AUNTEloiseDrewinvitesNancy,Bess,andGeorgetoNewYorktohelpafriendwhohasbeenswindledoutofasizablesumofmoney.TherethegirlsseeaperformanceoftheHoaxters,amagicians’ group, who stun their audiences by clever sleight of hand tricks. Because themagicians temporarilyremovepeople’swalletsandhandbags,Nancy feels theactorsaren’tabovesuspicion.Herhunchisborneoutandawhirlwindchaseensues.

Nancy,Bess,andGeorgetracktheHoaxterstoMexicoCity,whereNancyisaskedtohelpfindakidnapped child. The young sleuths followa lead toLosAngeleswheredanger confrontsthemateveryturn.Theirenemiesresorttotheft—evenarson—toscarethemoffthecase.

With courage and clever deduction, however, Nancy and her friends outmaneuver theircunningadversariesand,aftersolvingthepuzzleoftheTripleHoax,bringthemtojustice.

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rightsisappreciated.

Copyright©1979bySimon&Schuster,Inc.Allrightsreserved.Publishedin2005

byGrosset&Dunlap,adivisionofPenguinYoungReadersGroup,345HudsonStreet,

NewYork,NewYork10014.NANCYDREWMYSTERYSTORIES®isaregistered

trademarkofSimon&Schuster,Inc.GROSSET&DUNLAPisatrademarkof

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eISBN:978-1-101-07758-0

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1ASuddenTrip

“Dad!AuntEloisewantsmetocometoNewYorkimmediatelytosolveamystery!”eighteen-year-oldNancyDrewcalledoutexcitedly.

CarsonDrew,awell-knownattorney inRiverHeights, looked fondlyathisattractive, titian-haireddaughterasshereturnedtothebreakfasttable.“Whatkindofmystery?”

Nancywavedaspecialdeliveryletterthatthemailmanhadbrought.“Listentothis.I’llreadittoyou.

“DearNancy,

Aclosefriendofmine,Mrs.AnnabellaRichards,hasbeenswindled.ShetaughtinthesameschoolIdo,butleftafewyearsagotomarryawealthyman.Hediednotlongago,andAnnabellaisarichwidow.Iwon’tgiveyouanymoredetailsnow,butIcertainlyhopeyoucanvisitmeandhelpher.BringyourfriendsBessandGeorgeifyoulike,andsayhellotomybrotherforme.

Lotsoflove,

AuntEloise”

“Well,Dad,whatdoyouthink?”Nancyasked.

Mr.Drewlaughed.“IthinkthatyouwanttogoandIseenoreasonwhyyoushouldn’t.Themysterysoundsinteresting.I’llbeeagertohearmoreaboutit.”

Nancy jumped up, kissed her father, and hurried to the telephone. First she calledGeorgeFayne,aslender,dark-hairedgirlwhoenjoyedherboyishname.ThenshecontactedGeorge’scousinBessMarvin,whowasaslightlyplump,prettyblondwithdimples.BothgirlslovedtohelpNancyonhermysterycases,andtogethertheyhadsolvedmanyofthem.

BessandGeorgewerekeentojoinNancyonhertriptoNewYork.Theirparents,aftersomepersuasion, furnished themoney. Itwasarranged that theyoungsleuthswould leaveRiverHeightsthefollowingday.

AsNancypackedherbag,theDrews’lovablehousekeeper,Mrs.HannahGruen,cameintothegirl’s bedroom. She had lived with Nancy and her father since Mrs. Drew’s death, whenNancywas three years old, and had been like amother to her. The two had sharedmanysecretsandadventures.

“Nancy,”Hannahsaid,“judgingfrompastperformances,you’relikelytogetintoallsortsofticklishsituations.Ibegyoutobecareful.Youknowyou’reanindispensablememberofthishousehold!”

Nancychuckled.“I’mgladtofindoutI’mreallyneededhere.Butyouknow,whenI’mworkingonacase,it’sprettyhardtokeepfromrunningintodanger.”

“Iknow,”Hannahagreed.“YourfatherandIwillbewishingyouthebestofluckalltheway.”

The followingafternoonMr.Drewdrove thegirls to theairport.Theyboardedaplane that

tookthemdirectlytoLaGuardiaAirportinNewYork.Afterdebarking,theyweremetintheterminalbyNancy’stall,attractiveAuntEloiseandherfriend.

“Nancy,it’swonderfultoseeyou!”MissDrewexclaimed.“AndBessandGeorge.IwantallofyoutomeetMrs.AnnabellaRichards.”

After hugs, kisses, and excited welcomes, the group walked outside and awaited Mrs.Richards’schauffeur-drivencar.Tenminutespassed,butitdidnotarrive.

Theannoyedwoman frowned. “Roscoe isalways sopromptand reliable,” she said. “I can’tunderstandwhyheisn’there.”

“Couldyoutellussomethingaboutyourmysterywhilewe’rewaiting?”Nancyasked.

Mrs.Richardsnodded.Butbeforeshecouldbegin,astrangemanwalkeduptoher.“AreyouMrs.Richards?”heasked.

“Yes.”

“Yourchauffeur,Roscoe,sentmetotellyouyourcarwon’tstart.”

“Won’t start!” the woman exclaimed. “He droveme here a little while ago and there wasnothingwrongwiththecar.Infact,itwasservicedrecently.”

“Idon’tknowanythingaboutthat,ma’am,”thestrangersaid.“Roscoesuggestsyougohomebytaxi.”Withthat,themanturnedandwalkedoff.

Mrs.Richardsfrowned.“Idon’tunderstandit,”sheremarked.“Well,Iguesswe’dbettergo.”

Shesummonedalimousineandthefiveclimbedinside.Asthecarpulledaway,Mrs.Richardssaid,“IsupposeEloisehastoldyoualittleofmysituation.”

Nancyhadasuddenhunch.ItmightbebestifMrs.Richardsdidnotrevealherstoryforthetaxidrivertohear.

Sheleanedoverandwhisperedintothewoman’sear,“Don’trevealanyofyoursecretsnow.”Mrs.Richardsnoddedandchanged the subject.Theconversationbecamegeneraluntil thegrouparrivedatAuntEloise’sattractiveapartment.

Then Mrs. Richards went on with her story. “My husband was very kindhearted andcharitable.Hedonatedmoneytolargeandsmallorganizations,andeventoindividuals.AfterhisdeathIcarriedonthistradition,buttheworkbecametoomuchforme.Ifinallyhiredmyhusband’s former secretary, who promised to take care of everything so I could go onvacation.Aboutthattime,atravelagentcontactedmeandofferedawonderfulbargainworldtour.”

“Soundsfabulous,”Besssaiddreamily.

“Itdid,”Mrs.Richardsagreed.“Theagentshowedmeenticing literatureandI fell for it.Afewdayslaterhebroughttheplaneticketsandhotelaccommodations,andIpaidhim$3,000.ItwastoobadthatIhadnotinvestigatedthewholething.”

“Why,wassomethingwrong?”Georgeasked.

“Indeeditwas.WhenIwenttotheairport,theairlinenamedonthetickethadacounter,butnosuchflight.”

“Howdreadful!”Bessexclaimed.“Andyoupaidallthismoneytoaswindler?”

“Yes,Idid,”Mrs.Richardssaidsadly.SheturnedtoNancy.“Pleasehelpmefindthatman!Icontacted thepolice,butnothingcameof it.Maybeyour friendsBessandGeorgecanhelpyou.YourAuntEloisetellsmeyou’rewonderfulyoungsleuths.”

Thegirlssmiledandacceptedthechallengeatonce.

“Whatwasthetravelagent’snameandwherewashelocated?”Nancyasked.

“HegavehisnameasHenryClarkandhisaddressas14CanaleeRoadinQueens.Thepolicecheckeditandfoundbothtobephony.”

“Whatdidhelooklike?”

“Oh, he was tall, handsome, and had a dark beard. He was a smooth talker and verypleasant.”

“Didyoupayhimbycheckorincash?”

“Cash.Hesaidtheairlinewouldnottakeapersonalcheck.”

Georgespokeup.“Heprobablyskippedtownwithyourmoney.”

“That’swhatthepolicethink.Theydoubtthey’lleverfindhim.Perhapsyougirlscanunravelthismysteryforme.”

“We’lldoourbest,”Nancypromised.“Unfortunatelywehaveverylittletogoon.”

“Iunderstandthat,”Mrs.Richardssaid.“AndnowI’dbettergethome.”SheturnedtoMissDrew.“Eloise,mayIcallmyapartmentandseeifRoscoehadthecarfixed?”

“Ofcourse.”

Mrs.Richardsdialed thenumberand spoke toherhousekeeper,Trudie.Suddenly thegirlssawherturnashenwhite.

“That’sterrible!”Mrs.Richardscriedout.“I’llberightover.IhopenothinghashappenedtoRoscoe!”

Sheputdownthereceiver.“Trudietoldmeamancalledtheapartment.HesaidIwouldneverseemycaragain.BeforeshecouldaskaboutRoscoe,thestrangerhungup.Oh,dear!Ihopemychauffeurhasn’tmetwithfoulplay!”

“So do I,” Aunt Eloise said sympathetically. “I’ll get a taxi for you. Let us know whathappened,andifwecanbeofanyhelp.”

After the distressed woman had left, Aunt Eloise said she would start dinner. The girlsfollowedhertothekitchenandhelpedpreparethemeal.

Whiletheywereeating,MissDrewannounced,“Withallthisexcitement,IalmostforgotthatIhavefourticketstoamagicshowtonight.It’sgivenbyagroupcalledtheHoaxters.”

“Thatsoundsinteresting,”Bessremarked.

AuntEloisenodded.“Annabellasawitandsaiditwasfascinating.Incidentally,thereisabigsurpriseintheshow.Shewouldn’ttellmewhatitis.”

Thegirlswereeager to see theperformance,whichproved, indeed, tobemostunusual.Adark-haired sleight of handmanwith a perkymustache, listed on the program as RonaldoJensen,startedwithanamazingcardtrick.Heaskedpeopleintheaudiencetonameacard,thentimeaftertimehepulledthecorrectoneoutofhispack.

“Howintheworlddoeshedothat?”BesswhisperedtoNancy.

“IwishIknew,”thegirlreplied.

Next,ayoungwomanwasbroughtonto thestage inagilt chairwith redplushupholstery.Her eyeswere blindfolded. Another performer held a black cloth in front of her legs for amoment.Whenhepulleditaway,herlegsweregone!

Theaudiencegasped,whilethegirlheldherarmsuphigh.Themagicianputtheblackclothinfrontofthem.Secondslater,thearmshaddisappeared!

“Oh,thisisdreadful!”Besscriedout.“Thatpoorgirl!”

Georgegrinned.“Don’tbesilly.Youknowit’sonlyatrick!”

Hercousinsettledback.“Butitseemssoreal!”

Now themanheld the cloth in front of thegirl’s body.Whenhe removed it, the chairwasempty!

“Oh!”Bessexclaimed.

EvenNancywasperplexed.Shehad seenmanymagic showsandknewhowseveral of thetricksweredone.Butshecouldnotfigureouthowthisdisappearingactwaspossible.

Astheperformergraduallyrestoredthegirl,sectionbysection,Bessheavedagreat,audiblesighofrelief.

“Feelbetternow?”Georgeteasedher.

“Much.”

Next, anothermember of the troupe stepped from thewings to the edge of the stage.Heannounced, “Wearenow invitinga fewpeople from theaudience tocome forwardandseehowwedoourtricks!”

AtonceBessjumpedoutofherseatandstarteduptheaisle,handbagswingingoverherarm.Shewasoneofthefirsttoreachthestage.

Thesleightofhandmanacceptedtenpeople,includingBess,thenrepeatedhiscardtrick.Itwas just as puzzling to the onlookers as it had been before, even though they were nowstandingveryclosetohim.

Suddenlythemagicianpulledawatchoutofayoungman’sear.Hecompareditwithhisownwatch.“Seemstobeanhourahead.Getit?Ahead,”hequipped,grinning.

Aseveryone laughed, themagicianput thewatch intohisownpocket, telling thevisitorhewouldreturnitlater.

“Seethis!”hesaid,andproducedawalletfrominsideanotherman’scollar.

“Hey,thatwasinmyhippocketwhichwasbuttoned!”theamazedfellowshouted.“How’dyoudothat?”

Themagicianchuckled. “We invitedyou towatch.You tellme!Anddon’tworryaboutyourwallet.Itwillbereturnedtoyourightaftertheshow.”

Bess was fascinated. Suddenly it occurred to her: Would these people really receive theirpropertyback?

Shefeltforherownhandbag.Itwasgone!Shestaredintentlyatthesleightofhandman.Hedidnothavethebag,anditwasnowhereinsight!

2Bess’sStrangeCaller

Bessstartledeveryoneonstagebycryingout,“Someonehastakenmyhandbag!”

Awomanstandingnearherexclaimed,“Andmyexpenseaccountnotebookisgone!”

GeorgejumpedupandannouncedtoNancythatshewasgoingonstagetohelphercousin.Nancy held her friend’s arm. “Please stay here. I’m sure all this is a hoax. Don’t yourememberthatMrs.Richardssaidtherewasabigsurpriseduringtheperformance?”

Georgesatdownagain.“Iguessyou’reright,Nancy.”

Bythistimethemagicianwasclappinghishandsloudlytorestoreorderonthestage.Overamicrophonehe announced, “This is all a hoax.Everymissing articlewill be returned to itsrightfulownerattheendoftheshow.Pleasecomebackhereafterwardtogetyourproperty.”

Membersoftheaudiencewhohadgatheredaroundhimacknowledgedthattheyhadcomeonstageoutofcuriosityandwouldwaittoclaimtheirproperty.Theyfiledbacktotheirseats.

“Fora fewminutes Iwasscared,”Bess toldNancy,George,andAuntEloise.“Doyouthinktheyreallymeanwhattheysayandwillreturnourthings?”

Nancynodded.“I’msuretheywill.Iftheyhadn’tbeendoingitinothershows,peoplewouldhavenotifiedthepolice.”

AuntEloiseadded,“TherehasbeennobadpublicityorIwouldhaveheardaboutit.”

Bessagreed,andherflushedfacereturnedtotheattractivepinkandwhiteitusuallywas.

Whentheshowwasover,Georgesaid toher,“Besure tocheckyourhandbagandsee thateverythingisstillinit.”

Besscaughtherbreath.“It’sjammedwithstuff.IhopeIcanrememberwhatwasthere.Letmesee:mywallet,creditcards,alittlejewelbagwithabraceletandearrings.Perfume.Mysavingsbook.AletterfromDorothyCross,thegirlImetduringmyvacationinMaine.And,oh...yes.”

“What?”Georgeasked.

Bessloweredhereyes.“ApictureofDave.”

Nancysmiled.“Youwouldn’twanttolosethatforamilliondollars,wouldyou?”

“No,Iwouldn’t,”Bessreplied.

DaveEvanswasaspecialfriendofhers,andsheknewthatbothNancyandGeorgecarriedphotographsoftheirboyfriends,too.Nancy’spursecontainedasnapshotofNedNickersoninhisfootballuniform,andGeorgehadBurtEddleton’spicturetuckedinherwallet.

Besshurrieduptothestagewithothermembersoftheaudiencetoclaimherproperty.Theywereusheredintoabackroom.Aspeopleretrievedtheirpossessions,theywereaskedtosign

releasesthatread,

IrelievetheHoaxtersofanywrongdoinginplayingahoaxonme.

“Thisisjustaprotectionforus.Wedon’twanttobeaccusedlaterofnotreturningeverythingtoyou,”themagicianexplained.

Bess found that the contents of her handbag were intact and signed the paper. Then shejoinedherfriendsandtheyleftthetheaterwithAuntEloise.

“That was quite an experience,” Miss Drew remarked. “Annabella was right about a bigsurpriseintheperformance.”

Nancysaidnothing,buthermindwasworkingfast.WhywasitnecessaryfortheHoaxterstokeeppeople’spropertyforsuchalongtime?Theycouldhavereturneditatonce.Shebegantofeelsuspiciousaboutthetroupe,buthadnothingdefinitetogoon.

Asthegirlspreparedforbed,Georgeyawned.“Iftherestofthemysteryisgoingtobefilledwith days like this one,we’ll have plenty of excitement.” The others agreed and said goodnight.

Directly after breakfast the following morning Bess received a phone call. A man whointroduced himself as Howie Barker said, “I contacted your home in River Heights. Yourmothertoldmewhereyouwerestaying.I’dlikeverymuchtocomeandseeyou.”

“Idon’tunderstand,”Bessreplied.“I’venevermetyou.”

“No,youhaven’t,”Mr.Barkeradmitted.“ButyourmotherfeltthatyoumightbeinterestedinanofferIhaveforyou.ThecompanyIrepresentisbuildingawonderfulnewseasidehotel.Ifyou avail yourself of this opportunity, you will have perpetual low rates for yourself, yourfamilyandfriends,andwillgetreservationsanytimeyouchoosetocome.”

“Idon’tknowwhat tosay,”Bess toldhim.“My friendsandIhaveplans for theday.Maybesomeothertime—”

NancyandGeorgestoodclosetoBessandhadoverheardtheconversation.Nancywhispered,“Lethimcome!”

Besslookedsurprised,butsaidtothestranger,“Well,allright.Canyoumakeitrightaway?”

“I’llbethereinhalfanhour,”Mr.Barkersaid.

AfterBesshadhungup,sheturnedtoNancy.“Whydidyouwanthimtoseeus?”

Nancytoldherthattheschemesoundedlikeanotherswindle.“ThisMr.BarkercouldbethemanwhosoldMrs.Richardstheticketforthefakeworldtrip!”

“Ifthatisso,thenhemightknowwe’reonthecase—”Georgebegan.

“Andmeanstokidnapus?”Besspanicked.

“C’mon, Bess,” Nancy said. “How could he possibly know of our connection with Mrs.Richards?I’dsayhepickedyournamefromsomemailing list.Yougetmore junkmail thananybodyelseIknow.It’sallcoincidental,I’msure.”

Georgespokeup.“Whydon’tweaskMrs.Richardstocomeover?IfshecanidentifyBarkerasHenryClark,we’llcallthepoliceandhavehimarrested!”

AuntEloisephonedher friend.Thehousekeeperansweredand saidMrs.Richardswasoutandwouldnotreturnuntilevening.

“That’stoobad,”Bessremarked.

Nancysaid,“IhaveanideahowwemightfindoutifMr.Barkeristhetravelagent.Takehispicture.AuntEloise,youhaveacamera,don’tyou?”

MissDrewsaid,“Yes,andIhappentohavefastfilminitsowewon’tneedaflash.Besides,

thecameramakesnonoisewhentheshutterclicks.It’llbeperfectforthispurpose.”

“Doesitdevelopthepictureinstantly?”Georgeasked.

“Yes.AssoonasAnnabellaarriveshome,youcanshowittoher.”

As the time neared forHowie Barker’s arrival, Bess became nervous. “I don’t want to getmixedupinanykindofracket,”shedeclared.“WhatamIsupposedtotellhim?”

“I’llstayintheroomwithyou,”Georgeoffered.“We’llfigureoutsomething.”

Itwas decided thatNancywouldhide and take the caller’s picturewhileBess andGeorgekept him in animated conversation. Aunt Eloise could not wait for the stranger to arrivebecauseshehadclassesatschool.Beforeleaving,shewarnedthegirlstobecarefulofanytricksthecallermightplay.

“I’mnotgoingtolethimhoaxme!”Bessspokeupbelligerently.

Georgeadded,“Ifyoustarttofallforanyscheme,I’lltakeover.”

Soonthehousephonerang.Bessanswered.ThedoormanannouncedthatMr.HowieBarkerwastheretoseeMissBessMarvin.

“Lethimcomeup,”Besssaid,hervoicebetrayingherslightnervousness.

Barker proved to be a good-looking, blond-hairedmanwith gray at the temples, and a fullblond-graybeard.ThedescriptionwasnotlikethatofHenryClark.Themanwasaglibtalker.Bessusheredhimintothelivingroom,whereNancywasconcealedbehindawallscreen.Shetookseveralpictureswhenhewalkedinandotherswhenhesatdownonthecouch.

“Yougirlswill lovethisplace,”HowieBarkersaid,takinga largearchitect’sdrawingoutofhisbriefcase.Hespreaditonthecoffeetableandwithhispenpointedtothefinefeaturesoftheplace.

“Noticethelittleverandasoffeachbedroom.Ifyoudon’tfeellikegoingtothebeach,youcansunyourselfrightthere.Ifyoudon’twanttogotothediningroom,youcaneatyourmealsoutthere,too.”

Georgespokeup.“It’scertainlyahugeplace.Whereisitbeingbuilt?”

Mr.Barkerproducedabrochure fromhisbriefcase. Itdescribed the locationasa secludedareaofoceanfrontinMaine.

“Ithasluxuryaswellasseclusion,”hewenton.“I’mtellingyou,thisisreallyanopportunityofalifetime.”

“Whydidyoupickmycousinforthisoffer?”Georgeinquired.

“Wehavebeenapproachingall thepeoplewho vacationedat theSilverlineHotel inMainelastseason,”Barkerexplained.“Yousee, theSilverline isownedby thesamecompany,andweknowtheirclientelewouldenjoythiskindofsetup.”

“Whatdoesitcost?”Bessasked.

“Only a thousand dollars. For that, you have guaranteed discount rates forever,much lessthantheregularpriceforaroom.”

“Forathousanddollars,youcanspendalongtimeinahotel,”Georgepointedout.

“Notreally,”Barkerobjected.“Also,remember,yourratesareguaranteednevertoincrease.Everythingelsegoesupyearafteryear.Right?”

Bessagreed.Shewasquiteimpressedwiththeproposal,butGeorgethoughtofNancy.Hadshebeenabletotakepicturesofthemanfromeveryangle?Impatientlythegirllookedatherwrist-watch.Barkerhadbeentheretwentyminutes,surelytimeenoughtobephotographedextensively.

Besswasabouttosaythatshewouldtrytogetthemoneytoavailherselfoftheoffer,whenshe remembered Nancy’s warning that this might be another swindle similar to Mrs.Richards’sexperience.Shehesitated,thensaid,“Thewholethingsoundswonderful. I’ll tellyouwhatI’lldo.I’llcontactafewpeopleandletyouknowifIcanborrowthemoney.”

“Oh,thatwon’tbenecessary.Yourmothertoldmeyouhadyourownsavingsaccount,andcanspendthemoneyasyouwish.”

“That’spartlytrue,butImustthinkaboutyouroffer.WherecanIfindyou?”

George fully expected theman not to give his address, but to her amazement he pulled abusinesscardfromhispocketandhandedittoBess.

“Myphonenumberisonhere,”hesaid.“Besuretoletmeknowtomorrow.”Hestoodupandshookhandswithbothgirls,thentheyusheredhimoutoftheapartment.

AfterGeorgehad closed thedoor, she smiledather cousin. “Bess, I’mproudof you.For amomentIthoughtyou’dfallforhisscheme,butyouhandleditbeautifully.”

“Itreallysoundsgreat,”Besscounteredastheyenteredthelivingroomagain.Nancysteppedfromherhidingplace,andthegirlsaskedherifshehadtakengoodpictures.

“Oh,yes,several,”Nancyreplied.“I’msorry Ididn’thavea taperecorder toget thewholeconversation.Bytheway,Idon’tthinkweshouldwaitforMrs.Richardstocomehome.Let’sgotothepoliceatoncewiththesephotographsandthecardMr.BarkergaveBess.We’lltellthemoursuspicions.”

“Howdid the pictures come out?”George asked.Nancy showed them to her friends. Theywereexcellentandtheyoungdetective feltsurethat if thepolicehadarecordof theman,theycouldidentifyhimeasily.

Thethreesleuthsquicklylefttheapartmentandheadedforthenearestpolicestation.Whentheywalkedin,Nancyaskedifitwerepossibletotalktothechiefprivately.

Thedesksergeantaskedthegirls’namesandthenatureoftheirbusiness.Nancyintroducedherfriendsandherselfandadded,“Ithinkwehavealeadonaconman.”

Thesergeantlookedatherinsurprise,butmadenofurthercomment.Hepickeduphisphoneanddialedthechief’snumber.

After a short conversation, he said to Nancy, “Chief Raleigh will see you. Walk down thecorridorandtakethefirstturntoyourleft.Watchforthesignonthedoor.”

Inafewminutestheyoungdetectiveandherfriendswerestandingbeforethechief.Hewasaruddy-facedmanwhoremindedthemofPoliceChiefMcGinnisinRiverHeights.

“Iunderstandyouhavesomeinterestinginformationforme,”theofficersaid,smiling.

Nancy nodded and took Barker’s pictures from her handbag. Bess produced the man’sbusinesscard.

“Haveyouanyrecordofthisperson?”Nancyinquired.

Thechiefcalledinadeputyandaskedhimtolookinthefiles.Whilewaitingforananswer,NancytoldChiefRaleighaboutthemysteriouscallerandthepropositionhehadofferedBess.

Theofficerfrowned.“Itcertainlysoundslikeaswindle.”

Whenthedeputyreturned,hesaid theyhadnopictureofasuspect resembling theman inNancy’sphotographs.Thedeputyhadrubbedout thebeard.Still the facedidnotresembleanyoneintheirfile.Also,thenameHowieBarkerhadnotbeenreportedinconnectionwithanycrime.

Nancythankedthechief,whopromisedtoinvestigateanyway.ShelefttwoofthephotographsandthecallingcardwithhimaswellasAuntEloise’saddressandphonenumber.

“We’llletyouknowifanythingturnsup,”hepromised.

