Part 18 (1/2)
Summoning her courage, she called Deer Mountain Hotel and asked to speak with Mr. Martin Bartescue.
”It will be just my luck for him to be out,” she thought anxiously.
Half a minute later she heard the man's voice at the other end of the line.
”h.e.l.lo, who is it?” he demanded, as Nancy, overcome by nervousness, remained silent.
”This-is-Miss Judson,” Nancy stammered, trying to speak in a nasal tone.
”Your voice doesn't sound natural.”
”I have a bad cold.”
”What is it you wish, Miss Judson? You know it isn't a good idea to call me here.”
”I must speak with you about a very important matter. Can you meet me tonight?”
Bartescue grumbled, ”I suppose so. Where shall we meet?”
”The same place and time as before.”
”What's the matter with 2 B X Gardenia?”
Nancy was puzzled by the question, and for a moment could think of nothing to say. She did not have the slightest idea as to what 2 B X Gardenia could mean. In sheer desperation she mumbled into the telephone, ”Nothing but the weather,” and hung up before the man could reply.
As Nancy walked to the bus stop, she felt excited but also scared. Had Martin Bartescue guessed who was calling? Was 2 B X Gardenia a code for a meeting place? And if so, where was it?
CHAPTER XII.
Stranded!
THE telephone conversation had served Nancy's purpose-it convinced her that Margaret Judson and Martin Bartescue could be working together in some nefarious business.
”I must follow Barty,” she said to herself, ”and find out where he goes.”
Nancy returned to the hotel and explained her plan to Bess and George. ”I'll borrow Ned's car and trail Barty when he leaves for his appoint ment with Margaret Judson.”
Ned had given Nancy his key in case she wanted to use his car. Fortunately it was parked near the hotel exit and was ready to be driven out at a moment's notice.
”How about coming along?” Nancy asked her friends.
”You couldn't leave us home,” George replied.
The girls went to dinner. They were pleased that Bartescue was in the dining room so they could keep an eye on him. Before Nancy, Bess, and George were half through dinner, Barty abruptly rose and left.
”No dessert tonight,” Nancy said hurriedly to the waiter. ”We must leave now.”
The three girls reached the lobby in time to see Barty depart by the front door.