully in her +traveling bag. As she started back down the +stairs, she heard a light step on the porch.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She paused and listened.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wonder if I’m to get another note?” +flashed through her mind.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Before she could move forward, the door +opened and Hannah Gruen came in.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, it’s you,” Nancy murmured in relief.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, yes. Who did you think it was?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I didn’t know,” and Nancy smiled. +“I wouldn’t have been much surprised if a +ghost had walked in.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A ghost?” Hannah asked in alarm. “What +do you mean?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, nothing,” Nancy assured her hastily. +“I was only joking.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Before the housekeeper could question her +further, the girl said good night and retreated +to her bedroom.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll not let that anonymous note disturb my +sleep,” she told herself resolutely, as she tumbled +into bed, “and to-morrow I’ll start for +The Mansion just as I planned.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After she had finished her breakfast the next +morning, Nancy Drew took leave of the housekeeper, +and, closing up the house, started off +for Cliffwood in her roadster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>There was not a sign of life about the old +stone house as she drove up, and she began to +wonder if anything had happened to Rosemary +and Floretta since her last visit.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>However, before she could lift the knocker +on the front door, Rosemary greeted her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I saw you coming up the drive. Oh, you +don’t know how glad we are that you have +come!” she declared cordially. “You see, we +were afraid you might change your mind. We +couldn’t have blamed you if you had.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope nothing has happened since I was +here the other day,” Nancy said quickly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, it’s been almost unbearable. We had +made up our minds to leave the place if you +didn’t come to-day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary’s face was strained, and Nancy +thought she looked as though she had not slept +for several nights. The ordeal of remaining +in the house was gradually wearing her down.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Last night we heard music again,” she said, +in a very low tone.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What sort of music?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It seemed to come from a stringed instrument. +It might have been a guitar.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“From what part of the house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That was the strange part of it. The sound +wasn’t localized. It seemed to move from one +part of the house to another.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Did you hear the music distinctly?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No; the sound was muffled, as though it +were a long way off. Oh, it was almost +ghostly!” Rosemary shuddered and turned +appealing eyes upon Nancy. “Tell me, do you +believe in the supernatural?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am almost certain your house is not +haunted,” Nancy returned firmly, for she saw +that Rosemary’s iron nerve was beginning to +go back on her. “How long did the music +last?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“About half an hour, I should judge.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Did Miss Floretta hear it, too?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes. She’s positively ill this morning. +She didn’t get out of bed. We’ll go to her +room now if you like.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps it would be better not to disturb +her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, she wanted to see you just as soon as +you arrived.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary led the way through the long, dark +corridor and to the stairway.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll show you to your room first and then +you can talk with Floretta,” she told Nancy +when they reached the upper hall.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary opened a door and permitted +Nancy to enter ahead of her. The bedroom was +a large, comfortable one with an old-fashioned +canopy bed and heavy mahogany furniture.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have assigned you the room right next my +own,” Rosemary explained. “If anything +should happen during the night you could rap +on the wall or cry out and I would hear you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy nodded soberly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And the key is in the door,” Rosemary +continued. “Floretta and I always lock our +doors.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I will lock mine too,” Nancy promised.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you certain you want to go through +with it?” Rosemary questioned anxiously. “If +anything should happen to you I’d never forgive +myself.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t believe anything serious will +happen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish I could feel as confident,” Rosemary +sighed. “Shall we go to Floretta now?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I am ready. I will unpack my bag +later.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy followed Rosemary down the hall and +they entered the bedroom in the east wing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Welcome to the haunted house,” Floretta +murmured as a greeting to the girl. She was +propped up in bed with cushions and her face +was white and haggard. A tray on a table +near the bed had been left practically untouched.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Floretta, you didn’t eat your breakfast,” +Rosemary chided gently.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I couldn’t, Rosemary. I’m so upset. +I can’t stay in this horrible place much +longer.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Miss Drew is here to help us,” Rosemary +responded quietly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But can she? I’m beginning to doubt that +anyone can help us!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nonsense! You mustn’t let your nerves +get the best of you!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think I can help you.” Nancy smiled reassuringly. +“At least I will do my best. I intend +to go all over the house and see if I can +locate secret panels or trapdoors.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t believe it will do any good,” Floretta +declared pessimistically. “I never heard +of anything like that in the house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I may as well have a look, anyway,” Nancy +said easily. She remembered something which +she intended to ask the Turnbull sisters. “Tell +me, did you mention to anyone that I was coming +here for a visit?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” Rosemary answered promptly. “We +took care not to mention it to a soul.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course we talked about your note when +it came,” Floretta added. “But we didn’t let +out a hint of its contents to anyone. Why do +you ask?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy hesitated, then deciding that it could +do no particular harm to tell the Turnbull sisters +of the note she had received, she related +what had happened the previous night.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Someone warned you not to come here?” +Floretta gasped. “Why, how could the news +have gotten out?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish I knew,” Nancy admitted. “It +would seem as though the walls have ears!” +She lowered her voice. “Even now, someone +may be listening to every word we say!”</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='71' id='Page_71'></span><h1>CHAPTER X<br/> <span class='sub-head'>An Unfruitful Search</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew’s presence in The Mansion had +a wholesome effect upon the Turnbull sisters, +for soon after her arrival they became more +cheerful. Floretta announced that she felt a +great deal better and insisted upon getting up +and dressing. To the surprise of her sister she +appeared most cheerful when she came downstairs +for luncheon.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell me, does this house have any particular +history?” Nancy questioned, as the three +sat at the table.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, indeed,” Rosemary responded +proudly. “It was built in the early days when +stone houses were out of the ordinary. Of +course The Mansion has been remodeled many +times, but the original walls still stand. The +property has never passed from the Turnbull +family.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To your knowledge there are no secret panels +or trapdoors in the house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I know of none. However, Floretta and I +never were interested in such things until recently, +and I’ll admit we haven’t gone over the +house carefully. It’s possible something like +that was built-in when the house was remodeled +in Civil War times. As a protective measure, +you know.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then, if you have no objection, I believe +I’ll have a look around and see if I can locate +anything unusual.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Certainly,” Rosemary assured her. “You’re +free to do anything you like, and we’ll help you +all we can. Where will you start?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I may as well begin in the attic and work +down.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If you go up there you’ll need candles. It’s +very dark. You see, we’ve never had the house +wired for electricity.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary hurried to the kitchen, and returned +in a few minutes with half a dozen large +tallow candles. Before concentrating her attention +upon the attic, Nancy made a preliminary +survey of the entire mansion.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The house consisted of fifteen large rooms. +On the first floor, in addition to the kitchen, +butler’s pantry, and dining room, there was a +drawing room, a library, a sun parlor and a +reception hall. Directly beneath the first floor +was the basement, which had been broken up +into storerooms.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The second floor was devoted to bedchambers. +Rosemary explained that one wing of +the house had been shut off for years, and this +portion of the house at once aroused Nancy’s +interest. However, a casual survey of the +rooms reveal nothing which would indicate that +anyone had visited them in the last six years. +A thick accumulation of dust was undisturbed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ll try the attic first,” Nancy decided. +“Later, I’ll go over these other rooms more +carefully.”</p> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<div class='figcenter'> + <img src='images/illus1.jpg' alt=''/> + <div class='caption'> + <p>Single file, Nancy and the two ladies trudged up the narrow stairs leading to the attic.</p> + </div> +</div> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<p class='pindent'>Single file, Nancy and the two ladies trudged +up the narrow stairs leading to the attic. As +Nancy opened a door at the head of the stairs, +a gust of wind struck her candle and extinguished +the flame. Quickly lighting it, she +stepped into the attic.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She glanced about curiously, flashing the +light into every nook and corner. The attic +appeared little different from others Nancy had +visited. It was filled with pieces of discarded +furniture. A tall highboy stood in one corner, +a broken rocking chair in another, and boxes +were piled everywhere.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Systematically, Nancy poked into the boxes +and went over the walls inch by inch. The latter +had a hollow sound, but she was unable to +find a spring which would open a panel. If the +walls guarded a secret, they guarded it well.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I guess there’s nothing here,” Nancy admitted +after she had spent nearly an hour in +the attic.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She was reluctant to leave, for although she +had unearthed nothing, she could not help but +feel that she had overlooked something of vital +importance.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I was afraid you wouldn’t find anything,” +Rosemary commented, as she turned toward +the stairs. “Now where?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Shall we try the basement?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The three made their way cautiously down +the stairs to the first floor and from there to +the kitchen. As they descended into the dark +cellar, an unpleasant musty odor assailed their +nostrils.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A few minutes search convinced Nancy that +the basement was not worth bothering about. +The floors and walls had been covered with cement +and offered no possibility of a trapdoor. +However, before returning to the first floor, she +looked carefully about in the storerooms to +make certain that no one was hiding there.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, our search wasn’t very well rewarded,” +Nancy admitted, after the three had +returned to the kitchen. “But I’m not ready +to give up yet. I intend to have another look +to-morrow.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The investigation of the attic and the basement +had taken the better part of the afternoon, +and already shadows were beginning to +lurk in the nooks and crannies. With the approach +of night the house seemed to take on a +more formidable atmosphere.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Dinner at The Mansion was rather a +strained, formal affair. Rosemary and Nancy +made an attempt to keep up a conversation, +but without much success. There was a tenseness +in the air which everyone felt.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After dinner the three adjourned to the +drawing room. Rosemary sat down at the +piano and tried to play, but Nancy noticed that +her hands trembled. After a time, she gave +it up.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Floretta was even less composed than her +sister. She sat rigidly on the sofa, with hands +tightly clasped. Involuntarily, her eyes roved +about the room as though she were looking for +someone.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What an odd piece of furniture,” Nancy +commented in an attempt to start a conversation.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Which piece do you mean?” Rosemary +questioned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The sofa. I never saw one like it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t wonder. It’s built in.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Built in? How odd. I’ve seen built-in +bookcases and window seats, but I never heard +of a built-in sofa.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was our great grandfather’s idea,” Floretta +explained. “I never could see any sense +in it myself. I’d much rather have a sofa that +could be moved about.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At nine o’clock, Nancy announced that she +would retire, and in obvious relief Floretta and +Rosemary arose to follow her example.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t forget to lock your door,” Rosemary +warned her guest, as she said good night at the +head of the stairs. “And if anything should +happen—scream. We’ll hear you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As soon as she was alone in her bedchamber, +Nancy Drew locked the door. Then she made +a hasty examination of the closet. There was +nothing inside. She looked under the bed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s nothing like caution,” she assured +herself. “I don’t believe a ghost will get in +here very easily, but just the same I’ll be prepared.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Unlocking her traveling bag she removed the +revolver her father had given her and a flashlight +she had thoughtfully included as part of +her emergency equipment. Carefully loading +the revolver, she placed it under her pillow.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There!” she exclaimed, with satisfaction. +“Any ghost that comes prowling about is apt +to meet with a warm reception!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With that, she sprang into bed. She did not +intend to fall asleep at once, but before she +knew it, she had dozed off. When she awoke +the sun was streaming in the bedroom window.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With a start, Nancy Drew opened her eyes +and glanced about the room. So far as she +could tell everything was exactly as she had +left it. Hurriedly dressing, she went downstairs. +Rosemary and Floretta were there +ahead of her, and breakfast was nearly ready.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Did you sleep well?” Rosemary asked her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Like a log.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I scarcely shut my eyes all night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But surely nothing happened to alarm +you?” she asked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I didn’t hear a sound.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After breakfast Nancy once more began the +task of investigating the walls of the various +rooms in the hope of discovering a sliding +panel. She spent the morning going over the +downstairs rooms. She tapped the walls with +a small hammer and even looked behind the +heavy pictures.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m certain there must be a secret opening +in this house somewhere,” she told herself. +“But it doesn’t look as though I am going to +find it very easily.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In the afternoon she devoted her attention to +the bedrooms, but without success. That night +she again slept with the revolver under her +pillow.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The next day was a repetition of the one +that had gone before. Nancy began to wonder +if there really was a mystery connected with +the old house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Can it be that Rosemary and Floretta only +imagine strange things that have been happening?” +she asked herself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>That night when she retired, she was half +inclined not to place the revolver under her +pillow as usual, for it seemed a rather unnecessary +precaution. Upon second thought, however, +she decided it would be wise not to take +a chance.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After climbing into bed and blowing out the +light, she did not fall asleep at once. The window +curtains were up, permitting the moonlight +to stream in, and for some time Nancy +watched the shadows of the trees dance on the +white walls of the room.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wonder if those shadows were the ones +Rosemary and Floretta saw?” she thought.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After about half an hour she dozed off, but +she did not sleep soundly. She awoke in the +middle of the night and found that she could +not go back to slumber.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What is the matter with me?” she asked +herself. “I feel just as if something were +about to happen!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The house was as quiet as a tomb. Yet there +was something about the silence which was ominous.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This will never do,” Nancy chided herself +severely, as she felt a cold chill creeping +over her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Resolutely, she closed her eyes, but sleep +would not come. She tried the time-worn device +of counting the sheep, but in vain. It was +as though a faculty over which she had no control +had elected to maintain a vigil. Restlessly, +Nancy Drew tossed about.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Then, just as she was sinking into a light +sleep, she was aroused rudely. What was it +that had awakened her? She sat up in bed and +tried to pierce the darkness.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Then she heard a noise which seemed to +come from the floor below. There was a dull +thud and then a blood-curdling yell! After +that—silence.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='80' id='Page_80'></span><h1>CHAPTER XI<br/> <span class='sub-head'>A Cry in the Night</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>When the loud, piercing cry echoed through +the old stone house, Nancy Drew instinctively +clutched the bedclothing about her neck as +though by so doing she could protect herself +from an unseen danger. An instant she waited, +but the cry was not repeated. There was not +a sound to be heard anywhere in the house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Then, with determination, Nancy sprang +from the bed and slipped quickly into her +dressing gown and put on her bedroom slippers. +Reaching under her pillow, she was relieved to +find the revolver and flashlight where she had +left them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The stars were no longer shining and the +room was so dark that she could not see a foot +ahead of her. Switching on the flashlight, she +made her way to the door and gave it a pull. +It did not open.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Am I locked in?” Nancy thought in horror.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In her haste and excitement, she had forgotten +that she had fastened the door herself. +As she remembered, she turned the key in the +lock and jerked open the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Stepping out into the corridor, she flashed +her light about in all directions. There was no +one in sight.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Then the door at the end of the hall opened +and Floretta half-stumbled, half-fell into the +corridor. As she saw the flashlight, she let out +a low cry of fright.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Be quiet!” Nancy warned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I thought it was the ghost!” Floretta +chattered. “Did you hear that terrible +scream?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I heard it. Where is Miss Rosemary? +See if she is all right.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, if Rosemary has been murdered——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She broke off as Rosemary came out of her +room. She, too, was badly frightened, but she +was able to maintain a certain amount of composure. +The two sisters huddled together near +Nancy. Although nearly thirty years older +than the girl, they seemed to look to her for +protection.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The cry came from the floor below, or at +least that’s the way it sounded to me,” Nancy +whispered. “We must go down there and find +out what has happened.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Go down there?” Floretta wailed. +“Never!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Sh!” Nancy warned. “Not so loud. We +don’t know what danger we are facing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ll be murdered if we go down there,” +Floretta maintained in a slightly lower tone.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have a revolver.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can’t go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then you stay here,” Rosemary said +brusquely, to hide the tremble in her own voice. +“If you’re going downstairs, I’ll go with you, +Nancy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And leave me here all alone?” Floretta +asked desperately.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then come along,” Rosemary told her +curtly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Flashlight in hand, Nancy Drew had already +started to move toward the steps. Rosemary +followed, and Floretta, not to be left alone, +brought up the rear.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>On the stairway, the three huddled together +while Nancy flashed her light about the hall +below them. Everything was in perfect order +and there was no sign of an intruder.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was a ghost! I know it was!” Floretta +whispered.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Be quiet!” Rosemary warned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy led the way on down the circular +stairs. At every step the old boards creaked +alarmingly underfoot.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’re certainly heralding our approach all +right,” Nancy thought grimly. “I hope someone +doesn’t take a shot at us!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>This fear she did not communicate to the +Turnbull sisters, for she knew that it would +take but little to throw them into a frenzy of +fright.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Reaching the drawing room, she fumbled +about and finally located an oil lamp which she +lighted. A survey of the room revealed nothing +amiss. Everything seemed in its place, and +the trio moved on toward the sun parlor.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The silver!” Floretta exclaimed suddenly. +“Do you suppose it is missing?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The same thought had just occurred to +Nancy, and, turning quickly, she hurried toward +the dining room. Floretta and Rosemary +followed at a more cautious pace.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The buffet where the silver was kept was +locked. Rosemary removed the key from a +near-by vase and, fitting it into the lock, opened +the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nothing is missing,” she declared, after she +had finished counting the silver.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t believe the cry came from this room, +anyway,” Nancy said thoughtfully. “It +seemed to me that it was directly under my +bedroom.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then the cry must have come from the +library,” Rosemary announced.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I thought it seemed to come from that direction, +too,” Floretta murmured. “It was the +most blood-curdling yell I ever heard. Like +someone in distress.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Shall we search the library?” Nancy interrupted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Lead the way,” Rosemary told her grimly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With revolver held ready for instant use, +Nancy Drew started in the direction of the +library. The Turnbull sisters, who still huddled +together, kept close behind her. Scarcely had +they taken a dozen steps when Floretta paused +and looked anxiously back over her shoulder.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What was that?” she whispered fearfully.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What?” Nancy asked impatiently, turning +around. “I didn’t hear anything.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I thought I heard footsteps behind me,” +Floretta murmured nervously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You must have been mistaken,” Rosemary +said firmly. “I heard nothing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was certain that Floretta’s nerves +were getting the best of her, but nevertheless, +to make sure that they were not being followed, +she paused and strained her ears to catch a +sound. She could hear nothing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You must have been mistaken,” she said +quietly, again moving on.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In the face of danger, Nancy Drew was cool +and collected, but even for her it was a nerve-wracking +experience to move through the dimly +lighted old mansion, uncertain as to what lay +just ahead. At any moment they might be +walking into a trap.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She opened the library door cautiously, half-expecting +something to spring out and pounce +upon her. As she flashed her light about the +room she was relieved to see that everything +was in order. But was it?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Her eye rested upon a ladder-back chair +which had been pushed up against the bookcase. +Surely, Rosemary and Floretta would not +have left it that way, for they were both excellent +housekeepers and meticulous about details.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary’s eyes had fallen upon the same +chair.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Someone has been in here!” she exclaimed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Her eyes slowly traveled upward to the top +of the bookcase. She gave a little scream.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My silver urn! It’s gone! Someone has +stolen my urn!”</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='86' id='Page_86'></span><h1>CHAPTER XII<br/> <span class='sub-head'>The Theft</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>“The silver urn is gone!” Rosemary repeated, +as though unable to believe her eyes. +“Someone has taken it! And it can never be +replaced.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was a family heirloom,” Floretta added +morosely. “We’ve had it ever since grandmother +died. It was handed down from one +generation to another.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was valuable, too,” Rosemary went on. +“It was solid silver. We had been offered five +hundred dollars for it by a jeweler, but of +course we refused the offer. Oh, I can’t bear +to lose it!” She sank into a chair and looked +as though she were about to cry.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps we’ll find it somewhere,” Nancy +offered hopefully. “Are you certain it was left +in the library?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, it was on the top of the bookcase. +We’ve kept it there for years.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“First a spoon, then a pocketbook, next my +pin, and now the urn,” Floretta reviewed pessimistically. +“It’s too much. I know there’s a +ghost in this house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A ghost wouldn’t have needed a chair to +reach the top of the bookcase,” Nancy commented +dryly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s so,” Rosemary agreed. “The chair +is pushed up against the bookcase! But how +did the thief get into the house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If we knew the answer to that question, I +think the mystery would be solved,” Nancy returned. +“Were the doors all locked last night +before you went to bed?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, I was very careful.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And the windows?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All bolted.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can’t understand it,” Nancy murmured, +perplexed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She examined the room as carefully as she +could in the dim light but was unable to find +any additional traces of the midnight prowler.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The thief seems to have vanished into thin +air,” she said at last. “I don’t believe there +is any use to search to-night. We may as well +go back to bed.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I couldn’t sleep a wink,” Floretta interposed. +“I am going to sit up the rest of the +night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So am I,” Rosemary added.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then we may as well bring our blankets +down here,” Nancy declared. “I don’t think +the thief will return to-night, but at least we +can be prepared.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Accordingly, the three settled themselves in +comfortable chairs, and spent the remainder of +the night snugly wrapped in warm blankets. +Nancy and Rosemary occasionally dozed off +into a light slumber, but Floretta was too nervous +to permit herself to go to sleep. Although +the light was burning, her eyes continually +roved about the room, fearfully searching the +darker corners.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At the first indication of dawn, Rosemary, +with Nancy assisting her, prepared breakfast. +Hot coffee went a long way toward reviving +the spirits of the trio. And with the rising of +the sun, the old house seemed less oppressive +and fearful.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As soon as breakfast was over, Nancy set +herself to the task of going over the library +minutely. She examined the walls inch by inch, +but found no indication of a secret panel. +With Rosemary’s help, she even moved the +heavy bookcase, but there was nothing behind +it. The furniture occupied but little of her +time, for with the exception of a built-in sofa +similar to the one in the drawing room, it was +all very ordinary and offered no possibility of +a hiding place. Nancy did examine the bookcase +and the chairs for fingerprints, but her +search was not rewarded. There was not a +single clue which pointed to the identity of +the thief.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nor was the missing urn found anywhere in +the place. All day Nancy searched, but in vain. +She was bitterly disappointed, for she had +hoped to be able to help Rosemary and Floretta. +The ordeal of the night had frightened them a +great deal, and they began to talk seriously of +leaving the house at the end of the week.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It will be better to close it up than to endure +another week like the past one,” Rosemary +admitted. “I don’t like to be driven away, but +I see no other way.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy said nothing, but mentally resolved +that she would never leave The Mansion until +she had solved the mystery. When her father +arrived on his way home from Chicago, she +would tell him everything and turn the case +over to him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The next two days and nights were uneventful, +greatly to the surprise of everyone. Rosemary +and Floretta began to show the effects of +the strain under which they labored.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I declare, I’d almost as soon something +would happen as to keep thinking it’s going to +every minute,” Rosemary sighed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With the passing of the days, Nancy Drew +became quiet and thoughtful. She had a new +worry which she did not communicate to the +Turnbull sisters.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>When her father had left for Chicago he had +promised that he would return within a week +and that he would send her a telegram stating +the exact hour he expected to arrive in Cliffwood. +For several days Nancy had been anxiously +looking for the message, but it had not +arrived. Why had her father failed to keep his +promise?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s possible Dad didn’t get his business accomplished +as quickly as he expected,” she +assured herself. “I’ll probably get the telegram +to-morrow.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But the expected message did not arrive on +the following day, and now Nancy began to +worry in earnest. Surely, her father would +have wired her if he had been delayed, she told +herself. What could have happened?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps he decided not to stop at Cliffwood, +and went on to River Heights,” she reasoned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Glancing at the calendar she saw that it was +a full week since her father had left home. By +this time she had expected to return to River +Heights herself, and she had asked Hannah to +open the house before her arrival.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If only there were a telephone here,” she +fretted. “I could call home and find out if +Dad is there yet.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The more she thought of it, the more anxious +she became, and at last, to relieve her mind, +she decided to drive to Cliffwood and make the +telephone call. This intention she communicated +to Rosemary and Floretta.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’ll not be gone long, will you?” Rosemary +questioned anxiously. “We’ve decided +not to stay in this house another night alone. +When you leave, we’re going too.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Nancy +promised. “I only want to make a telephone +call.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m sorry we haven’t one here,” Rosemary +apologized. “It’s so much bother to go into +Cliffwood.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I really don’t mind at all. I’ll enjoy the +ride.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As Nancy left The Mansion behind, she +breathed more freely. There was something +about the place that was oppressive. She +drove rapidly and soon reached the main part +of Cliffwood. Entering a corner drug store, she +telephoned to her own home. After a short +wait, Hannah Gruen answered.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is my father home yet?” Nancy asked, after +a few preliminary remarks.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I haven’t heard from him since he left,” +came the response.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy hung up the receiver and leaned +against the side of the telephone booth. What +could it mean? Why had her father failed to +notify anyone of his change of plans? It was +not at all like him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have a notion to telegraph to Chicago and +find out if he has left there,” she thought. “I +believe I have the address of the firm he went +to see.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Opening her purse, she fished about and after +pulling out several wrong cards, found the one +for which she was searching.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now to find a telegraph office,” she decided, +as she left the drug store.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She found one only a few doors away, and, +having entered, wrote out a brief message and +handed it to the clerk at the desk.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When the answer comes have it sent to the +Turnbull Mansion,” she told the man.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After paying the charges, she left the office +and slowly made her way back to the roadster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now, back to the haunted house,” she told +herself grimly. “I’m beginning to feel that I’ll +never solve the mystery by myself. I’ll be glad +when Dad gets here so he can help me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she approached The Mansion, Nancy’s attention +was attracted to another stone house +only a short distance away. In general appearance +it bore a striking resemblance to The +Mansion.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wonder who lives there?” she thought. +“I must inquire when I get back to The Mansion.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>However, for the time being, Nancy was too +troubled about her father to devote much +thought to the mystery of the old house, and +before she reached The Mansion she had forgotten +the question she had intended to ask.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The evenings at The Mansion were all alike. +Dinner was served at seven o’clock in the big, +gloomy dining room, and after that the three +adjourned to the drawing room. There was no +radio and no evening paper. With the deepening +of the shadows, the conversation became +stilted and difficult. By nine o’clock everyone +was glad of the opportunity to retire.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>All afternoon Nancy had waited hopefully +for an answer to her telegram, but it had not +arrived. She would have made another trip +to the telegraph office in the evening, but she +knew that Rosemary and Floretta would be +afraid to stay in the house alone.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At nine o’clock Nancy went to her room, but +she did not fall asleep for hours.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have the strangest feeling,” she thought. +“It’s just as though something had happened +to Dad. Of course it’s silly of me!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But try as she would, she could not free herself +of the conviction, and when she arose in +the morning it was still with her. She ate very +little for breakfast, but her lack of appetite +passed unnoticed by the Turnbull sisters. As +she was about to leave the table, there came a +ring of the front doorbell.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary and Floretta exchanged frightened +glances.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Who—who can it be, do you suppose?” +Floretta stammered.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll go,” Nancy said quickly. “I think it +must be for me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She left the dining room and hastened to +open the front door. As she had expected, it +was a uniformed messenger boy.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Telegram for Nancy Drew,” he said curtly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am Miss Drew.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then sign here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy complied with the request and eagerly +accepted the yellow envelope. As she tore open +the flap and scanned the message a frightened +look came over her face. The telegram had been +sent by the law firm in Chicago and confirmed +her worst fears.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The message read:</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>“Carson Drew left here two days ago.”</p> + +</div> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='95' id='Page_95'></span><h1>CHAPTER XIII<br/> <span class='sub-head'>Another Surprise</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>For a full minute Nancy Drew stood staring +blankly at the telegram in her hand. She read +it a second time, although she knew every word +by memory.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Worry assailed her anew. If her father had +left Chicago two days before, as the telegram +indicated, he would have reached Cliffwood before +this even if he had come on the slowest +train. Surely, something must have happened +to him en route. What had delayed him?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After a moment’s reflection, Nancy entered +the house, intending to tell the Turnbull sisters +about the telegram and ask their advice. She +was destined never to carry the thought into +action, for as she closed the door behind her +she heard a wild shriek from above. It seemed +to come from Floretta’s room.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Fearing the worst, Nancy sprang toward the +stairs and took them two at a time. Rosemary +came running from the kitchen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Reaching Floretta’s room, Nancy thrust open +the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What is it?” she cried.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Floretta stood in the center of the room, +wringing her hands in anguish.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My dresses have been stolen!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your dresses?” Nancy echoed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, while we were at breakfast. Someone +entered my room and took three of my best +black silk dresses. And that isn’t the worst. +Look up there!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Wonderingly, Nancy turned her eyes toward +a picture which hung over the bed. What she +saw caused her to gasp in astonishment.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>On the frame perched two live canary birds!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh!” Rosemary screamed. She had entered +the room behind Nancy and her eyes had fallen +upon the picture frame.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s wizardry!” Floretta moaned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Cautiously, Nancy moved toward the picture.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t touch those birds,” Rosemary advised.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, they’re only tame little canaries,” +Nancy said, gently removing one from the +frame. “See!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t bring that bird near me!” Floretta +cried. “It’s an evil omen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I never heard of a canary being called an +omen of bad luck,” Nancy returned, studying +the bird curiously. “A canary is a rather +happy little bird. This one is, anyway.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Get them out of the house,” Floretta +pleaded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Obligingly, Nancy opened the window and +set the two canaries free.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How did they ever get in here, anyway?” +Rosemary demanded. “We never had a bird +in our lives.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was dumbfounded. Never had she +heard of a more puzzling mystery. Had the +canaries been left in the room by the same person +who had stolen Floretta’s dresses? Unquestionably, +the birds could not have flown +in a window, for they were kept carefully +screened.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>So many strange things had occurred in the +house. Unexplainable music and shadows, and +the sound of footsteps in the night. Then a +spoon had disappeared, next a pocketbook, a +diamond pin, an urn, and now Floretta’s silk +dresses.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy lost no time in examining the closet +and the walls of the room, but she could find +no clue which suggested in what manner an +entrance had been effected. Apparently, the +windows had not been opened.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy felt almost humiliated. She had +promised to help Floretta and Rosemary, and +so far she had not even gained a clue! Many +things had happened under her very nose, and +yet she had been unable to put her hands on +the thief. There must be an explanation for +everything if only she could think of it!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she stood absorbed in her own unpleasant +thoughts, a sudden idea came to her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you know of anyone who wants to force +you out of this house?” she demanded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary shook her head.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, no. Why should anyone want to do +that?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is there anyone who wants to buy the +house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ve had several offers from real estate +men. There’s some talk that the city wants +this house for a historical museum.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And the real estate men are trying to get it +cheap in the hope of selling to the city and +making a neat profit for themselves,” Nancy +summarized shrewdly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s about it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You don’t intend to sell?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We didn’t—until lately. At least not unless +we could get our price for it. Now, we’d +be lucky to sell it for anything, I guess. No +one wants a haunted house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was eager to learn more, for now she +felt that she had stumbled upon her first clue. +She was convinced that someone was trying to +force the Misses Turnbull from their home and, +by frightening them, induce them to sell The +Mansion at a low figure.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Who has tried to purchase the place?” she +asked quickly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, there’s John O’Conley,” Floretta +told her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What sort of man is he?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I’m sure he is honest. We’ve known +him all our lives.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And there was H. D. Fellows, another real +estate agent,” Rosemary added thoughtfully. +“He made us a very straightforward offer, but +he wasn’t willing to meet our price. However, +he was very nice about it when we told him we +wouldn’t sell.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Were there any others?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Nathan Gombet! But we didn’t consider +his offer seriously,” Rosemary continued.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy pricked up her ears at the information. +Here was genuine news!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nathan Gombet!” she exclaimed. “What +sort of an offer did he make you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Gombet isn’t honest,” Floretta broke in +feelingly. “We won’t have anything to do +with him any more. You see, he claimed we +gave him an option to buy our house for six +thousand dollars.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Six thousand! Why, that’s ridiculous. +Surely, you didn’t give such an option?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mercy, no! But Gombet claims we did.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The house is worth at least twenty thousand,” +Rosemary declared. “And if the city +should decide to use it for a historical museum, +we ought to get even more than that for it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I should think so,” Nancy agreed. “Gombet +was trying to cheat you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We never gave him any sort of option,” +Floretta insisted. “We wouldn’t do business +with him at any price, because we couldn’t +trust him. He would cheat us out of our eye +teeth!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How long ago did all this happen?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, it must have been nearly a year ago,” +Rosemary said, trying to recall. “It was last +spring.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The matter went to court?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No. Nathan Gombet threatened to make +trouble and he said he would sue us, but nothing +ever came of it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We had forgotten all about him until you +brought up the subject,” Floretta added.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then, have you heard nothing more from +him since?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He threatened us once,” Rosemary told +Nancy. “Said he would make us sorry we +hadn’t sold at his price. But nothing ever +came of the threat.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How long ago was that?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Two or three months ago, I should judge.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew nodded thoughtfully and relapsed +into deep meditation. She was now convinced +that Nathan Gombet had some connection +with the mysterious things which had been +going on in the old house. Perhaps he was +trying to frighten Rosemary and Floretta so +that they would be glad to sell at his price.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Gombet hasn’t approached you with a new +offer recently, has he?” she asked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Floretta shook her head.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We haven’t seem him for some time, and we +don’t want to either.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You don’t think Gombet has had anything +to do with what has happened lately, do you?” +Rosemary questioned the girl.