Mrs. Richards hesitated. Nancy felt sure that she was about to agree and grabbed the woman’s hand, squeezing it tightly.
Mrs. Richards understood. “I don’t want to sell it,” she replied.
“I can’t blame you,” he said with a smile. “If you’d like to find out if it’s genuine Florentine, I recommend you take it to a specialist on fifteenth-century artwork. The best man I know is at the Metro Museum in Washington, D.C.”
Mrs. Richards’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh? That’s a good idea. I’m planning to visit a friend in Washington.... I’m flying out tomorrow morning on the shuttle. I’ll certainly look up that man.”
Mr. Horner wrote the specialist’s name and address on a piece of paper, and handed it to Mrs. Richards. Then the group left the laboratory.
Nancy, Bess, and George returned to Aunt Eloise’s apartment. Again they read the two advertisements that Nancy had brought from Mrs. Richards.
George said, “Would it be a good idea for you to contact these places and wire the money?”
“If we do that,” Nancy said, “I’m afraid we’ll never hear from them, and our money will be gone. But here’s an idea. How about suggesting your scheme to the police to get evidence?”
“To do what?” George asked.
“Have a detective write from his home to the two companies and include checks that will bounce. When they’re returned, the police can see where the con men tried to cash them. They can contact the companies’ banks at once to find out more about the men and maybe get their addresses. One of the persons might be Howie Barker!”
George grinned. “Rubber checks! It’s a terrific idea.”
Nancy telephoned the chief who said the plan might work.
“Good thinking,” he added. “Thank you.”
When Aunt Eloise returned, she and the girls had dinner. Then George said, “Let’s see another Hoaxter magic show. This time I’d like to be a volunteer and go up on stage to watch their tricks.”
“I hope you learn more than I did,” Bess said.
When the moment arrived for people in the audience to join the artists on stage, George hurried forward and leaped up the steps. She was the first onlooker to arrive, but the sleight of hand man ignored her and selected ten other people.
“Sorry,” he said to the rest. “That’s all we can take.”
“But I was here first!” George objected. “I should have—”
The magician looked at her stonily. “Young lady, I’m sorry. Please return to your seat.”
George was tempted to argue further with the man, but he was already talking to someone else. Angrily she left the stage, wondering why he would not let her stay!
4
Airport Theft
When George returned to her seat, Nancy, Bess, and Aunt Eloise immediately asked her what had happened.
“The sleight of hand man wouldn’t let me watch the performance,” George replied.
“Why not?” Bess demanded.
George shrugged. “Maybe I’m not his type!”
Nancy frowned. “It’s my guess the Hoaxters know we’re amateur detectives and don’t want any of us close enough to see their tricks.”
“It’s possible,” George replied. “But I wonder how they found out who we are.”
Next morning after breakfast Nancy called Mrs. Richards to ask if she had heard any more about the travel agent who had swindled her. Trudie, the housekeeper, answered and said that Mrs. Richards had already left for Washington.
“Do you know if she had any news from the police?” Nancy asked.
“No, she hasn’t,” Trudie replied. “However, a man phoned yesterday afternoon and asked for you.”
“For me?” Nancy was surprised. “What was his name?”
“He didn’t tell me. He said he had a gift to deliver to Nancy Drew and asked if you were living here. Also what kind of work you do.”
“What did you tell him?” Nancy asked.
“The truth,” Trudie replied. “I didn’t see any reason not to. I said you and your friends were staying with your Aunt Eloise and that you were amateur detectives.”
Nancy caught her breath. She was disappointed that Trudie had given out this information.
“I told the man if he wanted to leave the present here I would see that you received it,” the housekeeper added.
Despite the fact that Nancy considered the matter most unfortunate, she remained calm. “Thank you very much,” she said. “When the package arrives, let me know.”
Nancy hung up and repeated the conversation to her friends. “I’m sure there’s no gift involved,” she declared. “Somehow the caller found out that we know Mrs. Richards, and he used the present as an excuse to inquire who we are.”
“Do you think he’s the same man who fleeced Mrs. Richards?” Bess asked.
“It’s possible,” Nancy replied.
“So he’s either a member of the Hoaxters or connected with them,” George put in. “That’s why they wouldn’t let me stay on stage last night!”
“I don’t believe he’s a member of the troupe,” Bess argued. “He’s more likely a con man. We’d better watch our step.”
George said, “What about Howie Barker?”
“None of the Hoaxters, according to the program, is called Barker,” Nancy explained. “But it could be an assumed name. And the performers are so made up during the show, we wouldn’t necessarily recognize him.”
She was thoughtful for a few moments, then added, “Why don’t we go to the matinee today and do some real sleuthing?”
“Good idea,” George agreed.
Bess asked, “How can we? They’ll remember us and most likely won’t let you on stage either.”
Nancy smiled. “I wouldn’t walk up from the audience. I’d rather try to slip in backstage. Perhaps I’ll find a clue there.”
As soon the group had had lunch, they taxied to the theater. As the cab pulled up, all of them were amazed to find the building deserted.
