The Haunted Bridge Part 17

"It's not necessary," replied the physician. "He's lost a little blood and, of course, he is feeling the shock of the accident. But if he remains quiet and has good care he should be all right before too long."

Regretfully Nancy realized that she would not be able to question Mr. Haley in his weakened condition.

"I'll give him a sedative," said the doctor, "and stop by to see him tomorrow."

While he finished taking care of the injured man, Nancy and her father went back to the outer room and reported to the others.

"Who will take care of Mr. Haley?" asked Bess.

"I'll remain," Nancy offered quickly.

"That would mean you couldn't finish the golf tournament," said George. "And you have an excellent chance to win. Why not have a nurse?"

"A man is really needed around here," Nancy commented, and told about the mountain lion penned nearby.

Bess gasped. "Is that what we heard?"

"Yes," Nancy replied.

Ned spoke up. "How about Burt and Dave and me staying?" he proposed. "We've all had first-aid and camping experience. We could look after everything."

"We'll be glad to do it," Dave added, and Burt nodded in agreement.

"That would be a wonderful solution to the problem," Nancy said in relief, "but it doesn't seem fair to you, after coming to Deer Mountain for a good time."

Ned shrugged. "It would cost us a lot to stay at the hotel," he said with a grin. "This place is good enough."

After some discussion it was finally decided that the three boys would remain at the cabin. Dr. Aikerman approved and gave careful instructions for the care of the patient.

"Mr. Haley may be slow in getting his strength back," said the doctor. "He's been neglecting himself, I think. See that he gets plenty of hearty food and lots of sleep."

"Don't worry. We'll look after him," said Ned.

"And don't forget the wild beast," Bess reminded the boys.

"What is one supposed to feed a young mountain lion?" Ned asked.

"We'll have some raw meat sent out when we get back to town," Mr. Drew promised, "as well as a few other necessities that you may need here."

Nancy took Ned aside so that the others could not hear what she was saying.

"There's something I wish you'd do for me, Ned," she said.

"Sure. What is it?"

"Please listen very carefully to anything Mr. Haley says-whether he's conscious or talking in his sleep."

Ned glanced at Nancy, but he refrained from asking for an explanation, even though he regarded the request as strange.

"I'll be glad to," he promised.

"I wish you'd take down every word in writing," Nancy added as she turned to leave the cabin. "The solution of a very complex mystery may be in your hands."

Ned smiled. "Bet I'll solve it for you." Then they said good night.

Dr. Aikerman had brought his own car, and went off alone. As the three girls rode with Mr. Drew to Deer Mountain Hotel, Nancy asked, "By the way, Dad, did you win your tennis match against Mr. Bartescue?"

"No, he defeated me two out of three sets," Mr. Drew admitted ruefully.

"Oh, I was certain you'd beat him, Dad. He must be a good player."

"Far better than I expected. We had a few close decisions as to whether b.a.l.l.s were inside or outside the court, but I'm offering no alibis. A defeat now and then is good for anyone." Mr. Drew chuckled.

At the hotel the lawyer explained to Nancy that it was necessary for him to drive to the village. "I'll buy supplies for the boys. While I'm there I'll check out an important lead in connection with my case."

After her father had driven away, Nancy and the other girls inquired at the hotel desk for mail. There were letters for Bess and George from their parents. Nancy found a note and a small package waiting for her. She studied the handwriting on them curiously.

"Hurry up and open the box," Bess urged. "I can't imagine what it contains."

Nancy removed the wrapping. She held up a golf ball for her friends to see. The gift had come from Martin Bartescue. His name was autographed neatly across the face of the ball.

"The note must explain about it," Bess declared.

Nancy tore open the envelope and found a message from Barty.

I'm sending you this ball to replace the one you lost. Use it in the tournament tomorrow and win!

Nancy was amused. "I guess he thinks his autograph is just as important as Jimmy Harlow's!"

"Will you use the ball tomorrow?" Bess inquired mischievously.

Nancy shrugged. Then, after a moment's pause, she announced, "No, but I'll keep it as a specimen of Mr. Bartescue's handwriting."

"Why does he always use a different signature?" George asked. "His handwriting never seems to be the same twice."

"I have a theory that he may be a forger," Nancy said in an undertone.

"Then why not report him to the police?" George suggested.

"Not yet. By playing a waiting game we may learn far more than we would if we were to expose the man immediately."

In her imagination she could see him linked with the jewel thieves. His acquaintance with the mysterious Margaret Judson, as well as his suspicious trick of altering his signature, perhaps to avoid identification, made it easy to visualize him as one of the gang.

A few minutes later in her room, Nancy reflected soberly, "Through Barty I might be able to trace Margaret Judson. And I must find her." Impulsively she looked at her watch, thensprang from her chair. Slipping into a coat, she said, "I'm taking the bus to town. Tell you why later."

There was no time to explain to Bess and George what she meant to do. The bus for town would leave the hotel in less than five minutes!

Nancy was the last pa.s.senger aboard. When the bus pulled away, she wondered if she should have waited until she had consulted her father about her plan. At the village she alighted and entered a drugstore. After making a purchase, she stepped into a telephone booth.