The Haunted Bridge Part 19

"I'm afraid," Nancy said, "that he suspected he was being followed."

"No doubt."

"Ned, tell me about the man at the cabin."

"He seems about the same, Nancy, but he did talk a good deal. As you thought, his name is Joe Haley. His most startling words were these:

"'Miss Margaret, I'm afraid the box was stolen -don't cry-why don't you marry Mark?' "

"Are you sure the name was Mark?" Nancy asked quickly. "Could it have been Martin?"

"It might have been. I admit I didn't hear what he said very clearly."

"Ned, I forgot to ask you about Barty. Since he claims to be acquainted with so many well-known society people, he should be in the Social Register. Did you look to see if his name is listed?"

"I did. It wasn't there."

"Just as I suspected."

On the way to the hotel Nancy told Ned as much as she felt she should about the case which had brought her father to Deer Mountain HoteL Other facts in her possession were confidential. Without Mr. Drew's permission, she could not divulge them.

When they reached the hotel, Nancy learned from the desk clerk that her father had returned. She said good night to Ned and hastened to Mr. Drew's room.

"Any luck on your lead, Dad?" she asked eagerly.

"No," he said. "It was a worthless tip as usual." He sighed. "To tell the truth, I think we've been on the wrong track."

"How do you mean?"

"I doubt that Margaret Judson had anything to do with the jewel smuggling. There's no real evidence to support our theory that the bra.s.s chest belongs to her."

"I don't think she's guilty either," said Nancy. "She seems too nice. Cheer up, Dad," she added. "We'll get to the bottom of the mystery."

"That's my girll" said Mr. Drew. "You'll win out, I know."

Nancy smiled. "Speaking of winning, tomorrow I face a crucial test in golf. I'd better get to bed."

"How does your hand feel?" her father asked anxiously. "Did you see Dr. Aikerman?"

"Yes, he let me take off the bandage, but said I still must be very careful."

"It's a shame you have to play with an injury," Mr. Drew said sympathetically. "I'm banking on you to win, anyway!"

"Thanks, Dad." Nancy smiled as she kissed him and went off.

She dropped in on Bess and George for a moment. George was writing letters, while Bess, propped up with pillows, had been reading in bed.

"Is your book a good one?" Nancy inquired.

Bess made a face. "The t.i.tle sounded great, but it turned out to be about medieval history. It's pretty heavy reading. Here, take a look!"

She tossed the book across the room, expecting that her friend would catch it. Nancy was glancing in another direction and did not see the object flying toward her. In seconds the heavy volume had struck her injured hand.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, trying to smother a cry of pain.

Bess leaped from bed and ran to Nancy's side.

"Oh, your poor hand! I thought you were watching when I tossed the book. I'll never forgive myself."

"The hand feels better already," Nancy a.s.sured her friend. "Please don't worry."

"But your match tomorrow-"

"The pain will go away before then, I'm sure."

Somewhat rea.s.sured, Bess returned to bed. She had no idea that Nancy actually was suffering intense pain.

As Nancy prepared for bed, she prayed for a night of restful sleep before the eventful day to come. But the ache in her hand grew steadily worse. She nervously paced the floor.

Finally she dialed Dr. Aikerman's room and told him what had happened.

"Come to my office in ten minutes," the physician replied.

Nancy dressed and went there. Dr. Aikerman was waiting for her.

"What have you been doing to this hand?" he asked sternly. "I hope you're not planning to play in the golf tournament tomorrow."

"Oh, doctor! Please don't say I shouldn't."

"That is a matter for you to decide, young lady. Your injury will not prove permanent, but I can see that you must be in excruciating pain at times."

"I am," Nancy admitted ruefully. "I was hoping you could relieve it."

"There is very little I can do except put on another bandage. It will take time for the hand to heal."

"The pain is so acute I haven't been able to sleep."

"I can give you something for that," the doctor said. "Perhaps by morning the pain will have lessened considerably."

Nancy thanked the doctor, and when she was back in her room took the medicine as directed. Soon she fell asleep and did not awaken until the sun streamed in through the window the following morning. As she opened her eyes Nancy heard someone rapping on the door connecting her room with that of Bess and George.

"May we come in?" Bess called.

"Yes," Nancy called back.

George opened the door and commented in surprise, "Not dressed yet?" Then, as she noticed how tired and wan her friend appeared, she added quickly, "Nancy, you've had a bad night!"

"I slept fairly well after the doctor gave me some medicine and bound my hand again."