The Mystery at Lilac Inn - Carolyn Keene [29]
Mr. Drew leaned forward in his chair. “Of course,” he said, “Emily should report her entire story to the police. If Maud Potter does hold a threat over Mrs. Willoughby, she’ll be dealt with by the law.
“Frankly I’m more alarmed about the spear throwing and time bomb than any other angle to the case, Nancy,” Mr. Drew said somberly. “You and Helen are in constant danger.”
Nancy said she realized this. “I’ll be on my guard every minute,” she promised. “And keep my eyes and ears open for any more ‘blue pipe’ messages.”
The young detective went across the room to hug her father. “Dad, it’s so helpful to talk everything over with you.”
Mr. Drew looked at his daughter keenly. “There’s something else on your mind. Want to tell me?”
He had observed a troubled expression come over Nancy’s pretty features. Now she replied, “Yes. Dad, what’s your impression of Sergeant John McBride?”
“I think he’s a fine, intelligent young man,” Mr. Drew said. “And seems to be quite taken with you,” he teased.
Nancy’s face remained serious. “I like him, too. But—well, Helen has a feeling he’s at the inn for some other purpose than just helping Em and Dick.”
Mr. Drew shook his head. “Nancy, don’t worry. John may have his own reasons for being at Lilac Inn. But I firmly believe he’s not mixed up in any jewel theft!”
With a smile Nancy said, “You’re such a good judge of character. I knew you’d relieve my mind.”
The lawyer then advised his daughter, despite Emily Willoughby’s concern, to phone Chief McGinnis and tell him the whole story.
“He can use his own judgment on how to proceed. Also, he can dismiss the police guard at our home.”
Nancy put in the call and gave the chief a detailed report, including the appearance of the stolen red truck in Dockville.
“I’ll notify the authorities there at once,” he said.
She inquired if there were police records of Dorothy Mary (Dotty Mae) Mason, Maud Potter, or any of the gardeners at Lilac Inn.
“I’ll check.” When the officer returned to the phone, he said, “No, Nancy. Nothing.”
She promised to keep in touch and hung up. The girl’s thoughts spun from subject to subject. Suddenly a daring plan popped into her head. “I’ll try it!” Nancy decided.
Again she picked up the telephone. This time she dialed Lilac Inn. Emily answered.
“I think I’m making progress,” Nancy told her friend. “I may not see you until tomorrow morn ing. Will you explain to everyone?”
“Of course.” Emily then said happily that Dick had arrived. Her fiancé had learned from the explosives expert that the cottage fire definitely had been caused by a time bomb. The police were still working on the case.
Nancy said good-by, and mentally rehearsed her plan. “I’ve had sleuthing adventures before,” she thought. “But this will be the first time I’ve impersonated a ‘ghost’!”
CHAPTER XIII
The Guard’s Mistake
WHEN Nancy confided to her father the idea of impersonating the ghostly woman in the lilac grove, Mr. Drew looked dubious.
“I think it’s risky, Nancy. And also, how do you know any of the gang is going to see you?”
“I don’t. I only hope so. But, Dad, if I’m convincing enough, someone may call me by her name, and I may learn to whom she was signaling, without raising suspicion.”
Reluctantly Mr. Drew gave his consent. “If anything goes wrong, scream as loudly as you can.”
“I will. But I intend to do a good acting job,” Nancy assured her father.
Right after supper she went to the attic and opened a storage trunk. From it Nancy took out a white evening dress, long-sleeved and flowing. A further search disclosed a black wig she had once used at a costume party, and a transparent white scarf.
“Just the props I need,” Nancy thought.
Returning to her room, Nancy tried on the hairpiece. To her satisfaction it completely hid her own hair. Next, she wired pocket-size flashlights to the cuff of each sleeve of the gown.
“These provide a glowing effect,” she thought.
Nancy packed the wig and dress in her suitcase. Then she went