The Mystery of the Fire Dragon - Carolyn Keene [9]
Bess’s eyes sparkled. “And Chi Che will be released! Won’t that be wonderful!”
“I wish I shared your optimism,” said Aunt Eloise. “Just in case she should come home and try to get in, I’ll permit Nancy and George to finish the night in the Soong apartment.”
Bess went on, “Do you think the part of Chi Che’s note ‘Because I have found out that—’ meant the plan to steal the manuscript?”
Nancy shook her head. “Unless Chi Che returns home tomorrow morning, my answer would be ‘no.’ ”
Nancy and George slept fitfully the balance of the night. By seven o’clock they were wide awake. They were just about to go back to Aunt Eloise’s apartment when the Soongs’ door buzzer sounded. George jumped perceptibly. Without making a sound she formed her lips into the words, “Shall we answer it?”
Nancy shook her head. Beckoning to George to follow her, she led the way to the adjoining apartment, opened the hall door, and peered out cautiously.
Mr. Stromberg was standing at the Soong door!
Quickly and quietly Nancy Drew closed the door to her aunt’s apartment. In hushed tones she told George about the caller. “Just as well if Mr. Stromberg doesn’t find out where we’re staying,” she whispered.
Mr. Stromberg rang the buzzer again. Then, apparently deciding that no one was coming to answer it, he walked to the elevator.
“I suppose he came here to see why Chi Che hasn’t returned to work,” George remarked. “He sure gets around early in the morning.”
Nancy frowned. “I wonder how Mr. Stromberg got into the apartment house. He didn’t ring the downstairs bell to the Soong apartment.”
George shrugged. “Oh, well, someone was probably just going out the lobby door at the time he arrived, and that’s how he got in.”
Aunt Eloise and Bess were already up, and Nancy and George became conscious of the aroma of broiling bacon. They went into the kitchen and reported Mr. Stromberg’s visit.
“You were wise not to let him know where you are, Nancy,” her aunt praised her.
About an hour later the telephone rang. “Will you take it, Nancy?” Aunt Eloise requested. “I’m sorry I forgot to tell you. I must go out to an all-day teachers’ meeting.”
Miss Drew paused by the door long enough to learn that it was a call from police headquarters. Captain Gray was reporting that the fingerprints of the burglar had been checked with FBI records. “Whoever the thief was,” he said, “he has never been arrested.”
The captain went on to say that his men had checked every tenant in the apartment house with the superintendent and also the renting agent in charge of the building. “We’re sure the suspect doesn’t live there,” he stated.
“Thank you for letting me know,” said Nancy. “And I am still very much interested in this case. If you have any further news, I’d appreciate hearing from you.”
The officer chuckled. “I understand you are an amateur sleuth, Miss Drew,” he said. “I heard this from Dr. Gordon when he called up to give a report on Mr. Soong. It seems your aunt had been telling him about you.”
Nancy laughed. “I see I can’t keep that a secret. Well, now that you know, I hope you won’t mind if I try to solve the mystery, too.”
“The department would be delighted to have your help,” Captain Gray replied.
After clearing away the breakfast dishes, the three girls tidied up not only Aunt Eloise’s apartment but also Grandpa Soong’s. Time dragged as they waited hopefully for Chi Che Soong to return home. Near noon Nancy finally said:
“I’m sure Chi Che is still either being held prisoner or is in hiding. Whichever is true, we must find her! Let’s have a bite of lunch and then start our sleuthing.”
She turned to George. “Are you ready to play the part of Chi Che?”
CHAPTER V
A Convincing Disguise
“OF COURSE I’ll play the part,” said George Fayne.
“But I must admit that I’m getting butterflies in my stomach.”
The three girls decided to look through Chi Che Soong’s clothes for the dress Chi Che was wearing in the photograph Grandpa Soong