THE MYSTERY AT

HARTWOOD HOUSE

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

Silver Wings for Vicki
Vicki Finds the Answer
The Hidden Valley Mystery
The Secret of Magnolia Manor
The Clue of the Broken Blossom
Behind the White Veil
The Mystery at Hartwood House
Peril Over the Airport
The Mystery of the Vanishing Lady
The Search for the Missing Twin
The Ghost at the Waterfall
The Clue of the Gold Coin
The Silver Ring Mystery
The Clue of the Carved Ruby
The Mystery of Flight 908
The Brass Idol Mystery

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

________________________________________________________

THE MYSTERY
AT

HARTWOOD HOUSE
BY JULIE TATHAM
________________________________________________________

GROSSET & DUNLAP

PUBLISHERS
New York

 BY GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC., 1952

All Rights Reserved

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CONTENTS
________________________________________________________

CHAPTER

PAGE

LINDA MURRAY

II

A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

16

III

A HOPELESS SEARCH

26

IV

VICKI IS BAFFLED

37

CHALICE DAWN

48

VI

THE MISSING VIAL

60

VII

THE GYPSY GIRL

75

VIII

THE PERFUMED HANDKERCHIEF

87

IX

THE MANAGER SHARES A SECRET

100

AN AMAZING DISCOVERY

116

XI

THE ELUSIVE CLUE

128

XII

AN IMPOSTOR

141

XIII

A CLUE IN A CLIPPING

158

XIV

VICKIS PLAN

168

XV

THE CHEF PROVIDES A CLUE

180

XVI

THE GHOST THIEF

190

XVII

A REWARD FOR VICKI

201

CHAPTER I

Linda Murray

The corner of State and Madison streets, in the heart

of Chicagos fabulous Loop, is said to be the busiest
intersection in the world. Vicki, small, blond, cold
and hungry, was jostled and pushed along by the
hectic, hurrying noonday crowd. She was wearing
the navy-blue uniform of a Federal Airlines flight
stewardess and had turned up the collar of her smart
overcoat to shut out the icy blast of wind which
blew down the street.
Im so hungry, Vicki moaned out loud, and
my lunch hour ends at one. Isnt there a single
restaurant in the Loop that isnt packed and
jammed?
The sound of her young voice was drowned out
by the thunder of an elevated train, and, higher in
the sky, by the planes that roar in and out of the
Windy City every three minutes.
Im getting nowhere fast, she wailed, glancing
up at the Marshall Field clock. And then a head-on
1

collision with another uniformed young woman,

hurrying from the opposite direction, knocked the
breath out of Vickis slim body. Her cap, with its
silver wings, slid over one blue eye.
Half-blinded, almost breathless, Vicki could only
gasp: Sorry!
The girl she had bumped into clutched at her own
perky cap, which, until her encounter with Vicki,
had been set at a jaunty angle over her short brown
hair. Victoria Barr! she exclaimed.
Jean Cox!
And suddenly the noisy throng seemed to fade
away leaving the two flight stewardesses alone on
the corner. They threw their arms around each other
and pounded each others shoulders.
Jean!
Vic!
What are you doing in the Loop? they asked
each other.
Im on the New York-Chicago run, Jean said.
I knew you were here somewhere, Vic, but your
post card didnt say where or why.
Im grounded, Vicki replied. As an assistant
stewardess selector. Can you believe it?
Jean stared. This I must hear about. Lets go
some place where we can talk.
And eat, Vicki added. Im so starved I could
eat a whole steer. Do you think theyd broil us one
2

at the Stock Yard Inn?

Jean giggled. The next best thing is beef
tenderloin. And the nearest place is just two blocks
away. She linked her arm through Vickis and they
started down the street. Its just a little, oldfashioned hotel, but the new chef is internationally
famous. Maurice Pasquale. Up until last fall he was
at the Abercrombie in New York. I hear the food at
the Hartwood is out of this world.
I ought to know, Vicki said. I both live and
work at the Hartwood.
You what? Jean demanded. Dont tell me
Federals recruiting offices are located in that little
spot of atmosphere?
Thats right, Vicki said. And one of the
reasons is the atmosphere. The suite were using on
the ground floor is so homey and informal it puts the
applicants at their ease. Another reason is that when
Federal tried to reserve a suite, all the other hotels
were packed and jammed with conventions.
According to what Ive read, twenty million people
visit Chicago every year, but judging from what Ive
seen of the Loop, Id say they all arrived during
Christmas week and havent gone home yet.
All of Chicago isnt the Loop, Jean reminded
her with a smile, but all of theatrical Chicago is the
Hartwood. Im surprised you could get a room. Isnt
Chalice Dawn, Americas Most Beloved Actress,
3

staying there?
She is, Vicki said, and so is the entire cast of
We and the River, which opens a week from Friday
night. And so are a lot of other theatrical people who
came to Chicago for the holidays and are staying on
for the opening. The hotel is a madhouse, and if you
think for a minute that you can get into the dining
room, youre crazy. She led the way through the
revolving door into the lobby. See what I mean?
Its not yet twelve-thirty and already theres a long
line of people waiting for tables. She sighed. My
lunch hour ends at one. Thats when Ruth Benson
goes out for a snack.
Ruth Benson? Jean repeated. You lucky, lucky
girl. So our darling assistant superintendent is your
boss?
Vicki nodded. Ill tell you all about my job later.
But now lets try to get some food. Theres only one
place in the Loop where we have a chance, and
thats in the employees dining room, down below
the street level. They pushed their way across the
crowded lobby to a short flight of stairs in the rear.
Of course, Vicki continued, the chef may throw a
lemon meringue pie at us if hes in one of his black
moods. But if no one has ruffled his feathers today,
hell beam and might even let us have something to
eat.
I dont believe it. Jean Cox planted her feet
4

firmly on the top step of the carpeted stairway.

Maurice Pasquale is as famous for his hot temper
as he is for his hot sauces. If we invade his domain,
he wont throw something soft and fluffy at us. Hell
yank a stove out of its moorings and bop us over the
head with it.
Vicki shrugged. Nothing ventured, nothing
gained. Anything is better than dying of starvation.
True, Jean agreed, taking one tentative step
down.
Besides, Vicki went on cheerfully, the chef
and I are palsor we were last evening. They say
you never can tell about Pasquale. But one person he
consistently admires and worships is Chalice Dawn.
My cubbyhole is right next to her lavish suite.
Pasquale himself supervised the supper party she
gave there last night. We met in the corridor. Hes as
tall and handsome as Dad, you know, and in evening
clothes, with his tall white hat, he looked so much
like Dad when he dresses up for a gala night at the
Gourmet and Skillet Club that I spoke to him
without thinking.
Yummy-yum, I said, pointing to a huge soup
tureen one of his flunkies was wheeling in his wake.
Ill bet thats Potage la Reine. I can smell the
cinnamon, mace, and cloves.
Madame, he said, drawing himself up to his
full height of six feet ten in his cap, it is Potage la
5

Reine. But how could you possibly have known?

My father, I explained. Hes a professor of
economics, but hes also an amateur chef. He won a
prize once with his Meg Merrilies soup. I remember
the recipe included a hare, a grouse, onions, carrot,
turnip, sweet herbs, and
Meg Merrilies, he interrupted excitedly.
Quick, young woman, the recipe. I lost mine years
ago and its been driving me crazy ever since!
Vicki laughed. Honestly, Jean, he looked crazy. I
backed away from him mumbling, All I know is
that Dad made meat balls of the hare and grouse
livers, which he seasoned with salt, pepper, and
lemon juice.
Ah, he cried, embracing me as though I were
his long-lost daughter. My child, it was the lemon
juice I forgot. How can I ever thank you? I shall be
indebted to you for life.
By this time Jean was laughing so hard she
collapsed halfway down the steps. I suppose one
teaspoon of lemon juice makes all the difference.
Evidently, Vicki said. Lets hope that right
now it means the difference between food and
starvation. In any other hotel I wouldnt dare invade
the employees domain, but the Hartwood is, as I
told you, a madhouse. No matter what I did I could
never be as eccentric as most of the guests.
Its the eccentric chef Im worried about, Jean
6

said.
But when they timidly stood on the threshold of
the huge kitchen, Pasquale quickly threaded his way
through the worktables to greet Vicki warmly. She
introduced him to Jean, and two minutes later he
was ushering them into the cheerful employees
dining room.
The tables were empty except for one at which
was seated a middle-aged woman whom Vicki knew
was Mrs. Moser, the stern-faced housekeeper. She
acknowledged Vickis introduction of Jean with a
cool nod, and frowned with disapproval when, at
Pasquales direction, two assistant chefs set a bowl
of salad and a platter of sandwiches in front of the
two girls. Mr. Pasquale, this is most unorthodox.
Miss Barr is a guest, Room 507. I am afraid I shall
have to report this. Patting her neatly coiffured
white hair, she swept out.
Oh, dear, Vicki moaned. Im sorry, Mr.
Pasquale. I should have had better sense than to ask
a favor which will get you into trouble with the
manager.
Trouble? The tall, distinguished-looking chef
snapped his fingers arrogantly. He spoke several
languages fluently and English without the trace of
an accent. In quick phrases he described Mrs. Moser
in French, Italian, Spanish, and finally in English.
Then he went on to give his opinion of the manager.
7

If that rabbity Mr. Oriole can have unlimited guests

in the upstairs dining room, why shouldnt I, who
have made the Hartwood famous, have guests down
here? He took off his cap and threw it on the floor.
If he so much as speaks to me today, Ill quit. He
retrieved his cap and stalked out.
Temperament, temperament, Jean chanted. If
Pasquale quit, the owner of this house would fire
Mr. Oriole so fast he wouldnt know what hit him.
Im certainly glad youre chummy with the people
who count. Now tell me why and since when were
you grounded?
I owe it all to Ruth Benson, Vicki said. I asked
for a job near home, and since she needed someone
to screen would-be stewardesses before she herself
interviews those most likely to succeed, here I am. I
started four days ago, arriving here Sunday evening.
I have week ends off, which means I can spend them
at home.
Jean grinned. I hope youre kind to the
applicants, poor lambs! Do you remember, Vicki,
that day we met on the plane and discovered we
were both en route to the same stewardess training
school? And how scared we were?
I remember only too well, Vicki said. It breaks
my heart when I have to tell so many of the girls
who come to the recruiting office that they just
arent stewardess material. Now, you tell me about
8

the gang, Jean. Celia, Charmion, Dot, and Tessa. I

havent been in our New York apartment for so
long!
Everybodys fine, Jean said. Our rolypoly
housekeeper adored the Aloha shirt you sent her
from Honolulu. It makes Mrs. Duff look more like
one of the Seven Dwarfs than ever. She added
wistfully, I dont suppose theres time for you to
tell me about your adventures in Hawaii and
Alaska?
Not now, Vicki said. Ive got to dash. She
took from her handbag an old-fashioned key which
was attached to a large room tag. Take this, Jean,
so you can use my room whenever you stop over
between flights. Week ends, itll be yours, all yours.
If you ever find you can spend a night when Im
here, Im sure Mr. Oriole would put a cot in my
room and then we could have a good, long chat.
Jean gratefully pocketed the key. Are you sure
you can get a duplicate right away?
Of course, Vicki said as they started up to the
main floor. All hotels have several duplicates.
Guests are forever checking out and forgetting to
leave their keys at the desk, you know. When I ask
for a duplicate Ill tell Mr. Oriole I gave you mine,
so you can wander in and out whenever you feel
youll be more comfortable here than at the airport
lounge.
9

Im not so sure hes going to be happy about the

whole thing, Jean said doubtfully.
Why not? Vicki demanded. The room, which,
by the way, has no phone, really belongs to Chalice
Dawn. She has a permanent lease on Suite 507-511,
although she rarely spends more than a few weeks in
Chicago. My cubbyhole, Number 507, is really her
maids room, and my bathroom opens into her
dressing room. But Miss Dawns maid, Dolly, is a
Chicago girl and sleeps at home when theyre here.
There was some mix-up about the reservation Ruth
Benson made for me last week. When I arrived
Sunday evening, there wasnt a vacancy in the
house. Mr. Oriole was very much embarrassed, and
the only solution was for him to ask Miss Dawn if
she would let him lock off Room 507 temporarily.
She very sweetly agreed when she heard that I was a
stranded young flight stewardess, and even had
Dolly fill my room with flowers. I tell you, Jean, she
isnt called Americas Most Beloved Actress for
nothing. Shes an angel, and I dont mean a financial
angel who backs plays. Before the room was locked
off, while things were being changed around, she
invited me into her boudoir, and we had a lovely
chat. I mean, she did most of the talking. She was
wearing a filmy negligee, with her long black hair
flowing about her slim shoulders, and in the rosy
light from her dressing-table lamps she looked so
10

lovely I just stood there gaping.

Dope! Jean said in disgust. My kid sister and
yours would have stuck an eyebrow pencil in her
hand and made her autograph a piece of face tissue.
Vicki laughed. Ginny Barr would certainly have
begged for a sample of something as a souvenir.
And Miss Dawn is so generous she probably would
have given her a whole bottle of perfume. There
were at least a hundred of them on that glass-topped
dressing table, or maybe it only seemed that way
because all four of the walls of the room are fulllength mirrors.
Makes me dizzy to think of it, Jean said. Well,
back to work for both of us. Good-bye, sweetie.
Hope I see you soon.
Maybe your flight will be canceled, Vicki said,
staring through the revolving door. Its snowing.
Then she hurried across the lobby to the recruiting
office, entering through the door to Miss Bensons
office which adjoined hers.
Prompt as usual, Vickis attractive boss greeted
her. Our vague but charming manager invited me to
lunch, and was I glad! Not having galoshes, I didnt
want to go out in this baby blizzard. Ill be back in
half an hour or so. There are only two girls in the
waiting room. They arrived right after you left at
noon. Thank goodness no more are scheduled to
arrive until three oclock. She sighed wearily. One
11

of the applicantsRachel Jonesis a hopeless case.

In her efforts to camouflage her unattractiveness,
she has used too much pancake make-up, lipstick,
and nail polish. While she was filling in her
application blank she chewed gum frantically.
To hide her nervousness, I suppose, Vicki said.
Poor kid.
Ruth Benson nodded sympathetically. If only
someone would warn them before they turn up here
all wrong. The other girl, Linda Murray, is a definite
possibility. Her long, pointed fingernails are against
her, but they were unvarnished, and except for a bit
of pale-rose lipstick, shes wearing no make-up.
Shes really quite beautiful, Vicki. She has shoulderlength platinum-blond hair, too long for a
stewardess, of course, but shes dressed in excellent
taste. I thought her brown tweed suit accentuated,
without attracting undue attention to her lovely
figure. She may be too tall. Struck me as being
nearer five feet nine than five feet seven, but shes
so slim Id say she weighs less than the maximum
hundred and thirty pounds.
Poise? Vicki asked. It seems to me that not
one girl Ive seen today knew how to sit quietly
when I asked her questions.
Well, yes and no, Miss Benson said. She was
terribly nervous when she came in. Her hands were
shaking when I gave her an application blank. But
12

she moves gracefully and has a pleasing wellmodulated voice. Nervousness before an interview is
no real indication of lack of poise, you know.
I should know, Vicki said with a grin. I was so
nervous before you interviewed me in Fairview I
almost went home.
Im glad you didnt. Ruth Benson opened the
door to the lobby and was swallowed up almost
immediately by the crowd. Vicki fixed the door so
that it would lock when she closed it, and went on
into her own office to hang up her coat and cap.
Then she opened the door to the reception room.
One glance told her which of the two girls was Miss
Hopeless Case. The lovely blonde was busy filling
in the blanks on her application form.
Miss Jones, wearing a dress that would have been
much more suitable for a night-club hostess than a
would-be stewardess, jumped to her feet. Im
next, she said arrogantly.
Come in, Miss Jones. Vicki suppressed the
desire to terminate the interview then and there.
Okey-dokey. Miss Jones flounced into Vickis
office and deposited her plump body in the most
comfortable chair. Her eyes flicked across the
pictures on the walla flagship, a group, Vickis
own graduating classand came to rest on the
portrait of a charming stewardess.
Gee, she said, chewing vigorously, am I ever
13

gonna look cute in uniform.

