The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints - M. V. Carey [43]
“And in comes the general.”
“Yes. A thoroughly distasteful person. However, all this speculation does not bring us any closer to helping our client, Tom Dobson. It seems clear that someone who knows the family history of the Kerenovs, and the tale of the flaming footprints in the haunted castle, is trying to frighten Mrs Dobson and Tom out of the house. There can be only one reason for this. They believe that there is something of value in the house.
Now, Mrs Dobson knows nothing of the Kerenovs and she has a remarkable stubborn streak, so she refuses to move. If we can persuade Mrs Dobson and Tom to leave the place and return to the Seabreeze Inn — or perhaps even go into Los Angeles — we may see some action more significant than flaming footprints.”
“Like baiting a trap,” said Pete.
“Yes, except that in this case, the trap must be empty. Mrs Dobson and Tom cannot be in the house. The two men at Hilltop House have not made a move since she arrived, and the man who calls himself Farrier has done nothing more effective than to attempt to have coffee with Mrs Dobson. And of course The Potter remains among the missing.”
“So we get Mrs Dobson to move out, and then we watch,” said Pete.
“That’s right. We will have to be very careful.”
“You will have to be very persuasive,” said Pete. “There are times when Mrs Dobson reminds me of your Aunt Mathilda.”
Chapter 16
The Trap Is Sprung
IT WELL AFTER seven when The Three Investigators reached The Potter’s house. Pete pounded on the front door and Jupiter called out to identify himself.
Young Tom Dobson opened the door. “Your timing is perfect,” he said. “Come on in.”
The Investigators trailed after Tom to the kitchen, where Mrs Dobson sat in one of the straight chairs and watched a pair of green flames flicker and die out on the linoleum near the cellar door.
“You know,” she said, without much emotion, “this sort of thing loses its shock value after a while.”
“Where were you when it happened?” asked Jupiter.
“Upstairs,” said Mrs Dobson. “Something went ‘bang’ and Tom came down to see what, and there were some more of these nice, cheering footprints.”
“Want to search the house?” Tom Dobson invited. “I was about to do that when you guys showed up.”
“I doubt that we would learn anything new,” said Jupe.
“We’ve already searched it,” put in Pete. “And so have Chief Reynolds’s men.”
“Have you had any news from the chief, incidentally?” Jupiter asked.
“Not a word,” said Eloise Dobson.
“Mrs Dobson,” said Jupe, getting quickly to the main purpose of his visit, “we think you should leave here — and the sooner the better.”
“I will not!” said Mrs Dobson. “I came to see my father, and I am going no place until I do see him.”
“The Seabreeze Inn isn’t far,” suggested Bob gently.
“Aunt Mathilda would be glad to put you up for a night or two,” offered Jupiter.
“You wouldn’t have to leave Rocky Beach,” urged Pete. “Just leave this house.”
Mrs Dobson glared at the three of them. “What’s up with you three?” she demanded.
“Hasn’t it occurred to you that someone is trying to frighten you out of here?” said Jupiter.
“Of course it has occurred to me. I would have to be the world’s champion dimwit for it not to occur to me. Well, I don’t scare that easy.”
“We believe that the person who is creating the flaming footprints is not simply a trickster,” said Jupiter. “Whoever he is, he knows a great deal about your father, and about your father’s family history. He knows more than you do — although he cannot suspect how little you really have been told. It is our theory that he wants a clear field.
He wants to search this house without interruption. We suggest that you give him the opportunity. Move out now, while it is still light. Give him a chance to see that you are going. Then drive down to Rocky Beach and remain there. Pete, Bob, and I will watch to see what takes place after you leave.”
“You can’t mean that!” cried Mrs Dobson.
“We do,” said Jupiter.
“You want me to clear out and let this oddball who’s been