On thewayoutside thebuilding,Nancy said shehopedMrs.Richardswould return soonerthan expected. Shewas eager to showher the photographs. “And there’s something else Ican’tgetoutofmymind,”sheadded.

“Whatisit?”Bessasked.

3Poison!

BessandGeorgeaskedNancytotellthemwhatwasbotheringher.

“HowHowieBarkergotyournameandhomeaddress.Idon’tbelievehisstoryabouthavingthe list of guests of the Silverline Hotel. Bess, will you phone your mother and verify hisstory?”

WhentheyreachedAuntEloise’sapartment,BesscalledMrs.Marvin.

“Oh,Bess,youdidn’tgetintoanytroublebecauseIgaveMissDrew’saddresstoMr.Barker,didyou?”

“No,buthetriedtosellmealifetimereservationinanewhotel.Didyoutellhimaboutmysavingsaccount?”

“No!”Mrs.Marvinexclaimed.

Besscriedout,“HeclaimsyousaidIcouldspenditanywayIwished!”

“That’snottrue.”

“Nancythinkshe’saconman,andwe’vereportedhimtothepolice.”

“Good.”

WhenBessrepeatedhermother’sdenial,Nancybobbedherhead.“Isuspectedthat.I’llbethewastoldaboutyoursavingsbookaftertheHoaxtersexaminedyourhandbag.AndheknewaboutyourvacationinMainebecausetheyreadDorothyCross’sletter!”

Thegirlswalkedalongthestreetsilentlyforawhile,thenNancysaid,“IwishMrs.Richardswerehome.I’dliketofindoutifBarkerwashertravelagent.”

“Perhapsshereturnedearlier thanherhousekeeperexpected,”Besssuggested.“Whydon’twecallher?”

“Goodidea,”Nancyagreedanddidso.

Thegirlswereinluck.Mrs.Richardsansweredpersonallyandinvitedthemtocomeatonce.

When they arrived, she ushered them into her living room. It was beautifully furnished inFrenchProvincialdecorwithlovelystatuesandpaintings.

“I’mdelightedtoseeyou,”shesaid.“Doyouhaveaclueyetinmycase?”

“Perhaps,” Nancy said. She told the woman about Bess’s caller and showed her thephotographs.“Isthisthemanwhoswindledyou?”

Mrs.Richardsstudiedthepicturesintently.“No,Ithinknot.Mr.Clarkhadadarkbeard.”

NancytoldherofBarker’soffertoBess,andMrs.Richardsfrowned.“Hecertainlysoundslikethemanwhocametoseeme.Aglibtalkerandverypersonable.”

Nancynodded.“Haveyouheardanythingmorefromhim?”

“No,” Mrs. Richards replied. “But lately I’ve had a ton of mail. It’s mostly requests fromcharitableorganizations,buttherearetwolettersthatmightinterestyou.I’llgetthem.”

Shewentintoanotherroomandreturnedafewmomentslater,handingNancytwoenvelopes.Oneletter,neatlytypedonveryexpensivestationery,wasfromamanwhoofferedcopiesofrarepaintingsatridiculousprices.Heguaranteedthattheywereveryspecialandaonce-in-a-lifetimebargain.Theletterread:

Foolyour friends.Theycouldn’t tell thedifferencebetween thecopyand the realthing!

Georgewrinkledherforehead.“Thatsoundslikeacongame!”

The others agreed. Nancy unfolded the second letter. It advertised a fine collection of oldcoins.The“bargains”weresocheapthatthedealdefinitelysoundedlikeahoax.

“MayItakethetwoadswithme?”Nancyrequested.

“Certainly,”Mrs.Richardsreplied.“Ihaveno intentionof followingthemup. I’vebeenhurtonce.That’senough.”

Nancyputthelettersintoherhandbag.“I’lltrytofindoutmoreabouttheseoffers,”shesaid.

“Mrs.Richards,youhaveafascinatingapartment,”Besscommented.“Didyoucollectalltheworksofartinthisroom?”

“Agreatmanyof them, yes.Othersweregifts tome.Would you like to see the rest ofmyhome?”

“Oh,yes,”thegirlschorused.

Astheywereledfromroomtoroom,theyoungdetectivesrealizedthateachwasfurnishedinthestyleofaforeigncountry,includingaJapaneseroomwhichBesslikedmost.

“I don’t care for itmyself,” George remarked under her breath. “I wouldn’t want to kneeldowneverytimeIlookedintothemirrorofmydressingtable!”

Theotherslaughed.

“Japanesegirlsthinknothingofit,”Mrs.Richardssaid.

She slid aside apanel in thewall andpulled out a tufted silk comforterwithgaily paintedfiguresofdancinggirlsonit.ShespreadthepuffonthefloorandannouncedthatthiswasatypicalJapanesemattress.

“PersonallyIthinkthat’swhytheirwomenhavesuchstraightbacks,”shesaid.

“Don’ttheyuseapillow?”Bessasked.

Theirhostess answeredbyproducinganother item from the closet. Itwas cylinder-shaped,aboutsixinchesindiameterandcoveredwithblackmaterial.

“Thisisveryheavybecausethepillowisfilledwithsand,”Mrs.Richardsexplained.

“That’sapillow?”Bessaskedindisbelief.

“Yes.However,manyJapanesehaveadoptedourWesternwaysandusebeds,mattressesandsomewhatsofterpillowsnow.”

Bessgiggled.“They’resmart.”

“The reason Japanese women years ago needed to sleep on this type of pillow is ratherinteresting,”Mrs. Richardswent on. “Having their full-length hair professionally setwas along, costly process. To keep their hairdos intact betweenwashings, thewomen sleptwiththeirnecksagainstthehardpillows.”

Georgegrinned.“I’mgladIdon’thavetoworryaboutthatsortofthing,”shesaidandshookhershort,plainlycombedhair.

Mrs. Richards led the girls through other rooms. Heavy silken drapes ornamented thewindowsandOrientalrugslayonthefloors.

The last roomtheycametowasdecorated inFlorentinestyle.Everythingwasornate, fromthe heavily carved furniture to the slatted, painted wooden blinds. In one corner stood amannequindressedinaFlorentinesoldier’suniform.

Georgeremarked,“Helooksprettyfancyforsomeonegoingintobattle.”

Mrs.Richardssmiled. “Idoubt thatanyonewearinganoutfit like thisdidmuch fighting. Itprobablybelongedtoageneral.”

Nancywalked closer to the figure and surveyed it from all angles. Suddenly she noticed apartiallyconcealedpocketwithaslightbulge.Sheputherhandinsideandfeltasmallobject.

“Something’sinthispocket,”shesaidtoMrs.Richards.

“Really?”thewomanasked.“Ididn’tknowthat.Let’sseewhatitis.”

Nancypulledoutasmallglassvialwithagoldfiligreecovering.Mrs.RichardsreadanItalianinscriptiononthebottom.Astartledlookcameoverherface.

“Whereintheworlddidthiscomefrom?Ineversawitbefore!”

“Perhaps the vial was in the uniform for centuries and no one ever noticed it,” Georgesuggested.“Doesitcontainanything?”

“Adeadlypoison!”Mrs.Richardsreplied.

Bessshivered.“Didthesoldiercarryittouseonanenemy?”

Mrs.Richardsshookherhead.“InthedayswhenFlorentineintriguewasatitsheight,nearlyeverymemberofthearmycarriedavialofpoisonincasehewascaptured.Ratherthangotoprisonorbetortured,hewouldkillhimself.”

“Ugh!”Besssaid.“That’sterrible.”

Theothersdidnotcomment,butNancysuggestedtheytakethevialtoamedicallaboratoryfortesting.“Weshouldfindoutifit’sstillpotent,”shesaid.

“There’s a medical lab not far from here,”Mrs. Richards said. “I’ve known the owner foryears.”

Since the labwas locatednearby, she and the girlswalked over.On theway,Nancy askedMrs.RichardsifshehadhadanynewsaboutRoscoeandhercar.

“Oh,yes.Hehadaverytryingadventure.Hewasparkednotfarfromtheterminalwaitingforus,whensuddenlytwomenjumpedintothebackseat.TheyorderedRoscoetotakethemtoacertainaddress.Whenhe told themhis carwasnota taxi and theymustgetout, themenrefused.OnesaidRoscoewouldbeharmedifhedidnotfollowtheirorders.”

“PoorRoscoe!”Bessexclaimed.

Mrs.Richardswenton.“Therewasnothinghecoulddo,sohestartedfortheplacethemenindicated.Buttheynevergotthere.”

“Whathappened?”Georgewantedtoknow.

“Theytoldhimsuddenlytostopandgetoutofthecar.Thenoneofthemenjumpedbehindthewheelanddroveaway.Roscoeyelledatthembuttheypaidnoattention.Thepoliceneverdidlocatemystolencar,andpoorRoscoewasawreckafterhehikedbacktotown.”

“That’sashame,”Nancysaidsympathetically.

“Roscoe blamed himself,”Mrs. Richardswent on. “But I told him it was not his fault. Theinsurance company is going to settle if my automobile is not found within a certain timeperiod,andwe’relookingatanewcar.”

NancyaskedifRoscoehadheardthemensayanythingthatmightleadtotheirarrest.

“Idon’tknowif there’sanysignificancetothis,”thewomanreplied,“butoneofthemsaid,‘Thisisagoodhoaxonthatrichwidow.’Thenthetwoofthemlaugheduproariously.”

Bythistimethegrouphadreachedthemedicallaboratory.Mrs.RichardstoldMr.Horner,theowner, that her young visitors had found the vial in an old costume and wondered if thepoisonwerestilleffective.

Mr.Horneraskedhisassistant,whosenamewasEnzoScorpio, to take thevial into the labandtestit.Fiveminuteslatertheyoungmanreturned,confirmingthatitwaspotent.

“Whatkindofpoisonisit?”Mrs.Richardsasked.

“It’sextractedfrompoisonousmushrooms,”thetechnicianreplied.

“Inthatcase,”Mr.Hornersaid,“thevial ismorevaluablethanitscontents.Ibelieveitwasmadebyanartisaninthefifteenthcentury.It’sabsolutelyairtight.That’swhythepoisonhasnotevaporated.Asamatterof fact, ifyouwould liketosell thevial, I’dbegladtobuy it. Iknowamanwhocollectsthiskindofthing.”

Mrs. Richards hesitated. Nancy felt sure that she was about to agree and grabbed thewoman’shand,squeezingittightly.

Mrs.Richardsunderstood.“Idon’twanttosellit,”shereplied.

“Ican’tblameyou,”hesaidwithasmile.“Ifyou’dliketofindoutifit’sgenuineFlorentine,Irecommendyoutakeittoaspecialistonfifteenth-centuryartwork.ThebestmanIknowisattheMetroMuseuminWashington,D.C.”

Mrs.Richards’seyebrowsshotup.“Oh?That’sagoodidea.I’mplanningtovisitafriendinWashington....I’mflyingouttomorrowmorningontheshuttle.I’llcertainlylookupthatman.”

Mr.Hornerwrotethespecialist’snameandaddressonapieceofpaper,andhandedittoMrs.

Richards.Thenthegroupleftthelaboratory.

Nancy, Bess, and George returned to Aunt Eloise’s apartment. Again they read the twoadvertisementsthatNancyhadbroughtfromMrs.Richards.

Georgesaid,“Woulditbeagoodideaforyoutocontacttheseplacesandwirethemoney?”

“Ifwedo that,”Nancysaid,“I’mafraidwe’llneverhear fromthem,andourmoneywillbegone.Buthere’sanidea.Howaboutsuggestingyourschemetothepolicetogetevidence?”

“Todowhat?”Georgeasked.

“Have a detectivewrite from his home to the two companies and include checks that willbounce.When they’re returned, the police can seewhere the conmen tried to cash them.Theycancontactthecompanies’banksatoncetofindoutmoreaboutthemenandmaybegettheiraddresses.OneofthepersonsmightbeHowieBarker!”

Georgegrinned.“Rubberchecks!It’saterrificidea.”

Nancytelephonedthechiefwhosaidtheplanmightwork.

“Goodthinking,”headded.“Thankyou.”

When Aunt Eloise returned, she and the girls had dinner. Then George said, “Let’s seeanotherHoaxtermagicshow.ThistimeI’dliketobeavolunteerandgouponstagetowatchtheirtricks.”

“IhopeyoulearnmorethanIdid,”Besssaid.

When the moment arrived for people in the audience to join the artists on stage, Georgehurriedforwardandleapedupthesteps.Shewasthefirstonlookertoarrive,butthesleightofhandmanignoredherandselectedtenotherpeople.

“Sorry,”hesaidtotherest.“That’sallwecantake.”

“ButIwasherefirst!”Georgeobjected.“Ishouldhave—”

Themagicianlookedatherstonily.“Younglady,I’msorry.Pleasereturntoyourseat.”

Georgewas temptedtoargue furtherwith theman,buthewasalready talking tosomeoneelse.Angrilysheleftthestage,wonderingwhyhewouldnotletherstay!

4AirportTheft

WhenGeorgereturnedtoherseat,Nancy,Bess,andAuntEloiseimmediatelyaskedherwhathadhappened.

“Thesleightofhandmanwouldn’tletmewatchtheperformance,”Georgereplied.

“Whynot?”Bessdemanded.

Georgeshrugged.“MaybeI’mnothistype!”

Nancyfrowned.“It’smyguesstheHoaxtersknowwe’reamateurdetectivesanddon’twantanyofuscloseenoughtoseetheirtricks.”

“It’spossible,”Georgereplied.“ButIwonderhowtheyfoundoutwhoweare.”

NextmorningafterbreakfastNancycalledMrs.Richards toask ifshehadheardanymoreaboutthetravelagentwhohadswindledher.Trudie,thehousekeeper,answeredandsaidthatMrs.RichardshadalreadyleftforWashington.

“Doyouknowifshehadanynewsfromthepolice?”Nancyasked.

“No,shehasn’t,”Trudiereplied.“However,amanphonedyesterdayafternoonandaskedforyou.”

“Forme?”Nancywassurprised.“Whatwashisname?”

“Hedidn’ttellme.HesaidhehadagifttodelivertoNancyDrewandaskedifyouwerelivinghere.Alsowhatkindofworkyoudo.”

“Whatdidyoutellhim?”Nancyasked.

“Thetruth,”Trudiereplied.“Ididn’tseeanyreasonnotto.IsaidyouandyourfriendswerestayingwithyourAuntEloiseandthatyouwereamateurdetectives.”

Nancycaughtherbreath.ShewasdisappointedthatTrudiehadgivenoutthisinformation.

“ItoldthemanifhewantedtoleavethepresenthereIwouldseethatyoureceivedit,”thehousekeeperadded.

Despite the fact that Nancy considered the matter most unfortunate, she remained calm.“Thankyouverymuch,”shesaid.“Whenthepackagearrives,letmeknow.”

Nancy hung up and repeated the conversation to her friends. “I’m sure there’s no giftinvolved,”shedeclared.“SomehowthecallerfoundoutthatweknowMrs.Richards,andheusedthepresentasanexcusetoinquirewhoweare.”

“Doyouthinkhe’sthesamemanwhofleecedMrs.Richards?”Bessasked.

“It’spossible,”Nancyreplied.

“Sohe’s eitheramemberof theHoaxtersor connectedwith them,”Georgeput in. “That’swhytheywouldn’tletmestayonstagelastnight!”

“Idon’tbelievehe’samemberofthetroupe,”Bessargued.“He’smorelikelyaconman.We’dbetterwatchourstep.”

Georgesaid,“WhataboutHowieBarker?”

“NoneoftheHoaxters,accordingtotheprogram,iscalledBarker,”Nancyexplained.“Butitcouldbeanassumedname.Andtheperformersaresomadeupduringtheshow,wewouldn’tnecessarilyrecognizehim.”

Shewasthoughtfulforafewmoments,thenadded,“Whydon’twegotothematineetodayanddosomerealsleuthing?”

“Goodidea,”Georgeagreed.

Bessasked,“Howcanwe?They’llrememberusandmostlikelywon’tletyouonstageeither.”

Nancy smiled. “I wouldn’t walk up from the audience. I’d rather try to slip in backstage.PerhapsI’llfindacluethere.”

Assoonthegrouphadhadlunch,theytaxiedtothetheater.Asthecabpulledup,allofthemwereamazedtofindthebuildingdeserted.

Nancysaidtothetaxidriver,“Doyouknowwhethertheperformancehasbeencancelled?”

“Iheard,”hereplied,“thattheshowclosed.TheHoaxtersmovedoutbagandbaggage.”

“That’s amazing,” George remarked. “We were here last night and no announcement wasmade.”

Nancyaskedthemanifhehadanyideawherethetroupehadgone.Heshookhishead.“Doyouwantmetotakeyouhomeagain?”

Nancydecidedtostay.Shepaidthedriverandthegirlsgotout.

“What’sonyourmind?”BessaskedNancy.

“I’d like to find outwhere themagicianswent. I suggestwequestion restaurant and storeownersintheneighborhood.”

The group divided. Bess and George began to inquire at shops, while Nancy checked thevarious eating places.When shewalked into a luncheonette across the street, the hostessapproachedherandaskedwhereshewouldliketobeseated.

Nancysmiled.“Thankyou,butIdon’tplantostay.IwaswonderingifyoucouldgivemeanyinformationabouttheHoaxterswholeftsosuddenlylastnight.Haveyouanyideawheretheywent?”

Thehostessshookherhead.“I’llaskthewaitresses.Maybeoneofthemknows.”

Shewenttothekitchenandreturnedafewminuteslaterwithaprettygirl.“Susie,thisyoungladyistryingtolocatetheHoaxters.Yousaytwoofthemagiciansatdinnerlastnightweretalkingaboutleaving.”

Susie nodded and giggled. “One of them gave me an extra large tip and said, ‘Here’ssomethingforyoutoremembermeby.’”

Thewaitresssaidshehadexpressedregretathisleavingandaskedwherehewasgoing.“Hewhisperedinmyear,‘Don’ttellanybody,butournextstopisMexicoCity.’”

Nancysmiled.“I’mgladyoudidtellus,Susie.”

Thegirlgiggledagain.“Oh,I’msurehewasonlykiddingaboutkeepingitasecret,likeIwaskiddingwhenItoldhimI’dmisshim.Iwon’tmisshim,onlyhistips!Healwaysgavememorethananyoneelse.”

Nancy thanked Susie and the hostess and was about to leave when she noticed severalluscious-lookingcakesdisplayedonaglasscounternearthedoor.

“ShallItakeone?”Nancyaskedherself.“Mm,Ican’tresist.Theylookdelicious.”

Sheboughtalemonlayercake,thenwalkedoutoftheluncheonette.WhenshereachedthetheaterwhereshewastomeetBessandGeorge,thegirlswerenotthere.Theyarrivedabouttenminuteslater.

Bess’seyeswentimmediatelytothecakeboxinNancy’shand.“Istheresomethingrichandfatteninginside?”Shebeamed.

“Andit’snotforyou!”hercousinrepliedquickly.

“Why,GeorgeFayne,asifI—”

“I’vehad terrific luck.”Nancy interrupted the friendly squabble. “You’dneverguesswheretheHoaxtershavegone.”

“Where?”Bessaskedeagerly.

“MexicoCity!”

Georgeliftedhereyebrows.“Iftheyskippedtown,theysuremadeabigjump!”

Theothersagreed.Allfeltthatthetroupe’ssuddendeparturehadnotbeenplanned.

“Doyousupposeitwasbecauseofus?”

“Iwonder,”Nancyreplied.

The group hailed another taxi and went back to the apartment. When they entered, thetelephonewasringing.Nancydashedtoanswerit.

“Oh,Nancy,I’vebeentryingforhourstogetyou!”ItwasMrs.Richards.Shewashysterical.

“What’sthematter?”Nancyasked.

“I’mbesidemyself!Myvialofpoisonhasbeenstolen!”

“When?”

“ItmusthavehappenedattheairportinNewYorkthismorning.Ihadalongwaitbeforemyflightanddozedoffinthelounge.”

“Oh,dear,”Nancysaid.“Whereareyounow?”

“Atmyfriend’sapartmentinWashington.HernameisMrs.MarianGreening.Bettertakeherphonenumberdown in case youwant to reachme.”Shegave thenumber, then said, “Oh,Nancy,whatamIgoing todo?Notonly is thevialvaluable,butwhoeverstole itmightnotrealizeitcontainspoisonandmayharmhimselforsomeoneelse!”

Mrs.Richardsbegantosobuncontrollably.Suddenlyshegaspedforbreath.

“Mrs.Richards!”Nancycalledout.“Mrs.Richards,areyouallright?”

Therewasnoreply,butNancyheardascrapingnoise.Thenaman’svoicesoundedoverthephone.“Don’tworry,”hesaid.“I’lltakecareofher.”

Thenextmomentthephoneclicked.Themanhadhungup!

5APlannedAccident

Nancyfrowned.“That’sstrange,”shemuttered.

“Whatis?”Bessasked.SheandGeorgehadrushedtotheirfriend’ssideandwantedtoknowwhathadhappened.

Nancy repeated her conversation withMrs. Richards, saying the last thing she had heardfromthewomanwasagasp.“Thenamantoldmehewouldtakecareofherandhungup.”

“Trycallingback,”Georgesuggested.“Hecouldhavebeenherfriend’shusband.”

NancydialedthenumberMrs.Richardshadgivenher.Nooneanswered.

“Maybethemantookhertothedoctor,”Besssuggested.

“Idon’tknow,”Nancysaid.“I’llaskthepolicetocheckonher.”

Shecontactedtheauthorities inWashingtonandwasconnectedwithacaptain.Quicklysheexplainedthematter.“CouldyousendsomeonetoMrs.Greening’sapartmenttoseethatMrs.Richardsisallright?”sherequested.

“Surewill,”theofficersaid.“Pleasegivemeyournameandnumber.I’llcallyouback.”

Afewminuteslaterthephonerang.Nancyanswered.Tohersurprise,itwastheWashingtonpolice.

“You’veseenourfriendalready?”sheasked,incredulous.

“No.I’mdouble-checkingyourstory.Wegetsomanyprankcalls,thatwheneverpossibleweconfirm a complaint before sending someone out. An officer will drive to Mrs. Greening’sapartmentnow.You’llhearfromussoon.”

Nancyandherfriendspacedaboutthelivingroomrestlessly,wonderingwhatwashappeninginWashington.Finallytheyoungsleuthcouldstanditnolonger.ShedialedMrs.Greening’snumber.Apolicemananswered.

“ThisisNancyDrew,”shesaid.“I’msogladyougotthere.DidyoufindMrs.Richards?”

“Yes.She’srighthere.Apparentlyshefaintedwhilespeakingtoyou.”

“Butamanpickedupthephoneandsaidhewouldtakecareofher,”Nancypointedout.“Whowashe?”

“AdeliverymanwhowasputtingfoodintotherefrigeratorwhileMrs.Richardswastalkingtoyou.”

“Oh?ButIcalledbackrightafterhehungup,andtherewasnoanswer.”

“AfterMrs.Richardsfainted,heputheronthecouch,thenrusheddowntoDr.Marsionowhohashispracticeon the first floor.Luckily thedoctorwas inandcouldcomeup.HerevivedMrs.Richards.She’sallrightnow.”

“MayIspeaktoher,please?”Nancyrequested.

“Oneminute,”theofficersaidandhandedthereceivertothewoman.

Mrs.Richardswasstillupsetaboutthetheft.“IsupposeIgotsoworkedupthatIpassedoutwhileIwastalkingtoyou,”shetoldNancy.

“Willyoubeallright?”thegirlasked,worried.

“Oh, sure.My friendwill be home soon—as amatter of fact, here she comes now.What asurpriseshe’llhave,findingthepolicehere!Well,mydear,thankyouforyourhelp.”

The followingmorning Chief Raleigh from theNew York police asked the girls to come toheadquarters.“WehavenewsaboutthemanNancyDrewphotographed,”hesaid.

Nancy promised to go at once. Aunt Eloise had already left for school. Bess and Georgeaccompaniedtheyoungdetective.

Whenthegirlswalkedoutoftheapartmentbuilding,theynoticedacarparkednotfarfromthe entrance. The driver appeared to be sleeping since his head was bent low over thesteeringwheel.

“Funnyplacetotakeanap,”Besscommented.

Justthenataxidroveupandthegirlssignaledforittostop.TheyclimbedinandNancygavethedriverdirections.Helookedatherquizzically,butshevolunteerednofurtherinformationabouttheirerrand.

George noticed that the driver in the parked car had suddenly started his engine andwasfollowingthetaxi.Shewonderedifthiswasonpurpose.

Presentlyhedroveupclosebehindthem,thenpulledoutasiftopass.Instead,hedeliberatelysideswipedthetaxi,whoserightfrontwheeljumpedthecurb.

“Oh!”Besscriedout.Shetumbledofftherearseatandhitherhead.

Nancy,ontheleftside,gotthefullimpactofthecrash.Instinctivelyshebracedherselfonthebackrestof thedriver’sseatandescaped injury.Georgemanagedtoavoidgettinghurt,butlikeNancy,shewasbadlyshaken.

With trembling hands they pulled Bess up to the seat. “Are you all right?” Nancy askedworriedly.

“I—Iguessso.MyheadhurtswhereIbumpedit,though.”

“Thatmanhitusonpurpose!”Nancydeclaredangrily.

She looked out the window just in time to see their attacker rounding the next corner.Apparentlytherehadnotbeenenoughdamagetohiscartodisableit.

“Didyougethislicensenumber?”Bessaskedhopefully.

“Yes,”Nancyreplied.“LuckilyhewasstillcloseenoughwhenIlookedout.”