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course I don’t know, but I’m beginning +to suspect there may be a connection,” Nancy +returned. “At least, I intend to investigate +that line and see what it leads to.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To be sure, there’s nothing in Nathan Gombet’s +character that would prevent his using +any underhand method to induce us to sell him +this house,” said Rosemary musingly. “Still, +I don’t see what opportunity he’s had to do +what’s been done here. He hasn’t been near +us for some time, you know, Nancy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s true,” replied the girl. “But someone +must have made the opportunity. Mr. Gombet +has the motive and is so lacking in any +sense of honor that would keep him from injuring +you in this way, that I believe he furnishes +the best lead to follow.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With that she left the bedroom and went to +her own room farther down the hall. But as +she sat by the window trying to think her way +through the jumble of information she had +gleaned, she found it difficult to keep her mind +on the mystery.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After a time she took the crumpled telegram +she had received earlier that morning from her +pocket and studied it again. How could she +interest herself in a mystery when her father +was missing? What had happened to him? +Oh, if only she could answer that question!</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='103' id='Page_103'></span><h1>CHAPTER XIV<br/> <span class='sub-head'>What Happened to Carson Drew</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>After taking leave of his daughter at the +River Heights railroad station, Carson Drew +boarded the Chicago train. Upon arriving in +the city he lost no time in dispatching the business +which had brought him to the great city +on the lake. He had expected to remain in +Chicago a full week, but so successful were his +negotiations that his business was completed a +day earlier than he had anticipated.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I may as well send Nancy a telegram and +return a day earlier,” Mr. Drew decided.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Accordingly, he sent his daughter a message +to the effect that he would arrive at the Cliffwood +station the following morning. He then +boarded the night flyer. He did not dream that +the telegram would never reach Nancy. It was +destined to fall into the hands of an enemy.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Oblivious of impending danger, Mr. Drew +settled himself comfortably in the Pullman and +took up a newspaper. The train had been +moving perhaps an hour when the conductor +came through and paused at his seat.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Carson Drew?” he inquired.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s my name.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then here’s a telegram for you. We picked +it up at the last station.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Wonderingly, Mr. Drew accepted the envelope +and quickly ripped it open. He smiled +with pleasure as he read the message:</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>“Will meet you at the Cliffwood station.</p> + +<p class='line0' style='text-align:right;margin-right:1em;'>“Nancy.”</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I’m glad to know she received my +message,” he thought, “though I didn’t expect +her to answer the telegram. I’m greatly relieved +that nothing happened to her while I +was in Chicago. Somehow, I didn’t like the +idea of letting her go off to that old stone house +by herself. Anything might have happened.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Relieved that all was well with his daughter, +Carson Drew settled himself to enjoy the evening +paper. After reading it for perhaps an +hour, he tossed it aside and went out to the +observation car to give the porter an opportunity +to make up his berth. After smoking a +cigar he returned and before he retired left an +order for the porter to call him in the morning.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In spite of the sway and rumble of the train, +he slept soundly and did not open his eyes +until the porter called him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Twenty minutes out of Cliffwood, suh.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Mr. Drew dressed himself hastily and prepared +to get off at the station. He was eager +to see Nancy again, for it seemed a month since +he had been at home. It was nice of her to +offer to meet him at such an early hour, he told +himself. It was not yet seven o’clock.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The train came to a stop, and he swung from +the step to the platform. Where was Nancy? +Carson Drew glanced about in all directions, +but his daughter was not in sight. Perhaps she +had been delayed, he thought. Oh, well, no +matter. He would wait a few minutes, and +then if she failed to come along, he could call +a taxi.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He picked up his bag and started toward the +waiting room, but he had taken less than a +dozen steps when he saw a man hurrying toward +him. Carson Drew frowned as he saw +who it was. He had no desire to meet Nathan +Gombet. Undoubtedly, the man would try to +argue with him again about his so-called property +rights on the river.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That fellow is a pest,” Mr. Drew told himself. +“Just my luck to run into him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But as Nathan Gombet approached, he could +not help but see that the man was laboring +under great excitement.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Wonder what’s the matter with him now?” +he asked himself curiously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan Gombet came straight toward him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Mr. Drew,” he cried as he came up, “I +have terrible news! Your daughter has been +injured! You must come quickly!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nancy is hurt?” Mr. Drew grasped him +roughly by the arm. “It can’t be!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She’s badly injured. But the doctors think +she has a chance to pull through.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How horrible!” Carson Drew groaned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She’s calling for you. You must come +quickly!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Take me to her!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In his anxiety to reach the daughter he loved +so dearly, Carson Drew became almost frantic.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Here, jump in!” Gombet ordered.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He opened the front door of a battered auto +which stood near the platform. Mr. Drew, bewildered +and shocked from the crushing news, +obeyed without question.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Gombet scrambled in after him. He took the +wheel and with one quick glance about started +off down the street.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The station on this side was practically deserted +and no one saw the car depart.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where is Nancy?” Mr. Drew demanded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“At my house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“At your house?” Mr. Drew asked, in surprise. +“Didn’t they take her to a hospital?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She was too badly injured to be moved,” +Nathan explained glibly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, my poor little girl,” Carson Drew murmured +brokenly. A moment later he said, +“You didn’t tell me how she was hurt.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“In an automobile accident. Her roadster +ran off into a ditch.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And she was taken to your place?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Mr. Drew did not like the look on Nathan +Gombet’s face. Was the man deceiving him? +No, it was more likely he was trying to keep +Nancy’s true condition from him. Perhaps +she had been so seriously injured that she was +practically at the point of death. The thought +nearly drove him wild.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The accident occurred in front of my +house,” Gombet continued, trying to make his +explanation appear plausible. “The doctor +brought her inside.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, and Nancy was always such a safe +driver, too.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t see the accident myself, but they +say the steering gear broke.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell me, will she live?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can’t tell you that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The drive, though not a long one, seemed +endless to Carson Drew. Nancy! His daughter! +His little girl! The widowed father and +the motherless girl were very close to each +other. In what condition would he find her +when he reached the end of this soul-trying +drive? Was she conscious? Was she alive? +He turned impatiently to Nathan Gombet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hurry!” Mr. Drew urged. “I can’t get +there quickly enough!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The car won’t go any faster,” Gombet +grunted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>And indeed it would not. Gombet was already +driving as fast as he dared. Carson Drew +was so worried that he asked no more questions +but kept his eyes glued upon the road.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Gombet drove furiously and they soon +reached the outskirts of Cliffwood. Presently +they came within sight of two large stone +houses, and Nathan Gombet turned in at one +of them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I live here,” he explained.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew did not so much as give the +house a casual glance. The instant the car +stopped he sprang to the ground and started +for the door. Quick as he was, Nathan Gombet +was ahead of him. He opened the door for the +lawyer and led the way through the kitchen +where a fat, slovenly looking colored woman +was working over the stove.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Had Mr. Drew not been intent upon reaching +the bedside of his daughter, he would have observed +that the colored woman received a significant +nod from Nathan Gombet as he passed +near her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The moment the two men had passed into the +next room, she walked over and quietly locked +the outside door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This way,” Nathan directed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He opened a door and indicated a long, dark +stairway. Without hesitation, Carson Drew +followed him. He went up a flight of circular +stairs and at last came to a landing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan paused and indicated a door to the +left.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your daughter is in there,” he said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>There was an eager, cruel gleam in his eyes, +but Carson Drew did not notice.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It won’t frighten her for me to go right +in?” the lawyer asked anxiously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, it won’t frighten her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hesitating no longer, Carson Drew opened +the door and stepped inside. To his surprise +the room was dark. The curtains were pulled +down over the windows and at first he could see +nothing. Then, as his eyes became accustomed +to the darkness, he saw that he was not in a +bedroom. The place had every appearance of +a prison.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew realized that he had walked +into a trap.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He wheeled about and faced Nathan Gombet +who stood in the doorway, eying him, gloating +upon him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What does this mean?” he demanded +sharply. “Where is Nancy?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It means that you are my prisoner,” Gombet +retorted, with an evil leer. “Before I get +through with you I guess you’ll come to terms +about that property!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With that he slammed the door shut and before +Carson Drew could make a move turned +the key in the lock. As the old miser trudged +down the corridor, his hollow laughter echoed +through the house.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='111' id='Page_111'></span><h1>CHAPTER XV<br/> <span class='sub-head'>A Prisoner</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>As he heard the key turn in the lock, Carson +Drew stood for a moment as though paralyzed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Things had happened so rapidly since he had +left the train at the Cliffwood station that he +could scarcely think logically. The fear that +Nancy had been injured had driven everything +else from his mind. Now he realized that all +unwittingly he had walked into a trap.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Angrily, he jerked at the door, but it would +not give. He kicked at it savagely, but after +a few minutes was convinced that it could not +be broken down even with a ram, for it was +made of extra heavy wood. He did not cry +out for help, for he realized that there was no +one near who could aid him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At last he sank down into a chair. What a +fool he had been not to suspect a plot! It was +all clear to him now. Undoubtedly, Gombet +had intercepted the telegram which he had sent +to Nancy, or in some way had learned of the +lawyer’s intended visit to Cliffwood. He had +lied about Nancy in order to induce him to +come to this house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t care what Nathan does to me, if +only Nancy is safe,” Carson Drew thought.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>What had become of her? He did not believe +she had been hurt as Nathan had stated, but +it was possible that the miser had taken her +prisoner also.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nervously, Carson Drew paced the floor. The +room was dark, but as his eyes became accustomed +to it, he noticed a small window far +above. The window was heavily barred.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Evidently this room was fitted up for a +prison,” he told himself grimly. “I imagine +Nathan Gombet has been biding his time to get +me here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>There was little furniture in the room—nothing +but a cot, a table, and a chair. Mr. Drew +pulled the table across the room and by standing +on it was able to look out of the window.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The courtyard was far below, and one glance +disclosed the fact that even if it were possible +to break the bars, he could not hope to escape. +It would be suicide to drop to the ground, and +there was no tree or building near by.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nathan thought of everything,” Carson +Drew observed dryly. “He has me completely +at his mercy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Just what Gombet would do with him, Mr. +Drew did not know, but he suspected the miser +would go to any length to gain his end.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll never give in to him!” he resolved +firmly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Presently, glancing out of the window again, +he noticed a stone house some distance away +which appeared not unlike the one in which he +was imprisoned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Can that be the Turnbull house?” he questioned +himself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He tried to recall the description Nancy had +given him, and every detail tallied. He was +convinced that the stone house was indeed The +Mansion.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wonder if Nancy is still there?” flashed +through his mind. “Oh, if only she returns to +River Heights before that fiend gets his hands +on her!” It was characteristic of Carson Drew +to think of his daughter’s safety before his +own. She was always first.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As the hours dragged slowly on, he kept a +close watch of the neighboring house, hoping +to catch a glimpse of Nancy or someone to +whom he could signal. At noon the colored +woman appeared with his luncheon, which consisted +of bread and water, shoved through a +small hole at the bottom of the door. Mr. Drew +drank the water but did not touch the bread.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>All afternoon he maintained his watch at the +tiny window. The Turnbull home appeared deserted. +What had become of Nancy? Had she +already departed, or was she, too, held a +prisoner at the hands of Gombet?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Toward evening, Carson Drew was startled +to hear heavy footsteps in the corridor. He +scrambled down from the window, but there +was not enough time to move the table back +into place.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan Gombet stepped into the room. +Carefully locking the door, he placed an oil +lamp on the table and gave Carson Drew a +gloating grin.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you like it here by this time?” he +asked with elaborate politeness.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, it’s very pleasant,” Mr. Drew returned +sarcastically. “You may as well put your +cards on the table, Nathan Gombet. What do +you want of me?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan became intently eager.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You know what I want,” he muttered. +“You must pay me for my land and sign a +paper that you will not prosecute. If you will +do that, I’ll let you go free.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Indeed?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” Nathan smiled gleefully. “I want +a check for twenty thousand dollars. And if +you know what’s wise, you’ll hand it over without +batting an eyelash.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew smiled grimly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You old reprobate! You’ll never get a +cent!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>While he had been talking, Mr. Drew had +done fast thinking. Now, he made a sudden +spring toward Nathan Gombet, intending to +overpower him. Quick as the action was, the +old miser was prepared. Taking a step backwards, +he deliberately pulled a gun upon the +lawyer.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no, you don’t,” he snarled. “And just +for that trick I’m going to tie you up!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Still covering Mr. Drew with the revolver +and never taking his eyes from the lawyer’s +face, Gombet cautiously backed up to the door +and unlocked it. The heavy-set colored woman +whom Mr. Drew had seen in the kitchen came +into the room so quickly that it was obvious +she had been standing just outside the door +ready to aid the miser when summoned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tie him up!” Nathan ordered harshly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, suh.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The colored woman disappeared, to return +in a few minutes with heavy ropes. As she +waddled across the floor she clumsily brushed +against Nathan and entangled one of his feet +in the rope.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Take care what you’re doing,” the miser +reprimanded her sharply.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He gave the rope a savage kick, and then +emitted a howl of pain.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tarnation, but that leg does hurt,” he muttered. +“Fell on a broken stair step and just +about killed myself. Leg’s pained me ever +since!” He wheeled upon the colored woman +as though she were responsible for his misfortune, +but without ceasing to cover Carson Drew +with the revolver. “Get a move on there! Tie +that man up and be quick about it!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, suh.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Sullenly, the colored woman set herself to +the task. With the pistol staring him in the +face, the lawyer dared not resist. He was +pushed roughly into a chair and securely bound +to it with the heavy ropes.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now how do you like it?” Nathan Gombet +demanded, with satisfaction, when the task had +been completed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew did not give him the pleasure +of an answer.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now, will you come to my terms?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I will not!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan stared at the lawyer in disbelief. He +had not believed that Mr. Drew would dare +defy him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s your final decision?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It is.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’ll be glad enough to come to my terms +when I get through with you, Carson Drew!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do your worst.” Carson Drew smiled provokingly. +Then his eyes narrowed. “But remember +this. You’ll be brought to justice in +the end, and when you are, the law won’t be +lenient with you!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The law!” Gombet laughed scornfully. “A +lot of good it will ever do you! You’ll never +see your daughter or your friends again unless +you give me the money. Will you sign the +papers?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve given you your answer. Can’t you +understand plain English?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right, I’ve given you your last chance!” +Nathan’s face became convulsed with rage. “In +a day or so you’ll be glad enough to do as I +ask. I’ll starve you to it!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew shrugged his shoulders indifferently. +Nathan Gombet saw that his threat +had made little impression upon the lawyer.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And if that ain’t enough to bring you to +time,” he added with a wicked laugh. “I’ll +get your daughter here, too!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A look of horror came into Mr. Drew’s eyes.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You couldn’t do that! Why, you don’t even +know where she is!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, don’t I? She’s right at the Turnbulls’ +house. I can get her here easily any night. +Just have to dope her a bit, that’s all.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You fiend!” Carson Drew struggled at his +bonds, but he was helpless.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan Gombet laughed again, and turned +toward the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No more food or water for you,” he called +back, as he turned to leave.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew heard the key turn in the lock, +and then he was left to sober reflection. He did +not doubt that Nathan Gombet would attempt +to carry out his ugly threat. That night he +might enter The Mansion and abduct Nancy. +The thought made him ill.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What can I do?” he asked himself miserably. +“Perhaps, after all, I had better do as +Nathan asks.”</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='119' id='Page_119'></span><h1>CHAPTER XVI<br/> <span class='sub-head'>A New Clue</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>For two days after the arrival of the telegram +from Chicago which stated that Carson +Drew had left for home, Nancy waited hopefully. +But as the time passed and no word +was received from her father, her anxiety intensified. +All sorts of unpleasant thoughts began +to trouble her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Had her father met with an accident? Perhaps, +in crossing the street, he had been struck +by an automobile. Oh, if only he would come +or send word of his whereabouts! The suspense +was almost unendurable.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At the repeated urging of Rosemary and +Floretta, she consented to remain at The Mansion +until she received news from her father. +But the strain of waiting was beginning to tell +heavily upon her. Since Carson Drew had left +River Heights, she had not even received a letter +from him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy’s interest in the mystery of the old +stone house gradually lessened. She was still +determined to solve the enigma, but the fear +that something had happened to her father +overshadowed all else.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Since the theft of the silk dresses from Floretta’s +room, nothing had happened to disturb +the tranquility of the Turnbull household, although +an atmosphere of suspense seemed to +hover over the entire house. Sometimes Nancy +thought that the very silence of the place would +drive her into hysterics. She longed to depart, +but for the sake of Floretta and Rosemary she +remained.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Several times she had searched the house in +the hope of finding secret openings in the walls, +but although when she rapped them a few had +a hollow sound, she was never able to find any +hidden door. It was discouraging.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Since Nancy had learned that Nathan Gombet +was endeavoring to purchase the Turnbull +mansion at a ridiculously low price, she felt +that she had struck a valuable clue. In her own +mind she was firmly convinced that the miser +had some connection with the strange things +which had been going on in the old house. She +had no way of establishing the identity of the +thief, but she was certain that it was either +Gombet or someone employed by him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He intends to scare Rosemary and Floretta +into selling at any price,” Nancy thought. +“It’s up to me to quench his little game!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She was at a loss to know what course to +follow. If only her father were there to give +her advice!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“As a last resort I’ll go to Gombet and have +a talk with him,” she decided. “By skillful +questioning I may be able to learn something +which will incriminate him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was well aware that Nathan Gombet +was clever as well as scheming. It would be +difficult to convict him of entering The Mansion, +that she knew. She could not cause him to be +arrested upon suspicion.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I must find a way to prove that he is the +guilty one,” she thought. “If I delay too long, +something terrible may happen here. That +miser is a desperate man when crossed.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Convinced that it was unwise to postpone her +visit to the home of the miser, she determined +to visit him that very day, although she dreaded +the ordeal.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Can you tell me where Nathan Gombet +lives?” she asked Rosemary at the luncheon +table.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, don’t you know?” Rosemary asked. +“He lives in the old stone house directly back +of us.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy gave an exclamation of surprise.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish I had known that before.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We would have mentioned it, but we thought +you knew.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You think Gombet has something to do with +the mystery?” Floretta questioned curiously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m almost certain of it. But to prove my +theory will not be easy. Nathan is as clever as +he is scheming. Tell me, how long has he lived +in the stone house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, for years. And a mighty unpleasant +neighbor he is, too.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can imagine,” and Nancy smiled grimly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You see, there’s quite a story connected +with Nathan’s ownership of the house,” Floretta +began. “Would you care to hear it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Indeed, I would.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The house was originally built by a Turnbull. +That explains why it so closely resembles +our own.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Both homes were built by the same man?” +Nancy asked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No; by two brothers.” It was Rosemary +who answered. “They were devoted to +each other, and for that reason they built their +houses close together, although, as you can see, +they are on different roads.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When the Civil War broke out, the brothers +had their first disagreement,” Floretta continued +the story. “William, the brother who +owned this house, was a staunch supporter of +the Union, but the other brother joined the +Confederate forces.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He gave his life as well as his fortune to +the cause,” Rosemary broke in.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He was killed in action,” Floretta finished. +“After his death it was learned that he had +heavily mortgaged his home. Everything went +to pay the debts. The house passed from one +person to another until finally it fell into the +hands of Nathan Gombet.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But why does he want to buy your home?” +Nancy demanded, with a puzzled frown. “If +he hopes to sell to the city, why doesn’t he give +up his own house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The city doesn’t want it,” Rosemary explained. +“He did try to sell. His house +doesn’t have as interesting a history as ours +does, and he has permitted it to run down. It’s +in a terrible condition now. I shouldn’t be +surprised any day to see it tumble from its +foundation.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nathan has always been queer,” Floretta +remarked. “As long as we can remember he +has lived alone.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not exactly alone,” Rosemary broke in. +“He keeps a servant. A colored woman who +looks as though she were an ogre.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And birds,” Floretta added. “His house +fairly swarms with them. When they die, he +stuffs them! Ug!” She shuddered. “You +couldn’t hire me to go near his place.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You say he keeps birds?” Nancy inquired, +with quickening interest. “What kind?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, most every kind, I guess,” Rosemary +answered. “Parrots. You can hear them +screeching clear over here sometimes.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Does he keep canaries?” Nancy questioned +eagerly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes,” Rosemary agreed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The significance of the question did not dawn +upon Rosemary and Floretta, and Nancy did +not tell them what was in her mind. At once +she had thought of the two canaries which had +found their way into The Mansion so mysteriously. +Was it not likely that Nathan Gombet +had brought the birds from his own home? +But how had he succeeded in entering the mansion +without being discovered? That question +remained unanswered.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I must visit the other house without delay,” +she told herself. “But how can I manage it? +If I openly call upon Mr. Gombet he’s certain +to suspect my purpose and perhaps hold me a +prisoner.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>If only she could find a way to enter the house +without Nathan’s knowledge!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll keep a close watch on the house, and +I may see him leave,” she decided. “If I do—that +will be my chance.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was excited at the information which +she had secured, and was eager for action. She +felt that the solution to the mystery was almost +within her grasp.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She laid her plans carefully. She refrained +from telling Rosemary and Floretta of her intention +to visit Gombet’s house, for she knew +they would be afraid to permit her to attempt +the dangerous mission.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If conditions are right, I’ll slip away this +very night,” she resolved.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>All that afternoon she moved restlessly about +the house, making frequent trips to the window +to glance searchingly toward the old stone +dwelling which was half-hidden by tall trees.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Time never dragged more slowly,” Nancy +complained. “I wish night would come.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She ate little dinner, for as the hour approached, +she realized more keenly than before +that she was about to undertake a dangerous +adventure. Clouds had been forming in the sky +all afternoon, and by the time the shadows began +to gather a drizzly rain had set in. Nothing +could have pleased her more.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What a horrible night,” Floretta remarked +nervously as she glanced at the rain-splashed +windows. “I hope we don’t have another visit +from our ghost. It’s just the sort of night for +something to happen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary looked displeased at this audible +expression of her sister’s nervousness.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy smiled reassuringly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have a feeling that this is going to be an +unlucky night for our ghost,” she said evenly. +“And now, if you will excuse me, I believe I’ll +retire early.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After saying good night to Rosemary and +Floretta, Nancy Drew went directly to her +room. But she did not prepare for bed. On +this night she had an important mission ahead +of her.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='127' id='Page_127'></span><h1>CHAPTER XVII<br/> <span class='sub-head'>Under Cover of Darkness</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew dressed herself in garments that +would resist the rain, and then removed her +flashlight and pistol from their hiding places. +The latter she examined carefully to make certain +it was loaded and ready for instant use.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I may need it to-night,” she assured herself +grimly. “No telling what I’ll get into.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy was in a hurry to get away, and it +seemed that the Turnbull sisters were never +going to bed. Presently, she heard them moving +about downstairs and knew they were locking +up for the night. After an interminable +wait, they came upstairs and went into their +respective rooms. A half hour more, and the +house was quiet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now is my chance,” Nancy thought. “If +only I can get out of here without being heard.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hastily slipping into her slicker and pulling +a tight-fitting turban over her curly, bobbed +hair, she picked up her flashlight and revolver. +She opened the bedroom door and listened. All +was quiet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I feel like a ghost myself,” Nancy chuckled, +as she tiptoed past Rosemary’s room.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The floor creaked alarmingly, and she +paused, fearful lest she had awakened the Turnbull +sisters. She did not wish to frighten them +and neither did she wish to explain why she +was prowling about at such a late hour.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Apparently the noise had not been heard, for +no sound issued from either bedroom. Rosemary +and Floretta were both sleeping soundly. +After hesitating a moment, Nancy cautiously +crept on down the stairway.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She groped her way down the steps and upon +reaching the drawing room, turned on the flashlight. +Quietly, she made her way to the front +door. As she had expected, it was locked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She felt for the key, but did not find it. Surprised, +she flashed her light full upon the lock. +The key was not there.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just my luck,” she murmured. “Rosemary +and Floretta must have hidden it somewhere.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Softly, she moved through the house to the +kitchen and tried the back door. It also was +locked and the key likewise was missing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now I am in a nice mess,” Nancy told herself +in disgust. “There’s no hope of ever finding +the key. I’ll have to go through a window.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary and Floretta had not forgotten to +lock the windows, but they had been barred +from the inside, and the one in the kitchen +offered little resistance when Nancy tried it. +Quietly raising it, she crawled through and +pushed it down when she had reached the +ground.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The rain was falling steadily, and a sudden +gust of wind blew a wet spray into her face. +She did not mind. The blacker and stormier +the night, the more effectively it would serve +her purpose.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She did not light her flashlight for fear of +attracting attention to her movements. Splashing +through the mud and water, she tried to +pierce the darkness. She could see only a short +way ahead, but she knew the exact location of +the other house, and headed for it. Her heart +began to beat faster as she contemplated the +adventure before her. If all went as she +planned, she hoped to solve the mystery of the +Turnbull mansion before she returned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As the outlines of the other stone house gradually +emerged from the murkiness of the drizzly +night, she experienced a sensation of dread. +The night’s work was not going to be pleasant, +of that she was sure.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>There was something about the house which +seemed sinister. Through the mistlike rain, the +rays of a light in one of the lower rooms shone +forth as if in a half-futile attempt to pierce the +gloom, while the rest of the house stood dark +and somber.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>So this was the home of Nathan Gombet, +Nancy ruminated. She could not help but feel +that the dark, uninviting aspect of the structure +provided an abode singularly in keeping with +the sinister character of its master.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she stood in the shadow of the tall maples +which surrounded the house, she was uncertain +what course it would be wisest to follow. She +did not wish to blunder into danger and she +especially dreaded an encounter with Nathan +Gombet. Yet, if she accomplished anything, +she must enter the house, and it must be done +this night.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She squared her shoulders and stepped forward. +At that very moment the front door of +the dwelling opened. Startled, Nancy retreated +behind a tree.</p> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<div class='figcenter'> + <img src='images/illus2.jpg' alt=''/> + <div class='caption'> + <p>A man came out of the house.</p> + </div> +</div> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<p class='pindent'>A man came out of the house. Unmindful +of the rain, he stood for several minutes with +his face turned in the direction of the Turnbull +mansion.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was Nathan Gombet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy recognized him as the light from the +window shone full upon his face and clearly defined +his features. The stoop of his shoulders +was unmistakable.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She crouched behind a tree and waited. +What did the miser intend to do? Perhaps he +was contemplating another visit to the Turnbull +mansion! Otherwise, why would he stand +there and stare in that direction?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy could not know that Nathan was deliberately +planning a scheme which boded ill +for her. The old miser had just ended a stormy +interview with Carson Drew who was held +prisoner in the tower room of the house, and +he had made up his mind to bring the lawyer +to time by kidnapping his daughter. Just how +he would get his hands on Nancy he did not +know, but as he abruptly started off down the +path, he was turning over a number of plans in +his head.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The time will soon be ripe,” he chuckled +evilly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Unaware that Nathan had been thinking of +her and likewise without a suspicion that she +stood within a stone’s throw of the room where +her father was imprisoned, Nancy Drew considered +what she had best do.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s not much use to trail Nathan,” she +decided. “After all, he may not visit the Turnbull +house, and this will be my only opportunity +to visit his house. It was pure luck he +left just when he did.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hesitating no longer, she moved on through +the rain. Once she glanced back over her shoulder, +but Nathan Gombet had been swallowed +up in the darkness.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Cautiously, Nancy approached the old stone +house from the rear. The light was still shining +from a window, and she saw now that it +came from the kitchen. The shades were up, +and as she drew closer she was able to peer in.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A fat colored woman was washing dishes at +the sink, her back to the window.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She must be the servant Rosemary and +Floretta were telling me about,” Nancy +guessed. “I never saw a more surly-looking +creature. She looks positively vicious!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew was disappointed, for with +Nathan Gombet gone she had hoped to find +the house deserted. The presence of the colored +woman made her mission a very dangerous +one.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s now or never,” she thought nervously. +“I must hurry or Nathan Gombet may return.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Cautiously, she moved forward and surveyed +the house at close range. With the exception +of the kitchen, the shades were pulled down +over all of the windows.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I may be able to get in a cellar window,” +Nancy reasoned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With one eye on the kitchen door, she began +an investigation. After trying several windows, +she found one which had not been locked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Luck is with me,” she breathed. “Now, if +I can get into the house without being detected!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The window was a small one and swung back +on a hinge. It made a loud grating sound as it +opened, and Nancy felt certain the colored +woman must have heard the noise. Frantically, +she scrambled through the small opening and +dropped to the cellar floor. Before she could +prevent it, the window banged shut behind her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now I have done it!” she thought, in a +panic.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Her fears were confirmed. The kitchen door +opened and there was a heavy tread on the back +porch. The colored woman had heard the noise +and was coming to find what had caused it.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='134' id='Page_134'></span><h1>CHAPTER XVIII<br/> <span class='sub-head'>Inside the Other House</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew crouched in the dark cellar of +the old stone house, scarcely daring to breathe +lest her presence be discovered. She could hear +the old colored servant coming down the path +which led directly to the window through which +she had just scrambled.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She heard the noise all right, and she’s +coming to investigate,” Nancy thought fearfully.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She dared not turn on her flashlight to search +for a hiding place and she dared not remain +where she was. If the colored woman looked +in at the window, as she was almost certain to +do, her presence would be detected.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Feeling her way in the dark, Nancy moved +cautiously forward. She could not see a foot +ahead of her, and the cellar was unpleasantly +musty and damp.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Her hand touched something cold and slimy. +She recoiled as though she had touched a snake, +although in reality it was only an old piece of +rubber hose.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She could hear the colored woman coming +nearer and nearer. Unless she found a hiding +place quickly, she would be caught.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Then her hand touched a doorknob. She +turned it eagerly. The door opened readily, +and Nancy found herself in a small storeroom.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>There was no time to search for a better +place, so she quickly drew the door to after her. +Leaving a tiny crack through which she could +peep, she waited anxiously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Almost immediately, she heard a noise at the +cellar window, and a light was flashed about. +It rested for a moment upon the door of the +storeroom and then moved to another corner.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I suah thought I heard somethin’!” Nancy +heard the old negress mutter. “An’ it was +right down in this heah basement, too!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She continued to flash the long beam of her +flashlight here and there about the cellar, and +though Nancy could see nothing at the window +because of the glare, she imagined that back of +the lens she saw two penetrating black eyes +peering directly into her retreat.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If she sees me!” Nancy thought, and the +prospect of being captured like a thief in the +house of Nathan Gombet caused her to crouch +closely to the wall, praying that the colored +woman would not discover her. “If she decides +to come down into the cellar, I’m lost,” she told +herself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Apparently, the colored woman was satisfied +that there was nothing wrong in the basement, +for after peering in at the window, she moved +away, muttering to herself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I done reckons my old ears is playin’ me +false,” she mumbled. “I hears noises dat +sounds like dey was in de basement and dey was +only in my haid.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A moment later Nancy heard the kitchen +door slam shut. After waiting several minutes +longer to make certain that the old colored +woman had no intention of returning, she +switched on her flashlight and curiously surveyed +her surroundings.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The storeroom in which she found herself +was like any other room of its kind, though it +showed neglect. The place was filthy with dirt, +and in one corner some half-rotten potatoes +sent up an odor which was anything but +pleasant.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After assuring herself that there was nothing +of interest in the room, Nancy opened the +door and quietly stepped out into the main part +of the basement. It was a relief to get a whiff +of comparatively fresh air.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Her purpose in entering the cellar was to +discover whether or not there was a secret +tunnel connecting the Turnbull mansion with +Nathan Gombet’s house. Since she had learned +that both residences had been built at approximately +the same time, she had suspected that +such a passageway might be in existence. She +had been unable to find an entrance in the cellar +of the Turnbull mansion, but she hoped to have +better luck in the basement of Gombet’s house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Flashing her light over the walls, she +searched diligently for a secret opening or a +trapdoor. Obviously, there was no tunnel +which opened out of the basement. The walls +appeared to be constructed of solid stone.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>However, as she moved her light about, she +saw a flight of stairs which led to the first floor +of the house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew had no intention of leaving the +place until she had made a thorough investigation +of the floors above, but the stairway she +had located led directly into the kitchen. So +long as the colored woman was working there, +she would be held a prisoner in the cellar.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I may have to wait here until she goes to +bed,” she thought dismally.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A girl less patient would have given up the +search, but Nancy was determined to see the +affair through to the end. Unless she here and +now unearthed an important clue which would +definitely connect Nathan Gombet with the +strange happenings and numerous thefts at the +Turnbull mansion, she feared that the mystery +would forever remain unsolved.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She had visited the home of Gombet as a last +resort. She was firm in her intention not to +return without the evidence which must be obtained +before the old miser could be convicted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The cellar was damp and Nancy’s slicker was +but slight protection against the chill night air. +Presently, she was shivering with cold.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This will never do,” she chattered. “I +can’t stay here all night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Discomfort made her bold. Impulsively, she +crept up the stairway. A door blocked the entrance +to the kitchen. Crouching down, she +peered through the keyhole. The colored +woman was still there. She stood with her +back to the basement door, ironing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was slightly warmer on the landing and +Nancy remained there, hoping that some errand +would take the woman from the room. +After what seemed an interminable wait, the +negress put her ironing board away and, picking +up the basket of clothes, went out of the +kitchen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Throwing caution to the winds, Nancy gently +tried the door. It was not locked. Without +making a sound, she opened it and stepped out +into the light.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Now that she was actually in the kitchen she +did not know which way to turn. As she hesitated, +she heard the colored woman returning.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Frantically, Nancy glanced this way and that. +There was not sufficient time to retreat to the +cellar. The woman had nearly reached the +kitchen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m trapped,” the girl thought desperately.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Then her eyes rested upon a closet door to +her left, and with scarcely an instant’s consideration, +she hastily sought the refuge it afforded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Scarcely had she stepped into the closet and +closed the door when the colored woman came +back into the kitchen. Without so much as a +glance in the direction of the closet, she picked +up a pile of ironed linen and again left the +room. Nancy could hear her moving about in +another part of the house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now is my chance!” she advised herself. +“If I stay here I’ll be sure to be caught.