I was wondering, Miss Jones, Vicki began
tactfully, if perhaps you wouldnt be more
interested in a clerical job with Federal. Under the
Record of Business Experience on your application
form, you state that you have worked as bookkeeper
in one of Chicagos leading firms ever since your
graduation from business college. On and on went
Vickis voice, smoothly consoling, but firm.
Stewardesses are fundamentally public relation
officers. The requirements are exacting . . .
Personality characteristics . . .
At last it was over, and to Vickis surprise, the
interview which finally ended happily, had only
lasted ten minutes. She ushered Miss Jones out to
the lobby through Miss Bensons office. Now for the
blond girl who apparently had so many of the
necessary qualifications.
When Vicki opened the door to the reception
room she saw that Linda Murray had slipped on her
short fur coat and was just about to leave. Oh,
dear, Vicki thought. Shes suffering from cold
feet. Poor kid, I know just how she feels. Quickly
she hurried over to her. Please wait, Miss Murray.
The girl, her hand on the doorknob, stared at her
blankly.
She had crumpled her application blank into a
ball and had tossed it into the wastebasket.
14

Evidence, Vicki thought, of the despair that results

from the agony and suspense of waiting. Vicki
snatched up the form and smoothed out the wrinkles.
Dont go, Miss Murray, she said with an
encouraging smile. The girl looked pale and
bewildered. If she arrived at noon, Vicki reflected,
she probably hasnt had lunch. But if I let her go
and tell her to come back at three, she wont. I can
tell. Miss Benson would have a fit if I let this lovely
girl slip through my fingers.
Impulsively Vicki put her hand on the sleeve of
the girls coat. Please dont go. Come into my
office, Miss Murray. Itll only take a few minutes.
Murray, the girl repeated, her huge blue eyes
round with surprise. Why do you call me Miss
Murray?
Because its your name. Its written right here on
the form. Linda Murray.
The girl shook her head. I never heard of Linda
Murray.
Vicki suppressed a little gasp. Well, then, who
are you?
I dont know, the girl said vacantly. She passed
one slim hand across her forehead, pushing back the
platinum-blond hair as though she were trying to
clear her mind. I dont know. I seem to have
forgotten who I am.
15

CHAPTER II

A Mysterious Disappearance

This time Vicki could not help gasping aloud with

amazement. Desperately she scrabbled through her
mind, trying to remember what she had learned in
hygiene and first-aid classes about amnesia victims.
Then she quickly recovered her poise.
Gently but firmly she led the girl to a chair and
made her sit down. You must be Linda Murray,
she said quietly. Try and think. Dont you
remember coming here to the recruiting office of
Federal Airlines?
The girls blue eyes brightened a little. Yes, I do
remember that, she said. At least I remember
being in a taxi accident and bumping my head. I
didnt pay much attention to it because I was so
anxious to get a job as a stewardess. She smiled
wanly. But I dont remember anything that
happened before the accident. I dont know how I
got here. Andoh, its awful, I dont know who I
am!
16

Youre probably suffering from a slight

concussion, Vicki said soothingly. Nothing that a
week or so in bed wont cure. But Im going to call
the hotel doctor now and ask him to take a look at
you.
No, no, Linda Murray cried. If a strange
doctor comes near me Ill scream. I want to go
home. Let me go. She jumped up, but Vicki gently
forced her back again.
If you cant remember your name, she pointed
out, you probably dont know your address. But
dont worry. Its written here quite plainly. See, one
forty-nine Hungerford Street?
All right, Linda said. Then let me go.
I cant let you go alone, Vicki said. You might
get dizzy or even faint. Ill telephone your parents.
She glanced down at the application blank again.
Oh, I see that youve written in the space after IN
CASE OF ACCIDENT NOTIFY: your aunt, Mrs.
Charlotte Dorn, who lives at the Lakeview
Apartment House. Shall I telephone and ask her to
come and get you?
Oh, no, no! Linda tried again to struggle to her
feet. I never heard of Charlotte Dorn. She clutched
at her wavy blond hair with slim, nervous fingers.
Please stop asking me questions. It makes my head
ache so! Just let me alone. Let me go away.
I cant let you go off by yourself, Vicki
17

repeated in a sterner voice. You might forget your

address the minute you left this room. And then you
might wander around the Loop for hours, even days,
in a daze.
Why should you worry if I do? Linda
demanded, and her usually well-modulated voice
was shrill. Who are you, anyway, and why are you
so interested in finding out where I live?
Vicki sighed. She didnt know much about
amnesia but imagined that one of the symptoms
might well be hysteria in a mild form. Im Vicki
Barr, assistant stewardess selector, she said
patiently. And Im only interested in finding out
where you live for your sake. I dont know where
Hungerford Street is. Im not a Chicagoan, and its
an enormous city. Maybe you live just around the
corner. Then again, maybe Hungerford Street is on
the North Side. Wherever it is, I cant let you go
there by yourself when you dont even know your
own name.
Lindas lower lip began to tremble and Vicki
added quickly, in a gentler voice, If you dont want
me to take you home, Ill notify the police. The
Bureau of Missing Persons will find out who you
are and all about you in a few hours.
Linda burst into tears and buried her face in a
large white handkerchief. Please forgive me for
being rude. I do want you to take me home. Its just
18

that Im so confused and frightened.

Dont cry, Vicki said sympathetically.
Everythings going to be all right. She dashed into
her office, hastily donned her cap and coat, and
grabbed her handbag from a drawer in her desk.
Vicki was out of the reception room only a few
seconds, but in that short time, Linda had leaped
from her chair, crossed to the door, and had her hand
on the knob.
She looked so poised for flight that Vicki stared
at her in amazement. Then she quickly smiled and
hurried over to slip her hand through Lindas arm. I
guess were all set now, she said in an encouraging
tone of voice. Just let me fix the automatic lock on
the door. Oh! she added worriedly. I forgot. Its
snowing out. Havent you a scarf or something you
can tie around your lovely hair?
Linda merely narrowed her blue eyes and said
suspiciously, Can you just walk out on your job
like this without getting permission from someone?
Vicki laughed. For a girl who doesnt know her
own name, you make a lot of sense. But as a matter
of fact, my boss, who is lunching in the dining
room, will be back any minute. When she finds my
office empty, shell simply think that Ive gone
upstairs to my room on the fifth floor to freshen up a
bit before the next batch of applicants arrives at
three.
19

Linda shrugged away from Vicki and took from

the pocket of her coat a baby-blue cashmere scarf
which she tied around her long blond hair. Frankly,
you baffle me, she said in a strangely harsh voice.
It seems to me that you ought to be more worried
about your career than about me, a perfect stranger. I
dont want to be the cause of your getting fired. Id
feel a lot better if you went back and left a note on
your desk.
Dont you worry about me and my job, Vicki
said soothingly. Getting you home safely is all that
matters. Even if I dont get back by three my boss
will understand when I tell her why I had to leave.
With her hand firmly tucked in the crook of
Lindas elbow, Vicki started across the lobby. Keep
as close to me as you can, she murmured. I dont
want to lose you in this milling crowd. She laughed
lightly, hoping to relieve some of Lindas tension.
Not that you wouldnt be easy to find. Youre so
tall and striking looking.
But the compliment only served to increase
Lindas tense, nervous attitude. When they reached
the revolving door, she tried to pull away from
Vicki. We cant both squeeze into one
compartment. Her voice was so harsh that Vicki
almost jumped.
Oh, yes, we can, she said cheerfully. Although
Vicki reminded people of a Dresden figurine, she
20

was strong and wiry. And she was determined to

take no chance on losing Linda in the crowd. After a
slight struggle they left the hotel in the same
compartment. Outside on the street they were pelted
by big snowflakes, and pushed by both the incoming
and outgoing luncheon crowd. It took all of Vickis
strength to keep her grip on Lindas arm.
Striding toward the hotel awning was the
beautiful actress, Chalice Dawn. Her lovely face was
upturned to the snowflakes, and one hand was on the
collar of her huge black-and-white Russian wolfhound. Ivan, who was almost as famous as his
mistress, looked rather bored and blas, Vicki
thought.
Still hoping that light chatter might help Linda to
relax, Vicki whispered: Thats Chalice Dawn. Isnt
she bee-you-tee-ful? I guess all blondes like you and
I cant help envying such vivid brunettes. As she
talked, she tried in vain to catch sight of an empty
cab. Underneath that ermine scarf she has blueblack hair, even darker than her eyes. But maybe
Im not telling you something you dont already
know. Maybe youve been lucky enough to see her
on the stage, Linda.
But Linda wasnt listening. She was determinedly
pushing her way in the opposite direction, dragging
Vicki along. Caught off balance, Vicki almost fell
on the slippery sidewalk.
21

OOPS! she cried good-naturedly, and then she

saw that a cab had drawn up to the curb a yard or so
ahead of them. What sharp eyes you have, Linda,
she said with genuine admiration. Cabs are hard to
get in snowstorms, and I was so busy admiring
Chalice Dawn I would have missed that one.
Before the former occupants had finished paying
their fare, she and Linda had climbed into the back
seat. One forty-nine Hungerford Street, Vicki told
the driver breathlessly.
Instead of shifting into gear and pulling away
from the curb, the driver turned around to face them
with a surprised look on his face. You sure of that
address, miss? Thats part of Skid Row. Nothing but
bums and flophouses. No place for nice young ladies
like you.
Nevertheless, Vicki said wearily, thats where
we want to go.
The driver shrugged and started off. Couple of
social workers, huh?
Vicki did not bother to reply. She knew that in
run-down, once-fashionable sections of any big city
one old family mansion often survived. Linda might
be living with some elderly relatives who had
refused to leave their childhood home.
Linda sat stiffly, far off in her corner, as the cabs
tire chains clanked through the snow. Shortly after
they crossed the bridge that spans the Chicago
22

River, the cab stopped in front of an old building

that was sandwiched between night clubs, bleaklooking in the daytime.
Here you are, the driver said.
Vicki hesitated. It certainly was not a nice
neighborhood. And No. 149 was obviously a lowclass boardinghouse of the lowest type. Puzzled, she
stared at Linda who was gazing vacantly out the
window.
I cant believe you live in that building, Vicki
said, but just to be sure we arent overlooking any
clues, wed better have a look at the name cards in
the vestibule. To the driver she said, Will you
wait, please?
Reluctantly, Linda followed Vicki out of the cab.
This is a horrible neighborhood, she said with a
shudder of disgust. It frightens me.
Vicki grinned. It doesnt frighten me at all.
Right there on the corner is a Salvation Army
captain. There goes the drum now. She slipped her
hand through Lindas arm and together they entered
the musty-smelling vestibule.
There was only one greasy card on the wall above
the bell and it bore the word janitor. Not knowing
what else to do, Vicki touched her gloved finger to
the bell.
After repeated jabbings, a slatternly woman
appeared. She was wearing a soiled apron over her
23

dingy dress and was clutching a grayish black

sweater around her fat shoulders.
What do you want? she demanded sourly.
Im sorry to bother you, Vicki said meekly, but
with her most winning smile. Do you know this
young lady, Miss Linda Murray?
The woman glared. Never saw her before and
hope I never see either of you again! With that she
slammed the door.
Well, thats that, Vicki said, hoping her voice
sounded more cheerful than she felt. I dont know
why you wrote this address on the application blank,
and I guess the wisest thing to do is to drive straight
to the nearest police station.
No, no! Linda burst into tears, groping vainly
in her pockets for a handkerchief. I feel so
miserable, so queer, I couldnt talk to a policeman.
Please dont cry, Vicki begged, although she
felt so discouraged she was very near to tears
herself. She forced herself to chuckle. Youll only
make your eyes and nose so red nobody, not even
your own mother, will recognize you when the
police find out who you are.
I c-cant help it, Linda sobbed. And I havent
even got a handkerchief to cry into.
Ill lend you one of mine. Vicki slipped her arm
out of Lindas to open her pocketbook. As her cold,
gloved fingers tugged at the zipper, Linda darted out
24

of the vestibule and into the snowy street.

Vicki was so stunned for a moment she could
only stare through the smudged glass panel of the
door. Then she yanked open the door and hurried
out to the street.
There was no sign of the tall, blond girl. And the
footprints she must have left behind had already
been blotted out by the big, cottony snowflakes.

25

CHAPTER III

A Hopeless Search

Vicki hurried to the waiting cab, hoping against

hope that she would find Linda inside. But the cab
was empty except for the driver.
Did you see my friend, Miss Murray? Vicki
asked. She left the building just before I did.
Didnt see nobody, the driver said. Been too
busy cleaning my windshield. Where to now, miss?
Vicki climbed dispiritedly into the back. Cruise
down the street on this side, she said. Then cruise
back on the other side. She couldnt have gone far in
such a short time.
Couldnt have gone far, the driver agreed, but
she could have ducked into a dozen doorways. If
you want to find her, youd better hoof it. With the
snow falling the way it is, you can hardly see your
hand in front of your face, let alone the inside of a
doorway from a cab window. He added
suspiciously: Whats the pitch, anyway? Whyd she
run away from you? Visiting nurse, aint you? Was
26

your patient a little wacky?

No, Vicki said with a sigh, wishing she had
notified the Hartwoods doctor the minute she
realized Linda was suffering from amnesia. Im not
a visiting nurse. This is a flight stewardess uniform
Im wearing. But Miss Murray, was, in a way, a
patient. She was in an accident recently, and isnt
quite herself. She leaned forward, frowning with
anxiety. Do you think if I, as you say, hoof it, Id
have a chance of finding her on this street? The
idea of investigating the dark, dusky doorways,
some of which were so uninviting, didnt appeal to
Vicki at all.
From far off a clock boomed twice above the
sound of the Salvation Army cornet and drum. Two
oclock! It would take an hour to peek into every
doorway on the street, and she should be back at her
desk, composed and well-groomed, before three.
Since you asked me, the cab driver was saying
as they cruised down the street, Ill tell you. Itd be
as easy as finding a cotton broker in the Wheat Pit.
Whats more, this storm is going to get a lot worse
before it gets better. When you get ready to call it
quits, you wont find a cab, not until the neon lights
get lit. Between now and then, lady, this street aint
no place for you to be.
I guess youre right, Vicki said forlornly.
The driver turned and started back up the street
27

toward the bridge. Say, wait a minute, he said,

suddenly stopping. Maybe your friend went into
Venturas over there for a cup of coffee. Its right
next door to where we stopped the first time.
Vicki stared through the swirling snowflakes at
the green-and-orange-striped awning. But thats a
night club, isnt it?
Sure is, the driver replied. But theres always
someone there from noon on. Ventura himself lives
upstairs and comes down for breakfast about now. If
your friend looks as sick as you say she is, hed give
her a cup of Java. And who knows? She might have
gone in there and fainted.
I doubt it, Vicki said, climbing out of the cab.
But its worth a try. Please wait. It wont take long
for me to look around quickly.
Ill do better than wait, the driver said, pushing
down his flag. You stay here and Ill go in and
have a look-see. Ladies arent allowed in there
without escorts.
Then, Vicki objected, what makes you think
Ill find Miss Murray there?
Like I told you, he replied, a little impatiently.
If she looked sick, Bruno Ventura wouldnt turn
her out into the cold. But you dont look sick. You
look healthy. Besides, he added with a grin, I
could use a cup of hot java.
I could, too, Vicki admitted, smiling. My
28

hands are numb. You be my escort and Ill treat.

No need for anybody to treat, he said as they
walked under the awning toward the door. Itll be
on the house. I bring Bruno lots of good spenders I
pick up after the theater. They think they want to go
slumming, but I know better. They want to go some
place in the slums, all right, but where the service is
good and the food and drinks better. He opened the
door and Vicki moved hesitantly inside.
It was an attractive place in a garish sort of way.
The tables which surrounded the small dance floor
in the rear were stacked, one on top of the other, and
the booths in the front part of the restaurant looked
empty. Seated behind the cash register near the
entrance was a dowdy-looking young woman who
was looping a pair of thick-rimmed glasses around
her ears. Her blond hair was pulled severely away
from her face into an unbecoming and untidy bun in
the back. She was wearing a rusty-black smock with
a high neckline which gave her a prim look.
Her face was turned away from the entrance, so
Vicki caught only a glimpse of her profile, but she
couldnt help thinking: If that girl applied for a job
as a stewardess, wed have to turn her down. And
yet, if she knew anything about make-up and how to
dress becomingly, shed be very pretty. Its a shame!
I cant imagine anything more dreary than working
as a cashier in this place.
29

Hi, Letty! How come youre here so early?

The girl ignored the cab drivers greeting and
buried her face in a large bookkeeping ledger. But
she did acknowledge his presence by slapping the
bell beside the ledger. Vicki couldnt help
wondering why the girl was so sullen and angry,
and, at the same time, with another part of her mind
she noticed the homely cashier had lovely, although
rather large hands.
For, although the girl seemed to be absorbed in
the ledger, her hands were busily engaged in tucking
the loose strands of her hair into her bun.
At least she knows she looks untidy, Vicki
reflected, and then turned as someone in the rear of
the restaurant called out cheerily:
Hello, Jack. What brings you here at this time of
day?
Before the cab driver could reply, Vicki said,
Were looking for a friend of mine who suddenly
disappeared about ten minutes ago. She has
platinum-blond hair. Did she come in here by any
chance?
The man, who was in shirt sleeves, joined them
and shook hands with the cab driver who introduced
him to Vicki with:
I dont know your name, miss, but this is Bruno
Ventura.
30