Georgepointed to theirdriver,whowasslumpedover thesteeringwheel.Hedidnotmoveandtheenginewasnotrunning.Apparentlyithadstalledfromtheimpact.

“Hemustbeunconscious!”Georgeexclaimed.

Shejumpedfromthecab,openedtherightfrontdoor,andslidacrosstheseat.Shetriedtorevive thedriverbutwithout success.Quickly shepickedup the radiophoneandcalled thetaxicompany.Whilewaiting forareply,she lookedfor thecab’s licensethatwaspostedonthedashboard.

“Hello,” she said after a man answered her call. “This is cab 52341. We were rammeddeliberately by another car andMax Topping, the driver, is unconscious. Could you pleasenotifythepoliceandsendanambulanceforhim?”

Thedispatcherpromisedtodosoatonce.Afewminuteslaterthepolicearrived.Nancygave

them the license number of the car that sideswiped them and told the police what hadhappened.

Just then the ambulance pulled alongside the cab. Two men put the stricken driver on astretcher,thencarefullytransferredhimintotheirvehicle.Secondslatertheywereontheirwaytothehospital.

The police officers asked the girlswhere theywere headed.When themen learned itwaspoliceheadquarters,theyofferedtotakethemthere.

InChiefRaleigh’soffice,astenographerrecordedNancy’sstory.Theyoungsleuthgavethedetailsof theaccidentandsignedthe transcript.Shortlyafterwardareportcame insayingthecarwhichrammedthetaxihadbeenstolenandwasabandoned.

“That’sunfortunate,”theofficersaid.“Wefoundonlytheowner’sfingerprintsonthesteeringwheel,sothethiefmusthaveworngloves.Obviouslytheaccidentwasplannedbecausetherewasonlyminimaldamagetothesideofthecar.Thedrivereitherhadagrudgeagainstthecabbieoryougirls.Canyoushedanylightonthematter?”

“AsI toldyoubefore,wesuspectHowieBarkertobeaconman.Butwehaven’t foundanynewclues.”

Thechiefsmiled.“Wehave,however.That’swhyIwantedyoutocomedown.Wereceivedanewpictureintherogues’gallerythatmatchesthephotographyou’vetaken,Nancy.Hisfullbeardisoneofhismanydisguises.ThemanislistedbythenameofRalphRafferty.Originallyhe worked for the Francisco Insurance Company. He proved to be dishonest and went toprisonforforgery.”

“Butnowhe’sfree?”Nancyasked.

“Yes. After being released from prison, Rafferty disappeared from the West Coast. HeswindledsomeoneoutofalargesumofmoneyinChicagoandiswantedagain.Yourcluewillhelpusagreatdeal.”

“Didyoucheckthetelephonenumberandaddressonhiscallingcard?”Nancyasked.

“Yes. It was an apartment here in the city, but he moved out before we got there. Wequestioned the superintendentandother tenants,butnooneknewanythingabouthim.Hewasaresidentonlyashorttime.Butwethinkhe’sstillinthisarea.”

“I’mnotsureaboutthat,”Nancysaid.“WesuspectthathemaybeincahootswithagroupofperformerscalledtheHoaxters.TheyleftunexpectedlyforMexicoCity.”

Theofficer’seyebrowsshotup.“Oh?That’sinteresting.I’llgetintouchwiththepolicethereandaskthemtobeonthelookoutforRafferty,aliasBarker.”

“I certainlyhope theycatchhim,”Bess said. “Hecameneargetting somemoney fromme.He’saslicktalker.”

“Andaverygood-lookingandlikeableperson,”Georgeadded.“Iguessit’seasyforhimtosellphonyproducts.”

“I’mafraidso,”thechiefagreed.“Thankyouverymuch,girls.”

HeopenedhisdeskdrawerandhandedNancytheoriginalsnapshotsshehadtaken.“We’vemadeduplicatesofthese,”hesaid.

Whenthegirlsleftheadquarters,NancysuggestedtheygodirectlytoAuntEloise’sapartmentanddonomoresleuthingfortheday.

“AllIwanttodoislieinatubofhotwater.I’mstiffallover,”sheconfessed.

“AndI’dliketogotosleep,”Georgesaid.Shestillfeltshakyfromtheaccident.

Bessnodded.Shehadaterribleheadache.QuicklyNancyhailedacabandthegirlsclimbedin.When they reached the apartment, she phoned the taxi company to find out how theirdriverwas. The answerwas a relief: he had suffered a slight concussion, butwould be all

rightinacoupleofdays.

WhenAuntEloisereturnedfromschoollaterthatafternoon,shewasamazedbyhervisitors’story.

“You’re luckynot tohavebeenseriously injured,”shesaid.“Didyougetagood lookat themanwhoranintoyou?”

“Onlyafleetingglimpse,”Georgesaid.“Notenoughtoidentifyhim.”

Theytriedtofigureoutwhotheattackercouldhavebeen.NancysaidshehadastronghunchhewasconnectedwiththeHoaxters.

AuntEloisewasinclinedtoagree.“Butwhydidhewanttoharmyou?”sheasked.

Therewassilenceforafewminutes,thenNancysaid,“IthinkweshouldgotoMexicoCityandcontinueoursleuthing.Weshouldn’tlettheHoaxtersgetawayfromus!”

“You’reright,”AuntEloisesaid.“HowIwishthat Icouldgowithyou!Butofcourse, that’simpossible.”

BessandGeorgefeltNancy’ssuggestionwasagoodone.Georgeaddedwithasigh,however,“I’llhavetophonehomeandtrytogetmoremoney.Frankly,mydetectiveallowanceaccountisdowntozero!”

6CluetoaSuspect

Besswasthefirsttocallherparents.Whiletheothergirlswaitedeagerly,sheexplainedtheirplansandsaidshewouldliketojoinNancyonhertriptoMexico.TheMarvinsreadilyagreed.

George phoned next, but she had a more difficult time getting permission. Mr. Fayneremindedhisdaughterthatshehad,indeed,usedupherdetectiveallowance.

“ButDad,thisisveryimportant!”Georgepleaded.“WouldyoulendmethemoneyandafterIgethome,I’llearnsomeandpayyouback?”

Mr.Faynechuckled.“You’reworkinghardnow.Howwould itbe ifyougotpaid forbeingadetective?”

“No,Dad. If Iacceptmoney formywork, itwould takemeoutof theamateurclass.And IknowMr.Drewwouldn’tlikethat.Besides,Icouldn’tworkwithNancyandBessanylonger.”

“Okay, you’veconvincedme,”Mr.Fayne said fondly.Hepromised to raiseherallowance topayforthetrip.“Butbesureyousolvethemystery!”heteased.

Georgelaughed.“WithNancycarryingtheballwewon’tfail.”

Assoonasthegirlshadfinishedtheircalls,Nancycontactedherfatherandtoldhimabouttheproposed trip toMexicoCity.ThenshephonedMrs.Richards.Nancywasglad to learnthatthewomanwasfeelingfine,andrevealedtheirplans.SheaskedMrs.Richards,however,tokeeptheirtripasecret.

“OfcourseIwill,”thewomanpromised.“ButIthinkyoushouldtellmewhereyou’restayingincaseIneedtoreachyou.”

“AttheFortunatoHotel,”Nancyreplied.“We’llletyouknowwhat’shappening.”

Shemadereservationsonaflightforearlythenextmorning.Afterbreakfast,theysaidgood-bytoAuntEloise.

“Andthankyouforyourwonderfulhospitality,”Bessadded.

ThegirlsarrivedinMexicoCityduringtheafternoon.Whileclaimingtheirbaggage,thethreeAmericansheardnothingbutSpanishspoken.BessandGeorgestaredateachother.Theydidnotunderstandaword!

“Nancy,I’mgladyouspeakSpanish,”Georgesaid.“We’dhaveahardtimeotherwise.”

Nancylaughed.“Youtwoshouldreallylearnthelanguage.Itisn’tdifficult.”

The cousinsmade up theirminds then and there that theywould take lessons.Nancywasright.ItwasbecomingmoreandmoreimportantforAmericanstolearnthelanguageoftheirneighborsjustacrosstheRioGrandeRiver.

Thegirls tookacab to theFortunato.When theywalkedup to thedesk,Nancysaid to theclerk,“We’dlikealargeroomforthethreeofus.”

“Yournames,please?”

“NancyDrew,BessMarvin,andGeorgeFayne.”

“NancyDrew?”Theclerkstaredather.“Pleasewaitaminute,”hesaid.“Themanagerhasamessageforyou.”Heturnedandhurriedintoabackoffice.

Nancy lookedather friends. “Iwonderwhat this isallabout?”shesaid. “Notmanypeopleknewwe’dbehereandtheoneswhodidpromisedtokeepitasecret.”

Agood-lookingMexicaninawhitesuitcamefromtherearroomandaddressedNancy.“Iwillhavetoaskyoutocomeintomyoffice.ThereissomethingImustdiscusswithyou.”

Thegirls followedhimandhemotioned them tobe seated inhis small, paneled room.Thegirlswereworried.Wasbadnewsfromhomeawaitingthem?

Themanager,whointroducedhimselfasSenorGonzales,said,“Iamsorrytodetainyou,butthepolicetelephonedandaskedmetodoso.”

Nancyfrowned.“Howdothepoliceknowwearehere?”

“Theyalertedeveryhotelintown,”SenorGonzalesrevealed.“Wehaveyourreservation.”

TheconversationhadbeeninSpanish,andNancyturnedtotranslateforherfriends.WhenSenorGonzalesrealizedBessandGeorgedidnotspeakhislanguage,heswitchedtoEnglish.

“TheclerktoldmeyouwerehereandIcalledLieutenantTara.Heshouldbehereanyminute.Pleasebepatient.”

Thegirlslookedatoneanotherindismay.MembersoftheirfamiliesandMrs.Richardswerethe only people who could have phoned! Just then the officer walked into the room.FortunatelyhespokeEnglishsothatBessandGeorgecouldfollowtheconversation.

“Iunderstandthatyouaredetectives,”LieutenantTarasaid.

Nancyreplied,“Iguessyoumightcallusthat.Why?”

“Ihavebeentoldthatyouarepracticingwithoutalicense.”

“License!”Nancyprotested.“We’restrictlyamateursandnevergetpaidforourwork.”

LieutenantTara’seyebrowsshotup.“Canyouproveit?”

Thegirlswerestymiedforamoment.Theywereinaforeigncountry!Howcouldtheypossiblyprovethattheyneverchargedfortheirdetectiveservices?

FinallyNancysaid,“Wehavenoproofwithus.ButifyouphonemyfatherinRiverHeightsintheUnited States, he’ll back up our statement.He’s a lawyer. And youmight phoneChiefMcGinnisoftheRiverHeightspoliceforce.HehasknownmeeversinceIwasalittlegirl.”

Theofficerrubbedhischin.“Yourfatherisanattorney?”

Bessanswered,“Yes,andverywellknown!”

“WecametoMexicoCitytolocateaconmanwhoiswantedbytheNewYorkpolice,”Nancysaid.

“Amazing!”themanagersaid.

Lieutenant Tara picked up the phone and first calledMr.Drew, thenChiefMcGinnis. Theyconfirmed the fact that the girlswere strictly amateur detectives andChiefMcGinnis said,“NancyDrewisthedaughterofafamousattorneyandsheisknownforhertalentinsolvingmysteries.”

LieutenantTarathankedthechiefandsaidgood-by.

Georgespokeup.“Whogaveyouthisfalseinformationaboutus?”

Theofficerhesitated.“Idon’tknow.Ourchiefreceivedthemessage.Whydon’tyouaskhim

personally?”

SenorGonzalesofferedtogetthechiefontheline.InafewmomentsNancywasexplainingtohimthegirls’missioninMexicoCity.

HetoldherthatthemessagehadcomefromsomeoneintheU.S.DepartmentofJustice,butthathehadnotcaughttheman’sname.HethenaskedNancyifsheandherfriendshadanymoretotell.

“Indeedwehave!”Nancy replied. “This is outrageous.Wehaveneverbeen investigatedbytheDepartmentofJustice.Youranonymouscallergaveyoufalseinformation.”

Thechiefclearedhisthroat,butdidnotcomment.Instead,heaskedtospeaktoLieutenantTaraagain.ThechieftoldhimthathesawnoreasonfordetainingthegirlsandTarashouldreturntoheadquarters.Whentheofficerfinished,Tarasmiledandrelayedthemessage.

“Thankyou,”Nancysaid.“That’sarelief.”

Bessgrinned.“Ifeelahundredpoundslighter!”

AfterTarahadleft,SenorGonzalesapologizedprofuselytothegirls.Hetoldthedeskclerktogivethemafineroomwithbath.“ThatmaycompensateforallthetroubleweMexicanshavecausedyou.”Hesmiledbroadly.

Thegirls foundthequartersdelightful.Whiletheywereunpacking,thethreefriendstalkedaboutwhathadhappened.

“Idon’tunderstandhowtheanonymouscallerknewwewerecoming toMexicoCity,”Bessdeclared.

Georgesaid,“TheHoaxtersleftNewYorkbeforewemadeourplans!”

“That’strue,”Nancyadmitted.“PerhapsHowieBarkeroranotherconfederatestayedbehind.He could have visited the luncheonette and learned from Susie the waitress that I hadinquiredwheretheHoaxtershadgone.”

“Iseewhatyoumean,”Besssaid.“AndafterhefoundoutweknewtheywenttoMexicoCity,hefiguredwewouldfollowandwarnedthetheatricalgroup.”

“That’sright.ThenBarkercalledthepolice,pretendingtoworkwiththeU.S.DepartmentofJustice.”

Theyhadjustfinishedunpackingwhenthetelephonerang.AuntEloiseDrewwascalling.“Ijust heard from theNewYorkpolicedepartment,” she toldNancy. “Theyhaveunearthedacluetothethiefwhostolethevialofpoison.HisnameisEnzoScorpio.”

“He’stheassistanttoMr.HornerwhoownsthemedicallabinNewYork!”Nancyexclaimed.

“That’scorrect,”AuntEloise replied. “He’soriginally fromMexicoCity.Thepolice thinkhemayhavereturnedthereandadviseyoutokeepyoureyesopen.Youmaybeabletotrackhimdown.”

“Iwonderifhe’stryingtosellthevial,”Nancymused.

“It’slikelythathe’llapproachacollector,”AuntEloisesaid.“Atleastthat’swhatMr.Hornerbelieves.HenotifiedthepolicewhenScorpiodisappearedunexpectedly,takingallthecashinthelabwithhim.”

AfterNancyhadhungup,Besslookedalarmed.“Ihopethatpoisondoesn’tgetintothehandsoftheconmen.Canyouimaginewhatwouldhappen?”

Nancynodded,thenchangedthesubject.“WhatdoyousaywegoseetheHoaxters?”

“Goodidea,”herfriendsagreed.

“IwonderiftheshowisthesamehereasitwasinNewYork,”Georgeadded.

Thegirlsinquiredatthedeskwherethemagicianswerescheduledtoappearandlearnedthatthetheaterwasnotfaraway.Therewasnomatinee.Theeveningperformancewouldstartateighto’clock.

Bess was worried that the girls would be recognized by the performers. “Why don’t wedisguiseourselves?”shesuggested.

“How?”Georgeasked.

“WecouldbuyMexicandresses,andshawlstowearonourheads.Ifanyonegetstooclose,wecanjustpulltheshawlshalfwayupoverourfaces.”

“Goodidea,”Nancyagreed,andthegirlsspenttherestoftheafternoonshopping.TheyfoundanattractiveboutiqueownedbySenoraClara.

“MayIhelpyou?”sheaskedinperfectEnglish.

“What do you think of this one?” Nancy asked her companions. She was holding a prettyturquoiseskirtinfrontofher.

“Thatisabeautifulchoice,”theproprietorremarked.“Itmatchesyoureyessowell.”

“She’sright,Nancy,”Besssaid.“IfonlyIcouldfindsomethingtosuit...”

“Yourwaist!”Georgelaughed.“Señora,doyoucarrychubbysizes?”

Hercousinbristled.“Thanksalot,George.”

SenoraClarasmiled.“YouremindmesomuchofmyfavoriteniecesintheStates,”shesaid.“I’msureIcanfindsomethingjustrightforallofyou.”

As promised, the young detectives were able to select just what they wanted. When theyarrivedatthetheaterthateveningintheirattractiveMexicanclothesandnewhairdos,onlyafewminutesremainedbeforecurtaintime.

The girls glanced at the program and noticed that the sleight of hand man was listed asRonaldoJensen,thesamepersontheyhadseenpreviously.

Justbeforetheperformancestarted,abeautifulwomanarrivedandsatdownintheaisleseatnexttoNancy.Shewasexpensivelyandtastefullydressedandcarriedalargebeadedeveningbag.

During intermission, she introducedherself toNancy inSpanishasSenoraRosaMendez,alonelywidow.

“My family lives in Oaxaca,” she explained. “I have a darling little granddaughter namedDolores,butIdon’tseeherveryoftenbecauseshelivestoofaraway.Ireallymissherverymuch.I’llshowyouapictureofher.”

Thewomanopenedherpurseandtookoutasnapshotofthelittlegirl,wholookedtobeaboutnineyearsold.

“She’sdarling,”saidNancy,gazingat thedark-haired,bright-eyedchild. “I’mnotsurprisedyou’dliketoseehermoreoften.I’msuretheshowwilllightenyourspirits,”sheaddedwithasmile.“Bytheway,doyouspeakEnglish?”

“Yes.”

“Good,”saidNancy.“Myfriendsdon’tunderstandSpanish.”

Atthebeginningofthesecondact,theHoaxtersperformedanewtrick.Oneofthemraceddownthecenteraisle,holdingaflamingtorchinhismouth.Hecrossedtherearofthetheaterand returned to the stage via a side aisle. Then he took the torch out of his mouth andextinguished the flames. Theman opened hismouthwide to show that nothing inside hadbeenburned.

“Anamazingfeat,”SenoraMendezsaidtoNancy.

“Indeeditis,”thegirlagreed.

Just then the sleight of handman appeared and invitedmembers of the audience to comeforwardandwatchhowsomeofthetricksweredone.

SeñoraMendezsaid,“Oh,I’dlovetoseethat!”BeforeNancycouldstopher,thewomanleftherseatandhurrieddowntheaisle.

Besswhispered, “I hope shewon’t be approached by any of the conmen later on. SeñoraMendezlooksasifshehasplentyofmoney;justthekindofpersonthey’reafter.”

The showproceeded.Clever tricksweredoneby themagicians.Theaudience laughedandclapped. The peoplewho had gone on stage had become so absorbed by the performance,none of them noticed that several of their watches, necklaces, wallets, and handbags haddisappeared.Thesleightofhandmanassuredthemthatallarticleswouldbereturnedaftertheshow.

“Pleasereturntoyourseats,”herequested.

SeñoraMendezsaid toNancy,“Theytookmyhandbag.Doyouthinktheywill reallygive itbacktome?”

Nancysaidshewassuretheywould,butadded,“Didyouhaveanythingvaluableinit?”

“Yes,Idid,”thewomanreplied.“Mysavingsbankbook,somemoney,andseverallettersandpapersthatIwouldhatetohaveanyoneelseread.”

“Dotheycontainsomethingconfidential?”Nancyasked,worriedthattheHoaxtersmighttakeadvantageofthis.

“Yes,” Senora Mendez answered. “There was important background information about myfamilythatnooutsidershouldknowabout!”

Nancyhadasuddenhunch.She feltpositivethatsuch informationcould indeedbeusedtoblackmailthewoman!

7PyramidChase

In a loudwhisper,Nancy said to the distraughtwoman, “I’m sure you’ll get your handbagback.MyfriendsandIsawtwoHoaxtershowsinNewYork,andBess’shandbagwastaken.Butitwasreturnedafterward.”

“Oh, good,” SenoraMendez said and settled back in her seat to enjoy the balance of theperformance.Assoonastheshowwasover,however,shedasheddowntheaisleandupthestepstothestage.

“Doyouhavepropertyyouwishtoclaim?”thesleightofhandmanaskedher.

“Yes,Ido.Iwantmyhandbagatonce!”

“Followme,”hesaidandledherintoanofficebackstage.Shepickedupherbag,openedit,andrifledthroughthecontentseagerly.

“Iseverythingthere?”themanasked.

“Eh,yes—yes.”

HerequestedthatshesignapaperreleasingtheHoaxtersfromanyliability.SeñoraMendezdidso,thenhurriedbacktowherethegirlswerewaitingforher.

“Iseverythingallright?”Bessaskedher.

“Fortunatelyyes.”

Nancyhopedthiswastrue.Shefelt,however,thatsheshouldwarnSenoraMendez.“Thereisapossibility theHoaxters lookedatyourpropertyand foundsomethingpalsof theirscoulduse toeitherswindleorblackmailyou.Pleasecallyourbankandrequest themtoholdanycheck they suspect is a forgery. Also, don’t let any fast-talking salesmen con you intodishonestschemes,eitherbytelephoneorinperson.”

Thewomanpromisedtodoso.“Nowyouhavemeabitfrightened,”shesaid.“ShallIcallthepolicewhensomethinghappens?”

“Yes,”Nancyreplied,“andifyouneedourhelp,we’llbegladtodowhateverwecan.We’reamateurdetectives.”

“Whereareyoustaying?”SenoraMendezasked.

“AttheFortunato,”Nancyrepliedandwrotetheirnamesonapieceofpaper.Shehandedittothewoman.SeñoraMendez,inturn,gaveNancyheraddressandtelephonenumber.

“Haveyouanyplansfortomorrow?”sheasked.

Nancysaidno,andthefriendlyMexicanimmediatelyinvitedthegirlstovisitthePyramidoftheSunwithher.Intriguedbythenameoftheancientmonument,theyoungsleuthsacceptedeagerly. SeñoraMendezpromised to pick themup at ten the followingmorning.When shearrived,Nancyandherfriendswerewaitinginthelobby.

OnthewayBesscomplimentedSenoraMendezonherexperthandlingofthecar.Thetraffic

wasfastandappeareddangerous.

“You’rebrave,”Besssaid.“Iwouldn’tliketodrivehere.”

“We’llsoonbeoutofthecity,”thewomanrepliedwithasmile.“Theroadswillbelessbusythen.”

“Howfaristhepyramid?”Georgeasked.

“Abouttwenty-fivemiles,”SeñoraMendezsaid.ThenshetoldthegirlssomestoriesofancientMexico.

“There’sone legendwhichIhavealways liked,”shesaid.“NativeIndianswerestandingontheshoreoftheoceanwhentheysawahugefishapproaching.Awhitemanwasseatedonitsback.SincetheIndianshadneverseenawhiteman,theyweresurehemustbeagod.Whenhelanded,theykneltbeforehimandhebecametheirrulerformanyyears.”

“Wheredidhecomefrom?”Nancyasked.

“ApparentlyfromEurope.Thelegenddoesnotsayatwhatpointhegotastridethefish,whichwasprobablyafriendlydolphin.Nodoubthewasacrewmanfromashipwreckedvesselandwasrescuedbythedolphin.”

“Luckyfellow,”Nancysaidwithachuckle.

SeñoraMendezsmiled.“Whenthemanbecameold,helongedtogobacktohisownland.ThelasttimetheIndianssawhim,hewasclimbingontoadolphin’sbacktoleaveMexico.”

“Whatacharmingstory!”Bessremarked.

Georgelaughed.“Andaprettypreposterousone.”

Nancy did not have time to comment because Senora Mendez immediately launched intoanothertale.

“Noone is surewhen the first IndianssettledaroundMexicoCity.Archeologists,whohavebeendigginghereformanyyears,believeitwasatleastfourthousandyearsago.Onegroupafter another came to fight the inhabitants. If the new arrivals won the battle, theyimmediatelyimposedtheirownpolitical,religious,andethicalideasonthecapturedpeople.Ourpresent-dayruinsareallthatisleftoftheAztecandearliercivilizations.”

“DidtheAztecsbuildthePyramidoftheSun?”Nancyasked.

“Not according to some scholars who say it was part of a Toltec tribe’s city that was athousandyearsoldwhentheAztecpeoplecametopower.”

“TheAztecswereahighlyintelligentandculturedpeople,”Georgeputin.

“That’strue,”SenoraMendezsaid.“Andnowlookupahead.There’sthePyramidoftheSun.”

Theenormous,broad-basedstructureroseinstepsstraightupintotheblueskywithonlyafewfluffycloudstosoftenitsstarklines.

“Whatarethoseotherbuildings?”Bessasked.

“There’sthesmallerPyramidoftheMoon,”SenoraMendezpointedout,“andinthedistanceare a number of pyramids, temples and burial spots, including the well-known Temple ofQuetzalcoatl. All these were built on both sides of an ancient road about four miles long,knownastheHighwayoftheDead.”

Bessshivered.“Notaveryinvitingname.”

SenoraMendez smiled as she parked the car in a lot some distance from the pyramid. “Iassure you there is nothing scary about this place,” she added as they headed toward theimposingstructure.

SeñoraMendeztoldthemthatthepyramidhadbeenerectedinhonoroftheSunGodwhom

theIndiansworshipped.

“Itcertainlyishuge,”Georgeremarked.

“Yes,twohundredandsixteenfeethigh,”theirMexicanfriendexplained,“andsevenhundredandfiftyfeetaroundthesquarebase.”

Onthesidefacingthemshallowstonestepsledtothetop.Severalpeoplewereascending.

“Doyoufeellikeclimbing?”SenoraMendezasked.

“Oh,yes,”thegirlschorused.

“What’satthetop?”Besswantedtoknow.

