The Haunted Bridge Part 25

They retraced their steps to the hotel, walked through the lobby, and left by a side door. Selecting a bench which was screened from the fountain by huge bushes, they stationed themselves to wait.

Nine o'clock came, and no one appeared to take the message. An hour later a couple strolled past the fountain, but did not reach for the note.

"I'm beginning to think my piece of paper will never be claimed," Nancy said with a sigh. "Ned, will you do me another favor?"

"You know I will."

"This may sound silly, but I'd like you to drive me to the vicinity of Hemlock Hall."

Nancy was convinced by this time that Margaret Judson was not coming to the Deer Mountain Hotel. She suspected that the mysterious note had been written by Bartescue.

"Haven't you searched for Miss Judson at Hemlock Hall before?" Ned asked Nancy as the two rode along.

"Yes, but tonight I have a new idea. Maybe Margaret Judson has rented a home near the hotel. But she comes to Hemlock Hall once in a while. I want to interview various real-estate agents."

"But their offices will be closed, Nancy."

"I know, but we'll call at their homes. Oh, Ned, I must find Margaret Judson tonight!"

Nancy set out with high hopes of calling on every real-estate agent in the small city of Crofton. As they tried one man after another, she learned nothing. Finally Nancy interviewed John Spencer, the last agent on her list.

"Why, yes," he replied. "I rented a furnished house only this morning to a Miss Judson but I can't recall her first name."

When Nancy convinced him that the matter was of vital importance the realtor obligingly agreed to accompany the couple to his office. He and Nancy went inside. Mr. Spencer checked his records.

"Yes," he said, "the house at 508 Elmwood Street was taken by a Margaret Judson. She signed a six-months' lease."

Nancy thanked him as she wrote down the address and how to find it. Then she hurried back to the car. The agent had given such precise directions for reaching Elmwood Street that Ned had no difficulty in locating the house. To Nancy's disappointment it was in darkness.

"Perhaps Miss Judson has gone to bed," Ned suggested, halting the car on the opposite side of the street.

"It's possible she hasn't moved in yet," Nancy remarked.

"Suppose I run across the street and try the bell," Ned offered.

As he started to open the car door, Nancy suddenly tugged his arm.

"Wait!" she whispered tensely.

A car with brilliant headlights came slowly down the street. The woman driver swung into the gravel driveway at 508.

"That must be Margaret Judson!" Nancy said excitedly. "After she's inside we'll knock."

They watched the shadowy figure leave the car and enter the large white house. Soon the lower floor was flooded with light. The young woman closed the window blinds.

"Shall we go now?" Nancy suggested.

She and Ned went to the front door and pressed the doorbell. Presently they heard footsteps.

CHAPTER XVII.

Big Mistake

"HERE comes Miss Judson," Nancy whispered. "If she proves to be the one we want, let's not tell her the real purpose of our visit."

The door opened, and the same young woman Nancy had spoken to at Hemlock Hall peered out.

"Miss Judson?" Nancy asked.

"Yes."

As a beam of light fell directly on the girl's face, the young woman added, "Oh, I remember you. We met at Hemlock Hall. Do come in."

Nancy introduced Ned and herself. The three walked into the colonial furnished living room and seated themselves.

"I'm afraid I have rather distressing news to report," Nancy said. "I'm staying at Deer Mountain Hotel and became acquainted with a man who formerly worked at your estate."

"Not Joe Haley?" Margaret Judson asked quickly.

"Yes. Mr. Haley was injured in an accident." Nancy told the woman what had happened. "He mentioned you and pleaded to see you."

"Oh, I must go to him at once!" Margaret cried. "What hospital is he in?"

"Mr. Haley is at his cabin in the woods," Nancy explained. "The doctor did not think it necessary to move him."

"Then I shall go there!" the young woman exclaimed. Suddenly a startled expression came over her face. "No, I can't go after all," she murmured.

"I'm sorry," Nancy said. "Mr. Haley really needs you."

"I want to go-you don't understand. I'm just afraid I might meet a certain person there."

"Mark Wardell?" Nancy questioned.

Margaret Judson buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

"Yes, yes, he's the one. How can I face him while I am regarded as a thief!"

Nancy crossed the room and put an arm around the young woman. "Please don't cry," she said soothingly.

Meanwhile, Bess and George were enjoying the dance at Deer Mountain Hotel with Burt and Dave.

"The dancing will soon be over," Bess declared anxiously as she gazed about the ballroom. "What can be keeping Nancy and Ned?"

Before anyone could hazard a guess, a boy came through the ballroom, calling George Fayne's name. The girls motioned to him, hoping that Nancy had sent a note to explain her absence.