Mr. Ventura inclined his head slightly and Vicki

sensed that he felt she had no right to be there.
Her cheeks which had been so cold only a minute
ago, now flamed hotly. Im looking for a friend of
mine, she repeated, forcing herself to smile. Im
sorry to be a nuisance, but we thought she might
have come in here.
He stared at her expressionlessly, and, in order to
hide her embarrassment, Vicki went on talking.
Shes tall and very blond. Her hair, well, its just
about the same color as your cashiers, and
He interrupted then, shaking his head. We dont
have customers at this time of the day, and certainly
not lady customers.
Vicki bit her lip. Do you mind if I look into all
of the booths? I mean, the ones I cant see from
here. She might have slipped in without anyone
noticing, and she wasnt feeling well.
For answer, Bruno said over one shoulder to the
cashier, Youve been on duty since noon, Letty.
Did the little ladys friend come in here?
The homely cashier, without raising her head
from the ledger, pursed her lips disapprovingly. If
shed come in here, Id have sent her right out
again, she said in a husky voice. I know the rules,
Mr. Ventura. No ladies without escorts.
Whats the matter with your voice, Letty? Jack
broke in. Got a cold or something? Again she
31

ignored him and he turned to Ventura. All right, all

right, well take your word for it. The lady didnt
come in here. But, listen, Bruno. Cant your cook
rustle up a couple cups of Java for us? As soon as
weve thawed out, well be on our way.
Ill wait on you myself, Ventura said with a
colorless smile. Itll be a pleasure, Jack.
When he had gone, Vicki and the cab driver
seated themselves in a booth. He likes you, Vicki
whispered, but he cant stand the sight of me. And
hes just the opposite of my idea of what a nightclub
owner looks like. I always thought they had slick
black hair and looked like ex-prize fighters. You
know, with broad shoulders and big, cheerful grins.
Jack laughed. Brunos a gent and hes got
brains. This joint is just a side line, I guess. Hes
rolling in dough, and he dont get it from here. It
aint big enough to much more than cover the
overhead.
Ventura came back then with two cups of coffee
and Vicki stared at him curiously out of the corner
of one eye. He had slipped on a coat, but the padded
shoulders and expert tailoring only made him, in her
opinion, look more nondescript. Even his smile, the
way he walked and used his hands were stereotyped.
It was almost as though he tried to look and act like
everybody and nobody.
I wonder why, Vicki thought, hurriedly gulping
32

down her coffee. Youd think in his business hed

deliberately develop characteristics that would make
him stand out. Although, in a way, the garish
furnishings of his restaurant do make him stand out.
His personal quiet good taste is so different.
Then, as her worry about Lindas whereabouts
crowded all other thoughts from her mind, Vicki
forgot about Bruno Ventura.
As they climbed back into his cab, Jack said,
Where to now, miss?
The police station, I guess, Vicki said.
In this precinct? he asked.
No, she said. The one thats nearest the
Hartwood. She settled back against the cushions,
trying hard to relax. If Id only notified the police
in the first place, she thought ruefully. Now the
poor child, sick both mentally and physically, is
wandering around alone in this snowstorm.
Twenty minutes later she was being ushered into
the starkly furnished office of Police Captain Bevin.
He bowed Vicki into a chair on the other side of his
big desk.
In the first place, Miss Barr, he said in a kind
voice, we dont consider an adult as a missing
person until he or she has been missing for twentyfour hours. On the other hand, if a person has been
missing for thirty days we send all the records to the
FBI, just in case the person was kidnaped. One more
33

thing. We never stop searching for a missing person

until he is found, or his death can definitely be
proved. Then he began asking her questions as he
filled in a form with all the information she could
give him.
As Vicki replied she was very conscious of the
fact that this was an old, old story to this fatherlylooking police captain. His tone of voice filled her
with confidence, but she knew he was thinking:
There are dozens of young women in this big
city who look enough like your description of Linda
Murray to be her twin. Patiently he kept on asking
question after question.
Vicki tried hard to be specific as she told him
what she thought Lindas age was; her height and
weight; the color of her eyes and complexion; the
description of the clothing she was wearing. No, she
hadnt noticed any birthmarks or deformities. No,
the girl wasnt wearing any jewelry.
Vicki could only be absolutely specific when she
described Lindas hair. It was so strikingly
platinum, she had said in the beginning, and it was
only then that she had seen something flicker in the
captains eyes that had made her think for a moment
that he did not consider this a run-of-the-mill
missing persons case.
When she had supplied him with all the
information she could give him, he said, Ill have to
34

have that application blank she filled out in your

recruiting office, Miss Barr. Ill send for it this
afternoon. In what hotel did you say your offices are
located?
I dont think I mentioned the name, Vicki said.
I guess Ive told the whole story very badly. Im so
upset. Its the Hartwood, and I have a room there, so
you can send for the form any time thats
convenient. My room number is 507. She stopped
suddenly, her lips parted with surprise. At the word
Hartwood, the captains whole expression had
changed. He was now sitting very straight in his
chair, his eyes alert.
But he said nothing, so Vicki got up to go. There
was something else, she mumbled shyly. It
probably isnt important.
Everything is important, he said crisply. What
is the something you havent told me?
I cant quite put my finger on it, Vicki told him.
She was wearing becoming clothes, and they were
in good taste, but there was something wrong. Im
sorry, she finished hopelessly. I cant quite
express what I mean. It was something I think I felt
more than saw.
He suppressed a sigh with a laugh. You have
expressed yourself very well, Miss Barr. And its
why we consider the women detectives on the force
so valuable. They sense things that men miss
35

completely. Will you try very hard to remember

what that something wrong was, Miss Barr?
Vicki nodded, but deep down inside her she felt
sure that if she could not remember it now, she
never would.
It was after three when she re-entered the lobby
of the hotel, and she was glad that the military cut of
her smartly tailored coat hid the drooping of her slim
shoulders. She was not worried for fear her boss
would scold her for being late. Ruth would
understand and sympathize as soon as Vicki
explained.
Right now, Vicki didnt want to discuss the
matter with anyone. How miserably she had failed in
her mission to protect Linda Murray from herself!

36

CHAPTER IV

Vicki Is Baffled

For goodness sake, Vicki, Ruth Benson cried

rather impatiently on Friday afternoon. Wheres
your suitcase? Havent you even packed yet? Youll
miss your train to Fairview!
I havent any packing to do, Vicki said. I left a
complete week-end wardrobe at home, including
cosmetics and a toothbrush. Mother said there was
no sense in my carrying things back and forth.
Well, get going then, Ruth said, giving Vicki a
little push. Forget about the Linda Murray case and
have a pleasant two days with your family.
But I cant forget, Vicki wailed. I feel so
responsible. I should never have taken her out of our
suite here. I couldand probably should have
notified the manager, who
Dont be silly, Ruth interrupted. Mr. Oriole is
a charming gentleman, but when it comes to being
businesslike, hes about as ineffectual as a
37

chipmunk. In fact, she added, smiling, he looks

like a chipmunk. If youd told him you had an
amnesia victim on your hands, Im sure hed have
done nothing but stare at his immaculate gray spats
and say How charming, my dear.
Vickis tense lips relaxed into a fleeting smile. I
know, but I
You did just what any other normal, kindhearted
person would have done, Vickis boss interrupted.
You tried to return the child to her family. When
she broke away from you yesterday, you came right
back here and notified the police. They have a
complete description of her, plus the application
blank she filled out. Just because they dont consider
an adult as missing until twenty-four hours after said
adults so-called disappearance, doesnt mean that
your week end should be ruined. The police know
what theyre doing, Vic, she continued earnestly.
And I agree with them. You were the victim, not
Linda. The girl was obviously fulfilling the initiation
requirements of some college sorority. Or trying to
win a prize according to the rules of a radio program
like People Are Funny. She probably has forgotten
you by now. Why cant you forget her?
Vicki laughed hollowly. I have forgotten her,
Ruth. I never even heard of such a person.
But all during the two-hour train trip to Fairview
she kept thinking of the lovely platinum blonde, and
38

her strange behavior. For Vicki was not at all

convinced that Lindas amnesia had been part of a
hoax. The girl had been so convincingly uneasy and
unhappy part of the time they spent together, and
then, irrelevantlyor, perhaps, irrationallyhad
displayed so much common sense.
For instance, Vicki reasoned to herself, Linda
was genuinely worried for fear my job was being
jeopardized when I insisted upon taking her to what
I thought was her home. A normal person in the
same predicament would have been completely
selfish. Anybody pretending amnesia wouldnt have
allowed the joke to go as far as it did. It ceased to be
funny when we left the suite together. Even Ginny,
harum-scarum as she is, would have broken down at
that point and confessed that it was all a hoax.
The local train to Vickis home town consisted of
a small engine with a shrill whistle, a milk car, and
two rattling coaches. The ancient conductor, Mr.
Stark, stopped by Vickis seat to gossip, and by the
time they reached Fairview, she felt better. After all,
it wasnt her worry. If Linda was really a missing
person, her family, through the police, would have
located her by now.
Vickis own family, including Freckles, the Bans
brown-and-white cocker spaniel, were waiting for
her at the Fairview station. Vicki hopped down to
the platform and tried to hug and kiss them all at
39

once. In the ensuing scramble Mrs. Barrs short

curls were hopelessly mussed, Ginny lost her pigtail
bows, and Professor Barr lost his dignity.
Good heavens, Victoria, he cried, pretending to
be very severe. Why such exuberant greetings?
You left us only five days ago.
Oh, I dont know, Dad, Vicki said, giving the
tall, blond professor an extra hug. Its just so
wonderful to have a family like you Barrs. All the
while I was breathing the Toonerville Trolleys
smoke and cinders, I was thinking how awful it
would be not to have a familynot to have anyone
who cared about you.
Pooh, Ginny said, carefully extricating one of
her hair ribbons from between Freckles jaws.
Everyone has a family, Vic. You cant be born
unless you have a family to start with.
They all piled into the car, and as Professor Barr
drove out to the edge of town, Vicki said soberly to
Ginny, Everyone has a family to start with, honey,
but She stopped, thinking against her will of
Linda Murray. Suppose Linda had no parents, no
relatives, no one who would notify the police that
she was missing?
Ginny was plump, but she had sharp elbows and
she nudged Vicki with all her twelve-year-old might
and main. Lets not talk about depressing subjects,
Ginny whispered loudly. Theres a surprise party
40

waiting for you at home. All of your old high school

crowd. Dickie and Lynn Brown, Tootsie Miller, the
Kramers, Guy Englishjust everybody, Vic. And
macaroni and cheese, gallons of it. Dad wanted to
make something complicated he calls Chartreuse of
Chicken and Macaroni instead, but Mother wouldnt
let him, so he made the punch instead. Theres
gallons of that, too. Mostly lemon and lime flavors,
which isnt fattening, so Im going to eat all the
macaroni I want.
As Ginny rambled on, Linda Murray slowly
faded from Vickis thoughts. Then she caught a
glimpse of her home, The Castle, looming up on the
hill. The bare branches of the trees were decked with
snow, glistening faintly in the pale light of a
crescent moon. The tower of the old house,
silhouetted against the frosty stars in the sky, cast a
shadow on the sloping red-tiled roof, changing its
color to black except for the spots where snow still
clung. All of the lights inside the house were on, and
they gleamed through the high casement windows.
Shadows moved back and forth across the French
windows of the dining room, and Vicki knew that
they were the shadows of her school chums, waiting
to yell:
Surprise! Surprise! when she came in the door.
Vicki sighed contentedly. You never could keep
a secret, she said fondly to Ginny.
41

Ginny stiffened. I just thought, she said with

elaborate dignity, that youd want to do something
about your hair and powder your nose. And at least
try to make your eyes sparkle. You looked awful
when you got off the train, Vic. So droopy. She
added in her sympathetic young voice, Tonight,
even if Im asleep when you go to bed, wake me up,
Vic, and tell me whats bothering you. Promise?
Promise, Vicki said soberly.
Although she was very tired when the last guest
finally went home at midnight, Vicki kept her
promise. Ginny woke up the minute she entered the
blue room they shared.
Give, Big Sister, she said, twisting the end of
her braid into a curl. Is it another mystery, Vic?
Its a mystery to me, Vicki said. As she
undressed, she told Ginny all she knew about Linda
Murray. When she had finished, Ginny nodded
soberly.
Its a mystery all right, she said. But, Sis, Im
afraid its one mystery youll never solve. Did you
really and truly try to get in touch with everyone
whose name Linda wrote on her application blank?
Vicki turned off the light and climbed into the
other twin bed. I did, she said wearily. As soon
as the police explained to me that they cannot
consider an adult as missing until twenty-four hours
after his or her disappearance.
42

Why not? Ginny demanded.

Because, Vicki replied, searching for a
missing person is an expensive business. Alarms are
sent out by telephone, telegraph, teletype, and radio.
Every hospital and even the morgues in a very large
area are checked. Oh, ever so many police
departments are kept busy day and night. And, in the
case of grownups, theyve found that the so-called
missing person too often shows up sheepishly after
twenty-four hours with the lame excuse that he
simply forgot to notify his relatives of a change in
his regular routine.
Ginny giggled. For that he ought to be jailed.
Vicki nodded. And, in the case of Linda, she
isnt really what youd call a missing person, except
from where I sit. And Im a perfect stranger, not
even a distant relative. But I do somehow feel
responsible, Ginny, so before I turned that
application blank over to the police last evening, I
tried to get in touch with someone who might know
who she really is. She shook her head sadly. The
manager of the Lakeview Apartments said hed
never heard of a Miss Charlotte Dorn. And that
surprised me. The name is so familiar. I was sure Id
read about her in the society pages of the Chicago
newspapers. And the three character references
Linda gave all sounded like well-known
Chicagoans, too. They were listed as having
43

important jobs with stores like Marshall Fields,

Mandels, and Carsons, but when I called the
personnel department of those firms, no one had
ever heard of Lindas references.
Werent there any other clues? Ginny asked.
Yes, Vicki told her, but none that I could
follow up. She gave one forty-nine Hungerford
Street as her present address, and the Waldorf
Astoria in New York as her permanent address. She
also gave a lot of information under Education and
Record of Business Experience which the police
probably are checking now.
Werent there any other clues? Ginny repeated,
her plump arms wrapped around her drawn-up
knees. I mean, the kind you could check? Oh, Vic,
it would be so much fun if for once I could help you
solve a mystery!
M-m-m, Vicki said thoughtfully, staring
through the window at the crescent moon. There
was something about her that was wrong. I sort of
sensed it when she shrugged away from me to tie on
her scarf, but couldnt, and still cant, put my finger
on it.
What do you mean? Ginny asked curiously. I
think it was very wrong of her to run away from you
when you were trying so hard to help her.
I dont mean that kind of wrong, Vicki said. It
had something to do with her clothes. And yet she
44

was becomingly dressed in very good taste. No

jewelry and no make-up except for a little pale-rose
lipstick. She was such a contrast to Miss Hopeless
Case, who was all wrong from head to toe, and
yet
I know, Ginny interrupted, bouncing with
excitement. She wasnt carrying a hanky. If shed
been Betty Barrs daughter, shed have had at least
two.
Oh, but she did have a handkerchief, Vicki
said. She just pretended she didnt in the vestibule
of that awful boardinghouse so Id have to let go of
her arm while I got one out of my pocketbook. I
remembered, too late, that when she first burst into
tears, back at the recruiting office, shed covered her
face with a large white handkerchief. The kind we
borrow from Dad when we have a cold. I guess that
was one reason why I was so sure she lived home
with her parents.
Ginny sniffed. Pooh. Ive noticed that when girls
grow up theyre forever borrowing hankies from
their boy friends. I guess thats why men always
carry a spare in their left-hand coat pockets.
Youre right, Vicki admitted with a laugh. Ive
borrowed handkerchiefs from dates in my time.
Anyway, what was wrong with Linda had nothing to
do with handkerchiefs. I tried in vain to remember
what it was when I gave Captain Bevin a detailed
45

description of her and what she was wearing

Maybe her slip was showing, Ginny suggested.
Mine almost always is. Or maybe the seam of one
of her stockings was twisted, or she had a run. Or
had pinned up the hem of her skirt with safety pins.
Or her sweater wasnt tucked into her skirt all
around, or shed spilled chocolate syrup on the front
of it. Or
Stop it, Vicki interrupted, laughing. Linda is
twenty-one, not twelve, sweetie pie.
How do you know shes twenty-one? Ginny
demanded. You ignored the rules and applied for a
stewardess job before you were twenty-one.
I dont know how old she is, Vicki admitted.
So far nothing she wrote on the form has turned out
to be the truth. As a matter of fact, she looked more
like a high school girl than one who was supposed to
have had two years of college. But she was very
well groomed, Ginny. Of course, if she had been
accepted as a trainee, she would have been tactfully
told by Ruth Benson that shed have to file her
fingernails shorter and have her hair cut, just as I
was told not to have a permanent.
Maybe it was those long, pointed fingernails that
was wrong about her appearance, Ginny said, and
her voice was very drowsy.
Maybe, Vicki said, resolutely closing her blue
eyes. But she knew that Lindas fingernails were not
46

the something that bothered her. That something

was much more elusive. She fell asleep still trying to
remember what it was.