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Quickly, she stepped out of the closet. She +listened for a second to make certain the woman +was not returning, and then, without making +a sound, darted into the next room.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>There was no time to look about, for at any +moment the colored woman might come back +and find her there. She must reach the second +floor. Where was the stairway?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Softly, she tiptoed across the floor and +opened a door. Fortune favored her, for it was +the right one. A narrow, winding stairway, +not unlike the one in the Turnbull house, led +to the landing above.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With her pistol ready for instant use, Nancy +Drew crept noiselessly up the stairs. The +boards creaked slightly but she did not pause +until she had reached the landing. It was pitch +dark and she dared not use her flashlight.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She heard a noise, and started.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That sounded like someone coughing, but I +guess it couldn’t have been,” she decided. +“My nerves are all on edge to-night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Had she only known it, she stood within +twenty feet of the room where her father was +held a prisoner!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy paused and listened, but the sound was +not repeated.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She then crept silently along the corridor, +unwittingly passing the prison chamber in the +dark.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The floor boards creaked alarmingly, and at +each step she feared someone would spring out +and attempt to overpower her. She felt as +though unseen eyes were watching her every +movement.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I must control my nerves,” she told herself +firmly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>By a supreme effort of will she gained control +over herself and moved forward again. +Her hand struck a door knob. Cautiously, she +opened the door, wondering what would be revealed. +In the inky blackness she could see +nothing, and with sudden daring, switched on +her flashlight.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As a penetrating beam fell upon an object +directly in front of her, she started back in +sheer horror.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A big owl, with spread wings and wicked +glassy eyes, was less than three feet from her!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Only by rigid mental discipline did Nancy +suppress a cry of fright. Then, as she continued +to stare at the huge bird, she relaxed +slightly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The owl was stuffed! For a moment she had +forgotten that Rosemary and Floretta had told +her that Nathan Gombet was something of a +taxidermist.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With misgiving, she flashed her light about. +What she saw did not tend to lessen her terror. +She stood in a room of birds!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What a strange hobby,” Nancy shuddered.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Never had she seen such a collection. The +room was crowded with pedestals upon which +sat stuffed birds. From one corner, an eagle +looked down upon her, and from another, an +ugly vulture. There were several crows and +odd specimens Nancy did not recognize.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was a gruesome sight. She stared at the +figures in fascination and horror, for in the +semi-darkness a score of glassy eyes seemed +focused upon her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy’s first impulse was to back hastily +from the room, but almost immediately she +gained control of herself. She would not leave +until she had discovered every secret of the +old house!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she moved her light about, she saw that +there were live birds in the room also. Golden +canaries in gilded cages! They seemed strangely +out of keeping with the ugly stuffed specimens +about the walls and upon the pedestals. There +were dozens of the little yellow birds, and as a +beam from the flashlight struck the cages, they +aroused sleepily on their perches and began +to chirp and twitter.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Canaries!” Nancy whispered, impressed at +the sight. “Now I am sure it was Nathan Gombet +who entered the Turnbull mansion. The +two canaries which we found in Floretta’s room +must have come from here! But how did they +get there? That is what I must find out before +I leave here to-night!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She turned toward the door and as she moved +forward a ray from the flashlight fell upon a +large cage which had escaped her notice. Now +for the first time she saw a brilliantly colored +parrot.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The bird began to stir restlessly. Sensing +that she was about to bring disaster upon herself, +Nancy switched the light to another portion +of the room. Too late! The parrot let +out a loud squawk.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Go ’way!” it screamed. “Go ’way! Polly +wants a cracker!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Thoroughly alarmed, Nancy darted toward +the door. As she opened the door, she heard +a heavy step on the stairs. The colored woman +was coming to find out what the matter was! +Escape was cut off.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I could choke that parrot!” Nancy told +herself almost fiercely. “Now I am in a mess!”</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='144' id='Page_144'></span><h1>CHAPTER XIX<br/> <span class='sub-head'>A Chance Discovery</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Softly, Nancy Drew closed the door. One +quick glance toward the stairway had convinced +her that she could not hope to escape into the +corridor. Already the old colored woman, oil +lamp in hand, had nearly reached the landing. +Fortunately, she was fat and awkward and +could not move swiftly. Nancy was thankful +for that.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The ill-tempered parrot which had been the +cause of all the trouble, was now fully awakened. +It began to flutter about angrily in its +cage and to squawk louder than before.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Go ’way! Go ’way!” it screeched shrilly, +cocking its head and eying her slyly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, hush up, you horrid bird!” Nancy murmured +in an undertone, as she scowled at the +bird. “You’ve caused enough trouble as it is!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She flashed her light about the room in a +desperate attempt to find a hiding place. The +room was bare of furniture.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She rushed to the window and glanced hopefully +out. There was no ledge, and the drop to +the ground would be suicide.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy realized that she had never been in a +more dangerous situation. She did not doubt +that the old colored woman was as unscrupulous +as her master, and what she would do if +she found a stranger prowling in the house, +Nancy dreaded to consider. At least she would +turn her over to Nathan Gombet when he returned, +and Nancy could think of no worse fate.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nervously, she gripped her revolver. If the +necessity arose, could she defend herself? She +had never shot a firearm in her life at anything +but a target, and she knew that she could never +bring herself to the point of injuring a human +being deliberately, even to save herself from +capture. Yet, the revolver would serve as a +bluff, and perhaps as an effective one.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can’t afford to be caught here,” she +thought. “Even if I managed to escape it +would put an end to my investigation, and I +haven’t learned half enough yet!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In her prior survey of the bird room, Nancy +had failed to notice a closet door directly behind +the parrot’s cage. Now, as her eyes +turned again in that direction, she saw it for +the first time.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With a low exclamation of pleasure and belief +she glided toward it. Opening the door, +she stepped inside and closed it after her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She was not an instant too soon, for scarcely +had she entered the dark recess when she heard +the room door open. The colored woman came +waddling into the room. She flashed her light +into the corners of the room and looked about +in a puzzled manner as though unable to understand +what had caused the commotion of the +birds.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Go ’way! Go ’way!” the parrot cackled, +harping on its eternal theme. “Polly wants a +cracker.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How comes you so excited to-night, talk-bird?” +the woman demanded crossly. “You +carries on like a fool with all yo’ squawkin’ +and speechifyin’!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Go ’way! Go ’way!” the parrot repeated +mechanically, fluttering its wings and swinging +saucily on its cage trapeze.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, nev’ mind, nev’ mind!” the negress +grunted. “I’ll go ’way all right, but befo’ I +goes I’s gwine cut off yo’ conversation!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Provoked that the bird had caused her to +make a special trip upstairs, she picked up a +piece of heavy canvas from the floor and flung +it over the parrot’s cage.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I reckon dat’ll hold you fo’ a spell!” she +muttered.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The parrot gave a last dismal squawk and +then became quiet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The woman stood beside the bird cage regarding +it with satisfaction. She was not more +than a yard or two from the closet door and +if she had reached out her hand could have +touched the handle.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Fearful lest she be discovered, Nancy pressed +herself against the wall of the closet and remained +motionless. She felt a tiny little knob +pressing uncomfortably into the hollow of her +back, but without a light she could not see what +it was. Later, if she escaped detection, she intended +to investigate.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Now, she knew that the slightest noise would +bring the enemy down upon her in an instant. +For some reason, the colored woman showed +an inclination to remain even after she had +covered the bird cage. Perhaps she sensed a +foreign presence in the room. At all events +she stood near the closet, listening.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The room was silent save for the twittering +of the canaries. Nancy held her breath in suspense. +Would she be discovered? It was a +nerve-wracking moment.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Again the woman flashed her light about the +room, but she did not turn toward the closet. +After a last careful look around, she moved +heavily toward the door. There she paused and +appeared to reflect.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Cain’t make out what upset that there bird +all of a sudden,” she said to herself. “Reckons +I ain’t gwine take no chances.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With that, she went out and closed the door +behind her. Nancy heard a peculiar grating +sound, but was at a loss to explain it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The colored woman shuffled down the corridor +and as she descended the stairs to the lower +floor, her footsteps gradually died away. After +waiting several minutes, Nancy emerged from +her hiding place. The air had become unpleasantly +stuffy within the closet, and she was glad +to get out.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Avoiding the parrot cage, she crept noiselessly +to the door. She grasped the knob and +pulled, but to her astonishment the door did +not open. Again she tried, but without success.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The door was locked!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Now Nancy comprehended the significance of +the peculiar grating noise she had heard directly +after the negress had left the room. It was +the sound of a key turning in the lock. She, +Nancy Drew, was a prisoner in the bird room—the +“chamber of horrors.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now what shall I do?” Nancy questioned +herself miserably. “Oh, why did I ever come +to this horrible place, anyway?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She sank down on the floor and tried to think +of a way out of the predicament, but could not. +Her zest for adventure had been her undoing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If I ever get out of here alive I’ll think +twice before I go blundering into anything like +this again,” she promised herself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Presently, she walked over to the window +and glanced toward the Turnbull mansion. If +only she could wish herself safely back into her +own room!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And the worst part of it is that I haven’t +discovered what I came to find out,” she +mourned. “I’m sure there is a secret panel in +this house, but now I’ll never find it. I’m certain +it wouldn’t be in this room.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Because there was nothing else to do, she +began a half-hearted examination of the walls. +As she had expected, she found nothing of +interest. She was about to give up in disgust +when a sudden thought came to her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She recalled the knob she had felt within +the closet. Probably it was nothing, but at +least it would do no harm to have a look at it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Flashing her light into the closet, she focused +it upon the knob in question. It was a +tiny thing and appeared to have no special purpose. +Certainly it was not the right size to +serve as an object upon which to hang clothing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wonder what it is for?” the girl asked +herself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Curiously, Nancy stepped inside the closet +and twisted the knob. She thought she heard +a clicking noise. Was it only imagination?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Eagerly, she examined the back wall of the +closet and her interest quickened. In the dim +light she could make out a long crack. She +tapped the wall with her knuckles, and it had +a hollow sound.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I believe I’ve stumbled upon something +important,” Nancy thought excitedly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With all her might she pushed upon the knob. +Unexpectedly, a spring clicked and the entire +side of the closet wall dropped down!</p> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<div class='figcenter'> + <img src='images/illus3.jpg' alt=''/> + <div class='caption'> + <p>She toppled forward and fell headlong down a steep flight of stone steps.</p> + </div> +</div> + +<hr class='chap'/> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy struggled to maintain her balance, but +could not. She toppled forward and fell headlong +down a steep flight of stone steps.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A low cry of pain escaped her, and then she +lay still.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='151' id='Page_151'></span><h1>CHAPTER XX<br/> <span class='sub-head'>The Underground Passage</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>After Nancy Drew had plunged through the +opening into the dark abyss, the closet wall +clapped back into place. She did not hear the +spring click, for before she reached the bottom +of a long flight of stone stairs her head struck +a hard object and she lost consciousness.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>For several minutes she remained in a limp +little heap at the bottom of the stairs. When +at last she opened her eyes, she gave a little +moan of pain, and tried to recollect what had +happened.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She could see nothing, for she was enveloped +in darkness. Gradually, she began to +recall the events leading up to the sudden fall +through the opening in the wall. She could +remember pressing the tiny knob in the closet, +but there her memory failed her. Evidently, +she had found the secret panel and was now in +an underground chamber.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As yet, Nancy was too badly shaken to realize +the full importance of the discovery. She sat +up and gingerly felt of her head. There was a +big bump over her left eye.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Lucky I wasn’t killed,” she murmured.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She scrambled slowly to her feet and moved +first one limb and then another. She had been +sorely bruised and scratched in the fall, but so +far as she could tell no bones were broken.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In the descent she had lost both her revolver +and flashlight, and she began to grope around +in the dark, hoping to find them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She found the revolver almost at her feet, +but it required a diligent search before her hand +struck the flashlight. It had lodged in a corner +near the last step.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope it isn’t broken,” she thought anxiously, +as she picked it up.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>To her relief, the flashlight had not been +damaged. When she turned it on it worked +perfectly, but its feeble light illuminated only +a small portion of the surroundings.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy saw that she had fallen to the very +bottom of a long stone stairway. In vain she +looked for the opening through which she had +plunged. It had vanished as though by magic.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s strange,” she murmured, bewildered. +“I know I fell down those steps.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Limping painfully up the stairs, she stared +in astonishment at the solid wall at the top. +She ran her hands up and down but could not +find the hidden spring.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, well, I could probably find it if I hunted +long enough,” she told herself. “But I’m only +wasting valuable time. I’ve found the secret +passage at last, and, the Fates being willing, I +intend to find out where it leads. I can investigate +this panel later when I have more time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy cautiously descended into the tunnel. +The steps were of crudely cut stone and led +almost straight down into an inky, uncertain +blackness. Beyond, stretched a passageway.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>When she reached the bottom of the steps, +she paused, undecided what to do. She did not +know where the passage might lead; she might +be walking into danger.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll chance it,” she decided. “I wouldn’t +turn back for anything in the world now.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The passageway which stretched uninvitingly +before her was very narrow and only +high enough for her to walk without bending +over. The sides were built of brick and stone, +but the material had begun to crumble and +Nancy feared that at any moment a portion of +the walls or ceiling might come tumbling down +upon her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, here’s for it,” she decided resolutely.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She moved slowly forward, flashing her light +ahead of her. The passage was unpleasantly +damp and had an earthy smell. Moisture clung +to the walls, and there was a cold breeze circulating.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I must be underground,” she thought.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>An awful silence reigned in the subterranean +passage. The quiet was oppressive. With an +anxious glance over her shoulder, Nancy +went on.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Once she thought she heard a sigh from someone +in distress. Involuntarily, she stopped to +listen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I guess it was only the wind,” she told herself +uncertainly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>On she went deeper into the labyrinth of +darkness, feeling her way cautiously. The tiny +light from her flashlight but dimly illuminated +the passage, and she stumbled and groped her +way along timidly. When she accidentally +brushed against the stone walls or put out a +hand to save herself from falling, the structure +felt clammy and repulsive to the touch.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Silly!” she chided herself sternly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But in spite of her determination, she could +not free her mind from unpleasant supposition. +The gruesome sights she had seen in the bird +room had made an unpleasant impression upon +her. What if the colored woman had heard her +fall down the stairs and knew the secret of the +hidden panel in the closet? At this very moment +she might be following.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy shivered. In the subterranean passage, +cries for help would never be heard. She +would be entirely at the mercy of anyone who +found her trespassing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Her own footsteps seemed strangely loud and +echoed in her ears. Oh, if only she would come +to the end of the passage! Surely, it could not +run on forever.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The air was cold and damp, and in a number +of places water dripped from the ceiling. Nancy +believed that it was rain dripping through the +cracks in the cement. In that case she could +not be far underground.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Where did the tunnel lead? Perhaps it came +out in someone’s garden or a wood.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And maybe to a graveyard.” Nancy +shivered. “I’ve heard of such things. Anyway, +I hope not. I’ve gone through enough for +one night!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Her head ached from the injury she had received, +and she was tired from nervous strain. +She was impatient to reach the end of the passage.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>What would she find there? She could only +hope that the exit would not be barred. If such +were the case, she would be a prisoner in the +underground vault. Of course she could always +return to the entrance, but whether or not she +could find the hidden spring which controlled +the sliding panel was another matter.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After a time she stopped a moment to rest. +As she paused she heard a sound directly behind +her. Wheeling, she suppressed a cry of +terror.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A big rat scurried by, almost at her feet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ug!” Nancy shuddered. “I don’t like this +place.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Still, she would not turn back. After resting +a few minutes she again proceeded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The passage was no longer straight, but +twisted and turned in a puzzling fashion. At +one place she came to a point where two tunnels +branched off. She hesitated, uncertain, +which one to take.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After a short mental debate she selected the +right hand one, but as she went on, could not +help but feel she had chosen the wrong one. +Perhaps she was returning to Gombet’s house, +doubling back on her trail.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Anxiously, Nancy, glanced at her flashlight. +She had forgotten to bring an extra battery +and she did not know how long the present one +would last. The bright light somewhat reassured +her, but nevertheless she quickened her +pace. She could think of nothing more horrifying +than to be left without a light in such a +gruesome place.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She tried to take note of the various turns +in the tunnel but presently gave it up as a +hopeless task. If she were forced to return, +she must depend upon instinct to guide her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope I don’t get lost,” she worried. +“That would be the crowning misfortune.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At last her foot struck a hard object, and +Nancy quickly turned her flashlight upon it. +She had reached another stone step. Perhaps +she was approaching the exit to the passageway.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The thought gave her new courage. As she +peered ahead she saw a long flight of stone +steps leading upward. Eagerly, she groped +her way up them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It seemed to her that the air became gradually +warmer and less damp.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m coming out of the tunnel at last,” she +reasoned joyfully. “I wonder where I am?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At last the stone steps came to an end, but to +her chagrin, Nancy faced a solid wall.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There must be a secret spring, if only I can +find it,” she thought desperately.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Anxiously, she flashed her light over the +wall. Near the top step she saw a tiny knob not +unlike the one she had discovered in the closet +of Nathan Grombet’s house. With a cry of satisfaction, +she pushed upon it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Slowly, the wall swung back, and in amazement +Nancy passed through the opening. The +panel grated shut behind her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This is positively spooky,” she laughed uncertainly. +“Who ever dreamed there was a +place like this anywhere near Cliffwood? It reminds +me of the feudal castles. The man who +built it certainly had funny ideas.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>If Nancy had expected to find herself at the +mouth of the passage she was mistaken. Ahead +of her was a steep flight of wooden stairs.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The steps were very old and offered treacherous +footing, and the space between the walls +was so narrow that it was with difficulty that +she proceeded. She moved forward cautiously +feeling each step.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She had climbed but a short distance when +she stepped forward with her right foot and +instead of striking a solid base, found nothing +beneath. Only by grasping the step above did +she save herself from a fall.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Quickly focusing the light down upon the +step, she was able to see that the bottom of it +was missing. The flooring had rotted entirely +away.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That was a lucky escape,” she said inwardly. +“I might have broken my leg there.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carefully avoiding the hole, she moved on. A +dozen more steps and she reached a landing. +Here several narrow flights of stairs branched +off. What could it mean? Where was she?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy felt reasonably certain that that she +was inside a house, but whether she had returned +to Gombet’s dwelling, she had no way +of telling.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After a slight hesitation she selected one of +the flights and continued to climb. The steps +were in terrible condition and at any moment +she expected to crash through the half-decayed +wood.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Far above, she thought she could see a dim +light filtering through a crack, and she hurried +eagerly on. She was so anxious to reach the +top of the stairs that she failed to notice that +her flashlight was growing dimmer and +dimmer.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Just as she came to the end of the steps, the +light blinked. Then for the first time Nancy +glanced down and saw that the bulb was dim. +The battery was nearly exhausted. A few +moments more, and she would be plunged in +darkness.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Ahead she caught a glimpse of a huge metal +ring on the wall. What it was she had no idea, +but it offered her her only hope of escape from +the staircase.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Just as her hand reached out and grasped +it, the flashlight flickered again. Then it went +entirely out.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew was left in darkness.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='160' id='Page_160'></span><h1>CHAPTER XXI<br/> <span class='sub-head'>The End of the Passage</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Panic momentarily took possession of +Nancy Drew as her light flickered out. She +was a prisoner within the secret staircase. +Without a light there was little hope that she +could find the exit.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After her first fright had passed, she began +to think more logically. Through a crack in +the wall, a dim light filtered. Unquestionably, +she had reached the end of the passage, and if +only she could find the secret, the wall would +open.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps the metal ring will open the +panel,” she thought hopefully.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Grasping it firmly with both hands, she +pulled with all her strength. A trapdoor fell +back so unexpectedly that Nancy nearly lost +her balance and tumbled down the stairs. Only +by maintaining her hold on the ring did she +save herself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Beyond the opening she could see a room. +Where was she? Had she doubled back and +thus returned to Nathan Gombet’s dwelling?</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Scarcely daring to breath lest her presence +be discovered, she crawled through the opening +and hastily scrambled to her feet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The room was dimly lighted by one window, +and as she glanced toward it, Nancy was surprised +to see the moonbeams shining upon +the casement. Evidently, she had been within +the passage for some time, as it had stopped +raining.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In the dim light she could not make out her +surroundings. She moved forward with the +utmost caution. As she groped her way, she +reached out with her hand and touched something. +It was a piece of furniture. Eagerly, +she felt of it, and then smiled broadly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She knew that old highboy. She remembered +seeing it the day she had searched the +Turnbull attic!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy’s anxiety fell from her like a cloak. +She leaned against the highboy and chuckled +softly. Now she knew where she was!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She had traveled from Gombet’s house underground +to the Turnbull mansion. The +stairs she had ascended had led up the side of +the house to the attic. Undoubtedly, the other +flights she had passed led to other portions +of the old house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But why had she failed to discover the trapdoor +when she had first examined the attic, +she asked herself. Certainly, she had made a +thorough search.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can’t see a thing without a light,” she +grumbled mentally. “I suppose I’ll have to +wait until morning before I can investigate this +attic again.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy did not close the trapdoor, for she +was afraid that if she did she might never +again find the spring which opened it. In the +morning she would visit the attic and again +enter the hidden staircase.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now I’ll go to my room and try to sleep,” +she decided. “It’s long past midnight and I’m +dead tired.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Softly, she crept forward, feeling her way +out of the attic. She found the stairs which +led to the floor below, and quietly descended +them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope Floretta and Rosemary don’t hear +me,” she chuckled. “If they do they’ll think +the ghost is abroad again.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She slipped past Rosemary’s bedroom and +reached her own in safety.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What an adventure!” she sighed happily, +as she closed the bedroom door behind her and +lighted a candle. “What a night! I hope I’ll +never go through another as harrowing. Still, +I wouldn’t have missed it for worlds!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hastily, she undressed and crawled into bed, +but she did not fall to sleep at once. Instead +she lay awake staring up at the ceiling.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she pieced together the information she +had secured from every source, she comprehended +the value of her night’s work. She +understood it all now. Nathan Gombet was the +guilty party. It was he who had visited the +Turnbull mansion at frequent intervals, frightening +the old ladies and stealing their valuables.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Since Nancy had learned that he wished to +buy the Turnbull property at a ridiculously low +figure, she had been convinced that it was +Nathan who made nightly visits to the mansion, +but without definite proof of her theory +she could not lay her case before the authorities. +Now she had the necessary proof!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Probably the secret tunnel which connected +Gombet’s house with the Turnbull residence +had been built before Civil War days, and had +been planned as a protection against possible +marauders. At that time the Turnbull brothers +had been friendly and Nancy imagined that +they used the passage frequently as a means +of going from one house to the other. But +with the Civil War, the brothers had become +enemies, and the passageway had been closed +up. With the passing of the years it had been +forgotten, until now the descendants could recall +nothing about it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In some way, undoubtedly by accident, +Nathan Gombet had stumbled upon the entrance. +He had determined to use the knowledge +to further his own ugly schemes.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Probably there are openings on each floor,” +Nancy thought. “It would be easy for Nathan +to go from one room to another without being +discovered, it would be just like him to hide +and listen to any conversation he could!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She recalled the strange threatening note +she had received which had warned her not to +meddle with the affairs of the Turnbulls. She +was convinced that Gombet had sent the message. +He had heard Floretta and Rosemary +discussing the letter, and in that way had +learned that she was expected to arrive.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The loss of the pocketbook, the silver spoon, +the urn, the pin, and Floretta’s dresses could +be easily explained. Nathan had entered the +house by the secret staircase and had taken +the things.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There must be an opening into the library,” +Nancy told herself. “I intend to find it to-morrow +if I have to chop down the wall!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was no longer a mystery how the canaries +had reached Floretta’s room. Probably Nathan +had accidentally left the entrance to the +tunnel open on one of his visits to the mansion, +and the birds had flown through the opening +and had found their way to the house, or +possibly the miser had brought them with him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The loud cry which had been heard in the +night was easily explained. Nathan Gombet +had fallen over the broken step on the stairway +and had hurt himself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Served him right, too,” Nancy thought, +with some pleasure.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Satisfied that she had solved the mystery, +she turned over in bed and tried to go to sleep. +But she could not. Worries began to beset her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Until Nathan Gombet was brought to justice +her work was not accomplished. It would not +be easy to capture him, she knew, for the miser +was a desperate man when crossed. If only +her father were at home to give her advice!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What can have become of him?” she fretted, +as she tossed restlessly in bed. “I’m so +worried. If I don’t hear from him to-morrow +I must report him missing to the police!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Not until it was nearly dawn did she fall +into a troubled sleep.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='166' id='Page_166'></span><h1>CHAPTER XXII<br/> <span class='sub-head'>The Next Move</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>When Nancy Drew opened her eyes the following +morning, the sun was streaming in at +her bedroom window. A quick glance at the +clock on her dresser disclosed that it was fifteen +minutes past nine.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Horrors!” she cried, springing from the +bed. “Why didn’t Floretta or Rosemary +awaken me?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She was provoked with herself that she had +overslept on a morning when she had so much +to do. Although she had gone through a trying +ordeal the night before, she was none the +worse for the experience, and arose feeling +refreshed and eager for what the day might +bring forth.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hastily dressing, she hurried downstairs to +find that breakfast was waiting.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You have no idea how sorry I am,” she +apologized contritely. “You shouldn’t have +waited for me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It doesn’t matter in the least,” Rosemary +told her quietly, as the three sat down to the +breakfast table. “This may be the last breakfast +we’ll ever eat here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, what do you mean?” Nancy glanced +up quickly and noticed the sad expression on +the faces of the Turnbull sisters.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nathan Gombet was here this morning,” +Rosemary explained.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy’s spoon clattered from her hand.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He was here this morning?” she asked +in astonishment.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, he came to repeat the offer he made +us some time ago for the house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That wasn’t an offer—it was a steal!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But in the light of what has happened here, +we can’t expect to get much for the house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You didn’t sell?” Nancy questioned anxiously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We have made up our minds to give up the +house. Yes, we accepted his offer and told him +that if he came back this afternoon we would +sign the papers.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then you haven’t signed anything yet?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not yet,” Rosemary responded listlessly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I’m so glad!” Nancy cried impulsively. +“If you had it would have spoiled everything. +There is no need for you ever to leave your +home,” she added impressively. “You see, +I’ve solved the mystery at last.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’ve solved the mystery?” Floretta demanded +eagerly. “You know what became of +our silver urn? Oh, it’s too good to be true!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can’t lay hands on your urn this minute,” +Nancy told her. “But I think I can get it +within twenty-four hours.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t keep us in suspense,” Rosemary +begged. “Tell us everything. Is there really +a ghost in our house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy laughed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nathan Gombet is the ghost—just as I suspected.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you certain?” Rosemary asked a +trifle doubtfully. “He has been our neighbor +for years and he offered to buy our house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s just why he has been trying to +frighten you. Because he wanted to force you +to sell at his price.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I always thought Nathan was mean, but I +had no idea he would do a thing like that,” +Floretta said. “Have you really the proof that +he is the guilty party? Unless you have, we +wouldn’t dare accuse him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll show you my proof,” Nancy declared. +“Come with me and I think you’ll be convinced.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hurrying to the kitchen, she secured a supply +of candles, and then led the way to the +attic. Wonderingly, Rosemary and Floretta +followed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy flung open the door and permitted the +Turnbull sisters to enter first.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have discovered a hidden stairway,” she +informed them, as she flashed her candle in the +direction of the old highboy.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary and Floretta took one look and +gasped in astonishment. The secret stairway +was plainly revealed for the trapdoor was open +just as Nancy had left it the night before.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Who ever dreamed of a hidden staircase +in our house?” Floretta demanded in excitement.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There were rumors to that effect,” Rosemary +admitted. “But I never believed them. +Just think how many times we’ve been in this +attic and never discovered the trapdoor!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was very cleverly hidden,” Nancy told +them. “I searched and couldn’t find it myself +from the outside.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where does the stairway lead?” Floretta +asked, peering into the dark recess.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It leads to a tunnel which connects The +Mansion with Nathan Gombet’s house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And he’s been entering our house nightly +by means of this staircase?” Floretta questioned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m convinced of it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But how did you ever make the discovery?” +Rosemary broke in admiringly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy then told the details of her harrowing +experience in the Gombet residence. She ended +by showing them the bump on her head which +had been caused by falling down the stone +steps.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You might have been killed,” Floretta +shuddered. “And imagine going through that +passage all alone in the dead of night! It must +have been terrible! I never could have +done it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll admit I didn’t enjoy the experience,” +Nancy replied. “But it was the only way to +solve the mystery.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary, who had been studying the entrance +to the staircase meditatively, now turned +to Nancy with a puzzled frown.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s one thing that isn’t clear to me. +I don’t see how Nathan took our silver urn +from the library and managed to escape without +being caught. In order to reach this staircase +it would be necessary for him to pass our +bedrooms. Surely, we would have heard him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That puzzles me too,” Nancy admitted. +“But I have a theory which I intend to investigate +this morning. I believe there must be +another opening to this staircase on the floor +below.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps there’s one in every room,” Floretta +speculated.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It wouldn’t surprise me to find one on every +floor,” Nancy stated.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But we searched thoroughly,” Rosemary +protested. “We went over every inch of the +walls.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s true. But I believe it will be easier +to find the openings from the inside. I intend +to enter the staircase again and try to find +them. Last night I remember that several +flight of stairs branched off from one landing. +I want to find out where they lead. Do you +want to go with me?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Certainly,” Rosemary declared promptly. +“I have a great curiosity to see what the stairway +is like.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s so old we must be careful not to fall,” +Nancy warned her. “One of the steps has +rotted away entirely.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she spoke, she stepped through the opening +into the passageway. Rosemary boldly +followed, but Floretta hesitated uncertainly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What if the trapdoor should fall shut?” +she questioned anxiously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m sure it won’t,” Nancy reassured her. +“But even if it does, I can open it again. See, +here is the hidden spring.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She held her candle so that the beam illuminated +the metal ring which controlled the door. +Still, Floretta hesitated.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do hurry,” Rosemary commanded impatiently. +“There’s no danger.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Floretta folded her skirts tightly about her +to prevent them from brushing against the +dusty walls, and then timidly descended the +first step.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t like it,” she choked. “The dust is +terrific and the cobwebs—ug!” Nevertheless, +she did not turn back.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Cautiously, Nancy Drew led the way down +the wooden stairs, taking care to avoid the +broken step. At the landing she selected one +of the passages which led in another direction, +and descended the stairs until she came to another +landing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she flashed her light about, her keen eyes +caught the gleam of a metal ring. She seized +upon it eagerly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This must open a panel,” she cried, in excitement.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she pulled upon the ring, the wall fell +away, and to her amazement she stepped into +a closet which was filled with garments.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where are we?” she demanded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, we must be in my room!” Floretta +gasped. “Now I understand what became of +my silk dresses and the diamond pin!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s clear Nathan must have entered the +room by means of the secret panel in the +closet,” Rosemary observed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But how did the canaries get in?” Floretta +demanded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They might have flown through the passage +and entered the room when the panel was +open,” Nancy suggested.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s very likely,” Rosemary agreed. +“It’s no wonder we thought the walls had ears. +It’s my opinion Nathan has been hiding in the +staircase listening to everything we say. It +frightens me to think of it!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I feel confident it was Nathan Gombet who +sent me the threatening letter advising me not +to come to this house,” Nancy declared. “Can +you remember whether or not you read my letter +aloud after it arrived?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, we did,” Floretta responded quickly. +“And we were in this very bedroom too! Nathan +must have been listening and heard every +word!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s clear enough now,” Rosemary said +caustically. “That man thought he could +frighten us from our home. To think we nearly +sold The Mansion to him!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Shall we investigate the other passages?” +Nancy questioned. “Our time is getting short +and I’m eager to find out where they lead.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“By all means,” Rosemary agreed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Without taking time to close the panel after +them, the three descended the hidden stairway +to the landing below and there selected another +flight of wooden stairs.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We must be going down to the first floor +now,” Floretta observed, as they cautiously +descended.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Watch out for the step,” Nancy, who was +ahead, called out in warning. “There’s another +broken one just ahead.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The three avoided the hole in the flooring and +continued down the staircase. At last, Nancy +came to the end of the passage, but to her surprise +could find no hidden panel. In vain she +flashed her candle about over the walls and +Floretta and Rosemary aided in the search.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s funny,” Nancy murmured in perplexity. +“I’m sure there must be an opening +here somewhere.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She glanced anxiously at her candle. It +would not last many more minutes, and unless +she wished to be plunged into darkness, she +must return to the kitchen for another supply. +Floretta and Rosemary had used the last of +their stock.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The passage at this particular place was very +narrow and so low that a person could not +stand upright without striking the top wall.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Tiring of the stooped position which she had +been forced to endure for several minutes, +Nancy straightened. Her head struck the top +of the passageway.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ouch!” she exclaimed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>To her astonishment, she heard a strange +clicking noise.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I believe I’ve discovered the panel,” she +cried eagerly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>While Rosemary held the candle, she examined +ceiling overhead and pushed upon it +with all her strength. To her surprise, the +wall gave way easily and lifted up.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy pushed the obstruction out of the way +and thrust her head and shoulders through the +opening. Curiously, she gazed about. She had +come up through the sofa seat in the library!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My word!” she exclaimed. “No wonder I +never found the secret panel in this room. +Who would have thought of looking in the +sofa!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She pulled herself up through the opening +and then assisted Floretta and Rosemary, who +were less athletic.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mercy! What next?” Floretta gasped as +she sank down into a chair and tried to regain +her breath.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Imagine living in this house all these years +and never discovering anything wrong with +that sofa!” Rosemary commented.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I see everything now,” Nancy said slowly. +“That broken step just before we came to the +opening. Nathan must have fallen and cried +out in alarm. And I feel certain there must +be another opening in the sofa in the drawing +room. I’m going to find out!