The Mystery of the Fire Dragon - Carolyn Keene [28]
“I’d like to go on the flight,” Nancy said. “And, Dad, I wish that you would go along in the first-class section. You could look over the passengers to see if you think any of them might be suspects.”
After a pause, Mr. Drew said, “I believe I could leave here in a couple of days. That would work out very nicely. I really should get to Hong Kong to interview the heirs involved in that contested will I told you about.”
After further conversation, father and daughter agreed that it might be wise if the two traveled as if they were strangers.
“I’m sure,” the lawyer added, “that the plan will work out to good advantage.”
Nancy said she had another request to make. “I’d love to have Bess and George accompany us.”
Mr. Drew approved this idea at once. “The girls will not only help you, but may prove to be a safety factor. I’ll phone the Marvins and Faynes and find out if they’ll give permission.”
“Wonderfull” Nancy exclaimed. Then she giggled, saying as she had done ever since she was a little girl, “I’ll keep my fingers crossed!”
“I suppose,” said Mr. Drew, “that you will want to make your own reservations through Columbia University. I’ll let you know the result of my calls to Bess’s and George’s families. Then you can borrow money from your Aunt Eloise to purchase the tickets.”
“And I’ll notify Ned Nickerson of our coming,” Nancy added. “He can arrange accommodations for us in Hong Kong.”
“A good idea,” Mr. Drew approved. “But I think I had better do this, in case you’re being watched. One of the gang might pick up the information.”
“All right, Dad.”
Within an hour Mr. Drew called back to say that Bess and George had been given permission to go on the trip.
Nancy’s chums were elated. “Oh, boy!” George cried. “If Chi Che is in Hong Kong, what a ball we’ll have while finding her!”
“Yes,” said Bess. “But we just must save some time to buy clothes there.” Then she twinkled. “Do you suppose Ned will bring along a couple of dates for George and me?”
George grinned. “He probably will. But maybe you’d better go on a diet, Bess. Your huge appetite may frighten the boys away.”
The other girls laughed. “Oh, George!” What had started out to be a worrisome evening now took a turn of merriment. Nancy used the kitchen phone to call Lily Alys, and asked her to get plane reservations for the three girls in the tourist section of the Hong Kong flight.
“This is very exciting,” said the Chinese girl. “I hope you have a wonderful time and solve the mystery also. I shall find out at once about getting seats on the plane and call you back.”
For the second time that evening Nancy received good news. The three seats were available. Lily Alys told Nancy where at the university she could pay for the reservations.
“There is only one possible worry,” the Chinese girl said. “If any Columbia students wish to make last-minute reservations, you will have to give up the seats.”
“I understand,” said Nancy. To herself, she added that she would cross her fingers!
Bess and George declared they too fervently hoped that their trip to Hong Kong would not have to be canceled. As the girls prepared for bed, they discussed the clothes they would need.
“I guess,” Nancy decided, “the clothes we have with us will be plenty for the trip. We’ll be buying more abroad, anyhow.”
“Isn’t it fortunate that we all had vaccinations recently?” Bess said happily.
“It certainly is,” Nancy agreed. “And I’ve heard that it’s possible to obtain passports right here in New York in case of emergency! I’m sure Captain Gray will certify to the emergency for us.”
As Aunt Eloise and her three guests were preparing breakfast in the kitchen the next morning, Nancy said, “I’d like to go to Chinatown once more and see if I can pick up any further clues in the mystery.”
“Suppose we go this evening and have dinner,” Miss Drew suggested. “There is a delightful restaurant only two doors from that shop where you found the fire-dragon stationery, Nancy.”
This plan