Part 22 (2/2)
”It was anything but fortunate. In her escape Margaret lost the bra.s.s chest. She left a note for me at my uncle's cabin, saying that even though she loved me, she must break our engagement. I couldn't understand her actions then and I can't now. Why should she refuse to marry me just because the ring was lost? I'd be only too happy to buy Margaret another one.
”The ring was valuable, I admit,” he went on, ”but I'm sure Margaret knew me well enough to realize I wouldn't blame her for something that obviously wasn't her fault. People's tongues wagged. They said she set the blaze to collect the insurance. That was nonsense, because unfortunately the policy had lapsed. Oh, I hope nothing has happened to her.”
Nancy was tempted to tell Professor Wardell she believed Miss Judson was in the vicinity of Deer Mountain. But before revealing any information about the young woman, she decided to consult her father.
”After you've visited your uncle a few minutes I want you to come with me to Deer Mountain Hotel,” Nancy said, ”and meet my father.”
”I'll be delighted to talk with him,” the professor said, ”especially since I want to thank him for being so kind to my uncle. I must confess, however, that I don't know his name or yours either, for that matter.”
Nancy enjoyed the man's look of astonishment as she replied with a smile, ”I happen to be the girl who asked you to call at Deer Mountain Hotel. My name is Nancy Drew.”
”You are Nancy Drew?” Professor Wardell exclaimed. ”Why did you send for me?”
”I found something which I think may belong to Margaret Judson,” she replied. ”I can't tell you any more now. You must discuss it first with my father,”
CHAPTER XV.
Gathering Evidence
THE professor did not press Nancy for a further explanation. After they had conversed a few more minutes, he asked if he might see Mr. Haley now.
”Go right in.” Nancy nodded toward the man's room.
Mr. Wardell found his uncle still asleep and returned to the living room.
Presently Ned, Burt, and Dave trudged in, eghausted by their attempt to repair the bridge. They told Nancy that while they had it anch.o.r.ed, considerable work would have to be done to make the bridge safe.
”You won't be able to cross the ravine to return to your hotel,” Ned told her. ”I'll drive you back.”
”Thanks, Ned, but that won't be necessary. I want you to meet Professor Wardell.” She pointed toward a dark corner of the room. ”He has offered to take me in his car, which is parked at the Judson estate.”
The stranger rose from a chair and came forward. As the boys were introduced, Ned glanced at the man with a puzzled look. He was wondering how Wardell had become acquainted with Nancy. Even her explanation that he was Mr. Haley's nephew did not lessen Ned's feeling of jealousy.
Nancy gave him a warm smile as if to rea.s.sure him. Then she asked Ned to take good care of the patient while she and the professor went to the hotel.
”I don't seem to be of much use at anything else,” Ned muttered, turning away.
During the drive to Deer Mountain Hotel, Nancy told her companion more about her father. The professor said he was eager to meet the lawyer.
When they reached the lobby, Nancy said, ”Will you, please, wait here while I go to Dad's room?”
He nodded and she went to the elevator. Nancy stopped a moment at George and Bess's room but the cousins were not there.
”Dad!” she cried, bursting in upon him. ”I'm almost certain that the carved chest I found in the ravine is Miss Judson's missing property! I've brought Professor Wardell here. He's her former fiance. I want you to talk to him.”
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