Part 14 (1/2)
The other girls had also been awakened. With Nancy leading them, they hurried to the door, beaming flashlights.
CHAPTER XI.
Problem in Jealousy
As the girls rushed from the farmhouse, a bright light was turned on them, almost blinding the group. They could hear running footsteps.
”What happened?” Julie Anne asked excitedly.
At that moment the glaring light was switched away from them and focused onto two fleeing figures. All the girls beamed their own flashlights and now could see Les who carried a powerful electric lantern. He made no attempt to dash after the men so Nancy hurried up to him.
”Let's catch them!” she suggested, and started to run.
Les held her back. ”No, it's too dangerous. Those men were going to kidnap you!”
”What!” cried Julie Anne who had rushed to their side.
Les explained that he had seen two figures approaching the house and hidden himself behind a bush to watch them. They had paused near him to talk in whispers.
Les went on, ”I heard one of them say, 'I've been casing the place. I know which is the Drew girl's bed. You wait here. I'll go in and put her in a deep sleep and carry her out.'
”'Right,' the other man said. 'She's been interfering with our plans long enough.' Then the first man said, 'Okay, Kit.' ”
Nancy and Julie Anne gasped. The other girls had crowded around and were exclaiming how dreadful it was.
”This place is really getting dangerous!” Claire Warwick said, eyeing Nancy scornfully.
Nancy had to agree and was sure now that she was the cause of it all. Perhaps she should not come back here after the towboat trip, but instead find some secret place to stay while she worked on the hollow oak mystery.
She asked Les to describe the men. The one who was called Kit fitted the description of the man who said his name was Tom Wilson. As before, he did not limp.
”But who was his companion?” Nancy wondered.
Les said he had decided at first to jump out at the men with his lantern and scare them away, but then realized he would be no match for them in a fight.
”I'm sorry we lost those would-be kidnappers,” he remarked.
Nancy thanked him. Forcing a smile, she said to the others, ”Tomorrow morning I'll be leaving and all your worries will be over.”
”I'm glad to hear that,” Claire Warwick said. ”I mean no offense, Nancy, but after all you're not an archaeology student and your detective work here has-”
”That will be enough,” Theresa spoke up sharply. ”I suggest that all you girls go back to bed.”
Claire looked angry and mumbled something about being treated like a child. But she followed the others into the house and went to her room.
Julie Anne put an arm around Nancy. ”Don't let her worry you, dear. n.o.body cares for Claire and I'm sure all the other girls like you. They'd be sorry to see you leave for good.”
Nancy smiled in appreciation. She slept a few hours, then was up before the rising bell.