The Legend of the Lost Gold by Carolyn Keene

Author:Carolyn Keene
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aladdin

9

Nancy Accused

“Solved?” Nancy said in disbelief. “When did this happen?”

“Sheriff Jacobs just called,” Didi said. “Sam and Barney have been picked up and charged. It’s over, Nancy. The nightmare at Opa is over!”

“That’s wonderful, Didi,” Nancy said. “What are the Shaws charged with?”

“The Shaws?” George said, bursting into the cottage. “Sam and Barney? I’m glad they were found.”

Bess followed her cousin in and closed the door. She yawned loudly as she sank onto the footstool in front of the fire. Nancy signaled for quiet so she could hear Didi over the phone.

“They were charged with breaking and entering and destruction of property so far,” Nancy heard Didi say, answering Nancy’s question. “But there’ll be more.”

Nancy covered the receiver and quickly repeated to Bess and George what Didi had told her, then asked Didi, “Were they looking for Hubbard Wilson’s gold?”

“Yes,” Didi answered. “Their grandfather had been one of Hubbard’s mining buddies. They grew up hearing the legend about the prehistoric cave in Pico Cielo. The only reason they came to work here was because they knew the old cottage had been built by Hubbard. They figured it might have a map or some clue in it about Hubbard’s gold strike.”

“How did the sheriff know for sure that they were the ones who did the damage?” Nancy asked. “Did they confess?”

“Sheriff Jacobs got a tip,” Didi said. “Someone in the village overheard them bragging about how easy it had been to break into the cottage. They said they were determined to find Hubbard’s gold. When they were arrested, Sam told Sheriff Jacobs that they hadn’t meant to tear the place up, but they got mad when they didn’t find anything. As Barney said, they went a little nuts.”

“They sure did,” Nancy agreed. “And for nothing.”

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Didi said. “Barney cut Bess’s saddle strap. He thought you three were snooping around and getting too close, so he tried to discourage you.”

“Well, it didn’t work,” Nancy said. “That must be why they ambushed me in the woods. Did Sheriff Jacobs ask them about the television cable that fell into the pool?”

“Yes, he did,” Didi answered. “But they said they don’t know anything about that. Cal’s probably right. Some animal must have bitten through it.”

Nancy thanked Didi for her call, then hung up. She repeated the last part of the conversation to Bess and George.

“Well, I’m glad that’s over,” Bess said, yawning as she walked back to the bedroom. “Now maybe we can have a real vacation.”

“Maybe,” Nancy said. “I’m not so sure.”

George followed Bess to the bedroom and Nancy climbed the ladder to her sleeping loft. In spite of her lingering doubts, she was asleep in minutes.

• • •

Saturday was bright and clear—a perfect day for the outdoor festival, Nancy thought as she looked at the picture-perfect view from the living room window. The ocean looked calm and peaceful. She set out juice and rolls for a light breakfast.

“I’m still full from the campfire supper,” George said as she emerged from the bedroom a short while later.

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