Part 28 (2/2)
A Match of Wits
AT last Mark Wardell took a step toward his former fiancee.
”Margaret,” he murmured.
”Mark,” she replied and with a little sob threw herself into his arms. ”I've missed you so very much.”
Mr. Drew, Nancy, and Ned decided that the happy reunion should be private. They slipped quietly into Mr. Haley's bedroom and closed the door.
”If Margaret and Mark can just talk things over alone,” Nancy whispered to her father and Ned, ”I'm sure everything will turn out perfectly.”
”This plan of yours to reunite the lovers is fine,” Carson Drew replied gravely, ”but don't forget the stolen compact that was found in Margaret Judson's bra.s.s chest.”
Nancy laughingly pressed her fingers against her father's lips.
”Wait, Dad, until you've heard my story. I'm positive Margaret is innocent! She explained the whole matter to our satisfaction.” Ned nodded in agreement.
”I'd like to hear what she said,” the lawyer replied.
With a word now and then from Ned, Nancy related what she had learned from Margaret Judson. She was gratified to see that the information seemed to impress her father.
”In my opinion,” Nancy said, ”Mrs. Brownell and her mysterious friend are the suspects in this case,” she ended.
”You may be right, Nancy,” her father commented, ”but-”
There was no opportunity to say more just then because the door opened. Margaret and Mark stood there, smiling. They did not need to announce that their engagement had been renewed.
”I'll never be able to repay you for your kindness,” Margaret told Nancy, tears gleaming in her eyes. ”Ask any favor-”
”I have just one. Talk with my father about Mrs. Brownell and her friend, and give him as much information about them as you can remember.”
Mr. Haley, who had been sleeping soundly, stirred restlessly. Margaret Judson stepped forward to take the man's hand in her own.
”Is that you, Miss Margaret?” he asked.
”Yes,” she answered softly. ”You must try to get well.”
The man's eyes roved over her lovely face. ”I am so glad you came. But I have failed you. I tried. I could not find the box of jewels.”
”It doesn't matter now. The chest has been found so don't worry any more.”
With a sigh of relief the man closed his eyes and fell into a restful sleep. While Ned remained at the bedside, Mr. Drew and Nancy led Margaret Judson to the living room.
”I have no idea what became of Mrs. Brownell,” the young woman reported, ”but her friend, Mrs. Cartlett, annoyed me a few days ago at Hemlock Hall. I think perhaps she's staying there.”
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