“Nothingnow,”was thereply. “Buta thousandyearsago itwasverydifferent.Prisonersofwarweremarchedupthestepsandslainatthetopbypriests.”

“Ugh!”Bessmurmured.“I’mnotsureIwanttogoupafterall.”

SenoraMendezsaidthattherewasnothinglefttoremindanyoneofthatcruelcustom.“Butthere’samagnificentviewwhichyoushouldn’tmiss.”

Bessfinallyconsentedtogo.Shewasthelastinlineandafterawhiletherestofthegrouphadadvancedfaraheadofher.

Suddenlyamiddle-agedwomanafewfeetaboveBesscriedout,“Oh,I’mfalling!Ifeelfaint!Saveme!Saveme!”

NoonewasnearherexceptBess,whosawthewomanteeter,thenbegintotumbledownthesteps.

“Imustcatchherbeforeshehurtsherself!”Bessthoughtfrantically.Butsheknewthatifsheremainedinfrontofthestranger,sheherselfwouldbeknockeddownbytheimpact.

A quick thought flashed through Bess’s mind. She had once read that in climbing ordescendingmountains ormonuments, the Indians always zigzagged their way. Theywouldtake a dozen steps to the right, then to the left. This not only kept them from falling buthelpedconservetheirbreath.

Bessturnedandbracedherself.Shecaughtthewomanaroundhershoulders.Bothteeteredfora fewseconds, thenBessregainedherfootingandstarteddownsideways,draggingthewomanwithher.

Bythistimeseveraltouristshadhurriedtothescene.TwohuskymencameuptomeetBessandherburden.Theyliftedtheunconsciousfigureovertheirshouldersandcarriedhertotheground.

Besswasrelieved.Thinkingwhatmighthavehappened,shewasalsonervousandupset.Withshakingkneesshesatdown,tryingtorecuperate.

Thewomanwhohadfaintedsoonrevived.WhenshelearnedofBess’shelp,shecalledoutinEnglish,“Thankyouverymuchforsavingme!You’resobraveyoushouldhaveamedal!”

Besswasembarrassedbythepraise.Quicklysherose,wavedtothewomanandhurriedupthesteps.

Her friends, who were close to the top, had heard the shouting. When Bess joined them,Nancysaid,“Thatwasawonderfulrescue!”

Georgepattedhercousinontheshoulder.“Justgreat!”sheadded.

“Oh,forgetit,everybody,”Bessmurmured.“Didyoufindanyskeletonshere?”

“No,”Nancyreplied.“Butlet’swalkaroundalittlewhile.ThenIthinkweshouldgobacktothehotel.SeñoraMendezhasbeenverykind,butwe’vetakenenoughofhertime.”

Bessagreed.“I’mratherwearymyself.”

The group descended and had reached the last step, whenNancy grabbed George by onearm.

“Lookover there!” sheexclaimed,andpointed toamanwhowas roundingacornerof thepyramid.Isn’tthatEnzoScorpio,thepoisonthief?”

“Hesureis,”Georgeanswered.

Sheturnedandraninhisdirection.Nancywascloseonherheels,andBessfollowed.SeñoraMendezstoodstill,staringafterthegirlsinamazement.

Justthenthesuspectsawthem.Quickasawinkheturnedbackanddisappearedbehindthegreatpyramid!

8StartlingNews

Thechasewentonforsometime.Nancy,Bess,andGeorgetookdifferentroutestoheadoffthefleeingsuspect.TheyclimbedupanddownthestepsoftheSunPyramid,untilthefugitivedashedawayinasoutherlydirection.HerantowardthefamousTempleofQuetzalcoatl.EventhoughNancyconcentratedhardonthechase,shecouldnothelpbutadmiretheelaboraterowsofcarvingsontheancientstructuredepictingthefabledplumedserpentinwhosehonorthetemplehadbeenerected.

SuddenlyEnzoScorpioheadedfortheparkinglot.Nancyhadnearlycaughtupwiththemanwhenhejumpedintoacar,startedtheengineinasplitsecondandroaredaway.Hiswheelschurnedupacloudofdust.SomeofithitNancyfullforceasshecamealmostcloseenoughtotouchthevehicle’srearfender.

Coughing,shestoppedshortandbitherlipsinfrustration.Despiteheranger,shemanagedtoread the licensenumberof theautomobile.As soonas thedusthad settled somewhat, she

pulledapieceofpaperoutofherhandbagandwrotethenumberdown.

BesscaughtuptoherwithGeorgenotfarbehind.

“Whathappened?”sheasked.

“Ialmosthadhim,buthejumpedintoacarandtookoff!”Nancyreplied.

“Whatterribleluck!”Georgeexclaimed.

“Where’sSenoraMendez?”Bessinquired.

Thegirlslookedaroundandnoticedthewomangoingtowardhercar.Quicklytheyfollowed.

AsNancypassedanathletic-lookingyoungman,whowasobviouslyfromtheUnitedStates,hesaid,“Wantmetochasethatguywithmycar?”

“Thankyou,no,”Nancyreplied.

Theyoungmansmirked.“Ifyou’reafterahandsomefellow,howaboutme?”

ThegirlsignoredhisremarksandcontinuedtowardSenoraMendez.Whentheyreachedher,she asked why the girls had chased the stranger. Nancy explained and the woman wasshocked.

“Hestoleavialofdangerouspoison?”shecriedout.“Hecertainlyshouldbeputinprisonforthat!”

Thegirlsagreed.ThenBessdeclaredthatshehadhadenoughsightseeingandexerciseforthedayandwouldliketoreturntotheFortunato.SeñoraMendeznoddedanddrovethegirlstoMexicoCity.

Whentheyreachedtheirhotelroom,NancyatoncephonedLieutenantTara.

“Beforewe leftNewYork,” shesaid, “avialofpoisonwasstolen froma friendofours.WeweretoldthattheNewYorkpolicesuspectamannamedEnzoScorpioofthetheft.WejustsawhimatthePyramidoftheSun!”

“Youknowhim?”LieutenantTaraasked.

“Yes,”NancyrepliedandtoldtheofficerabouttheirvisittoMr.Horner’smedicallaboratory.“WechasedEnzoScorpio,buthegotawayinacar,”sheaddedandgavethelieutenantthelicensenumber.

Tarathankedherandpromisedtotrackdownthecar.“IhopewecanfindoutwhereScorpiolives,”hesaid.

LaterintheafternoonhecalledbackandtoldNancythatthetrailhadledtoadeadend.Thecar used by the poison thief had been rented but not by Enzo Scorpio. Themanwho hadsignedfortheautomobilehadshownhislicenseandgivenhisaddress.Whenthepolicetriedtocontacthim,theylearnedhehadlefttown.

“Wehavenoideawherehewentorwhenhe’llbeback,”thelieutenanttoldNancy.“Butifwemanagetofindout,we’llletyouknow.”

Nancywas thoughtful foramoment, thensaid,“I thinkScorpiowill try tosell thevial toacollector.DoyouknowofanyinMexicoCity?”

“Hm,”LieutenantTarasaid.“Asamatteroffact,Ido.Heisawell-to-domanwhohasalargecollectionofancientpoisonvials.Hisname isFernandoPedroa.Ordinarilyhewouldnotbeallowed to have them in his house, but we know he’s trustworthy and gave him a specialpermittokeepthepoisons.Theyaresecurelylockedinaseparateroom.”

Nancysaidsheandherfriendswouldliketomeetthemanifpossible.“Couldyougiveusaletterofintroduction?”

LieutenantTarachuckled.“IamsurethatSenorPedroawouldlovetoseeyouandhearabout

themystery.He’saverypleasantman.Iwillsendanoteofintroductiontoyourhotel.”

“Thankyou,”Nancysaid.

A short time later amessenger brought the letter. “Let’s call on the collector right away,”NancyproposedtoBessandGeorge.

Whentheyarrivedattheirdestinationinataxi,sheaskedthedrivertowaituntiltheyfoundoutifSenorPedroawasathome.

Nancyrangthedoorbellandaservantanswered.HetoldherthatSenorPedroawas inthegarden.ShehandedovertheletterfromLieutenantTara.Whiletheservantwenttodeliverit,Georgepaidthecabbieanddismissedhim.

In a few minutes Senor Pedroa came to welcome the girls. He ushered them into hisbeautifullyfurnishedlivingroom.WhentheMexicanlearnedthatBessandGeorgeknewnoSpanish,hespoketotheminfluentEnglish.

Nancyquicklyoutlinedtheircaseabout thepoison, thenasked ifEnzoScorpiohadtriedtosellhimtheancientvial.Theanswerwasno.

“We have seen this man in Mexico City,” Nancy explained. “He worked for a medicallaboratoryinNewYork.EnzoScorpiostolethevialfromafriendofours.Thelabownersaidthegoldfiligreepoisoncontainerwasmadeinthefifteenthcenturyandisprobablyextremelyvaluable.Thepoisoninitisstillpotent.”

SenorPedroa’seyeslightedup.“Ifitisagenuinepieceitwouldbeveryvaluable.I’dbuythevialifitwereofferedtome.”

“WefounditinaFlorentinecostume,”Bessspokeup.“Nooneknowshowlongitwasthere.”

SenorPedroasmiled.“AndyoubelievethisEnzoScorpiostolethepoison?Whatmakesyousosureitwashe?”

“TheNewYorkpolicetoldus.EnzoisaMexican,sotheysuggestedwelookforhimhere.”

Georgeadded,“WhenwewentsightseeingatthePyramidoftheSunthismorning,wesawScorpio.Henoticedusandescapedinacar.”

SenorPedroashookhishead inamazement.“Yougirlsarecertainlywonderfuldetectives. Iwould like to help you solve your mystery. If I hear from Enzo Scorpio I’ll contact you atonce.”

“Andpleasenotifythepolice.”Nancyurged.

Themanpromisedtodoso,thenaskedifthegirlswouldliketoseehiscollectionofantiquepoisoncontainers.

“Oh,yes,”theychorused.

Heunlockedaheavymetaldoor.Behind itwasaroomlightedbyfluorescenttubes.Onthewallswere bars so close together that no hand could reach through to the shelves behindthem.

“I have to be sure that nothingwill be stolen,” Senor Pedroa explained. The glass-encasedshelvesweredividedintocompartments.Ineachstoodabeautiful,handcraftedcontainer.

“Manyofthemstillhavepoisoninside,”theMexicanwenton.“Itrytotracetheoriginandfindoutwhatitis.ButI’mnotalwayssuccessful.Allthesevialsareold.Theyaregenuineandvaluable.”

Georgepointedtoacasefilledwithrings.“Arethosethekindthatholdpoison?”sheasked.

“Youarecorrect,”SenorPedroareplied.“Asyoumayknow,poisonringsdatebacktoclassicaltimes.ThegreatGeneralHannibalkilledhimselfbydrinkingthefluidcontainedinthecapofsucharing.”

Bessgrimaced.“Howawful!”

SenorPedroasmiled.“Youareright.Itisnotasubjectweshoulddwellon.Howaboutacupoftea?”

“Thankyou!”thegirlsacceptedwithalacrity.

He locked his collection room, then led the visitors onto a sunny patio, where the servantbroughttraysofluscious-lookingpetitfoursandjamtarts.Besshadnotthoughtaboutbeinghungry,butsuddenlydeclaredshewasstarved.

Theservantpouredteaforeveryoneandpassedaroundthedeliciouscakes.Bythetimethegirlsstooduptoleave,allofthemweresuretheywouldnotneedanydinner!

NancytoldSenorPedroa,“We’vehadadelightfulandinformativevisit.Thankyou.”

Theirgracioushostadmittedhehadenjoyedtheircompanyimmenselyandwishedthemluckinsolvingthemysteryofthemissingvialofpoison.

WhenNancyandherfriendsarrivedattheFortunato,theyfoundamessageforthematthedesk.RosaMendezhadcalledandleftherphonenumber.

“Pleasecontactmeatonce,”waswrittenunderneaththenumber.

The girls hurried to their room andNancy put in the call. SeñoraMendez recognized hervoiceandbegantosob.ShewasbarelyabletospeakandNancycouldhardlyunderstandher.

“Please,SenoraMendez,saythatagain,”sherequested.

Thewomancriedout,“Mygranddaughter,Dolores,hasbeenkidnapped!”

9StageAttack

“Kidnapped?When?How?”NancyaskedRosaMendez,utterlyshocked.

Between sobs thewoman explained that her nine-year-old granddaughter had been on herwayhomefromschool.Whenshedidnotarriveforhoursaftertheexpectedtime,herparentscalledthepolice.

“My daughter,” SenoraMendezwent on, “also phonedDolores’s teacher,whowas amazedthat the child had disappeared. Dolores had stayed late after class to help straighten theclassroom,thenstartedforhome.TheteachergotintouchwithotherstudentsandaskediftheyknewwhereDoloreshadgone.”

“Didshehaveanysuccess?”Nancyasked.

“Yes.TwogirlssawDoloresgetintoacar.Theyhadassumedthatthedriverandthewomaninthebackseatwerefriendsorrelatives.Thegirlsweredreadfullyupsettohearthattheirplaymatehadbeenkidnapped.”

“I’msosorry,”Nancysaid.“I’lldoallIcantohelpyoufindher.Haveyouanyclues?”

“Therearenone,”theMexicanwomanreplied.“Oh,whydidthekidnappershavetopickoutmyfamily?”

Nancysaid,“IhavesuspectedtheHoaxtersofdishonestyforsometime.Theyaskpeopletocomeonstageandbysleightofhandremovetheirpossessions.Theyprobablylookamongthearticlestofindoutwhooftheownersarewealthy,influential,orfamous.That’swhyItriedtoholdyoubackwhenyouwentonstage. Inyourcase, themenmighthave learned thatyouhaveasizablebankaccountandalsoadarlinggranddaughterwhomyouadore.”

“Oh,yes,Ido,”SenoraMendezcriedoutandbegantosobagain.

Nancy tried to calm her by saying, “I’m sure that either you or your daughter and herhusbandwillreceivearansomnote.OryoumaygetaphonemessagedirectlyfromDolores.”

“Ihopewedo.Thenatleastwewouldknowthatsheisallright.”

“Iagree,”Nancysaid.“Pleasecallmetheinstantyouhearfromtheabductors.Meanwhile,”sheadded,“Isuggestyoukeepyourphonelinefreeincasethekidnappersoreventhepolicewanttogetintouchwithyou.”

“Youaresowise,”SenoraMendezsaid.“Iwillnottalkanylonger.ButI’mveryupset.”

“You have good reason to be,”Nancy told her. “Please try to calm down. Think only goodthoughtsforyourgranddaughter’sreturn.”

After saying good-by, Nancy told Bess and George what had happened. The girls werethunderstruckandagreedthatNancy’shunchabouttheHoaxterswasnodoubtcorrect.

“I also think,”Nancy told them, “that there ismore to it than Ihaveguessed so far. If theHoaxters are successful indrawing capacity crowds,why should theyneed tobemixedupwithconmenandkidnappers?”

Georgenodded.“AndwhywasitnecessaryforthemtorunawayfromNewYork?”

Besswasnotlistening.Insteadshesaid,“IfeelsorryforpoorlittleDolores.Oh,Ihopeshe’snotbeingmistreated!Thepoorchild!Shemustbesofrightened.”

NancyproposedthattheygoatoncetothetheaterwheretheHoaxterswereperformingandtrytofindoutifherhunchreallywascorrect.

Justthentheirtelephonerang.SeñoraMendezwascallingagain.Shewasveryexcited.

“We’vehadnews!”shesaid.“Mydaughterandherhusbandreceivedahand-deliverednote.Butthepersonwhobroughtithurriedawaybeforetheycouldaskhimanyquestions.Thisiswhatthenotesaid:

“Yourdaughterwillnotbeharmed,butshewillbetakenonalongjourney.”

“Isthatall?”Nancyasked.

“Yes. Andwhilewe’re relieved to know thatDolores is all right,we are extremelyworriedaboutthislongjourney.Theymighteventakethechildoutofthecountry!”

Nancyconcededthiswaspossible.Thequestionwas,whydidthekidnapperplantotaketheirhostageawayfromMexicoCity?

Theyoungdetectiveasked,“You’resuretherewasnodemandformoney?”

“Positive,”SeñoraMendezanswered.“Well,Nancy,Iwon’ttalkanylonger.ButassoonasIhavemoreinformation,I’llletyouknow.”

ThegirlsresumedtheirplantoattendtheHoaxters’performance.Nancywantedtoasktheirleaderpoint-blankwhytheykeptpeople’spossessionsforatleasthalfanhour.

Shehailedacabwhichletthegirlsoffinfrontofthetheater.Noonewasstandingoutside.Since itwas anhourbefore show time,Nancy thought nothing of this. The front doorwaslocked.Georgenoticedabellbuttonandpushedit.

After a longwait, amaintenanceman appeared. “What do youwant?” he asked gruffly inSpanish.

NancytoldhimthatitwasimperativethegirlstalktothemanageroftheHoaxtersatonce.

“He’snothere.Noneofthemare.”

“Whenwilltheyarrive?”Nancyaskedinsurprise.

“Maybenever.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

Themansaidthetroupehadpackedupsuddenlyandleft.NancyturnedtoBessandGeorgeandquicklytranslatedtheinformation.

Georgesaid,“Thisisthesecondtimethey’veskippedoutoftown!”

“Andmaybetheydiditbeforethat,”Bessadded.

Nancyaddressedthemaintenanceman.“Isthemanagerofthetheaterin?”

Theemployeehesitated,thenreluctantlyopenedthedoor.“I’lltakeyoutohisoffice,”hesaid.

Themaintenanceman explained that the young ladies had come to talkwith themanager,thenwentbacktohiswork.

Thegray-hairedMexican lookedat themclosely. “What’s so important thatyouhave toseeme?”heasked.

NancynoticedasignonhisdeskwiththenameSenorTomásonit.SheexplainedthattheyhadfollowedtheHoaxtersfromNewYorkbecausecertainpeoplebelievedthetroupemight

notbehonest.

“Doyouknowwheretheywent?”sheasked.

“No,”SenorTomásreplied.“They leftanoteandenoughmoneytocoverthetheaterrentalfortheperiodtheyhadreserved.Ibelievetheydepartedlastnight.”

“Noonesawthemgo?”Nancyasked.

SeñorTomásexplainedthataftertheevening’sperformancewhichendedclosetomidnight,nooneelsehadbeeninthebuilding.ApparentlyacarortruckhadbeendriventotherearofthetheaterandloadedwiththeHoaxters’props.

“When we arrived this morning, we discovered that all their possessions were gone,” headded.

“Thankyouverymuch,”Nancysaid.“Doyoumindifwegirls lookaroundabittoseeifwecanpickupaclueastowheretheHoaxterswent?”

Themanagerglancedatthem,puzzled.Finallyhesaid,“Areyoudetectives?”

Nancysmiled.“Justamateurs.We’retryingtohelpafriend.”

SenorTomásgavehispermissionandthegroupwalkedintothetheater.Noonewasthere.The girlswent down a stairway to the dressing rooms. They noticed themaintenancemancleaningthefloor.

Hestaredatthem.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”hedemandedinSpanish.

Nancyreplied,“We’rejustlookingaround.”

Themanbecamebelligerent.“Lookingaround,eh?You’respyingonme!Well,getoutofhereandfast!”

Although Bess and George could not understand him, they knew he was angry aboutsomething.

Besssaid,“Nancy,we’dbettergo.”

Thecleaningmanpointedtothedoorandmotionedforthegirlstoleave.FortunatelySenorTomásarrivedjustatthatmoment.Whenheheardaboutthealtercation,hetoldhisemployeethat the girls had his permission to survey the premises. They could stay as long as theywished.HeaddedthattheyoungdetectivesweretryingtofindcluestowheretheHoaxtershadgone.

“Doyouknow?”themanageraskedhim.

“No, Idon’t,” themanreplied.“And if Idid, Iwouldn’t tellanyone.Whena fellowwants tokeepsomethingsecret,otherfolkshavenorighttopry.”

“That’senoughfromyou!”themanagerreprimandedhim.“Andleavethegirlsalone!”

Thecleaningmanlookedsullenandcontinuedtomopthefloor.NancythankedSenorTomás,who leftwithanod.Together, thegirlswent through thevariousdressingroomsbut foundnothingtoindicatethewhereaboutsoftheHoaxters.

“Thisplaceisbig!”Georgeremarked.“Whydon’twesplitup?Thatwaywecancovermorespace.”

“Goodidea,”Nancyagreedandthegirlsseparated.

InafewminutesNancyfoundherselfonthestage.Inthedimlightitwasdifficultforhertospot anything theHoaxtersmight have left. As she stood still, thinking about themystery,somethingheavysuddenlycrashedoverherhead.Italmostknockedhertothefloor!

Dizzilyshestruggledtoextricateherselffromtheobjectandfinallysucceeded.BeforeherlayanoilpaintingthatshehadseenhangingonthewallduringoneoftheHoaxters’sroutines.

Asshethoughtofitaroundhernecklikeahoop,Nancychuckled.Thenherfacebecamegrim.“Thatpaintingdidn’tfallonmebyaccident!”shethought.“Someonedeliberatelyjammeditdownovermyhead!”

Shelookedinalldirectionsbutsawnoone.“I’llbetitwasthatdisgruntledcleaningman,”shereasoned.

JustthenaprettyIndianwomanwithamopandbucketwalkedontothestage.ShestaredatNancyinamazement.Noticingherrumpledhairanddisheveledblouse,sheaskedinSpanish

whathadhappened.

NancyexplainedandtheIndianshookherheadinsympathy.“Thatisverybad!”shedeclared.“Iamgladyouwerenothurt.”

The woman introduced herself as Sara. Then the girl detective asked her if she had seenanyoneonstageafewmomentsbefore.

“Yes,”Sarareplied,“themaintenanceman.”

“Ithoughtitwashe,”Nancysaid.

ShenowquestionedthewomanabouttheHoaxters’ssuddendeparture.

Sarasaidshehadnotheardwhythetroupehaddisappeared.“Ididnotlikethem,”sheadded.“Ithinktheywereuptonogood!”

“Haveyouanyideawheretheywent?”Nancyasked.

Sarasuddenlylookedfrightened.“Iknow,buttheythreatenedtoharmmeifItoldanyone!”

“Oh!”Nancyexclaimed.Herewasawonderfulclue,theyoungsleuththought,buthowcouldshepersuadeSaratotellherwhatitwas?

10ASetbackReversed

The cleaning woman began to mop the floor. Nancy was afraid that she would not revealwheretheHoaxtershadgone.WhiletheyoungdetectivetriedtofigureouthowtopersuadeSara,shepickedupadustclothandwipedoffthestagefurniture.

Saralookedatherandsmiled.Nancysmiledback.“Sara,iftheHoaxtershaveleft,howcantheyharmyou?”

Thewomanhesitated,thenreplied,“Youareright.Ioverheardthemensaytheyweregoingto Los Angeles. They realized Iwas standing close enough to hear their conversation, andaccusedmeofeavesdropping.ButIhadnosuchintention.ThatwaswhentheythreatenedtoharmmeifItoldanyone.”

“I’mgladyoudidtellme,”Nancysaid.“LosAngelesisalongwayfromhere.Iwouldn’tworryifIwereyou.”

Sarawasrelieved.ShetoldNancythateversinceseeingthementakewalletsandhandbagsshehadnottrustedtheperformers.“Ithinktheyranawaybecausesomethinghappened,”shesaid.“ButIhavenoideawhatitwas.”

Nancy wondered about the information. Suddenly she had an idea: No doubt one of thepatronscomplainedtothepoliceabouthavingtogiveuphiswalletuntiltheendoftheshow.ThepoliceinturnmusthaveaskedtheHoaxterstocometoheadquartersandexplain.Sincetheywantnothingtodowiththeauthorities,theyleft.ThesamethingprobablyhappenedinNewYork!

“Sara,”shesaidtothewoman,“themaintenancemanwasn’tverynicetouswhenwecamein.Ishealwayssogrumpy?”

Saraglancedupfromthemopshewasusing.

“Idonotlikehim.Hedoesaslittleworkashecangetawaywithandisforeverlookingfortips.TheHoaxtersgavehimbigones.Iknowbecauseheusedtobragaboutit.”

“Didhereceivelargetipsbecausehedidspecialfavorsforthemagicians?”

Sara shrugged. “I do not know, but it is possible.Or perhaps he found out some secret oftheirsandtheypaidhimtokeepquiet.”

Nancychangedthesubject.“DidanyonenotconnectedwiththeshowevercomeheretoseetheHoaxters?”

“Oh,yes.Twofellowscametwice.OnewascalledHowie,theotherLefty.TheyarrivedaftertheperformanceandtalkedtotheHoaxtersinadressingroomwiththedoorlocked.Nooneelsecouldhearwhattheyweresaying.”

AtthismomentGeorgeandBessarrivedonstage.Nancy introducedthemtoSaraandsaidthewomanhadgivenhersomegoodclues.

“Didyougirlslearnanything?”Nancyasked.

“Nothing,”Bessreplied.

Georgeadded,“Atonepointthecleaningmanfollowedmethoughthetheater,butImanagedtoavoidhim.Ididn’tcomeacrossanythingtohelpsolvethemystery,however.”

Sara had nothing else to contribute either, so the girls said good-by to her,walked off thestageandoutthebackdoor.

“Sara mentioned Howie and Lefty visiting the Hoaxters,” Nancy told Bess and Georgeexcitedly.“I’msurethatwasHowieBarker.IwonderwhoLeftyis.”

“Maybehe’sanotherconman,”Bessoffered.