47

CHAPTER V

Chalice Dawn

When Betty Barr came in from her Sunday morning

horseback ride, she found her husband and their
eldest daughter glaring at each other across the
kitchen table.
What seems to be the trouble with you two? she
asked casually.
Professor Barr took off his chefs cap and threw it
on the floor. I queet, he said. Veeckee, she have
insulte me.
Mrs. Barr chortled. Unless you drop that French
accent, Lewis, I refuse to be mediator. Vicki, she
said, pretending to be very stern, what do you mean
by insulting your father?
I didnt do anything of the kind, Vicki said,
suppressing a giggle. Hes going to serve us
something called Toad-in-the-Hole for dinner. I
wont eat it, I wont. I dont care how delicious it
smells or tastes, I refuse to eat toads, in or out of
holes.
Betty Barr gave her boot an emphatic slap with
48

her riding crop. Neither will I. Lewis Marvell Barr,

you are fired. Last Sunday we suffered through Eels
la Tartare, but I draw the line at toadsin any
form.
The professor howled with laughter. You
women! How can I hope to turn you into gourmets?
Toad-in-the-Hole, madam, is a delicious English
dish consisting of diced round steak covered with a
batter and baked. It is, more simply put, a meat pie.
A rose by any other name, Vicki quoted,
would smell as sweet. But why use a horrid word
like toad to describe something as heavenly as
steak?
Her father replaced his cap on his blond head. I
follow recipes, my dear Victoria. I do not name
them. Perched on the kitchen stool, he went on.
Tell me more about the great Pasquale, Vic. Next
time Im in the Loop, I want you to introduce me to
him.
Well, Vicki said, hes as temperamental as
you are. Twice a day, just before the dining room
opens for lunch and dinner, he comes up and
personally inspects the menu cards and floral
arrangements. This habit of Pasquales, according to
our manager, drives the headwaiter wild, because, of
course, the chef isnt supposed to have anything to
do with the dining room.
Ah, but he should, Professor Barr said
49

sympathetically. How dreadful to have ones work

of art camouflaged by a typographical error! I
cannot contemplate anything more tragic than a
centerpiece of fragile flowers when the pice de
rsistance is a robust steak.
Vicki chuckled. Several times when Ive gone
out for lunch at noon Ive passed Mr. Pasquale in the
lobby on his way up from or back to his own
domain. Until we met over the Meg Merrilies
recipe, I didnt know who he was. He never wears
his cap on those inspection tours, but hes so tall and
distinguished-looking, you couldnt help noticing
him.
Just think, Professor Barr said dreamily, the
great Pasquale is grateful to me! Have you ever
tasted his Haricot of Oxtails, Vicki? I had that honor
when he was the chef at the Abercrombie Hotel in
New York. Like the Hartwood, it is a great favorite
with theatrical people. A wonderful house, noted for
its cuisine. I wonder why Pasquale left.
I can guess, Vicki said with a chuckle. The
headwaiter probably tried to strangle him. He only
left the Abercrombie last fall, Dad. I remember
reading his name in the newspaper account of that
mysterious Halloween robbery. I imagine it was
written up in the Chicago papers, too.
Mrs. Barr nodded. It was. A famous actress who
lives at the Abercrombie was robbed of a small
50

fortune in jewels. She frowned thoughtfully. I

seem to remember that last summer an actress
staying at a Boston hotel was mysteriously robbed,
too. Oh, dear, Vicki. I hope nothing like that will
happen at the Hartwood.
If it does, Vicki said, it wont affect me in the
slightest. Im not a famous actress and I have no
priceless jewels.
Betty Barr shook her short curls worriedly. But
youve been involved in so many mysterious
happenings. Promise me
My dear Betty, Professor Barr broke in, what
has become of your mathematical mind? The
chances of a robbery being committed at a small
residential house like the Hartwood are
infinitesimal. Outside of the theatrical world, the
Hartwood was almost unknown until Pasquale made
it famous.
Its only really famous for its cuisine now,
Vicki said. The dining room is always packed and
jammed. Even though the doors dont open for lunch
until noon, there is always a long line of people
waiting in the lobby from eleven oclock on. Only
guests of the hotel are allowed to make reservations
in advance.
But the hotel itself is filled, isnt it? Mrs. Barr
asked. Didnt you say you had trouble getting a
room?
51

Thats only because of Chalice Dawns

opening, Vicki explained. Everyone connected
with the play has rooms at the Hartwood. The
manager, Mr. Oriole, told me that last Sunday night
when I arrived to find that hed rented the room
Ruth Benson had reserved for me. Miss Dawn is
evidently superstitious about the Hartwood. She
wont stay anywhere else when shes playing in
Chicago, and insists that the cast stay there, too.
I cant believe shes really that superstitious,
Mrs. Barr said, smiling. No one with her
background could be. Why, her father is a worldfamous educator, isnt he, Lewis? And her mother
holds an important governmental position in
Washington. Chalice Dawn isnt her real name, you
know, Vicki.
I know, Vicki said, but it certainly suits her.
Shes such a lovely person, inside and out. If it
hadnt been for her, I wouldnt be staying at the
Hartwood, and Miss Benson would be furious. Shes
visiting friends in Chicago and so didnt have to
worry about the hotel situation, but because I often
have to work late, she insisted from the beginning
that I should stay right there at the Hartwood. The
Loop, according to Ruth, is no place for young
ladies after dark.
Ginny bounced in through the swinging door
from the dining room. The Loop, she chanted in
52

an ominous tone of voice. Neon lights. Honkytonks. Night Clubs. Pawnshops. Wooooo! . . .
Whats a honky-tonk, anyway?
Never mind, her mother said, frowning. Oh,
Vicki, how I worry about you! It was very generous
of Miss Dawn to give you a ticket for opening night,
but now, although I envy you, Im worried. Should
you go alone?
Of course. Vicki laughed. Our night doorman
is a young boy, still in his teens, but hes wonderful
about getting cabs for the guests. I wont have to
move further into the Loop than under the awning.
Betty Barr looked relieved. I guess Id better
shower and change. That Toad-in-the-Hole smells as
though its almost done. She swung through the
door into the dining room.
Professor Barr peered into the freezing
compartment of the refrigerator. Walnut ice cream
for dessert, he said. la Pasquale.
Oh me, oh my, Vicki said. Id better wash up
and change, too. By the time we eat our way through
your five-course menu, Dad, itll be time for my
train.
It was dark when Vicki arrived in Chicago that
evening, but the Loop was ablaze with lights.
Several cars and cabs were drawn up in front of the
hotel, so Vicki got out of her taxi at the corner. Just
then Chalice Dawn and her borzoi came out of the
53

hotel. Without even looking up at the Marshall Field

clock, Vicki knew that it could only be a few
minutes past eight. Every evening, on the dot of
eight, Ivan was taken for a walk by his mistress or
her maid.
The tall, slender actress came toward Vicki,
scuffing through the thin layer of new-fallen snow.
Her head was bent as though she were searching for
something. As Vicki drew nearer she could hear the
famous husky voice murmuring in a sad monotone.
It sounded like a dirge, and the words made no
sense:
Chadawn. Chadawn . . . Gone! Gone! Oh, Ivan,
how can I go onwithout Chadawn?
Miss Dawn, Vicki called out. May I help you?
Did you drop something? I hope it wasnt your
lovely Ivan pin.
For answer, the actress threw open her mink coat.
She was wearing velvet slacks, and the diamond and
platinum miniature of her pet was pinned to the lapel
of her white satin blouse.
No, Miss Dawn said, smiling wanly, I havent
lost my tiny Ivan, Miss Barr. What I have lost is
much, much more valuable.
Let me help you look for it, please, Vicki said.
Was it a bracelet or an earring?
Miss Dawn pushed back her ermine scarf,
displaying the diamonds in her ear lobes. No, my
54

dear, what I have lost is pricelessutterly priceless.

I would rather have lost every piece of jewelry in
my safe than my Chadawn.
Baffled, Vicki could only stare. What on earth
was this fabulous Chadawn?
Every bit of my jewelry, the actress was saying
spreading her lovely hands. I care nothing for it,
anyway. Such a nuisance! I have to carry a little safe
with me wherever I go. No hotel will take the
responsibility. Dear, dear Mr. Oriole, the charming
man, offered to keep my pearls in the office safe,
but, of course, I refused. They would be no safer in
his safe than in mine, would they? Im thinking
seriously of giving them to Claireour ingnue,
you know. She positively covets them, the precious
child, and I wear them so seldom.
Vickis eyes widened. Chalice Dawn couldnt be
serious! No one in her right mind would give away
those strands of perfectly matched pearls. Vicki had
read in a magazine article that they were worth
thousands of dollars.
Just then Ivan, who had been tugging impatiently
on his leash, suddenly wheeled around to face his
mistress. The big dog swerved in the path of a
passer-by, almost knocking the tall man off his feet.
Oh, Im so sorry, Miss Dawn cried contritely.
Ivan is such a clumsy creature, and the sidewalk is
so slippery. Are you hurt, sir?
55

The man, who was wearing a gray overcoat,

tipped his hat, smiling. Im not hurt in the least. It
was really my fault. I was walking with my head
down to keep the snow from my face.
Vicki stared at him, thinking: How polite he is!
He wasnt walking with his head down at all.
Besides, it isnt snowing that hard.
As he moved slowly away from them, Miss Dawn
whispered to Vicki, Such charming manners. A
gentleman of the old school. Did you notice what
refined features he had?
Vicki nodded. She had noticed something else,
too. She felt sure that the gentleman had been caught
off guard by Ivans sudden rightabout-face because
he had been completely absorbed by Chalice
Dawns dramatic conversation.
Ivan was straining on the leash again now, and
his mistress tucked her free hand under Vickis arm.
Come, my dear, take a little walk with me, she
said. I am such a lonely person. Thats why I keep
Ivan, you know. Like most lonely people, I talk to
myself a great deal. But I do not wish to be
considered eccentric. When people hear me talking
to myself, they think I am talking to Ivan. Such a
stupid dog. Of absolutely no use in this world, Miss
Barr. Why, if a burglar should break into my
apartment, Ivan would surely lead him right to my
safe, which is in my dressing-room closet, you
56

know.
Vicki could not help interrupting in a rather
reproving tone of voice, Oh, Miss Dawn, do you
think you should let a stranger like me know where
you keep your jewelry?
But you are not a stranger, the actress replied.
You are my next-door neighbor, and one of the
most charming young ladies I ever met. I do wish
you would come see me when you are off duty.
When I am not rehearsing, I am so lonely.
Miss Dawn, Vicki protested, you cant be
lonely. Why, you must have a million friends and
admirers!
Friends and admirers, Chalice Dawn said,
shaking her lovely head, do not keep one from
being lonely. You have a father and mother and little
sister. I have neither a brother nor a sister, and I
hardly know my parents. I was brought up by nurses
and governesses. I dedicated my life to my art, and
so never had time to make any really close friends. I
am sure you have more than you can count on your
pretty fingers.
Well, Vicki said, Im home so seldom I rarely
see my home-town friends. But I share an apartment
in New York, our home base, with five stewardesses
who were in my class at training school. Were all
very fond of one another.
The actress pushed the loop of Ivans leash up her
57

arm and clapped her hands. How perfectly ideal.

What divine times you six girls must have! Please
tell me all about them. This very evening. Well go
up to my apartment and have a bite of supper. Its a
housekeeping apartment, you know. I have the
sweetest little kitchenette which I love to fuss
around in. She threw back her head, laughing gaily.
But you mustnt think that I am a Pasquale. I can
only manage a few things like scrambled eggs and
toast. Dolly, my maid, you know, doesnt approve. I
leave everything for her to clean up, poor dear.
Because, of course, I cant risk having dishpan
hands. I express myself through my hands, you see.
If they were tied behind my back I should probably
be tongue-tied. She stopped suddenly to stare at
Vicki. Do you suppose Dolly knows what
happened to Chadawn?
Vicki sighed. I dont even know what Chadawn
is.
But the actress wasnt listening. No, Im quite
wrong, she answered her own question. Dolly is
devoted to me. Shes been with me for years and she
knows how much Chadawn means to me. It must
have been the hotel maid. What is her name, Miss
Barr?
I dont know which one you mean, Vicki said.
Lily does my room, but shes always so hounded
by Mrs. Moser that she never quite has time to finish
58

it properly.
A dreadful creature, Miss Dawn interrupted,
and to Vickis surprise, the actresss face was
registering something that was very close to hatred.
I loathe that woman. No matter what discomfort
you may have to endure, never, never report any of
the maids to that martinet of a housekeeper. Promise
me, promise me here and now, you will never report
an employee to thatthat wretched woman who is,
unfortunately, dear, dear Mr. Orioles sister-in-law.
I promise, Vicki said meekly, not knowing
what else to say.
Good, good, Miss Dawn said, giving Vickis
arm a hug. I remember that clumsy maids name
now. Such an incongruous name for a girl who is so
unfortunately unattractive. Lily. But no matter what
you say, even though she does rather resemble
Caliban, she is a sweet child. And so cowed by that
disagreeable housekeeper. Lily is the answer, of
course. She broke the vial while dusting, although
Ive told her over and over again never to go near
my dressing room. She disobeyed, out of the
kindness of her poor, simple heart, and then, when
she broke the vial, was afraid to confess. Suddenly
the actress buried her face in the crook of her arm.
Oh, if it had only not been my Chadawn! My
Chadawn. How can I possibly go on without
Chadawn?
59

CHAPTER VI

The Missing Vial

By the time Chalice Dawn decided that Ivan had had

enough exercise, Vicki was so confused she didnt
know what to think. The actress had, apparently, lost
something that was both fragile and valuable and
she suspected a great many people of stealing it or
breaking it. So far as Vicki was concerned, nothing
the actress said made any sense at all. She stopped
listening to the disjointed sentences long before the
walk was at an end.
Then, to make matters more confusing, once they
were upstairs in the beautifully furnished suite on
the fifth floor of the hotel, Miss Dawns mood
changed abruptly. She behaved like a happy child
without a care in the world as she donned a dainty
apron.
Go home, Dolly dear, the actress said to her
pretty, dark-haired maid. Im in one of my
domestic moods.
But, Miss Dawn, Dolly protested. You know
60

you cant sleep unless I brush your hair and massage

your scalp, and
Dont be tiresome, Miss Dawn said as the girl
reluctantly donned her hat and coat. This is not
opening night. I am not at all overstimulated and am
perfectly capable of brushing my own hair.
When the maid had gone, Miss Dawn said to
Vicki, Dolly spoils me. She has been with me for
years, you know. And so devoted! I like to let her
off early whenever I can. From Friday night on
shell have to wait here for me until I get back from
the theater. She draws my tub, puts away my clothes
and jewels and all that sort of thing, you know, no
matter how late it is.
As she spoke, she disappeared into the kitchenette
and before Vicki could say a word she heard the
whir of an egg beater. The sound was drowned out
by the chiming of the gilt French clock on the
mantle. Nine oclock! They had been walking up
and down in front of the hotel for almost an hour
and Vicki still had no idea what priceless thing the
actress had lost.
Hesitantly, Vicki joined Miss Dawn in the tiny
kitchenette. Why its charming, she cried. And as
tiny as my galley on a plane.
No room for the two of us. The actress waved
Vicki away.
And then, suddenly and unaccountably,
61

something reminded Vicki of Linda. She stood

there, one foot in the living room, the other in the
kitchenette, trying to figure out what the intangible
something was. No two people could be more
dissimilar in every way than the brunette actress and
the tall, blond girl who had so mysteriously
disappeared into the snowstorm. And yet, the
moment Vicki had entered the tiny room a mental
picture of Linda Murray had flashed into her mind.
What had caused that mental photography?
My dear! Miss Dawns voice broke
impatiently into Vickis thoughts. Cant you see
that youre in my way? Please, please dont hover
about. It makes me dreadfully nervous. So nervous I
cant remember what spices Ive put into this goo.
Vicki, inwardly smiling, backed away and
perched on the arm of the living-room sofa. She
chanted good-naturedly, Sugar and spice, and
everything nice, thats what little girls are made of
Then she stopped. Was it the fragrance of
spices that had made her think of Linda? Perhaps
Linda had eaten a brunch that morning of scrambled
eggs which had been laced with onion and garlic
salt.
That must have been it, Vicki reflected. I was
certainly close enough to her most of the time to
have smelled her breath.
In a surprisingly short time, Miss Dawn appeared
62

with a really delicious supper. Vicki was starving in

spite of the huge Sunday dinner she had eaten at
home. She told Miss Dawn about her fathers
elaborate menu, and then, before she knew it, she
found herself relating the high lights of her whole
life history.
But how wonderful, the actress cried. A
mystery wherever you go! Mexico! New Orleans!
Hawaii! Alaska! My dear, I feel as though I had
known you all my life. Please, may I call you Vicki?
And do, do call me Chalice.
Please call me by my first name, Vicki said,
but I doubt if Id ever dare call you Chalice. Im
just a nobody, really, and youre so famous.
But you must, the actress insisted, throwing out
her arms with imploring gestures. Otherwise, I
wont feel that you are my friend.
We-ell, Vicki said shyly, I might get so I
could call you Chalice Dawn. The two names belong
together. Oh, she interrupted herself. Chadawn!
Why, its a contraction of the two names.
Miss Dawn nodded, her luminous black eyes
clouded with sudden tears. Im going to tell you my
secret, Vicki. You have proved several times that
you are a superb detective. But you must promise
me that you will never let anyone connected with the
theater know that my Chadawn has disappeared. It
would mean disaster, Vicki, complete disaster. We
63

and the River represents an investment of a hundred

thousand dollars. The whole cast depends upon me
and my opening-night performance. If even a
stagehand had the slightest idea that I might not be
able to go on She stopped, unable to describe
such a fiasco.
Your secret will be safe with me, Vicki assured
her. I dont know anybody in show business. What
is Chadawn?
My perfume, the actress moaned. The perfume
that was blended especially for me. It is the essence
of my personality. It is my soul. Not to wear it on
opening night, Vicki, would mean failure. Failure!
She swayed back and forth, her slim hands clasped
around one knee. I simply can not go on without
Chadawn.
Vicki, bewildered, tried to make her voice sound
sympathetic. But I still dont understand, Miss
DawChalice. I dont know much about theatrical
people, and never have time to read Variety and
Billboard. If something has happened to your
favorite perfume, couldnt you have some more
made before Friday night when the play opens?
The actress paid no attention and kept on swaying
back and forth as though she were alone in the room.
I slaved to get to the top of the ladder. Slaved.
Summer stock that ended with each summer. Miles
and miles of No Casting signs on Broadway.
64

Hours and hours of auditions, and there is no torture

on this earth like an audition. Then at last came my
chance, a slim chance. I was understudy to Marsha
Hilliard. A great performer, Miss Hilliard, but
discouragingly healthy. She had never known a sick
day in her life. I learned my lines well, but I knew I
would never go on in her place.
She leaped up then and began to pace the floor,
gesticulating wildly with each stride. Vicki watched
and listened, entranced.
All that sweltering summer we rehearsed, and
then on opening night a childhood sweetheart gave
me as a presenta small vial of perfume which he
had blended especially for me. He was only a novice
then, but before he died he was a famous perfumer.
His products are never sold commercially. Each
blend is made especially to order to suit the
personality of the client. Chadawn was his first great
achievementhis first step toward fame, but neither
of us knew then what the future held. Pleased and
flattered, I dabbed a bit behind each ear, and at
almost the same moment the wardrobe mistress
bustled into my backstage cubbyhole.
Quick, into the stars costume, she said,
yanking me to my feet. Hilliard has quit in a huff.
Before I knew it, the director was pushing me onto
the stage. If you fluff your lines Ill break every
bone in your body, he hissed. But he sang another
65

tune at the end of the first act, and when the curtain
fell for the last time, even I knew from the deafening
applause that I had become a star overnight.
She stopped suddenly in front of Vicki and
demanded accusingly, Now do you understand?
How can I possibly go on without Chadawn?
Vicki blinked. I can understand that youre
superstitious about Chadawn and opening nights,
but havent you got more than one bottle of it? And
cant you get any more?
Of course, of course. Miss Dawns normally
husky voice was shrill with impatience. My sachets
and cologne and bath soaps are all scented with
Chadawn. A long-distance call could bring me a
bottle of the perfume by plane in plenty of time. But
what good would that do me? Nothing has any real
value except the original perfume which brought me
good luck. All these years I have treasured it, using
it only on opening nights. In-between times, the gilt
crown-shaped stopper is sealed tightly with sealing
wax to prevent evaporation.
Oh, I see, Vicki murmured, and now she was
sincerely sympathetic. The loss of her precious
fetish might well result in the high-strung actress
having a bad case of stage fright. Stage and screen
celebrities were, she knew, often governed by
superstitions connected with their first successes.
One famous Hollywood actress absolutely refused to
66

sign any contract unless it was raining. Another

never took an important step except on the
seventeenth day of the month. Vicki sighed. Well
simply have to find your Chadawn.
Oh, Vicki, will you help? the actress begged.
Youve solved so many mysteries. And II dont
know where to begin.
Well begin at the beginning, Vicki said
encouragingly. When did you first discover that the
bottle was missing?
Friday morning, Chalice Dawn said promptly.
When did you last see it? Vicki continued.
Miss Dawn pressed her fingers against her
forehead. I cant be absolutely sure. My eyes may
have fallen on it a dozen times without my really
seeing it. But the last time I touched it was Thursday
morning. I always do that every morning. And dont
you dare laugh at me, Vicki Barr. Theres a famous
baseball player who always touches first base on his
way to the dugout.
Vicki did not even smile. In other words, it
disappeared sometime between Thursday morning
and Friday morning. Now we have the when. Lets
start on the whos. Can you think of anyone who
might have stolen it out of spite? I cant believe,
Chalice Dawn, that you have an enemy. But perhaps
there is someone in the theatrical world who is
jealous of your success?
67

