The Haunted Bridge Part 29

"Will you try to get in touch with her tomorrow?" Mr. Drew asked.

"Yes," the other answered.

Carson Drew decided to take Margaret Judson into his confidence and explained that he wished to locate the two women in order to set a trap for Mrs. Brownell.

"If you are able to reach Mrs. Cartlett," he said, "inform her that you have recovered the jewelry. Tell her to notify her friend that she must meet you at the cabin if she wishes to get back the lost compact."

"I'm almost afraid to see Mrs. Brownell alone," Margaret admitted. "She has a violent temper."

"Perhaps I could come here with you," Nancy suggested. Then as a second thought occurred to her she added, "Oh, I forgot about the tournament tomorrow."

Mr. Drew smiled at his daughter. "I believe I can arrange matters for you so your match can be played in the afternoon. The tournament chairman is very reasonable. By the way, Nancy, how's your hand?"

"It's better, Dad. I haven't felt much pain in it today."

A few minutes later Margaret Judson, her fiance, Nancy, and Mr. Drew prepared to drive to Deer Mountain Hotel. The engaged couple had decided to take rooms there until the mystery was cleared up.

As Nancy said good-by to Ned, she remarked, "As usual, you seem to be the one who must hold the fort. Hope you're not too bored."

"No chance," Ned told her. "Besides plenty of excitement, I've found some fascinating books here on wildlife."

At the hotel Nancy was greeted by her friends with a flood of questions.

"We were worried sick over you," said Bess.

She and the others were introduced and told the amazing turn of events. They congratulated the reunited couple.

Margaret was able to get a room near Nancy's. When they reached it, Nancy lingered a few minutes to talk.

"I don't wish to be personal," she began, "but are you well acquainted with a man named Martin Bartescue?"

"No," Margaret replied promptly. "I met him on my trip abroad, but I didn't care for him."

"Have you seen him since your return to this country?"

"Oh, no. He was just a casual acquaintance."

Nancy said, "Mr. Bartescue has been staying at this hotel. He pretended to know you well."

"Mrs. Brownell knew the man very well," Margaret said thoughtfully. "It was through her that I met him. Later she told him where I lived. But I did not want to encourage him to contact me and told her so."

Nancy remembered the telegram Bartescue had intended for Margaret Judson. "He decided not to send it," the young detective thought, "because deep down he knew she would not answer."

Margaret looked so weary Nancy said good night and went to Bess and George's room to hear about their evening. The cousins related their adventure with Martin Bartescue.

"Don't feel bad about your mistake, George." Nancy chuckled. "It served him right. He thought he would play a joke on me by asking me to leave a message in one hand of the statue."

"I still think Barty must be a crook," George insisted. "Otherwise, how do you explain his different styles of handwriting?"

Nancy's answer surprised Bess and George. "I think he's just a practical joker. He thinks it's fun to keep us mystified."

"Hm!" said George in disgust.

In the morning Nancy learned from the tournament chairman that her golf match had been postponed until one o'clock. That left the young people ample time to attend church and for Margaret to telephone Mrs. Brownell's friend Mrs. Cartlett at Hemlock Hall.

The conversation between the two was brief. Mrs. Cartlett agreed to come to the cabin in the woods at five o'clock, bringing Mrs. Brownell with her.

"Everything is working out according to Dad's plan," Nancy declared in delight.

After they had finished eating, the group started for the golf course.

"I can't wait for the confrontation at the cabin," Nancy said to Margaret. "I only hope my golf match won't keep me from witnessing the grand finale to the mystery."

"Oh, it mustn't!" Margaret exclaimed. "If we have a few minutes to spare on the way to the cabin, Nancy, I'd like to stop at my house and pick up a few clothes. I have nothing at Deer Mountain Hotel, and I'd like to dress up a bit."

"For Mark?" Nancy teased.

"Yes," the young woman said, blushing.

"I don't blame you," Nancy replied, but she added soberly, "I hope everything turns out as well as we expect."

Margaret glanced at her in alarm. "Will I be cleared of the accusation against me?"

"No doubt about it. We'll make Mrs. Brownell confess!" Nancy said confidently.

It occurred to her, however, that if Mrs. Brownell should get the slightest inkling she was under suspicion, the woman would not keep the appointment at Mr. Haley's cabin.

Since it was nearly one o'clock, Nancy hurried to meet Betsy Howard on the golf course.

Coming toward her was Barty, who had just finished his final match. From the dour expression on his face she gathered he had not won the men's championship.

"How did you come out in your game?" she asked.

"I lost," he snapped. "I blame it on those two friends of yours, too!"

"What did they have to do with it?"

"I was so upset by everything that happened last night I couldn't get a grip on myself. My swing was all off."

"That's too bad," Nancy replied.

As she started to walk on, Bartescue attached himself to her, eager to talk.

"I told your friends I'd explain everything to you and to you only," he declared. "I was aware all along that you are the famous girl detective Nancy Drew. I made up my mind to match wits with you," Bartescue went on. "I guess I fooled you too, didn't I?"

"For a few days," Nancy answered. "I admit I suspected you of being a forger."

"Because of my handwriting?"