Whilethethreegirlswerewaitingforataxiinfrontofthetheater,NancybroughtherfriendsuptodateonherconversationwithSara.

“Well,wheredowegofromhere?”Bessasked.

“ToLosAngeles!”Nancyrepliedpromptly.

AssoonastheyreachedtheFortunatoHotel,shecalledtheairporttomakereservations.AsNancyhungup,shefrowned.

“Noflights?”Georgeasked.

“Anairstrikejuststartedandmaylastforamonth!”Nancyresponded.“What’llwedonow?”

“Drive,”Besssuggested.

“Doyourealizehowfaritis?”Nancyasked.

“Overtwenty-fivehundredmiles!”Georgeanswered.

“Right.It’lltakeusfivedaysifwedrivetenhoursaday!”

“That’sbetterthanstayinghereforamonth,”Georgedeclared.

“Isupposeso,”Nancysaidunenthusiastically.

Besssighed.“I’mnotlookingforwardtothatlonghauleither.Butwecantaketurnsdrivingandperhapsevenmakeitinfourdays.”

Nancynodded.“Okay.Let’srentacartomorrow.”

Thenextdaydirectlyafterbreakfast their telephonerang.SeñoraMendezwascalling.Shesoundedhysterical.

“Oh,Nancy,comehereatonce.Please!”thewomansobbed.

“Whathappened?”

Senora Mendez said she could not tell her over the phone, but she had something veryimportanttoshowthethreesleuths.

“We’lltakeataxiandbeoverassoonaspossible,”Nancypromised.

Whenthegirlsarrivedatherresidence, theMexicanwomanshowedthema letterthatshesaidhadbeenleftonthefrontdoorstep.

“Mymaidheardaknockandwenttoanswerit.Whensheopenedthedoor,noonewastherebuttheletterlayonthemat.ShebroughtittomeandIalmostfainted.Pleasereadit.”

Nancyunfoldedthenotethatwas flatbutoriginallyhadbeenfolded likea fan. Itwasonalong, narrow sheet of paper and thewords that ran from top to bottomwere composed oflettersorwordscutfromanewspaper.Themessagewas:

Get

ready

to

deliver

$100,000

ransom

in

unmarked

bills

in

a

small

light-

weight

sack

in

hundred

dollar

denominations

to

assure

release

of

Dolores

8

hours

later

totally

unharmed

by

her

poor

needy

abductors.

X

directions

will

follow

“Haveyoucalledyourdaughter?”Nancyasked.

“Yes.Shehasheardnothing.ItoldherIwouldgladlypaythemoney,butsheisafraidDoloresmaynotbereturnedeventhoughtheransomispaid.That’swhyI’msoupset.Idon’tknowwhattodoandIcan’taskanybodytohelpme!”

“Whynot?”Nancycountered.“Wegirlswillcontinuetoworkonthemysteryforyou.”

Thewomanpointedouttherewasanotherparttothenotethattheyhadnotreadyet.

“Turnitover,”shedirected.

TheremainderofthemessagewarnedSenoraMendezthatharmwouldcometoDoloresandherfamilyifanyonecontactedpoliceordetectives.

TheMexicanwomanwalkedupanddownthelivingroomingreatagitation.“Soyousee,”shesaid,“I’llhavetoaskyougirlstoforgetthecase!”

Nancy,Bess,andGeorgewerestunned.Theyappreciated thegrandmother’sconcernaboutthesafetyofherfamily,buttheyoungsleuthsdidnotwanttogiveuptryingtofindthechild.

Nancywenttothedistraughtwomanandputanarmaroundhershoulders.“Wearenotpartof the police and we are not professional detectives,” she said soothingly. “We are onlyamateursandthenotedoesnotincludeus.Pleaseletuscontinuetoworkonyourcase.”

SenoraMendezhuggedNancyandkissedher,thenconsentedtoletthegirlsproceedintheirhunt.

“Butwhat can you possibly do?” she asked. “You have no ideawhere the kidnappers havetakenmyDolores!”

“Wesuspect,”Nancy replied, “that theHoaxtersare involved in this, as I told youbefore.”Shepaused.

“Yes,yes,goon,”thewomanurged.

“We found out,”Nancy continued, “that they have gone to LosAngeles. Possibly they tookDoloreswiththem.Thewholetroupe lefthereabruptlywithoutgivingthetheatermanageranyadvancenotice.”

“Oh, if you could only find Dolores!” Señora Mendez said, gazing at the three girls inadmiration.

Nancyexaminedtheransomnotemorecarefully,readingthewordsoverandover.“Ibelievethere’sacodemessagehiddeninthewording.”

“It’shiddenallright,”Besscommented.

“Amessageforwhom?”Georgeasked.

Nancy replied, “My guess would be that it was intended for someone connected with thekidnappers.”

“But why would it be folded again and again before being sent to SenoraMendez?” Bessquestioned.

Nancywas thoughtful. “Perhaps this foldednotewasnotmeant forher. It couldhavebeendeliveredtoSenoraMendezbymistake.Supposethereweretwoidenticalnotes,”Nancywenton. “Onewas folded, theothernotevencreased.Theplainonemayhavebeen theransomnoteforSenoraMendez,thefoldedoneacopyforaconfederate.”

“Istilldon’tgetit,”Bessadmitted.

“Thecluetoahiddenmessagefortheconfederatemustbeinthefolds!”Nancydeclared.

“But there’s a fold under everyword,”Bess said. “That’s the strangest kind of code I everheardof.”

“Maybethefanistheidentificationofthegroup.”Nancysaid.

“You know,”George spoke up, “this remindsme of a gamewe used to play as children. Asheetofpaperandapencilwerepassedaroundagroup.Eachplayerwouldwriteone line,thenfoldthepaperoverandgiveittothenextperson.Whenalltheplayershadwrittenonit,someonewouldopenitandreadthestory.Usually itwasasillyoneaboutsomebodyinthegroup.OncethepapersaidIwasamadelephantwholikedtodance!”

Nancywasnotpayingstrictattention.Shewasalreadyworkingtodeciphertheransomnote.Firstshereadeverysecondfold,nexteverythird,thenthefourth.

Suddenlyshecriedout,“Ihaveit!Thecodeisineveryfifthword!”

“Well,SherlockHolmes,whatdoesitsay?”Bessurged.

Nancysmiledandreplied,“Itsays,‘$100,000insackto8byX.”’

“Hm,”saidBess.“Tomethatmakesnosenseatall.Ifthat’sacode,howareyouevergoingtobreakit?”

“Yes,how?”Georgechallengedher.

Nancyreplied,“Idon’tknow,butI’mnotgivingup.Wemustsolvethis!It’stoogoodacluenottofollow!”

11AnOddInvention

“Ithinkthe8andtheXarethesolutiontothepuzzle,”Nancysaid.“The8couldstandfortheeighthletterofthealphabet,namelyHforHowie.But‘byX’?”

“Thetwenty-fourth letterof thealphabet,”Georgesaid.“Orperhaps itsignifies the twenty-fourthdayofthemonth.”

“Oritcouldmeanasignature,”Bessvolunteered.“PeoplewhocannotwritesigntheirnamebymakinganX.”

Georgesighed.“It’shardtobeadetective.Youhavetobeclairvoyant!”

Nancylaughed.“Therearemorepossibilities.”

“Oh,no!”Bessshookherheadindesperation.

“Perhapsthemessagewasnotmeantforaconfederateofthekidnappersatall,butforus!”Nancysuggested.

“Idon’tunderstand.”

“Maybethecrookswanttolureustoacertainspotonacertaindaywheretheycansetupatrap!”

“Oh,don’tsaysuchathing,”Bessbegged.“Youmakechillsgoupanddownmyspine.”

“Calmdown,mydearcousin,”Georgesaidwithachuckle.“I’msureifourenemieswanttotrapustheywouldhaveleftmorespecificdirections!”

NancyaskedSenoraMendezifanyofthegirls’guessesgaveheracluetothesolutionofthepuzzle.

Thewomanshookherhead.“Nothingoccurstome,”shereplied.“DoyouthinkitcouldrefertosomethinginLosAngeles?”

“We’lltrytofindoutwhenwegetthere,”Nancyreplied.

Aftermakinganexactcopyoftheransomnote,thegirlssaidgood-bytotheirMexicanfriendand left.On thewayback to thehotel they stoppedat a car rental agency.Nancy told theownerwherethegirlswantedtogo.

Hesmiledandsaid,“MypartnerflewtoNewYorklastweekandnowhastogotoLosAngelesforamonthorso.Hewantssomeonetobringhiscartohim.We’llbegladtogiveittoyouasarentalandyoucanleaveitinLosAngeles.Usuallywerequireourcarstobereturnedtothiscountry.”

“Great!”Nancysaid.“Isupposewecamejustattherighttime.”

Themanagernodded. “Thecarwill be ready for you topickupby seveno’clock tomorrowmorning.”

Thegirlswerehappywiththearrangementandlefttheagency.

“We’ll have some free time this afternoon,” Bess said. “Why don’t we go back to SenoraClara’sdressshopandseeifwecanfindanotherMexicanoutfit?”

Georgesmiled.“Ihaven’tanymoneytospend,butIwouldn’tmindlooking.”

WhenthegirlsarrivedatSenoraClara’s,nocustomerswereintheshop.Thefriendlywomangreetedthemwithasmile.“Helloagain.Lookaroundallyouwish,”shesaid.“I’llbebusyforawhilebecauseamaniscomingtooffermesomewonderfulnewstock.”

“Whatkindofstock?”Nancyasked,intriguedatonce.

“In a company that has developed a fabulous fabric,” Senora Clara explained. “It soundedveryinteresting.”

ToNancyitsoundedlikeaschemetheconmenwouldinvent,andshewassuspiciousatonce.“Did you by any chance see a performance of theHoaxterswhen theywere in town?” sheaskedthedressshopowner.

“Yes,indeed,”SenoraClarareplied.“Weren’ttheyfantastic?”

“Theywere,”Nancyadmitted.“Didyougouponstage?”

“Yes.”

“Imusttellyousomethingwefoundoutregardingthegroupthatmightconcernyou.”Nancyexplainedthegirls’suspicionsandthevariousthingsthathadhappenedtopeoplewhohadattendedtheshow.

SeñoraClarawasalarmed.“Youmeanthemanwhoiscomingheremighttrytoswindleme?”

“It’squitepossible,”Nancyreplied.

“ButwhatshallIdo?Ihavealreadymadetheappointment.”

“Don’tbuyanything,”Georgeadvised.

SeñoraClaraagreed.“Perhapsyouwould like tostaywithmeandsee ifyourecognize thecaller.”

“We’dbegladto,”Nancysaid.“Ifhe’sHowieBarker,hewouldrecognizeus,somaywehidesomewhere?Perhapsinaspotwherewecangetagoodlookathim?”

“Ofcourse.Oneofthedressingroomshasaperfectviewofmydesk,”SeñoraClaradeclared.“AndsinceIhavenoprivateoffice,thisiswhereI’llsitwhenItalktotheman.”

“Goodidea,”Nancysaidandthegirlscrowdedintothesmallcubicle.Its louvereddoorhadslatsthroughwhichtheyoungdetectivescouldlook.

“Thiswillbeperfect,”Nancysaid.

SeñoraClarasmiled.“Justdon’tsneeze!”

Bessgiggled.“We’lldoourbestnotto.”

A fewminutes later twomen entered the shop. Theywerewell-dressed, good-looking, andverypolite.WhenthetalleronecamecloserandaddressedSenoraClara,thegirlsstiffened.HewasBarker,themanwhohadtriedtoswindleBess!

“MynameisBarker,”hesaid.“Ispoketoyouonthetelephonealittlewhileago.Thisismycolleague,Mr.Cadwell.Wewouldliketotellyouaboutanewfirmthathasdevelopedamostfantasticfabric.”

“Pleasebeseated,”SenoraClarasaidandpointedtotwochairsnexttoherdesk.

Mr.CadwellpulledabrochureoutofhisbriefcaseandhandedittoSenoraClara.Itshoweda

littlegirlwearingthesameattireindifferentsettings.Onepicturedepictedspring,withthechildsittinginafieldofcrocuses;thenextonesummer,whereshewasperchedatthesideofapool.Inthethirdpicturethegirlwasclimbingatreewithbrightyellowandreddishleaves,andthefourthshowedherseatedonasledsurroundedbysnow.

“Yousee,”Mr.Cadwellsaid,“thismaterialcanbewornatanytimeofyear.Ithasanatural,built-in thermostat which adjusts itself to the wearer’s body temperature. It works foreveryoneinallclimates!”

“That’samazing!”SenoraClarasaid.“Youmeanthisfabriccanbeworncomfortably365daysayearinallclimates?”

“Thatiscorrect.”

“Doyouhaveasamplewithyou?”

“Certainly.”

Themanproduced several pieces of cloth fromhisbriefcase.Theywereof different colorsandtextures,buteachfeltlikealightweightwool.

SeñoraClaraexaminedthesamplesbutsaidnothing.

“This fabulousnewinvention,”Mr.Cadwellwenton,“iscalledSilk-O-Sheen. It isnotmass-producedyet,but the inventor issettinguphis firstplant.Weofferstock inthisventuretopeopleintheclothingbusinessforameretendollarsashare.Now,howmuchcanIsignyouupfor,SenoraClara?”

Nancy,whohadobserved the sceneclosely from thegirls’hidingplace,bither lips.WouldSenoraClarafallfortheswindle?

But the businesswoman had a ready answer. “I’d like to think about it first,” she said.“Besides,IhavetoconsultmyaccountanttoseeifIhaveanyextracashtoinvest.”

“Surelyyouhavemoneyinyourcashregisterrightnow?”Mr.Barkerurged.“Youcangiveusadownpaymentof20percentandpayfortherestlater.”

“Inevermakehastydecisions,”SeñoraClarasaidcoolly.“Ifyouwillleavemeyourcard,I’llbegladtoletyouknowinadayortwo.”

Themen,whohadbeenextremelyaffableuntilnow,stoppedsmiling.Cadwellputthesamplesandthebrochurebackintohisbriefcaseandsnappeditshutangrily.

Thevisitorsgotupandbowedcurtly.“Youaremakingabigmistake!”Mr.Cadwellsaid.“AndI’mtellingyou...”

Justthenhiscompanionglancedatanearbychair.OnitlayasmallclothwalletwiththenameBessembroideredonit.“Whoelseishere?”heasked.

SeñoraClaradidnotanswerbutshegotuptoretrievethewallet.BessMarvin’sheartbegantopound.Itwashers!

Barker hurried to the chair and picked up the wallet. Señora Clara plunged toward him,cryingout,“Leavethatalone!Giveittome!”

Quickasa flashHowieBarkeropened thewalletandreadBess’s fullnameonherdriver’slicense. Thenext second the store owner grabbed thewallet,while themandashed to thelouvereddoorandyankeditopen.

“So!”hecriedoutangrily.“Yougirlsdeliberatelyspiedonus!You’llbesorryforthis!”

Withthat,heandMr.Cadwellspedfuriouslyoutoftheshop.

12Smugglers

GeorgeandNancyranafterthemenbutsoonstopped.BarkerandCadwellhadjumpedintoachaufferedcarandwereoutofsightintheheavytrafficafewsecondslater.

“Icouldn’tseethelicenseplate,”Nancysaidindisappointment.

AssheandGeorgereturnedtotheshop,Bessaskedworriedly,“WhatdidBarkermeanbythatthreat?”

“Idon’tknow,”Nancyreplied,“buthe’llthinkupsomethingtoharassus.”

SenoraClaralookedatthegirls,puzzled.Thenshesaid,“You’dbetterwatchyourstep.Ithinkthosemencouldbeverymean,evendangerous!”

“Ithinkso,too,”Besssaid,sighing.Thensheadded,“Nowthatwe’veavertedadisaster,I’dliketolookatdresses.”

Nancylaughed.“Goahead.”I’llphonethepolice,meanwhile,andtellthemwhathappened.”

“Pleasedo,”SenoraClarasaid.“Youcansitatmydesk.Andyouknow,Cadwelldidnotleavemeabusinesscard.Thatmakesitevenmoreobvioustomethattheyareswindlers.”

NancyreportedtheincidenttotheauthoritieswhileBessboughtalovelysummerdress.Thentheysaidgood-bytoSenoraClara,whowishedthemluck.

EarlythenextmorningNancywenttothecarrentalgaragetopickuptheautomobileforthegirls’ trip. As she entered the large parking area, she glimpsed aman hurrying out a sidedoor.

“HelookedlikeHowieBarker!”shethoughtandstartedtorunafterhim.

Suddenly she stopped short, telling herself itwas a good thing theman had not seen her.OtherwisehewouldguessthatthegirlswereleavingMexicoCity!

“If I caught him, I’d have no evidence anyway,” she decided and went to her rentedautomobile.

WhenNancyarrivedat thehotel, thegirlspacked theirbelongings in the trunkof the car,then rode off. Because of their early start, they had not had breakfast. An hour later Bessdeclaredthatshecouldnotgomuchlongerwithoutfood.

“We’refarawayfromthecityalready,”shesaid.“Iwonderwherewecouldfindsomethingtoeat.”

Georgeasked,“WouldyoulikesomeMexicanfood?”

Bessconfessedthatatthispointshewasstarvedandwouldeatanykindoffood.

“Howaboutanenchiladasundae?”Georgeteased.

“Withhotfudgeandwhippedcream?Yick!”Bessfrowned.

GeorgewinkedatNancy. “I sawa signwithanarrowbackat the last side road. I couldn’t

readit,butthesignhadpicturesoftortillasandenchiladasonit.”

Nancyturnedthecararoundimmediately,thentookthesideroad.Aboutamileaheadtheycame to an Indian settlement.Women were seated on the ground cooking over low stonefireplaces.Whenthegirlsstopped,thenativeslookedupandsmiled.SeveralchildrenrantotheAmericans, followedbybarkingdogs.Nancyandher friends jumpedoutof thecarandapproachedthewomen.

Bessasked,“Doyouservebreakfast?”

Thewomanclosesttoherglancedattheothersinhergroup.Theyallshrugged.

Georgesaid,“Iguesstheydon’tspeakEnglish.”

Nancy tried the same question in Spanish, but the only word the women seemed tounderstandwascomer,whichmeant“toeat.”Theybobbedtheirheads.

One of the women pointed to the food being prepared. There were different varieties oftortillasandenchiladas,eggsscrambledwithhotpeppers,strongcocoa,ripepineapples,andsmallbananas.

“Whydotheyhavetoputhotpepperswiththeeggs?”Besscomplained.

Nancy replied, “InMexicopeppers areusedas ahealth food.One time,when therewas agreatpolioepidemicallovertheUnitedStates,doctorsfoundthattherewasnotasinglecaseof the disease inMexico. Upon inquiry they learned that this was due to the daily use ofpeppersinthenativediet.”

Besssaidshewould like to fixherownscrambledeggs.“Nancy,ask the lady if Imay,”sheurged.

AlthoughNancyfeltsurethewomenwouldnotunderstand,shecompliedwithBess’srequest.

The Indians held a conference, then suddenly a young, pretty girl chattered somethingexcitedly. She raced off, but soon returned holding a live hen that squawked and tried towiggleoutofthegirl’sarms.SheheldontoittightlyandtalkedinherIndiandialect.TotheamazementoftheAmericans,thehenlaidanegginthegirl’spalm!

Nancyandherfriendslaughed.ApparentlytheIndianshadthoughtthatBesswantedanewlylaidegg!

Thegirlhanded it toBess,whopickedupanemptypan.Shetooksomecookingfat fromacrockandmeltedit.Thenshebroketheeggontheedgeofthepanandquicklyscrambleditwithawoodenspoon.Thenativessmiledandshrugged.

NancyandGeorgedecidedtobravethealreadypreparedscrambledeggsseasonedwithhotpeppers.UnlikeNancy,wholaidthepeppersaside,Georgebit intoone.Hereyesbulgedasthe spicyvegetable stunghermouth.She swallowed itquicklyandgulpeddownapieceofcoolingpineapple.

“Whenitcomestofood,”Besssmirked,“IguessIamtheonlysensibleone—besidesNancy,ofcourse!”

Georgegrimaced,thenbrokeintoamischievoussmile.“IguessIdeservethatforteasingyousomuchaboutyourforty-inchwaist!”

“Mywaistisn’tfortyinches!”Bessdeclared,causingGeorgetogiggle.

“Youtwo!”Nancyremarked,shakingherhead.

Afterpayingforthemeal,thegirlsdroveoff.Theyjokedforseveralmiles.

GeorgecontinuedtoteaseBess.“AlongsidethosereallystoutIndianwomenyoulookedprettygood.”

Nancyremarkedthattheyoungeroneswereveryattractive.“Iguesstheolderpeoplehavewrinkledskinandsquintingeyesfromtheharshsunlight.”

Thegirlstookturnsdrivingandwentasfarastheycouldeachday.Theystoppedatmotelsonly when they were too tired to go on. It was an exhausting and uneventful trip. Bessregrettedmany times that shehad suggested they takea car insteadofwaiting for theairstriketoend.

Afterlunchonthefourthdaytheyoungtravelersreachedtheborder.Heretheywerestoppedbyacustomsofficialinasnappy-lookinguniform.

“Wehavenothingtodeclare,”Nancytoldhim.

Herequestedtoseedriver’s licenseand lookedat itclosely.“NancyDrew!”heasked.“Youmeanyouarenotgoingtodeclarecertainpropertyyouareconcealing.”

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”

“I’lltellyou.HiddeninyourcarisavaluablejadefigurinethatyoustolefromamuseuminMexicoCity!”

“What!”allthreegirlsexclaimed,stunned.

“Youmusthaveusconfusedwithsomeoneelse,”Nancydeclared.“Wearenotthievesandyouwillfindnothinginthiscarexceptourpersonalbelongings.”

The official paid no attention to her remark. Instead, he asked for the key and opened thetrunk.Hepushedasidethegirls’baggageandlookedinbackofthesparetire.Presentlyhepulledoutaboxthattheyoungdetectiveshadneverseenbefore.Insidelayanexquisitepieceofjadecarvedintheformofaboatwithawomaninitsurroundedbywaterlilies.

“Howbeautiful!”Besscriedout.“Officer,weneversawthisbefore.”

Themanstaredatherdisdainfully.“Youareallgoodactresses,butyouhavebeencaught.Youaresmugglers!”

Nancy firmly denied the charge.Disturbing thoughts raced through hermind.Whatwouldhappentoher?Wouldshereceiveaheavyfine?Evenbesenttojailifshecouldnotpay?

Shelookedattheman.“Wheredidyougetthetipthatwewerecarryingthisjadepiece?”

Theofficerrefusedtoanswer.

Besswasfrightened.Shestaredintothedistanceandsawahandsomeyoungmanwhowasalso apparently a customs officer. While Nancy continued to argue with the official, Besssmiledcoquettishly.

Hesmiledbackattheprettygirl.“IsthereanythingIcandoforyou?You’remuchtoocutetobeintrouble.”

Bessblurtedouther story andeven let her eyesbecomemoist. Thiswas toomuch for theyoung man. He took her by the arm and led the tearful girl back to the group. Then headdressedtheofficialwhohadsearchedthecar.

“Why don’twe checkwith the police inMexico City,Mr. Rivera? This young lady tellsmeLieutenantTaraknowsthemandcanconfirmthattheyareamateurdetectivesworkingonacase.Afterall,thetipcouldhavecomefromoneoftheirenemies.”

Theoldermanbobbedhishead.“YouwatchthegirlswhileIgoinsideandcall.Butdon’tletthemgetawayuntilIcomeback!”

Hewent into his office, and Bess thanked the young officer for his help. SoonMr. Riverareturned.Forthefirsttimehesmiled.

“Allright,youngladies,Ibelievewecanletyoucontinueyourjourney.LieutenantTaratoldushewouldvouchforyoupersonally.AndIwillseetoitthatthejadepieceisreturnedtothemuseum.”

“Thankyou,”Besssaidwithasighofrelief.“Icouldseeallofus in jail forthenexttwentyyears!”

AfterthegirlshaddrivenadistanceintotheUnitedStates,NancysaidtoBess,“Thanksforyourhelp.Thatwascleverofyoutoplayonthathandsomeguy’ssympathy.”

George laughed. “It’s a good thing your friend Dave Evans wasn’t there. He’d have beengreenwithjealousy!”

As duskwas settling, the girls reachedLosAngeles. Since they hadmadeno reservations,Nancystoppedat the firsthotel theycameto.Georgewent inside to inquireaboutaroom.Whenshereturnedtothecar,herfacehadaworriedlook.

“What’sthematter?”Bessasked.

“There’sabigconventionintown.HundredsofdetectivesfromallovertheUnitedStatesaremeetinghere,andnohotelormotelhasanyroomsleft.”

“Whatarewegoingtodo?”Bessasked.

No one spoke for a few minutes, then suddenly George remembered something. “Formerneighbors of oursmoved out here last year,” she announced. “They invitedmy family andfriendstovisitthemanytime.SupposeIphonethem.”

“Wonderful!”Besssaid.“Doitrightnow.”

Georgewent into the hotel again and looked up her former neighbors’ name in the phonebook.Mrs.Vetterwasdelightedtohearfromher.

“Whereareyou?”sheasked.

Whenshewastoldaboutthegirls’predicament,shesaid,“Thisisgreat!Allofyoucomerightover.We’dlovetohaveyoustayaslongasyouwish.”

“Oh,thankssomuch,”Georgesaid.“You’realifesaver.”

Whenshewalkedoutofthephonebooth,hereyesweretwinkling.NancyandBess,whohadfollowedherintothelobby,wereeagertohearwhatshehadlearned.