The actress shrugged. Undoubtedly a great many

people envy me, but I dont know of a soul who is
cruel enough to have taken my Chadawn. Suddenly
her eyes narrowed and she cried excitedly, How
clever you are, Vicki. Of course, thats who it was.
The despicable woman! She did it for revenge,
knowing that I have told dear Mr. Oriole a dozen
times that he should dismiss her. She started for the
door, taking long strides. Ill go straight to her
room now and accuse her. If she has dared to
destroy my Chadawn, I shall
Oh, wait a minute, please, Vicki cried,
springing to her feet. I dont even know whom
youre talking about, but we mustnt accuse anyone
until we have proof. You must be careful, Chalice.
A libel suit would be the worst kind of publicity.
The actress wheeled, her eyes wide with
amazement. But, Vicki, you yourself pointed out
that no one but that unpleasant Mrs. Moser could
possibly have had a motive.
Vicki sighed. The idea of suspecting the
housekeeper never occurred to me. She has a motive
and she wanders all over the hotel with master keys
to every room. But does she know how much
Chadawn means to you? What Im trying to say is,
does the general public know that it is your amulet?
Horrors, no! Chalice exclaimed. Only Dolly
knows, and, of course, a few of my very close
68

friends. But those dear, dear people would never do

or say anything which might let the secret leak out
to the newspapers. Not even in Variety or Billboard
has a line ever appeared about Chadawn. That kind
of publicity would be frightful. I could not bear to
have my public think me a fool or eccentric. My
friends in the theatrical world understand me. But
the secret is safe with them, for they, as you know,
rarely have anything to do with anyone who isnt in
show business. She smiled wanly. For me to
confide in you as I have, darling, shows what great
confidence I have in you. You must not fail me.
Ill do my best, Vicki said, inwardly thinking:
If only she would stop contradicting herself! When
we were out on the street she insisted that she had no
close friends. Now she admits she has at least a few.
And what a trusting nature she has! Im surprised
everyone in the theatrical world doesnt know about
her fetish.
Aloud she asked: If only a few people know
about Chadawn, how can you possibly suspect Mrs.
Moser of stealing it?
Chalices eyes were wide with amazement. I
didnt say only a few people know about it. Why,
every member of my cast knows how much it means
to me. And theyre all staying right here in this hotel
where that snoopy woman can overhear them when
they discuss me and my foibles.
69

Oh, Chalice, Vicki objected mildly, Mrs.

Moser is always in such a hurry I doubt if she ever
stays in one spot long enough to eavesdrop. And,
frankly, I dont think shed take anything, even for
spite. Hotels dont hire housekeepers unless they
have unimpeachable reputations. Even a rumor that
she wasnt completely honest could ruin her chances
of getting another hotel job.
Thats true, the actress admitted in a
disappointed tone of voice. Almost humbly, she
crossed over and sat beside Vicki on the sofa.
And again, unaccountably, a mental picture of
Linda flashed in and out of Vickis mind. She shook
her head resolutely. This was no time to think about
Linda Murray. She must concentrate on trying to
glean some truth from the actresss conflicting
statements. In one mood, apparently, she put blind
faith in everyone; in another, she suspected people
who had no motive.
Chalice, she began, I dont want to imply that
any of the employees is a thief, but all of them could
have overheard gossip about you and your talisman.
And who knows but one of them may have been in
show business before he or she got a job here? Mr.
Oriole would know. I really think
I am not a tattletale, Miss Dawn interrupted. I
have suffered a great loss but nothing would induce
me to report the matter to the manager. He and that
70

ridiculous house detective would immediately

pounce upon Dollys poor dear brother Ed. They
would railroad him into jail, and hes only just out of
reform school. Such an unfortunate occurrence! I
had to scold Mr. Oriole, and shame him into giving
Ed the night doorman job, you know.
How about Lily? Vicki asked. You suggested
earlier that she might have accidentally broken the
vial and is afraid to confess.
Chalice Dawn waved her hands. No, no, we
cannot even suspect poor Lily. She has Thursdays
off, I remember now. And she did not enter the
apartment Friday morning until long after I had
discovered that my Chadawn was gone.
Then the relief maid, Vicki said. She might
not have known that you dont like the hotel maids
to clean your dressing room. Could she have gone in
without you or Dolly seeing her?
Heavens no, Miss Dawn said emphatically.
You dont seem to realize, Vicki, that either Dolly
or I or both of us are always in the suite. Ivan howls
like a banshee if he is left alone.
On opening night, Vicki pointed out, the
apartment will be empty when Dolly takes him out
for his walk. Dont you ever have evening
rehearsals?
I dont, Chalice said, arching her eyebrows.
The director may call the other members of the cast
71

whenever he feels it necessary. Everyone knows that

I would not think of attending a rehearsal after
sunset. It makes my head ache all the next day, and,
furthermore, its very unlucky.
All right, Vicki said, suppressing a smile.
How about Marianne, the linen-room girl? Shes
pretty enough to have been on the stage, and she has
a set of master keys, too. Shes forever wandering
around with fresh linen and towels. I leave my room
around eight to go down for breakfast. I imagine
youre still asleep then, and Dolly hasnt yet arrived.
Marianne could go into your dressing room through
my bathroom, and youd never know it.
Really! Chalice leaped to her feet. I am a very
light sleeper, Vicki Barr, and the walls are paper
thin. In the Gay Nineties this whole suite was one
huge private banquet room. The original walls are so
thick theyre practically soundproof, but the
partitions are made of cheap beaver board. Why, my
dear, when I am in my dressing room and you are
taking a shower, I almost duck for fear I shall be
splashed.
Vicki laughed. Im sorry! And I dont really
suspect Marianne, do you?
Chalice covered her face with her hands. I will
not have her or any of the maids accused. That
frightful housekeeper would dismiss them without
references and they would never again get
72

employment.
Then, Vicki said soberly, we must suspect one
of your guests. Someone who came in here for lunch
or tea or dinner or supper on Thursday, or called
later in the evening. You have so many guests,
Chalice, I know its going to be hard for you to
remember, but try, anyway. Without realizing it,
could you have done something which another
actress, or an actor, holds against you?
Dont be tiresome, Chalice said crossly. I am
noted for my excellent memory. I know my lines
perfectly after reading a script through twice. I
distinctly remember everyone I entertained on
Thursday. A great many of them had the opportunity
to steal my Chadawn, but not one of them had a
motive. In fact, every one of them is greatly
indebted to me.
Could one of them be a practical joker? Vicki
asked. Someone who plans to return your Chadawn
before opening night?
Impossible, Chalice cried. How could anyone
conceive of such a cruel, cruel thing as a joke?
Vicki got up and started for the door. Well, try
and think, Chalice. Isnt it possible that someone in
the theatrical world holds a grudge against you?
Impossible, the actress said as she opened the
door for Vicki. I have never harmed a soul in my
life.
73

You tried to get Mr. Oriole to fire Mrs. Moser,

Vicki pointed out quietly. Why do you detest her
so?
That woman! Chalice added in a loud whisper:
Some day I will tell you about her. But now, good
night, and many thanks, my dear.
Good night, Vicki said, and many thanks to
you for a very pleasant evening. She closed the
door and started off for her own room. Then she
stopped. Standing only a yard or two away, under
the light by the service elevator, was a red-haired
young man in overalls. He was leaning on his broom
with his eyes closed. He looked bored, tired, and
sleepy.
But somehow Vicki sensed that he was really
very wide awake. The pose was a little too
exaggerated. The young engineer, she felt sure, had
been eavesdropping.

74

CHAPTER VII

The Gypsy Girl

Although the corridor was only dimly lighted, the

moment Vicki opened the door to Room 507 she
knew someone was in there. For a fleeting second
she was frightened, then, as she reached in to switch
on the light, she demanded in a loud voice:
Whos there?
A sleepy voice replied: I thought youd never
come. Where on earth have you been?
Jean Cox, Vicki said with a sigh of relief.
How you scared me!
Jean, snuggled under the covers on the cot which
had been placed beside Vickis bed, merely yawned.
You scared me, too. I thought it was a bellhop
telling me to hop back to the airport. It was fogged
down all evening and I figured it would stay that
way all night. All flights were canceled until further
notice, so I gave Federal this phone number,
grabbed a cab, and here I am. Mr. Oriole was very
nice about the cot, and he should have been, after
75

what happened Saturday night.

Vicki kicked off her high-heeled pumps and
began to undress. What happened Saturday night?
she asked wearily and without much interest.
Theres never a dull moment around this hotel.
Suddenly Jean sat bolt upright. Oh, Vicki, I met
the most marvelous man on the flight from New
York today. Honestly, hes got but everything. Tall,
dark, and handsome is putting it mildly. Crisp, curly
hair and long gray eyes. All American fullback;
Yale and Columbia Law School grad; speaks French
and Spanish as well as he speaks English. Russian,
too, although I wouldnt know how well. And can
you imagine it? The only marginal note beside his
name on the manifest was: Better be nice to this
passenger, Cox. Hes a Hollywood talent scout. As
if I had to be told to be nice to anyone as completely
divine as Lionel Brownson!
Im not in the mood for romance, Vicki said,
and went into the tiny bathroom to brush her teeth.
Mysteries are my hobby right now. Two of em.
Jean merely raised her voice and continued as
though she had not been interrupted. And guess
what? Hes staying right here at the Hartwood. Hes
here to catch the opening of Chalice Dawns play.
Hollywood has its eye on the beautiful blond
ingnue, Claire Something-or-other, the lucky girl.
Impossible, Vicki said, rinsing her toothbrush.
76

Whats impossible? Jean demanded.

Your Hollywood talent scout. Vicki climbed
into bed.
Impossible? It was almost a scream. I tell you
hes practically perfect, Vicki Barr.
Vicki grinned. Im sure he is, if you say so. But
he cant be staying here. No rooms.
Thats what you think, Jean retorted. I
mentioned the lack of vacancies when he told me he
was going to stay here, and it seems that hes had a
reservation for weeks and weeks. Anyway, ordinary
people dont count in this hotel. If a VIP in the stage
or screen world asks for a room, he gets it, even if it
means throwing out the ordinary person bag and
baggage.
Vicki calmly went on cold-creaming her face. I
dont believe it, for one thing, and for another, how
do you know so much about the Hartwood?
Jean reached across the narrow space between the
two beds to scoop up a glob of Vickis cold cream.
In the first place, I happen to know that Lionel
Brownson is staying here, and right on this floor.
Diagonally across the corridor. Room 510. As I
came in your room this evening, he was just leaving
his to get a bite of supper. She patted her shoulders
with both hands, smiling smugly. Asked me to join
him, but of course I refused. Federal, in case youve
forgotten, frowns upon stewardesses who date
77

passengers.
Vicki chortled. Sounds to me as though the
entire flight from New York to Chicago was just one
long date for you and Mr. Brownson. Ill bet you
know more about him than his own mother does at
this point.
Jean blushed. Well, I guess I did pay more
attention to him than to the other passengers, who
didnt need me, anyway. As I keep telling you, hes
positively magnetic. Anyway, hes here. What you
didnt know is that there was a transient in Room
510 who checked out this afternoon. If anyone
should ask me, Id say he was told by the manager
to check out.
All right, Ill ask you, Vicki said with a
mischievous grin. For the second time, how do you
know so much about the Hartwood?
Jean giggled. If you stayed here week ends,
youd get the general idea, too. Look what happened
to me Saturday night.
Vicki sank back on her pillow. This is where I
came in. What did happen to you Saturday night?
Well, Jean began, I had three hours off before
the return flight, so instead of spending the layover
time in the airport lounge, I decided to take
advantage of your kind invitation and the key you so
generously gave me. I planned to come up here and
take a hot bath and brief nap.
78

Oh, oh, Vicki interrupted contritely. I forgot to

tell the manager about our little private arrangement.
After I gave you my key, I simply asked for a
duplicate without going into details of why I needed
one. I am sorry, Jean. Did someone try to keep you
from coming up to my room?
No, indeed, Jean said. I dont think that front
desk clerk could possibly keep track of all the
people who swarm in and out of the elevators of this
place around eight on a Saturday night. There are
simply hordes of them, all very theatrical looking,
and ranging from the ages of nineteen to ninety. I
waited and waited for a chance to cram into an
elevator and finally decided to climb the stairs. They
werent much better, Vicki. Actresses were
wandering all over the stairs and corridors in
housecoats and lounging pajamas, and almost all the
doors to the rooms and suites were wide open. I
guess Saturday night is open-house night at the
Hartwood.
Vicki laughed. Its almost as hectic during the
week. Mr. Oriole describes his guests, with a great
deal of pride, as one big happy family.
Jean nodded. By the time I finally wended my
way to your door, I didnt think that anything would
surprise me. I unlocked the door, ducked inside,
reached for the light switch, and then realized that
the light was already on.
79

One of the maids, Vicki began. Undoubtedly

Lily. She is so careless. I doubt if she ever turns off
faucets and lights when she leaves a room after
cleaning it.
I dont know anything about Lily, Jean
interrupted. But she certainly wasnt the gorgeous
creature with the raven locks who met my startled
gaze.
It was Vickis turn to sit bolt upright in bed.
What met your startled gaze? she demanded
incredulously.
Jean pointed to the mirrored closet door. Right
thererunning her long slim hands through her
coal-black tressesa glamor girl if I ever saw one,
and just as startled to see me as I was to see her.
Well, no, not quite, Jean confessed ashamedly. I
uttered a mild shriek and she simply narrowed her
eyes at me and said in a blood-chilling voice:
To what do I owe this intrusion?
Vickis own blue eyes were wide open now.
Jean Cox, she gasped. Are you making this yarn
up?
Cross my heart and hope to die, Jean said. I
was never so scared in all my life, Vicki. She was
wearing one of those off-the-shoulder black net and
taffeta evening gowns and she looked so much like
my idea of Carmen that I wouldnt have been at all
surprised if she had drawn a knife from the folds of
80

her skirt. She was that angry.