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Darting into the next room, she jerked the +cushions from the sofa and lifted the base +boards. As she had suspected, there was an +opening similar to the one in the library, which +was just large enough for a person to squeeze +through.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s how Nathan stole the silver urn,” +Floretta observed. “He came up through the +sofa seat in the library!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How stupid of me not to think of looking +there before,” Nancy said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Stupid? I think you’ve done extremely +clever detective work, as it is. Why, we’ve +lived here for years and never dreamed of a +hidden staircase. How shall we ever repay you +for all you have done?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, let’s not think about that now,” Nancy +said hastily, glancing at her watch. “There’s +so much yet to be done. We must bring Nathan +Gombet to justice if we can!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I agree with you there,” Floretta cried +feelingly. “Go and call the police! We want +him locked up!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy started toward the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If he has an inkling of what we have discovered, +he’ll try to escape,” she threw back +over her shoulder.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She hurried to the garage at the rear of the +house and quickly backed her roadster out upon +the drive. Rosemary and Floretta, not to be +left behind, crowded in beside her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, do you think the police will be able to +capture him?” Floretta asked tremulously. +“I’ll never feel safe again until I know he’s +behind prison bars.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m afraid we shouldn’t have taken the +time we did to investigate those passages,” +Nancy returned quietly. “But I wanted to be +absolutely certain that Nathan Gombet was +guilty before I turned him over to the authorities.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With that she shifted gears, and the car +roared down the Cliffwood road to disappear +in a cloud of dust.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='178' id='Page_178'></span><h1>CHAPTER XXIII<br/> <span class='sub-head'>Notifying the Police</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, if only we had installed a telephone at +the mansion,” Rosemary fretted, as Nancy +Drew’s roadster sped along over the smooth +road toward Cliffwood.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Isn’t there any house along the road where +we can stop to call the police?” Nancy questioned. +“It would save us considerable time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rosemary shook her head.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There aren’t any houses until we get almost +into Cliffwood.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then we may as well drive straight to the +sheriff’s office,” Nancy decided. “It’s only a +short distance, anyway. A few minutes delay +ought not to make such a big difference.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But it may,” Floretta declared uneasily. +“I believe Nathan is beginning to be suspicious. +Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to us +this morning with the offer to buy the house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy did not respond, but concentrated her +attention upon the road before her. In exactly +twelve minutes flat she brought the automobile +to a quivering halt in front of the sheriff’s +office.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Switching off the engine, she sprang from +the car, and, with the Turnbull sisters close +behind her, ran into the building. The sheriff, +the picture of repose, with his feet comfortably +placed on the top of a roll-top desk, was laughing +and talking with several men who were +seated about the room. As Nancy Drew and +the two women came in, he swung his feet to +the floor and eyed them with respectful attention.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Anything I can do for you?” he inquired.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Without mincing words, Nancy quickly told +of the strange things that had happened at the +Turnbull house and of the discoveries she had +made. At various points, Rosemary and Floretta +corroborated her story.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I want you to arrest Nathan Gombet,” +Nancy ended. “He is the guilty man.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff scratched his head in perplexity.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I don’t know what to say. Nathan +Gombet is no friend of mine and folks say he’s +a little queer, but I never heard of his doing +any harm.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s always a first time,” Rosemary +snapped.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He’s just a clever crook—that’s all,” +Nancy declared impatiently. “Don’t you believe +our story? We can show you the staircase.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I believe your story, all right,” the +sheriff said hastily. “But I dasn’t proceed +without evidence. You can’t arrest a man unless +you’ve some proof he’s guilty.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What more proof do you want?” Rosemary +interposed tartly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, if you’d found the silver urn in his +house, or something like that——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If my father were here, he’d convince you +all right,” Nancy said, with rising temper.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your father?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, Carson Drew.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You don’t mean Carson Drew, the lawyer +from River Heights? You’re his daughter?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, that’s different. Why didn’t you say +so at first?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What has that to do with the case?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I reckon a daughter of Carson Drew +knows what she’s about. If you say Nathan +Gombet is a crook, I’ll take your word for it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, it seems to me you’ve taken plenty +of time to make up your mind,” Nancy said +sarcastically.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff, thus goaded to action, turned to +the other men in the room. His indolent manner +fell from him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Come on, boys!” he shouted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Turning to Nancy he ordered:</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You lead the way and we’ll follow.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy nodded, and with Floretta and Rosemary +hurried outside to the waiting roadster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I never could stand that sheriff,” Rosemary +commented. “You can see now why we +didn’t like to put the matter in his hands before. +He would have made a mess of it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can see all right,” Nancy admitted dryly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She sprang into the car and the Turnbull +sisters climbed in beside her. She started the +motor and waited impatiently for the sheriff +and his deputies. The moment the police car +was ready to leave, she shifted gears and +was off.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As the two cars raced down the side streets +of Cliffwood, many passersby turned to stare +curiously after them. Nancy did not notice, +for she was intent only upon one thing, and +that was to reach the old stone house before +Nathan Gombet had an opportunity to escape +or to hide the booty he had stolen from the +Turnbull mansion.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The sheriff may be stupid enough to refuse +to arrest him unless he finds <span class='it'>evidence</span> on the +place,” she thought, in disgust.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She drove swiftly and soon came within sight +of the gloomy old stone house owned by the +miser. Believing that it would be wisest to approach +cautiously and not give an alarm, she +slowed down. To her chagrin the police car +raced ahead and roared down the driveway. It +came to a sudden halt in front of the house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff sprang from the automobile and +turned to his men.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Surround the house!” he ordered crisply. +“We won’t take any chance on letting that old +boy get away!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, why does that sheriff have to be +so dramatic?” Nancy murmured, in alarm. +“After all this noise, it will be a wonder if +Nathan Gombet doesn’t slip through the secret +tunnel and escape. That will ruin everything!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Impatiently, she opened the door of the +roadster and started to get out, but Floretta +held her back.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t go,” she begged. “There may be +shooting!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy permitted herself to be pulled back +into the safety of the automobile. From there, +the three watched the sheriff with misgiving. +They saw him walk up to the back door and +knock. When there was no response, he +knocked again. He tried the door, but it was +locked. Then he peeped in at the kitchen +window.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No one at home,” he muttered in disgust, +turning away.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy could stand it no longer. Springing +from the roadster, she ran toward the sheriff.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You can’t expect Nathan Gombet to welcome +you with open arms after all the noise +you made coming up the drive,” she cried. +“He’d be more apt to welcome you with buckshot! +He’s probably watching now from an +upstairs window. We’d all make good targets!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff glanced anxiously upward and +stepped closer to the house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s pretty serious business to go breaking +into a man’s house,” he said, somewhat crestfallen, +“unless you’re mighty sure you’ve got +the right man.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nathan Gombet is the right man!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, maybe he is, I don’t know.” The +sheriff’s old doubt was returning to assail him +anew. “I suppose I could ram the door, but I +don’t like to do it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll assume the responsibility,” Nancy said +shortly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right, we’ll do it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s an easier way.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you mean?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Climb through the cellar window and get +in that way. There’s a stairway from the cellar +leading to the kitchen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s an idea.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff motioned to his deputies, and +Nancy led the way to the cellar window. One +by one the men crawled in. Nancy hesitated +an instant, and then she followed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Silently, she indicated the stairs leading to +the kitchen. The sheriff and his deputies crept +quietly up to the landing, and there they +paused and listened. The house was as silent +as a tomb.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Then unmistakably, there was a slight shuffling +sound which seemed to come from the +kitchen. The sheriff turned to a deputy near +him and whispered into his ear:</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Did you hear that?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, chief,” the deputy whispered in reply. +“There’s someone hiding in that +kitchen!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Get set, boys, we’ll see who it is!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff placed his hand on the door knob +and gave it a quick turn. The latch clicked. +As the sheriff thrust open the door, he started +back involuntarily, for he stood looking straight +into the muzzle of a sawed off shotgun, held +in the hands of Gombet’s colored servant!</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='185' id='Page_185'></span><h1>CHAPTER XXIV<br/> <span class='sub-head'>Nancy Leads the Way</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>The old colored woman advanced threateningly, +her face convulsed with rage.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You git, white man!” she ordered, “or I’ll +fill yo’ system full of lead.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Somewhat sheepishly, the sheriff retreated. +He dared not reach for his own revolver which +hung in its holster, lest the colored woman +carry out her threat. As he backed away, the +negress slammed the door and locked it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I reckon we’ll have to take the place by +storm,” the sheriff muttered to his companions. +“She’s locked the door. We’ll have to +ram it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And while we’re doing it, she’ll pepper us +with shot,” one of the deputies observed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I reckon you’re right, at that,” the sheriff +said slowly. “I guess we’d better fire a volley +through the door.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We haven’t any call to kill the woman,” a +deputy argued. “And a stray shot might hit +her. We don’t want to do that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s so. Anyone have an idea how we +can get into the house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have,” Nancy Drew announced quickly. +“I know of a secret passage which leads from +the Turnbull mansion to an upstairs room of +this house. Give me two men, and the rest stay +here to keep watch. We’ll get into the house +through the passage and take her by surprise.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s an idea,” the sheriff murmured. +“I’ll go with you myself.” He indicated one +of the deputies. “You come along too. The +rest of you boys stay here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And make a little racket every so often to +hold the attention of the old colored woman,” +Nancy suggested.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When we get into the kitchen I’ll blow my +police whistle,” the sheriff added. “When you +hear it, rush up from below.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff and the deputy assigned to the +venture, followed Nancy Drew from the cellar. +They crept past the kitchen window and hurried +toward the police car. There was no time +for Nancy to stop to explain matters to Rosemary +and Floretta. They sat huddled in the +roadster where she had left them a few minutes +before.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They’ll be safe enough so long as they stay +in the car,” the sheriff said, as the three ran +across the courtyard and sprang into the police +car. “That colored woman isn’t likely to +make trouble unless she’s bothered.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff took the wheel.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Drive to the Turnbull mansion,” Nancy +directed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The police car sped rapidly down the road +and up another and came to an abrupt halt in +front of The Mansion. Nancy tried the front +door. To her relief, she found it unlocked. In +their haste to reach the sheriff’s office, the +Turnbull sisters had neglected to fasten the +doors and windows.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy opened the door and led the way to +the library. Quickly lifting the cover of the +sofa, she disclosed the hidden opening. Deftly, +she lowered herself into it. The sheriff and +deputy stared after her in astonishment.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, what do you know about that!” the +sheriff exclaimed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’re going through a secret passage,” +Nancy explained hastily. “Hurry!” she called +impatiently. “There’s no time to lose!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Hesitating only a moment longer, the sheriff +and the deputy likewise lowered themselves +through the opening into the hidden staircase.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You know where you’re going?” the sheriff +questioned doubtfully.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” Nancy returned. “Watch these +stairs, or you may take a tumble.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As her eyes became more accustomed to the +darkness, she moved rapidly down the staircase, +warning the two behind her of treacherous +steps.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At last she reached the lower level and +paused before what appeared to be a solid wall.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now what?” the sheriff demanded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy did not respond, but ran her hand +over the wall in search of the tiny knob which +would open the panel. She found it, and as she +pushed firmly upon it, a portion of the wall +swung back.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Come on,” she urged, stepping through +the opening.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff and his deputy followed. They +turned and looked back uneasily as the panel +grated shut behind them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What if we are locked in here?” the sheriff +questioned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We shan’t be,” Nancy told him quietly. +“I know the secret.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The three rapidly descended the flight of +stone steps and entered the tunnel which led +directly to the bird room of Nathan Gombet’s +house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Reaching the stone steps at the end of the +passage, she paused only long enough to warn +the two officers that they were now within the +house and must remain silent. Quickly ascending +the stone steps, she groped about the walls, +searching for the hidden spring which would +open the panel.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Look for a brass ring or a tiny knob,” she +directed the two men.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Even as she whispered the instruction, her +hand struck a solid object on the wall. Eagerly, +she felt of it and discovered it was a +small metal ring.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve found it!” she whispered in delight.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She gave the ring a hard pull, and, to the +amazement of the sheriff and his deputy, the +secret panel opened.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy stepped out into the light and motioned +for the two men to follow. She now +stood in the closet of the bird room. Cautiously +opening the closet door, she peered out.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The coast is clear,” she informed her companions +quietly. “Follow me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Softly, she tiptoed across the room and tried +the door leading into the corridor. It was unlocked. +Treading quietly down the hall, she +led the way to the stairs.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Reaching the lower floor, Nancy Drew and +the officers crept toward the kitchen where the +belligerent old colored servant had taken up +her post.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff listened for a moment at the inner +door of the kitchen and peered through the +keyhole. The old woman had not relinquished +the gun, but stood before the basement door +making vehement threats.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’s waitin’ fo’ you,” she muttered. “You +just make one pass t’rough dat doah and I’s +gwine lose control o’ mah trigger finger. I’ll +fill you so full o’ buckshot dat you’ll look like +a sieve, and I don’t mean possibly.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Satisfied that the old negress was occupied +at the basement door, the sheriff quickly +stepped into the room and covered her with +his pistol.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re under arrest!” he said sharply.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The colored woman turned suddenly and +gazed into the muzzle of the sheriff’s gun. She +hesitated an instant as if debating whether it +would be wise to attempt resistance, then +threw up her hands in surrender. The shotgun +clattered to the floor.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy Drew, who by this time had rushed +into the room, ran to the basement door and +unlocked it. As the sheriff gave one short blast +on his police whistle, the deputies who had +been left stationed below burst into the kitchen. +One of them caught up the shotgun from the +floor and placed it out of reach. Another +quickly slipped handcuffs on the woman’s +wrists.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now that we have her, what are we going +to do with her?” the sheriff asked bluntly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy turned toward him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Sheriff, may I question the prisoner?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Go ahead; but I’m afraid you’ll not get +much out of her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll try, anyway,” Nancy said, smiling. +She faced the negress and demanded:</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where is Nathan Gombet?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How come you asks me? I ain’t keepin’ +track o’ dat man just ’cause I works heah.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re not fooling anyone,” Nancy replied +sharply. “I know that you are not only Nathan +Gombet’s servant but his partner in crime +as well.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The woman assumed an innocent expression.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How you talk! Crime? What you mean +crime? I’s just an old culled woman who +makes her victuals workin’! You can’t bluff +me with yo’ scary talk.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m not bluffing. It will be the best for +you to tell us where he is. If you don’t, you’ll +be behind bars within an hour.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Fo’ doin’ what?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“For resisting an officer. Isn’t that true, +sheriff?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I reckon it is,” the sheriff returned. +“The woman has laid herself open to imprisonment +by trying to thwart justice.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now will you tell?” Nancy looked straight +into the old negress’ eyes as she asked the +question.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>For a moment the woman met her gaze defiantly +and then a frightened look came over +her face and she began to whine.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll tell! I’ll tell! Don’t send me to no +jail!” she implored. “Please, Mr. Sheriff!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then, if you don’t want to go to jail, tell +us where Nathan Gombet is hiding.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The colored woman eyed the girl sullenly for +an instant, and then pointed to the floor above.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Up dar!” she mumbled. “He’s up dar +with de prisoner.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Prisoner!” Nancy exclaimed, giving the +sheriff a quick glance. “What prisoner?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The colored woman stubbornly shook her +head.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ll find out who you mean,” Nancy declared. +She turned to the sheriff with decision. +“We must capture Nathan Gombet before +he escapes. If he’s upstairs he may have +heard us and try to get away through the secret +passage!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He’ll not get away,” the sheriff assured +her grimly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Delegating one man to remain below to +guard the colored woman, he ordered the other +deputies to follow him. Nancy, who could not +bear to remain behind, crept up the stairs after +them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At the top landing the party paused, undecided +which way to go. As they hesitated, the +sound of a harsh, rasping voice reached their +ears.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Listen!” Nancy commanded in a tense +whisper.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Instantly, she recognized the voice. It belonged +to Nathan Gombet!</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she listened intently, the man began to +speak again and she caught the words distinctly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I give you just one minute, Carson Drew! +If you don’t sign that paper before then +I’ll——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy did not hear the rest of the threat, +for Nathan’s voice had dropped to a lower +pitch. What could it mean? Had Nathan held +her father a prisoner in the house? She turned +frightened eyes toward the sheriff.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They’re in that room,” she whispered, +pointing to the chamber in which her father +was imprisoned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff nodded, and with his pistol held +ready for instant use, moved softly toward the +room. Quick as he was, Nancy was ahead +of him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Without a thought for her own safety, now +that she knew her father was in danger, she +flung open the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At a glance she took in the situation. Her +father, haggard and pale with suffering, was +bound to a chair and Nathan Gombet, a taunting +grin on his evil face, was bending over him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If you don’t sign this paper, you’ll never +get out of here!” he snarled.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At the sound of the opening door, the miser +wheeled about and saw Nancy Drew. As he +instinctively retreated, she advanced.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The police will have something to say to +you!” she said tensely.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As Nancy Drew spoke, the sheriff and his +men closed in around Nathan Gombet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your game’s up,” the sheriff announced +covering the miser with his pistol.</p> + +<div><span class='pageno' title='195' id='Page_195'></span><h1>CHAPTER XXV<br/> <span class='sub-head'>Captured</span></h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan Gombet’s shifty eyes roved to the +door, and, suddenly, he made a spring for it. +One of the deputies caught him roughly by the +arm and dragged him back.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no, you don’t!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Handcuff him,” the sheriff ordered.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The miser saw that escape was cut off entirely. +As the realization came over him, he +wilted and offered little resistance when the +handcuffs were snapped upon his wrists.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy immediately lost interest in the miser +and ran to her father. Frantically she began +to work at the ropes which bound him to the +chair.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Dad!” she murmured brokenly, “are +you hurt?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll be all right,” Carson Drew forced a +wan smile. “Couldn’t have stood it much +longer, though. If you hadn’t come just when +you did——”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With the aid of one of the deputies who had +a knife, Nancy quickly cut the ropes and set +her father free. In relief he stretched his +cramped limbs.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Slowly getting upon his feet, he took a step +forward and would have collapsed had Nancy +not helped him. Wearily, he sank down upon +the chair again.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Legs feel paralyzed,” he complained.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you want me to call a doctor?” +Nancy asked, as she began to rub the cramped +muscles.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew shook his head.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I’ll be all right after a while. I’m just +weak. If only I could have a glass of water! +That fiend hasn’t given me anything to eat or +drink for more than twenty-four hours. My +throat is parched.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll get you a drink!” Nancy cried.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She darted from the room and hurried downstairs +to the kitchen. Pumping a cold drink +of water at the sink, she paused only long +enough to step to the outside door and call +Rosemary and Floretta Turnbull, who were +still waiting anxiously in the roadster. They +came in response to her summons, and followed +her upstairs.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell us everything, Dad,” Nancy begged, +as she gave her father the glass of water.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew set down the tumbler which he +had emptied at one draught and fastened his +eyes upon Nathan Gombet.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That man induced me to come here by +trickery,” he explained, a hard glint coming +into his eyes. “He has tortured me here for +several days trying to force me to sign over +money to him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, he won’t try any more of his tricks,” +the sheriff broke in. “We’ll have him behind +prison bars inside of twenty minutes.” He +turned to the prisoner. “What have you to say +for yourself?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nothing,” Gombet muttered sullenly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you admit that you were trying to get +money which did not belong to you?” Carson +Drew questioned sharply.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan Gombet did not reply.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’ll talk all right when we get you to the +station,” the sheriff told him harshly. “It’s +no use to deny your guilt. You were caught in +the act.” He picked up a piece of paper from +the table and glanced at it. “Is this the agreement +he was trying to force you to sign, Mr. +Drew?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The lawyer nodded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, he wanted me to turn over a large +sum of money and then promise not to prosecute.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff folded the paper and put it in +his pocket.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll just keep this for evidence.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And don’t forget, he tried to force us from +our home,” Rosemary Turnbull broke in. “We +intend to file a charge against him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t mean no harm,” Gombet grunted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no,” Rosemary retorted sarcastically. +“I suppose those nightly visits of yours were +merely friendly calls.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I thought I saw an easy way to make a +little money. I offered to buy your house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes—at your price,” Floretta sniffed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was a cowardly trick—to try to cheat +two women,” Carson Drew observed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He nearly succeeded, too,” Rosemary declared +feelingly. “If it hadn’t been for Nancy +Drew, we would have been forced to give up +our home. We couldn’t have stood it there +another day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>For some time Nancy had remained silent, +but now she turned to the old miser.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When did you first discover the hidden +staircase?” she questioned curiously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan hesitated as though debating whether +or not to tell.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’d better make a clean breast of everything. +It will go easier with you if you do,” +the sheriff warned him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was two months ago,” Nathan muttered. +“Found the hidden spring by accident.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You explored the staircase and discovered +that it led to the Turnbull mansion?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Gombet nodded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How many openings are there into this +house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Only the one in the room where I keep my +birds.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s one more thing I want to know,” +Nancy continued. “It was you who sent me +the threatening note, warning me not to come +to the Turnbull mansion, wasn’t it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I sent it,” the man grunted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How did you learn that I was going there?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hid in the staircase and heard the old ladies +talking about the letter you’d sent.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just as I suspected. And now where are +the things you took from their house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What things?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, you needn’t pretend,” Floretta broke +in, enraged. “You took our silver urn and a +diamond pin.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And a pocketbook and a silver spoon, to +say nothing of Floretta’s silk dresses,” Rosemary +added severely.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes you do,” Nancy told him quietly. +“It won’t do you any good to deny it, for we +intend to search the house from cellar to garret. +You may as well tell us what you have +done with the things.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nathan Gombet debated the question silently +and then muttered reluctantly:</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’ll find ’em in my room.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Which room is that?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Straight across the hall.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy hurried from the room without waiting +for more. Rosemary and Floretta followed +her eagerly. As they flung open the door of +the bedroom they gave a little cry of pleasure, +for on the dresser stood the silver urn.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What a relief!” Rosemary cried, rushing +forward and snatching it up. “It’s a wonder +he didn’t try to dispose of it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Floretta, who had been investigating the +closet, triumphantly brought out an armload of +dresses.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But where is the diamond pin?” Rosemary +demanded. “That is the most valuable of all.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is this it?” Nancy, who had opened a bureau +drawer, held up a tiny object.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Eagerly, Floretta reached for it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s it. Oh, I’m so glad.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And here is the spoon,” Nancy continued, +removing it from the drawer. “And the pocketbook. +The money is gone though.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, we don’t care about that,” Rosemary +said quickly. “There wasn’t much in the pocketbook, +anyway.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then everything is here,” Nancy declared.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Armed with the booty, the three returned to +the chamber across the hall and disclosed their +findings.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s a clear case of theft, all right,” the +sheriff said, as he examined the articles. +“We’ll take this fellow to jail and lock him up. +He’s a dangerous character and ought not to +be at large.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How about the negress?” Nancy questioned.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She is an accomplice,” Mr. Drew put in. +“Take her along.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The sheriff grasped Nathan Gombet roughly +by the arm and shoved him toward the door. +Two of the deputies helped Carson Drew downstairs.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The old miser and the negress were put into +the police car, and the sheriff and his men +drove away, leaving Nancy and her father to +say good-bye to the Turnbull sisters.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ll see to it that the various openings +into the staircase are boarded up,” Rosemary +told the lawyer. “With Nathan in jail, we +probably will never be bothered again.” She +regarded Carson Drew anxiously. “You don’t +look a bit well. You’re in no condition to return +to River Heights to-night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think I can make it,” Carson Drew replied.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nonsense. You must spend the night at +The Mansion. Floretta and I will be delighted +to have you. A good rest will do wonders for +you. You need a good meal, too.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To tell the truth, I don’t feel very strong,” +the lawyer admitted. “Are you certain it +won’t inconvenience you if I stay?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course not. What a thing to ask, after +all your daughter has done for us! No, it’s all +settled. You must stay at The Mansion until +you have recovered your strength.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And we’ll promise you there will be no +ghosts to trouble you,” Floretta added, with +a laugh.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>So it was decided. Nancy helped her father +into the roadster and drove him to The Mansion. +As soon as she saw that he was comfortably +settled on the sofa, she returned for the +Turnbull sisters.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Although Carson Drew had suffered a great +deal at the hands of Nathan Gombet, he had +received no permanent injury. His strength +gradually returned and he began to walk with +less difficulty. Food and rest accomplished +wonders. After a good night’s rest he appeared +at the breakfast table and announced +that he felt able to travel.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, we were hoping you would stay another +day,” Floretta said regretfully, after the +lawyer had announced his decision to return +to River Heights that morning.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m afraid I must go,” the lawyer returned. +“My business has been neglected the +past week, you know. By the way, have you +heard anything more about Nathan Gombet?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The entire story is in the morning papers,” +Rosemary turned to Nancy with a warm smile. +“Haven’t you seen them?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not yet,” Nancy admitted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re certainly in the limelight,” Floretta +told her. “Evidently the reporters +learned everything from the sheriff.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Nancy caught up one of the papers, and as +her eye scanned the story on the front page a +deep flush crept into her cheeks.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mercy! I don’t deserve all the credit!” +she protested modestly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Indeed, you do,” Rosemary told her firmly. +She glanced significantly at Floretta, who nodded +firmly. “I hardly know how to begin,” +she went on, addressing Nancy with some hesitation. +“But I want you to know how much +Floretta and I appreciate what you have done +for us.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I was glad to do what little I could,” +Nancy declared graciously. “It was really fun +for me. I thoroughly enjoy a mystery—though +for a time I thought this one would prove my +undoing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We want to reward you for what you did,” +Rosemary went on earnestly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I don’t want any reward!” Nancy exclaimed. +“You know, we discussed that before.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We were afraid you wouldn’t take money,” +Floretta sighed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So we’ve decided to give you a little gift +as a remembrance,” Rosemary continued. +“We want you to accept our silver urn.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your urn!” Nancy gasped. “Oh, I couldn’t +do that! Why, it’s a valuable heirloom and +you prize it highly!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We want you to have it,” Floretta insisted +stubbornly. “We’ll feel hurt if you don’t +take it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It will serve as a reminder of your adventure +in The Mansion,” Rosemary coaxed. +“Please take it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she spoke she picked up a wrapped package +from a table and handed it to Nancy.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If you insist, I’m afraid I can’t refuse,” +Nancy said, as she accepted the urn. “There’s +nothing in the world I’d rather have! This +will make my second trophy! I’ll keep it on +the mantel with the clock!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After thanking the Turnbull sisters for the +gift and for their generous hospitality, Nancy +and her father departed. Floretta and Rosemary +watched them until they had disappeared +down the road.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>For a time Nancy and her father rode in silence, +and then Carson Drew turned to his +daughter with a look of deep admiration in his +eyes.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That was a neat piece of detective work +you did,” he said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Everything turned out all right,” Nancy +admitted. “But when I was going through +that dark tunnel the night I discovered it, I +told myself I’d never dabble in another mystery +as long as I lived if I ever got out of there +alive!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you intend to live up to that?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not if I can help it! Now that you are +safe and the mystery is solved, I’m aching for +another one. I suppose that’s all the good it +will do be, though!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I don’t know,” Mr. Drew smiled. +“This affair has won you quite a reputation.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Indeed, Nancy Drew’s days of adventure +were by no means over. Before many months +had elapsed she was destined to be involved in +another mystery case, equally as baffling as the +one she had just solved. Readers who wish to +follow her strange adventures may do so in the +next volume of this series, entitled “The Bungalow +Mystery.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But as Nancy Drew drove along the smooth +road she had no idea of what was in store for +her, and so it was that a semi-melancholy expression +settled over her face. Carson Drew, +who noticed the look, laughed aloud.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re a true daughter of your old dad all +right, Nancy! Pining for another mystery before +you’re well out of this one!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I wasn’t pining exactly,” Nancy declared +gayly, resolutely shaking off the mood +of despondency which had claimed her for the +moment. “I just couldn’t help thinking that +perhaps this would be my last chance to solve +a mystery. And I do enjoy detective work!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t worry; opportunity will come knocking +at your door sooner than you expect,” her +father told her lightly. “A good detective is +always in demand.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Meaning that I am that?” Nancy demanded, +a happy light in her eyes.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Carson Drew nodded and gazed tenderly +upon his daughter.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Meaning that I am mighty proud of you, +Nancy. From this day on I intend to turn +over my mystery cases to you.” His eyes +twinkled mischievously. “As a detective, you +have me backed completely off the map!”</p> + +<p class='line0' style='text-align:center;margin-top:3em;font-variant:small-caps;'>The End</p> + +<div><h1>TRANSCRIBER NOTES</h1></div> + +<p class='pindent'>Mis-spelled words and printer errors have been fixed.</p> + + + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77602 ***</div> + </body> + +</html> diff --git a/77602-h/images/cover.jpg b/77602-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d337a24 --- /dev/null +++ b/77602-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/77602-h/images/frontis.jpg b/77602-h/images/frontis.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..beb9d63 --- /dev/null +++ b/77602-h/images/frontis.jpg diff --git a/77602-h/images/illus1.jpg b/77602-h/images/illus1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1d33b56 --- /dev/null +++ b/77602-h/images/illus1.jpg diff --git a/77602-h/images/illus2.jpg b/77602-h/images/illus2.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5a69127 --- /dev/null +++ b/77602-h/images/illus2.jpg diff --git a/77602-h/images/illus3.jpg b/77602-h/images/illus3.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..957f34f --- /dev/null +++ b/77602-h/images/illus3.jpg diff --git a/77602-h/images/illusc.jpg b/77602-h/images/illusc.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4187f47 --- /dev/null +++ b/77602-h/images/illusc.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6c72794 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f2b8bdd --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for eBook #77602 +(https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/77602) diff --git a/hiddenstaircase_txt.txt b/hiddenstaircase_txt.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..eacc702 --- /dev/null +++ b/hiddenstaircase_txt.