Nancy said to the taxi driver, “Do you know whether the performance has been cancelled?”
“I heard,” he replied, “that the show closed. The Hoaxters moved out bag and baggage.”
“That’s amazing,” George remarked. “We were here last night and no announcement was made.”
Nancy asked the man if he had any idea where the troupe had gone. He shook his head. “Do you want me to take you home again?”
Nancy decided to stay. She paid the driver and the girls got out.
“What’s on your mind?” Bess asked Nancy.
“I’d like to find out where the magicians went. I suggest we question restaurant and store owners in the neighborhood.”
The group divided. Bess and George began to inquire at shops, while Nancy checked the various eating places. When she walked into a luncheonette across the street, the hostess approached her and asked where she would like to be seated.
Nancy smiled. “Thank you, but I don’t plan to stay. I was wondering if you could give me any information about the Hoaxters who left so suddenly last night. Have you any idea where they went?”
The hostess shook her head. “I’ll ask the waitresses. Maybe one of them knows.”
She went to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with a pretty girl. “Susie, this young lady is trying to locate the Hoaxters. You say two of the magicians at dinner last night were talking about leaving.”
Susie nodded and giggled. “One of them gave me an extra large tip and said, ‘Here’s something for you to remember me by.’”
The waitress said she had expressed regret at his leaving and asked where he was going. “He whispered in my ear, ‘Don’t tell anybody, but our next stop is Mexico City.’”
Nancy smiled. “I’m glad you did tell us, Susie.”
The girl giggled again. “Oh, I’m sure he was only kidding about keeping it a secret, like I was kidding when I told him I’d miss him. I won’t miss him, only his tips! He always gave me more than anyon
e else.”
Nancy thanked Susie and the hostess and was about to leave when she noticed several luscious-looking cakes displayed on a glass counter near the door.
“Shall I take one?” Nancy asked herself. “Mm, I can’t resist. They look delicious.”
She bought a lemon layer cake, then walked out of the luncheonette. When she reached the theater where she was to meet Bess and George, the girls were not there. They arrived about ten minutes later.
Bess’s eyes went immediately to the cake box in Nancy’s hand. “Is there something rich and fattening inside?” She beamed.
“And it’s not for you!” her cousin replied quickly.
“Why, George Fayne, as if I—”
“I’ve had terrific luck.” Nancy interrupted the friendly squabble. “You’d never guess where the Hoaxters have gone.”
“Where?” Bess asked eagerly.
“Mexico City!”
George lifted her eyebrows. “If they skipped town, they sure made a big jump!”
The others agreed. All felt that the troupe’s sudden departure had not been planned.
“Do you suppose it was because of us?”
“I wonder,” Nancy replied.
The group hailed another taxi and went back to the apartment. When they entered, the telephone was ringing. Nancy dashed to answer it.
“Oh, Nancy, I’ve been trying for hours to get you!” It was Mrs. Richards. She was hysterical.
“What’s the matter?” Nancy asked.
“I’m beside myself! My vial of poison has been stolen!”
“When?”
“It must have happened at the airport in New York this morning. I had a long wait before my flight and dozed off in the lounge.”
“Oh, dear,” Nancy said. “Where are you now?”
“At my friend’s apartment in Washington. Her name is Mrs. Marian Greening. Better take her phone number down in case you want to reach me.” She gave the number, then said, “Oh, Nancy, what am I going to do? Not only is the vial valuable, but whoever stole it might not realize it contains poison and may harm himself or someone else!”
Mrs. Richards began to sob uncontrollably. Suddenly she gasped for breath.
“Mrs. Richards!” Nancy called out. “Mrs. Richards, are you all right?”
There was no reply, but Nancy heard a scraping noise. Then a man’s voice sounded over the phone. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll take care of her.”
The next moment the phone clicked. The man had hung up!
5
A Planned Accident
Nancy frowned. “That’s strange,” she muttered.
“What is?” Bess asked. She and George had rushed to their friend’s side and wanted to know what had happened.
Nancy repeated her conversation with Mrs. Richards, saying the last thing she had heard from the woman was a gasp. “Then a man told me he would take care of her and hung up.”
“Try calling back,” George suggested. “He could have been her friend’s husband.”
Nancy dialed the number Mrs. Richards had given her. No one answered.
“Maybe the man took her to the doctor,” Bess suggested.
“I don’t know,” Nancy said. “I’ll ask the police to check on her.”
She contacted the authorities in Washington and was connected with a captain. Quickly she explained the matter. “Could you send someone to Mrs. Greening’s apartment to see that Mrs. Richards is all right?” she requested.
“Sure will,” the officer said. “Please give me your name and number. I’ll call you back.”
A few minutes later the phone rang. Nancy answered. To her surprise, it was the Washington police.
“You’ve seen our friend already?” she asked, incredulous.
“No. I’m double-checking your story. We get so many prank calls, that whenever possible we confirm a complaint before sending someone out. An officer will drive to Mrs. Greening’s apartment now. You’ll hear from us soon.”