She was angry? Vicki swung her legs out of the
covers. What on earth was that strange woman
doing in my room? Im going to get dressed and go
right down and tell the manager that Im sick and
tired of the slap-happy way in which he runs this
hotel.
Wait a minute, Jean begged. I shall explain all.
In reply to her question I inquired meekly, Isnt this
Room 507? It is, she said in that blood-chilling
voice. Then, said I, gathering courage, youre in
the wrong room. Still playing with her thick black
hair, she took one menacing step toward me. Get
out, she hissed, before I have you thrown out.
Its a nightmare, Vicki said, shaking her head.
Flying through lightning is mild compared to a
quiet evening in this lovely family hotel.
It certainly is, Jean agreed heartily. She didnt
produce a dagger, but her long red fingernails scared
me so much that I hastily departed to report the
matter to Mr. Oriole. His first reaction was
annoyance because youd given me a key without
his permission, but when I pointed out that hed
given someone else the room without your
permission, he calmed down. It seems he did it only
because of an emergency. Gypsy Girl is somebody
in show business, and, on her way from New York
to Hollywood for a screen test, her plane was
81

grounded in Chicago due to weather conditions

farther West. After spending most of Saturday
afternoon trying to get a hotel room with no success,
she finally threw herself on the mercy of Mr. Oriole.
Knowing that you spend week ends at home, he
simply had your stuff moved out, and gave her the
room. Jean pursed her lips. Now do you see what I
mean when I say an ordinary person doesnt count in
this hotel?
Vicki sighed. I certainly do. And Ill certainly
have a little chat with Mr. Oriole in the morning.
The least he can do if hes going to use my room for
week-end transients is give me a reduction in the
rent, or have a phone put in. She giggled.
Actually, Im paying so little now I have no right to
kick. And the room really belongs to Chalice Dawn,
anyway. He promised to give me the first full-sized
room vacated by a transient, but I guess I havent a
prayer. Chalice told me this evening that droves of
her friends are coming to Chicago for the opening.
Chalice? Jean rapidly blinked her eyes. Since
when are you on such intimate terms with Americas
Most Beloved Actress?
Chadawn drew us together, Vicki said, and
explained.
When she had finished, Jean said thoughtfully,
What does that personalized perfume smell like,
anyway?
82

How should I know? Vicki demanded. I just

told you the vial has mysteriously disappeared.
Jean grinned mischievously. Youre slipping,
Sherlock. The apartment must reek of it if its in her
sachets and cologne and bath salts and all.
I dont think its the kind of perfume that reeks,
Vicki objected. I gather that its quite elusive. Now
you smell it and now you dont.
Thats true, Jean admitted. But its bound to
be a fragrance thats only suitable for a brunette like
Miss Dawn, dont you agree?
Of course, Vicki said. On me, for instance, it
probably would be ghastly.
Quite so, my dear Watson, Jean said smugly.
Im getting to be quite a Sherlock myself.
Oh, fine, fine, Vicki said. I suppose you know
exactly where Chadawn is at the moment.
We-ll, no, Jean said, tapping her finger tips
together. But Im pretty sure Gypsy Girl lied when
she said she was en route to Hollywood for a screen
test.
What makes you think so? Vicki asked.
Because, Jean explained, I have a clue which
leads me to believe that she vacated this room only a
short while before I came into it tonight.
Why, you genius, you, Vicki teased. The clue,
I suppose, is that you passed her in the corridor.
Nothing so simple as that, Jean returned airily.
83

When I opened your closet door to hang up my

overcoat I was almost knocked flat by a large whiff
of a perfume that was definitely not your type. It
made me think of Tahitian skies and brown-skinned
girls with clusters of tropical flowers twined in their
long black hair. I said to myself, If Vicki is going in
for that kind of perfume, shes lost her mind. And
then I remembered Gypsy Girl, and so I deduced,
Dr. Watson, that she had only recently packed up
and departed.
So what? Vicki demanded.
So plenty, Jean retorted. I happen to know that
westbound planes have been leaving Chicago
regularly since this morning. If Gypsy Girl was so
anxious to get to the Coast for a screen test, why did
she hang around here until the airport was fogged
down tonight?
I have no idea, Vicki said tiredly. But if shes
half as eccentric an actress as Chalice Dawn is,
thats explanation enough. All I hope is that my
uniforms dont reek of her perfume. She wriggled
her small, pert nose.
On you it would not smell good, Jean agreed.
But fear not, its the kind thats here one minute
and gone the next. Besides, I opened the window
and aired the closet for you. You didnt notice it
when you hung up your clothes, did you?
No, Vicki replied, but I did notice something
84

else which Id never noticed before. When Im in

that closet and Chalice Dawn is in her dressingroom closet, I can hear every word she says.
Great, Jean said in a bored tone of voice.
Better than a party line. Even I could have deduced
that one. After all, theres only a connecting door
between her dressing room and your bathroom, isnt
there? The closets are probably back to back.
Thats right, Vicki said. What worries me is
that Chalice talks to herself a lotor rather, to her
dog, Ivan. What I heard her say when I was hanging
up my clothes sounded like the combination of a
safe.
This gets better and better, Jean said gleefully.
On the stroke of midnight well pick the lock on
your bathroom door and snitch those fabulous
pearls.
But Im serious, Jean, Vicki protested.
Suppose a maid was cleaning my closet and heard
Chalice mumbling that combination to herself.
Dont you think the maid might be awfully
tempted?
Jean laughed. According to you, the maids
seldom clean the room properly, so I doubt if they
go near the closet. And even if they did and heard
someone muttering a string of numbers, I doubt if
theyd realize it was a safe combination.
I guess youre right, Vicki said. But, really,
85

Chalice is so careless in her conversation. She

hardly knew me when she told me, right out on the
street where any passer-by could have heard her,
that she kept her safe in her dressing-room closet.
Now that someone has stolen her Chadawn, I cant
help worrying for fear someone might try to steal
her jewels.
Theres no connection, Jean said with a yawn.
Chadawn is apparently priceless only to Chalice
Dawn. But the jewels are something else again. If
theyre stolen, my Suspect No. 1 would be the
young redheaded engineer. The one who put this cot
up for me with the help of the linen-room girl. Ive
never entered or left this room without passing him
in the corridor. He doesnt exactly lurk, but
I know the one you mean, Vicki said
thoughtfully. I never saw him until this evening
when I left Chalices suite. He wasnt exactly
lurking then, but I did think that hed been listening
to what we said after she opened her door. Well,
anyway, good night. Im exhausted.
Vicki turned out the lamp on the bed table but
hardly had she closed her eyes when someone
knocked on the door.
Simultaneously both girls leaped out of bed and
cried:
Whos there?
86

CHAPTER VIII

The Perfumed Handkerchief

Whos there? Vicki asked again as she turned on

the light and slipped into her bathrobe. Jean, who
had no robe, ducked into the bathroom when Vicki
opened the door.
A bellhop stood in the dimly lighted corridor. On
the silver tray he was carrying was a folded piece of
paper. Message for Miss Cox, he said.
Vicki handed him some change and he saluted
and backed off toward the service elevator at the far
end of the hall. When he ceased to block her vision,
Vicki saw that a tall, broad-shouldered man was
standing outside the door of the room diagonally
across from hers. He was whistling nonchalantly,
but he seemed to be having trouble with the key he
was twisting and turning in the lock.
Mr. Lionel Brownson, Vicki thought, and was
sorry that it was too dark for her to see if he was
really as handsome as Jean obviously thought he
was. As though he had felt her eyes on him, he
turned suddenly and said in a deep, masculine voice:
87

Good evening, neighbor.

Good evening, Vicki said. Did the night clerk
give you the wrong key? I wouldnt put it past him.
Jimmy, I fear, does not get proper sleep in the
daytime.
He came closer and now Vicki could see his face.
He is handsome, she thought, and, whats more
important, very pleasant looking.
This key, he said with an engaging grin, is
about as useful in my lock as a clothespin would
be. He flipped up the tag and held it under the light.
Youre right. Its for 810, not 510. That night clerk
should wear glasses.
Vicki smiled. And the elevator operator could
use a pair, too. You can ring and ring, but he only
obeys the signals in his box when hes in the mood.
If you want to get the right key before midnight,
youd better take the stairs down to the lobby.
Ill take your advice, he said, and stared at her
with frank curiosity. You must be Miss Vicki Barr.
I met a pal of yours on the plane from New York
today. Jean Cox, flight stewardess. She told me you
were occupying Room 507 here.
Suddenly Vicki was conscious of the fact that she
was behaving in a very unconventional manner. She
was thankful that the robe she was wearing over her
pajamas, a gift from her mother, was virtually a
warm housecoat. She hoped that, in the dim light,
88

Mr. Lionel Brownson could not see that her feet

were bare. If I keep on living in this wacky hotel,
she reflected, Ill soon end up wandering around in
lounging pajamas the way a lot of the guests do.
And that would mean the end of my job with
Federal. Forcing a prim smile to her lips, she said
coolly, Good night, Mr. Brownson. Too late she
realized that she had only made matters worse by
letting him know that she had guessed who he was.
He was quick to take advantage of her mistake.
Well, now that we have been formally introduced
by remote control he began. And then, to Vickis
relief, Jean came to the rescue.
Dressed in her uniform, her overcoat over her
arm, she pushed by Vicki into the hall. Out of my
way, she said, snatching the folded piece of paper
from Vickis limp fingers. This message could only
have come from the airport stating that flying
conditions have improved. I probably should have
been on my plane half an hour ago. I And then
she collided with the young man who had just
extended his hand to Vicki.
Oh, oh, Jean groaned. This place is a
madhouse. Mr. Brownson! Then, quickly regaining
her poise, she added in a gasp: Miss Barr, may I
present Mr. Lionel Brownson? And will you both
please move so I can get downstairs and into a cab
before its too late?
89

She was gone around the corner before Vicki

could say a word. Completely unperturbed, Mr.
Brownson said, a chuckle in his voice, Well, now
that we have been formally introduced, Miss Barr,
may I
Before he could finish, the door to Suite 509-511
opened and Chalice Dawn appeared. She was
wearing something white that floated like a mist
around her slim body, and her long, wavy black hair
cascaded down to her shoulders.
Good heavens, she cried in her deep, throaty
voice. Doesnt anyone in this hotel ever go to
sleep? I have a rehearsal at eleven tomorrow, and I
shall look like a witch!
Im sorry, Chalice Vicki began, but Mr.
Brownson interrupted.
Miss Dawn, he said, wheeling to face the
actress. Chalice Dawn! I recognized your voice at
once. I am Lionel Brownson, and I planned to call
on you tomorrow and present my letters of
introduction. I represent Magna Films, you know.
Ah, Miss Dawn said, extending one small white
hand with a queenly gesture. Magna Films. You are
interested in my darling, darling Claire, are you not?
Such a sweet child and so talented! Hollywoods
gain will be my loss, but I must not stand in her
path. You will see how truly talented she is at the
rehearsal tomorrow, Mr. Brownson. And in the
90

afternoon at tea here in my apartment, you will learn

that she is as lovely off stage as she is on. With her
free hand she included Vicki in the invitation. And
you, too, my pet. Any time after five. Have you met
Mr. Brownson, Vicki darling? Magna Films, you
know. You should really have a screen test, Vicki.
Dont you agree, Mr. Brownson? Such a beautiful
child. Did you ever see such silvery-gold hair? In a
way, she is even more photogenic than Claire.
Mr. Brownson bowed in Vickis direction. Miss
Barr is very beautiful, he said in a low voice. But
we are only interested in platinum blondes.
Chalice Dawn clapped her hands. Lionel darling,
Vicki is only interested in flying. But just the other
day I met the most lovely child. And her hauls more
truly platinum than Claires. She dropped in to see
me, selling magazine subscriptions, or something,
working her way through college, you know. But
definitely a possibility for you, but definitely. Her
hair is not quite as long as mine, but almost. And
such a lovely figure. Perhaps a bit too tall for
Hollywood. I understand that your leading men
she laughed flirtatiouslyare not as tall and broadshouldered as you talent scouts seem to be. But
would you be interested in meeting this adorable
college child?
Very much interested, Lionel Brownson said.
There was something almost grim in his tone of
91

voice and Vicki turned to stare at him in surprise.

The whole scene made her feel as though she were
Alice at the Mad Hatters Tea Party. Chalice Dawn
calling this man whom she had just met in a hotel
corridor Lionel darling. The disjointed discussion
of platinum blondes. Then suddenly the grim note in
Lionel Brownsons voice. Up until then Vicki had
thought he had been as amused by Chalices chatter
as she was. But now she realized that he had been
listening attentively to every word the actress said.
His face expressionless, he repeated, We are
very much interested in platinum blondes, Miss
Dawn. I should appreciate it very much if you could
arrange for me to meet the young girl who is
working her way through college. Have you her
name and address?
But, of course, Chalice said. She gave me
some sort of a receipt. Dolly has it. But even if she
has lost it, I remember the childs name. Diana
Harding. Shes a junior at De Paul University.
Vicki could hear the faint chimes of the French
clock in Miss Dawns apartment. Midnight! Good
night, all, she said abruptly. Im a working girl.
Thanks for inviting me to tea, Chalice. It was nice
meeting you, Mr. Brownson. Vicki closed her door
and double-locked it. Then she tumbled into bed and
fell asleep immediately.
The next morning as she was hurriedly dressing,
92

Lily, the maid, appeared with fresh towels. Vicki felt

sorry for Lily who was pathetically conscious of her
ugliness. Shes not really ugly, Vicki reflected.
Taken feature by feature, there was nothing wrong
with Lilys face. But because her eyes were so round
and her mouth so small, her long, thin nose always
made Vicki think of Pinocchio. To make matters
worse, Lily wore her straw-colored hair in a bun,
pulled tightly away from her small, thin face.
Brushing her own hair into a halo, Vicki couldnt
help thinking: If only shed have her hair cut short
and get a permanent! Aloud she said, Good
morning, Lily. How are you?
Im just fine, Miss Barr, Lily said in her nasal
whine. Heres a hanky of yours. She laid a small
square of folded linen on the bureau. I found it in
your wastebasket when I came in last evening to
turn down your bed just before going off. You must
have thrown it away, thinking it was face tissue. The
basket was filled to the top with tissue. The hanky
was on the bottom. I would have washed and ironed
it for you, but Mrs. Moser said no. She doesnt like
it when one of the maids gets a crush on a guest. A
smile lighted her thin face. I think youre just
lovely, Miss Barr, and so do Dolly and Marianne.
Vicki smiled. Thanks, but thats not my hanky,
Lily. Didnt you notice that its a mans
handkerchief?
93

I know, miss, Lily said, but its got ladies

perfume on it. Lot of ladies use large handkerchiefs.
They come in real handy when you have a cold or
get to crying in the movies, like. I always cry in the
movies, specially when theres a wedding.
Well, I never cry in the movies, Vicki said,
briskly applying a steel brush to her suede shoes.
And that handkerchief must have been left behind
by the lady who borrowed my room over the week
end.
Oh, yes, of course. Lily forlornly patted the
folded handkerchief. Such a beautiful lady, miss,
and so generous. Gave me a dollar tip just for
getting her a roll of adhesive tape. I should have
known this hanky belonged to her instead of you,
Miss Barr. The perfume smells just like the lady
looked. Makes you think of people like Miss Dawn.
Lovely dark-haired ladies who dance around in the
moonlight and always wear white dresses and have
flowers in their long black hair. She held the
handkerchief under Vickis nose. What does it
make you think of, Miss Barr?
Without even thinking, Vicki said promptly,
Linda Murray.
Who? Lily demanded, surprised.
Vicki laughed. Oh, someone I met once. And I
guess it wasnt the perfume that made me think of
her. Shes very blonde. I guess that mans
94

handkerchief reminded me of her. She was carrying

one when I met her. Hastily she buttoned the jacket
of her uniform and started for the door. If you like,
Lily, Ill turn that handkerchief over to the desk
clerk. He must have the dark-haired ladys
forwarding address. He can slip it into an envelope
and mail it right off to her this morning.
Oh, thank you very much, miss, Lily said. I
dont like to mention it again to Mrs. Moser. She
didnt believe me when I said I found it in the wastebasket. Im very careful when I empty a
wastebasket, Miss Barr. Always examine the
contents carefully to make sure nothing valuable got
knocked off the bureau into it.
Thats good, Vicki said absent-mindedly as she
slipped the handkerchief into her handbag.
Mrs. Moser doesnt think Im careful, Lily
droned on as she took the blankets from the cot.
She says Im as careless as I am ugly. But Im not
careless, Miss Barr. And is it my fault that Im
ugly?
Vickis anger flared. How could anybody be so
cruel as to tell Lily to her face that she was ugly?
Mrs. Moser must be an ogre, she cried
impulsively. And as for your being ugly, youre not
really, Lily. If youd only do something with your
hair you could be an attractive girl. Here, let me
show you.
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Although Vicki knew that now she would have

time for only a cup of coffee at her desk instead of
the big breakfast she craved, she pushed Lily in
front of the mirror and pulled the pins from her bun.
Then, with deft fingers, she fluffed the girls hair
until it formed a soft halo around her face.
Lily gasped. Oh, oh. It makes me all eyes and
mouth instead of all nose.
Thats right, Vicki said, taking a five-dollar bill
from her pocketbook. Heres a little present for
you. Get a haircut and an end permanent and you
wont know yourself. A tiny bit of rouge on the skin
above your cheekbones will help, too, and put on
your lipstick with a brush so you can make your
mouth look a little larger than it really is. Get an
eyelash curler, and when you go out in the evening,
put mascara on your upper lashes. And you must
stop slouching. If you walk as though you were a
beautiful lady, other people will think you are a
beautiful lady.
Lilys eyes were as round as saucers. You mean
walk like Miss Dawn?
Vicki nodded. Take long strides with your head
and shoulders thrown back. When I was in
stewardess school we were taught how important
posture and proper make-up are. My hair-do was
changed completely. We hardly recognized some of
the girls when they came out of the beauty salon.
96

Well, well, well! a harsh voice said from the

doorway. What is going on in here?
Vicki whirled to face a very irate Mrs. Moser.
Oh, good morning, Mrs. Moser, she said airily.
Im just giving Lily a few pointers on how to
improve her appearance.
Miss Barr! The housekeeper was red-faced
with anger. Lily hastily pinned her hair back into an
untidy bun. Miss Barr, this is most unorthodox. I
shall have to report you to the manager. Lily, you
are dismissed. Go downstairs and get your pay.
Vickis anger flared again. Mrs. Moser, she
said hotly, may I ask for what reason you are
dismissing Lily?
Mrs. Moser folded her arms. The reason is
obvious. I sent her in here to strip that cot so that the
engineers assistant could remove it. Shes been here
twenty minutes and the linen is still on the
mattress. Her lips were two white lines. Speaking
of that cot, Miss Barr, it is strictly against the rules.
This is a single room, not a double room. Barrow,
our assistant engineer, was hired only recently and is
not yet used to the routine. If hes going to spend
most of his time on this floor doing special favors
for you, nothing will ever be accomplished.
Vicki sighed. Arent you exaggerating, Mrs.
Moser? The only favor the assistant engineer has
ever done for me is to put up that cot.
97

Meanwhile, Lily had hastily removed the sheets.