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5673 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77602 *** + + + + + =NANCY DREW MYSTERY STORIES= + + THE HIDDEN + STAIRCASE + + BY + CAROLYN KEENE + + _ILLUSTRATED BY_ + RUSSELL H. TANDY + + NEW YORK + GROSSET & DUNLAP + PUBLISHERS + + + + + Copyright, 1930, by + GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC. + + + + +[Illustration: “AND THAT ISN’T THE WORST—LOOK UP THERE!”] + + + + + CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER PAGE + I A RUDE VISITOR 1 + II A WARNING OF TROUBLE 8 + III INTERESTING INFORMATION 14 + IV A SECOND CALL 23 + V STRANGE HAPPENINGS 31 + VI THE GHOST CALLS AGAIN 40 + VII WHAT CAN IT MEAN? 49 + VIII THE WARNING 56 + IX THE ANONYMOUS MESSAGE 63 + X AN UNFRUITFUL SEARCH 71 + XI A CRY IN THE NIGHT 80 + XII THE THEFT 86 + XIII ANOTHER SURPRISE 95 + XIV WHAT HAPPENED TO CARSON DREW 103 + XV A PRISONER 111 + XVI A NEW CLUE 119 + XVII UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS 127 + XVIII INSIDE THE OTHER HOUSE 134 + XIX A CHANCE DISCOVERY 144 + XX THE UNDERGROUND PASSAGE 151 + XXI THE END OF THE PASSAGE 160 + XXII THE NEXT MOVE 166 + XXIII NOTIFYING THE POLICE 178 + XXIV NANCY LEADS THE WAY 185 + XXV CAPTURED 195 + + + + + CHAPTER I + A Rude Visitor + + +“I declare, I don’t know what makes me so nervous this afternoon! I have +the strangest feeling—just as though something were about to happen.” + +As Nancy Drew expressed the thought aloud, she tossed aside a book she +had been trying to read and restlessly crossed the living room to glance +out of the window. She was alone in the big house, for her father, +Carson Drew, had been called out of the city on an important law case +and Hannah Gruen, the housekeeper, had taken her day off. + +Usually, Nancy enjoyed a book, but on this particular afternoon she had +been unable to interest herself in anything. For no apparent reason she +felt nervous and uneasy. + +As she stood at the window, her eyes rested for a moment upon an +old-fashioned mantel clock above the fireplace. The timepiece aroused +pleasant memories, for it had been given to her as a reward for her +service in solving a baffling mystery. Nancy smiled. + +“I know what’s the matter with me,” she told herself. “I’m aching for +another adventure. That’s all the good it will do me, too!” + +With a sigh of resignation, she again settled herself in a comfortable +chair and took up her book. She had read scarcely a page when her +attention was attracted by the sound of a heavy step on the front +veranda. + +The doorbell rang sharply. There was an electric something about the +ring which was arresting, startling. Before Nancy could get up from the +chair, the bell rang a second time. + +She dropped her book and hurried to the door. Opening it, she stood face +to face with a man she had never seen before. + +He was unusually tall and thin with spindling legs which gave him the +appearance of a towering scarecrow. The illusion was heightened by his +clothing, which was ill-fitting and several seasons out of style. Nancy +could not help but notice several grease spots on his coat. However, it +was not the man’s clothing or miserly appearance which repulsed her, but +rather his unpleasant face. He had sharp, piercing eyes which seemed to +bore into her. + +Nancy was permitted but an instant to appraise her visitor, for as she +opened the door he stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. +This rude action somewhat nonplused her, but she was too polite to show +her displeasure. + +“I am Nathan Gombet of Cliffwood,” the man told her bluntly. “I want to +see Carson Drew.” + +“My father isn’t here now,” Nancy explained quietly. + +“Where is he?” + +Nancy did not like the brusque way Nathan Gombet had of asking +questions, but she answered him politely. + +“Out of town on business.” + +“But I must see him.” + +“I’m very sorry,” Nancy returned patiently, “but it is impossible. He +won’t be back until late this evening. If you will come back +to-morrow——” + +“To-morrow won’t do. I want to see him now,” he demanded. + +“Can’t you understand that my father is out of town?” Nancy asked a +trifle tartly, for she was beginning to be irritated. “If you want to +leave a message, I’ll give it to him as soon as he comes in.” + +“I don’t want to leave a message. I came after those papers. Did your +father leave them for me?” + +“I don’t know what papers you mean.” + +“Oh, you don’t, eh? Well, your father knows all right. Just ask him +about Nathan Gombet’s property rights on the river and he’ll tell you +all about the nasty deal he and his friends tried to slip over on me!” + +“What are you talking about?” Nancy demanded sharply. “Have you lost +your senses?” + +“I’ve just come to ’em, that’s what I’ve done. Maybe you don’t know +about it, but I own some property down along the river. Your father +induced me to sell a piece of it at a ridiculously low figure. The land +is worth several times what he paid me for it. I’m not going to let +anyone put over a raw deal like that. I want the deed back or my price, +and Carson Drew is going to give it to me, too!” + +“You don’t know what you are saying,” Nancy said icily. “My father +wouldn’t cheat anyone out of a cent.” + +“Oh, no!” Nathan exclaimed sarcastically. “I suppose he’s in business +for his health!” + +“He’s not in the business of taking what doesn’t belong to him—that’s +certain!” Nancy retorted hotly. “If you have anything coming to you I’m +sure it will be turned over to you just as soon as my father returns.” + +“Just as soon as he returns—that’s good,” Nathan sneered. “Like as not +he’s hiding somewhere in the house this very minute.” + +“How dare you insinuate such a thing?” Nancy cried angrily. “I’m alone +in the house.” + +The instant she had divulged the information, she could have bitten her +tongue. + +“Alone, eh? Well, maybe I was mistaken about your father being here, but +it’s the truth I’ve been telling you about those papers. He cheated me +out of a pile of money.” + +“It isn’t the truth, and you know it! I’ve listened to you just as long +as I intend to. You ought to be ashamed to come here and say such +insulting things about my father. Now I wish you’d go!” + +“I’ll not stir until I get my papers!” + +“I’ve told you I don’t know a thing about your old papers.” + +“They’re here some place. I know they’re in the house.” + +“Will you kindly leave?” + +“Just try to put me out if you think you can!” Nathan Gombet said, with +an unpleasant leer. “You know more about those papers than you let on.” + +“You’re crazy!” Nancy snapped. She was so exasperated that she could not +keep her temper in check. + +Nathan Gombet’s eyes narrowed to mere slits and a cruel look came over +his face. + +“Get those papers for me!” he commanded harshly. + +Nancy was aware that her father sometimes kept valuable papers in his +desk, but she had no intention of handing over any of them to this man. +She had never heard her father mention the documents in question, but +she had no doubt that Gombet was trying to get something which did not +belong to him. Although frightened at the man’s strange conduct, she +faced him boldly. + +“I’ll not give you anything! Now get out of here!” + +“All right, if you’ll not hand over the papers, I’ll just have a look +around for myself.” + +A crafty look had come into the man’s eyes. As he spoke, he moved toward +the study which adjoined the living room. From where he had been +standing, Carson Drew’s desk was in plain sight. + +“Don’t you dare go in there!” Nancy cried indignantly. + +“Oh, so that’s where the papers are? I thought as much!” + +A half dozen long strides took Nathan Gombet across the room and into +the study. Reaching the desk he jerked open a drawer and began pawing +through it. + +“Stop that!” Angrily, Nancy grasped the man by the coat and pulled him +away from the desk. “You get out of here or I’ll call the police!” + +With one vicious jerk, Nathan Gombet freed himself and wheeled upon her. +His face was convulsed with rage and Nancy saw that he was desperate. + +Instinctively, she threw up her hands to ward off a blow. + + + + + CHAPTER II + A Warning of Trouble + + +Nathan Gombet did not strike Nancy Drew, although for an instant it +appeared that he intended to do so. He remained motionless, regarding +her with a hatred he made no effort to conceal. His face was distorted +and he stood in a half-crouched position, like an animal about to pounce +upon its prey. + +Nancy knew that she must act quickly, for she saw the man was beside +himself with rage. Unless she handed over the papers he demanded, she +did not doubt but that he would attempt to do her bodily injury. She +must depend upon her own wits to save her, for there was no one within +calling distance. If only she could reach the telephone! + +As the thought came to her, her eyes rested for a moment on the +instrument. Nathan Gombet saw the look and understood that she intended +to carry out her threat to telephone the authorities. His lips parted in +an ugly snarl. + +“Call the police, will you? Oh, no, my little lady, you won’t do that!” + +He made a vicious lunge for her, but she was too quick for him. As he +reached out to grab her, she stepped to one side and, neatly eluding his +clawlike hands, placed the table between them. She caught up the +telephone receiver. + +Gombet saw that Nancy Drew was not to be bluffed and instantly a change +came over him. The look of anger on his face changed to one of genuine +fear. + +“Don’t telephone,” he begged almost childishly. “I’ll go.” + +Nancy hesitated, undecided in her course. She had no wish to start a +scandal in River Heights by calling the attention of the police to the +threats the man had made, for she realized that the resulting publicity +might not do her father any good. Yet she wondered if she could trust +the man to keep his word. + +“All right, then, go,” she said curtly, without relinquishing her hold +on the telephone. “I’ll give you twenty seconds to get out of here! If I +see you hanging around the house I’ll call the police!” + +Hastily, Nathan Gombet picked up his hat and with a last glance toward +Carson Drew’s desk, turned to leave. Nancy followed him from the study, +watching him closely lest he try to work a trick upon her. + +In the doorway, the man paused and looked back. + +“I’ll have my rights before I get through,” he muttered. “Your father +ain’t seen the last o’ this, not by a jugful!” + +Slamming the door behind him, he tramped across the porch and was gone. +From the living room window Nancy watched him until he disappeared +beyond the corner. + +“I almost wish I’d called the police,” she thought. “The idea of saying +the things he did about Dad! He thought he could scare me into giving +him those papers!” + +The encounter had disturbed her considerably, for she realized that in +Nathan Gombet her father could have a troublesome enemy. She was +convinced that the man was without scruples. Unquestionably, his +accusations were entirely false, but if he spread his story about River +Heights, undiscerning persons might accept it as fact. + +As former district attorney at River Heights, a city in the Middle West, +Carson Drew had built up an enviable reputation for himself, but the +character of his work was such that he had made enemies as well as +staunch friends. Those whom he had antagonized were ever on the lookout +for an opportunity to undermine the reputation he had made for himself. +So far, Carson Drew had more than held his own against unscrupulous +persons, for he was known as a “fighter.” + +Nancy was Carson Drew’s only child, but, though she had been indulged, +she had never been spoiled. She was an unusually pretty girl, fair of +skin with friendly blue eyes and golden curly hair. Her friends declared +that she was as clever as she was attractive. + +Since the death of her mother a number of years before, Nancy had found +it necessary to be resourceful and efficient. Not only had she assumed +the management of the Drew household, but she took a keen interest in +her father’s law cases, especially those which smacked of mystery. She +had been present at a number of interviews with noted detectives, and +her father declared she had a natural talent for digging into +interesting cases. + +Only the summer before, she had taken it upon her own slender shoulders +to solve a mystery which had baffled capable lawyers. When no one could +locate Josiah Crowley’s missing will, Nancy, in an effort to aid Abigail +Rowen and Allie and Grace Horner, had taken over the task herself. Her +thrilling adventures, which included an encounter with robbers, are told +in that first volume of this series, entitled, “The Secret of the Old +Clock.” + +Of late, Nancy Drew had longed for another exciting experience which +would give her an opportunity to use her wits, little dreaming of what +was in store for her. + +Yet, as she turned slowly away from the window after watching Nathan +Gombet vanish down the street, she had a certain premonition of trouble +ahead. + +“If I hadn’t threatened to call the police, that man would have injured +me,” she thought. “I do wish father were here. I want to tell him about +Nathan Gombet and the threat he made. It wouldn’t surprise me if he +should try to make trouble.” + +Nancy was indeed disturbed. Never for an instant did she credit any of +the statements the man had made, but from his appearance and actions, +she was inclined to believe that he would stoop to anything in order to +gain his end. + +“He has some dishonest scheme up his sleeve,” she assured herself. “Dad +will explain everything when he comes home.” + +Try as she would, she could not forget the unpleasant interview. Her +afternoon was completely ruined. In vain she tried to read. After a time +she busied herself with some sewing, but had to rip nearly everything +out. + +“It’s no use,” she sighed. “I can’t keep my mind on what I’m doing. I +wish someone would come home. This house is getting on my nerves!” + +Glancing at the clock, Nancy saw that it was only four o’clock. Hannah +would not return for at least an hour, and she could not expect her +father until late that evening. Folding up her sewing, she arose and +crossed over to the desk. She regarded it speculatively. + +“Gombet said it was a deed he wanted,” she told herself. “If it’s +actually here I think I’d better find it and put it in the safe.” + +She seated herself before the desk and, opening a drawer, began to go +over the papers carefully. As she examined the first document she picked +up, there came a sharp ring of the doorbell. + +So unexpected was the noise that Nancy started. What could it mean? Had +Nathan Gombet returned to make more trouble? + +Quickly thrusting the papers back into the desk, she closed down the top +and locked it. + +Then she made her way resolutely to the front door. + + + + + CHAPTER III + Interesting Information + + +Nancy Drew swung open the heavy oak door, fully expecting to see Nathan +Gombet on the veranda. She had braced herself for another unpleasant +ordeal, but when she saw that her fears were groundless, her face +relaxed into a pleased smile. + +“Allie Horner!” she exclaimed enthusiastically. “What a scare you gave +me!” + +“Meaning that I look a fright?” Allie bantered. + +“Mercy, no! I can’t remember that I ever saw you looking better in your +life.” + +The compliment was a sincere one. In the last few months plenty of good +food and freedom from worry had done wonders for Allie. She had grown +becomingly plump and there were roses in her cheeks. Her eyes were +bright and she seemed to have an overabundance of vitality. + +Nancy could remember the day when she first met Allie Horner and her +sister, Grace. They lived on a farm along the River Road and at the time +were undernourished and beset with financial worries. Through Nancy’s +efforts, the girls had come into an inheritance, and their troubles had +vanished. They still resided on the River Road, but they had used a +portion of their income to modernize the place, with the result that it +was considered a model farm. + +“Do come into the living room, Allie,” Nancy urged cordially. “It’s been +months since I saw you last.” + +“Grace and I don’t get to town very often.” + +“Too busy, I suppose. But I’m so glad you came to-day. I’ve been +lonesome for someone to talk with.” + +“I can’t stay very long, Nancy. I dropped in to give you a little +present.” + +“A present?” + +“Yes, it’s not much of a gift, I’m afraid,” Allie smiled apologetically +as she thrust two packages into Nancy’s hands. “Just a chicken for your +Sunday dinner and two dozen eggs.” + +“Why, that’s a fine gift, Allie! You’re never sure of getting fresh eggs +when you buy them at the grocery store—you have to take the fresh part +on trust. And sometimes your trust is betrayed.” + +“I think you’ll find these eggs fresh. I gathered them this morning.” + +After thanking Allie for the gift, Nancy carried the chicken and the +eggs to the kitchen and placed them in the electrical refrigerator. +Returning to the living room, she pulled her chair up close to Allie’s, +and the two girls settled themselves for a chat. + +“Tell me about everything,” Nancy commanded. “How is your sister?” + +“Oh, Grace is fine, and fairly rolling in wealth,” Allie declared +proudly. “She wanted to come with me this afternoon, but she couldn’t +take the time from her work. Dressmaking has picked up tremendously and +she has more orders than she can fill. You should see her new electric +sewing machine.” + +“I suppose you’ve made a great many changes since I last visited your +place?” + +“Oh, yes. We get a big kick out of landscaping everything. We’ve even +gone in for grand names—we call our place the chicken ranch now. I’ve +had wonderful luck with my Leghorns, and I intend to double my flock +next year.” + +As Allie spoke, her eyes came to rest upon the old-fashioned mantel +clock. + +“Every time I see that old clock I think of how much you did for all of +us,” she said quietly to Nancy. “I wish you would permit Grace and me to +give you a more suitable reward.” + +“But the clock is all I want, really it is,” Nancy protested. + +“You’re the strangest girl I ever knew,” Allie sighed. “Oh, well, I know +it won’t do any good to urge you, so I’ll drop the matter. Tell me about +yourself.” + +“There’s nothing to tell.” + +“Then you’re not involved in any more mysteries?” + +“Not so far as I know,” Nancy laughed. Then the smile faded from her +face and she regarded Allie seriously. “Still, an odd thing did happen +this afternoon, just a few minutes before you arrived.” + +“Tell me about it.” + +“Well, a strange man came to the door and asked to see my father. When I +told him Dad was out of town on important business he didn’t believe me. +He ranted a lot about his ‘property rights on the river,’ whatever that +may mean. He claimed that he had been cheated out of some money. If I +hadn’t threatened to call the police he would have gone through +everything in Dad’s desk.” + +“You have no idea who the man was?” + +“I never saw him before, but he gave his name as Nathan Gombet.” + +“Nathan Gombet?” + +“Yes, do you know him?” + +“Well, rather! He used to buy eggs and chickens from me until I told him +not to come back any more. He’s a regular miser, if ever there was one. +He has a home over in Cliffwood.” + +“I suspected he was a miser from his appearance.” + +“You can’t trust him out of your sight. One day after I had sold him +five dozen eggs I turned my back for a minute and he tried to slip an +extra dozen into the crate!” + +“He claims my father cheated him out of his property rights.” + +Allie laughed shortly. + +“Knowing Nathan as I do, I’d be quicker to think he was trying to cheat +your father. What property does he mean?” + +“I don’t know anything about it except that it’s along the river.” + +“It must be the property that was condemned for the railroad bridge,” +Allie suggested. + +“Did the bridge go up on Gombet’s land?” + +“As I recall it, he sold a strip of land on either side of the river. +Then after the bridge went up he claimed the railroad had built over its +boundary line.” + +“Why didn’t he find that out before the bridge was finished?” + +“Oh, no one believes his claim, Nancy. The land was carefully surveyed, +you know. It’s my personal opinion Nathan Gombet isn’t perfectly right +in his mind.” + +“You mean he’s——” + +“Oh, I wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s crazy, Nancy; but he’s money +mad. It’s an obsession with him that someone is trying to cheat him out +of something. He went nearly daffy when the bridge went up. He even +threatened he’d blow it up if they didn’t pay him his price.” + +“He ought to be arrested. It’s dangerous to have him at large.” + +“Yes, I think so myself. Of course it’s only a rumor about his threat to +blow up the bridge, but I believe he said it all right.” + +“So do I, after the way he acted this afternoon. He’ll bear watching.” + +Allie nodded soberly. + +“You’re going to tell your father, aren’t you?” Allie queried. + +“Oh, yes, just as soon as he gets home.” + +The girls talked for some time and then Allie Horner announced that she +must leave. + +“I have a notion to ride out into the country with you and hike back,” +Nancy told her. “Father won’t be back for several hours yet and I’m +tired of sitting here in the house with nothing to do.” + +“I wish you would come with me,” Allie urged. + +“All right. Wait until I get my hiking boots and I’ll do it!” + +Nancy left the room and soon returned dressed for hiking. After locking +the doors and windows, she left the house with Allie. + +“How do you like our new automobile?” Allie demanded, as she paused in +front of a roadster which was parked at the curbing. “Grace and I bought +it last week.” + +“It’s a beauty,” Nancy replied. “You didn’t tell me about that.” + +“I intended to, but we got to talking about Nathan Gombet and I forgot.” + +The two girls sprang into the roadster and Allie took the wheel. She +drove rather slowly, for as yet she was not perfectly familiar with the +various controls. + +When they came to the Muskoka River Nancy thanked Allie for the ride, +and expressed the intention of hiking back. + +“If I walk right along, I’ll get home before dark,” she assured Allie, +as she stepped from the roadster. + +Nancy Drew watched Allie out of sight, and then struck off at a brisk +pace along the river. + +“A walk will do me good,” she told herself. “It may help me get rid of +my nervousness.” + +Although the day was warm, there was a cool breeze blowing along the +river, and Nancy found the air invigorating. She swung blithely along, +pausing occasionally to skip a tiny stone out into the water or to watch +a school of minnows in the shallows near shore. + +After a time, the path led through thick bushes and tall trees. When she +emerged into the clearing again she saw, less than three hundred yards +ahead of her, a gigantic arc of iron and steel that stretched across the +Muskoka River. It was the first time Nancy had ever seen the new +railroad bridge at close range and she gave a cry of interest. + +Hurrying on, she climbed over a fence which marked the boundary of the +railroad right of way and came to the tracks. There she paused and +surveyed the bridge with awe. + +“It must have cost a mint of money,” she thought. + +As she was considering the remarkable engineering feat which the bridge +represented, a shrill locomotive whistle caused her to wheel about. The +block signal was down and she knew a train was approaching from the +west. + +She moved hastily to a safe distance from the tracks. With a fascination +which was tinged with horror, she watched a long, heavy eastbound flyer +as it roared around the bend and like a mighty monster charged down upon +the railroad bridge. + +“What if Nathan Gombet dared to carry out his threat?” she asked +herself, with a shudder. + +Even after the flyer had clattered safely across the bridge and had +vanished in a cloud of smoke, Nancy could not shake off the uneasy +feeling which had taken possession of her. + +Now that she had viewed the bridge, she had a graphic picture in her +mind of the damage Gombet could accomplish if he were so inclined. As +she turned away and walked slowly on toward her home, she lost herself +in sober reflection. + +“Nathan Gombet is a dangerous man, that’s certain,” she told herself. +“If only there were some way to put him behind prison bars before he +harms anyone!” + + + + + CHAPTER IV + A Second Call + + +It was nearly six o’clock when Nancy Drew reached home after her long +tramp. She ate dinner and then waited impatiently for the arrival of her +father on the evening train. At last she heard his step on the veranda +and ran to meet him. + +“Well, Nancy, how did you make out while I was gone?” Carson Drew asked, +as he dropped his brief case on the table. “Everything go all right?” + +“Oh, Dad, the meanest old man came to see you.” + +Quickly, Nancy poured out the story of her encounter with Nathan Gombet. +Her father listened gravely until she had finished. + +“So he came here to bother you, did he? I’m sorry you’ve worried so much +about it. Next time don’t let him in.” + +“But, Dad, there’s nothing to what he says, is there? You don’t owe him +any money?” + +“Not a cent, Nancy.” + +“That’s what I thought. But why did he make such a fuss?” + +“Because he’s a natural trouble-maker, I guess. You see, some time ago +Gombet’s land was condemned for the railroad right of way. I was on the +land commission and I saw to it that Gombet was well paid. He seemed +satisfied with the deal which was made. But after the bridge went up he +began to pester the commission for more money. Claimed that the bridge +had damaged the rest of his property, and I don’t know what all. I +didn’t pay much attention to his claims because they were ridiculous. +He’s only a sorehead.” + +“He’s been making some ugly threats, Dad. It’s said he talks about +blowing up the bridge.” + +“A man in his right mind wouldn’t go around telling things like that,” +Mr. Drew said, with a troubled frown. “I think I’d better keep an eye on +him.” + +“You’ll be careful, won’t you, Dad?” Nancy pleaded. “I’m sure he means +to do you harm.” + +“Yes, I’ll be cautious,” Carson Drew promised smilingly. “But I’m not +afraid of Nathan Gombet. I know how to handle him. What worries me is +the way he came here bothering you. If he should ever try to harm +you——” + +“Oh, I’ll probably never see him again,” Nancy said lightly. “At least I +hope I never shall.” + +As she spoke, her eyes turned toward the window and what she saw caused +them to dilate in horror. + +“Oh,” she gasped. “There was someone at the window just then! I saw the +face distinctly! It was Nathan Gombet!” + +“You must be mistaken,” Carson Drew protested, as he too glanced toward +the window. + +“No, I’m sure of it, Dad. There’s someone on the porch now.” + +Even at that moment there came a sharp rap on the door. + +“Don’t go,” Nancy whispered. “I know it’s Nathan Gombet and I believe he +means to harm you. He may have a gun.” + +“I may as well see him now and get it over with, Nancy. I’ll not have +him snooping around here!” + +Resolutely, Carson Drew walked to the front door and flung it open. The +light from the living room revealed Nathan Gombet. + +“Well?” Carson Drew demanded. “What do you want here?” + +“You know what I want.” + +“What you want and what you may get are two entirely different matters. +Come in. I have something to say to you.” + +Mr. Drew permitted the man to enter, but did not offer him a chair. He +looked Nathan Gombet straight in the face, but the man could not return +the straightforward gaze. Involuntarily, he lowered his eyes. + +“Tell me what you mean by coming here and bothering my daughter?” Mr. +Drew asked curtly. + +“I came after my just due.” + +“Let me tell you something. If you bother Nancy again I’ll turn you over +to the police. Get that straight!” + +“I want my rights.” + +“Your rights? What do you mean by rights? You’ve had more now than you +deserve.” + +“You cheated me! My land was worth several times what I was paid for it. +Either I want the deed back or I want my price.” + +“So you were trying to get the deed when you rumaged in my desk this +afternoon?” Mr. Drew demanded severely. “Well, Nathan Gombet, it won’t +do you a particle of good if you do get your hands on it.” + +“What do you mean?” + +“It has been recorded.” + +“Then I want my price.” + +“Why, you’re crazy, man,” Carson Drew snapped, with growing impatience; +“the commission gave you your price once, and an exorbitant one it was, +too! If the railroad hadn’t wanted your land you couldn’t have sold it +for a dime.” + +“The railroad had to have my land. I could have had anything I wanted to +ask.” + +“You’re mistaken, Mr. Gombet. Charging all the traffic will bear doesn’t +go any more. Anyway, the bridge could have gone across the river at a +point south of your land without costing the railroad a cent more money. +You were lucky that they bought your property at any price.” + +“The bridge damaged the rest of my land.” + +“Damaged it?” Carson Drew smiled. “In what way?” + +“Well, ah—” Nathan Gombet began to stammer. Then he thought of +something. “The trains scare my horses.” + +“How many horses have you?” + +“Why—er—one.” + +“Oh! You have one horses?” Mr. Drew smiled broadly and Nancy could not +hold back a giggle. + +“Don’t you dare ridicule me!” Gombet snorted. + +“I am not ridiculing you, Mr. Gombet. I am merely trying to bring you to +reason. If I recall correctly, your horse is an old nag that couldn’t +even bat an eye at a train. At all events, your fight is with the +railroad and not with me.” + +“You drew up the papers.” + +“I was merely acting as an agent.” + +“I don’t care what you say. I know you and your scheming friends are +trying to swindle me out of my property!” + +“I don’t know how you came by such a silly idea. The land commission is +very fair in all their dealings. What you ask is most unreasonable. As +far as I am concerned, the matter is closed!” + +“Not much it ain’t! I was swindled out of ten thousand dollars!” + +Carson Drew laughed shortly. + +“It is useless for us to talk further, I see. I am convinced you are +trying to work a graft, but you’ve come to the wrong place this time!” + +“If you don’t give me my money I’ll——” + +“None of your threats!” Mr. Drew cut him off sharply. “Now get out of +here!” + +“Give me my money.” + +“Not a cent.” + +“That’s final?” + +“Absolutely.” + +Nathan Gombet faced Carson Drew with clenched fists and his features +were distorted by rage. Nancy, who stood a short distance away, was +fearful lest he attack her father. But Mr. Drew showed no signs of +flinching, and Gombet was not overburdened with courage. He preferred to +obtain his ends by underhand methods. + +He turned abruptly toward the door, but before he reached it he wheeled +upon Carson Drew again. Nancy thought that he looked like a wild animal +making its last stand. + +“Take warning, Carson Drew,” he muttered. “If I don’t get my money, I’ll +do something desperate!” + +With that he slammed the door and vanished into the night. + +“Oh, Dad, what did he mean by that?” Nancy cried, as soon as the door +had closed behind the man. “I’m afraid he’ll do something +terrible—perhaps blow up the railroad bridge.” + +“I don’t believe he’d dare attempt that, Nancy. Nathan Gombet isn’t a +very courageous man.” + +“Then he’ll try something underhanded. I know he will!” + +“You may be right about that, Nancy. He’s obsessed with an idea, and +there’s no talking him out of it.” + +“An idea! I’d call it a mania!” + +“Perhaps that’s a better word to describe his state of mind.” + +“I’m afraid he’ll try to harm you, Dad.” + +“I’m not afraid of him, Nancy.” + +“I know you’re not, but he’s a tricky sort of enemy to have. Promise me +you’ll be careful, won’t you?” + +“I’ll promise, Nancy. Now, don’t worry about it any more. Nothing will +come of the threat, I am sure.” + +Mr. Drew picked up the evening paper and began to read as unconcernedly +as though nothing had happened. Nancy found it impossible to follow her +father’s example. She was dreadfully worried, for she was afraid her +father did not consider Nathan Gombet seriously. Oh, how she did hope he +would be cautious! + + + + + CHAPTER V + Strange Happenings + + +With the passing days, nothing more was heard of Nathan Gombet, and +Nancy Drew began to grow easier in her mind. After all, his threat had +been nothing more than bluff, she assured herself. Probably she would +never see him again. + +But as she became less vigilant, she could not know that Nathan Gombet +was plotting revenge. Happy in her false security, Nancy forgot about +the man and turned her thoughts into more pleasant channels. + +“I believe I’ll call on Abigail Rowen this afternoon,” she told her +father one day at the luncheon table. “I haven’t seen her for months and +I’m curious to know how she is getting along.” + +“You’ll be back before dark?” + +“Oh, yes, I’ll be gone only a few hours.” + +As soon as luncheon was over, Nancy backed her blue roadster from the +double garage and set off for Abigail Rowen’s cottage, which was several +miles from River Heights. + +Approaching the house, she was pleased to observe that there had been +many changes in the last few months. The former description of the +place, “the worst looking house on the road,” no longer applied. + +The cottage had received a fresh coat of white paint and the shutters +were a gay green. The old picket fence had been torn entirely away, as +had the old plank walk which led to the house. In its place there was a +new one of concrete. The yard was well kept, and at the rear of the +cottage Nancy saw a man working in a vegetable garden. + +“I hope I’ll find Abigail well,” she thought, as she parked her roadster +and walked toward the house. + +She rapped firmly upon the door. As she waited for someone to answer the +knock she could not help but recall the first time she had called upon +Abigail Rowen. The old woman had been confined to her bed with injuries +received from a bad fall, and Nancy had found her in a deplorable +condition. There was little food or money with which to buy it, and +Abigail had firmly refused medical attention because she could not pay +for it. + +It was through Nancy’s instigation that she had received her inheritance +from the Crowley estate and she had wisely devoted a portion of the +money to medical service. + +Nancy’s thoughts were cut short as the door was opened by an old woman +in a black silk dress. It was Abigail Rowen, and she beamed when she saw +her visitor. + +“Well, I declare, if it isn’t Nancy Drew!” she exclaimed, with evident +pleasure. “Do come in and sit a spell.” + +“How is your hip now?” Nancy inquired solicitously, as she followed Miss +Rowen. + +“It ain’t hurt me for going on two months now. I still limp a bit, but +the doctor says I’ll soon get over that.” + +“You’re looking much better than when I saw you last.” + +“And I’m feeling better too. Things looked mighty black for a while and +I didn’t much care whether I lived or died. I owe everything to you.” + +“Oh, not at all,” Nancy said quickly. + +As she entered the living room she saw that Abigail had another visitor. + +“Rosemary, we were just speaking about Nancy Drew,” Miss Rowen said by +way of introduction. “Well, here she is. One of the finest girls you +ever set eyes on.” The old woman turned to Nancy. “I want you to meet my +friend, Rosemary Turnbull. She came over from Cliffwood to see me +to-day.” + +Graciously, Nancy acknowledged the introduction. Rosemary Turnbull was +an elderly maiden lady, tall and a trifle too thin, but not at all +severe-looking in spite of her clothing. She wore an old-fashioned +dress, long and wide of skirt and high in the neck, but she had a kind +face, and Nancy was instantly attracted to her. + +“Nancy is just the girl to help you out of your difficulties, Rosemary,” +Abigail said significantly. “She helped me get my inheritance and I know +she’ll help you if you ask her.” + +“Certainly, I’ll help anyone I can,” Nancy agreed pleasantly. “What is +it?” + +“Well, I hardly know how to tell you,” Rosemary Turnbull began. She +laughed unsteadily. “It seems I’m living in a haunted house.” + +“A haunted house?” Nancy cried. + +“Well, of course it isn’t really haunted. I don’t believe in ghosts and +things like that.” She lowered her voice. “But the strangest things have +been happening lately.” + +“What sort of things?” Nancy asked, with interest. + +“Mostly little things. But after a while they get on your nerves. You +see, I live in an old stone house in Cliffwood——” + +“Alone?” Nancy interrupted. + +“Oh, no. My twin sister Floretta lives with me. Our house, which is +generally known as The Mansion, was built before civil war time, so you +can imagine how old it is.” She laughed nervously. “A wonderful setting +for a ghost story, isn’t it?” + +“Go on,” Nancy begged. + +“Floretta and I have lived there for thirty years and we’ve never been +disturbed until recently. Just the last few weeks things have happened +which we can’t explain. We hear strange noises at night.” + +“In the attic?” + +“Not exactly. We hear sounds in all parts of the house.” + +“You’re sure it isn’t mice?” + +“Oh, mercy, it couldn’t be mice or rats.” Rosemary was horrified at the +thought. “Floretta and I are very particular about anything like that. +There isn’t a mouse in our house.” + +“Tell her about the flies,” Abigail prompted. + +“Our house is just filled with them now,” Rosemary declared. “And until +lately we never had them at all. I can’t understand it.” + +“So far your trouble doesn’t sound very alarming,” and Nancy smiled. +“Probably there is a screen off some place.” + +Rosemary shook her head firmly. + +“We thought the same, so we made a thorough inspection. And we’re very +particular to keep the doors and windows closed.” + +“Tell her about the shadows,” Abigail encouraged. + +“We see strange shadows on the walls,” Rosemary went on. A note of fear +had crept into her voice now. + +“What sort of shadows?” + +“Floretta thought she saw a human shadow one night. She’s beginning to +think the place is haunted. I don’t put any stock in that theory, but +I’ll admit things are beginning to get on my nerves.” + +“That would be enough to get on anyone’s nerves.” Nancy was sympathetic. + +“And music! One night only last week I distinctly heard someone playing +on a stringed instrument. It was enough to set my teeth on edge. +Floretta says she’ll be a nervous wreck if she stays in the house +another week. She didn’t want me to leave her alone even for a few hours +this afternoon. She wants me to consent to sell the house.” + +“And you don’t wish to do that?” + +“No. The Mansion has been in the Turnbull family for decades and you +can’t blame me for not wanting to turn it over to a stranger. I don’t +take much stock in ghosts and the like. I can’t believe the house is +haunted.” + +“Tell her about the spoon,” Abigail prompted. + +“There isn’t anything particular to tell. One morning we found a silver +spoon missing.” + +“Are you sure it couldn’t have been misplaced?” Nancy inquired. + +“Floretta and I searched everywhere. We didn’t think so much about it +until we missed the pocketbook.” + +“You lost a pocketbook, too?” + +“Yes. Only yesterday morning we discovered a purse was missing.” + +“This begins to look serious. Was there anything of value in it?” + +“Nothing except a little money. Eight dollars and fourteen cents, as I +remember.” + +“You keep no servants?” + +“Floretta and I have done our own work for years. We have a man to take +care of the yard.” + +“How long has he been in your employ?” + +“Oh, for eight or ten years. He’s perfectly honest. We know he wouldn’t +touch a thing.” + +“Have you noticed any prowlers about the house?” Nancy questioned next. + +“No, I’ve seen no one except an old organ grinder, and you couldn’t +class him as a prowler.” + +“Still, his monkey might have climbed in a window and taken the +articles,” Nancy suggested. + +“I only noticed the organ grinder around two days, and it wasn’t on +those days that we missed things. Anyway, all of the windows are +screened.” + +“Then that theory won’t work,” Nancy said, with a troubled frown. + +“And it doesn’t explain the strange shadows on the walls at night,” +Rosemary added. + +“No. I’m afraid we must look for another explanation.” + +“I’m more troubled about the shadows than anything else. It’s getting to +a point where I don’t feel safe to sleep in my own bed. I don’t know +where it will all end. Floretta says she won’t stay in the house another +week if things go on as they have been, and I can’t say that I blame +her. If only something could be done before it’s too late!” + +“Nancy will help you,” Abigail Rowen declared confidently. + +“You will, won’t you?” Rosemary pleaded. + +“I don’t know whether I can or not,” Nancy said doubtfully. “I’m +tremendously interested in your story and I’d like to visit The Mansion +some time.” + +“Oh, when can you come?” Rosemary asked eagerly. “The sooner the +better.” + +Nancy Drew glanced thoughtfully at the watch on her wrist. + +“I have my roadster outside. If you wish, I could drive you to your home +now and stop there before returning to River Heights.” + +“Oh, if you only will! Floretta will be so grateful! I don’t like to +give up the house, but things are becoming unbearable. I am sure you can +help us.” + +“I’ll do my best to solve the mystery,” Nancy smiled as she arose from +her chair. “But I’m not in the least confident. I have a suspicion that +your ghost isn’t going to be very easy to capture.” + + + + + CHAPTER VI + The Ghost Calls Again + + +Nancy Drew said good-bye to Abigail Rowen and, after promising to call +again soon, left the cottage with Rosemary Turnbull. + +“It’s nice of you to offer to take me to The Mansion,” Rosemary +remarked, as she stepped into the blue roadster. “I came by bus you +know, and it’s a slow, tiresome ride that way. Floretta will be +delighted to see me back home earlier than I had planned.” + +“Is your sister inclined to be nervous?” + +“Oh, yes. The slightest thing sets her off. She wouldn’t stay at The +Mansion alone at night for anything in the world.” + +“I don’t wonder she is nervous. So many strange things have happened +there.” + +“Floretta is certain The Mansion is haunted. I keep telling myself I +don’t believe in ghosts, and I don’t—but those shadows!” Rosemary +shuddered. “There’s something uncanny about it.” + +From the general conversation Nancy Drew had gathered that Rosemary +Turnbull was not the type of woman to be easily frightened. She was +eager to visit the old stone house, for she felt that she had +encountered a genuine mystery. + +“Have you told anyone about the strange happenings?” she inquired +presently. + +Rosemary shook her head. + +“Only the sheriff, and he just sniffed. Seemed to think someone was +playing a joke on us. To-day I told Abigail Rowen, but otherwise I +haven’t mentioned it to a soul. You see, I thought that if we should +want to sell, the rumor that the house was haunted wouldn’t help the +sale.” + +“Hardly,” Nancy replied. “But you don’t wish to sell, do you?” + +“Only as a last resort.” + +Nancy drove rapidly, for the hour was late and she feared that unless +she hurried she would not reach her home before dark. When at last she +did reach Cliffwood it was nearly dusk. + +Rosemary directed her to The Mansion, which was located in an isolated +spot on the outskirts of Cliffwood. Through the tall oak and maple trees +which partially hid the house from the road, Nancy Drew caught her first +glimpse of the place. She was a little startled, for with its two large +turrets at the front, the Turnbull residence was not unlike a ruined +castle. + +It was a large, massive structure, built of white stone which, with the +passing of the decades, had blackened and crumbled. Undoubtedly, in +years gone by it had deserved the title of “mansion,” but now it could +boast little of its old glory. With the ebb of the Turnbull fortune, the +house had fallen into decay. + +As Nancy drove up the winding driveway she could not help but notice the +ghostlike shadows which the trees, swaying in the breeze, cast on the +stone walls. A feeling of uneasiness came over her, a sensation which +she was at a loss to explain. + +“There’s something creepy about the place,” she thought. “As Miss +Rosemary said, it’s a perfect habitat for a ghost.” + +Nancy was not superstitious and certainly she did not believe in ghosts, +but it seemed to her that the very air about the old place was +oppressive. Perhaps Rosemary Turnbull had experienced the same +sensation, for she turned her eyes toward the second story. + +“I don’t see a light in Floretta’s room,” she observed. “I do hope +nothing has happened while I have been away.” + +Nancy stopped the roadster in front of the house and Rosemary alighted. + +“You’re coming in, aren’t you?” she inquired hopefully. + +Nancy hesitated. + +“I intended to, but it’s growing so late. I promised father I’d be home +before dark.” + +“It’s only a short way to River Heights from here. Floretta will be +disappointed if you don’t come in for a few minutes at least. I want you +to hear her version of the mystery.” + +“I am eager to hear it, too,” Nancy declared, switching off the motor. +“All right, I’ll come in even if it is late. Dad will forgive me this +time.” + +Rosemary fitted her latchkey into the lock and opened the heavy front +door. + +“We’ve thought it best to keep the house locked the last few weeks,” she +explained. + +As Nancy Drew stepped inside she noticed that the entire house had the +appearance of having been built in more opulent times than the present. +The rooms were spacious, especially the living room which was furnished +with old-fashioned Colonial furniture. The walls were adorned with +massive, gold-framed portraits, obviously of ancestors of the Turnbull +line. + +As Nancy gazed at the pictures she realized that once the Turnbulls had +been the leading family in Cliffwood. They had been a proud family, but +with Rosemary and Floretta the line would die out. Little remained of a +fortune which had once been large. Rosemary and Floretta, while not +poor, had an income only sufficient for their needs. Yet because they +were the last of the Turnbulls, they were welcome in the best of +society. + +“My great great grandfather,” Rosemary commented, indicating one of the +pictures which had attracted Nancy’s interest. “He fought in the +Revolution. I am sure if he were living to-day no ghost would dare +invade The Mansion,” and Rosemary smiled slightly. + +Nancy did not reply, for at that moment an elderly lady came hurrying +down the stairway to the living room. In appearance she closely +resembled Rosemary, though she lacked her sister’s firm chin. Nancy knew +at once that it was Floretta. She saw, too, that something had disturbed +the woman, for she was so agitated that she failed to note the presence +of a visitor. + +“Oh, Rosemary,” she burst out, “why did you leave me here alone? I knew +something terrible would happen!” + +“Floretta, you—you haven’t seen anything?” Rosemary demanded shakily. + +“It’s my diamond bar pin! It’s gone!” + +“Oh, Floretta, are you sure? Perhaps you misplaced it.” + +“No, it’s gone. I’ve looked everywhere. Oh, what shall I do? I can’t +bear to lose it!” Floretta turned and saw Nancy for the first time. She +made a valiant attempt to compose herself. “I beg your pardon,” she said +somewhat stiffly. + +Rosemary introduced Nancy Drew and explained that the young girl had +offered to help solve the baffling mystery. + +“You’ve come just in time,” Floretta declared. “Oh, if only you can tell +me what became of my bar pin! It was an heirloom. We’ve had it in the +family for years.” + +“When did you have it last?” Nancy asked quietly. + +“Only this afternoon. I was dressing in my room and was just completing +my toilet when I heard the iceman at the back door. I dropped my bar pin +on the dresser and hurried downstairs to let him into the kitchen.” + +“Were you gone long?” Nancy interrupted. + +“Only a few minutes. Not more than ten at the most. When I came back my +pin was gone!” + +“Are you certain it didn’t drop to the floor, or perhaps fall behind the +dresser?” + +“Oh, I’ve looked everywhere!” Floretta sank into a chair and buried her +head in her hands. “I’m just sick about it. I wouldn’t have lost it for +anything in the world.” + +Rosemary went to her sister and tried to comfort her. + +“We’ll find the pin, Floretta. I’m sure it will turn up somewhere.” + +She spoke with confidence but nevertheless turned uneasy eyes upon +Nancy. + +“Perhaps a bird flew in at an open window and took the pin,” Nancy +suggested. + +“Oh, I’m sure that couldn’t have happened,” Floretta insisted. “But if +you’d like to see the room I’ll be glad to show it to you.” + +She led the way up the narrow circular stairs and Nancy and Rosemary +followed. Floretta’s room was in the east wing. + +“Is this the top floor?” Nancy questioned. + +“The attic is above,” Rosemary responded. She attempted to smile. +“There’s no ghost up there, though. I know, because I looked myself.” + +Floretta’s room was small. Nancy noticed that it had only one door which +opened into the hall. There were two windows, both screened. + +“I left the pin right here,” Floretta said, indicating the dressing +table. “A bird couldn’t have taken it.” + +“I see now,” Nancy said quietly. + +She crossed the room and examined the screens carefully. Apparently they +had not been touched, for an accumulation of dust was undisturbed. + +“I know someone entered my room while I was talking with the iceman,” +Floretta declared firmly. “Oh, I don’t want to stay in this horrible +house another night!” + +“It’s apparent no one entered by means of the windows,” Nancy said +quietly. “Tell me, from where you stood in the kitchen could you see the +stairway?” + +“Why, I could have if I had looked, I suppose. The kitchen door was +open.” + +“You saw no one go up the stairs?” + +“Not a soul. But someone might have entered the house when I had my back +turned.” + +“Weren’t the doors locked?” + +“Yes, I had forgotten that.” + +“And if anyone had gone up those stairs wouldn’t you have heard them?” + +“I think I would have,” Floretta admitted. “The stairs are old and they +creak.” + +“Then how did the thief get in?” Rosemary cried. “Floretta’s bar pin +couldn’t have walked off by itself!” + +“I wish I could tell you what became of the pin, but I can’t,” Nancy +said regretfully. “I’m as puzzled as you are.” + +As she spoke she turned and for the first time noticed a closet door. +Was it possible that the thief had entered the house early in the day +and had hidden in the closet, biding an opportune time to snatch the +pin? + +Floretta divined Nancy’s thought and a look of horror came over her +face. + +“Oh, you don’t suppose someone has been spying upon us?” she demanded +fearfully. “I never once thought of that closet! What if there’s someone +in there now?” + +Rosemary laughed nervously. + +“Don’t be silly, Floretta.” + +However, she eyed the closet door with misgiving and made no effort to +investigate. + +“Just to make sure there’s no one inside I’ll have a look,” Nancy +remarked. + +She crossed the room and paused before the closet door. Hesitating only +an instant, she jerked it open. + + + + + CHAPTER VII + What Can It Mean! + + +“Empty!” Nancy Drew announced, as she flung open the closet door and +looked carefully inside. “There’s no one here now, at least!” + +Floretta, who had been clinging to her sister, relaxed her hold, but +continued to gaze uneasily about the bedroom as though expecting to find +the thief in plain sight. + +“I’m afraid it’s a case for the police,” Nancy said thoughtfully. + +“Oh, we don’t want to call them,” Rosemary protested quickly. “They will +only laugh.” + +“We talked to them once about strange things that have been going on +here, and they weren’t interested. They seemed to think someone was +trying to play a joke on us, and they didn’t even send a man to +investigate,” Floretta added. + +“If only you will take the case, Miss Drew,” Rosemary begged, “we’ll be +glad to pay you well for your work.” + +“But I’m not a detective,” Nancy protested + +“We heard about the clever way you helped the Horner girls and Abigail +Rowen. Surely, you can help us. We need help so desperately.” + +“I’ll be glad to do anything I can,” Nancy promised willingly. “But of +course I’ll not take money.” + +“But it wouldn’t be fair of us to ask you——” + +“I am really tremendously interested in the mystery. I’ll have a lot of +fun trying to solve it. Whether I can do it or not is another matter. +There really are no clues with which to start. If I could spend a night +or so here——” + +“You’re more than welcome to come and visit us if you will,” Rosemary +told her. + +“But you come at your own risk,” Floretta added. + +“I’ll talk with father this evening and ask him if I may come,” Nancy +promised. + +“How will you notify us?” Floretta asked. “We have no telephone.” + +“Oh, I’ll send a note. I think it wise not to advertise the real purpose +of my visit.” + +“A good idea,” Rosemary agreed. “Floretta and I will take care not to +mention it to anyone.” + +Nancy glanced at her watch. + +“I must dash for home now, or father will be worried to death.” + +Hastily saying good-bye, she left the house and sprang into her +roadster. In a few minutes she had reached the main road and was driving +swiftly toward River Heights. + +“I’ve certainly struck a real mystery,” she mused thoughtfully, as she +drove along the smooth road. “The Mansion is haunted all right, but it’s +haunted by a flesh and blood ghost unless I miss my guess!” + +Nancy Drew had no theory which would explain the strange happenings at +The Mansion, but, if her father granted permission, she planned to stay +several days at the house and investigate everything thoroughly. What +the search would reveal she had no idea, but she felt certain she would +unearth valuable clues. + +“I’ll go home and try to piece things together,” she told herself. +“That’s what a regular detective would do!” + +It was after dark when Nancy finally reached home. She flashed into the +garage with a skill born of long practice, and hurried guiltily toward +the house. As she had expected, her father had reached home ahead of +her. + +“Nancy, I’ve been worried about you,” he began. + +“Don’t scold,” Nancy begged. “I tried not to break my promise, but I +couldn’t help it this time. Oh, I had the most exciting afternoon!” + +“But exciting adventures are hard on poor old Dad,” Mr. Drew chided. +“When you didn’t get back I thought perhaps you had had car trouble on +the road. I was about ready to start after you.” + +“I’m terribly sorry. Honestly, I am.” + +Nancy looked so genuinely sorry that Carson Drew promptly forgave her. + +“Tell me about your adventure,” he suggested. + +“Oh, I met two of the dearest ladies. They’re rather eccentric but, oh, +so charming and nice.” + +“And you call that an adventure!” and Mr. Drew smiled. + +“Of course not. I haven’t reached the adventure part of it yet. These +ladies live in a haunted house. Of course it isn’t really haunted, but +strange things are going on there, and they want me to find out what’s +what.” Breathlessly, Nancy poured out her words. + +“Not so fast,” Carson Drew stopped her. “I can’t make head or tail of +what you are saying. You met two ladies who live in a haunted house +which really isn’t haunted. That doesn’t make sense.” + +“Oh, you lawyers are so particular about facts,” Nancy sighed. + +Beginning at the first of the story, she related everything which had +happened at the Turnbull mansion. Her father listened quietly until she +had finished. + +“I’ve heard a great deal about the Turnbull sisters,” he remarked. “They +come from an excellent family. I believe The Mansion has belonged to the +Turnbulls ever since it was built.” + +“It would be a tragedy to Miss Rosemary and Miss Floretta if they had to +sell the place now, Dad. I want so badly to help them. They have invited +me to visit them, and I’d like to do it. May I?” + +“I don’t know what to say, Nancy. From what you’ve told me I am inclined +to believe there may be danger in visiting that house.” + +“I’ll be careful, Dad. It won’t be any worse for me to sleep in that +house than it is for Rosemary and Floretta Turnbull.” + +“But you’re my daughter.” + +“If you had been assigned to the case you wouldn’t hesitate to stay +there at night, would you?” + +“No,” Carson Drew admitted reluctantly, for he saw that Nancy was neatly +cornering him. + +“And you’ve often said you wanted me to grow up self-reliant and brave.” + +Carson Drew threw up his hands in resignation. + +“You win, Nancy. Your eloquence would convince a jury.” + +“When may I go?” + +“Well, let me see. This is Monday.” Mr. Drew considered the desk +calendar. “I’ll be leaving for Chicago myself Thursday——” + +“You’re going to Chicago? I didn’t know that.” + +“Yes, on a business trip. The matter just came up this afternoon. I’ll +be gone about a week.” He looked speculatively at Nancy. “Wouldn’t you +like to go along?” + +“Oh, of course, but if I do I wouldn’t get to visit the Turnbull +sisters.” + +“Are you willing to give up the trip for the chance to ferret out this +mystery?” + +“Oh, yes.” + +Carson Drew sighed. + +“I guess you’re a born detective, Nancy. Well, since your heart is set +on it I’ll give my consent. You may visit the Turnbulls while I am +gone.” + +“A whole week?” + +“Yes, if you like.” + +“Goody! Goody!” Nancy pranced wildly about the room. + +Carson Drew laughed. + +“I hope you catch the ghost if it will make you happy.” Then the smile +faded from his lips. “You’ll not run into danger?” + +“Not if I see it first.” + +“Seriously, Nancy, you’ll be careful, won’t you?” + +“Of course.” + +Carson Drew crossed the room and paused in front of his desk. Unlocking +a drawer he took out a shiny object and handed it to his daughter. + +“Your revolver, Dad!” + +“Yes, I want you to take it with you.” + +“But I sha’n’t need it.” + +“I hope not. But it pays to be prepared. I’ll feel better if I know you +have it. The Mansion ghost may turn out to be a livelier one than we +expect.” + +Carson Drew spoke half-jestingly, little suspecting that his observation +was a true prophecy. