The Mystery at Lilac Inn Page 3

  Nancy smiled ruefully. “I realize that.” She was more convinced of this than ever when the sales slips were brought to the office. The forgery was excellent. Nancy’s impersonator must have carefully practiced the signature on the charge plate.

  Mr. Goldsmith sighed wearily. “I’m sorry, Miss Drew, about this whole matter, and that I suspected you of dishonesty.”

  “That’s all right,” she replied. “The main thing is to track down the culprit and get back your stolen property.”

  She asked the clerks what her “twin” had been wearing. “It was a lovely light-blue dress,” replied Mrs. Reilly. “Printed silk, with white flowers.”

  Nancy gasped. “I have a dress like that. And I don’t remember seeing it in my closet today.”

  “The woman no doubt took it,” the police chief said, frowning. “Nancy, be very careful. This impersonation may mean not only annoyance, but possible danger for you.”

  Mr. Goldsmith promised that Burk’s private detective and all the store’s sales personnel would be on the lookout for Nancy’s unknown double.

  As the young sleuth left the store with Chief McGinnis, she said to him, “I wonder if this person actually is my double or is only cleverly made up to resemble me.”

  The officer frowned. “If it’s the latter, the thief will be harder to catch. She may not pose as Nancy Drew again for some time. But I’ll have my men start working on the case from every possible angle.” He admitted that no clues to the thief at the Drew home had been found. “I’ll post a twenty-four-hour guard at your home.”

  “Good,” Nancy said. “Hannah will feel much better, since I have to return to Lilac Inn this afternoon, and Dad’s away.”

  Nancy said good-by to the chief and hurried across the street to the employment agency. She wondered if by chance Maud Potter might still be there. But when Nancy entered the office, the only person there was the woman manager, seated at a desk.

  “Can I help you?” she asked Nancy.

  “I’m here at the request of the new owners of Lilac Inn,” Nancy replied. “Has anyone else been in to ask about a waitress to work out there?”

  “No.”

  As Nancy asked her next question, she was thinking, “Why was Maud in here?” Aloud she said, “Have you any waitresses on your list?”

  “Not at present. We’ll call you if any apply.”

  On impulse, Nancy asked her, “Could you tell me if you’ve ever had a Miss Mary Mason on your waitress list?”

  The woman opened a nearby file and flipped through a folder. “No, we haven’t.”

  Nancy thanked the manager and left the agency. When she arrived home and told Hannah the latest developments, the housekeeper was more upset than ever.

  “I feet in my bones that this impersonator is up to something sinister,” she declared. “I wish your dad were home.”

  “You’ll be safe here, Hannah,” Nancy said assuringly, and told Mrs. Gruen that a policeman would be assigned to guard the house. “And speaking of Dad, I’m going to call him right now and ask him if he took that picture of me with him.”

  “While you do that, I’ll fix some lunch for us,” Mrs. Gruen offered. “You must be starved. It’s two o’clock.”

  Nancy went to the hall telephone and a minute later was requesting the switchboard operator at the Cleveland hotel to ring Mr. Drew’s room.

  “Hello?” came the lawyer’s deep, resonant voice.

  “Hi, Dad! How good to hear you!” Nancy said happily.

  She gave him an account of the burglary and succeeding events. Carson Drew was greatly concerned. “Nancy,” he added in a troubled voice, “I didn’t bring your photograph with me. Your double must have taken it. She has already fooled four persons who don’t know you well. With the help of the picture, she may try something bolder,” he stated.

  “You think this girl has some ulterior motive. other than faking my charge account, don’t you, Dad?”

  “I’m afraid so. Be on your guard, Nancy. Try to stay with a group as much as possible, particularly after you return to Lilac Inn.”

  The lawyer added that he would be home the next day. “I’ll look into the whole affair then.”

  Nancy promised to be careful and said good-by. She and Hannah sat down and ate lunch. Finally Nancy said she had to pack and leave.

  “But first I’m going to try locating that waitress Mary Mason.” Nancy picked up the telephone directory and thumbed through it until she reached the M’s. She called two families named Mason, but each denied having a relative Mary.

