The Clue Of The Velvet Mask Part 20

That evening when Ned called for Nancy she floated downstairs in a sheer yellow formal with gold accessories.

"What a doll!" exclaimed her handsome escort. "All ready for fun!"

"Maybe trouble, too," said Nancy and reminded him that it was the twenty-eighth, one of the dates in the hood. But her worry was needless. No robbery took place.

On Monday morning she went to see Mr. Lightner. He was in excellent spirits.

"The wedding on Friday, Miss Drew, went off like clockwork. No thefts or even attempted ones."

"I know," said Nancy. "The newspapers did not mention burglaries at any other parties either. But it doesn't prove that the thieves have ceased their activities," she reminded him. "They know the police are on their trail, so they may have decided to lie low for a while. Today may tell the tale. It's the first of July-"

"Yes, I understand," the company president cut in. "Linda told me about the dates in the mask. Tonight there's a big dance at the John Dwight estate."

"I think it would be a good idea if I attended that party," said Nancy.

Mr. Lightner agreed and promised to arrange the invitation.

"Linda knew a great deal about your work, didn't she?" Nancy asked. As the man nodded, she remarked, "I should think you'd miss her."

"Well, yes, we do."

"Then why not take her back?"

Mr. Lightner frowned. "You'll have to discuss that with Mr. Tombar," he said. "I can't interfere. He handles all such matters."

"But have I your permission to talk to him about her?"

"Certainly. Go ahead. I don't think you'll get very far, though."

Nancy shared this opinion. Nevertheless, she felt that it would not do any harm to talk with Tombar about Linda. She went to the wardrobe rooms.

"He's busy and I have no idea how long he'll be tied up," his secretary informed her.

"That's all right. I'll wait."

Tombar was talking loudly. Nancy, seated in a chair near the door, could not help overhearing his angry voice.

"No, I won't do it!" Tombar exclaimed. "Quit trying to persuade me. I wish you wouldn't keep pestering me. I've told you before never to bother me when I'm on the job. This time I mean it."

His visitor's reply was so soft-spoken that Nancy could not catch what he was saying.

But she heard every word of Tombar's angry outburst. "Get out of here, Harris!" he roared. "Get out of here before I throw you out!"

The door was flung open and Mr. Harris rushed out so fast that Nancy did not get a view of his face. She was confronted by Tombar's beet-red face. He sprang toward her, shaking his fist.

"You here again!" he exclaimed. "You little eavesdropper! Spying on me! Well, I won't have it!"

Though furious at Tombar's outburst, Nancy gave no indication of her feeling.

"Spying?" she echoed. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

"You're always around!" Tombar snapped.

Nancy smiled and remained silent.

"Well, since you're so curious," the man said, "I'll tell you why Richard Harris was here. He's trying to sell me a cemetery plot, and I don't want to buy it. That's all."

Nancy was certain that the man was lying, but she pretended to accept his explanation. Quickly she explained the purpose of her call-to ask that he take Linda Seeley back. She gave several reasons why the girl should be rehired, but the man, who by now had calmed down somewhat, gazed at her coldly.

"I have someone else in mind," he stated.

The telephone rang, and Tombar stepped to his desk to answer it. Though he lowered his voice, Nancy heard the name Florence. Instantly her suspicions were aroused. Was he talking to Florence Snecker?

Try as she would, Nancy could not figure out anything about the call because the conversation was one-sided, the other person doing all the talking. Finally he slammed down the receiver, and turning almost purple with rage, glared at Nancy in the doorway.

"I knew it! Trying to get an earful again!" he shouted. "Well, this is the last time!"

He started toward Nancy as if intending to harm her. Midway across the room he stopped in dismay, staring over her shoulder.

Nancy turned. Directly behind her stood Mr. Lightner, glowering at his employee.

"What's going on here?" he demanded.

"Why, I-that is-Miss Drew is always interfering-" Tombar stammered.

"That's no excuse for your actions, Tombar."

"I-I'm sorry, Mr. Lightner. My apologies. I didn't mean any harm. I-I-"

Nancy escaped to the hall so that the two men might talk privately. But they did not close the door, and she could hear them plainly.

"Tombar, I've given you free rein in the business," Mr. Lightner said icily. "I permitted you to take complete charge in this department. Without my knowledge you discharged Miss Seeley, though personally I liked her work.

"And since then matters in this department have been no better-if anything, they're worse. Records in bad shape. Customers dissatisfied.

"And now I hear you threatening Miss Drew, who happens to be the daughter of one of my very good friends. This is the last straw."

"I gave an apology."

"It is accepted," Mr. Lightner retorted, "and also your resignation."

"My resignation! You can't do that. I've been here four years and people depend on me-!"

"I can and I have," Mr. Lightner corrected. "Pick up your paycheck as you leave. There is nothing more to discuss."

Mr. Lightner turned on his heel and left the office. Meeting Nancy in the hall he a.s.sured her that she was welcome to return at any time, and he was sorry for what had happened.

"I know it wasn't your fault," Mr. Lightner said.