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + The Warning + + +The next two days following her visit to Cliffwood, Nancy Drew went +about the house in a preoccupied state. Alternately quiet and talkative, +she was never without an air of suppressed excitement. + +In an attempt to strike a plausible explanation for the strange +happenings at The Mansion, she reviewed every detail of the story +related by the Turnbull sisters. + +“It’s possible the shadows on the wall at night could have been caused +by the wind blowing the trees,” she told herself. “Still, Rosemary is a +practical woman and I’m sure she wouldn’t be frightened by a thing like +that.” + +Before she had visited The Mansion with Rosemary, Nancy had been +inclined to suspect that someone was playing a practical joke on the +Turnbull sisters, but the loss of the diamond bar pin made such a theory +seem unlikely. Without doubt, someone had stolen the pin, but in what +manner, she was unable to guess. Apparently, it had vanished into thin +air. + +The longer Nancy reflected on the mystery the more certain she was that +a sinister hand was behind everything. However, she refrained from +disclosing this thought to her father lest he reconsider his promise and +refuse her permission to visit the old house during the week he was to +spend in Chicago. + +Carson Drew planned to leave on Thursday. Nancy had written a note to +the Turnbull sisters telling them to expect her on Saturday morning. She +had taken care not to mention the approaching visit to anyone save her +father, and even Hannah Gruen was in ignorance concerning her plans. + +On the day set for Mr. Drew’s departure, Nancy helped him pack his bag, +and then shortly before train time took him to the railroad station in +her roadster. + +“When shall I expect you home?” Nancy inquired, as they stood on the +platform waiting for the train. + +“A week from to-day. If you would like me to, I’ll stop at Cliffwood on +my return trip. Your story has aroused my interest, Nancy. I’m curious +to have a look at that old stone mansion.” + +“Oh, I wish you would stop for me,” Nancy declared enthusiastically. She +glanced carefully about to see that no one was within hearing distance. +“If I haven’t solved the mystery by that time you’ll help me, won’t +you?” + +“Of course I’ll do anything I can, but from what you’ve told me it +sounds like a tough case. I’m not sure that I’ll be able to solve it +myself. However, if you fail, I’ll try it.” + +The conversation was cut short as a shrill whistle announced the +approach of the train. + +“I’ll telegraph you the exact hour of my arrival in Cliffwood,” he said +hastily. + +“The Turnbulls live some distance from the railroad station, so I’ll +meet you in the car,” Nancy promised. + +“And remember—don’t run into danger.” + +The heavy passenger train came pounding and clanging into the station, +and Mr. Drew picked up his bag. Kissing Nancy good-bye, he made a dash +for the Pullman cars, which were at the rear of the train, far down the +track. + +Nancy waited until the train pulled out and then slowly made her way +back to the automobile. Now that her father had actually departed, she +felt lonesome. + +“I may as well stop at Helen Corning’s before I go home,” she decided as +she stepped into the roadster. Helen Corning had been her chum for +years. + +Accordingly, she called at the home of her chum and was pleased to find +her there. Helen promptly tempted her into a lively game of tennis, and +before Nancy realized it, the afternoon was nearly gone. + +“You must stay for dinner,” Helen urged. “It won’t be any fun eating at +home all alone.” + +“But Hannah is expecting me.” + +“We can telephone her.” + +“Oh, all right,” Nancy gave in. + +Not only did she stay for dinner, but she remained during the evening, +for Helen would not permit her to go. + +“Remember the fun we had at Moon Lake last summer?” Helen asked her. +“You know, I never did entirely forgive you for cheating me out of a +share in your adventure. Why didn’t you tell me you were going to chase +robbers that day when you left camp?” + +“I didn’t know it myself then.” + +“Well, if you ever stumble upon another mystery, I want you to take me +in on it!” + +Nancy was on the verge of telling Helen about her proposed trip to The +Mansion, but she could not bring herself to the point of revealing the +secret. Helen’s intentions were of the best, but she was a natural born +gossip and Nancy doubted that it would be possible for her to keep the +matter to herself. + +“It might do a great deal of harm if it were rumored why I am leaving +town,” she thought. “No, I’ll tell Helen after I return.” + +It was late when Nancy reached home and the housekeeper had retired. + +“I’m too sleepy to pack my bag to-night,” she decided as she locked the +doors and windows. “I’ll do it the first thing in the morning.” + +But in the morning there were other matters which claimed Nancy’s +attention. She had promised the housekeeper a week’s vacation during her +visit in Cliffwood, and before the house could be closed there were many +things to be done. The entire day had slipped away almost before she +realized it. + +“Miss Nancy, if you don’t mind, I’ll go to a moving picture show with my +sister,” the housekeeper said to her after the dinner dishes had been +cleared away. + +“Why, of course, Hannah,” she agreed generously. “I don’t mind in the +least. I’ll be busy with my packing.” + +As soon as Hannah had left the house, Nancy went directly to her room +and began sorting out the dresses that she planned to take with her to +The Mansion. It was ten minutes after eleven when she finished. + +“There, I guess that’s all,” she decided. “Oh, no, I’ve forgotten the +revolver Dad gave me. I must take that!” + +She hurried downstairs and went directly to the desk where the revolver +had been left. But with her hand on the drawer, Nancy hesitated. + +Uneasily, she glanced about the room. For a reason she could not +explain, she felt that someone was watching her. + +“I guess my nerves are getting jumpy,” she thought. “I do wish Hannah +would come home.” + +Upon impulse, she moved toward the window. As she took a step forward, +she thought she heard a step on the porch. Was it only imagination or +was someone really prowling about the house? + +Before she could make a move to investigate, the doorbell rang sharply. + +Nancy started. + +“It must be Hannah,” she assured herself. “Probably she forgot her key.” + +But as she crossed the room she distinctly heard the steps creak under +the weight of some person. Hesitating but an instant, she opened the +door. + +There was no one in sight. Wonderingly, Nancy stepped out upon the +veranda and glanced up and down the street. + +“That’s strange,” she murmured uncomfortably. + +She went to the edge of the porch and peered in the direction of the +hedge. Was it possible someone was hiding in the bushes? A careful +survey disclosed no human form. + +As she turned to go inside the house, her eyes fell upon a white +envelope near the door. Curiously, Nancy picked it up and held it to the +light. + +“Why, it’s addressed to me!” she gasped in astonishment, as she made out +the bold scrawl. + +Hastily entering the house and closing the door behind her, Nancy Drew +ripped open the envelope. As she scanned the note, the color faded from +her face. + +“An anonymous message!” she whispered. “Someone has sent me a +threatening letter!” + + + + + CHAPTER IX + The Anonymous Message + + +Nancy Drew sank down upon the davenport and studied the note which had +just been delivered at her door. The message was brief, but its words +carried an import of veiled violence which mystified and frightened her. +It read: + + “Be warned in time. Keep away from the Turnbull house.” + +The threatening communication was unsigned but was written in a bold +scrawl, and, Nancy fancied, was unmistakably the handwriting of a man. + +“Who could have sent it?” she asked herself, in amazement. “Why, I’ve +taken special pains not to let anyone know I am going to the Turnbull +house. Even Hannah doesn’t know I am to visit there.” + +How could anyone have learned of her plans? Nancy Drew turned this +question over in her mind as she sat propped up with pillows in a corner +of the big davenport, the very picture of a pretty girl in a brown study +over some knotty problem. The more she thought about it, the knottier +her problem became, for she had communicated with Rosemary and Floretta +by writing, and unless her note to them had been intercepted in the +mail, there was no way, to her knowledge, that the information could +have become known to a third person. + +“I’m almost tempted to believe in ghosts myself,” she thought. “It’s +positively uncanny!” She reflected a moment and then chuckled: “But, +anyway, I don’t believe the ghost is a very brave one, or he wouldn’t be +afraid to have me on his trail.” + +As she considered the possibility of danger connected with her visit to +the old mansion, the smile faded from her face and all facetious +thoughts about ghosts passed from her mind. The note had frightened her, +but it had not deterred her in her purpose to do all within her power to +solve the mystery surrounding The Mansion. Nancy possessed the fighting +instincts of her father, and it would take more than a threat to keep +her away from the Turnbull house. She was convinced that underhand work +was going on at The Mansion and she was determined to expose it if it +were possible to do so. + +“I think Dad was wise to suggest that I take his revolver,” she told +herself. “And I’ll take plenty of ammunition, too! Enough to annihilate +an army! Though, truth to tell, I don’t know whether I could hit the +broad side of a barn or not.” + +Getting up from the davenport, Nancy crossed over to the desk, and with +a glance at the window shades to see that they were down, removed the +revolver from the drawer. Taking it upstairs, she placed it carefully in +her traveling bag. As she started back down the stairs, she heard a +light step on the porch. + +She paused and listened. + +“I wonder if I’m to get another note?” flashed through her mind. + +Before she could move forward, the door opened and Hannah Gruen came in. + +“Oh, it’s you,” Nancy murmured in relief. + +“Why, yes. Who did you think it was?” + +“Well, I didn’t know,” and Nancy smiled. “I wouldn’t have been much +surprised if a ghost had walked in.” + +“A ghost?” Hannah asked in alarm. “What do you mean?” + +“Oh, nothing,” Nancy assured her hastily. “I was only joking.” + +Before the housekeeper could question her further, the girl said good +night and retreated to her bedroom. + +“I’ll not let that anonymous note disturb my sleep,” she told herself +resolutely, as she tumbled into bed, “and to-morrow I’ll start for The +Mansion just as I planned.” + +After she had finished her breakfast the next morning, Nancy Drew took +leave of the housekeeper, and, closing up the house, started off for +Cliffwood in her roadster. + +There was not a sign of life about the old stone house as she drove up, +and she began to wonder if anything had happened to Rosemary and +Floretta since her last visit. + +However, before she could lift the knocker on the front door, Rosemary +greeted her. + +“I saw you coming up the drive. Oh, you don’t know how glad we are that +you have come!” she declared cordially. “You see, we were afraid you +might change your mind. We couldn’t have blamed you if you had.” + +“I hope nothing has happened since I was here the other day,” Nancy said +quickly. + +“Oh, it’s been almost unbearable. We had made up our minds to leave the +place if you didn’t come to-day.” + +Rosemary’s face was strained, and Nancy thought she looked as though she +had not slept for several nights. The ordeal of remaining in the house +was gradually wearing her down. + +“Last night we heard music again,” she said, in a very low tone. + +“What sort of music?” + +“It seemed to come from a stringed instrument. It might have been a +guitar.” + +“From what part of the house?” + +“That was the strange part of it. The sound wasn’t localized. It seemed +to move from one part of the house to another.” + +“Did you hear the music distinctly?” + +“No; the sound was muffled, as though it were a long way off. Oh, it was +almost ghostly!” Rosemary shuddered and turned appealing eyes upon +Nancy. “Tell me, do you believe in the supernatural?” + +“I am almost certain your house is not haunted,” Nancy returned firmly, +for she saw that Rosemary’s iron nerve was beginning to go back on her. +“How long did the music last?” + +“About half an hour, I should judge.” + +“Did Miss Floretta hear it, too?” + +“Oh, yes. She’s positively ill this morning. She didn’t get out of bed. +We’ll go to her room now if you like.” + +“Perhaps it would be better not to disturb her.” + +“Oh, she wanted to see you just as soon as you arrived.” + +Rosemary led the way through the long, dark corridor and to the +stairway. + +“I’ll show you to your room first and then you can talk with Floretta,” +she told Nancy when they reached the upper hall. + +Rosemary opened a door and permitted Nancy to enter ahead of her. The +bedroom was a large, comfortable one with an old-fashioned canopy bed +and heavy mahogany furniture. + +“I have assigned you the room right next my own,” Rosemary explained. +“If anything should happen during the night you could rap on the wall or +cry out and I would hear you.” + +Nancy nodded soberly. + +“And the key is in the door,” Rosemary continued. “Floretta and I always +lock our doors.” + +“I will lock mine too,” Nancy promised. + +“Are you certain you want to go through with it?” Rosemary questioned +anxiously. “If anything should happen to you I’d never forgive myself.” + +“I don’t believe anything serious will happen.” + +“I wish I could feel as confident,” Rosemary sighed. “Shall we go to +Floretta now?” + +“Yes, I am ready. I will unpack my bag later.” + +Nancy followed Rosemary down the hall and they entered the bedroom in +the east wing. + +“Welcome to the haunted house,” Floretta murmured as a greeting to the +girl. She was propped up in bed with cushions and her face was white and +haggard. A tray on a table near the bed had been left practically +untouched. + +“Floretta, you didn’t eat your breakfast,” Rosemary chided gently. + +“Oh, I couldn’t, Rosemary. I’m so upset. I can’t stay in this horrible +place much longer.” + +“Miss Drew is here to help us,” Rosemary responded quietly. + +“But can she? I’m beginning to doubt that anyone can help us!” + +“Nonsense! You mustn’t let your nerves get the best of you!” + +“I think I can help you.” Nancy smiled reassuringly. “At least I will do +my best. I intend to go all over the house and see if I can locate +secret panels or trapdoors.” + +“I don’t believe it will do any good,” Floretta declared +pessimistically. “I never heard of anything like that in the house.” + +“I may as well have a look, anyway,” Nancy said easily. She remembered +something which she intended to ask the Turnbull sisters. “Tell me, did +you mention to anyone that I was coming here for a visit?” + +“No,” Rosemary answered promptly. “We took care not to mention it to a +soul.” + +“Of course we talked about your note when it came,” Floretta added. “But +we didn’t let out a hint of its contents to anyone. Why do you ask?” + +Nancy hesitated, then deciding that it could do no particular harm to +tell the Turnbull sisters of the note she had received, she related what +had happened the previous night. + +“Someone warned you not to come here?” Floretta gasped. “Why, how could +the news have gotten out?” + +“I wish I knew,” Nancy admitted. “It would seem as though the walls have +ears!” She lowered her voice. “Even now, someone may be listening to +every word we say!” + + + + + CHAPTER X + An Unfruitful Search + + +Nancy Drew’s presence in The Mansion had a wholesome effect upon the +Turnbull sisters, for soon after her arrival they became more cheerful. +Floretta announced that she felt a great deal better and insisted upon +getting up and dressing. To the surprise of her sister she appeared most +cheerful when she came downstairs for luncheon. + +“Tell me, does this house have any particular history?” Nancy +questioned, as the three sat at the table. + +“Oh, yes, indeed,” Rosemary responded proudly. “It was built in the +early days when stone houses were out of the ordinary. Of course The +Mansion has been remodeled many times, but the original walls still +stand. The property has never passed from the Turnbull family.” + +“To your knowledge there are no secret panels or trapdoors in the +house?” + +“I know of none. However, Floretta and I never were interested in such +things until recently, and I’ll admit we haven’t gone over the house +carefully. It’s possible something like that was built-in when the house +was remodeled in Civil War times. As a protective measure, you know.” + +“Then, if you have no objection, I believe I’ll have a look around and +see if I can locate anything unusual.” + +“Certainly,” Rosemary assured her. “You’re free to do anything you like, +and we’ll help you all we can. Where will you start?” + +“I may as well begin in the attic and work down.” + +“If you go up there you’ll need candles. It’s very dark. You see, we’ve +never had the house wired for electricity.” + +Rosemary hurried to the kitchen, and returned in a few minutes with half +a dozen large tallow candles. Before concentrating her attention upon +the attic, Nancy made a preliminary survey of the entire mansion. + +The house consisted of fifteen large rooms. On the first floor, in +addition to the kitchen, butler’s pantry, and dining room, there was a +drawing room, a library, a sun parlor and a reception hall. Directly +beneath the first floor was the basement, which had been broken up into +storerooms. + +The second floor was devoted to bedchambers. Rosemary explained that one +wing of the house had been shut off for years, and this portion of the +house at once aroused Nancy’s interest. However, a casual survey of the +rooms reveal nothing which would indicate that anyone had visited them +in the last six years. A thick accumulation of dust was undisturbed. + +“We’ll try the attic first,” Nancy decided. “Later, I’ll go over these +other rooms more carefully.” + +[Illustration: Single file, Nancy and the two ladies trudged up the +narrow stairs leading to the attic.] + +Single file, Nancy and the two ladies trudged up the narrow stairs +leading to the attic. As Nancy opened a door at the head of the stairs, +a gust of wind struck her candle and extinguished the flame. Quickly +lighting it, she stepped into the attic. + +She glanced about curiously, flashing the light into every nook and +corner. The attic appeared little different from others Nancy had +visited. It was filled with pieces of discarded furniture. A tall +highboy stood in one corner, a broken rocking chair in another, and +boxes were piled everywhere. + +Systematically, Nancy poked into the boxes and went over the walls inch +by inch. The latter had a hollow sound, but she was unable to find a +spring which would open a panel. If the walls guarded a secret, they +guarded it well. + +“I guess there’s nothing here,” Nancy admitted after she had spent +nearly an hour in the attic. + +She was reluctant to leave, for although she had unearthed nothing, she +could not help but feel that she had overlooked something of vital +importance. + +“I was afraid you wouldn’t find anything,” Rosemary commented, as she +turned toward the stairs. “Now where?” + +“Shall we try the basement?” + +The three made their way cautiously down the stairs to the first floor +and from there to the kitchen. As they descended into the dark cellar, +an unpleasant musty odor assailed their nostrils. + +A few minutes search convinced Nancy that the basement was not worth +bothering about. The floors and walls had been covered with cement and +offered no possibility of a trapdoor. However, before returning to the +first floor, she looked carefully about in the storerooms to make +certain that no one was hiding there. + +“Well, our search wasn’t very well rewarded,” Nancy admitted, after the +three had returned to the kitchen. “But I’m not ready to give up yet. I +intend to have another look to-morrow.” + +The investigation of the attic and the basement had taken the better +part of the afternoon, and already shadows were beginning to lurk in the +nooks and crannies. With the approach of night the house seemed to take +on a more formidable atmosphere. + +Dinner at The Mansion was rather a strained, formal affair. Rosemary and +Nancy made an attempt to keep up a conversation, but without much +success. There was a tenseness in the air which everyone felt. + +After dinner the three adjourned to the drawing room. Rosemary sat down +at the piano and tried to play, but Nancy noticed that her hands +trembled. After a time, she gave it up. + +Floretta was even less composed than her sister. She sat rigidly on the +sofa, with hands tightly clasped. Involuntarily, her eyes roved about +the room as though she were looking for someone. + +“What an odd piece of furniture,” Nancy commented in an attempt to start +a conversation. + +“Which piece do you mean?” Rosemary questioned. + +“The sofa. I never saw one like it.” + +“I don’t wonder. It’s built in.” + +“Built in? How odd. I’ve seen built-in bookcases and window seats, but I +never heard of a built-in sofa.” + +“It was our great grandfather’s idea,” Floretta explained. “I never +could see any sense in it myself. I’d much rather have a sofa that could +be moved about.” + +At nine o’clock, Nancy announced that she would retire, and in obvious +relief Floretta and Rosemary arose to follow her example. + +“Don’t forget to lock your door,” Rosemary warned her guest, as she said +good night at the head of the stairs. “And if anything should +happen—scream. We’ll hear you.” + +As soon as she was alone in her bedchamber, Nancy Drew locked the door. +Then she made a hasty examination of the closet. There was nothing +inside. She looked under the bed. + +“There’s nothing like caution,” she assured herself. “I don’t believe a +ghost will get in here very easily, but just the same I’ll be prepared.” + +Unlocking her traveling bag she removed the revolver her father had +given her and a flashlight she had thoughtfully included as part of her +emergency equipment. Carefully loading the revolver, she placed it under +her pillow. + +“There!” she exclaimed, with satisfaction. “Any ghost that comes +prowling about is apt to meet with a warm reception!” + +With that, she sprang into bed. She did not intend to fall asleep at +once, but before she knew it, she had dozed off. When she awoke the sun +was streaming in the bedroom window. + +With a start, Nancy Drew opened her eyes and glanced about the room. So +far as she could tell everything was exactly as she had left it. +Hurriedly dressing, she went downstairs. Rosemary and Floretta were +there ahead of her, and breakfast was nearly ready. + +“Did you sleep well?” Rosemary asked her. + +“Like a log.” + +“I scarcely shut my eyes all night.” + +“But surely nothing happened to alarm you?” she asked. + +“No, I didn’t hear a sound.” + +After breakfast Nancy once more began the task of investigating the +walls of the various rooms in the hope of discovering a sliding panel. +She spent the morning going over the downstairs rooms. She tapped the +walls with a small hammer and even looked behind the heavy pictures. + +“I’m certain there must be a secret opening in this house somewhere,” +she told herself. “But it doesn’t look as though I am going to find it +very easily.” + +In the afternoon she devoted her attention to the bedrooms, but without +success. That night she again slept with the revolver under her pillow. + +The next day was a repetition of the one that had gone before. Nancy +began to wonder if there really was a mystery connected with the old +house. + +“Can it be that Rosemary and Floretta only imagine strange things that +have been happening?” she asked herself. + +That night when she retired, she was half inclined not to place the +revolver under her pillow as usual, for it seemed a rather unnecessary +precaution. Upon second thought, however, she decided it would be wise +not to take a chance. + +After climbing into bed and blowing out the light, she did not fall +asleep at once. The window curtains were up, permitting the moonlight to +stream in, and for some time Nancy watched the shadows of the trees +dance on the white walls of the room. + +“I wonder if those shadows were the ones Rosemary and Floretta saw?” she +thought. + +After about half an hour she dozed off, but she did not sleep soundly. +She awoke in the middle of the night and found that she could not go +back to slumber. + +“What is the matter with me?” she asked herself. “I feel just as if +something were about to happen!” + +The house was as quiet as a tomb. Yet there was something about the +silence which was ominous. + +“This will never do,” Nancy chided herself severely, as she felt a cold +chill creeping over her. + +Resolutely, she closed her eyes, but sleep would not come. She tried the +time-worn device of counting the sheep, but in vain. It was as though a +faculty over which she had no control had elected to maintain a vigil. +Restlessly, Nancy Drew tossed about. + +Then, just as she was sinking into a light sleep, she was aroused +rudely. What was it that had awakened her? She sat up in bed and tried +to pierce the darkness. + +Then she heard a noise which seemed to come from the floor below. There +was a dull thud and then a blood-curdling yell! After that—silence. + + + + + CHAPTER XI + A Cry in the Night + + +When the loud, piercing cry echoed through the old stone house, Nancy +Drew instinctively clutched the bedclothing about her neck as though by +so doing she could protect herself from an unseen danger. An instant she +waited, but the cry was not repeated. There was not a sound to be heard +anywhere in the house. + +Then, with determination, Nancy sprang from the bed and slipped quickly +into her dressing gown and put on her bedroom slippers. Reaching under +her pillow, she was relieved to find the revolver and flashlight where +she had left them. + +The stars were no longer shining and the room was so dark that she could +not see a foot ahead of her. Switching on the flashlight, she made her +way to the door and gave it a pull. It did not open. + +“Am I locked in?” Nancy thought in horror. + +In her haste and excitement, she had forgotten that she had fastened the +door herself. As she remembered, she turned the key in the lock and +jerked open the door. + +Stepping out into the corridor, she flashed her light about in all +directions. There was no one in sight. + +Then the door at the end of the hall opened and Floretta half-stumbled, +half-fell into the corridor. As she saw the flashlight, she let out a +low cry of fright. + +“Be quiet!” Nancy warned. + +“Oh, I thought it was the ghost!” Floretta chattered. “Did you hear that +terrible scream?” + +“Yes, I heard it. Where is Miss Rosemary? See if she is all right.” + +“Oh, if Rosemary has been murdered——” + +She broke off as Rosemary came out of her room. She, too, was badly +frightened, but she was able to maintain a certain amount of composure. +The two sisters huddled together near Nancy. Although nearly thirty +years older than the girl, they seemed to look to her for protection. + +“The cry came from the floor below, or at least that’s the way it +sounded to me,” Nancy whispered. “We must go down there and find out +what has happened.” + +“Go down there?” Floretta wailed. “Never!” + +“Sh!” Nancy warned. “Not so loud. We don’t know what danger we are +facing.” + +“We’ll be murdered if we go down there,” Floretta maintained in a +slightly lower tone. + +“I have a revolver.” + +“I can’t go.” + +“Then you stay here,” Rosemary said brusquely, to hide the tremble in +her own voice. “If you’re going downstairs, I’ll go with you, Nancy.” + +“And leave me here all alone?” Floretta asked desperately. + +“Then come along,” Rosemary told her curtly. + +Flashlight in hand, Nancy Drew had already started to move toward the +steps. Rosemary followed, and Floretta, not to be left alone, brought up +the rear. + +On the stairway, the three huddled together while Nancy flashed her +light about the hall below them. Everything was in perfect order and +there was no sign of an intruder. + +“It was a ghost! I know it was!” Floretta whispered. + +“Be quiet!” Rosemary warned. + +Nancy led the way on down the circular stairs. At every step the old +boards creaked alarmingly underfoot. + +“We’re certainly heralding our approach all right,” Nancy thought +grimly. “I hope someone doesn’t take a shot at us!” + +This fear she did not communicate to the Turnbull sisters, for she knew +that it would take but little to throw them into a frenzy of fright. + +Reaching the drawing room, she fumbled about and finally located an oil +lamp which she lighted. A survey of the room revealed nothing amiss. +Everything seemed in its place, and the trio moved on toward the sun +parlor. + +“The silver!” Floretta exclaimed suddenly. “Do you suppose it is +missing?” + +The same thought had just occurred to Nancy, and, turning quickly, she +hurried toward the dining room. Floretta and Rosemary followed at a more +cautious pace. + +The buffet where the silver was kept was locked. Rosemary removed the +key from a near-by vase and, fitting it into the lock, opened the door. + +“Nothing is missing,” she declared, after she had finished counting the +silver. + +“I don’t believe the cry came from this room, anyway,” Nancy said +thoughtfully. “It seemed to me that it was directly under my bedroom.” + +“Then the cry must have come from the library,” Rosemary announced. + +“I thought it seemed to come from that direction, too,” Floretta +murmured. “It was the most blood-curdling yell I ever heard. Like +someone in distress.” + +“Shall we search the library?” Nancy interrupted. + +“Lead the way,” Rosemary told her grimly. + +With revolver held ready for instant use, Nancy Drew started in the +direction of the library. The Turnbull sisters, who still huddled +together, kept close behind her. Scarcely had they taken a dozen steps +when Floretta paused and looked anxiously back over her shoulder. + +“What was that?” she whispered fearfully. + +“What?” Nancy asked impatiently, turning around. “I didn’t hear +anything.” + +“I thought I heard footsteps behind me,” Floretta murmured nervously. + +“You must have been mistaken,” Rosemary said firmly. “I heard nothing.” + +Nancy was certain that Floretta’s nerves were getting the best of her, +but nevertheless, to make sure that they were not being followed, she +paused and strained her ears to catch a sound. She could hear nothing. + +“You must have been mistaken,” she said quietly, again moving on. + +In the face of danger, Nancy Drew was cool and collected, but even for +her it was a nerve-wracking experience to move through the dimly lighted +old mansion, uncertain as to what lay just ahead. At any moment they +might be walking into a trap. + +She opened the library door cautiously, half-expecting something to +spring out and pounce upon her. As she flashed her light about the room +she was relieved to see that everything was in order. But was it? + +Her eye rested upon a ladder-back chair which had been pushed up against +the bookcase. Surely, Rosemary and Floretta would not have left it that +way, for they were both excellent housekeepers and meticulous about +details. + +Rosemary’s eyes had fallen upon the same chair. + +“Someone has been in here!” she exclaimed. + +Her eyes slowly traveled upward to the top of the bookcase. She gave a +little scream. + +“My silver urn! It’s gone! Someone has stolen my urn!” + + + + + CHAPTER XII + The Theft + + +“The silver urn is gone!” Rosemary repeated, as though unable to believe +her eyes. “Someone has taken it! And it can never be replaced.” + +“It was a family heirloom,” Floretta added morosely. “We’ve had it ever +since grandmother died. It was handed down from one generation to +another.” + +“It was valuable, too,” Rosemary went on. “It was solid silver. We had +been offered five hundred dollars for it by a jeweler, but of course we +refused the offer. Oh, I can’t bear to lose it!” She sank into a chair +and looked as though she were about to cry. + +“Perhaps we’ll find it somewhere,” Nancy offered hopefully. “Are you +certain it was left in the library?” + +“Oh, yes, it was on the top of the bookcase. We’ve kept it there for +years.” + +“First a spoon, then a pocketbook, next my pin, and now the urn,” +Floretta reviewed pessimistically. “It’s too much. I know there’s a +ghost in this house.” + +“A ghost wouldn’t have needed a chair to reach the top of the bookcase,” +Nancy commented dryly. + +“That’s so,” Rosemary agreed. “The chair is pushed up against the +bookcase! But how did the thief get into the house?” + +“If we knew the answer to that question, I think the mystery would be +solved,” Nancy returned. “Were the doors all locked last night before +you went to bed?” + +“Oh, yes, I was very careful.” + +“And the windows?” + +“All bolted.” + +“I can’t understand it,” Nancy murmured, perplexed. + +She examined the room as carefully as she could in the dim light but was +unable to find any additional traces of the midnight prowler. + +“The thief seems to have vanished into thin air,” she said at last. “I +don’t believe there is any use to search to-night. We may as well go +back to bed.” + +“I couldn’t sleep a wink,” Floretta interposed. “I am going to sit up +the rest of the night.” + +“So am I,” Rosemary added. + +“Then we may as well bring our blankets down here,” Nancy declared. “I +don’t think the thief will return to-night, but at least we can be +prepared.” + +Accordingly, the three settled themselves in comfortable chairs, and +spent the remainder of the night snugly wrapped in warm blankets. Nancy +and Rosemary occasionally dozed off into a light slumber, but Floretta +was too nervous to permit herself to go to sleep. Although the light was +burning, her eyes continually roved about the room, fearfully searching +the darker corners. + +At the first indication of dawn, Rosemary, with Nancy assisting her, +prepared breakfast. Hot coffee went a long way toward reviving the +spirits of the trio. And with the rising of the sun, the old house +seemed less oppressive and fearful. + +As soon as breakfast was over, Nancy set herself to the task of going +over the library minutely. She examined the walls inch by inch, but +found no indication of a secret panel. With Rosemary’s help, she even +moved the heavy bookcase, but there was nothing behind it. The furniture +occupied but little of her time, for with the exception of a built-in +sofa similar to the one in the drawing room, it was all very ordinary +and offered no possibility of a hiding place. Nancy did examine the +bookcase and the chairs for fingerprints, but her search was not +rewarded. There was not a single clue which pointed to the identity of +the thief. + +Nor was the missing urn found anywhere in the place. All day Nancy +searched, but in vain. She was bitterly disappointed, for she had hoped +to be able to help Rosemary and Floretta. The ordeal of the night had +frightened them a great deal, and they began to talk seriously of +leaving the house at the end of the week. + +“It will be better to close it up than to endure another week like the +past one,” Rosemary admitted. “I don’t like to be driven away, but I see +no other way.” + +Nancy said nothing, but mentally resolved that she would never leave The +Mansion until she had solved the mystery. When her father arrived on his +way home from Chicago, she would tell him everything and turn the case +over to him. + +The next two days and nights were uneventful, greatly to the surprise of +everyone. Rosemary and Floretta began to show the effects of the strain +under which they labored. + +“I declare, I’d almost as soon something would happen as to keep +thinking it’s going to every minute,” Rosemary sighed. + +With the passing of the days, Nancy Drew became quiet and thoughtful. +She had a new worry which she did not communicate to the Turnbull +sisters. + +When her father had left for Chicago he had promised that he would +return within a week and that he would send her a telegram stating the +exact hour he expected to arrive in Cliffwood. For several days Nancy +had been anxiously looking for the message, but it had not arrived. Why +had her father failed to keep his promise? + +“It’s possible Dad didn’t get his business accomplished as quickly as he +expected,” she assured herself. “I’ll probably get the telegram +to-morrow.” + +But the expected message did not arrive on the following day, and now +Nancy began to worry in earnest. Surely, her father would have wired her +if he had been delayed, she told herself. What could have happened? + +“Perhaps he decided not to stop at Cliffwood, and went on to River +Heights,” she reasoned. + +Glancing at the calendar she saw that it was a full week since her +father had left home. By this time she had expected to return to River +Heights herself, and she had asked Hannah to open the house before her +arrival. + +“If only there were a telephone here,” she fretted. “I could call home +and find out if Dad is there yet.” + +The more she thought of it, the more anxious she became, and at last, to +relieve her mind, she decided to drive to Cliffwood and make the +telephone call. This intention she communicated to Rosemary and +Floretta. + +“You’ll not be gone long, will you?” Rosemary questioned anxiously. +“We’ve decided not to stay in this house another night alone. When you +leave, we’re going too.” + +“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Nancy promised. “I only want to make a +telephone call.” + +“I’m sorry we haven’t one here,” Rosemary apologized. “It’s so much +bother to go into Cliffwood.” + +“I really don’t mind at all. I’ll enjoy the ride.” + +As Nancy left The Mansion behind, she breathed more freely. There was +something about the place that was oppressive. She drove rapidly and +soon reached the main part of Cliffwood. Entering a corner drug store, +she telephoned to her own home. After a short wait, Hannah Gruen +answered. + +“Is my father home yet?” Nancy asked, after a few preliminary remarks. + +“No, I haven’t heard from him since he left,” came the response. + +Nancy hung up the receiver and leaned against the side of the telephone +booth. What could it mean? Why had her father failed to notify anyone of +his change of plans? It was not at all like him. + +“I have a notion to telegraph to Chicago and find out if he has left +there,” she thought. “I believe I have the address of the firm he went +to see.” + +Opening her purse, she fished about and after pulling out several wrong +cards, found the one for which she was searching. + +“Now to find a telegraph office,” she decided, as she left the drug +store. + +She found one only a few doors away, and, having entered, wrote out a +brief message and handed it to the clerk at the desk. + +“When the answer comes have it sent to the Turnbull Mansion,” she told +the man. + +After paying the charges, she left the office and slowly made her way +back to the roadster. + +“Now, back to the haunted house,” she told herself grimly. “I’m +beginning to feel that I’ll never solve the mystery by myself. I’ll be +glad when Dad gets here so he can help me.” + +As she approached The Mansion, Nancy’s attention was attracted to +another stone house only a short distance away. In general appearance it +bore a striking resemblance to The Mansion. + +“I wonder who lives there?” she thought. “I must inquire when I get back +to The Mansion.” + +However, for the time being, Nancy was too troubled about her father to +devote much thought to the mystery of the old house, and before she +reached The Mansion she had forgotten the question she had intended to +ask. + +The evenings at The Mansion were all alike. Dinner was served at seven +o’clock in the big, gloomy dining room, and after that the three +adjourned to the drawing room. There was no radio and no evening paper. +With the deepening of the shadows, the conversation became stilted and +difficult. By nine o’clock everyone was glad of the opportunity to +retire. + +All afternoon Nancy had waited hopefully for an answer to her telegram, +but it had not arrived. She would have made another trip to the +telegraph office in the evening, but she knew that Rosemary and Floretta +would be afraid to stay in the house alone. + +At nine o’clock Nancy went to her room, but she did not fall asleep for +hours. + +“I have the strangest feeling,” she thought. “It’s just as though +something had happened to Dad. Of course it’s silly of me!” + +But try as she would, she could not free herself of the conviction, and +when she arose in the morning it was still with her. She ate very little +for breakfast, but her lack of appetite passed unnoticed by the Turnbull +sisters. As she was about to leave the table, there came a ring of the +front doorbell. + +Rosemary and Floretta exchanged frightened glances. + +“Who—who can it be, do you suppose?” Floretta stammered. + +“I’ll go,” Nancy said quickly. “I think it must be for me.” + +She left the dining room and hastened to open the front door. As she had +expected, it was a uniformed messenger boy. + +“Telegram for Nancy Drew,” he said curtly. + +“I am Miss Drew.” + +“Then sign here.” + +Nancy complied with the request and eagerly accepted the yellow +envelope. As she tore open the flap and scanned the message a frightened +look came over her face. The telegram had been sent by the law firm in +Chicago and confirmed her worst fears. + +The message read: + + “Carson Drew left here two days ago.” + + + + + CHAPTER XIII + Another Surprise + + +For a full minute Nancy Drew stood staring blankly at the telegram in +her hand. She read it a second time, although she knew every word by +memory. + +Worry assailed her anew. If her father had left Chicago two days before, +as the telegram indicated, he would have reached Cliffwood before this +even if he had come on the slowest train. Surely, something must have +happened to him en route. What had delayed him? + +After a moment’s reflection, Nancy entered the house, intending to tell +the Turnbull sisters about the telegram and ask their advice. She was +destined never to carry the thought into action, for as she closed the +door behind her she heard a wild shriek from above. It seemed to come +from Floretta’s room. + +Fearing the worst, Nancy sprang toward the stairs and took them two at a +time. Rosemary came running from the kitchen. + +Reaching Floretta’s room, Nancy thrust open the door. + +“What is it?” she cried. + +Floretta stood in the center of the room, wringing her hands in anguish. + +“My dresses have been stolen!” + +“Your dresses?” Nancy echoed. + +“Yes, while we were at breakfast. Someone entered my room and took three +of my best black silk dresses. And that isn’t the worst. Look up there!” + +Wonderingly, Nancy turned her eyes toward a picture which hung over the +bed. What she saw caused her to gasp in astonishment. + +On the frame perched two live canary birds! + +“Oh!” Rosemary screamed. She had entered the room behind Nancy and her +eyes had fallen upon the picture frame. + +“It’s wizardry!” Floretta moaned. + +Cautiously, Nancy moved toward the picture. + +“Don’t touch those birds,” Rosemary advised. + +“Why, they’re only tame little canaries,” Nancy said, gently removing +one from the frame. “See!” + +“Don’t bring that bird near me!” Floretta cried. “It’s an evil omen.” + +“I never heard of a canary being called an omen of bad luck,” Nancy +returned, studying the bird curiously. “A canary is a rather happy +little bird. This one is, anyway.” + +“Get them out of the house,” Floretta pleaded. + +Obligingly, Nancy opened the window and set the two canaries free. + +“How did they ever get in here, anyway?” Rosemary demanded. “We never +had a bird in our lives.” + +Nancy was dumbfounded. Never had she heard of a more puzzling mystery. +Had the canaries been left in the room by the same person who had stolen +Floretta’s dresses? Unquestionably, the birds could not have flown in a +window, for they were kept carefully screened. + +So many strange things had occurred in the house. Unexplainable music +and shadows, and the sound of footsteps in the night. Then a spoon had +disappeared, next a pocketbook, a diamond pin, an urn, and now +Floretta’s silk dresses. + +Nancy lost no time in examining the closet and the walls of the room, +but she could find no clue which suggested in what manner an entrance +had been effected. Apparently, the windows had not been opened. + +Nancy felt almost humiliated. She had promised to help Floretta and +Rosemary, and so far she had not even gained a clue! Many things had +happened under her very nose, and yet she had been unable to put her +hands on the thief. There must be an explanation for everything if only +she could think of it! + +As she stood absorbed in her own unpleasant thoughts, a sudden idea came +to her. + +“Do you know of anyone who wants to force you out of this house?” she +demanded. + +Rosemary shook her head. + +“Why, no. Why should anyone want to do that?” + +“Is there anyone who wants to buy the house?” + +“We’ve had several offers from real estate men. There’s some talk that +the city wants this house for a historical museum.” + +“And the real estate men are trying to get it cheap in the hope of +selling to the city and making a neat profit for themselves,” Nancy +summarized shrewdly. + +“That’s about it.” + +“You don’t intend to sell?” + +“We didn’t—until lately. At least not unless we could get our price for +it. Now, we’d be lucky to sell it for anything, I guess. No one wants a +haunted house.” + +Nancy was eager to learn more, for now she felt that she had stumbled +upon her first clue. She was convinced that someone was trying to force +the Misses Turnbull from their home and, by frightening them, induce +them to sell The Mansion at a low figure. + +“Who has tried to purchase the place?” she asked quickly. + +“Well, there’s John O’Conley,” Floretta told her. + +“What sort of man is he?” + +“Oh, I’m sure he is honest. We’ve known him all our lives.” + +“And there was H. D. Fellows, another real estate agent,” Rosemary added +thoughtfully. “He made us a very straightforward offer, but he wasn’t +willing to meet our price. However, he was very nice about it when we +told him we wouldn’t sell.” + +“Were there any others?” + +“Oh, Nathan Gombet! But we didn’t consider his offer seriously,” +Rosemary continued. + +Nancy pricked up her ears at the information. Here was genuine news! + +“Nathan Gombet!” she exclaimed. “What sort of an offer did he make you?” + +“Oh, Gombet isn’t honest,” Floretta broke in feelingly. “We won’t have +anything to do with him any more. You see, he claimed we gave him an +option to buy our house for six thousand dollars.” + +“Six thousand! Why, that’s ridiculous. Surely, you didn’t give such an +option?” + +“Mercy, no! But Gombet claims we did.” + +“The house is worth at least twenty thousand,” Rosemary declared. “And +if the city should decide to use it for a historical museum, we ought to +get even more than that for it.” + +“I should think so,” Nancy agreed. “Gombet was trying to cheat you.” + +“We never gave him any sort of option,” Floretta insisted. “We wouldn’t +do business with him at any price, because we couldn’t trust him. He +would cheat us out of our eye teeth!” + +“How long ago did all this happen?” + +“Oh, it must have been nearly a year ago,” Rosemary said, trying to +recall. “It was last spring.” + +“The matter went to court?” + +“No. Nathan Gombet threatened to make trouble and he said he would sue +us, but nothing ever came of it.” + +“We had forgotten all about him until you brought up the subject,” +Floretta added. + +“Then, have you heard nothing more from him since?” + +“He threatened us once,” Rosemary told Nancy. “Said he would make us +sorry we hadn’t sold at his price. But nothing ever came of the threat.” + +“How long ago was that?” + +“Two or three months ago, I should judge.” + +Nancy Drew nodded thoughtfully and relapsed into deep meditation. She +was now convinced that Nathan Gombet had some connection with the +mysterious things which had been going on in the old house. Perhaps he +was trying to frighten Rosemary and Floretta so that they would be glad +to sell at his price. + +“Gombet hasn’t approached you with a new offer recently, has he?” she +asked. + +Floretta shook her head. + +“We haven’t seem him for some time, and we don’t want to either.” + +“You don’t think Gombet has had anything to do with what has happened +lately, do you?” Rosemary questioned the girl. + +“Of course I don’t know, but I’m beginning to suspect there may be a +connection,” Nancy returned. “At least, I intend to investigate that +line and see what it leads to.” + +“To be sure, there’s nothing in Nathan Gombet’s character that would +prevent his using any underhand method to induce us to sell him this +house,” said Rosemary musingly. “Still, I don’t see what opportunity +he’s had to do what’s been done here. He hasn’t been near us for some +time, you know, Nancy.” + +“That’s true,” replied the girl. “But someone must have made the +opportunity. Mr. Gombet has the motive and is so lacking in any sense of +honor that would keep him from injuring you in this way, that I believe +he furnishes the best lead to follow.” + +With that she left the bedroom and went to her own room farther down the +hall. But as she sat by the window trying to think her way through the +jumble of information she had gleaned, she found it difficult to keep +her mind on the mystery. + +After a time she took the crumpled telegram she had received earlier +that morning from her pocket and studied it again. How could she +interest herself in a mystery when her father was missing? What had +happened to him? Oh, if only she could answer that question! + + + + + CHAPTER XIV + What Happened to Carson Drew + + +After taking leave of his daughter at the River Heights railroad +station, Carson Drew boarded the Chicago train. Upon arriving in the +city he lost no time in dispatching the business which had brought him +to the great city on the lake. He had expected to remain in Chicago a +full week, but so successful were his negotiations that his business was +completed a day earlier than he had anticipated. + +“I may as well send Nancy a telegram and return a day earlier,” Mr. Drew +decided. + +Accordingly, he sent his daughter a message to the effect that he would +arrive at the Cliffwood station the following morning. He then boarded +the night flyer. He did not dream that the telegram would never reach +Nancy. It was destined to fall into the hands of an enemy. + +Oblivious of impending danger, Mr. Drew settled himself comfortably in +the Pullman and took up a newspaper. The train had been moving perhaps +an hour when the conductor came through and paused at his seat. + +“Carson Drew?” he inquired. + +“That’s my name.” + +“Then here’s a telegram for you. We picked it up at the last station.” + +Wonderingly, Mr. Drew accepted the envelope and quickly ripped it open. +He smiled with pleasure as he read the message: + + “Will meet you at the Cliffwood station. + + “Nancy.” + +“Well, I’m glad to know she received my message,” he thought, “though I +didn’t expect her to answer the telegram. I’m greatly relieved that +nothing happened to her while I was in Chicago. Somehow, I didn’t like +the idea of letting her go off to that old stone house by herself. +Anything might have happened.” + +Relieved that all was well with his daughter, Carson Drew settled +himself to enjoy the evening paper. After reading it for perhaps an +hour, he tossed it aside and went out to the observation car to give the +porter an opportunity to make up his berth. After smoking a cigar he +returned and before he retired left an order for the porter to call him +in the morning. + +In spite of the sway and rumble of the train, he slept soundly and did +not open his eyes until the porter called him. + +“Twenty minutes out of Cliffwood, suh.” + +Mr. Drew dressed himself hastily and prepared to get off at the station. +He was eager to see Nancy again, for it seemed a month since he had been +at home. It was nice of her to offer to meet him at such an early hour, +he told himself. It was not yet seven o’clock. + +The train came to a stop, and he swung from the step to the platform. +Where was Nancy? Carson Drew glanced about in all directions, but his +daughter was not in sight. Perhaps she had been delayed, he thought. Oh, +well, no matter. He would wait a few minutes, and then if she failed to +come along, he could call a taxi. + +He picked up his bag and started toward the waiting room, but he had +taken less than a dozen steps when he saw a man hurrying toward him. +Carson Drew frowned as he saw who it was. He had no desire to meet +Nathan Gombet. Undoubtedly, the man would try to argue with him again +about his so-called property rights on the river. + +“That fellow is a pest,” Mr. Drew told himself. “Just my luck to run +into him.” + +But as Nathan Gombet approached, he could not help but see that the man +was laboring under great excitement. + +“Wonder what’s the matter with him now?” he asked himself curiously. + +Nathan Gombet came straight toward him. + +“Oh, Mr. Drew,” he cried as he came up, “I have terrible news! Your +daughter has been injured! You must come quickly!” + +“Nancy is hurt?” Mr. Drew grasped him roughly by the arm. “It can’t be!” + +“She’s badly injured. But the doctors think she has a chance to pull +through.” + +“How horrible!” Carson Drew groaned. + +“She’s calling for you. You must come quickly!” + +“Take me to her!” + +In his anxiety to reach the daughter he loved so dearly, Carson Drew +became almost frantic. + +“Here, jump in!” Gombet ordered. + +He opened the front door of a battered auto which stood near the +platform. Mr. Drew, bewildered and shocked from the crushing news, +obeyed without question. + +Gombet scrambled in after him. He took the wheel and with one quick +glance about started off down the street. + +The station on this side was practically deserted and no one saw the car +depart. + +“Where is Nancy?” Mr. Drew demanded. + +“At my house.” + +“At your house?” Mr. Drew asked, in surprise. “Didn’t they take her to a +hospital?” + +“She was too badly injured to be moved,” Nathan explained glibly. + +“Oh, my poor little girl,” Carson Drew murmured brokenly. A moment later +he said, “You didn’t tell me how she was hurt.” + +“In an automobile accident. Her roadster ran off into a ditch.” + +“And she was taken to your place?” + +Mr. Drew did not like the look on Nathan Gombet’s face. Was the man +deceiving him? No, it was more likely he was trying to keep Nancy’s true +condition from him. Perhaps she had been so seriously injured that she +was practically at the point of death. The thought nearly drove him +wild. + +“The accident occurred in front of my