NANCY TURNS SLEUTH
While Nancy Drew eagerly waited, scarcely daring to breathe naturally
lest her presence be detected, Ada began to speak.
"Well, if there should happen to be another will, we may be dumped,"
she said sourly.
"I don't believe Josiah Crowley ever made such a will," Isabel replied,
in so low a tone that Nancy scarcely caught the words.
"Evidently Nancy Drew does, or she wouldn't be taking such an interest
in those Horner girls," Ada returned. "I know she had them at her house
last week, because I was passing and saw them go in. How I hate that
girl! If she should get her father interested, he might dig up another
will."
"Even if another will does turn up, we can trust dad to take care of
it," Isabel commented dryly.
"You mean he would----"
"Never mind what I mean," Isabel insinuated darkly. "Mother and dad
wouldn't be simple enough to let that money get away from us. It's
ours by right, anyhow. Didn't Josiah Crowley live on us?"
"Yes, we ought to have all of the money after enduring him for nearly
three years. Just the same, I don't like the way Nancy Drew has taken
up with the Horner girls. She always did have a way of nosing into
things she had no business to find out!"
"Oh, pooh for her," Isabel scoffed. "Let her try to discover anything
she likes. The money was given to us fairly enough."
The conversation ended abruptly as Isabel and Ada arose from the bench
and walked on down the street. Nancy waited until they were out of
sight and then emerged from the bushes.
"There may be a chance to find that missing will after all," she
reasoned, as she sank down on the bench vacated by Isabel and Ada.
Nancy had always been convinced that Josiah Crowley had made a second
will. However, since her talk with the Horner girls, she had shared her
father's opinion that the document had fallen into the hands of the
Tophams only to be destroyed. This conviction had discouraged her.
Now the information which she had gleaned from the snatch of overheard
conversation, gave her new hope. From what Isabel and Ada had said, she
was led to believe that if Josiah Crowley had made a second will, the
Tophams were as ignorant as herself concerning its whereabouts.
"Anyway, it's encouraging to know the will hasn't been destroyed,"
Nancy told herself. "But there's one thing certain. If the Tophams ever
get their hands on it, they'll take care it never comes to light. From
what Isabel and Ada said I judge they're beginning to realize their
position is anything but secure. If I'm ever to find that will, I must
get busy before they beat me to it!"
Nancy Drew possessed her father's liking for a mystery, and she
delighted in a battle of wits when championing a worthy cause. Carson
Drew had often remarked that he enjoyed the detective work of his cases
better than the court work, but Nancy knew he was too busy with his own
cases to devote much attention to the missing Crowley will. If anything
were done to help the Horner girls win their inheritance, she must
accomplish it herself.
As Nancy reviewed the facts of the case, it seemed to her that she must
have overlooked a possible clue. Never had a mystery appeared more
baffling.
For nearly ten minutes Nancy sat lost in deep thought. Then, with a cry
of delight she sprang to her feet.
"How stupid of me not to think of it before! The Horner girls aren't
the only ones who should have figured in the will. There were a number
of relatives, and father said that they filed a claim, too. I wonder
who they are. If I could talk with them, it's possible I might learn
something that would have a bearing on the case."
Convinced that the inspiration was a happy one, she set off toward
her father's office. He was engaged in an important conference when
she arrived, and Nancy was forced to wait ten minutes before she was
admitted to the inner office.
"Now what?" her father asked, smiling as she burst in upon him. "Is it
a new dress you want?"
Nancy's cheeks were flushed and her eyes danced with excitement.
"Don't try to tease me," she protested. "I've stumbled onto something
important, and I want information!"
"At your service, Nancy," Mr. Drew said. "But if it's about that
Crowley case, I've told you everything I know."
Nancy poured out the story of her encounter with the Topham sisters in
the department store and told of the conversation she had overheard in
the public park. Mr. Drew listened with interest until she had finished.
"And now what is it you want?" he asked gravely.
"I thought if I went to those other relatives I might be able to learn
something which may help solve the mystery."
"A good idea, Nancy."
"But I don't know their names, and that's why I came to you."
"I wish I could help you, but I'm afraid I can't," Mr. Drew said
regretfully.
Nancy's face fell.
"Wait a minute!" he called, as she turned to leave. "I can't supply the
names you want, but I think I can tell you where to find them."
"Where?"
"At the courthouse. They should be on file." He glanced at his watch
and frowned. "But I'm afraid it is too late to go there this afternoon."
"Oh, and I'm anxious to find out right away," Nancy declared in
disappointment. "If I delay even a single day the Tophams may get ahead
of me and find that will."
Suddenly her face brightened as she thought of something.
"I know! I'll jump into the roadster and run out and have a talk with
the Horner girls. They should be able to furnish me the information."
"You can try them, at least."
"That's just what I'll do," Nancy decided, as she turned again toward
the door.
"Just a minute," Carson Drew stopped her. "I wonder if you realize just
what you are getting into, Nancy?"
"Why, what do you mean?"
"Only this. Detective work isn't always the safest occupation in which
to engage. I happen to know that Richard Topham is an unpleasant man
when crossed. If you actually succeed in learning anything which may
help the Horner girls, you are certain to have the Tophams in your
wool."
"I'm not afraid of them, father."
"Good!" Mr. Drew exclaimed. "I was hoping you would say that. I'm glad
you have the courage of your convictions, but I didn't want you to
march off into battle without a knowledge of what, undoubtedly, you
will be up against."
"Battle?"
"Yes, battle. Rest assured the Tophams won't give up the fortune
without a bitter struggle. However, if they attempt to make serious
trouble, I promise to deal with them myself. I only wish I had the time
to help you find the will."
"And if I find it?"
"I'll take the matter into court."
"Oh, thank you! There's no one like you in all the world."
Nancy moved toward the door.
"I may not get back until rather late," she threw back over her
shoulder. "I have a feeling I may discover a real clue to-day, and if I
do, I'm going to trail it down!"
With characteristic impetuosity, she darted from the room, permitting
the office door to bang behind her.