The Mystery of the Masked Rider by Carolyn Keene

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

10

Bound for Trouble

“First the mask, now the yarn,” Colleen said, frowning. “I’d say that’s plenty of proof that the San Marcoses are up to no good. Maybe I was wrong about them wanting Nightingale. Maybe the only thing they want is to see her out of the show.”

Nancy was ready to agree. But a little voice inside was telling her that, twice now, the physical evidence had been too easy to find. “Unless someone planted the yarn to make them look guilty,” Nancy said slowly.

“What are you guys doing grubbing around in the straw?” a deep voice said above them.

“Phil!” Colleen jumped to her feet. “I thought you were going to study.”

“Nah.” Phil ran his fingers through his dark hair. “Maybe I’ll try after lunch.”

As Nancy slowly stood up, she casually checked Phil out. His hair was still wet from a shower, and his dark eyes were wide awake. He didn’t look as though he’d been up half the night to let out the horse, but still . . .

“So what’s with Sleeping Beauty?” With a grin Phil pointed into the extra stall. Bess was curled up in a tight ball, a silly smile on her face.

“I’d say she was dreaming about Prince Charming,” Nancy said with a laugh. She went in to wake up her friend while Colleen told Phil about Nightingale getting loose.

“Ummm.” Bess sat up and stretched. “I slept great.” When she saw Colleen and Phil talking in the doorway, she stopped in midstretch. “What time is it, anyway? You guys look like you’ve been up for hours.”

“It’s eight. Time for breakfast,” Nancy told her. She looked back at Phil, trying to read his expression as Colleen finished telling him about Nightingale almost escaping through the open gate. His mouth was set in a grim line.

Colleen turned to Nancy and Bess. “You two need to get something to eat,” she urged. “Phil and I will take over. I’m going to give Nightingale a light workout, then a bath.”

“Bath.” Bess groaned. “That sounds wonderful.”

Colleen tossed Nancy the truck keys and the key to the motel room. “Your suitcases are in two-oh-six. And don’t use all the hot water,” she added with a laugh.

• • •

Three hours later Nancy was at the warm-up ring, watching Colleen school Nightingale over several of the practice jumps. A dozen ponies and their young riders were waiting by the arena gate for the next competition to begin.

Earlier, Nancy and Bess had showered, changed, and eaten a late breakfast. Bess had decided to hit the shops on the concourse again. Nancy wanted to keep her eye on Nightingale.

As Nancy watched, Nightingale trotted past and Colleen waved. The mare’s chestnut coat gleamed, and her white socks sparkled. As she cantered around the ring, her ears were pricked eagerly. Her strides were so smooth and light that she seemed to be floating.

Nancy held her breath as Colleen turned Nightingale toward a high set of poles. Without hesitation, the mare boldly took off. Tucking her front legs tight against her chest, she cleared the fence by a foot.

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