house,” Gombet continued, trying +to make his explanation appear plausible. “The doctor brought her +inside.” + +“Oh, and Nancy was always such a safe driver, too.” + +“I didn’t see the accident myself, but they say the steering gear +broke.” + +“Tell me, will she live?” + +“I can’t tell you that.” + +The drive, though not a long one, seemed endless to Carson Drew. Nancy! +His daughter! His little girl! The widowed father and the motherless +girl were very close to each other. In what condition would he find her +when he reached the end of this soul-trying drive? Was she conscious? +Was she alive? He turned impatiently to Nathan Gombet. + +“Hurry!” Mr. Drew urged. “I can’t get there quickly enough!” + +“The car won’t go any faster,” Gombet grunted. + +And indeed it would not. Gombet was already driving as fast as he dared. +Carson Drew was so worried that he asked no more questions but kept his +eyes glued upon the road. + +Gombet drove furiously and they soon reached the outskirts of Cliffwood. +Presently they came within sight of two large stone houses, and Nathan +Gombet turned in at one of them. + +“I live here,” he explained. + +Carson Drew did not so much as give the house a casual glance. The +instant the car stopped he sprang to the ground and started for the +door. Quick as he was, Nathan Gombet was ahead of him. He opened the +door for the lawyer and led the way through the kitchen where a fat, +slovenly looking colored woman was working over the stove. + +Had Mr. Drew not been intent upon reaching the bedside of his daughter, +he would have observed that the colored woman received a significant nod +from Nathan Gombet as he passed near her. + +The moment the two men had passed into the next room, she walked over +and quietly locked the outside door. + +“This way,” Nathan directed. + +He opened a door and indicated a long, dark stairway. Without +hesitation, Carson Drew followed him. He went up a flight of circular +stairs and at last came to a landing. + +Nathan paused and indicated a door to the left. + +“Your daughter is in there,” he said. + +There was an eager, cruel gleam in his eyes, but Carson Drew did not +notice. + +“It won’t frighten her for me to go right in?” the lawyer asked +anxiously. + +“No, it won’t frighten her.” + +Hesitating no longer, Carson Drew opened the door and stepped inside. To +his surprise the room was dark. The curtains were pulled down over the +windows and at first he could see nothing. Then, as his eyes became +accustomed to the darkness, he saw that he was not in a bedroom. The +place had every appearance of a prison. + +Carson Drew realized that he had walked into a trap. + +He wheeled about and faced Nathan Gombet who stood in the doorway, eying +him, gloating upon him. + +“What does this mean?” he demanded sharply. “Where is Nancy?” + +“It means that you are my prisoner,” Gombet retorted, with an evil leer. +“Before I get through with you I guess you’ll come to terms about that +property!” + +With that he slammed the door shut and before Carson Drew could make a +move turned the key in the lock. As the old miser trudged down the +corridor, his hollow laughter echoed through the house. + + + + + CHAPTER XV + A Prisoner + + +As he heard the key turn in the lock, Carson Drew stood for a moment as +though paralyzed. + +Things had happened so rapidly since he had left the train at the +Cliffwood station that he could scarcely think logically. The fear that +Nancy had been injured had driven everything else from his mind. Now he +realized that all unwittingly he had walked into a trap. + +Angrily, he jerked at the door, but it would not give. He kicked at it +savagely, but after a few minutes was convinced that it could not be +broken down even with a ram, for it was made of extra heavy wood. He did +not cry out for help, for he realized that there was no one near who +could aid him. + +At last he sank down into a chair. What a fool he had been not to +suspect a plot! It was all clear to him now. Undoubtedly, Gombet had +intercepted the telegram which he had sent to Nancy, or in some way had +learned of the lawyer’s intended visit to Cliffwood. He had lied about +Nancy in order to induce him to come to this house. + +“I don’t care what Nathan does to me, if only Nancy is safe,” Carson +Drew thought. + +What had become of her? He did not believe she had been hurt as Nathan +had stated, but it was possible that the miser had taken her prisoner +also. + +Nervously, Carson Drew paced the floor. The room was dark, but as his +eyes became accustomed to it, he noticed a small window far above. The +window was heavily barred. + +“Evidently this room was fitted up for a prison,” he told himself +grimly. “I imagine Nathan Gombet has been biding his time to get me +here.” + +There was little furniture in the room—nothing but a cot, a table, and +a chair. Mr. Drew pulled the table across the room and by standing on it +was able to look out of the window. + +The courtyard was far below, and one glance disclosed the fact that even +if it were possible to break the bars, he could not hope to escape. It +would be suicide to drop to the ground, and there was no tree or +building near by. + +“Nathan thought of everything,” Carson Drew observed dryly. “He has me +completely at his mercy.” + +Just what Gombet would do with him, Mr. Drew did not know, but he +suspected the miser would go to any length to gain his end. + +“I’ll never give in to him!” he resolved firmly. + +Presently, glancing out of the window again, he noticed a stone house +some distance away which appeared not unlike the one in which he was +imprisoned. + +“Can that be the Turnbull house?” he questioned himself. + +He tried to recall the description Nancy had given him, and every detail +tallied. He was convinced that the stone house was indeed The Mansion. + +“I wonder if Nancy is still there?” flashed through his mind. “Oh, if +only she returns to River Heights before that fiend gets his hands on +her!” It was characteristic of Carson Drew to think of his daughter’s +safety before his own. She was always first. + +As the hours dragged slowly on, he kept a close watch of the neighboring +house, hoping to catch a glimpse of Nancy or someone to whom he could +signal. At noon the colored woman appeared with his luncheon, which +consisted of bread and water, shoved through a small hole at the bottom +of the door. Mr. Drew drank the water but did not touch the bread. + +All afternoon he maintained his watch at the tiny window. The Turnbull +home appeared deserted. What had become of Nancy? Had she already +departed, or was she, too, held a prisoner at the hands of Gombet? + +Toward evening, Carson Drew was startled to hear heavy footsteps in the +corridor. He scrambled down from the window, but there was not enough +time to move the table back into place. + +Nathan Gombet stepped into the room. Carefully locking the door, he +placed an oil lamp on the table and gave Carson Drew a gloating grin. + +“How do you like it here by this time?” he asked with elaborate +politeness. + +“Oh, it’s very pleasant,” Mr. Drew returned sarcastically. “You may as +well put your cards on the table, Nathan Gombet. What do you want of +me?” + +Nathan became intently eager. + +“You know what I want,” he muttered. “You must pay me for my land and +sign a paper that you will not prosecute. If you will do that, I’ll let +you go free.” + +“Indeed?” + +“Yes,” Nathan smiled gleefully. “I want a check for twenty thousand +dollars. And if you know what’s wise, you’ll hand it over without +batting an eyelash.” + +Carson Drew smiled grimly. + +“You old reprobate! You’ll never get a cent!” + +While he had been talking, Mr. Drew had done fast thinking. Now, he made +a sudden spring toward Nathan Gombet, intending to overpower him. Quick +as the action was, the old miser was prepared. Taking a step backwards, +he deliberately pulled a gun upon the lawyer. + +“Oh, no, you don’t,” he snarled. “And just for that trick I’m going to +tie you up!” + +Still covering Mr. Drew with the revolver and never taking his eyes from +the lawyer’s face, Gombet cautiously backed up to the door and unlocked +it. The heavy-set colored woman whom Mr. Drew had seen in the kitchen +came into the room so quickly that it was obvious she had been standing +just outside the door ready to aid the miser when summoned. + +“Tie him up!” Nathan ordered harshly. + +“Yes, suh.” + +The colored woman disappeared, to return in a few minutes with heavy +ropes. As she waddled across the floor she clumsily brushed against +Nathan and entangled one of his feet in the rope. + +“Take care what you’re doing,” the miser reprimanded her sharply. + +He gave the rope a savage kick, and then emitted a howl of pain. + +“Tarnation, but that leg does hurt,” he muttered. “Fell on a broken +stair step and just about killed myself. Leg’s pained me ever since!” He +wheeled upon the colored woman as though she were responsible for his +misfortune, but without ceasing to cover Carson Drew with the revolver. +“Get a move on there! Tie that man up and be quick about it!” + +“Yes, suh.” + +Sullenly, the colored woman set herself to the task. With the pistol +staring him in the face, the lawyer dared not resist. He was pushed +roughly into a chair and securely bound to it with the heavy ropes. + +“Now how do you like it?” Nathan Gombet demanded, with satisfaction, +when the task had been completed. + +Carson Drew did not give him the pleasure of an answer. + +“Now, will you come to my terms?” + +“I will not!” + +Nathan stared at the lawyer in disbelief. He had not believed that Mr. +Drew would dare defy him. + +“That’s your final decision?” + +“It is.” + +“You’ll be glad enough to come to my terms when I get through with you, +Carson Drew!” + +“Do your worst.” Carson Drew smiled provokingly. Then his eyes narrowed. +“But remember this. You’ll be brought to justice in the end, and when +you are, the law won’t be lenient with you!” + +“The law!” Gombet laughed scornfully. “A lot of good it will ever do +you! You’ll never see your daughter or your friends again unless you +give me the money. Will you sign the papers?” + +“I’ve given you your answer. Can’t you understand plain English?” + +“All right, I’ve given you your last chance!” Nathan’s face became +convulsed with rage. “In a day or so you’ll be glad enough to do as I +ask. I’ll starve you to it!” + +Carson Drew shrugged his shoulders indifferently. Nathan Gombet saw that +his threat had made little impression upon the lawyer. + +“And if that ain’t enough to bring you to time,” he added with a wicked +laugh. “I’ll get your daughter here, too!” + +A look of horror came into Mr. Drew’s eyes. + +“You couldn’t do that! Why, you don’t even know where she is!” + +“Oh, don’t I? She’s right at the Turnbulls’ house. I can get her here +easily any night. Just have to dope her a bit, that’s all.” + +“You fiend!” Carson Drew struggled at his bonds, but he was helpless. + +Nathan Gombet laughed again, and turned toward the door. + +“No more food or water for you,” he called back, as he turned to leave. + +Carson Drew heard the key turn in the lock, and then he was left to +sober reflection. He did not doubt that Nathan Gombet would attempt to +carry out his ugly threat. That night he might enter The Mansion and +abduct Nancy. The thought made him ill. + +“What can I do?” he asked himself miserably. “Perhaps, after all, I had +better do as Nathan asks.” + + + + + CHAPTER XVI + A New Clue + + +For two days after the arrival of the telegram from Chicago which stated +that Carson Drew had left for home, Nancy waited hopefully. But as the +time passed and no word was received from her father, her anxiety +intensified. All sorts of unpleasant thoughts began to trouble her. + +Had her father met with an accident? Perhaps, in crossing the street, he +had been struck by an automobile. Oh, if only he would come or send word +of his whereabouts! The suspense was almost unendurable. + +At the repeated urging of Rosemary and Floretta, she consented to remain +at The Mansion until she received news from her father. But the strain +of waiting was beginning to tell heavily upon her. Since Carson Drew had +left River Heights, she had not even received a letter from him. + +Nancy’s interest in the mystery of the old stone house gradually +lessened. She was still determined to solve the enigma, but the fear +that something had happened to her father overshadowed all else. + +Since the theft of the silk dresses from Floretta’s room, nothing had +happened to disturb the tranquility of the Turnbull household, although +an atmosphere of suspense seemed to hover over the entire house. +Sometimes Nancy thought that the very silence of the place would drive +her into hysterics. She longed to depart, but for the sake of Floretta +and Rosemary she remained. + +Several times she had searched the house in the hope of finding secret +openings in the walls, but although when she rapped them a few had a +hollow sound, she was never able to find any hidden door. It was +discouraging. + +Since Nancy had learned that Nathan Gombet was endeavoring to purchase +the Turnbull mansion at a ridiculously low price, she felt that she had +struck a valuable clue. In her own mind she was firmly convinced that +the miser had some connection with the strange things which had been +going on in the old house. She had no way of establishing the identity +of the thief, but she was certain that it was either Gombet or someone +employed by him. + +“He intends to scare Rosemary and Floretta into selling at any price,” +Nancy thought. “It’s up to me to quench his little game!” + +She was at a loss to know what course to follow. If only her father were +there to give her advice! + +“As a last resort I’ll go to Gombet and have a talk with him,” she +decided. “By skillful questioning I may be able to learn something which +will incriminate him.” + +Nancy was well aware that Nathan Gombet was clever as well as scheming. +It would be difficult to convict him of entering The Mansion, that she +knew. She could not cause him to be arrested upon suspicion. + +“I must find a way to prove that he is the guilty one,” she thought. “If +I delay too long, something terrible may happen here. That miser is a +desperate man when crossed.” + +Convinced that it was unwise to postpone her visit to the home of the +miser, she determined to visit him that very day, although she dreaded +the ordeal. + +“Can you tell me where Nathan Gombet lives?” she asked Rosemary at the +luncheon table. + +“Why, don’t you know?” Rosemary asked. “He lives in the old stone house +directly back of us.” + +Nancy gave an exclamation of surprise. + +“I wish I had known that before.” + +“We would have mentioned it, but we thought you knew.” + +“You think Gombet has something to do with the mystery?” Floretta +questioned curiously. + +“I’m almost certain of it. But to prove my theory will not be easy. +Nathan is as clever as he is scheming. Tell me, how long has he lived in +the stone house?” + +“Oh, for years. And a mighty unpleasant neighbor he is, too.” + +“I can imagine,” and Nancy smiled grimly. + +“You see, there’s quite a story connected with Nathan’s ownership of the +house,” Floretta began. “Would you care to hear it?” + +“Indeed, I would.” + +“The house was originally built by a Turnbull. That explains why it so +closely resembles our own.” + +“Both homes were built by the same man?” Nancy asked. + +“No; by two brothers.” It was Rosemary who answered. “They were devoted +to each other, and for that reason they built their houses close +together, although, as you can see, they are on different roads.” + +“When the Civil War broke out, the brothers had their first +disagreement,” Floretta continued the story. “William, the brother who +owned this house, was a staunch supporter of the Union, but the other +brother joined the Confederate forces.” + +“He gave his life as well as his fortune to the cause,” Rosemary broke +in. + +“He was killed in action,” Floretta finished. “After his death it was +learned that he had heavily mortgaged his home. Everything went to pay +the debts. The house passed from one person to another until finally it +fell into the hands of Nathan Gombet.” + +“But why does he want to buy your home?” Nancy demanded, with a puzzled +frown. “If he hopes to sell to the city, why doesn’t he give up his own +house.” + +“The city doesn’t want it,” Rosemary explained. “He did try to sell. His +house doesn’t have as interesting a history as ours does, and he has +permitted it to run down. It’s in a terrible condition now. I shouldn’t +be surprised any day to see it tumble from its foundation.” + +“Nathan has always been queer,” Floretta remarked. “As long as we can +remember he has lived alone.” + +“Not exactly alone,” Rosemary broke in. “He keeps a servant. A colored +woman who looks as though she were an ogre.” + +“And birds,” Floretta added. “His house fairly swarms with them. When +they die, he stuffs them! Ug!” She shuddered. “You couldn’t hire me to +go near his place.” + +“You say he keeps birds?” Nancy inquired, with quickening interest. +“What kind?” + +“Oh, most every kind, I guess,” Rosemary answered. “Parrots. You can +hear them screeching clear over here sometimes.” + +“Does he keep canaries?” Nancy questioned eagerly. + +“Oh, yes,” Rosemary agreed. + +The significance of the question did not dawn upon Rosemary and +Floretta, and Nancy did not tell them what was in her mind. At once she +had thought of the two canaries which had found their way into The +Mansion so mysteriously. Was it not likely that Nathan Gombet had +brought the birds from his own home? But how had he succeeded in +entering the mansion without being discovered? That question remained +unanswered. + +“I must visit the other house without delay,” she told herself. “But how +can I manage it? If I openly call upon Mr. Gombet he’s certain to +suspect my purpose and perhaps hold me a prisoner.” + +If only she could find a way to enter the house without Nathan’s +knowledge! + +“I’ll keep a close watch on the house, and I may see him leave,” she +decided. “If I do—that will be my chance.” + +Nancy was excited at the information which she had secured, and was +eager for action. She felt that the solution to the mystery was almost +within her grasp. + +She laid her plans carefully. She refrained from telling Rosemary and +Floretta of her intention to visit Gombet’s house, for she knew they +would be afraid to permit her to attempt the dangerous mission. + +“If conditions are right, I’ll slip away this very night,” she resolved. + +All that afternoon she moved restlessly about the house, making frequent +trips to the window to glance searchingly toward the old stone dwelling +which was half-hidden by tall trees. + +“Time never dragged more slowly,” Nancy complained. “I wish night would +come.” + +She ate little dinner, for as the hour approached, she realized more +keenly than before that she was about to undertake a dangerous +adventure. Clouds had been forming in the sky all afternoon, and by the +time the shadows began to gather a drizzly rain had set in. Nothing +could have pleased her more. + +“What a horrible night,” Floretta remarked nervously as she glanced at +the rain-splashed windows. “I hope we don’t have another visit from our +ghost. It’s just the sort of night for something to happen.” + +Rosemary looked displeased at this audible expression of her sister’s +nervousness. + +Nancy smiled reassuringly. + +“I have a feeling that this is going to be an unlucky night for our +ghost,” she said evenly. “And now, if you will excuse me, I believe I’ll +retire early.” + +After saying good night to Rosemary and Floretta, Nancy Drew went +directly to her room. But she did not prepare for bed. On this night she +had an important mission ahead of her. + + + + + CHAPTER XVII + Under Cover of Darkness + + +Nancy Drew dressed herself in garments that would resist the rain, and +then removed her flashlight and pistol from their hiding places. The +latter she examined carefully to make certain it was loaded and ready +for instant use. + +“I may need it to-night,” she assured herself grimly. “No telling what +I’ll get into.” + +Nancy was in a hurry to get away, and it seemed that the Turnbull +sisters were never going to bed. Presently, she heard them moving about +downstairs and knew they were locking up for the night. After an +interminable wait, they came upstairs and went into their respective +rooms. A half hour more, and the house was quiet. + +“Now is my chance,” Nancy thought. “If only I can get out of here +without being heard.” + +Hastily slipping into her slicker and pulling a tight-fitting turban +over her curly, bobbed hair, she picked up her flashlight and revolver. +She opened the bedroom door and listened. All was quiet. + +“I feel like a ghost myself,” Nancy chuckled, as she tiptoed past +Rosemary’s room. + +The floor creaked alarmingly, and she paused, fearful lest she had +awakened the Turnbull sisters. She did not wish to frighten them and +neither did she wish to explain why she was prowling about at such a +late hour. + +Apparently the noise had not been heard, for no sound issued from either +bedroom. Rosemary and Floretta were both sleeping soundly. After +hesitating a moment, Nancy cautiously crept on down the stairway. + +She groped her way down the steps and upon reaching the drawing room, +turned on the flashlight. Quietly, she made her way to the front door. +As she had expected, it was locked. + +She felt for the key, but did not find it. Surprised, she flashed her +light full upon the lock. The key was not there. + +“Just my luck,” she murmured. “Rosemary and Floretta must have hidden it +somewhere.” + +Softly, she moved through the house to the kitchen and tried the back +door. It also was locked and the key likewise was missing. + +“Now I am in a nice mess,” Nancy told herself in disgust. “There’s no +hope of ever finding the key. I’ll have to go through a window.” + +Rosemary and Floretta had not forgotten to lock the windows, but they +had been barred from the inside, and the one in the kitchen offered +little resistance when Nancy tried it. Quietly raising it, she crawled +through and pushed it down when she had reached the ground. + +The rain was falling steadily, and a sudden gust of wind blew a wet +spray into her face. She did not mind. The blacker and stormier the +night, the more effectively it would serve her purpose. + +She did not light her flashlight for fear of attracting attention to her +movements. Splashing through the mud and water, she tried to pierce the +darkness. She could see only a short way ahead, but she knew the exact +location of the other house, and headed for it. Her heart began to beat +faster as she contemplated the adventure before her. If all went as she +planned, she hoped to solve the mystery of the Turnbull mansion before +she returned. + +As the outlines of the other stone house gradually emerged from the +murkiness of the drizzly night, she experienced a sensation of dread. +The night’s work was not going to be pleasant, of that she was sure. + +There was something about the house which seemed sinister. Through the +mistlike rain, the rays of a light in one of the lower rooms shone forth +as if in a half-futile attempt to pierce the gloom, while the rest of +the house stood dark and somber. + +So this was the home of Nathan Gombet, Nancy ruminated. She could not +help but feel that the dark, uninviting aspect of the structure provided +an abode singularly in keeping with the sinister character of its +master. + +As she stood in the shadow of the tall maples which surrounded the +house, she was uncertain what course it would be wisest to follow. She +did not wish to blunder into danger and she especially dreaded an +encounter with Nathan Gombet. Yet, if she accomplished anything, she +must enter the house, and it must be done this night. + +She squared her shoulders and stepped forward. At that very moment the +front door of the dwelling opened. Startled, Nancy retreated behind a +tree. + +[Illustration: A man came out of the house.] + +A man came out of the house. Unmindful of the rain, he stood for several +minutes with his face turned in the direction of the Turnbull mansion. + +It was Nathan Gombet. + +Nancy recognized him as the light from the window shone full upon his +face and clearly defined his features. The stoop of his shoulders was +unmistakable. + +She crouched behind a tree and waited. What did the miser intend to do? +Perhaps he was contemplating another visit to the Turnbull mansion! +Otherwise, why would he stand there and stare in that direction? + +Nancy could not know that Nathan was deliberately planning a scheme +which boded ill for her. The old miser had just ended a stormy interview +with Carson Drew who was held prisoner in the tower room of the house, +and he had made up his mind to bring the lawyer to time by kidnapping +his daughter. Just how he would get his hands on Nancy he did not know, +but as he abruptly started off down the path, he was turning over a +number of plans in his head. + +“The time will soon be ripe,” he chuckled evilly. + +Unaware that Nathan had been thinking of her and likewise without a +suspicion that she stood within a stone’s throw of the room where her +father was imprisoned, Nancy Drew considered what she had best do. + +“There’s not much use to trail Nathan,” she decided. “After all, he may +not visit the Turnbull house, and this will be my only opportunity to +visit his house. It was pure luck he left just when he did.” + +Hesitating no longer, she moved on through the rain. Once she glanced +back over her shoulder, but Nathan Gombet had been swallowed up in the +darkness. + +Cautiously, Nancy approached the old stone house from the rear. The +light was still shining from a window, and she saw now that it came from +the kitchen. The shades were up, and as she drew closer she was able to +peer in. + +A fat colored woman was washing dishes at the sink, her back to the +window. + +“She must be the servant Rosemary and Floretta were telling me about,” +Nancy guessed. “I never saw a more surly-looking creature. She looks +positively vicious!” + +Nancy Drew was disappointed, for with Nathan Gombet gone she had hoped +to find the house deserted. The presence of the colored woman made her +mission a very dangerous one. + +“It’s now or never,” she thought nervously. “I must hurry or Nathan +Gombet may return.” + +Cautiously, she moved forward and surveyed the house at close range. +With the exception of the kitchen, the shades were pulled down over all +of the windows. + +“I may be able to get in a cellar window,” Nancy reasoned. + +With one eye on the kitchen door, she began an investigation. After +trying several windows, she found one which had not been locked. + +“Luck is with me,” she breathed. “Now, if I can get into the house +without being detected!” + +The window was a small one and swung back on a hinge. It made a loud +grating sound as it opened, and Nancy felt certain the colored woman +must have heard the noise. Frantically, she scrambled through the small +opening and dropped to the cellar floor. Before she could prevent it, +the window banged shut behind her. + +“Now I have done it!” she thought, in a panic. + +Her fears were confirmed. The kitchen door opened and there was a heavy +tread on the back porch. The colored woman had heard the noise and was +coming to find what had caused it. + + + + + CHAPTER XVIII + Inside the Other House + + +Nancy Drew crouched in the dark cellar of the old stone house, scarcely +daring to breathe lest her presence be discovered. She could hear the +old colored servant coming down the path which led directly to the +window through which she had just scrambled. + +“She heard the noise all right, and she’s coming to investigate,” Nancy +thought fearfully. + +She dared not turn on her flashlight to search for a hiding place and +she dared not remain where she was. If the colored woman looked in at +the window, as she was almost certain to do, her presence would be +detected. + +Feeling her way in the dark, Nancy moved cautiously forward. She could +not see a foot ahead of her, and the cellar was unpleasantly musty and +damp. + +Her hand touched something cold and slimy. She recoiled as though she +had touched a snake, although in reality it was only an old piece of +rubber hose. + +She could hear the colored woman coming nearer and nearer. Unless she +found a hiding place quickly, she would be caught. + +Then her hand touched a doorknob. She turned it eagerly. The door opened +readily, and Nancy found herself in a small storeroom. + +There was no time to search for a better place, so she quickly drew the +door to after her. Leaving a tiny crack through which she could peep, +she waited anxiously. + +Almost immediately, she heard a noise at the cellar window, and a light +was flashed about. It rested for a moment upon the door of the storeroom +and then moved to another corner. + +“I suah thought I heard somethin’!” Nancy heard the old negress mutter. +“An’ it was right down in this heah basement, too!” + +She continued to flash the long beam of her flashlight here and there +about the cellar, and though Nancy could see nothing at the window +because of the glare, she imagined that back of the lens she saw two +penetrating black eyes peering directly into her retreat. + +“If she sees me!” Nancy thought, and the prospect of being captured like +a thief in the house of Nathan Gombet caused her to crouch closely to +the wall, praying that the colored woman would not discover her. “If she +decides to come down into the cellar, I’m lost,” she told herself. + +Apparently, the colored woman was satisfied that there was nothing wrong +in the basement, for after peering in at the window, she moved away, +muttering to herself. + +“I done reckons my old ears is playin’ me false,” she mumbled. “I hears +noises dat sounds like dey was in de basement and dey was only in my +haid.” + +A moment later Nancy heard the kitchen door slam shut. After waiting +several minutes longer to make certain that the old colored woman had no +intention of returning, she switched on her flashlight and curiously +surveyed her surroundings. + +The storeroom in which she found herself was like any other room of its +kind, though it showed neglect. The place was filthy with dirt, and in +one corner some half-rotten potatoes sent up an odor which was anything +but pleasant. + +After assuring herself that there was nothing of interest in the room, +Nancy opened the door and quietly stepped out into the main part of the +basement. It was a relief to get a whiff of comparatively fresh air. + +Her purpose in entering the cellar was to discover whether or not there +was a secret tunnel connecting the Turnbull mansion with Nathan Gombet’s +house. Since she had learned that both residences had been built at +approximately the same time, she had suspected that such a passageway +might be in existence. She had been unable to find an entrance in the +cellar of the Turnbull mansion, but she hoped to have better luck in the +basement of Gombet’s house. + +Flashing her light over the walls, she searched diligently for a secret +opening or a trapdoor. Obviously, there was no tunnel which opened out +of the basement. The walls appeared to be constructed of solid stone. + +However, as she moved her light about, she saw a flight of stairs which +led to the first floor of the house. + +Nancy Drew had no intention of leaving the place until she had made a +thorough investigation of the floors above, but the stairway she had +located led directly into the kitchen. So long as the colored woman was +working there, she would be held a prisoner in the cellar. + +“I may have to wait here until she goes to bed,” she thought dismally. + +A girl less patient would have given up the search, but Nancy was +determined to see the affair through to the end. Unless she here and now +unearthed an important clue which would definitely connect Nathan Gombet +with the strange happenings and numerous thefts at the Turnbull mansion, +she feared that the mystery would forever remain unsolved. + +She had visited the home of Gombet as a last resort. She was firm in her +intention not to return without the evidence which must be obtained +before the old miser could be convicted. + +The cellar was damp and Nancy’s slicker was but slight protection +against the chill night air. Presently, she was shivering with cold. + +“This will never do,” she chattered. “I can’t stay here all night.” + +Discomfort made her bold. Impulsively, she crept up the stairway. A door +blocked the entrance to the kitchen. Crouching down, she peered through +the keyhole. The colored woman was still there. She stood with her back +to the basement door, ironing. + +It was slightly warmer on the landing and Nancy remained there, hoping +that some errand would take the woman from the room. After what seemed +an interminable wait, the negress put her ironing board away and, +picking up the basket of clothes, went out of the kitchen. + +Throwing caution to the winds, Nancy gently tried the door. It was not +locked. Without making a sound, she opened it and stepped out into the +light. + +Now that she was actually in the kitchen she did not know which way to +turn. As she hesitated, she heard the colored woman returning. + +Frantically, Nancy glanced this way and that. There was not sufficient +time to retreat to the cellar. The woman had nearly reached the kitchen. + +“I’m trapped,” the girl thought desperately. + +Then her eyes rested upon a closet door to her left, and with scarcely +an instant’s consideration, she hastily sought the refuge it afforded. + +Scarcely had she stepped into the closet and closed the door when the +colored woman came back into the kitchen. Without so much as a glance in +the direction of the closet, she picked up a pile of ironed linen and +again left the room. Nancy could hear her moving about in another part +of the house. + +“Now is my chance!” she advised herself. “If I stay here I’ll be sure to +be caught.” + +Quickly, she stepped out of the closet. She listened for a second to +make certain the woman was not returning, and then, without making a +sound, darted into the next room. + +There was no time to look about, for at any moment the colored woman +might come back and find her there. She must reach the second floor. +Where was the stairway? + +Softly, she tiptoed across the floor and opened a door. Fortune favored +her, for it was the right one. A narrow, winding stairway, not unlike +the one in the Turnbull house, led to the landing above. + +With her pistol ready for instant use, Nancy Drew crept noiselessly up +the stairs. The boards creaked slightly but she did not pause until she +had reached the landing. It was pitch dark and she dared not use her +flashlight. + +She heard a noise, and started. + +“That sounded like someone coughing, but I guess it couldn’t have been,” +she decided. “My nerves are all on edge to-night.” + +Had she only known it, she stood within twenty feet of the room where +her father was held a prisoner! + +Nancy paused and listened, but the sound was not repeated. + +She then crept silently along the corridor, unwittingly passing the +prison chamber in the dark. + +The floor boards creaked alarmingly, and at each step she feared someone +would spring out and attempt to overpower her. She felt as though unseen +eyes were watching her every movement. + +“I must control my nerves,” she told herself firmly. + +By a supreme effort of will she gained control over herself and moved +forward again. Her hand struck a door knob. Cautiously, she opened the +door, wondering what would be revealed. In the inky blackness she could +see nothing, and with sudden daring, switched on her flashlight. + +As a penetrating beam fell upon an object directly in front of her, she +started back in sheer horror. + +A big owl, with spread wings and wicked glassy eyes, was less than three +feet from her! + +Only by rigid mental discipline did Nancy suppress a cry of fright. +Then, as she continued to stare at the huge bird, she relaxed slightly. + +The owl was stuffed! For a moment she had forgotten that Rosemary and +Floretta had told her that Nathan Gombet was something of a taxidermist. + +With misgiving, she flashed her light about. What she saw did not tend +to lessen her terror. She stood in a room of birds! + +“What a strange hobby,” Nancy shuddered. + +Never had she seen such a collection. The room was crowded with +pedestals upon which sat stuffed birds. From one corner, an eagle looked +down upon her, and from another, an ugly vulture. There were several +crows and odd specimens Nancy did not recognize. + +It was a gruesome sight. She stared at the figures in fascination and +horror, for in the semi-darkness a score of glassy eyes seemed focused +upon her. + +Nancy’s first impulse was to back hastily from the room, but almost +immediately she gained control of herself. She would not leave until she +had discovered every secret of the old house! + +As she moved her light about, she saw that there were live birds in the +room also. Golden canaries in gilded cages! They seemed strangely out of +keeping with the ugly stuffed specimens about the walls and upon the +pedestals. There were dozens of the little yellow birds, and as a beam +from the flashlight struck the cages, they aroused sleepily on their +perches and began to chirp and twitter. + +“Canaries!” Nancy whispered, impressed at the sight. “Now I am sure it +was Nathan Gombet who entered the Turnbull mansion. The two canaries +which we found in Floretta’s room must have come from here! But how did +they get there? That is what I must find out before I leave here +to-night!” + +She turned toward the door and as she moved forward a ray from the +flashlight fell upon a large cage which had escaped her notice. Now for +the first time she saw a brilliantly colored parrot. + +The bird began to stir restlessly. Sensing that she was about to bring +disaster upon herself, Nancy switched the light to another portion of +the room. Too late! The parrot let out a loud squawk. + +“Go ’way!” it screamed. “Go ’way! Polly wants a cracker!” + +Thoroughly alarmed, Nancy darted toward the door. As she opened the +door, she heard a heavy step on the stairs. The colored woman was coming +to find out what the matter was! Escape was cut off. + +“I could choke that parrot!” Nancy told herself almost fiercely. “Now I +am in a mess!” + + + + + CHAPTER XIX + A Chance Discovery + + +Softly, Nancy Drew closed the door. One quick glance toward the stairway +had convinced her that she could not hope to escape into the corridor. +Already the old colored woman, oil lamp in hand, had nearly reached the +landing. Fortunately, she was fat and awkward and could not move +swiftly. Nancy was thankful for that. + +The ill-tempered parrot which had been the cause of all the trouble, was +now fully awakened. It began to flutter about angrily in its cage and to +squawk louder than before. + +“Go ’way! Go ’way!” it screeched shrilly, cocking its head and eying her +slyly. + +“Oh, hush up, you horrid bird!” Nancy murmured in an undertone, as she +scowled at the bird. “You’ve caused enough trouble as it is!” + +She flashed her light about the room in a desperate attempt to find a +hiding place. The room was bare of furniture. + +She rushed to the window and glanced hopefully out. There was no ledge, +and the drop to the ground would be suicide. + +Nancy realized that she had never been in a more dangerous situation. +She did not doubt that the old colored woman was as unscrupulous as her +master, and what she would do if she found a stranger prowling in the +house, Nancy dreaded to consider. At least she would turn her over to +Nathan Gombet when he returned, and Nancy could think of no worse fate. + +Nervously, she gripped her revolver. If the necessity arose, could she +defend herself? She had never shot a firearm in her life at anything but +a target, and she knew that she could never bring herself to the point +of injuring a human being deliberately, even to save herself from +capture. Yet, the revolver would serve as a bluff, and perhaps as an +effective one. + +“I can’t afford to be caught here,” she thought. “Even if I managed to +escape it would put an end to my investigation, and I haven’t learned +half enough yet!” + +In her prior survey of the bird room, Nancy had failed to notice a +closet door directly behind the parrot’s cage. Now, as her eyes turned +again in that direction, she saw it for the first time. + +With a low exclamation of pleasure and belief she glided toward it. +Opening the door, she stepped inside and closed it after her. + +She was not an instant too soon, for scarcely had she entered the dark +recess when she heard the room door open. The colored woman came +waddling into the room. She flashed her light into the corners of the +room and looked about in a puzzled manner as though unable to understand +what had caused the commotion of the birds. + +“Go ’way! Go ’way!” the parrot cackled, harping on its eternal theme. +“Polly wants a cracker.” + +“How comes you so excited to-night, talk-bird?” the woman demanded +crossly. “You carries on like a fool with all yo’ squawkin’ and +speechifyin’!” + +“Go ’way! Go ’way!” the parrot repeated mechanically, fluttering its +wings and swinging saucily on its cage trapeze. + +“Oh, nev’ mind, nev’ mind!” the negress grunted. “I’ll go ’way all +right, but befo’ I goes I’s gwine cut off yo’ conversation!” + +Provoked that the bird had caused her to make a special trip upstairs, +she picked up a piece of heavy canvas from the floor and flung it over +the parrot’s cage. + +“I reckon dat’ll hold you fo’ a spell!” she muttered. + +The parrot gave a last dismal squawk and then became quiet. + +The woman stood beside the bird cage regarding it with satisfaction. She +was not more than a yard or two from the closet door and if she had +reached out her hand could have touched the handle. + +Fearful lest she be discovered, Nancy pressed herself against the wall +of the closet and remained motionless. She felt a tiny little knob +pressing uncomfortably into the hollow of her back, but without a light +she could not see what it was. Later, if she escaped detection, she +intended to investigate. + +Now, she knew that the slightest noise would bring the enemy down upon +her in an instant. For some reason, the colored woman showed an +inclination to remain even after she had covered the bird cage. Perhaps +she sensed a foreign presence in the room. At all events she stood near +the closet, listening. + +The room was silent save for the twittering of the canaries. Nancy held +her breath in suspense. Would she be discovered? It was a nerve-wracking +moment. + +Again the woman flashed her light about the room, but she did not turn +toward the closet. After a last careful look around, she moved heavily +toward the door. There she paused and appeared to reflect. + +“Cain’t make out what upset that there bird all of a sudden,” she said +to herself. “Reckons I ain’t gwine take no chances.” + +With that, she went out and closed the door behind her. Nancy heard a +peculiar grating sound, but was at a loss to explain it. + +The colored woman shuffled down the corridor and as she descended the +stairs to the lower floor, her footsteps gradually died away. After +waiting several minutes, Nancy emerged from her hiding place. The air +had become unpleasantly stuffy within the closet, and she was glad to +get out. + +Avoiding the parrot cage, she crept noiselessly to the door. She grasped +the knob and pulled, but to her astonishment the door did not open. +Again she tried, but without success. + +The door was locked! + +Now Nancy comprehended the significance of the peculiar grating noise +she had heard directly after the negress had left the room. It was the +sound of a key turning in the lock. She, Nancy Drew, was a prisoner in +the bird room—the “chamber of horrors.” + +“Now what shall I do?” Nancy questioned herself miserably. “Oh, why did +I ever come to this horrible place, anyway?” + +She sank down on the floor and tried to think of a way out of the +predicament, but could not. Her zest for adventure had been her undoing. + +“If I ever get out of here alive I’ll think twice before I go blundering +into anything like this again,” she promised herself. + +Presently, she walked over to the window and glanced toward the Turnbull +mansion. If only she could wish herself safely back into her own room! + +“And the worst part of it is that I haven’t discovered what I came to +find out,” she mourned. “I’m sure there is a secret panel in this house, +but now I’ll never find it. I’m certain it wouldn’t be in this room.” + +Because there was nothing else to do, she began a half-hearted +examination of the walls. As she had expected, she found nothing of +interest. She was about to give up in disgust when a sudden thought came +to her. + +She recalled the knob she had felt within the closet. Probably it was +nothing, but at least it would do no harm to have a look at it. + +Flashing her light into the closet, she focused it upon the knob in +question. It was a tiny thing and appeared to have no special purpose. +Certainly it was not the right size to serve as an object upon which to +hang clothing. + +“I wonder what it is for?” the girl asked herself. + +Curiously, Nancy stepped inside the closet and twisted the knob. She +thought she heard a clicking noise. Was it only imagination? + +Eagerly, she examined the back wall of the closet and her interest +quickened. In the dim light she could make out a long crack. She tapped +the wall with her knuckles, and it had a hollow sound. + +“I believe I’ve stumbled upon something important,” Nancy thought +excitedly. + +With all her might she pushed upon the knob. Unexpectedly, a spring +clicked and the entire side of the closet wall dropped down! + +[Illustration: She toppled forward and fell headlong down a steep +flight of stone steps.] + +Nancy struggled to maintain her balance, but could not. She toppled +forward and fell headlong down a steep flight of stone steps. + +A low cry of pain escaped her, and then she lay still. + + + + + CHAPTER XX + The Underground Passage + + +After Nancy Drew had plunged through the opening into the dark abyss, +the closet wall clapped back into place. She did not hear the spring +click, for before she reached the bottom of a long flight of stone +stairs her head struck a hard object and she lost consciousness. + +For several minutes she remained in a limp little heap at the bottom of +the stairs. When at last she opened her eyes, she gave a little moan of +pain, and tried to recollect what had happened. + +She could see nothing, for she was enveloped in darkness. Gradually, she +began to recall the events leading up to the sudden fall through the +opening in the wall. She could remember pressing the tiny knob in the +closet, but there her memory failed her. Evidently, she had found the +secret panel and was now in an underground chamber. + +As yet, Nancy was too badly shaken to realize the full importance of the +discovery. She sat up and gingerly felt of her head. There was a big +bump over her left eye. + +“Lucky I wasn’t killed,” she murmured. + +She scrambled slowly to her feet and moved first one limb and then +another. She had been sorely bruised and scratched in the fall, but so +far as she could tell no bones were broken. + +In the descent she had lost both her revolver and flashlight, and she +began to grope around in the dark, hoping to find them. + +She found the revolver almost at her feet, but it required a diligent +search before her hand struck the flashlight. It had lodged in a corner +near the last step. + +“I hope it isn’t broken,” she thought anxiously, as she picked it up. + +To her relief, the flashlight had not been damaged. When she turned it +on it worked perfectly, but its feeble light illuminated only a small +portion of the surroundings. + +Nancy saw that she had fallen to the very bottom of a long stone +stairway. In vain she looked for the opening through which she had +plunged. It had vanished as though by magic. + +“That’s strange,” she murmured, bewildered. “I know I fell down those +steps.” + +Limping painfully up the stairs, she stared in astonishment at the solid +wall at the top. She ran her hands up and down but could not find the +hidden spring. + +“Oh, well, I could probably find it if I hunted long enough,” she told +herself. “But I’m only wasting valuable time. I’ve found the secret +passage at last, and, the Fates being willing, I intend to find out +where it leads. I can investigate this panel later when I have more +time.” + +Nancy cautiously descended into the tunnel. The steps were of crudely +cut stone and led almost straight down into an inky, uncertain +blackness. Beyond, stretched a passageway. + +When she reached the bottom of the steps, she paused, undecided what to +do. She did not know where the passage might lead; she might be walking +into danger. + +“I’ll chance it,” she decided. “I wouldn’t turn back for anything in the +world now.” + +The passageway which stretched uninvitingly before her was very narrow +and only high enough for her to walk without bending over. The sides +were built of brick and stone, but the material had begun to crumble and +Nancy feared that at any moment a portion of the walls or ceiling might +come tumbling down upon her. + +“Well, here’s for it,” she decided resolutely. + +She moved slowly forward, flashing her light ahead of her. The passage +was unpleasantly damp and had an earthy smell. Moisture clung to the +walls, and there was a cold breeze circulating. + +“I must be underground,” she thought. + +An awful silence reigned in the subterranean passage. The quiet was +oppressive. With an anxious glance over her shoulder, Nancy went on. + +Once she thought she heard a sigh from someone in distress. +Involuntarily, she stopped to listen. + +“I guess it was only the wind,” she told herself uncertainly. + +On she went deeper into the labyrinth of darkness, feeling her way +cautiously. The tiny light from her flashlight but dimly illuminated the +passage, and she stumbled and groped her way along timidly. When she +accidentally brushed against the stone walls or put out a hand to save +herself from falling, the structure felt clammy and repulsive to the +touch. + +“Silly!” she chided herself sternly. + +But in spite of her determination, she could not free her mind from +unpleasant supposition. The gruesome sights she had seen in the bird +room had made an unpleasant impression upon her. What if the colored +woman had heard her fall down the stairs and knew the secret of the +hidden panel in the closet? At this very moment she might be following. + +Nancy shivered. In the subterranean passage, cries for help would never +be heard. She would be entirely at the mercy of anyone who found her +trespassing. + +Her own footsteps seemed strangely loud and echoed in her ears. Oh, if +only she would come to the end of the passage! Surely, it could not run +on forever. + +The air was cold and damp, and in a number of places water dripped from +the ceiling. Nancy believed that it was rain dripping through the cracks +in the cement. In that case she could not be far underground. + +Where did the tunnel lead? Perhaps it came out in someone’s garden or a +wood. + +“And maybe to a graveyard.” Nancy shivered. “I’ve heard of such things. +Anyway, I hope not. I’ve gone through enough for one night!” + +Her head ached from the injury she had received, and she was tired from +nervous strain. She was impatient to reach the end of the passage. + +What would she find there? She could only hope that the exit would not +be barred. If such were the case, she would be a prisoner in the +underground vault. Of course she could always return to the entrance, +but whether or not she could find the hidden spring which controlled the +sliding panel was another matter. + +After a time she stopped a moment to rest. As she paused she heard a +sound directly behind her. Wheeling, she suppressed a cry of terror. + +A big rat scurried by, almost at her feet. + +“Ug!” Nancy shuddered. “I don’t like this place.” + +Still, she would not turn back. After resting a few minutes she again +proceeded. + +The passage was no longer straight, but twisted and turned in a puzzling +fashion. At one place she came to a point where two tunnels branched +off. She hesitated, uncertain, which one to take. + +After a short mental debate she selected the right hand one, but as she +went on, could not help but feel she had chosen the wrong one. Perhaps +she was returning to Gombet’s house, doubling back on her trail. + +Anxiously, Nancy, glanced at her flashlight. She had forgotten to bring +an extra battery and she did not know how long the present one would +last. The bright light somewhat reassured her, but nevertheless she +quickened her pace. She could think of nothing more horrifying than to +be left without a light in such a gruesome place. + +She tried to take note of the various turns in the tunnel but presently +gave it up as a hopeless task. If she were forced to return, she must +depend upon instinct to guide her. + +“I hope I don’t get lost,” she worried. “That would be the crowning +misfortune.” + +At last her foot struck a hard object, and Nancy quickly turned her +flashlight upon it. She had reached another stone step. Perhaps she was +approaching the exit to the passageway. + +The thought gave her new courage. As she peered ahead she saw a long +flight of stone steps leading upward. Eagerly, she groped her