004 The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene

Author:Carolyn Keene [Carolyn Keene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XI A Tip from a Waitress

settles it l I'm going to River Heights at once and i

talk to Mrs. Ernest Stonewell, the woman for j

whom she used to work." \

Nancy decided to tell Helen her plan, so the ]

two girls went out to the patio where she was J

reading. Nancy revealed her latest findings and J

told of her proposed trip. "Want to come?" she |

asked Helen. |

"No, thanks." Helen chuckled. "You work bet-J

ter alone. What a clue this is1 Maybe you'll comel

back with the mystery solved!" \

"Don't count on that." Nancy smiled. "Where is \

everybody?" ']

"John's at the burned cottage with the explosives expert. Mrs. Willoughby and Maud are up-; stairs." i

Nancy leaned toward Emily and said in a low voice, "I hope you won't mind my asking, but92 \

i

but does Maud Potter have anything to do with your not reporting the diamond theft?"

Emily sighed. "Well, yes. You've probably sensed, Nancy, that she seems to have some influence over Aunt Hazel."

Helen's eyes grew wide. "You mean Maud's sort of-blackmailing her?"

The bride-to-be looked unhappy. "I'm really not sure."

"And," Nancy conjectured, "you're afraid Maud has some knowledge of the diamonds that may involve your aunt if the theft is publicized?" "That's the feeling I have."

Before the girls could discuss the matter further, Maud herself came onto the patio. She sank into a chair. "Having a conference?" she asked sweetly.

"Yes," Emily replied promptly. "Nancy's going on a sleuthing trip to River Heights."

"Oh?" Maud's eyelids flickered. "You have what they call a `hot clue'?" she asked Nancy.

"I hope so," replied the young sleuth calmly. "Well, give my regards to your dad if you see him," Maud said airily.

Nancy rose. "I'd better get started. I'll pick up more clothes for you and me, Helen." She laughed. "Then we can return yours, Em."

Suddenly the group became aware that Jean Holmes, dressed in street clothes, stood in the doorway. She smiled timidly and said:

"Miss Drew, I heard you say that you're going to River Heights. I need a few things I left in the room I shared in town with a girl friend." She turned to Emily, and asked permission to accompany Nancy and get them.

"All right," Emily said. "I trust you'll return in time to serve supper?"

"Oh, yes, Miss Willoughby. I'll take the afternoon bus back."

Nancy told Emily she herself probably would be back by evening.

"We'll be on pins and needles until then," Helen said.

Just before Nancy and Jean reached the convertible, Emily caught up to them. Drawing Nancy aside, she whispered, "I've been thinking -will you tell your father about my diamonds and the other incidents? Perhaps he can give you helpful advice. But please ask him to say nothing to the police, unless there's no other way out."

Nancy was delighted. She would feel much better if she could discuss this aspect of the case with her father.

In a few minutes she and Jean were headed for River Heights. Although Nancy had lost her handbag with wallet and driver's license in the fire, Mr. Drew had obtained special permission for her to drive until her new license was mailed.

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