  “Probably,” Nancy surmised, “Mary did not live in this area.”

  Deep in thought she went upstairs and took a suitcase from her closet. Nancy quickly placed additional garments in it, then gathered up her skin-diving equipment: green rubber fins, a diving mask, and an aqualung. Finally, Nancy packed a rubber suit which would insulate her body against the cold river water, and an underwater camera her father had given her.

  Nancy kissed Hannah good-by and got into her convertible. She drove to the Comings’ home and picked up Helen’s suitcase, then set out for Lilac Inn.

  Her thoughts revolved around the mystery out there and also on the problem of her impersonator. “No one could look enough like me to be absolutely identical. Why, even identical twins have distinguishing characteristics,” she told herself with a smile, “such as the shape of fingernails, voice tones, and facial expressions.”

  The late-afternoon traffic on the highway to Benton was becoming heavy. Nancy turned from the main road onto a very narrow, less-used one. Presently, in her mirror, she saw a red panel truck behind her coming along at an alarming speed. Nancy, at the same time, noted an arrow indicating a sharp curve ahead. She braked and motioned the truck driver to slow down.

  Either he did not see her signal, or was ignoring it. Instead of slowing down, the truck’s speed increased, as if to pass her. The curve was not wide enough for two cars to go side by side. On Nancy’s right was a deep ditch, filled with water.

  She had no choice but to start around the curve. To her horror, the other vehicle was already edging around her left fender. Nancy glimpsed a chrome eagle ornament on the truck’s hood.

  A split second later her convertible was forced over into the ditch!

  CHAPTER V

  Blackout!

  As NANCY’S convertible leaned precariously, its right wheels in the ditch, the panel truck roared on around the bend and out of sight. Nancy braked her car to a stop, thankful it had not turned over.

  “That driver ought to have his license revoked!” she thought indignantly. She knew it would be difficult to get out of the muddy ditch. “Well, I’ll have a try,” she decided. “Here goes!”

  She tried to rock the car gently back and forth to gain momentum. The right tires spun crazily and sank lower into the mire.

  Nancy tried again. No use. She feared it might be some time before a car would come along in this deserted area. Finally she decided to search for some objects to force under the right wheels for traction.

  Just then, Nancy heard an automobile approaching. “Thank goodness!” she murmured a moment later. “A State Police car.”

  It drew up and parked at the side of the road. A young officer hopped out.

  “Having trouble, miss?” he asked. “Lieutenant Brice, Benton State Police Barracks,” he said pleasantly.

  Nancy introduced herself, then explained. He asked if she had noted the truck’s license plates. “No,” she replied, but described the truck and the chrome eagle ornament on its hood.

  Lieutenant Brice said that if he found the truck, he would see that the driver was brought to court,

  “I have a tow chain in my car. I’ll try to pull you out. Keep the engine in gear.”

  Five minutes later the convertible was out of the ditch. Nancy thanked the trooper for his help, then drove off.

  It was almost six o’clock when Nancy pulled into the Lilac Inn parking lot. She went at once to the patio, where t
he Willoughbys, Maud, Helen, and John were gathered.

  “I’m glad you could return in time for supper, Nancy,” said Mrs. Willoughby.

  The others plied the girl detective with questions about the Drews’ burglar. Nancy gave an account of her day’s experiences, concluding with the reckless truck driver.

  “Why, how terrible!” Emily exclaimed.

  “The nerve of someone impersonating you!” Helen bristled.

  Nancy smiled wryly. “I’d certainly like to know what the girl’s purpose is.”

  Abruptly, Maud changed the subject. To Emily she said, “I dropped into the Empire Employment Agency this morning. A waitress walked in to apply, so I told her to report here tomorrow for an interview. Her name is Jean Holmes.”

  “But I asked—” Emily broke off when Nancy gave her a warning look.

  Maud evidently did not notice this, and added sweetly, “I knew another waitress was needed here. I just wanted to make myself useful.”

  “I see. Thank you,” Emily said coolly.

  Later, after Maud had excused herself to dress for supper, Emily burst out, “Maud makes me so angry! Why doesn’t she tend to her own job!”