The redheaded young Irishman appeared then,
folded the cot, and walked out with it under one
arm. Mrs. Moser glared after him exasperatedly.
That Barrow, she said under her breath. He may
not do special favors for you, Miss Barr, but hes
always on this floor puttering about. I imagine its
because the linen room is here. Marianne is such a
flirt! She transferred her displeasure back to Vicki.
And now youre trying to turn Lily into a vain girl.
Shell leave this very morning without a reference.
The very idea of taking down her hair when shes on
duty, and fraternizing with a guest!
Vicki opened her mouth to say that it was all her
fault, but a throaty voice from the corridor
interrupted.
Oh, for pitys sake! And Chalice Dawn
suddenly-appeared in the corridor behind Mrs.
Moser.
The housekeeper wheeled as stiffly as a wooden
soldier to face the actress, barring her way into the
room. Good morning, Miss Dawn, she said. I am
sorry we disturbed your morning sleep. We have a
troublemaker in here. The manager, I am sure, will
ask her to leave before the day is over.
The manager, Miss Dawn said, glaring, will
do nothing of the kind. Why on earth are you
weeping, Lily? For heavens sake, stop it! Vicki
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darling, what is all this dreadful, dreadful

commotion about?
Suddenly Vicki felt as though she couldnt
breathe. The air in the tiny room was heavy with the
perfume on the handkerchief in her handbag which
she had left open on the bureau. Now Vicki knew
what Jean and Lily had meant when they described
the Gypsy Girls perfume. For a fleeting moment
she felt as though she were on the beach at Waikiki.
Oh, dear, she thought, I must be on the verge of
fainting from hunger. And this room is so stuffy.
Aloud she said: Its all so silly, Chalice. Im
terribly sorry we disturbed you. Please go back to
bed.
Bed, the actress cried, waving her hands above
the housekeepers head. How can I sleep when Lily
is wailing like a banshee? Oh, do stop it, Lily. And
must you snivel into your apron? Here, take my
hanky. She tossed a dainty lace handkerchief to the
weeping maid and pushed past the housekeeper into
the room. You poor miserable creature.
Impulsively she held out her arms. You pathetic
little . . . Oh! She interrupted herself with a loud
shriek and took two strides over to where Lily was
weeping beside the bureau. You naughty, naughty
girl. It was you all the time!
And then, before Vickis startled eyes, Chalice
Dawn slapped Lily hard across the face.
99

CHAPTER IX

The Manager Shares a Secret

For a moment Vicki thought that the exotic perfume

which permeated the tiny room had affected the
actresss mind. Not knowing what else to do, Vicki
hastily closed her handbag with one hand and flung
open the window with the other.
The rush of cold air did nothing but arouse Lily
from the stupor she had fallen into when the actress
slapped her. With a sob she stumbled straight into
the arms of the housekeeper, who led her away.
Vicki sank down on the bed. The gale had swept
away the perfume, but now she was weak with
anger. Why had Chalice slapped Lily?
Im so upset, the actress was moaning. So
upset.
Vicki ignored her, thinking: The person who
needs sympathy right now is Lily. That ogress will
certainly fire her now. She got up and started for
the door.
Vicki, the actress wailed, you cant leave me. I
100

have something of the utmost importance to discuss

with you.
Sorry, Vicki said shortly. Im not in a
sympathetic mood. Frankly, Chalice Dawn, I dont
like people who slap chambermaids. Especially
when they have no provocation. From the corridor
she said, Please close the door when you leave. The
window can stay open. That room needs an airing!
As she raced down the stairs, she kept asking
herself: Why did Chalice slap Lily? Why? Why?
Suddenly, when she emerged into the lobby, she
thought she knew the answer. But it was nine
oclock, too late to do anything about it now.
And then Vicki remembered that Ruth Benson
had told her not to report for duty on Monday
mornings until nine-thirty. The ad well put in the
Sunday papers, Ruth had said, will state that no
one need apply before ten. Ive got to catch up on
my interviewing reports, and Ill need a lot of peace
and quiet. Dont show up until nine-thirty, Vic.
Well have a cup of coffee together then.
Remembering, Vicki wheeled and ducked into the
elevator. When she got off on the fifth floor she
found Lionel Brownson waiting there with his finger
on the down button.
How about having lunch with me today? he
asked without any preamble. We must have a lot of
traits in common. When you get right down to it, our
101

jobs are exactly alike. You screen aspiring

stewardesses; I screen aspiring starlets.
I never thought of that, Vicki admitted. There
was something magnetic about this good-looking
young man. Lunch would be fun. Will you call for
me at the Federal suite on the main floor at noon
sharp? I have only an hour for lunch. She hurried
down the corridor and around the corner to knock on
Chalices door.
The actress opened it almost immediately and
threw her arms around Vicki. Darling! I knew you
wouldnt fail me. That dreadful girl. Oh, what am I
to do?
Vicki slipped inside and closed the door. I can
only stay a minute, Chalice, she said crisply. So
lets not waste time on histrionics or hysterics. I
know now why you slapped Lily. Because you
smelled the perfume on her you thought she must be
the one who stole your Chadawn.
She reeked of it, Chalice said, waving her arms.
That type would drench herself in it from head to
foot. One should only use a mere droplet. She has
undoubtedly used it all up and now I am ruined.
Utterly ruined. She collapsed on the sofa and began
to weep silently. As the tears flowed she groped
under her negligee sash, searching, Vicki guessed,
for her handkerchief.
Vicki sighed. Chalice, dont you remember that
102

you gave your hanky to Lily? Thats why you

smelled the Chadawn perfume when you started to
put your arms around her.
Oh, good heavens! the actress cried. So I did.
Then she frowned. But, my dear, there was no
Chadawn on that hanky.
There must have been, Vicki said calmly.
Didnt you say you used Chadawn in your
sachets?
True, true, Chalice replied. But even the
sachet itself does not reek of the perfume. That girl
reeked of it, I tell you.
Vicki shook her head. Im afraid youre
exaggerating, Chalice, or letting your imagination
run away with you. The room was very close before
I opened the window, and it did reek of perfume, but
not yours. It was only natural, in your present state
of mindworried as you are about Chadawnthat
you would confuse the two. Especially since the
other perfume was the same type of blend. A strictly
brunette blend. She smiled. Not my type at all.
Moonlight and tropical isles. Tahitian skies. Darkhaired damsels in grass skirts, swaying to the rhythm
of native music. I
Chalice leaped to her feet, interrupting. But, my
dear, darling Vicki, you are describing my Chadawn
exactly. No other perfume in the whole wide world
is like it.
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Vicki shrugged, trying hard to disguise her

impatience. Ive got to get back to my office,
Chalice. Lets discuss the mystery in detail later. In
the meantime, wont you do something to keep Mrs.
Moser from dismissing poor Lily? Im sure shes
innocent.
Very well, Chalice said with a resigned sigh. I
must trust your judgment, Vicki. Ill have her sent to
my room at once and apologize.
Youll have to do more than that, Vicki said.
Lily was about to be fired even before you slapped
her. Mrs. Moser caught me in the act of showing
Lily how she could improve her appearance. She
was furious because the lesson took up all of five
minutes of the hotels time.
That creature, Chalice cried. That monster.
And how sweet of you, Vicki, to take an interest in
poor, pathetic Lily. Not that she could ever be
glamorous. However, I shall speak to dear, sweet
Mr. Oriole at once, and see to it that she is
reinstated. Even if she did steal my
Dolly, using her own key, came into the suite
then. With a brief good morning, Vicki slipped
out. As she passed the linen room on her way to the
stairs she heard Lilys nasal whine:
But I dont know why she slapped me, maam. I
never did a thing to Miss Dawn nohow. If youll
only give me a reference
104

Reference? The housekeepers voice was very

harsh. Im going to march you right down to the
managers office and make you confess. You must
have done something to arouse Miss Dawns
displeasure. Youre jealous of her beauty, you ugly
girl. What did you do to her?
Vicki was sorely tempted to intervene on Lilys
behalf, but she knew that Chalice Dawns word
would carry much more weight with the manager.
Chalice, she felt sure, was talking on the phone to
Mr. Oriole right now, and, in that case, Lilys
troubles were about over.
Back in her office, Vicki gratefully accepted a
cup of coffee from Ruth Benson and hastily got
ready for the days work. Before she slipped back
into the routine she had already regretted the
luncheon date she had made with Lionel Brownson.
There were so many things she wanted to do during
that hour off duty. The handkerchief Lily had given
her must be turned over to the room clerk. Mr.
Oriole must be politely but firmly told that he must
not rent Room 507 without first obtaining Vickis
permission. He must also be reminded of the fact
that he had promised to give her the first room
vacated by a transient. Mr. Brownsons presence in
the hotel proved that Mr. Oriole had broken that
promise.
Vicki set her jaw stubbornly. I dont care if this
105

is a theatrical hotel, she reflected. Im not going to

be pushed around.
Then, with the arrival of the first group of
applicants, she forgot everything except her job. The
morning passed quickly. To Ruth Bensons
unconcealed delight, Vicki sent on to her several
girls who she thought were definite possibilities.
They were all attractive, well groomed, and
intelligent, and apparently had the other necessary
qualifications as well.
Shortly before noon Vickis morning work was
over. The reception room was empty except for the
applicants who were waiting to be interviewed by
Ruth Benson. Vicki darted across the lobby to the
ladies lounge. As she powdered her nose and ran a
comb through her hair she made up her mind to
break the luncheon date with Lionel Brownson.
As Mrs. Moser would say, she thought with a
giggle, its all very unorthodox. Although Ive been
introduced to him twice, I really dont know a thing
about him.
When she returned to her desk, the phone was
ringing. Vicki picked up the receiver. Federal
Airlines. Miss Barr speaking.
Miss Barr, a deep, masculine voice said, this is
Lionel Brownson. Please forgive me. I cant keep
our date. Im at the theater and the rehearsal is only
just getting under way.
106

Its quite all right. Before he could say another

word, Vicki put the phone back in its cradle. Mr.
Brownson, she decided, never had had any intention
of keeping the date. He knew that the rehearsal
started at eleven. Chalice Dawn had told him that
the night before. How could he possibly have
expected to see the ingnue perform and get back
here by noon?
As she took her coat from the rack, the phone
rang again. This time it was Mr. Oriole. In a very
apologetic voice he said, My dear Miss Barr, so
much to talk with you about. Could you join me for
lunch? Im just going into the dining room.
Id love to, Vicki said, and hung up. She left
the office at once and met the manager at the
entrance to the dining room. He was talking to
someone on the headwaiters phone.
Yes, yes, I understand. Roses, of course. Mr.
Oriole put the receiver back on the hook.
Marshall, he said to the headwaiter, Mr. Pasquale
is having convulsions. He does not like the table
arrangements. The flowers, he claims, are all wrong.
Roseshe wants roses. We must humor him,
Marshall, we must.
The headwaiter, although very red in the face,
merely bowed and led them to a table for two by a
window. When he had taken their order, Mr. Oriole
said to Vicki, You have no idea, Miss Barr, what a
107

headache the hotel business can be. Our chef insists

upon inspecting the dining room every day just
before the doors open.
Vicki nodded. And the headwaiter doesnt like
it.
The manager sighed. If Marshall stays on till the
first of February, I shall be very much surprised.
He dabbed at his lips with his napkin. Now about
Lily. Mrs. Moser did very wrong to cause such a
scene in your room this morning. It was most kind
of you to take such an interest in the girls
appearance. But you must understand the
housekeepers point of view. Everything must be
done on schedule or nothing at all would be
accomplished. Five minutes delay in one room
might mean an hours delay elsewhere. Mrs. Moser
is, well, rather a martinet, but that is why she is so
valuable to me. She keeps the maids on their toes.
Im sure she does, Vicki said blandly, and Im
sorry I interrupted her routine. But it was my fault,
not Lilys. Youre not going to fire her, are you?
Oh, no, no, the manager said, smiling. Lily is
a good girl, and Miss Dawn is so fond of her. We
couldnt dismiss anyone against Miss Dawns
wishes, could we?
Vicki shook her head in full agreement. Now,
Mr. Oriole, about the transient who occupied my
room over the week end. She waited while he
108

raised his glass of water and delicately moistened

his lips. I know youre packed and jammed and
dont like to turn away theatrical people. But
So good of you to understand, he interrupted.
Miss Jackson is a lovely person. Stranded here in
Chicago en route to the Coast. Not a vacancy in the
house, Miss Barr. Marianne herself, under my own
personal supervision, moved your things to the linen
room, and back again last evening. Im sure you
found everything exactly as you had left them. And
your friend, Miss Cox. We did everything to make
her comfortable. But you were wrong, my dear, to
have given her a key to your room without first
consulting me. Strictly against the rules of any
house, Miss Barr. If she had not been wearing her
uniform, it might have been most unpleasant for
her.
Vicki flushed and then laughed. Well, she said,
I guess we each owe each other an apology. I
certainly should have consulted you before I blithely
told Miss Cox she could use my room. I realize that
now. And it was very kind of you to have that cot
put in for Miss Cox last night. Mrs. Moser explained
to me this morning that its against the rules to
convert a single room into a double room, although
when you get right down to it, Room 507 doesnt
come under either heading. Its a cubbyhole, part of
Miss Dawns suite. She leaned forward, frowning
109

slightly. Sometimes its a nuisance not having a

phone, Mr. Oriole. I was wondering why you didnt
keep your promise. Why was Mr. Brownson given
the first room vacated by a transient?
It was now the managers turn to flush. I was
afraid you would ask that question, he said, and
explained. The Chicago representative of Magna
Films, it seemed, had made a reservation for Lionel
Brownson shortly before Federal Airlines had
reserved a room for Vicki. First come, first served,
Mr. Oriole said in conclusion.
A waiter removed their empty soup bowls and
brought the entree. I dont know much about the
hotel business, Vicki said, but Im glad airlines
dont operate in the same haphazard way. We dont
accept reservations when there are no seats on a
plane. Passengers do arrive at the airport on the
chance that there may be a last-minute cancellation,
but thats different.
Mr. Oriole formed his hands into a small
tabernacle and said patiently, Not so very different,
Miss Barr. The departure of a transient often
amounts to the same thing as a last-minute
cancellation. And I shall now be honest with you.
This morning a transient departed a day ahead of
time. There is a vacancy on the sixth floor, but I
cannot give it to you.
Why not? Vicki demanded. And suddenly she
110

knew that she could answer that question herself.

She didnt want to be on the sixth floor; she wanted
to stay where she was so that she could be near
Chalice and help her solve the mystery of the
missing Chadawn.
Because, Mr. Oriole was saying, right after the
transient checked out, a very famous lady called me
and asked for a room. I could not disappoint this
lady who wishes to be here for Miss Dawns
opening. And when I tell you her name, you will
understand why. He lowered his voice to an awed
whisper: Frances Harlow!
Vicki stared. I never heard of her.
Mr. Oriole seemed about to faint from surprise.
You never heard of Frances Harlow? My dear
young woman, Frances Harlow retired before you
were born, when I myself was a boy, but she is one
of our greatest living actresses. Famous for her
Shakespearean roles; there has never been another
Juliet like her!
I do remember now, Vicki admitted, but only
vaguely. Isnt she very old? I dont remember ever
seeing a picture of her.
You must have seen pictures of her, Mr. Oriole
said, rather impatiently. But none that were taken
after she retired about a quarter of a century ago.
She announced at that time she would never again
pose in front of the camera. I can understand that. A
111

woman who has once been a great beauty would not

want the world to see her face after it has been
touched by age.
I dont see how she could have avoided having
her picture taken since then, Vicki said. Famous
people, whether they like it or not, are always being
snapped by news photographers. That is, if they
travel. Wont the lobby be swarming with
newspaper people when Miss Harlow arrives?
Mr. Oriole smiled. Miss Harlow is arriving
incognito. She will register under the name of
Charlotte Dearborn. Only Miss Dawn will know her
true identity. Miss Harlow greatly admires Miss
Dawn, although they have never met. I had to let
you in on the secret, my dear Miss Barr. I had to
because I was afraid you might object if you learned
through one of the maidsLily, for instance, that a
transient had checked out. But now I am sure you
understand why I cannot give you Room 610not
until after the opening, my dear. And I am also sure
you will keep our secret.
Vicki could not help smiling. Really, Mr.
Oriole, she said, I dont see how you can be sure
that I will keep the secret. What is to prevent me
from telling one of the maidsLily, for instance,
that the guest in Room 610 is really Frances
Harlow? A slip of my tongue and it would be all
over the hotel in an hour. I honestly think youve
112

been rather indiscreet.

Not at all, my dear, he said cheerfully. Not at
all. I am an excellent judge of character. I know a
young woman who can keep her own counsel when
I see one. Moreover, when I had lunch with your
charming Miss Benson the other day, she spoke very
highly of you. Your looks are deceptive, granted, but
they did not deceive me, not for one moment. Our
secret, Miss Barr, is, I am positive, absolutely safe
with you.
Vicki, her lips twitching, bowed. I am highly
flattered, Mr. Oriole. Inwardly she was not flattered
at all. She doubted very much if this chipmunklike
man was a good judge of character. With a laugh,
she opened her handbag and took out the mans
handkerchief Lily had given her that morning. Just
to prove that Im an honest person, she said,
heres a little something Miss Jackson left in my
room. I was going to turn it over to the desk clerk,
but I imagine your secretary wont mind mailing it
to Miss Jacksons Hollywood address.
Inclining his head in a courteous gesture, Mr.
Oriole accepted the handkerchief and placed it in his
pocket. Such a charming young woman, Lenore
Jackson. It is to be regretted that she missed meeting
dear Mr. Brownson by a mere ten minutes. So
influential in Hollywood, you know. Magna Films.
One of the top-flight talent scouts. By picking up the
113

phone he would have arranged things so that Miss

Jackson could have had a screen test immediately
after her arrival. But now, I am afraid, she may be
kept waiting for days and days. Thats the cinema
for you. So different from the legitimate stage; all
sorts of wires must be pulled before a bit-part player
receives proper recognition. Just a walk-on part in
Tigers and Kings, you know, but Miss Jackson told
me that her performance was mentioned in Variety,
the Bible of show business, and so, of course,
Magna sent for her.
Oh, Vicki interrupted, then Lenore Jackson
isnt a famous star?
Not yet, my dear, the manager replied, his graylashed eyes twinkling. A young hopeful, shall we
say? I felt so sorry for the child, so unsophisticated
and alone, stranded in this huge city, on her way,
perhaps, to great disillusionment. I understand one
can starve in Hollywood while waiting for a
promised screen test. I did introduce her to Miss
Dawn, of course, to bolster the childs morale. But
you know how Miss Dawn feels about the cinema.
No help at all; cares nothing for it. The silver screen
hardly exists so far as she is concerned. Mr. Oriole
sighed. If only I could have had the opportunity of
introducing dear Miss Jackson to that charming Mr.
Brownson! And then, at some secret signal from
the hovering headwaiter, he pushed back his chair
114

and stood up. I am afraid I must leave you, my

dear. Order anything you like for dessert. I
recommend the Cream a la Versailles.
Before Vicki could say thank you, he was gone,
threading his neat, crisp way through the now
crowded tables. She decided to have a large cup of
black coffee instead of a rich dessert. Her mind was
reeling. Lenore Jackson . . . Charlotte Dearborn . . .
Frances Harlowor had the manager said Charlotte
Dorn? . . . What had made her think of Charlotte
Dorn? . . . Oh, yes, now she remembered. Linda
Murray had written that name in the space after in
case of accident notify on her application blank.
Vicki sighed as she gulped down the scalding
coffee and went back to her office. Why did so
many things keep reminding her of Linda? Would
she never be able to forget the girl?