“Everythingisokay,”Georgereported.“TheVetterswouldlovetohaveusvisit.”

Elated, the trio went outside again. They headed for their car which was parked a shortdistancefromthehotel.Itwasnotinsight!

Nancywaspuzzled.“I’msureweleftitrighthere!”

Thegirlswalkedfartherdownthestreet.Bythetimetheyreachedthenextintersection,theyknewthattheircarhadbeenstolen!

“Oh,no!”Besswailed.“Doyourealizeallourluggageisgone,too?”

13TheInvisibleHand

Georgewasangry.shestompedherfootonthesidewalkandexclaimed,“Canyouimagineourcarbeingstolenrightinfrontofahotelfullofdetectives?”

Besswasmoreupsetoverthelossoftheirbaggage.“Whatarewegoingtowear?”sheasked.“Idon’thaveenoughmoneywithmetobuyanewwardrobe.”

Nancytriednottoshowheragitation.“Whydon’twedosomesleuthingandseeifwecanfindacluetothethief?”shesuggested.

Thegirlswalkedbacktothespotwheretheyhadparkedtheautomobile.Alighttruckstoodinitsplacenow,butNancynotedalarge,rumpledpieceofpaperunderneath.Shepulleditout.

“What’sthat?”Georgeasked,curious.

Nancyspreaditout.“AposteradvertisingtheHoaxters!”sheexclaimed.

The cousins leaned forward to read it. The poster gave the name of the theater and theperformanceschedule.

“We’reinluck!”Nancysaid.“IhaveahunchthatoneoftheHoaxterstookourcar.Let’sgoovertothetheaterimmediatelyandfindout!”

“But how did they know we were in Los Angeles?” Bess asked. “And what car we weredriving?”

“Theyknewabout the carbecause theyplanted the jade figurine in it,”Nancydeclared. “IthoughtIsawHowieBarkerleavingthegaragewhenIpickedthecarup.ButIcan’tseehowtheycouldhavepossiblyfollowedusallthewayhere.”

“Perhapstheyhadoneoftheirpartnerswaitingattheborder,”Georgesuggested.“Whenherealizedthatwewerenotbeingdetained,hefollowedus.”

“You’reprobablyright,”Nancyadmitted.“Whenwearrivedandwentintothehotel,hetookourcar!”

Soon thegirls reached the theater.Amanstoodat the frontdoor.Hewasmadeup,withagraywig,mustache,andbeard.Thegirlsdidnotrecognizehim.

Nancydecidednottospeaktohim.Instead,sheledthewaythroughanalleythatopenedintoafenced-inparkinglot.Itwasborderedbythestreetbehindthetheaterandwasalmostfilledtocapacitywithcarsbelongingtopatronsoftheeveningperformance.

“Doyouthinkoursmightbehere?”Bessaskedtensely.

“Ihopeso,”Nancyreplied.“Let’sseparateandcheckthemall.”

Eachgirltookasectionoftheparkinglotandwalkedupanddowntherows.SuddenlyNancyspottedtheirrentedcarparkednearthefence!Shehurrieduptoit,tookthekeysfromherhandbag,andopenedthetrunk.Toherrelief,thegirls’baggagewasstillthere!

Assheslammedthetrunklidshutagain,BessandGeorgejoinedher.Fromadistancetheyhadseenherstopandopentheluggagecompartment.

“Iseverythingsafe?”Bessaskedworriedly.

Nancysmiledatherfriend.“Allyourclothesareintact.Andnowwe’dbettergetoutofhereasquicklyaspossible.”

Thegirlspiledintothecar.IttooksomemaneuveringonNancy’sparttogetawayfromthefence.Whenshe finallydrovethroughthegate into thestreetbehindthetheater, thegray-beardedmantheyhadnoticedearlierrantowardthem.

Heyelledatthetopofhislungs,“Stopthief!Stopthief!”

Georgeleanedoutthewindow.“Wedidn’tstealthiscar!”sheshouted.Buttheywerealreadytoofarawayforthemantohearher.

Fortunately,therewaslittletrafficonthebackstreetandNancyproceededquickly.Afterafewblocksshenoticedapolicemanandstopped.Shetoldhimwhathadhappened.

Theofficerpromisedtoinformheadquartersabouttheincident.“Youwillberequiredtocomeinandsignareport,”hesaid.“Whereareyoustaying?”

“AttheVetters’onDaleDrive,”Nancysaid.“Canyoutellushowtogetthere?”

“Sure.”

Thepolicemangaveherdirections,andtwentyminuteslaterthegirlspulledintotheVetters’driveway.Agray-hairedcouplecameouttogreetthem.

“George, how are you!” Mrs. Vetter exclaimed, hugging her former neighbor. “And IrememberyourcousinBess.Shewasatyourhouseseveral timeswhenIstoppedbytoseeyourmother.”

GeorgeintroducedNancy,whowaswarmlywelcomedbythefriendlycouple.

“We’ve heard somuch about yourmystery solving,”Mr. Vetter said, “that I’m delighted tomeetyouatlast.Now,ifyougirlswillletmehavethecarkey,I’lltakeyourluggageinside.”

Mrs.Vetter showed the visitors to an attractive guest roomand soon theywere unpackingtheirclothes.

“Ithinkweshouldcallhomeandtelleverybodywhereweare,”Besssaid.

Georgeyawned.“Doyourealizewhattimeitis?Eleveno’clockhere.Thatmeansit’stwointhemorninginRiverHeights.We’llhavetowaituntiltomorrow.”

Mrs.Vetterhadpreparedamidnightsnack.Whenthegirlshadfinishedunpackingtheyallsataround thedining room table toeathamsalad sandwichesanddainty chicken sandwiches.Fordesserttheyhadhotchocolateandtartsfilledwithplumjam.

“Oh,thisisgood,”Bessdeclared.“Weweresoeagertogetherethatweskippeddinner.”

Georgenodded.“Iwasn’tevenhungryuntilIsawthefood.AndnowI’dliketogotobed.I’mexhausted.”

“Gorightahead,”Mrs.Vettersaid.“Youcantellusallthenewstomorrow.”

Even though thegirlswereextremely tired, theyawokeearly thenextmorning.When theycamedownstairs,allofthemrealizedthattheirhostswerenotupyet.

“Thisisagoodtimetocallhome,”Nancydeclared.“I’llstartwithmyfather.”

Mr.Drewhadnotleftforhisoffice,andshetoldhimwhathadhappenedsinceshehadlastspokentohim.ShealsogavehimtheVetters’addressandphonenumber.

“Andwhatnewsdoyouhave?”sheasked.“Iseverythingallrightathome?”

“Fine,” Mr. Drew said. “I’ve heard from Señor Pedroa in Mexico City. He said the policetracked down Enzo Scorpio, the poison thief, but the man disappeared before they couldarresthim.”

“That’stoobad,”Nancysaid.

“Yes.AndnowHannahwouldliketosayhellotoyou,”herfatheraddedandhandedthephonetothehousekeeper.

HannahGruentoldNancyshehadreceivedacallfromthegirls’friends,Ned,Burt,andDave.“TheywanttocometotheWestCoastandjoinyou,”shereported.

“Wonderful!”Nancyexclaimed.“HoldthelinewhileIspeaktoBessandGeorge.”

Shequicklydiscussedtherequestwithherfriends,andbothwereeagertoseetheboys.JustthenMrs.Vetterwalkedintotheroom.Georgeaskedherifshewouldmindhavingthreemoreguests,andthewomansmiled.

“Ofcoursenot!Themorethemerrier!”

“Thankyousomuch,”Nancysaid,thenrelayedtheinvitationtoHannah.

Laterinthemorning,theyoungdetectivecalledSenoraMendezinMexicoCity.“Whatisthelatestwordonthekidnapping?”sheasked.

“Itisnotgood,”thewomananswered,hervoicetrembling.“Ireceivedanotherransomnote,tellingmetoputthemoneyintoasackanddeposititinacertaintrashcontainerattachedtoabigeucalyptustreeoutsideoftown.”

“Andyoufollowedtheinstructions?”Nancyasked.

“Yes, I did. The kidnapperswarnedme not to tell the police, but I asked that two of theirdetectiveswatchtheplacesecretly,andgrabwhoevercametotaketheransommoney.”

“Weretheysuccessful?”Nancyaskedeagerly.

“No.Butthemoneyisgone!”

“Youmeantheransomdisappearedbutthepolicefailedtocatchtheman?”

“Exactly.Itseemedasifaninvisiblehandreachedintothetrashcanandremovedthesack.Therewasnotraceofanyonecomingorgoing.”

Nancywas amazed to hear this. “Was the tree tall,” she asked, “or a low onewith lots ofbranchesandleaves?”

“Itwasnottootallandspreadoutagoodbit,”Mrs.Mendezreplied.“Itwasbushyandfull.Whydoyouask?”

“I think I knowwhat happened,” Nancy said. “The thief might have hidden in the treetopbeforethepolicedetectivestookuptheirpositions.Whenitwasdark,heshinnieddown,tookthesack,andretreatedintothebranchesagainuntilthefollowingday.Afterhesawthepolicecheckthetrashcananddriveaway,heprobablyfeltitwassafetocomedown.”

“Oh,Nancy,I’msureyou’reright.”

“HaveyouheardanythingaboutDolores?”theyoungdetectiveasked.

SeñoraMendezbegantocry.“No,wehavenot.TherewastobeaphonecallafterthemoneyhadbeenpickeduptotelluswherewecouldfindDolores.ButneitherInormydaughterandherhusbandhavebeencontacted.We’refranticwithworry!”

“That’sdreadfulandveryunfair,”Nancyremarked.“Asyouknow,SenoraMendez,IbelievethatDoloreswastakentoLosAngeles.Iwillhuntforherhere.Pleasedon’tworrytoomuch.Holdhopefulthoughts.”

“I’lltry,”thewomanreplied,hervoicestillshaky.Shebeggedtheyoungsleuthtostartwork

immediately. “And keep me informed about any clues you pick up. I will pray that yousucceed.”

WhenBess,George,andtheVettersheardthereport,theywereaghast.Allofthemagreedthatthekidnapperwasatotallyheartlessperson.

Laterinthemorning,Nancywassummonedtopoliceheadquarterstomakeaformalchargeagainst the thief who had stolen her rented car. When she returned to the Vetters, afterdroppingoffthecaratthedesignatedaddress,Georgesaid,“Aretheycheckingoutthemanwhoracedintotheparkinglot,yelling‘Stopthief!’?”

“Yes,theyare,”Nancyreplied.“ButeventhoughIdescribedhimasbestIcould,hewassomadeupthatitwillbehardtoidentifyhim.Toobadwedidn’trecognizehimbyhisvoice.”

Bessspokeup.“Well,I’mgladwedidn’t.Idon’twanttohaveanythingtodowithanykindofthief...carnapper,childnapperordognapper,younameit!”

NancyandGeorgelaughed.Thesubjectwasdroppedforthetimebeing,becausetheVettershad invitedsome friends to theirhouse tomeet thegirls.Thepartywasscheduled for fouro’clockandnooneleftuntilafternine.Bythen,theyoungsleuthshadbeensodistractedbytheconversationthattheyhadalmostforgottenwhytheyhadcometoLosAngeles.

“Butfirstthingtomorrowmorning,”Nancysaid,“wemustdosomedetectivework.”

Thatnighteveryonewenttobedearly.Theyhadbeenasleepseveralhours,whensuddenlyallwereawakenedbythesmokealarm.Itwasbeepingatatremendousrate!

Thegirls jumpedoutofbed,putonbathrobesandslippers,thendashedintothehall.Theirhostshadalreadyhurrieddownstairs,andtheyoungdetectivesfollowed.Thehousewasfullofsmoke,sotheyrushedoutdoors.

“Where’sthefire?”Bessasked.“Idon’tseeanyflames.”

“Inthelaundryroominthewing,”Mr.Vetteranswered.

Hewenttocallthefiredepartment,thenpickedupthegardenhose.Heplayeditthroughthewindowsofthelaundryroom,tryingtoextinguishtheflames.

“Myhusbandthinkssomeonesetthefiredeliberately,”Mrs.Vetterdeclared.

Thegirlslookedather,shocked.Wastheperpetratoroneoftheirenemies?

14MoreTricks

ItwasimpossiblefortheVettersandtheirgueststogointothelaundryroom.Thesmokewastoo thick and acrid. Firemen soon arrived and quickly extinguished the blaze. Luckily notmuchdamagehadbeendonetothewasheranddryer,butthewallswerecoveredwithsootandthefloorwasfulloffoamywater.

“Thisplaceisamess,”Georgeremarked.“Mr.andMrs.Vetter,I’mterriblysorry.ThereisagoodchancethatthisfirewassetbyenemiesofNancy,Bess,andme.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”oneofthefiremenasked,amazed.

GeorgelookedtowardNancy,asifrequestinghertocarryon.Theyoungsleuthnoddedandgavethefiremenabriefsketchofthecaseonwhichtheywereworking.

“Hm,”oneofthemsaid.“Itdoeslookasifyouhaveapoint,miss.Men,let’sseewhatwecanfind.”

Afterlookingaroundcarefully,theycameuponascorchedcanofinflammablefluidthathadbeenhiddenbehindahamper.

“Here’swhatwasusedtosettheblaze,”afire-man,whosaidhisnamewasScotty,toldtheVettersandtheirguests.“I’llreportallyou’vetoldmetothechief.Wouldyoucaretogivemethenamesofthepeopleyoususpect?”

Mrs.Vetterinterrupted.“Oh,Nancy,don’tdothat!Youmaybeharmedifthosewickedmenfindoutyou’vereportedthem.”

Nancyconcededthat thewomanhadapoint.Furthermore,shedidnothaveasinglebitofevidencetoproveheraccusation.

ShesaidtoScotty,“IsupposeI’dbetternotrevealanymoreatthistime.Ihavenoproof,onlysuspicions.”

Afterthemenhad left,Mr.Vettersaidhethoughtallof themshouldgobacktobed.“We’lltalkmoreaboutitinthemorning.”

Asheclosedtheoutsidedoortothelaundryroom,heaskedhiswifeifshehadleftthedoorunlockedonpurpose.

Mrs.Vettershookherhead.“I’malwaysverycarefultolockit.”

“Thenwhoeversetthefiremusthavehadamasterkey,”herhusbandremarked.“Thereisnoevidenceherethatthelockwasforced.”

Nobodysleptverysoundly for therestof thenight.Everyonewondered if thesmokealarmwouldgooffagain,orifsomethingelsemighthappentothehouse.BymorningNancysaidshewasconvincedthatthegirls’enemieshadsomehowtrackedthemdown.Buthow?

“Inanycase,”shesaidtoBessandGeorge,“Ithinkweshouldleave.It’snotfairofustoputtheVettersthroughanymorefrighteningexperiences.”

“Iagree,”Bessadded.

Georgesaid,“Letmetalktothem.Afterall,they’redoingagooddeedbygivingusaplacetostaywhilewe’retryingtofindtheconmenandtheirassociates.”

BeforeNancyorBesscouldcomment,Georgehadhurriedoutoftheroom.Totheirsurpriseshereturnedinafewminutes.

“TheVetterswon’thearofour leaving,”shereported.“Bothof themsaidtheyareenjoyingthismystery,andbesides,”Georgechuckled,“they’relookingforwardtotheboys’visit.”

“Thenthatsettlesit,”Besssaid,giggling.

Whentheyoungdetectivesarrivedatthebreakfasttable,Nancythankedtheirhostsforsuchagenerousattitude.“You’rereallygoodsports,”shesaid.“AndIthinkthefireproveswegirlsareontherighttrackoflittleDolores’skidnappers.”

Bessadded,“Wemustbegettingsoclosetothemthatthey’retryingtodriveusoutofLosAngeles.”

“Well,they’renotgoingtosucceed!”Georgeannouncedvehemently.

“I’dliketophoneDad,”Nancyputin.“Maybehe’shadnewsabouttheMainehotelandthecompanythatsupposedlyproducestheSilk-O-Sheenfabric.”

Mr.Drewreportedthathehadnotbeenabletounearth anything.“The firmsareprobablyfictitious,andanyliteratureaboutthemisphony,too,”hedeclared.“ButIneedmoretimetoproveit.”

Nancybroughthimup todate onwhathadhappened since shehad last talked tohim. “Itseemstomeyou’reingreatdanger,Nancy,”hesaidinconcern.“Perhapsyouhadbettercomehome.”

“Oh,Dad,youdon’tmean that!”Nancyprotested.“Besides,we’llgethelpsoon.Ned,Burt,andDavearecomingouthere.”

“Iknow.Mrs.Marvintoldme.Davephonedhertogetyouraddress.”

“What!”Nancyexclaimed.“When?”

“Yesterdaymorning.”

“ButIgavetheboysouraddressmyself.Davedidn’thavetocallMrs.Marvin—andyouknow,I’mbeginningtowonderifhedid!”

“Youmeanitwasanimpostorwhocalled?”Mr.Drewasked.

“Yes.MaybethesamemanwhostartedthefireintheVetters’laundryroomlastnight.”

“ButhowwouldheknowaboutDave?”

“WhentheHoaxterstookBess’shandbagduringtheperformanceinNewYork,theyprobablyfoundherpictureofDavewithhisnameandaddressonit.”

“Whydon’tyouphoneDaveandfindoutifhespoketoMrs.Marvin?”Mr.Drewsuggested.

“I’lldothatrightnow.Andthanksfortheinfo,Dad.”

NancyhungupanddialedDave’snumber.Heansweredpromptly.WhenNancyaskedhimifhehadinquiredabouttheiraddress,hewasamazed.

“OfcourseIdidn’t,”hesaid.“WhyshouldI?Ialreadyknewwhereyou’restaying.”

“That’swhatIfigured,”Nancyreplied.“ButsomeonecalledMrs.MarvinandsoonafterwardsafirewassetintheVetters’laundryroom.”

Dave gasped. “I think we boys had better get to Los Angeles in a hurry. You need ourprotection!”

Nancychuckled.“Youmayberight.”

WhentherestofthegroupheardaboutherconversationwithDave,theywereconvincedthatthecalltoMrs.Marvinhad,indeed,beenaployofthearsonist.

NancythengotintouchwithSenoraMendez.ThewomantoldherthatathirdransomnotehadbeenmailedtoherfromMexicoCity.

“IttoldmetoleavemoremoneyonabenchatanintersectionnearmyhomeandpromisedDoloreswouldbesetfreeaftertheransomwaspaid.”

“Didyoucomplywiththerequest?”

“Yes. This time I hired a private detective, who carried a walkie-talkie so he couldcommunicatewithme.Hedroppedthepackageatthedesignatedspotandwalkedaway.Hehidandkeptwatchfromadistance.”

“Whathappened?”Nancyaskedeagerly.

“Nothing,”SenoraMendezrepliedsadly.“Noonepickedupthemoney,andDoloreswasnotbroughthome.Oh,Nancy,whatamIgoingtodo?”

The girl took a deep breath. “Don’t lose faith,” she said. “I have a strong hunch thateverything will turn out all right. Perhaps the kidnappers suspected that you had hired adetectiveandforthatreasondidnotgothroughwiththeexchange.ButI’msureDoloresisfine.”

“Ihopeyou’reright,”SenoraMendezreplied.“I’mtryingtokeepcalm,butmypoordaughterisillwithworry.”

Then theMexicanwoman changed the subject. “I have amessage for you,Nancy. I had aphonecallfromSenorPedroa.Heistheoneyouwenttoseeabouthiscollectionofpoisons,isn’the?”

“That’sright.”

“Hesaidhecouldn’treachyourdad,soheleftamessagewithme.AmannamedOznehascontactedhimaboutsellingtherarevialofpoisonfromthefifteenthcentury.”

“DidSenorPedroasayanythingelse?”Nancyasked.

“No.ButIbelievehemadeanappointmentwithSenorOzne,whoistovisithimsoon.”

“Thankyouverymuchfor themessage,”Nancysaid.“I’ll followitup,andI’ll letyouknowhowweprogress.”

Aftershefinishedtalking,NancythoughtaboutthepersonwhowantedtoseeSenorPedroa.Suddenlyanideacametoher.ShejumpedupandhurriedtoBessandGeorge.

“Listen to this!” she said. “A man named Ozne has contacted Senor Pedroa about a rarefifteenth-centuryvialofpoison!”

“Ozne?”Georgeasked,raisinghereyebrows.

“Youknowwhatthatmeans?”Nancysaidexcitedly.

“No,ofcoursenot.”

“It’sEnzospelledbackwards!”

Besswasstartled.“Youthinkhe’sEnzoScorpio?”

“I’m sure of it,”Nancy replied. “I’ll call Señor Pedroa immediately and suggest thatwhenOznearrives,hehavethepolicearresthim.”

15TheWatermark

SenorPedroawasamazedbyNancy’stheory.“Nodoubtyouareright,”hesaid.“IwilldoasyousuggestandaskthepolicetobeherewhenSenorOznecomeswiththepoison.IamsurethatwithyourdescriptionIwillrecognizehimaswellasthebeautifulgoldfiligreecoveringonthevial.”

He said good-by but calledNancy back in half an hour. “Everythingwent as planned,” hereported.“SenorOznecametomeandwasapprehendedbythepolice.Thevialhewastryingtosellmewasnottheoneyoudescribed.Itwasacheapone,notauthenticandhadnovalue!”

Nancywassurprisedtohearthis.“Arethepoliceholdingthemananyway?”sheasked.

“Yes.Herefusestotalkandtheysuspectthatheis, indeed,EnzoScorpiowhoiswantedbythe New York authorities. They will investigate. But no one knows what he did with thegenuinevialthatwasstolenfromyourfriend.”

When Nancy repeated the conversation to her friends, the three speculated on where thevaluablevialwas.

“Maybehelostit,”Georgesuggested.

“Orhecouldhavesoldittosomeoneelse,”Bessadded.

“Toobadhewon’ttalk,”Nancysaid.“ButI’mgladhewascaughtanyway.”

“Right,”Georgesaid.“NowallwehavetodoisfindDoloresandcatchtheHoaxters!”

“Speaking of the Hoaxters,” Bess said, “I’d like to knowwhy they bother with con gameswhenthey’remakingahitinthetheater.”

“Itcouldbegreed,”Nancysaid.“AccordingtoDadtherearepeoplewhoareneversatisfiedwiththeirmoneyorposition.Theyalwayswanttobericherorgreater.Oftenthey’llresorttoillegalmeanstogaintheirends.”

Bessgiggled.“Andthat,mydearfriends,isthelessonofthemorning.”

TheothertwolaughedandGeorgeaskedwhatwasnextonthedetectives’agenda.Nancytoldherthatshewantedtostudytheircopyofthefirstransomnoteverycarefully.Shespreaditoutonatableandthegirlswentoveritagainandagain.

Nancyalwayscamebacktothesameconclusion.“Themessagehastobe‘$100,000insackto8byX,’”shesaid.

“Weassumedthat8standsfortheletterHandmeansHowie,”Georgespokeup.“CoulditbethatHandXarestreetnamesandrefertoacertainintersectioninLosAngeles?”

“Possibly,”Nancysaid.“LetmeaskMrs.Vetterifshehasamapofthecity.”

Shereturnedafewminuteslaterwithamap.Itwasoldandtornbutusable.Nancyspreaditoutonthetableandthegirlslookedatthestreetindex.

“Oh, no!”Bess frowned. “Everything fromO on ismissing, sowe can’t determinewhether

thereareanystreetnamesstartingwithX.”

“Yes,wecan,”Georgesaid.“We’llhavetoscrutinizeeveryinchofthemap,that’sall.”

Eachgirlconcentratedonpartofthemap.AfterawhileBesssaid,“I’mgettingcross-eyed.Ireallyfeelsorryfortheprinterwhoputthistogether.”

“Andwe’vecomeupwithablank,”Georgeadded.“There’snosuchintersection.”

“Waitaminute,”Nancyspokeup.“Youjustgavemeanidea,Bess,whenyoumentionedthewordprinter. I’mgoing to call SenoraMendezandaskher to look for awatermarkon theoriginalransomnote.”

ShehurriedtothephoneandwassoontalkingtotheirMexicanfriend.“Pleaseholdthepapertoastronglightandseeifyoucanmakeoutanameordesign,”Nancyrequested.

“Allright.I’llbebackinaminute.”

SenoraMendezwasgonesolong,however,thatNancywasafraidthewomanhadforgottenher.Finallyshecamebackontheline.

“Itwasdifficulttodistinguishthewatermarkonthepaper,”shesaid,“butIbelieveit’safernleaf.”

“Thankyou,”Nancysaid.“Thismightbeagoodclue.Let’shopeitleadssomewhere.”

SenoraMendez’svoice,whichhadbeenstronguptonow,wavered.“Nancy,”shesaid,“youaresuchadear,andI’mputtingagreatdealoffaithinyou.”

“I’lltrytoliveuptoit,”Nancyassuredher.

Theyoung sleuth saidgood-by, then looked through theadvertisingpagesof the telephonebook. There was a long list of stationers. She copied it and asked Bess and George toaccompanyheronasearchforthefernmarkedpaper.

The first shopkeeper they interviewed was very obliging. He had never heard of such awatermarkbutlookedinhisordercatalog.Nosuchdesignwaslisted.

“Itmayhavebeenusedsometimeagoandisnolongerbeingmade,”hesaid.

Thegirls thankedhimand left.During the restof theafternoon theyvisitedonestationerystoreafteranotherwithoutlearninganything.Itwasnotuntiltheyinquiredatthelastoneontheirlistthattheyhadanyluck.