  “Don’t pick on her, dear!” Mrs. Willoughby retorted. “She’s had a hard enough time lately.” Rising, Emily’s aunt said she wanted to confer with Mr. Daly and went off.

  The four young people were left alone. Nancy asked Emily how Maud had been chosen as social director for Lilac Inn.

  “Aunt Hazel asked us to,” Emily replied. In a whisper she added, “I wish Maud would concentrate more on our recreational program. Nancy, why did you give me the high-sign?”

  Nancy told of having seen Maud enter the agency, and of being informed by the manager later that no one had inquired about a waitress.

  Emily sighed. “I’ll be so glad when Dick gets back. Especially if any more strange things happen around here.”

  “Emily, you’ve nothing to worry about,” John declared. “Everything will be fine.”

  The young man stood up, saying he had a supper engagement in town. “Sorry I’ll miss the festivities, Emily. I’ll see your glittering gems later.”

  Emily, her face brightening, explained to Nancy that her aunt had planned a festive meal that evening. “To celebrate my receiving the diamonds.”

  “That’ll be fun,” Nancy said. “Helen, let’s go now and change our clothes.”

  The two girls took the suitcases from Nancy’s convertible. As they unpacked in the cottage and dressed, Helen discussed Nancy’s impersonator.

  “It’s positively creepy, Nancy,” she said worriedly. “Your double doesn’t sound like an ordinary thief.”

  The girls quickly finished dressing. Nancy had put on a pink sheath dress and pumps. Helen wore an aqua organdy. They went to the patio where Emily joined them a minute later. She said that Jean Holmes, the waitress, had arrived unexpectedly for her interview. The girl had explained that she had heard of a second position, and wanted to make a decision immediately.

  “Jean seems quite satisfactory,” Emily stated. “She’ll move in here tomorrow and start work.”

  Maud Potter joined the girls. “I’m so glad you approve my choice, Emily,” she said ingratiatingly. “Now, let’s have supper and see your diamonds.”

  Emily led the group to a small private dining room which opened off the larger room and overlooked a garden. They said good evening to Mr. Daly who stood just outside the connecting door.

  Mrs. Willoughby was waiting for them near an open window and greeted Emily with a “Happy Birthday in advance, dear!”

  “Oh, thank you, Aunt Hazel. Everything looks divine!”

  All the girls admired the table, set with gleaming silver, a creamy lace cloth, and a beautiful birthday cake surrounded by red roses for a centerpiece. Soft light from colonial wall fixtures completed the picture, as shadows danced on the old paneled walls.

  Emily’s aunt beamed. “I want everything to be perfect tonight,” she said.

  Mrs. Willoughby sat at one end of the table, her back to the open windows, Emily opposite her. By the time the main course was finished, it was almost dark outside. Then the candles were lighted on the cake and everyone joined in singing “Happy Birthday” as Emily blew out the candles.

  After dessert, Mrs. Willoughby asked Mr. Daly to close the door to the private dining room. The elderly man nodded understandingly and shut the door.

  Nancy realized what the sale of the diamonds

  would mean to Lilac Inn

  Mrs. Willoughby withdrew a white velvet jewel Case from her handbag. Getting up, she went to place it on the table before Emily, then returned to her chair. With a smile she said:

  “This is a wonderful moment for you, Emily dear—the inheritance from your mother. I only hope these gems will bring you happiness.”

  Nancy noticed that Emily’s hands trembled slightly as she opened the case. Everyone gasped. Against the white satin lining were the twenty diamonds which glowed and flashed.

  “Oh!” Emily exclaimed. “Aren’t they beautifull” She set the box on the table.

  Maud stared in fascination, and Nancy and Helen expressed their delight at Emily’s good fortune. Nancy realized what the sale of these gems would mean in financial assistance to Lilac Inn.

  Emily arose and gave her aunt a hug and kiss. “Oh, Aunt Hazel, you’re a love. I’m sure Mother would understand my wanting to use the gems for my future and Dick’s.”

  Suddenly the group was startled by a clattering crash from the adjoining dining room. Simultaneously, the lights went out. Nancy hurriedly rose and flicked the wall switch back and forth, but the room remained dark.