way up +them. + +It seemed to her that the air became gradually warmer and less damp. + +“I’m coming out of the tunnel at last,” she reasoned joyfully. “I wonder +where I am?” + +At last the stone steps came to an end, but to her chagrin, Nancy faced +a solid wall. + +“There must be a secret spring, if only I can find it,” she thought +desperately. + +Anxiously, she flashed her light over the wall. Near the top step she +saw a tiny knob not unlike the one she had discovered in the closet of +Nathan Grombet’s house. With a cry of satisfaction, she pushed upon it. + +Slowly, the wall swung back, and in amazement Nancy passed through the +opening. The panel grated shut behind her. + +“This is positively spooky,” she laughed uncertainly. “Who ever dreamed +there was a place like this anywhere near Cliffwood? It reminds me of +the feudal castles. The man who built it certainly had funny ideas.” + +If Nancy had expected to find herself at the mouth of the passage she +was mistaken. Ahead of her was a steep flight of wooden stairs. + +The steps were very old and offered treacherous footing, and the space +between the walls was so narrow that it was with difficulty that she +proceeded. She moved forward cautiously feeling each step. + +She had climbed but a short distance when she stepped forward with her +right foot and instead of striking a solid base, found nothing beneath. +Only by grasping the step above did she save herself from a fall. + +Quickly focusing the light down upon the step, she was able to see that +the bottom of it was missing. The flooring had rotted entirely away. + +“That was a lucky escape,” she said inwardly. “I might have broken my +leg there.” + +Carefully avoiding the hole, she moved on. A dozen more steps and she +reached a landing. Here several narrow flights of stairs branched off. +What could it mean? Where was she? + +Nancy felt reasonably certain that that she was inside a house, but +whether she had returned to Gombet’s dwelling, she had no way of +telling. + +After a slight hesitation she selected one of the flights and continued +to climb. The steps were in terrible condition and at any moment she +expected to crash through the half-decayed wood. + +Far above, she thought she could see a dim light filtering through a +crack, and she hurried eagerly on. She was so anxious to reach the top +of the stairs that she failed to notice that her flashlight was growing +dimmer and dimmer. + +Just as she came to the end of the steps, the light blinked. Then for +the first time Nancy glanced down and saw that the bulb was dim. The +battery was nearly exhausted. A few moments more, and she would be +plunged in darkness. + +Ahead she caught a glimpse of a huge metal ring on the wall. What it was +she had no idea, but it offered her her only hope of escape from the +staircase. + +Just as her hand reached out and grasped it, the flashlight flickered +again. Then it went entirely out. + +Nancy Drew was left in darkness. + + + + + CHAPTER XXI + The End of the Passage + + +Panic momentarily took possession of Nancy Drew as her light flickered +out. She was a prisoner within the secret staircase. Without a light +there was little hope that she could find the exit. + +After her first fright had passed, she began to think more logically. +Through a crack in the wall, a dim light filtered. Unquestionably, she +had reached the end of the passage, and if only she could find the +secret, the wall would open. + +“Perhaps the metal ring will open the panel,” she thought hopefully. + +Grasping it firmly with both hands, she pulled with all her strength. A +trapdoor fell back so unexpectedly that Nancy nearly lost her balance +and tumbled down the stairs. Only by maintaining her hold on the ring +did she save herself. + +Beyond the opening she could see a room. Where was she? Had she doubled +back and thus returned to Nathan Gombet’s dwelling? + +Scarcely daring to breath lest her presence be discovered, she crawled +through the opening and hastily scrambled to her feet. + +The room was dimly lighted by one window, and as she glanced toward it, +Nancy was surprised to see the moonbeams shining upon the casement. +Evidently, she had been within the passage for some time, as it had +stopped raining. + +In the dim light she could not make out her surroundings. She moved +forward with the utmost caution. As she groped her way, she reached out +with her hand and touched something. It was a piece of furniture. +Eagerly, she felt of it, and then smiled broadly. + +She knew that old highboy. She remembered seeing it the day she had +searched the Turnbull attic! + +Nancy’s anxiety fell from her like a cloak. She leaned against the +highboy and chuckled softly. Now she knew where she was! + +She had traveled from Gombet’s house underground to the Turnbull +mansion. The stairs she had ascended had led up the side of the house to +the attic. Undoubtedly, the other flights she had passed led to other +portions of the old house. + +But why had she failed to discover the trapdoor when she had first +examined the attic, she asked herself. Certainly, she had made a +thorough search. + +“I can’t see a thing without a light,” she grumbled mentally. “I suppose +I’ll have to wait until morning before I can investigate this attic +again.” + +Nancy did not close the trapdoor, for she was afraid that if she did she +might never again find the spring which opened it. In the morning she +would visit the attic and again enter the hidden staircase. + +“Now I’ll go to my room and try to sleep,” she decided. “It’s long past +midnight and I’m dead tired.” + +Softly, she crept forward, feeling her way out of the attic. She found +the stairs which led to the floor below, and quietly descended them. + +“I hope Floretta and Rosemary don’t hear me,” she chuckled. “If they do +they’ll think the ghost is abroad again.” + +She slipped past Rosemary’s bedroom and reached her own in safety. + +“What an adventure!” she sighed happily, as she closed the bedroom door +behind her and lighted a candle. “What a night! I hope I’ll never go +through another as harrowing. Still, I wouldn’t have missed it for +worlds!” + +Hastily, she undressed and crawled into bed, but she did not fall to +sleep at once. Instead she lay awake staring up at the ceiling. + +As she pieced together the information she had secured from every +source, she comprehended the value of her night’s work. She understood +it all now. Nathan Gombet was the guilty party. It was he who had +visited the Turnbull mansion at frequent intervals, frightening the old +ladies and stealing their valuables. + +Since Nancy had learned that he wished to buy the Turnbull property at a +ridiculously low figure, she had been convinced that it was Nathan who +made nightly visits to the mansion, but without definite proof of her +theory she could not lay her case before the authorities. Now she had +the necessary proof! + +Probably the secret tunnel which connected Gombet’s house with the +Turnbull residence had been built before Civil War days, and had been +planned as a protection against possible marauders. At that time the +Turnbull brothers had been friendly and Nancy imagined that they used +the passage frequently as a means of going from one house to the other. +But with the Civil War, the brothers had become enemies, and the +passageway had been closed up. With the passing of the years it had been +forgotten, until now the descendants could recall nothing about it. + +In some way, undoubtedly by accident, Nathan Gombet had stumbled upon +the entrance. He had determined to use the knowledge to further his own +ugly schemes. + +“Probably there are openings on each floor,” Nancy thought. “It would be +easy for Nathan to go from one room to another without being discovered, +it would be just like him to hide and listen to any conversation he +could!” + +She recalled the strange threatening note she had received which had +warned her not to meddle with the affairs of the Turnbulls. She was +convinced that Gombet had sent the message. He had heard Floretta and +Rosemary discussing the letter, and in that way had learned that she was +expected to arrive. + +The loss of the pocketbook, the silver spoon, the urn, the pin, and +Floretta’s dresses could be easily explained. Nathan had entered the +house by the secret staircase and had taken the things. + +“There must be an opening into the library,” Nancy told herself. “I +intend to find it to-morrow if I have to chop down the wall!” + +It was no longer a mystery how the canaries had reached Floretta’s room. +Probably Nathan had accidentally left the entrance to the tunnel open on +one of his visits to the mansion, and the birds had flown through the +opening and had found their way to the house, or possibly the miser had +brought them with him. + +The loud cry which had been heard in the night was easily explained. +Nathan Gombet had fallen over the broken step on the stairway and had +hurt himself. + +“Served him right, too,” Nancy thought, with some pleasure. + +Satisfied that she had solved the mystery, she turned over in bed and +tried to go to sleep. But she could not. Worries began to beset her. + +Until Nathan Gombet was brought to justice her work was not +accomplished. It would not be easy to capture him, she knew, for the +miser was a desperate man when crossed. If only her father were at home +to give her advice! + +“What can have become of him?” she fretted, as she tossed restlessly in +bed. “I’m so worried. If I don’t hear from him to-morrow I must report +him missing to the police!” + +Not until it was nearly dawn did she fall into a troubled sleep. + + + + + CHAPTER XXII + The Next Move + + +When Nancy Drew opened her eyes the following morning, the sun was +streaming in at her bedroom window. A quick glance at the clock on her +dresser disclosed that it was fifteen minutes past nine. + +“Horrors!” she cried, springing from the bed. “Why didn’t Floretta or +Rosemary awaken me?” + +She was provoked with herself that she had overslept on a morning when +she had so much to do. Although she had gone through a trying ordeal the +night before, she was none the worse for the experience, and arose +feeling refreshed and eager for what the day might bring forth. + +Hastily dressing, she hurried downstairs to find that breakfast was +waiting. + +“You have no idea how sorry I am,” she apologized contritely. “You +shouldn’t have waited for me.” + +“It doesn’t matter in the least,” Rosemary told her quietly, as the +three sat down to the breakfast table. “This may be the last breakfast +we’ll ever eat here.” + +“Why, what do you mean?” Nancy glanced up quickly and noticed the sad +expression on the faces of the Turnbull sisters. + +“Nathan Gombet was here this morning,” Rosemary explained. + +Nancy’s spoon clattered from her hand. + +“He was here this morning?” she asked in astonishment. + +“Yes, he came to repeat the offer he made us some time ago for the +house.” + +“That wasn’t an offer—it was a steal!” + +“But in the light of what has happened here, we can’t expect to get much +for the house.” + +“You didn’t sell?” Nancy questioned anxiously. + +“We have made up our minds to give up the house. Yes, we accepted his +offer and told him that if he came back this afternoon we would sign the +papers.” + +“Then you haven’t signed anything yet?” + +“Not yet,” Rosemary responded listlessly. + +“Oh, I’m so glad!” Nancy cried impulsively. “If you had it would have +spoiled everything. There is no need for you ever to leave your home,” +she added impressively. “You see, I’ve solved the mystery at last.” + +“You’ve solved the mystery?” Floretta demanded eagerly. “You know what +became of our silver urn? Oh, it’s too good to be true!” + +“I can’t lay hands on your urn this minute,” Nancy told her. “But I +think I can get it within twenty-four hours.” + +“Don’t keep us in suspense,” Rosemary begged. “Tell us everything. Is +there really a ghost in our house?” + +Nancy laughed. + +“Nathan Gombet is the ghost—just as I suspected.” + +“Are you certain?” Rosemary asked a trifle doubtfully. “He has been our +neighbor for years and he offered to buy our house.” + +“That’s just why he has been trying to frighten you. Because he wanted +to force you to sell at his price.” + +“I always thought Nathan was mean, but I had no idea he would do a thing +like that,” Floretta said. “Have you really the proof that he is the +guilty party? Unless you have, we wouldn’t dare accuse him.” + +“I’ll show you my proof,” Nancy declared. “Come with me and I think +you’ll be convinced.” + +Hurrying to the kitchen, she secured a supply of candles, and then led +the way to the attic. Wonderingly, Rosemary and Floretta followed. + +Nancy flung open the door and permitted the Turnbull sisters to enter +first. + +“I have discovered a hidden stairway,” she informed them, as she flashed +her candle in the direction of the old highboy. + +Rosemary and Floretta took one look and gasped in astonishment. The +secret stairway was plainly revealed for the trapdoor was open just as +Nancy had left it the night before. + +“Who ever dreamed of a hidden staircase in our house?” Floretta demanded +in excitement. + +“There were rumors to that effect,” Rosemary admitted. “But I never +believed them. Just think how many times we’ve been in this attic and +never discovered the trapdoor!” + +“It was very cleverly hidden,” Nancy told them. “I searched and couldn’t +find it myself from the outside.” + +“Where does the stairway lead?” Floretta asked, peering into the dark +recess. + +“It leads to a tunnel which connects The Mansion with Nathan Gombet’s +house.” + +“And he’s been entering our house nightly by means of this staircase?” +Floretta questioned. + +“I’m convinced of it.” + +“But how did you ever make the discovery?” Rosemary broke in admiringly. + +Nancy then told the details of her harrowing experience in the Gombet +residence. She ended by showing them the bump on her head which had been +caused by falling down the stone steps. + +“You might have been killed,” Floretta shuddered. “And imagine going +through that passage all alone in the dead of night! It must have been +terrible! I never could have done it.” + +“I’ll admit I didn’t enjoy the experience,” Nancy replied. “But it was +the only way to solve the mystery.” + +Rosemary, who had been studying the entrance to the staircase +meditatively, now turned to Nancy with a puzzled frown. + +“There’s one thing that isn’t clear to me. I don’t see how Nathan took +our silver urn from the library and managed to escape without being +caught. In order to reach this staircase it would be necessary for him +to pass our bedrooms. Surely, we would have heard him.” + +“That puzzles me too,” Nancy admitted. “But I have a theory which I +intend to investigate this morning. I believe there must be another +opening to this staircase on the floor below.” + +“Perhaps there’s one in every room,” Floretta speculated. + +“It wouldn’t surprise me to find one on every floor,” Nancy stated. + +“But we searched thoroughly,” Rosemary protested. “We went over every +inch of the walls.” + +“That’s true. But I believe it will be easier to find the openings from +the inside. I intend to enter the staircase again and try to find them. +Last night I remember that several flight of stairs branched off from +one landing. I want to find out where they lead. Do you want to go with +me?” + +“Certainly,” Rosemary declared promptly. “I have a great curiosity to +see what the stairway is like.” + +“It’s so old we must be careful not to fall,” Nancy warned her. “One of +the steps has rotted away entirely.” + +As she spoke, she stepped through the opening into the passageway. +Rosemary boldly followed, but Floretta hesitated uncertainly. + +“What if the trapdoor should fall shut?” she questioned anxiously. + +“I’m sure it won’t,” Nancy reassured her. “But even if it does, I can +open it again. See, here is the hidden spring.” + +She held her candle so that the beam illuminated the metal ring which +controlled the door. Still, Floretta hesitated. + +“Do hurry,” Rosemary commanded impatiently. “There’s no danger.” + +Floretta folded her skirts tightly about her to prevent them from +brushing against the dusty walls, and then timidly descended the first +step. + +“I don’t like it,” she choked. “The dust is terrific and the +cobwebs—ug!” Nevertheless, she did not turn back. + +Cautiously, Nancy Drew led the way down the wooden stairs, taking care +to avoid the broken step. At the landing she selected one of the +passages which led in another direction, and descended the stairs until +she came to another landing. + +As she flashed her light about, her keen eyes caught the gleam of a +metal ring. She seized upon it eagerly. + +“This must open a panel,” she cried, in excitement. + +As she pulled upon the ring, the wall fell away, and to her amazement +she stepped into a closet which was filled with garments. + +“Where are we?” she demanded. + +“Why, we must be in my room!” Floretta gasped. “Now I understand what +became of my silk dresses and the diamond pin!” + +“It’s clear Nathan must have entered the room by means of the secret +panel in the closet,” Rosemary observed. + +“But how did the canaries get in?” Floretta demanded. + +“They might have flown through the passage and entered the room when the +panel was open,” Nancy suggested. + +“That’s very likely,” Rosemary agreed. “It’s no wonder we thought the +walls had ears. It’s my opinion Nathan has been hiding in the staircase +listening to everything we say. It frightens me to think of it!” + +“I feel confident it was Nathan Gombet who sent me the threatening +letter advising me not to come to this house,” Nancy declared. “Can you +remember whether or not you read my letter aloud after it arrived?” + +“Yes, we did,” Floretta responded quickly. “And we were in this very +bedroom too! Nathan must have been listening and heard every word!” + +“It’s clear enough now,” Rosemary said caustically. “That man thought he +could frighten us from our home. To think we nearly sold The Mansion to +him!” + +“Shall we investigate the other passages?” Nancy questioned. “Our time +is getting short and I’m eager to find out where they lead.” + +“By all means,” Rosemary agreed. + +Without taking time to close the panel after them, the three descended +the hidden stairway to the landing below and there selected another +flight of wooden stairs. + +“We must be going down to the first floor now,” Floretta observed, as +they cautiously descended. + +“Watch out for the step,” Nancy, who was ahead, called out in warning. +“There’s another broken one just ahead.” + +The three avoided the hole in the flooring and continued down the +staircase. At last, Nancy came to the end of the passage, but to her +surprise could find no hidden panel. In vain she flashed her candle +about over the walls and Floretta and Rosemary aided in the search. + +“That’s funny,” Nancy murmured in perplexity. “I’m sure there must be an +opening here somewhere.” + +She glanced anxiously at her candle. It would not last many more +minutes, and unless she wished to be plunged into darkness, she must +return to the kitchen for another supply. Floretta and Rosemary had used +the last of their stock. + +The passage at this particular place was very narrow and so low that a +person could not stand upright without striking the top wall. + +Tiring of the stooped position which she had been forced to endure for +several minutes, Nancy straightened. Her head struck the top of the +passageway. + +“Ouch!” she exclaimed. + +To her astonishment, she heard a strange clicking noise. + +“I believe I’ve discovered the panel,” she cried eagerly. + +While Rosemary held the candle, she examined ceiling overhead and pushed +upon it with all her strength. To her surprise, the wall gave way easily +and lifted up. + +Nancy pushed the obstruction out of the way and thrust her head and +shoulders through the opening. Curiously, she gazed about. She had come +up through the sofa seat in the library! + +“My word!” she exclaimed. “No wonder I never found the secret panel in +this room. Who would have thought of looking in the sofa!” + +She pulled herself up through the opening and then assisted Floretta and +Rosemary, who were less athletic. + +“Mercy! What next?” Floretta gasped as she sank down into a chair and +tried to regain her breath. + +“Imagine living in this house all these years and never discovering +anything wrong with that sofa!” Rosemary commented. + +“I see everything now,” Nancy said slowly. “That broken step just before +we came to the opening. Nathan must have fallen and cried out in alarm. +And I feel certain there must be another opening in the sofa in the +drawing room. I’m going to find out!” + +Darting into the next room, she jerked the cushions from the sofa and +lifted the base boards. As she had suspected, there was an opening +similar to the one in the library, which was just large enough for a +person to squeeze through. + +“That’s how Nathan stole the silver urn,” Floretta observed. “He came up +through the sofa seat in the library!” + +“How stupid of me not to think of looking there before,” Nancy said. + +“Stupid? I think you’ve done extremely clever detective work, as it is. +Why, we’ve lived here for years and never dreamed of a hidden staircase. +How shall we ever repay you for all you have done?” + +“Oh, let’s not think about that now,” Nancy said hastily, glancing at +her watch. “There’s so much yet to be done. We must bring Nathan Gombet +to justice if we can!” + +“I agree with you there,” Floretta cried feelingly. “Go and call the +police! We want him locked up!” + +Nancy started toward the door. + +“If he has an inkling of what we have discovered, he’ll try to escape,” +she threw back over her shoulder. + +She hurried to the garage at the rear of the house and quickly backed +her roadster out upon the drive. Rosemary and Floretta, not to be left +behind, crowded in beside her. + +“Oh, do you think the police will be able to capture him?” Floretta +asked tremulously. “I’ll never feel safe again until I know he’s behind +prison bars.” + +“I’m afraid we shouldn’t have taken the time we did to investigate those +passages,” Nancy returned quietly. “But I wanted to be absolutely +certain that Nathan Gombet was guilty before I turned him over to the +authorities.” + +With that she shifted gears, and the car roared down the Cliffwood road +to disappear in a cloud of dust. + + + + + CHAPTER XXIII + Notifying the Police + + +“Oh, if only we had installed a telephone at the mansion,” Rosemary +fretted, as Nancy Drew’s roadster sped along over the smooth road toward +Cliffwood. + +“Isn’t there any house along the road where we can stop to call the +police?” Nancy questioned. “It would save us considerable time.” + +Rosemary shook her head. + +“There aren’t any houses until we get almost into Cliffwood.” + +“Then we may as well drive straight to the sheriff’s office,” Nancy +decided. “It’s only a short distance, anyway. A few minutes delay ought +not to make such a big difference.” + +“But it may,” Floretta declared uneasily. “I believe Nathan is beginning +to be suspicious. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to us this morning +with the offer to buy the house.” + +Nancy did not respond, but concentrated her attention upon the road +before her. In exactly twelve minutes flat she brought the automobile to +a quivering halt in front of the sheriff’s office. + +Switching off the engine, she sprang from the car, and, with the +Turnbull sisters close behind her, ran into the building. The sheriff, +the picture of repose, with his feet comfortably placed on the top of a +roll-top desk, was laughing and talking with several men who were seated +about the room. As Nancy Drew and the two women came in, he swung his +feet to the floor and eyed them with respectful attention. + +“Anything I can do for you?” he inquired. + +Without mincing words, Nancy quickly told of the strange things that had +happened at the Turnbull house and of the discoveries she had made. At +various points, Rosemary and Floretta corroborated her story. + +“I want you to arrest Nathan Gombet,” Nancy ended. “He is the guilty +man.” + +The sheriff scratched his head in perplexity. + +“Well, I don’t know what to say. Nathan Gombet is no friend of mine and +folks say he’s a little queer, but I never heard of his doing any harm.” + +“There’s always a first time,” Rosemary snapped. + +“He’s just a clever crook—that’s all,” Nancy declared impatiently. +“Don’t you believe our story? We can show you the staircase.” + +“Yes, I believe your story, all right,” the sheriff said hastily. “But I +dasn’t proceed without evidence. You can’t arrest a man unless you’ve +some proof he’s guilty.” + +“What more proof do you want?” Rosemary interposed tartly. + +“Well, if you’d found the silver urn in his house, or something like +that——” + +“If my father were here, he’d convince you all right,” Nancy said, with +rising temper. + +“Your father?” + +“Yes, Carson Drew.” + +“You don’t mean Carson Drew, the lawyer from River Heights? You’re his +daughter?” + +“I am.” + +“Well, that’s different. Why didn’t you say so at first?” + +“What has that to do with the case?” + +“Well, I reckon a daughter of Carson Drew knows what she’s about. If you +say Nathan Gombet is a crook, I’ll take your word for it.” + +“Well, it seems to me you’ve taken plenty of time to make up your mind,” +Nancy said sarcastically. + +The sheriff, thus goaded to action, turned to the other men in the room. +His indolent manner fell from him. + +“Come on, boys!” he shouted. + +Turning to Nancy he ordered: + +“You lead the way and we’ll follow.” + +Nancy nodded, and with Floretta and Rosemary hurried outside to the +waiting roadster. + +“I never could stand that sheriff,” Rosemary commented. “You can see now +why we didn’t like to put the matter in his hands before. He would have +made a mess of it.” + +“I can see all right,” Nancy admitted dryly. + +She sprang into the car and the Turnbull sisters climbed in beside her. +She started the motor and waited impatiently for the sheriff and his +deputies. The moment the police car was ready to leave, she shifted +gears and was off. + +As the two cars raced down the side streets of Cliffwood, many passersby +turned to stare curiously after them. Nancy did not notice, for she was +intent only upon one thing, and that was to reach the old stone house +before Nathan Gombet had an opportunity to escape or to hide the booty +he had stolen from the Turnbull mansion. + +“The sheriff may be stupid enough to refuse to arrest him unless he +finds _evidence_ on the place,” she thought, in disgust. + +She drove swiftly and soon came within sight of the gloomy old stone +house owned by the miser. Believing that it would be wisest to approach +cautiously and not give an alarm, she slowed down. To her chagrin the +police car raced ahead and roared down the driveway. It came to a sudden +halt in front of the house. + +The sheriff sprang from the automobile and turned to his men. + +“Surround the house!” he ordered crisply. “We won’t take any chance on +letting that old boy get away!” + +“Oh, why does that sheriff have to be so dramatic?” Nancy murmured, in +alarm. “After all this noise, it will be a wonder if Nathan Gombet +doesn’t slip through the secret tunnel and escape. That will ruin +everything!” + +Impatiently, she opened the door of the roadster and started to get out, +but Floretta held her back. + +“Don’t go,” she begged. “There may be shooting!” + +Nancy permitted herself to be pulled back into the safety of the +automobile. From there, the three watched the sheriff with misgiving. +They saw him walk up to the back door and knock. When there was no +response, he knocked again. He tried the door, but it was locked. Then +he peeped in at the kitchen window. + +“No one at home,” he muttered in disgust, turning away. + +Nancy could stand it no longer. Springing from the roadster, she ran +toward the sheriff. + +“You can’t expect Nathan Gombet to welcome you with open arms after all +the noise you made coming up the drive,” she cried. “He’d be more apt to +welcome you with buckshot! He’s probably watching now from an upstairs +window. We’d all make good targets!” + +The sheriff glanced anxiously upward and stepped closer to the house. + +“It’s pretty serious business to go breaking into a man’s house,” he +said, somewhat crestfallen, “unless you’re mighty sure you’ve got the +right man.” + +“Nathan Gombet is the right man!” + +“Well, maybe he is, I don’t know.” The sheriff’s old doubt was returning +to assail him anew. “I suppose I could ram the door, but I don’t like to +do it.” + +“I’ll assume the responsibility,” Nancy said shortly. + +“All right, we’ll do it.” + +“There’s an easier way.” + +“How do you mean?” + +“Climb through the cellar window and get in that way. There’s a stairway +from the cellar leading to the kitchen.” + +“That’s an idea.” + +The sheriff motioned to his deputies, and Nancy led the way to the +cellar window. One by one the men crawled in. Nancy hesitated an +instant, and then she followed. + +Silently, she indicated the stairs leading to the kitchen. The sheriff +and his deputies crept quietly up to the landing, and there they paused +and listened. The house was as silent as a tomb. + +Then unmistakably, there was a slight shuffling sound which seemed to +come from the kitchen. The sheriff turned to a deputy near him and +whispered into his ear: + +“Did you hear that?” + +“Yes, chief,” the deputy whispered in reply. “There’s someone hiding in +that kitchen!” + +“Get set, boys, we’ll see who it is!” + +The sheriff placed his hand on the door knob and gave it a quick turn. +The latch clicked. As the sheriff thrust open the door, he started back +involuntarily, for he stood looking straight into the muzzle of a sawed +off shotgun, held in the hands of Gombet’s colored servant! + + + + + CHAPTER XXIV + Nancy Leads the Way + + +The old colored woman advanced threateningly, her face convulsed with +rage. + +“You git, white man!” she ordered, “or I’ll fill yo’ system full of +lead.” + +Somewhat sheepishly, the sheriff retreated. He dared not reach for his +own revolver which hung in its holster, lest the colored woman carry out +her threat. As he backed away, the negress slammed the door and locked +it. + +“I reckon we’ll have to take the place by storm,” the sheriff muttered +to his companions. “She’s locked the door. We’ll have to ram it.” + +“And while we’re doing it, she’ll pepper us with shot,” one of the +deputies observed. + +“I reckon you’re right, at that,” the sheriff said slowly. “I guess we’d +better fire a volley through the door.” + +“We haven’t any call to kill the woman,” a deputy argued. “And a stray +shot might hit her. We don’t want to do that.” + +“That’s so. Anyone have an idea how we can get into the house?” + +“I have,” Nancy Drew announced quickly. “I know of a secret passage +which leads from the Turnbull mansion to an upstairs room of this house. +Give me two men, and the rest stay here to keep watch. We’ll get into +the house through the passage and take her by surprise.” + +“That’s an idea,” the sheriff murmured. “I’ll go with you myself.” He +indicated one of the deputies. “You come along too. The rest of you boys +stay here.” + +“And make a little racket every so often to hold the attention of the +old colored woman,” Nancy suggested. + +“When we get into the kitchen I’ll blow my police whistle,” the sheriff +added. “When you hear it, rush up from below.” + +The sheriff and the deputy assigned to the venture, followed Nancy Drew +from the cellar. They crept past the kitchen window and hurried toward +the police car. There was no time for Nancy to stop to explain matters +to Rosemary and Floretta. They sat huddled in the roadster where she had +left them a few minutes before. + +“They’ll be safe enough so long as they stay in the car,” the sheriff +said, as the three ran across the courtyard and sprang into the police +car. “That colored woman isn’t likely to make trouble unless she’s +bothered.” + +The sheriff took the wheel. + +“Drive to the Turnbull mansion,” Nancy directed. + +The police car sped rapidly down the road and up another and came to an +abrupt halt in front of The Mansion. Nancy tried the front door. To her +relief, she found it unlocked. In their haste to reach the sheriff’s +office, the Turnbull sisters had neglected to fasten the doors and +windows. + +Nancy opened the door and led the way to the library. Quickly lifting +the cover of the sofa, she disclosed the hidden opening. Deftly, she +lowered herself into it. The sheriff and deputy stared after her in +astonishment. + +“Well, what do you know about that!” the sheriff exclaimed. + +“We’re going through a secret passage,” Nancy explained hastily. +“Hurry!” she called impatiently. “There’s no time to lose!” + +Hesitating only a moment longer, the sheriff and the deputy likewise +lowered themselves through the opening into the hidden staircase. + +“You know where you’re going?” the sheriff questioned doubtfully. + +“Yes,” Nancy returned. “Watch these stairs, or you may take a tumble.” + +As her eyes became more accustomed to the darkness, she moved rapidly +down the staircase, warning the two behind her of treacherous steps. + +At last she reached the lower level and paused before what appeared to +be a solid wall. + +“Now what?” the sheriff demanded. + +Nancy did not respond, but ran her hand over the wall in search of the +tiny knob which would open the panel. She found it, and as she pushed +firmly upon it, a portion of the wall swung back. + +“Come on,” she urged, stepping through the opening. + +The sheriff and his deputy followed. They turned and looked back +uneasily as the panel grated shut behind them. + +“What if we are locked in here?” the sheriff questioned. + +“We shan’t be,” Nancy told him quietly. “I know the secret.” + +The three rapidly descended the flight of stone steps and entered the +tunnel which led directly to the bird room of Nathan Gombet’s house. + +Reaching the stone steps at the end of the passage, she paused only long +enough to warn the two officers that they were now within the house and +must remain silent. Quickly ascending the stone steps, she groped about +the walls, searching for the hidden spring which would open the panel. + +“Look for a brass ring or a tiny knob,” she directed the two men. + +Even as she whispered the instruction, her hand struck a solid object on +the wall. Eagerly, she felt of it and discovered it was a small metal +ring. + +“I’ve found it!” she whispered in delight. + +She gave the ring a hard pull, and, to the amazement of the sheriff and +his deputy, the secret panel opened. + +Nancy stepped out into the light and motioned for the two men to follow. +She now stood in the closet of the bird room. Cautiously opening the +closet door, she peered out. + +“The coast is clear,” she informed her companions quietly. “Follow me.” + +Softly, she tiptoed across the room and tried the door leading into the +corridor. It was unlocked. Treading quietly down the hall, she led the +way to the stairs. + +Reaching the lower floor, Nancy Drew and the officers crept toward the +kitchen where the belligerent old colored servant had taken up her post. + +The sheriff listened for a moment at the inner door of the kitchen and +peered through the keyhole. The old woman had not relinquished the gun, +but stood before the basement door making vehement threats. + +“I’s waitin’ fo’ you,” she muttered. “You just make one pass t’rough dat +doah and I’s gwine lose control o’ mah trigger finger. I’ll fill you so +full o’ buckshot dat you’ll look like a sieve, and I don’t mean +possibly.” + +Satisfied that the old negress was occupied at the basement door, the +sheriff quickly stepped into the room and covered her with his pistol. + +“You’re under arrest!” he said sharply. + +The colored woman turned suddenly and gazed into the muzzle of the +sheriff’s gun. She hesitated an instant as if debating whether it would +be wise to attempt resistance, then threw up her hands in surrender. The +shotgun clattered to the floor. + +Nancy Drew, who by this time had rushed into the room, ran to the +basement door and unlocked it. As the sheriff gave one short blast on +his police whistle, the deputies who had been left stationed below burst +into the kitchen. One of them caught up the shotgun from the floor and +placed it out of reach. Another quickly slipped handcuffs on the woman’s +wrists. + +“Now that we have her, what are we going to do with her?” the sheriff +asked bluntly. + +Nancy turned toward him. + +“Sheriff, may I question the prisoner?” + +“Go ahead; but I’m afraid you’ll not get much out of her.” + +“I’ll try, anyway,” Nancy said, smiling. She faced the negress and +demanded: + +“Where is Nathan Gombet?” + +“How come you asks me? I ain’t keepin’ track o’ dat man just ’cause I +works heah.” + +“You’re not fooling anyone,” Nancy replied sharply. “I know that you are +not only Nathan Gombet’s servant but his partner in crime as well.” + +The woman assumed an innocent expression. + +“How you talk! Crime? What you mean crime? I’s just an old culled woman +who makes her victuals workin’! You can’t bluff me with yo’ scary talk.” + +“I’m not bluffing. It will be the best for you to tell us where he is. +If you don’t, you’ll be behind bars within an hour.” + +“Fo’ doin’ what?” + +“For resisting an officer. Isn’t that true, sheriff?” + +“Yes, I reckon it is,” the sheriff returned. “The woman has laid herself +open to imprisonment by trying to thwart justice.” + +“Now will you tell?” Nancy looked straight into the old negress’ eyes as +she asked the question. + +For a moment the woman met her gaze defiantly and then a frightened look +came over her face and she began to whine. + +“I’ll tell! I’ll tell! Don’t send me to no jail!” she implored. “Please, +Mr. Sheriff!” + +“Then, if you don’t want to go to jail, tell us where Nathan Gombet is +hiding.” + +The colored woman eyed the girl sullenly for an instant, and then +pointed to the floor above. + +“Up dar!” she mumbled. “He’s up dar with de prisoner.” + +“Prisoner!” Nancy exclaimed, giving the sheriff a quick glance. “What +prisoner?” + +The colored woman stubbornly shook her head. + +“We’ll find out who you mean,” Nancy declared. She turned to the sheriff +with decision. “We must capture Nathan Gombet before he escapes. If he’s +upstairs he may have heard us and try to get away through the secret +passage!” + +“He’ll not get away,” the sheriff assured her grimly. + +Delegating one man to remain below to guard the colored woman, he +ordered the other deputies to follow him. Nancy, who could not bear to +remain behind, crept up the stairs after them. + +At the top landing the party paused, undecided which way to go. As they +hesitated, the sound of a harsh, rasping voice reached their ears. + +“Listen!” Nancy commanded in a tense whisper. + +Instantly, she recognized the voice. It belonged to Nathan Gombet! + +As she listened intently, the man began to speak again and she caught +the words distinctly. + +“I give you just one minute, Carson Drew! If you don’t sign that paper +before then I’ll——” + +Nancy did not hear the rest of the threat, for Nathan’s voice had +dropped to a lower pitch. What could it mean? Had Nathan held her father +a prisoner in the house? She turned frightened eyes toward the sheriff. + +“They’re in that room,” she whispered, pointing to the chamber in which +her father was imprisoned. + +The sheriff nodded, and with his pistol held ready for instant use, +moved softly toward the room. Quick as he was, Nancy was ahead of him. + +Without a thought for her own safety, now that she knew her father was +in danger, she flung open the door. + +At a glance she took in the situation. Her father, haggard and pale with +suffering, was bound to a chair and Nathan Gombet, a taunting grin on +his evil face, was bending over him. + +“If you don’t sign this paper, you’ll never get out of here!” he +snarled. + +At the sound of the opening door, the miser wheeled about and saw Nancy +Drew. As he instinctively retreated, she advanced. + +“The police will have something to say to you!” she said tensely. + +As Nancy Drew spoke, the sheriff and his men closed in around Nathan +Gombet. + +“Your game’s up,” the sheriff announced covering the miser with his +pistol. + + + + + CHAPTER XXV + Captured + + +Nathan Gombet’s shifty eyes roved to the door, and, suddenly, he made a +spring for it. One of the deputies caught him roughly by the arm and +dragged him back. + +“Oh, no, you don’t!” + +“Handcuff him,” the sheriff ordered. + +The miser saw that escape was cut off entirely. As the realization came +over him, he wilted and offered little resistance when the handcuffs +were snapped upon his wrists. + +Nancy immediately lost interest in the miser and ran to her father. +Frantically she began to work at the ropes which bound him to the chair. + +“Oh, Dad!” she murmured brokenly, “are you hurt?” + +“I’ll be all right,” Carson Drew forced a wan smile. “Couldn’t have +stood it much longer, though. If you hadn’t come just when you did——” + +With the aid of one of the deputies who had a knife, Nancy quickly cut +the ropes and set her father free. In relief he stretched his cramped +limbs. + +Slowly getting upon his feet, he took a step forward and would have +collapsed had Nancy not helped him. Wearily, he sank down upon the chair +again. + +“Legs feel paralyzed,” he complained. + +“Don’t you want me to call a doctor?” Nancy asked, as she began to rub +the cramped muscles. + +Carson Drew shook his head. + +“No, I’ll be all right after a while. I’m just weak. If only I could +have a glass of water! That fiend hasn’t given me anything to eat or +drink for more than twenty-four hours. My throat is parched.” + +“I’ll get you a drink!” Nancy cried. + +She darted from the room and hurried downstairs to the kitchen. Pumping +a cold drink of water at the sink, she paused only long enough to step +to the outside door and call Rosemary and Floretta Turnbull, who were +still waiting anxiously in the roadster. They came in response to her +summons, and followed her upstairs. + +“Tell us everything, Dad,” Nancy begged, as she gave her father the +glass of water. + +Carson Drew set down the tumbler which he had emptied at one draught and +fastened his eyes upon Nathan Gombet. + +“That man induced me to come here by trickery,” he explained, a hard +glint coming into his eyes. “He has tortured me here for several days +trying to force me to sign over money to him.” + +“Well, he won’t try any more of his tricks,” the sheriff broke in. +“We’ll have him behind prison bars inside of twenty minutes.” He turned +to the prisoner. “What have you to say for yourself?” + +“Nothing,” Gombet muttered sullenly. + +“Do you admit that you were trying to get money which did not belong to +you?” Carson Drew questioned sharply. + +Nathan Gombet did not reply. + +“You’ll talk all right when we get you to the station,” the sheriff told +him harshly. “It’s no use to deny your guilt. You were caught in the +act.” He picked up a piece of paper from the table and glanced at it. +“Is this the agreement he was trying to force you to sign, Mr. Drew?” + +The lawyer nodded. + +“Yes, he wanted me to turn over a large sum of money and then promise +not to prosecute.” + +The sheriff folded the paper and put it in his pocket. + +“I’ll just keep this for evidence.” + +“And don’t forget, he tried to force us from our home,” Rosemary +Turnbull broke in. “We intend to file a charge against him.” + +“I didn’t mean no harm,” Gombet grunted. + +“Oh, no,” Rosemary retorted sarcastically. “I suppose those nightly +visits of yours were merely friendly calls.” + +“I thought I saw an easy way to make a little money. I offered to buy +your house.” + +“Yes—at your price,” Floretta sniffed. + +“It was a cowardly trick—to try to cheat two women,” Carson Drew +observed. + +“He nearly succeeded, too,” Rosemary declared feelingly. “If it hadn’t +been for Nancy Drew, we would have been forced to give up our home. We +couldn’t have stood it there another day.” + +For some time Nancy had remained silent, but now she turned to the old +miser. + +“When did you first discover the hidden staircase?” she questioned +curiously. + +Nathan hesitated as though debating whether or not to tell. + +“You’d better make a clean breast of everything. It will go easier with +you if you do,” the sheriff warned him. + +“It was two months ago,” Nathan muttered. “Found the hidden spring by +accident.” + +“You explored the staircase and discovered that it led to the Turnbull +mansion?” + +Gombet nodded. + +“How many openings are there into this house?” + +“Only the one in the room where I keep my birds.” + +“There’s one more thing I want to know,” Nancy continued. “It was you +who sent me the threatening note, warning me not to come to the Turnbull +mansion, wasn’t it?” + +“Yes, I sent it,” the man grunted. + +“How did you learn that I was going there?” + +“Hid in the staircase and heard the old ladies talking about the letter +you’d sent.” + +“Just as I suspected. And now where are the things you took from their +house?” + +“What things?” + +“Oh, you needn’t pretend,” Floretta broke in, enraged. “You took our +silver urn and a diamond pin.” + +“And a pocketbook and a silver spoon, to say nothing of Floretta’s silk +dresses,” Rosemary added severely. + +“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” + +“Oh, yes you do,” Nancy told him quietly. “It won’t do you any good to +deny it, for we intend to search the house from cellar to garret. You +may as well tell us what you have done with the things.” + +Nathan Gombet debated the question silently and then muttered +reluctantly: + +“You’ll find ’em in my room.” + +“Which room is that?” + +“Straight across the hall.” + +Nancy hurried from the room without waiting for more. Rosemary and +Floretta followed her eagerly. As they flung open the door of the +bedroom they gave a little cry of pleasure, for on the dresser stood the +silver urn. + +“What a relief!” Rosemary cried, rushing forward and snatching it up. +“It’s a wonder he didn’t try to dispose of it.” + +Floretta, who had been investigating the closet, triumphantly brought +out an armload of dresses. + +“But where is the diamond pin?” Rosemary demanded. “That is the most +valuable of all.” + +“Is this it?” Nancy, who had opened a bureau drawer, held up a tiny +object. + +Eagerly, Floretta reached for it. + +“That’s it. Oh, I’m so glad.” + +“And here is the spoon,” Nancy continued, removing it from the drawer. +“And the pocketbook. The money is gone though.” + +“Oh, we don’t care about that,” Rosemary said quickly. “There wasn’t +much in the pocketbook, anyway.” + +“Then everything is here,” Nancy declared. + +Armed with the booty, the three returned to the chamber across the hall +and disclosed their findings. + +“It’s a clear case of theft, all right,” the sheriff said, as he +examined the articles. “We’ll take this fellow to jail and lock him up. +He’s a dangerous character and ought not to be at large.” + +“How about the negress?” Nancy questioned. + +“She is an accomplice,” Mr. Drew put in. “Take her along.” + +The sheriff grasped Nathan Gombet roughly by the arm and shoved him +toward the door. Two of the deputies helped Carson Drew downstairs. + +The old miser and the negress were put into the police car, and the +sheriff and his men drove away, leaving Nancy and her father to say +good-bye to the Turnbull sisters. + +“We’ll see to it that the various openings into the staircase are +boarded up,” Rosemary told the lawyer. “With Nathan in jail, we probably +will never be bothered again.” She regarded Carson Drew anxiously. “You +don’t look a bit well. You’re in no condition to return to River Heights +to-night.” + +“I think I can make it,” Carson Drew replied. + +“Nonsense. You must spend the night at The Mansion. Floretta and I will +be delighted to have you. A good rest will do wonders for you. You need +a good meal, too.” + +“To tell the truth, I don’t feel very strong,” the lawyer admitted. “Are +you certain it won’t inconvenience you if I stay?” + +“Of course not. What a thing to ask, after all your daughter has done +for us! No, it’s all settled. You must stay at The Mansion until you +have recovered your strength.” + +“And we’ll promise you there will be no ghosts to trouble you,” Floretta +added, with a laugh. + +So it was decided. Nancy helped her father into the roadster and drove +him to The Mansion. As soon as she saw that he was comfortably settled +on the sofa, she returned for the Turnbull sisters. + +Although Carson Drew had suffered a great deal at the hands of Nathan +Gombet, he had received no permanent injury. His strength gradually +returned and he began to walk with less difficulty. Food and rest +accomplished wonders. After a good night’s rest he appeared at the +breakfast table and announced that he felt able to travel. + +“Oh, we were hoping you would stay another day,” Floretta said +regretfully, after the lawyer had announced his decision to return to +River Heights that morning. + +“I’m afraid I must go,” the lawyer returned. “My business has been +neglected the past week, you know. By the way, have you heard anything +more about Nathan Gombet?” + +“The entire story is in the morning papers,” Rosemary turned to Nancy +with a warm smile. “Haven’t you seen them?” + +“Not yet,” Nancy admitted. + +“You’re certainly in the limelight,” Floretta told her. “Evidently the +reporters learned everything from the sheriff.” + +Nancy caught up one of the papers, and as her eye scanned the story on +the front page a deep flush crept into her cheeks. + +“Mercy! I don’t deserve all the credit!” she protested modestly. + +“Indeed, you do,” Rosemary told her firmly. She glanced significantly at +Floretta, who nodded firmly. “I hardly know how to begin,” she went on, +addressing Nancy with some hesitation. “But I want you to know how much +Floretta and I appreciate what you have done for us.” + +“I was glad to do what little I could,” Nancy declared graciously. “It +was really fun for me. I thoroughly enjoy a mystery—though for a time I +thought this one would prove my undoing.” + +“We want to reward you for what you did,” Rosemary went on earnestly. + +“Oh, I don’t want any reward!” Nancy exclaimed. “You know, we discussed +that before.” + +“We were afraid you wouldn’t take money,” Floretta sighed. + +“So we’ve decided to give you a little gift as a remembrance,” Rosemary +continued. “We want you to accept our silver urn.” + +“Your urn!” Nancy gasped. “Oh, I couldn’t do that! Why, it’s a valuable +heirloom and you prize it highly!” + +“We want you to have it,” Floretta insisted stubbornly. “We’ll feel hurt +if you don’t take it.” + +“It will serve as a reminder of your adventure in The Mansion,” Rosemary +coaxed. “Please take it.” + +As she spoke she picked up a wrapped package from a table and handed it +to Nancy. + +“If you insist, I’m afraid I can’t refuse,” Nancy said, as she accepted +the urn. “There’s nothing in the world I’d rather have! This will make +my second trophy! I’ll keep it on the mantel with the clock!” + +After thanking the Turnbull sisters for the gift and for their generous +hospitality, Nancy and her father departed. Floretta and Rosemary +watched them until they had disappeared down the road. + +For a time Nancy and her father rode in silence, and then Carson Drew +turned to his daughter with a look of deep admiration in his eyes. + +“That was a neat piece of detective work you did,” he said. + +“Everything turned out all right,” Nancy admitted. “But when I was going +through that dark tunnel the night I discovered it, I told myself I’d +never dabble in another mystery as long as I lived if I ever got out of +there alive!” + +“Do you intend to live up to that?” + +“Not if I can help it! Now that you are safe and the mystery is solved, +I’m aching for another one. I suppose that’s all the good it will do be, +though!” + +“Oh, I don’t know,” Mr. Drew smiled. “This affair has won you quite a +reputation.” + +Indeed, Nancy Drew’s days of adventure were by no means over. Before +many months had elapsed she was destined to be involved in another +mystery case, equally as baffling as the one she had just solved. +Readers who wish to follow her strange adventures may do so in the next +volume of this series, entitled “The Bungalow Mystery.” + +But as Nancy Drew drove along the smooth road she had no idea of what +was in store for her, and so it was that a semi-melancholy expression +settled over her face. Carson Drew, who noticed the look, laughed aloud. + +“You’re a true daughter of your old dad all right, Nancy! Pining for +another mystery before you’re well out of this one!” + +“Oh, I wasn’t pining exactly,” Nancy declared gayly, resolutely shaking +off the mood of despondency which had claimed her for the moment. “I +just couldn’t help thinking that perhaps this would be my last chance to +solve a mystery. And I do enjoy detective work!” + +“Don’t worry; opportunity will come knocking at your door sooner than +you expect,” her father told her lightly. “A good detective is always in +demand.” + +“Meaning that I am that?” Nancy demanded, a happy light in her eyes. + +Carson Drew nodded and gazed tenderly upon his daughter. + +“Meaning that I am mighty proud of you, Nancy. From this day on I intend +to turn over my mystery cases to you.” His eyes twinkled mischievously. +“As a detective, you have me backed completely off the map!” + + The End + + + + + TRANSCRIBER NOTES + + +Mis-spelled words and printer errors have been fixed. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77602 *** |