Thegray-hairedmanagerlookedthoughtful,thensaid,“Yes,Irecallonecompanythatusedaferndesign.ButIdon’trememberthenameofit.I’msorry.Wouldanothertypeofpapersuityourneeds?”

“I’m sure it would,” Nancy replied, not wishing to reveal the reason for their inquiry. Sheselectedaboxofpalebluepaperwithmatchingenvelopes,andthegirlsleft.

“Whatareyougoingtodonow?”Bessasked.

“WhatIalwaysdowhenIgetstuckonacase,”Nancyreplied.“Callmydad.”

ThegirlsreturnedtotheVetters’andNancyphonedMr.Drew.

“Moretrouble?”heasked.

“Notreally,”shesaid.“BeforeIaskafavorofyou,didyoufindoutanythingabouttheMainehotelandSilk-O-Sheen?”

“Yes, I did,” Mr. Drew replied. “The hotel is legitimate. A large stack of prospectusesdisappeared,however,aswellasordersforstockcertificates.Apparentlytheywerestolen.”

“I’m convinced of it,”Nancy said. “Barker and his pals got hold of the documents and aretryingtopeddlethemillegally!”

“Right,”herfatheragreed.“TheotherstoryaboutaSilk-O-Sheenfabricisfictitious.Thereisnosuchthing.”

“SoitexistsonlyinthemindsofCadwellandBarker!”Nancyexclaimed.

“Thatistrue.Asamatteroffact,youmightsayitwasacompletefabrication.”

Nancylaughed.“Dad,didyoumeantomakethatpun?”

“Whatdoyouthink?”

“Ithinkyoufabricatedthefabric-ationonpurpose!”

Mr.Drewchuckled.“What’sthefavoryouwantedtoaskme?”

“I’mtryingtofindacompanythatmakespaperwithafernwatermark.SofarIhaven’thadanyluck.”

“I’llworkonit,”herfatherpromised,“andstartimmediately.”

AtdinnerMrs.Vettersuggestedthatthegirlstakesometimeofffromtheircaseandgotoacomedymoviewithherandherhusband.

“Ithinkthat’sagreatidea,”Besssaid.“Mybrain’swhirlinglikethebladesofahelicopter.”

“Yourscouldnevergothatfast,”Georgeteasedhercousin,andtheotherslaughed.

Assoonasthemealwasfinished,thegroupsetoffinMr.Vetter’sbigcar.FiveminuteslaterNancynoticedthatanotherautomobilewasfollowingclosebehindthem.Sheaskedtheirhostifhewouldmindtakingacircuitousroutetothetheaterincasetheywerebeingtrailedforsomesinisterreason.

“I’llbegladto,”hesaid.“Isthisgoingtobeanotherdetectivechase?”

“Ihopenot,”Nancyreplied.“Butwe’llsoonfindoutiftheintentionsofthatotherdriveraregoodorbad.”

Mr.Vetter turned left, then right a few times.For several blocks thepursuerdidnot leavethemandNancywasconvincedthatherenemieswereontheirtrail.

Finallyabreakcame.Mr.Vettermanaged toscoot throughan intersection justas the lightturnedred.Thecarbehindthemhadtostop.Bythetimeitwasabletocrossthestreet,Mr.Vetterhadturnedanothercornerandwasoutofsight.

“Oh,I’msogladtoberidofhim!”Bessexclaimedinrelief.

“SoamI,”Georgeadded.“Icouldn’thavekeptmymindonthemovie,thinkingourenemieswereafterusagain,maybetoharmus!”

Mr.Vetterparkedinthelotofthelargemotionpicturetheaterandthegroupwentinside.Fortwohourstheirmindsfocusedonthedelightfulcomedythatunraveledonthehugescreen.Whentheshowwasover,theywalkedintothelobby,smilesontheirfaces.

“Didn’t you love the detective clown who always consulted his big, long necktie when hepickedupaclue?”Bessasked.

TheotherslaughedandGeorgesaid,“Ithinkhestoletheshow.”

SuddenlyNancystoppedshort.WaitinginthelonglineforthenextshowwereCadwellandBarker!

“Lookoverthere!”shewhisperedtoherfriends.“Wemust....”

Justthenthetwoconmenrealizedthattheyhadbeenspotted.Nimblytheysteppedoutofthe

lineandrushedthroughtheopenfrontdoor!

16Hijackers

Thegirlspushedthroughthecrowdinthelobby,tryingtoreachthetwoconmen.

“Hey,takeiteasy,girlie,”anannoyedmancalledout.

“Sorry,”Nancyrepliedandhurriedon,brushingpastanotherman.

“What’sgoingon?”heasked.“Afire?”

“Excuseus,”saidBess,whowasrightbehindNancy.

Georgewaselbowingherwaythroughthecrowdaheadoftheothertwo.Whenshereachedthedoor,aguardgrabbedherbythearm.

“Look,miss,you’remakinganuisanceofyourself!”hescoldedher.

“Wejustsawtwoconmenthepolicearelookingfor,”Georgereplied.“Pleaseletmego!Wewanttostopthem!”

“Whoareyou?”theguarddemanded.“Plain-clothesdetectives?”

“Inaway,”Georgesaid,asNancyandBesscaughtuptoher.Bythetimethegirlsconvincedtheguardthattheyweretellingthetruthandheagreedtoletthemgo,itwastoolate.BarkerandCadwellwereoutofsight!

Thegirlsseparatedandrandownthestreetashortdistance,butitwasnouse.Theconmenhadvanished.Disappointed,theyoungdetectivesmetMr.andMrs.Vetterintheparkinglotandexplainedwhytheyhadhurriedaway.

“Too bad you lost your suspects,” Mr. Vetter remarked. “Perhaps you should report theincidenttothepolice.”

Nancy agreed.He drove to headquarters,where the girls gave a full account ofwhat hadhappened.

“Eventhoughthetwoconmengotaway,”Georgeadded,“weknowforsurethat they’re inLosAngeles.”

“Doyouthinktheywerethesamepeoplewhofollowedyoutothemovies?”thesergeantondutyasked.

“Probably,”Nancyanswered.“Aftertheylostus,theymighthavestoppedfordinnerandthendecidedtoseetheshow.”

“We’llkeepaneyeoutforthem,”thesergeantpromised.

When the group arrived home, the telephonewas ringing.Nancy dashed to answer it andlearnedNedNickersonwascalling.

“I’vebeentryingforthepastthreehourstogetyou,”hesaid.“Burt,Dave,andIareleavingheretomorrowmorningatnineonContinentalFlight388.WillyoumeetusattheairportinLosAngeles?”

“Wesurewill,”Nancypromised.“Itwillbewonderfultoseeyou.”

Tenminutes before the planewas scheduled to land, the girls arrived at the airport. TheyfoundalargegroupofpeopleneartheContinentalcounter.Everyoneseemedtobeextremelyagitatedandworried.Nancyaskedwhatthetroublewas.

“Flight388hasbeenhijacked!”awomanblurtedout.

“Hijacked!”thethreegirlschorused.“Where?When?”

Theyweretoldthatvery littlewasknownabouttheholdupatthistime.Thehijackers,whowouldnotrevealtheirnames,hadnotgivenanyreasonfortakingovertheplane.

Nancy,Bess,andGeorgeweretoostunnedtotalkforamoment.Theyvisualizedallsortsofdreadfulthingshappeningtotheirfriends.

SuddenlyBessspottedafamiliarfaceamongthecrowd.Shewhisperedtotheothers,“IseeoneoftheHoaxters—thesleightofhandperformer.He’soverthere!”

NancyandGeorgewerestartled.Whywasheattheairport?Washewaitingforsomeone?

Besshadanidea.“Nancy,youwereneveronstage.Whydon’tyoufindoutwhatyoucanfromhim?”

“Likewhat?”Nancyasked.

“Likewhomhe’sexpectingonthisflight.”

Nancyhesitated.“Remember,herecognizedGeorgebeforeshewentonstage.I’msurehe’drecognizeme.I’llhavetochangemyappearancealittleifIwanttotalktohim.Bess,mayIborrowyourscarf?”

“Sure.”

Nancytookthescarfanddisappearedintoarestroom.Whenshecameout,thegirldetectivehad hidden her hair and put on a good deal of makeup, which changed her appearanceconsiderably.

“Thisisterrificforaninstantdisguise!”Georgepraisedher.

“Let’shopeso,”Nancysaidwithasmile.

Casuallyshewalkedovertothemagician,pretendingtobenervousandinneedofsomeonetotalkto.

“I’msoworriedaboutafriendwho’sonboard,”shesaid.“Ihopehe’ssafe.Doyou,too,haveafriendorrelativeonthehijackedplane?”

“Yes,mywife,”themanreplied.“Shewascomingheretohelpmewithmywork.”

Just then a voice sounded over the loudspeaker. “Attention, please! I have good news forpeopleexpectingpassengersonContinentalFlight388.Thehijackershavebeenoverpoweredandnoonewashurt.”

Agreatcheerwentupfromthecrowdandavoicecalledout,“Tellusmore!”

Theannouncer,whostoodat theairlinecounter, said that theplanewould land inElPaso,Texas,wherethehijackerswouldbeturnedovertothepolice.

“ItwillthenrefuelandcontinuenonstoptoLosAngeles,”heconcluded.

The sleight ofhandman, like everyoneelse, looked relieved.He said toNancy, “Theplanewon’tbehereforawhile.I’mgoingtoleaveandcomebacklater.”Hehurriedaway.

Topass the time, thegirlswalkedaroundtheairport, lookingatshopsandstoppingtobuyflowersfortheVetters.Atlasttheflightwasannounced.

“Thankgoodness!”saidseveralofthepeoplewhohadgatheredtowelcomepassengers.

TenminuteslaterBessexclaimed,“Iseethem!Iseetheboys!”

Theyoungsleuthsrushedforwardtogreettheirfriends.

“We’re so glad you’re safe!”Nancy cried out. “What a frightful experience youmust havehad!”

Burtsaid,“Itwashair-triggergoingforawhile.Asfaraswecouldlearn,thehijackerswantedafreeridetoSouthAmerica.Butweneverdidfindoutwhy.”

NedtookNancy’sarm.“Nowputustowork,”hesaid,grinning.

Shelaughed.“Oh,there’splentyforyoutodo.”Quicklythegirldetectiveoutlinedtheircaseandmentionedthesleightofhandmanasoneofthesuspects.

“Hiswifewasaboardyourflight,”sheadded.

“Waitaminute,”Nedsaid.“IbetIknowwhosheis.Whenthehijackingwasannounced,sheacted like a spoiled child. Shemade all kinds of demands,which, of course, nobody couldmeet,andinsistedthatitwasextremelyimportantforhertogettoLosAngelesandhelpheractorhusbandonstage.”

“Oh,that’showyoufoundoutwhosheis,”Nancysaid.

Nedwenton,“Shebecameveryagitated.Noonecouldquiether,noteventhehijackers,whothreatenedher.”

Davespokeup.“Seethatwomanwiththeenormousblondhairdo?”

“Hm-mm,where?”Georgereplied.

“Downthereatthelastticketcounter.”

Georgestrainedherneckover themillingcrowd.“Oh,yes,nowIseeher,”shesaidafteramoment.

“Well,that’stheone!”

“I’llberightback,”Georgedeclaredanddartedafterthewoman.“AreyouthewifeofoneoftheHoaxters?”sheblurtedoutwhenshecaughtuptothestranger.

“Yes.Whereishe?”thewomanaskedgruffly.

“Hetoldmethathewouldbebacklater.Hewashereforalongtime,thenleft.”

ThewomanstaredatGeorge.“Areyouaspecialfriendofhis?”shedemandedcrisply.

Georgesteppedback.“I—”

Thewomangavehernochance forareply.“Youmustbe,orhewouldn’thave toldyouhisplans.”

“You’rewrong,”Georgesaidquietly.

Hercalmnessnettledtheblondwoman.ShebegantoshriekinsultsatGeorge,gesticulatingwildly.

Georgewasso stunned that foramoment shewasspeechless.Suddenly thewomanraisedherhandandslappedGeorgehardononecheek.Beforethegirlcouldrecoverherwits,thestrangerhitheragain.Georgedidnotknowwhattodo.Shouldshefightbackorrunawayandavoidfurtherembarrassment?

17AHoaxExposed

AdroitlyGeorgedodgedtheblowsoftheiratestranger.Theathleticgirlhadtakenlessonsinjudoandwonderedifsheshoulduseherskillsnow.Thisprovedtobeunnecessary,however.

“Isawthewholething!”aguardcalledoutasherusheduptostopthefight.“Doyouwishtobringchargesagainstthiswoman?”

“Ithinknot,”Georgereplied.

“Well,I’llhavetoreporttheincidentanyway,soifyouchangeyourmindlater,youcan.”Heturnedtothewoman.“Yourname,please.”

“Mrs.Horace Browne,” thewoman sputtered. “My husband is amagician.Heworks for afamousgroupcalledtheHoaxters!”

“Lady, I don’t care whom your husband works for. It doesn’t give you the right to attackpeopleinthisairport!”

Mrs.Brownestaredathim insuppressedanger.ThenshegaveGeorgeascorchingglance,turnedonherheelsandwalkedaway.

“Areyouallright,miss?”theguardaskedGeorge.

“Fine.”

“Okay.ThenI’llgobacktomypost.”

Nancy, Bess, and the boys had caught up to George and were aghast when they saw herreddenedface.

“Whathappened?”Burtasked.

QuicklyGeorgeexplained,adding,“Ifthatguardhadn’tarrived,IwouldhavetriedoneofmyjudotricksonthatcrazyMrs.HoraceBrowne...that’shername.Sothesleightofhandman’srealnameisHoraceBrowne.Youwereright,Nancy,RonaldoJensenisonlyhisstagename.”

“That’sagoodclueforus,”Nancyremarked.

“I’mgoingtohaveawordwiththatwomanoneofthesedays!”Burtmuttered.

“Whydidshehityou,George?”Bessasked.

“Because she thought Iwasherhusband’sgirl-friend!”George replied,makinga face.Theotherslaughed.

“Whatasillyidea!”Besssaidindisgust.

After thegrouphadarrivedat theVetters’ andwerecomfortably seated in the living roomwith littlecakesandcupsofsteamingchocolate,Nancy told theboysabout themysteryonwhichthegirlshadbeenworking.WhenNed,Burt,andDaveheardabouttheswindlewiththetemperature-controlledclothingmaterial,theyroaredwithlaughter.

Nedremarked,“It’sawonderful idea.Anybodywhocould inventsomething like thatwould

becomeamillionaire.”

Nancylookedathim.“Howaboutyou?You’remajoringinscience.Suchaninventionshouldbeeasyforyou!”

“Sure,”Daveadded.“Youwouldn’tmindmakingamillion,wouldyou?”

“Andtakingusallonagreattrip!”Georgesaid.“Howmanysayayetothat?”

“Aye!”theothersshoutedatthetopoftheirlungs.

Nedgrinned.“Okay,”hesaid.“IfIevermakeamilliononclothingoranythingelse,I’lltakeyoualltothemoon!”

Whenthehilaritydieddown,Nancysaid,“Ihavesomethingelsetotellyou.”Shebriefedtheboysonthefern-watermarkedstationery.

“If you’ll excuseme for amoment, I’ll callDad to see if hehas anyword forme yet,” sheaddedandwenttothetelephone.Unfortunately,Mr.Drewhadnotbeenabletotrackdownthemanufacturer.“ButI’llkeeptrying,”hepromised.

“Fernwatermark?”Davesaidaftershehadhungup.“MaybeIcanhelpyou.Anuncleofmineis in the printing business. He produces bank notes, fine stationery, and all kinds of high-qualitypaper.ShallIcallhimandaskifheeverheardofthedesign?”

“Pleasedo!”Nancyurged.

Davewasonthetelephoneforsometime.Whenhereturned,theyoungmanwassmiling.Theothersweresurehehadlearnedsomethingimportant.

“I have an answer for you, Nancy,” he said. “The Fern Printing Company is a small outfitlocatedinPhiladelphia.”

“Great!”Nancyexclaimed.“I’llseeifIcangetthenumberfromInformation.”

After several unsuccessful attempts, she was told that the firm had no listed number.Disappointed,Nancygaveup.

“Why does a legitimate business firm have an unlisted number?” she asked herself andreturnedtoher’friends.Theydiscussedthematter.Finallyshesaid,“I’llcallthepoliceandtellthemwhatweknow.PerhapstheycanfindoutFern’sprivatenumberforus.”

IttooktheLosAngelespolicedepartmentawhiletosupplytheinformation,butfinallyNancywastoldthatthefirmhadproblemswiththeirbillsandweretemporarilyusingthedirectlineofthepresident.

“Thank you,”Nancy said, writing down the number. “I’ll let you know if I learn anythingimportant.”

She hung up, then dialed the number. Awoman answered. “Fern PrintingCompany.May Ihelpyou?”

“Yes,I’minterestedinacertaintypeofpaper—”

“I’llconnectyou,”thereceptionistinterrupted.“Justaminute,please.”

Nancy’sheartwaspounding.Wassheabouttomakeagreatdiscovery?

Afewmomentspassed,thenamansaid,“Harrisonspeaking.Whoisthis?”

Nancyevadedthequestion.“Iunderstandthatyoumanufacturefern-watermarkedstationery.Ihaven’tbeenabletofindit inthestoreshereinLosAngeles.Istheresomeonewhocouldshowmeasamplesheetofthefernpattern?”

Mr.Harrisonpausedbriefly.“I’mafraidwedon’thaveanyinstockrightnowbutIcangiveyouthenameofsomeonewhobuysfromus.”

“Oh,thatwouldbewonderful,”Nancyreplied.

“It’sMr.HoraceBrownewholivesinLosAngeles.”

Nancy’sheartbegantopound.Whatanincrediblerevelation!

“He should be listed in the phone book,” Mr. Harrison went on. “But here’s his addressanyway.”

Nancywroteitdownquickly.“Thankyouverymuch,”shesaid.“I’llsendyouanorderassoonasI’veseenMr.Browne’spaper.”

“Fine.Itwillbeavailablesoon.”

Nancyrejoinedherfriends.“Guesswhat!”shesaid.“IfoundoutthatHoraceBrowneisusingthefernwatermark!”

“Thatprovestheransomnotewaswrittenbyhim!”Georgeexclaimed.“Nancy,whatterrificevidence!”

Nedadded,“Nowallwedoisfindouthisaddressandconfronthimwiththeproof.”

“Ihavetheaddress,too,”Nancysaid.“Allwehavetodoislookuphisnumber.”

Georgewenttogetthephonebook.Buttotheirdismay,theyoungpeoplefoundthatHoraceBrownewasnotlisted.

“Thatdoesn’tsurpriseme,”Nedremarked.“Ifhe’sacrook,he’dkeepundercover.”

“Right,”Georgesaid.“Itwouldn’tbewiseforustocallandlethimknowwe’recoming.He’dbesuretosuspectsomething.”

Nancy agreed. “Tomorrow we’ll see him personally. It’s too late now. Meanwhile, I haveanotheridea.Whydon’twegototheHoaxters’show?”SheturnedtoNed,hereyestwinkling.“Howwouldyouliketodoalittledetectiveworkatthetheater?”

18Ned’sDisguise

NedsmiledatNancy.“DoyouwantmetogoupontheHoaxters’sstageandpullafewtricksofmyown?”

“Inaway,yes.Whentheytakeyourwallet,there’llbeapieceofpaperinittornfromasmallnotebook.InthecornerwillbetheVetters’phonenumber.”

Ned’seyebrowsshotup.“Whatfor?”

“Asbait.Iwanttogetthefingerprintsofthemanwhoriflesthroughwallets.Afterwards,I’lldustthepaperwithmagneticpowdersotheprintswillbecomevisible.”

Nedwhistled,“Smartmove!Howtogetevidencewithoutreallytrying.”

“That’sright. Justmakesure that thepaper isstill inyourwalletwhen it’s returnedtoyouaftertheshow.ItwillprovethattheHoaxtersarethefirstlinkinthecriminalchain.”

Nedpretendedtobepuffedupwithhisassignment.Hestuckhisfingersintothearmholesofhis sleeveless sweater and paraded around the room. The others laughed and wished himluck.

Georgesaid,“There’sonlyonecatch.IfMrs.Browneisonstage,shemayrecognizeyou.”

Nancysuggestedthatwhentheyarrivedattheperformancetheboysgoinbythemselvesandfindseatsontheleftoftheauditorium,whilethegirlswouldsitontheright.

Nedandhis fraternitybrothersagreedto theplan,andBurtadded,“Thiswaywewon’tbeconnectedwithNancyDrew,thewell-knowngirldetective!”

Nancysmiledbutdidnotreply.ShedecidedthatshemusttelephoneSenoraMendezandfindout if there had been any further word from the kidnappers. When she heard the phoneringingintheMendezresidence,Nancyhadafewsecondsofhopethatthechildmighthavebeenreturned.ButassoonasherMexicanfriendanswered,theyoungsleuthknewshewaswrong.

“Thedearchildhasnotcomebacktous,”SenoraMendeztoldher,“andwestillhavenoideawheresheis.”

“HaveyouorDolores’sparentsreceivedanyotherransomnotes?”Nancyasked.

“Yes,two.Butbothwerefakes.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Nancyasked.

SeñoraMendezsaidthatmoneyhadbeenrequestedinbothofthem.Ithadbeendeliveredtothespecifiedplaces,butwasneverpickedup.

“Oh,Nancy,I’msoworriedthatDoloresmaybeheldforanotherreasonbesidesmoney,”thechild’s grandmotherwailed. “Iwas told that certain people steal children and sell them tocoupleswhowanttoadoptthem.”

ThethoughthorrifiedNancy,butshesaidcalmly,“Idoubtthatanyonewoulddothiswitha

girlasoldasDolores.Shewouldbeboundtorevealhernameandwhereshecamefromandwouldbereturnedtoyou.”

SenoraMendezsaidthis thoughtmadeher feelbetter.“MyprivatedetectivepickeduponecluethatmakesitseemalmostcertainthatDoloresisinLosAngeles,”sheadded.“HewassosureofitthathepersonallycalledtheLosAngelespoliceandtoldthemhissuspicions.”

“Whatwastheclue?”Nancyaskedeagerly.

“Oneoftherecentransomnoteshadbeenmadeupfromwordscutfromanewspaperjustasbefore.Mydetective,wholivedinLosAngelesforyears,remembersthatoneofthepapersinthat city uses a special type of print in its entertainment section that he has never seenanywhereelse.He’spositivethewordsweretakenfromthatpaper.”

“Haveyouheardfromthepolice?”Nancyinquired.

“No.ButI’mworriedthatthekidnappersmayhavefoundoutIhaveadetectiveworkingonthecaseandthathehasbeenintouchwiththepolice.Perhapsthatisthereasontheyhaven’treturnedthechild.Butwhyaretheysendingmefakenotes?”

“Maybe they’re trying to tell you that they won’t play for real as long as you have thedetectiveinvolved,”Nancyreplied.“ButIsuggestthatyounotlethimgojustyet.Whatyoutoldmeabout thenewspaper clue only reinforcesmy suspicion thatDolores is here inLosAngeles.I’dliketohuntforheralittlelonger.”

“Allright,Nancy.Butpleasecallmetomorrowandletmeknowifyou’vehadanysuccess.”

AfterNancy had reported her findings to theVetters andher friends, she said, “Tomorrowwe’llcallonMr.Brownewhobuysthefernstationery.Mr.Vetter,whereishishomelocated?”

“It’sinanareaofveryexpensivehouseswithlargegrounds.Manyofthemarefencedin.Youmighthaveahardtimetryingtoenter.”

“I’lltakeachance,”Nancyrepliedwithadeterminedsettoherchin.

Afterdinner that evening the six youngpeople set off to see theHoaxters’ show.Theboyswalked to the corner and took a bus,whileMr. Vetter lent his car to the girls.When theyarrivedatthetheater,itwasfillingrapidly.Thethreedetectivesdidnotseetheirfriends.

“We’dbetternotlookforthemtoohard,”Georgeadvised.“Ifthereareanyspieswatchingus,theymaycatchontoourlittlescheme.”

Thegirlssatdownandstudiedtheirprograms.Theyweresurprisedtoseethatanewacthadbeenaddedtotheperformance.

“Thisistheonewherethesleightofhandmanworkswithhiswife,”Besswhispered.

Soon the showstarted.Thegirlshadseen it somany times that theywerenotparticularlyinterested in ituntilMr.Browne,aliasRonaldo Jensen, invitedmembersof theaudience tocomeonstage.

Georgesaid,“IhopeMrs.Brownedoesn’trecognizeNed.”

Hehimselfhadhadthesameidea.WhenNedreachedthestage,thegirlshadahardtimetokeepfromlaughing.Hewaswearingamustacheandbeard!

“Nedmusthaverentedorboughtthemonthewaytothetheater,”Besssaidinalowtone.

ApparentlyNed’sdisguiseworked.Thewomangavenosignthatshehadeverseentheyoungmanbefore.Hewas relievedof hiswallet by the sleight of handmanwithouthis noticing.Then it was held up for those in the audience to see, along with handbags, watches, andjewelry.

Asinpreviousshowsthearticlesweretakenaway,andtheirownerstoldtoreturnaftertheperformance.Latertheyfiledintothebackroombehindthestagetoclaimtheirproperty.

Thegirls,meanwhile,hadgone to theVetters’ carandwerealreadyon theirwayhome. “I

hopeNedgothiswalletbackwiththepieceofpaperintact,”Besssaid.

“We’llsoonfindout,”Nancytoldher.

After thegirls arrivedat theVetters’, theypacedupanddown the living room impatiently,waitingfortheboys.Finallytheywalkedin.

