The Mystery at Lilac Inn - Carolyn Keene [15]
“Will you show me the spot, please? I must have missed it too.”
John led Nancy to a clump of China-blue lilac bushes, and pointed out the place where he had found the case.
“The thief must have dropped this, but I can’t figure out why she didn’t come back for it,” John remarked.
“She may not have known until later that she had dropped it. By that time she probably was afraid of being caught,” Nancy replied.
Just then Emily came outside. She was beside herself with joy upon seeing the jewels.
“John, you’re a darling!” she cried. “Let’s go to the patio and tell the others.”
“Isn’t this wonderful?” Mrs. Willoughby exclaimed. “And none of the diamonds is missing!” she added, counting.
“Are you sure?” Maud gave John and Nancy suspicious looks.
Nancy was about to make a sharp retort but refrained. The social director seemed determined to be unpleasant, and the young sleuth decided to ignore her insinuating remark. John just looked amused.
“Aunt Hazel,” said Emily, “I think these jewels should be put in a safe place at once. Since I’m going to sell them, I think our jeweler friend in Benton, Mr. Fabian, is the person to keep them. And he can also make a new appraisal of the diamonds.”
Emily’s aunt nodded. “I’m so happy for you, dear.”
Emily continued, “I might sell a few of the smaller diamonds today. We need cash immediately to take care of some outstanding bills.”
Just then, Hank walked up to the group to tell Emily of the disappearance of the tools. The gardener asserted that he had conducted a thorough search.
An interested expression came over John’s face and he said, “I’ll search.” Nancy wondered if anything unusual lay back of his offer.
Everyone went inside to breakfast. When the meal was finished, Mrs. Willoughby said to Emily, “I’d ride in to town with you, but I have a headache.”
Emily insisted that her aunt rest. “Nancy and Helen will go with me, I’m sure.”
The girls said they would be happy to. At once Maud asked if she might join the group. “All right,” Emily said without enthusiasm.
Before they left, Nancy telephoned Hannah Gruen, reporting the loss and recovery of the diamonds and the finding of the charge plate. She chuckled. “Actually I’m out of a sleuthing job, Hannah, so I’ll see you soon.”
“But you haven’t found out who your impersonator is,” the housekeeper said. “She may keep on making trouble for you.”
“You’re right. I must find her. Now tell me about yourself.”
The Drews’ housekeeper reported an uneventful night and that a police guard was still posted at the house. “Your father wired he would be detained until tomorrow evening.”
“Well, I’ll be seeing you. ’Bye now.”
On the ride to Benton, Nancy and Emily decided it was best not to mention to the jeweler the disappearance of her diamonds the previous night. “Even though I have them back, exaggerated stories might still get around.”
When the group entered Fabian’s Jewelry Store, Emily asked to see the owner. The pleasant-faced man greeted her cordially and was introduced to the other girls. Then Emily opened her jewel case.
“My, what a lovely collection of stones!” Mr. Fabian exclaimed.
He picked up a small diamond and studied it closely. Frowning, he put on his jeweler’s eyepiece, examined the gem, then dropped it into the case. Diamond after diamond was scrutinized in this manner. Emily watched anxiously.
When Mr. Fabian put down the last gem he looked hard at Emily. “Is this a practical joke?” he asked. “These stones are only glass!”
Emily’s face blanched. Helen and Maud were speechless.
Nancy was dismayed. Had the thief planted fake stones for some sinister purpose? “What is it?” she asked herself.
The jeweler was saying, “These are excellent imitations, Emily. Where did they come from?”
“Why—er—they were my mother’s. I always thought they were real.”
“I’m sorry,” The jeweler smiled sympathetically, as he handed the case to Emily. Almost in a daze, she thanked him and the others followed her from the shop.
As they stood outside the store, Nancy and Helen tried to comfort their friend. “It’s