Part 10 (2/2)
While the other girls were gathering their handbags and saying good-by, she found an opportunity to speak to Ned privately.
”Have you heard any news about the Raybolts?” she asked in a low tone.
”Not a word. They haven't been located yet.”
Nancy now hurriedly explained that she believed she had found the owner of the ring-Mr. Swenson.
Ned frowned. ”This may involve him as a suspect in the fire. What a shame! Mrs. Swenson and Honey are such nice people. I like that little girl a lot.”
”So do I,” Nancy admitted. ”I wish I could do something for them-mainly, prove Joe Swenson's innocent.”
”I think you've done a lot already. It's my turn now. Do you suppose they'd be offended if I left five dollars?”
”It would be a blessing, Ned. I don't believe they have a penny in the house. Why not hide it somewhere?”
”That's a good idea,” Ned said. ”Mrs. Swenson can't very well protest if she doesn't find it until after we're gone!”
Without being detected, Ned managed to slip one corner of the five-dollar bill under the vase of flowers on the table. Then they said good-by, promising to return for another visit.
Nancy had told Ned about the broken-down bridge, and the young man insisted upon accompanying the girls past the detour. They found that the smashed railing had been marked by warning lights. As soon as Nancy had crossed over in safety, Ned waved and drove on ahead.
”He certainly intends to look after you, Nancy,” Bess teased mischievously. ”Honestly, he has a terrible case!”
”Hus.h.!.+” Nancy retorted, but she was not displeased.
As they rode toward River Heights, she told the girls of her talk with Mrs. Swenson.
”Things are beginning to look black for her husband,” Bess declared. ”He certainly had a motive if Mr. Raybolt stole the patent to his invention.”
”All the evidence points that way,” Nancy admitted, ”and yet I can't believe he's guilty.”
”He'll be sent to jail if he is,” George stated flatly. ”What do you intend to do?”
”I don't know.” Nancy sighed deeply. ”I was never in such a quandary in my life! If he goes to prison, Mrs. Swenson and Honey will be without means of support-to say nothing of the family name being clouded.”
”But it isn't right to protect a criminal,” Bess insisted.
”He's innocent until proved otherwise,” Nancy reminded her friend. ”Before doing anything more, I'm going to have a long talk with Dad.”
By the time the girls arrived in River Heights, darkness had fallen. Nancy dropped her friends at their homes. When she reached her own house, she found Hannah tidying the kitchen.
”Isn't Dad home yet?” Nancy asked.
”No, he telephoned he wouldn't be back until late tonight.”
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