  “Mr. Daly,” called Emily, opening the door, “will you please check the fuse box in the cellar ?”

  “I will,” he replied. “I think a main circuit’s blown—all our lights are out.”

  “Oh, dear,” fretted Mrs. Willoughby. “What a trying bother!”

  “Yes. These old buildings are so undependable,” Maud said crossly. “Something’s always breaking down.”

  “This can happen in a modern one, too,” Nancy said in defense of Lilac Inn. Maud merely sniffed in annoyance.

  To everyone’s relief, John was heard shouting from the garden, “Hold everything! I’ll be right in!”

  But as John stepped through the open window, the lights came on again. The next instant Emily, returning to her chair, gave a horrified cry.

  “My diamonds! They’re gone!”

  The others gasped in disbelief. Hazel Willoughby, ash-white, stared at the place on the table where the velvet case had rested. Then she pitched forward in a faint.

  “Oh!” Emily sobbed fearfully.

  “Your aunt will be all right,” said Nancy, who had jumped up. Quickly she and Helen dampened napkins with ice water from the tumblers and applied these to the woman’s head and wrists. In a few seconds Mrs. Willoughby revived.

  “I’m sorry,” she apologized weakly. “Such an awful shock—the diamonds vanishing into thin air.”

  Emily insisted that her aunt go to her room and lie down.

  “I’ll be all right, dear. Really. What do we do now?” Mrs. Willoughby looked around helplessly.

  “We’d better keep this to ourselves,” John said. “Otherwise, dinner guests will be upset. I’ll check outside for prowlers. However, the thief didn’t go out this window.”

  Nancy decided to do some sleuthing for the thief in the building and hurried into the main dining room. The only guests were two elderly women, waiting to pay their bill. Nancy learned from them that the waitress Anna had accidentally dropped a tray, which caused the clattering noise just before the lights went out. The ladies were sure that no one else but Mr. Daly had been in the room at the time.

  Nancy next went into the kitchen, where the cooks and waitresses were cleaning up after the evening meal. The girl detective asked where each of them had been when the inn was plunged into darkness. All the women except Anna replied that the
y had been in the kitchen.

  Anna gave Nancy a curious look. “Why do you ask?”

  The young detective explained that Emily Willoughby wanted to be sure no one had been hurt by an unexpected fall during the blackout.

  Nancy left the kitchen and hurriedly went through the other first-floor rooms, but saw no one. As she walked back toward the private dining room, Nancy met Mr. Daly in the lobby. He told her that he had found nothing wrong with the lighting system.

  “I can’t understand what happened,” he said, then added, “I just heard from Emily about the missing jewels. How dreadfull”

  John came in at that moment and said he had found no prowler on the grounds. “By this time the jewel thief is undoubtedly far away,” he concluded.

  As Nancy returned with him to the private dining room, she was deep in thought. Logically, the only ones who could have taken the diamonds were she and her four dining companions! “But that’s absolutely unlikely,” Nancy told herself. She reported her findings to the others.

  Maud Potter’s eyes narrowed. “I suppose you think Emily should search us!” she said nastily to Nancy.

  “Maud!” Emily protested. “Nancy meant no such thing.”

  Maud paid no attention, but turned on Mrs. Willoughby, who was still pale. “You can blame yourself, Hazel—announcing in a public dining room this morning that you were going to get Emily’s diamonds!”

  “I know.” Mrs. Willoughby sighed. But Emily put a comforting arm around her, and gave Maud a look of disapproval.

  “Let’s all search this room,” Nancy proposed quickly. “We might find some clue.”

  Everyone but Maud readily agreed. She sat sullen-faced, while the others looked carefully in corners and under tables and chairs.

  Nancy herself was scrutinizing the area where Emily had sat. Suddenly her keen eyes spotted three tiny pale-purple lilac buds on the floor. One —two—three—she counted, then saw a fourth bud lying near the wall to the right of Emily’s chair. Aside from the centerpiece, there were no other flowers in the room.

  “How did lilac buds get in here?” Nancy mused. There was no sign of footprints near them.