Nancy and her friends paced about the living room restlessly, wondering what was happening in Washington. Finally the young sleuth could stand it no longer. She dialed Mrs. Greening’s number. A policeman answered.
“This is Nancy Drew,” she said. “I’m so glad you got there. Did you find Mrs. Richards?”
“Yes. She’s right here. Apparently she fainted while speaking to you.”
“But a man picked up the phone and said he would take care of her,” Nancy pointed out. “Who was he?”
“A deliveryman who was putting food into the refrigerator while Mrs. Richards was talking to you.”
“Oh? But I called back right after he hung up, and there was no answer.”
“After Mrs. Richards fainted, he put her on the couch, then rushed down to Dr. Marsiono who has his practice on the first floor. Luckily the doctor was in and could come up. He revived Mrs. Richards. She’s all right now.”
“May I speak to her, please?” Nancy requested.
“One minute,” the officer said and handed the receiver to the woman.
Mrs. Richards was still upset about the theft. “I suppose I got so worked up that I passed out while I was talking to you,” she told Nancy.
“Will you be all right?” the girl asked, worried.
“Oh, sure. My friend will be home soon—as a matter of fact, here she comes now. What a surprise she’ll have, finding the police here! Well, my dear, thank you for your help.”
The following morning Chief Raleigh from the New York police asked the girls to come to headquarters. “We have news about the man Nancy Drew photographed,” he said.
Nancy promised to go at once. Aunt Eloise had already left for school. Bess and George accompanied the young detective.
When the girls walked out of the apartment building, they noticed a car parked not far from the entrance. The driver appeared to be sleeping since his head was bent low over the steering wheel.
“Funny place to take a nap,” Bess commented.
Just then a taxi drove up and the girls signaled for it to stop. They climbed in and Nancy gave the driver directions. He looked at her quizzically, but she volunteered no further information about their errand.
George noticed that the driver in the parked car had suddenly started his engine and was following the taxi. She wondered if this was on purpose.
Presently he drove up close behind them, then pulled out as if to pass. Instead, he deliberately sideswiped the taxi, whose right front wheel jumped the curb.
“Oh!” Bess cried out. She tumbled off the rear seat and hit her head.
Nancy, on the left side, got the full impact of the crash. Instinctively she braced herself on the backrest of the driver’s seat and escaped injury. George managed to avoid getting hurt, but like Nancy, she was badly shaken.
With trembling hands they pulled Bess up to the seat. “Are you all right?” Nancy asked worriedly.
“I—I guess so. My head hurts where I bumped it, though.”
“That man hit us on purpose!” Nancy declared angrily.
She looked out the window just in time to see their attacker rounding the next corner. Apparently there had not been enough damage to his car to disable it.
“Did you get his license number?” Bess asked hopefully.
“Yes,” Nancy replied. “Luckily he was still close enough when I looked out.”
George pointed to their driver, who was slumped over the steering wheel. He did not move and the engine was not running. Apparently it had stalled from the impact.
“He must be unconscious!” George exclaimed.
She jumped from the cab, opened the right front door, and slid across the seat. She tried to revive the driver but without success. Quickly she picked up the radiophone and called the taxi company. While waiting for a reply, she looked for the cab’s license that was posted on the dashboard.
“Hello,” she said after a man answered her call. “This is cab 52341. We were rammed deliberately by another car and Max Top
ping, the driver, is unconscious. Could you please notify the police and send an ambulance for him?”
The dispatcher promised to do so at once. A few minutes later the police arrived. Nancy gave them the license number of the car that sideswiped them and told the police what had happened.
Just then the ambulance pulled alongside the cab. Two men put the stricken driver on a stretcher, then carefully transferred him into their vehicle. Seconds later they were on their way to the hospital.
The police officers asked the girls where they were headed. When the men learned it was police headquarters, they offered to take them there.
In Chief Raleigh’s office, a stenographer recorded Nancy’s story. The young sleuth gave the details of the accident and signed the transcript. Shortly afterward a report came in saying the car which rammed the taxi had been stolen and was abandoned.
“That’s unfortunate,” the officer said. “We found only the owner’s fingerprints on the steering wheel, so the thief must have worn gloves. Obviously the accident was planned because there was only minimal damage to the side of the car. The driver either had a grudge against the cabbie or you girls. Can you shed any light on the matter?”
“As I told you before, we suspect Howie Barker to be a con man. But we haven’t found any new clues.”
The chief smiled. “We have, however. That’s why I wanted you to come down. We received a new picture in the rogues’ gallery that matches the photograph you’ve taken, Nancy. His full beard is one of his many disguises. The man is listed by the name of Ralph Rafferty. Originally he worked for the Francisco Insurance Company. He proved to be dishonest and went to prison for forgery.”
“But now he’s free?” Nancy asked.
“Yes. After being released from prison, Rafferty disappeared from the West Coast. He swindled someone out of a large sum of money in Chicago and is wanted again. Your clue will help us a great deal.”