“Ihaveit!”Nedsaidjubilantly.“Nancy,bringyourmagneticpowder!”

Nancyhadalreadybroughtthesmallfingerprintkitshecarriedinhersuitcase.Gingerlysheremoved the paper from Ned’s wallet and dusted it. Everyone held his breath. Wouldfingerprintsshowup?

19TheYoungPrisoner

“Thefingerprintsareshowingup!”Georgeexclaimed.

The young people watched in fascination as the blank white paper revealed the ends offingersontwohands.

“Aretheytheleftandrighthandsofthesameperson?”Bessasked.

Noonewassure.Thiswasonethingthepolicewouldhavetodecide.

“Let’sgonow!”Georgeurged.

“It’stoolate.We’llhavetowaituntilmorning,”Nancysaid.

After breakfast the following day it was decided that only Nancy and Ned would go toheadquarterswhiletherestofthegrouphelpedtheVetterswithvariouschores.

WhenNancyshowedthefingerprintstothechiefinhisoffice,hewasimpressed.“Excellentwork,”hecomplimentedher.“I’llhavethesetracedatonce.Pleasewaitoutsideinthelobby.I’llletyouknowtheresultassoonasIcan.”

Almost an hour passed before the couple were summoned back into the chief’s office. Hesmiledatthem.“TheseprintsbelongtoawantedcriminalnamedSamGambro.I’dlikeyoutolookatphotographsofhimandseeifyoucanidentifytheman.”

Anenormousbooklayopenonasidetable.Thechiefexplainedthatitcontainedmugshotsofvariouspeoplewhoeitherwereorhadbeenprisoners.

“Gambroisonthispage.Canyouidentifyhim?”

NancygazedforseveralsecondsatthepictureunderwhichwasthenameSamGambro.Hewasheavyset,dark-haired,andjowly.

Finallysheshookherhead.“AsfarasIknow,Ihaveneverseenthismanbefore.SoIguesshe’s not part of theHoaxters’s group.But he could be one of the conmenwhoworkwiththem.”

“Possibly,”theofficerreplied.“Inordertofindout,thisiswhatwe’lldo.I’llsendacoupleofdetectivestotheHoaxterswho,Iknow,arerehearsingatthetheaterthismorning,andhavemymentaketheirfingerprints.Thedetectiveswillposeas‘TheCommitteefortheProtectionofEntertainmentinLosAngeles.’”

Nancy andNed laughed, thenwent home. They told thewaiting groupwhat the chiefwasplanning to do.All of them listened eagerly for the telephone to ring.Finally it did.Nancyanswered.

“MissDrew?This isthechiefcalling.Thefingerprintsourmenbroughtbackthatbelongtothe sleight of handman of theHoaxtersmatch those of SamGambro. Thismeans he andHoraceBrownearethesameperson.”

“ButBrownedoesn’tlookanythinglikethemanIsawinthephotograph!”Nancyexclaimed.

“Hemusthavehadplasticsurgeryandlostalotofweight,”thechiefsaid.

“WillBrownebeapprehended?”Nancyasked.

“Yes,indeed.Mymenarealreadyontheirwaybacktothetheater.”

WhenNancy hung up,George said shewas eager towatch the sleight of handman beingarrested.“Let’sgotothetheater,too,”shesuggested.

Theyoungdetectivescrowded into theVetters’caranddroveoff.Whentheyarrivedat thetheater,theymetthreepolicemencomingoutofthebuilding.

“Whereisyourprisoner?”Nancyaskedthem.

Withachagrinedlookoneoftheofficersreplied,“TheHoaxtershaveskippedout!”

“Again!”Georgeexclaimed.

“Yes.Notonlyaretheperformersgone,butsoareall theircostumesandprops.Theymusthave become suspicious when we fingerprinted them under the pretense of being ‘TheCommitteefortheProtectionofEntertainmentinLosAngeles.”’

The other officer spoke up. “We’ve already alerted all squad cars in the area. I’m suresomeonewillsightthem.Theycouldn’thavegonefaryet.”

Aftertheofficershaddrivenaway,Davesaid,“Nancy,what’snextonthesleuthingprogram?”

“We’regoingtoHoraceBrowne’shouse,”shereplied.“Remember,IgothisaddressfromtheFernPrintingCompany.”

“Doyouthinkhe’llbethere?”Georgeasked.

Nancyshrugged.“Ifhe’snot,perhapswecanpickupacluetowherehewent.”

Shedroveto thepartof town inwhichBrowne lived.AsMr.Vetterhadtold them, itwasaresidentialareawithlarge,attractivehomes.Browne’shadahighpicketfencearoundit,andthe house could barely be seen from the outside. There was an entrance gate, but it waslocked.Nedpushedthebellbutton,butnooneanswered.

Besssighed.“What’llwedonow?”

“Let’s split up andwalk around the property,”Nancy suggested. “Ned and Iwill go to theright.Therestofyoutaketheleft.Perhapswecanfindoutifsomeone’shome.”

Quickly the young people hurried off. Just inside the fence were high hedges, and it wasimpossibletolookoverthem.AfterNancyhadwalkedaroundthecornerandpartwaydownoneside, shesaid, “Ned, Iwant to look into thegarden.Wouldyou letmeclimbontoyourshoulderssoIcanpeeroverthefence?”

Nedbentdown.“Goahead,”hesaid,holdingouthisinterlockedhandsforhertostepinto.

Nancyclimbedtohisshouldersandbalancedherselfonthesideofthefence.Shemanagedtolookoverthetopandbeyondthebushesandhadagoodviewofthegarden.Onapatioshespottedamanreclininginalawnchair.Hewassoundasleep.

ExcitedlyNancy leaned down toNed andwhispered, “SamGambro, aliasHorace Browne,aliasRonaldoJensen,issleepingnotfaraway.Wemustcapturehim!”

“Buthow?”Nedasked.

“We’llhavetogetoverthefence.IfIjumptotheotherside,canyoumakeitonyourown?”

“Sure.Noproblem.Goahead.I’llfollow.”

Nancyrealizedthatshewouldhavetoclearthebushesinordernottoscratchherselfbadly.Withdeterminationshesteppedtothetopofthefence,thenpushedoffasfarasshecould.Withasoftthudthegirldetectivelandedonthelawn,unhurt.

ShelookedoverhershoulderandsawNedtakeofffromthetop.Hejumpedgracefullyandinaninstantcamedownnexttoher.

“Great!”shewhispered.

OntiptoestheyapproachedHoraceBrowne.Theywereaboutahundredfeetaway,whenhesuddenlyawakened.Turning,hespottedthecouple.ThenextsecondBrownejumpedfromhisrecliningchairandspedtowardthehouse.Hevanishedthroughadoorandtheyhearditslamshutandlock.

Thecouplelookedateachother.Theyhadbeensonearsuccess!

Nancy,however,wasnot ready togiveup.Shenoticedanotherdoorandhurried toward it.Fortunatelythisonewasnotlocked.ShedashedinsidewithNedatherheels.

They found themselves at the foot of a stairway. From somewhere above, they heard faintcriesforhelpinSpanish.

“ThatcouldbeDolores!”Nancywhispered.“Comeon!”

She andNed rushed up the stairs, but halfway to the second floor, theymetMrs. Brownecomingdown.

“Getoutofhere!”sheshouted.“Youhavenorighttobeinmyhouse.I’llcallthepolice!”

Nancyignoredthedemand.Shesaid,“Where’sDolores?”

Thewomanseemedtakenaback.Shedidnotreply.Thecriesofthechildcontinued.“Letmeout!Letmeout!”

NedpushedMrs.Browne firmlyaside,so thatNancycouldcontinueup thestairs.Thenhefollowed.The couple scootedupward faster than thewomancould climb.They crossed thesecondfloorhallwayandfollowedthecriesforhelptothethirdfloor.

“Help!Iwanttoseemymommy!”cameanotherpleadingcry.

NedglancedbacktoseewhatMrs.Brownewasdoing.Sheseemedundecidedforamoment,thenstartedupafterthecouple.

Atthetopofthestairway,therewasanarrowhallwaywithadooroppositethestairs.QuicklyNancypulledontheknob,andtheylookedinside.

SheandNedstoodappalledatwhattheysaw.Abeautiful,dark-hairedlittlegirlofninesatontheedgeofabed,herleftanklechainedtooneofitsfrontlegs!

“Dolores!”Nancycriedoutandrushedtothechild’sside.“We’refriends.Wecametorescueyou.We’llhaveyououtofhereinaminute!”

As she hugged the little girl, andNed sped over to help unclamp the chain, the doorwasslammedshutandlocked.Somethingheavywaspushedagainstit.

Nedturnedbackandtriedtoopenthedoor.Itwouldnotbudge.NownotonlyDoloresbutheandNancywereprisonersalso!

LittleDoloresbecamehysterical.Herfewmomentsofjoyathavingbeenrescuedweregone.Shewasaprisoneragain!

Nancytriedtosootheherandevensanga littleSpanishlullabysheknew.Ned,meanwhile,wasworkingat the lockeddoor.Unabletobudge it,herammedhisbodyagainst thewood,hopingtosplinteroneofthepanels.Hiseffortswereinvain!

FinallyhewalkedovertoNancyandtheyconferredonwhattodo.Therewasatinywindowhighupon thewall thatopenedonhinges.Theybothknewthat thoughoneof themmightcrawlthroughit,therewasnowaytoreachthegroundsafely.

“IwonderwhatbecameofBess,George,Burt,andDave,”Nancysaid.“Ihopethey’llfindawaytorescueus!”

Doloreshadbecomequietnow.ShesatonNancy’slapandclungtoher.Theyoungdetectivesaid,“Supposeyoutellmehowyougothere.”

“Istayedinschool latetohelpmyteacher,”thelittlegirlreplied.“WhenIcameout,allmyfriendshadgone.Astrangewomanwalkeduptomeandsaid,‘AreyouDolores?’WhenIsaidyes,shetoldmethatmymotherwasillandhadaskedhertobringmehomeinhercar.”

“Soyouclimbedin?”Nancyasked.

“Yes,inthebackseatwiththewoman.Amanwasdriving.Ididnotknowwhothesepeoplewere.LaterIfoundouttheywereMr.andMrs.Browne.Mrs.Browneofferedmeapieceofcandy.”

“Didyoueatit?”

Doloresnodded.“AfterwardsIbecameverysleepy.IdidnotwakeupuntilIfoundmyselflyingonthebed in thisroom.”The littlegirlshivered.“Andchainedto the footof it. IheardMr.BrownesayweallflewfromMexicoCitytoLosAngeles.”

“Thatwasadreadfulexperience,”Nancysaid.“Howwereyoutreatedafteryougothere?”

DoloressaidthatMrs.Browneandanotherwomanhadtakenturnslookingafterher.“Theybroughtmemealsandhelpedme takeabath.Theyevenwashedmyclothes. IkeptaskingthemwhenIwasgoinghome.OnedayMrs.Brownegotmadatmeandsaid,‘You’renotgoinganywhereuntilyourrichgrandmotherpaysusalotofmoney!”’

NancytranslatedwhatshehadlearnedintoEnglishforNed,whounderstoodsomeSpanish,butnotasmuchasNancydid.

Heremarked,“Thatcandymusthavecontainedsomethingtoputthechildtosleep.”

Nancyagreed.“ThiswaytheycouldbringhertoLosAngeleswithoutanytrouble.”

AssheandNedweretryingtofigureouthowtoescape,theirfourfriendswereonthewaytohelpthem.Whilelookingoverthefenceandbushes,theyhadseenthecoupleapproachthesleepingmaninthelawnchairandhadwitnessedhisdashintothehouse.

TheyrealizedthatNancyandNedwerefollowinghim,sothey, too,climbedoverthefence.Justbeforetheyreachedthemansion,Mr.andMrs.Browneranoutthefrontdoorcarryingsuitcases.

“They’reescaping!”Daveexclaimed.

WhenNancyandNeddidnot appear, the youngpeoplebecameworriedabout them.Weretheyprisonersinthehouse?

20Escape!

“Holdit!”Davecommandedastheyoungdetectivessurroundedthefleeingcouple.

“Getoutofourway!”Mr.Brownehissed,lashingoutviolently.

Fistswereflyingforafewmomentsbutsoonthemagicianandhiswifeweresubduedandledinto the house again. Bess went to phone the police. Meanwhile, in the hallway, HoraceBrowne managed to tear himself loose and began to fight with renewed vigor. The boysrealizedhehadsomeknowledgeofjudo.George’sskills,however,matchedhis.Sheandtheboys,whoweresteeledbyyearsof footballpractice,soonhadthebelligerentcoupleundercontrolagain.

In the rear of the hall George noticed a closet with a key in the lock and suggested theysecuretheirprisonersinsideuntilthepolicearrived.AngrilytheBrownesyelledandbangedon the door. After awhile, however, their cries subsided and they became quiet, resigningthemselvestotheirfate.

“Ihopethatmagicianwon’tuseanyofhistricksandgetout,”Bessremarked.

NancyandNedhadheardthecommotiondownstairsandstartedtopoundloudlyonthedooroftheiratticprison.

“Listen!”Georgesaid.“Someone’supthere.ProbablyNancyandNed!”

Sheandhercompanionswereabouttohurrytothethirdfloorwhenapolicecardroveuptothehouse.Threeofficers rushed through theopendoor.Theywere thesamemenwhohadtriedtoarresttheHoaxtersatthetheater,onlytolearntheyhadmovedout.

Quicklytheyoungpeopletoldthemabouttheirprisoners.“OneisSamGambro,aliasHoraceBrowne, alias Ronaldo Jensen, the magician. The other is his wife who works with him,”Georgeexplained.

“Good work!” one of the officers, named Young, said admiringly. “We caught Browne’scolleagues on theirway out of town, but theywouldn’t tell uswhere hewas. I’mglad youfoundhim!”

Again therewas banging from the third floor asNancy andNed tried tomake themselvesheard.

“What’sgoingon?”OfficerYoungasked,alarmed.“Whoelseishere?”

“IbelieveNancyandNedarelockedupsomewhere,”Georgesaid.“WesawthemfollowMr.Gambrointothehousebeforewecaughthim.”

ThefouramateurdetectivesdashedupthestairswithOfficerYoungandoneofhispartners.Theyfoundthatalargechesthadbeenpushedinfrontoftheatticdoor.Quicklytheyshoveditaside,thenraisedthebolt.

Bessopenedthedoorandeveryonestoppedshortinutteramazement,staringatNancy,Ned,andthelittlegirl.

“MeetDolores,”Nancysaidwithasmileofreliefonherface.

Astheothersexchangedstories,Besscriedout,“Oh,youpoorchild!”Shekneltandhuggedthelittlegirl,whouptonowhadbeenclingingtoNancy.

InSpanish,NancyexplainedtoDoloresthatthenewcomersweretheirfriends.

“YoumeannowIcangohometomymommy?”thelittlegirlcriedout.

“Yes,”Nancyreplied.“Thepolicewillarrestthebadpeoplewhobroughtyouhere.”

Doloreswasecstatic.“Please,mayIcallmymommyanddaddyonthetelephone?”

“Indeedyoumay,”Nancyreplied.

ThegrouphurrieddownstairsandinafewminutesDolores’sparentswereontheline.Theirdaughtertalkedandthrewkissesintothephone,promisingshewouldbehomesoon.

ThensheturnedtoNancy.“AndnowIwanttospeaktomygrandmother.”Nancyput inthecall, and there was a happy, excited conversation in Spanish between Dolores and SenoraMendez.

Meanwhile,OfficerYounghadunlockedtheclosetonthefirstfloor,letoutthetwoprisoners,andsnappedhandcuffsonthem.

“BeforeyoutaketheGambrosaway,mayIaskthemafewquestions?”Nancyrequested.

Atthisthecouplewincedandthemagiciansaid,“Youknow?”

“Yes,”theyoungdetectivereplied.

“Askthemallyouwantto,”OfficerYoungsaid,“butletmereadthemtheirrightsfirst.”

Whenhefinished,Nancylookedstraightatthesleightofhandman.“WasitoneofyourconmenwhoswindledourfriendMrs.AnnabellaRichardsoutof$3000foraphonyworldtrip?”

Gambroscowled.“I’mtellingyounothing!”

“Ithinkyoushould,”hiswifespokeup.“Officer,won’titbebetterforusifwecooperate?”

“Ican’tpromiseyouanything,butI’llputinagoodwordforyouifyoumakeourinvestigationeasier,”Youngreplied.

Gambro hung his head. He realized that the game was up and shrugged. “It was HowieBarker.HepretendedtobeatravelagentnamedHenryClark.”

“AndwhowaylaidRoscoeandstoleMrs.Richards’slimousine?”Bessinquired.

“HowieandLeftyCadwell.Itoldthemthatwasastupidthingtodo.Theyhadtroublegettingridofthecarandfinallyputitinmygarage,”Gambroreplied.

Georgeasked, “When Icameonstageatyourshow inNewYork,whywouldn’tyou letmestay?”

“AfterHowietriedtosellyourfriendspaceintheMainehotel,hetoldmeyouwerestayingwithMissEloiseDrew.I’dreadaboutNancyDrewandbecamesuspicious.SomehowHowiefoundoutyouknewMrs.Richards.Icalledherhousekeeperandsheconfirmedthatyougirlsweredetectives.”

“WhorammedourtaxiinNewYorkwhenweleftmyaunt’sapartment?”Nancyquestioned.

“Oneofmyco-workers,”thesleightofhandmanadmitted.“Hewassupposedtokeepaneyeontheplaceandscareyouenoughsoyou’dgobackhome.Unfortunately,hedidn’tdoagoodjob.»

“YoualsohadpeoplewatchusinLosAngelesattheVetterhome!”GeorgeaccusedGambro.“Once a car followed us but we outmaneuvered it. And one of your men set a fire in the

Vetters’laundrywing!”

Gambronodded.“ToobadIhadsuchinefficientassociates,”hegrumbled.“Theirattemptstofrightenyouoffthecasealwaysfailed!”

Bessspokeup.“Whydidn’tyoureturnDoloresafterthefirstransomwaspaid?”

Theprisonerscowled.“Thatwasmywife’sidea.ShethoughtwecouldgetmoremoneyoutofSenoraMendez.Instead,wegotintoheapsoftrouble!”Hesenthiswifeasearingglance.

Sheretorted,“Wewouldn’thaveifyourmaninMexicoCityhadcollectedthesecondransomsowecouldleaveLosAngelesasplanned!”

“Howcouldhe?SeñoraMendezhadthecopsonhim!”

“Iknowtherewasahiddenmessageintheransomnote,”Nancyspokeup.“‘$100,000insackto8byX.’Whatdiditmeanandwhomwasitfor?”

“ItwasforourMexicancontactwhocollectedthemoney.HewastodeliverthesacktoHowieBarkeronthe24thofthismonth.”

“Thatwasyesterday,”Georgepointedout.“DidBarkergettheransommoney?”

Gambro suddenly realized that besides going to prison hewould also lose his share of theransom.Hebecamesulky.

“WhyshouldItellyouanymore?”hegrowled.“I’veconfessedtoomuchalready.”

Further questioning netted no more information, so two of the police officers took theirprisonerstoheadquarters.OfficerYoungremainedbehind.

Nancyaskedhim,“Woulditbepossibleforustosearchthehouse?Perhapsthe$100,000ishiddenhere.”

Youngsmiled.“You’reinluck.WhenwefoundoutthattheHoaxtershadleftthetheater,weobtainedawarranttolookforcluesinanysuspiciousplaces.Wehaven’tusedityet.”

“Terrific!”Nancysaid.“Let’ssplitupandsearcheveryinchofthishouse.”

Theyoungpeopleandthepoliceofficerexaminedeachroomandscrutinizedallthefurniture.AtonepointGeorgecriedout,“Comehere,everybody!I’vefoundthestolenvialofpoison!”

Theothersstaredatitinamazement.Bessexclaimed,“ThisisdefinitelytheoneEnzoScorpiostolefromMrs.Richards!”

“You’reright,”Nancyagreed.“Irecognizethefiligree.”

George added, “Enzo must have sold it to Sam Gambro, then tried to palm off a cheapimitationonSenorPedroa!Well,I’mgladEnzoisinprison,andMrs.Richardswillbehappytogethervialback.”

The searchwent onwith renewed interest.Ned found a letter indicating that the two conmen,HowieBarker,aliasRalphRafferty,aliasHenryClark,andLeftyCadwellwerestayingatahotel inSanFrancisco.The letter also revealed that thenameof the ransomcollector inMexicoCitywasAlfredoScorpio.HewasthefatherofEnzoandacousinofGambro.

“NowIgetit!”Georgecriedout.“EnzogotintouchwithGambroandsoldhimthepoison!”

Theofficeragreed.“I’llrelaythisinformationtoheadquartersatonce!”

Whilehewasbusy, theyoungpeoplecompleted their search.Nothingmore turnedup,andthehidingplaceoftheransommoneyremainedamystery.

NancysuggestedthattheyleaveandtakeDolorestotheVetters.Ontheirwayout,shehadanidea.

“Let’stakealookatMrs.Richards’slimousinewhichissupposedlyinGambro’sgarage,”she

suggested.

OfficerYounglockedthefrontdoorandeveryonewenttothegarage.Mrs.Richards’scarwasthere,withthekeysunderthefloormat.ThegroupsearcheditquicklyandNancyaskedNedtoopenthetrunk.Therewasnothinginsideexceptthesparetire.Nedlifteditout.Asacklayunderneath!

ExcitedlyNancypulledthedrawstring.Bundlesofmoneyfellout!

“Theransom!”sheexclaimed.“Dolores,we’vefoundyourgrandmother’smoney!”

The littlegirlclappedherhandsandNancyscoopedDoloresup inherarms.Everyonewasoverjoyedtohaverecoveredthe$100,000,whichwasquicklycounted.Allofitwasthere.

Officer Young asked, “Will you giveme a ride to headquarters? I’m sure the chief will besurprisedwhenIwalkinwithallthismoney!”

WhenNancyandher friends arrivedat theVetters’ house, the couple,who spokeSpanish,immediatelymadelittleDoloresfeelwelcome.Everyoneplayedgameswithherandmuchtothechild’sdelightamealwasservedconsistingpartlyofMexicandishes.

Whiletheywereeating,Daveasked,“Nancy,haveyouthoughtofanameforthismystery?”

Thegirldetectivewassilentforafewmoments,thenreplied,“Yes.I’llcallitTheTripleHoax.ThefirstonethattheHoaxterspulledwastodefraudMrs.Richards.ThesecondonewastokidnapDolores.”

“Andthethird?”Nedasked,puzzled.

Nancygrinned.“Youperpetratedthethirdhoaxwhenyouwentuponstageattheshowandpermittedyourwallettobetaken.Fromthepaperinsideweobtainedthefingerprintsofthesleightofhandmanwhichwoundupthecase.”

SecretlyNancywondered if shewould ever have another case towork on.But a newone,calledTheFlyingSaucerMystery,wassoontocomeherway.

Thatevening,NancyreceivedasurprisetelephonecallfromthechairmanoftheconventionofU.S.detectives.

“Weunderstandthatyouandyourfriendsareamateursleuths,”hesaid.“Wewouldlikeyoutoattendourbanquettomorrowevening.”

Theyoungpeopleweredelightedwith the invitation. “Wehavea littlegirlwithus,”Nancysaid.“Willitbeallrighttobringheralong?”

“Indeeditwill,”thechairmanreplied.“We’llexpectyouallatseveno’clock.”

The next dayNancy, George, and Bess boughtDolores a complete new party outfit. At sixthirtythegrouptookalimousinetaxitothebanquethall.

The headwaiter checked the visitors’ names at the door, then led them through amaze oftables.FinallyhepointedtowhereNancyandherfriendsweretosit.Theystoppedshortinamazement.

Alargegroupwasgatheredatthetable,includingMr.Drew,HannahGruen,AuntEloise,Mrs.Richards, the Vetters, Senora Mendez, and a couple who were introduced as Dolores’sparents.“Surprise!”theycriedasthelittlegirlrushedtoherfamily.

Nancy’s face wore a broad grin. “How wonderful!” she said. “Who arranged this get-together?”

Her father said the chairman had learned from the police thatNancy and her friends haddoneafinejobsolvingthemystery,andthedetectiveswantedtoshowtheiradmiration.

During dinner, everyone chatted gaily. Mr. Drew said that the two checks sent to thesuspiciousmailorderhouseshadbouncedasexpected.

“Thosecompanieswerephonyand theirofficershavebeenarrested.Theywerepartof thewidespreadHoaxteroutfit.”

Whenthemealwasover,thechairmanstoodupandgaveaspeechthatmadeNancyblush.Hedescribedtheyoungsleuths’workinuncoveringtheillegalschemesoftheHoaxtersandthe con men, all of whom had been apprehended. Then he mentioned the missing vial ofpoisonthathadbeenrecoveredandthearrestofEnzoScorpioandhisfather,Alfredo.

FinallyheaskedDolorestostandup.HetoldtheaudiencehowshehadbeenkidnappedandthatNancyDrew,withthehelpofBess,George,andtheirfriendsfromEmersonCollege,hadfoundthechildandrestoredDolorestoherfamily.

“Nancy,wedetectiveswantyoutohavesomethingtoshownotonlyouradmirationbutourthanks for such a wonderful job,” he declared and reached down alongside his chair. Hepulledupaframedawardstatingexactlywhatthegirldetectivehaddone.

“Howmarvelous!Thankyou!”sheexclaimed.

Ashepresentedittoher,therewasloudapplause,astandingovation,andwildcheeringfromNancy’smanyadmirers.