115

CHAPTER X

An Amazing Discovery

Vicki had a busy afternoon, so it was after six when

she got off the elevator on the fifth floor. All the
doors to Chalice Dawns suite were thrown wide
open, and the mingled voices of her guests floated
down the corridor. The tea in honor of the ingnue,
Claire Forester, was obviously in full swing.
Vicki had planned to shower and change from her
uniform into an afternoon frock, but she was caught
up by a laughing crowd at the staircase and carried
on and into Chalices living room. The actress had
piled her hair high on her head and was wearing a
long, flowing hostess gown with a short train. Both
arms outstretched in welcome she greeted the new
arrivals effusively.
Oh, you dear, sweet people. How truly angelic
of you to come. Sylvia, youll fall madly in love
with Lionel Brownson. Hes that gorgeous,
gorgeous man over by the window with my sweet
little Claire. Go over and introduce yourself. . . .
116

Arnold, you lamb! Orchidsfor me? . . . Beatrice,

its been ages . . . Vicki, my pet. I thought youd
never come.
Before Vicki could utter a word she was swept
through the crowded living room and bedroom into
the smaller dressing room. The actress closed the
door. My dear, she whispered in her husky voice,
I am so baffled; completely baffled. The worst has
happened. The very worst. The manager dropped in
at four. I had just returned from rehearsal, and Dolly
made us a pot of tea. That clumsy Ivan, wagging his
tail, knocked over Mr. Orioles cup. Mr. Oriole
mopped up with this. THIS! She yanked opening a
dressing-table drawer and handed Vicki a mans
handkerchief. Smell it, Vicki. Smell it. It positively
reeks of Chadawn. What am I to think? Is Mr.
Oriole a thief? Is he my deadliest enemy? He, who I
had always thought was such a dear, sweet person!
Vicki took a whiff of the handkerchief Chalice
was holding under her nose. Oh, dear, she sighed,
this is the very same handkerchief I gave Mr.
Oriole at lunch.
You? The actress sank down upon the stool
and covered her face with her hands. Oh, my
throbbing temples. I cant stand it another minute.
Its a nightmare. Thats just what it is. A
nightmare.
Oh, Chalice, please, Vicki begged. Its all so
117

simple. This handkerchief was left in my room by

Miss Jackson. Lenore Jackson. You met her, I
understand. She borrowed my room over the week
end, and Lily found this when she emptied the scrap
basket Sunday evening. The perfume on it is the
same perfume you smelled this morning when you
said Lily reeked of Chadawn. The handkerchief was
in my bag and my bag was open on my bureau. Now
do you understand? It isnt Chadawnit couldnt
be. Its simply another very similar fragrance.
Not Chadawn? It was almost a shriek. Why,
you must be insane, Vicki Barr. Do you mean to
stand there and tell me that I dont know my very
own, specially blended perfume when I smell it?
She yanked the glass stopper from a large bottle of
cologne and held it under Vickis nose. This is
Chadawn. Toilet water, and, of course, not nearly as
concentrated as the perfume. But, unless you have
taken leave of all your senses, you cannot deny that
it is the same fragrance as that on this hideous
handkerchief.
Vicki was too dumfounded to deny anything. The
two delicately exotic perfumes were undeniably
identical.
This hideous handkerchief, Chalice repeated.
Dolly naturally snatched it away from Mr. Oriole
and did the mopping up herself with a dishcloth. She
told him she would wash and iron the wretched
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thing and return it to him in the morning. I was

sitting in a chair, quite a distance from Mr. Oriole,
and holding a handkerchief, soaked in the cologne,
to my throbbing temples. So naturally I suspected
nothing until after Mr. Oriole had gone. Then Dolly
wordlessly handed me this loathsome thing. At the
same moment Claire and Lionel arrived, so I thrust
it into this drawer, deciding to do nothing until I
spoke to you. She held her slender arms above her
head in a gesture of supplication. Oh, good
heavens, what am I to do?
Nothing, said Vicki, who had been trying to
think with one part of her mind and listen to the
actress with the other. Nothing now. After your
guests leave, lets start from the very beginning
again. It is all very mysterious and confusing, but I
am sure Mr. Oriole did not steal your Chadawn.
With a resigned expression on her lovely face,
Chalice led the way back to the party. Lionel
Brownson immediately attached himself to Vicki.
Im so sorry about lunch, he said
apologetically. I planned to escort Miss Dawn to
the theater, get myself introduced to Claire, and
come right back here. But the director had called the
eleven-oclock rehearsal for only Miss Dawn and
her leading man. The love scene in the last act, you
know. Claire didnt show up until noon and Miss
Dawn wouldnt let me leave until I had seen her
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perform. He grinned. You know how Chalice

Dawn is. Theres no sense in arguing with her. I
hope youll understand and forgive me.
Of course, Vicki said with a smile. As a matter
of fact, I couldnt have kept the appointment,
anyway. Abruptly she changed the subject. Did
you have a successful day? Claire is so lovely Im
sure she is just what Magna Films has been looking
for.
He frowned. As a matter of fact, she isnt. At the
rehearsal she threw her lines, probably because my
presence made her nervous. Actually shes too petite
for the part we had in mind for her. Were looking
for a platinum blonde who is tall and broadshouldered. If you run across one downstairs who
lacks all of the necessary qualifications for a
stewardess, I hope youll send her to me.
Vicki laughed. How about Diana Harding, the
college girl Miss Dawn described last night? Did
you have time to interview her today?
He frowned. Diana Harding is a mythat least
so far as De Paul University is concerned. Im afraid
Miss Dawn foolishly paid for a lot of magazines
shell never receive. His long gray eyes were
steely. I havent told her yet, but she obviously fell
for the good old College Boy Gag, which is a
modernized version of the Fagin plot. The brain of
the outfit recruits boys and girls, trains them to
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arouse the sympathy of prospects with

misrepresentations, such as, that they are working
their way through school, supporting a sick relative,
etc. Every year millions of innocent, kindhearted
people are duped into paying for magazines and
Christmas cards which never arrive.
Vicki nodded. In spite of the fact that the Better
Business Bureaus constantly campaign against such
schemes.
He shrugged. Ive come to the conclusion that
people like Miss Dawn must enjoy being victimized.
When the so-called Diana knocked on her door, she
should have notified the manager immediately. All
hotels strictly forbid peddlers, beggars, and charity
canvassers. But they cant very well screen everyone
who uses the elevators and stairs. In the College
Boy racket, for instance, the young women look
and act their parts to perfection. They dress in
excellent taste, have charm and poise, and speak in
well-modulated voices. Except for the fact that they
lack proper references, I imagine many of them
would be snapped up by Federal and given
stewardess jobs.
Vickis blue eyes twinkled. We dont go around
snapping up people. In fact, we turn them away by
the dozens. But I know what you mean. Only last
Thursday I was about to interview a girl who
apparently had everything, but who, like Diana
121

Harding, turned out to be a myth.

A myth? His eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Why on earth should a myth wander into an
airlines recruiting office?
I have no idea, Vicki admitted, and suddenly
found herself telling Lionel Brownson all that she
knew about Linda Murray. By the time she had
finished they were on a first-name basis. He
interrupted so frequently to ask curious questions
that it took an hour to tell the tale.
The description, Vicki, he said finally, fits
Miss Dawns Diana to a T. They were both here
the same morning; both were tall, broad-shouldered,
with longish, platinum-blond hair. Typical college
girls, and if they are one and the same, shes an
excellent actress, quick-witted and
I cant believe it, Vicki interrupted. Linda
didnt try to sell me anything. Although she was sick
and frightened, she didnt even want me to take the
trouble to help her. I really have never stopped
worrying about that girl. I wish I could find her, or
at least find out what happened to her.
Ill help you, Lionel offered.
Vicki laughed. And if you find her, I suppose
youll lure her to Hollywood, instead of letting me
lure her to the skyways.
He shook his head gravely. If I find her Ill lure
her to the nearest police station, because Im
122

convinced shes Diana Harding. To prove Im right,

go and ask Miss Dawn what Diana was wearing last
Thursday morning. Miss Dawn has a fabulous
memory, you know.
Vicki started across the room toward her hostess
and then stopped. Seated beside the actress on the
sofa was an elderly woman whose lavender-tinted
white hair was piled high on her head. It was a
Gibson girl coiffure, and on it was a Gay Nineties
beribboned and beflowered hat. A short, nose-length
veil of lavender chiffon descended from the front of
it, and the purple velvet ribbons ended in a large
bow under the womans chin. Her orchid silk gown
had short sleeves but her arms were covered by long
opera gloves of pale lavender kidskin.
The reverent expression on Chalice Dawns face
told Vicki at once who the lady in lavender was.
Chalice looked as though she might jump up and
drop a curtsy or fall upon her knees any minute. For
once her hands were quiet; only her luminous black
eyes betrayed how completely in awe of the woman
she was. Her eyes, and her slightly parted lips, made
Vicki feel sure that the woman could only be the
greatest living American actress, Miss Frances
Harlow.
Vicki hesitated. She had no right to intrude upon
their conversation. Lionels voice prodded her:
Whats the matter? Got stage fright? Or dont
123

you dare put my theory to the test?

Vicki laughed but didnt move. The crowd had
thinned now, for it was almost eight oclock. Dolly,
in her hat and coat, came out of the bedroom leading
Ivan on his leash.
One of the guests cried, Oh, heavens, Ivans
going out for his walk. It must be eight. Ive got to
dash. Several others left with her, waving to
Chalice who hardly seemed to see them. The French
clock began to chime as Dolly led Ivan out into the
hall.
I think weve outstayed our welcome, Vicki
said to Lionel, for they, and the lady in lavender,
were the only remaining guests. She crossed over to
the sofa. Good night, Chalice, she said, and
thanks for a lovely time.
Chalice sprang to her feet. Darling! Ive
neglected you. And you too, Lionel pet. I want you
both to meet an old friend of mine. Miss Dearborn,
may I present Miss Barr and Mr. Brownson?
How do you do? Miss Dearborn inclined her
head slightly, and the pansies and violets on her
bonnet quivered. Her low voice had only the faintest
timbre of age.
Thats the result of years and years of voice
training, Vicki reflected. When Chalice is Frances
Harlows age, her voice will still be beautiful, too.
She smiled at the ancient actress, wondering if Mr.
124

Oriole had told her that one Vicki Barr shared the
secret of her identity. But the womans face, halfhidden as it was by the veil, told her nothing. Vicki
could see now, though, that she was heavily madeup, so much so that her skin had a stiff, leathery
look. But layers of foundation cream, powder, and
lavender-tinted rouge, could not completely hide the
wrinkles. The droop of her shoulders, too, betrayed
her age, as well as the way she carried her head, bent
forward so that her chin seemed to be resting on the
purple bow under it. But in spite of everything, she
was a handsome woman, and had undoubtedly once
been beautiful.
Lionel, having no idea that he was in the presence
of the great, merely bowed courteously and said to
Vicki, Go on, ask Miss Dawn the questions I told
you to ask her so we can solve the mystery.
Chalice frowned at Vicki. Her eyes said, Good
heavens, you havent told him about Chadawn?
Vicki shook her head slightly. We want to know
more about the girl who sold you those magazine
subscriptions last Thursday, Chalice. Do you
A lovely child, Chalice interrupted, including
Miss Dearborn in the conversation with a humble
smile. Definitely a screen possibility. But you,
Miss Dearborn, would have seen in her at once what
I did. She lacks that indefinable something which is
a must for a successful career on the legitimate
125

stage.
The lips of the ancient actress moved, but Vicki
couldnt hear the word she muttered. Chalice
nodded, obviously in full agreement. No warmth
no true temperamentno soul. I was, however,
completely captivated by her beauty and charm. I
bought several magazines from her. She is working
her way through college. Did you interview her this
morning, Lionel darling?
I tried, he said soberly. According to the
receipt Dolly gave me, she should have been a
junior at De Paul, Miss Dawn, but she isnt. Im
afraid youve been cheated out of twenty-five
dollars.
The ancient actress stirred. I really must be
going.
Oh, no, Chalice cried. Lionel, we mustnt bore
sweet Miss Dearborn with unpleasant topics. No
matter what you say, I know that Diana Harding
didnt cheat me out of anything. What else did you
want to know about her, Vicki, my pet?
Do you remember what she was wearing?
Vicki asked.
But, of course, Chalice said. She had a babyblue cashmere scarf tied around her lovely hair, and
she was wearing a short fur coat. Imitation leopard.
A brown tweed suit and a baby-blue sweater which
matched her scarf. I made her take off the scarf, and
126

then, because it had flattened down her hair, I took

her into my dressing room and got her to fluff it up
again. She crammed the scarf into the pocket of her
coat and was not wearing it when she left.
Vicki realized that Chalice was showing off,
proving for the benefit of the older actress that she
did, indeed, have a fabulous memory. Vicki also
realized that Chalice had described in detail the
clothes Linda Murray had been wearing last
Thursday. Now there could be no doubt about it;
Lionel was right. Linda Murray and Diana Harding
were the same person.

127

CHAPTER XI

The Elusive Clue

Do you give up? Lionels gray eyes twinkled.

You win, Vicki said with a rueful grin.
What on earth are you two talking about?
Chalice demanded.
Before either of them could reply, the old actress
got stiffly to her feet. I really must be going, she
said to Chalice. It is way past my bedtime.
Oh! Chalices voice was poignant with
disappointment. I hoped youd have supper with
me. Please! I have already telephoned to the chef.
Pasquale himself is coming up in a few minutes to
prepare the crpe suzette. You must stay, Miss
Dearborn. She hurried to the door and peered down
the corridor. I thought I heard the elevator. It must
be Pasquale now . . . Oh, no, its Dolly and Ivan.
Dolly! You didnt keep him out long enough. A dog
that size must have at least an hours exercise every
day. Half an hour in the morning and half an hour in
the evening. Dolly and the dog appeared, both of
128

them looking cold and miserable. Chalice kept right

on scolding. Dolly, Im so annoyed with you. You
were right here when the veterinarian told us we
mustnt vary Ivans routine by an ounce or a minute.
Those were his very words.
The French clock chimed the quarter hour.
Dolly sighed. Yes, maam, but it was so bitter
cold.
Lionel took the leash from her limp hand. Vic
and I will give him a little walk, wont we, Vic?
Vicki nodded. Wait till I get my overcoat from
my room.
Oh, you angels, Chalice cried as she followed
Vicki down the hall. When Vicki unlocked her door
and grabbed her coat, hat, and warm gloves, Chalice
added in a whisper: I must see you alone later this
evening, darling. I must. If we dont have a chat, I
wont be able to sleep a wink. She tucked her arm
through Vickis as they started back toward the open
doors of her suite. My dear, I am counting on you
to solve the Chadawn mystery. The door to the
service elevator clanged open and Mr. Pasquale,
wearing his tall white cap, appeared. Behind him
were bus boys wheeling tray tables.
Chalice broke away from Vicki, calling,
Pasquale, you sweet man! I knew you wouldnt fail
me. Miss Dearborn. Dearest. Go right back and sit
down. Dolly, set the table. My best linen. Lionel,
129

take that huge dog away from the entrance. Hes

blocking the way. I adore him, of course, but hes so
stupid and so enormous. Oh, why didnt I have sense
enough to buy a papillon instead of a borzoi?
She was still talking in disjointed sentences as
Lionel and Vicki led Ivan toward the elevator.
He is dumb, Lionel said in a low voice. But if
Miss Dawn plans to turn him in for a smaller dog
she ought to get a dachshund. They can detect the
faintest sound and immediately give the alarm, If
ever a woman needs a burglar alarm, it is she. Did
you ever know anyone quite so impulsive and
impractical?
Never, Vicki agreed. She certainly took both
of us at face value. I, at least, was wearing the
uniform of a well-known airline when I met her
but youIll bet she never did ask for letters of
introduction which would prove that you really are a
talent scout representing Magna Films.
He jabbed for the third time at the elevator
button. Then he took from an inside pocket of his
jacket a long envelope. He handed it to Vicki with a
bow. I detect a note of suspicion in your voice,
Miss Barr. Here are my credentials.
Vicki chuckled and returned the envelope to him.
I believe you, but I must say you dont look or act
or talk like the talent scouts Ive read about in
stories.
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He looked annoyed. Just because I dont run

around calling everyone darling and wear handpainted neckties!
Vicki laughed. The elevator finally stopped for
them and they rode down in silence. Out on the
street, Vicki said, Now lets get back to Linda and
Diana, or should I say, Lindiana?
You should, he said, for they are one and the
same. The fact that you havent heard from Captain
Bevin proves that he got nowhere tracking down the
various clues you gave him. If Linda had really been
suffering from amnesia, she would have been on the
police Missing Persons list by Saturday. I mean, a
description of her would have been sent in by
friends or relatives long ago. Attractive young
women like that just dont disappearunless they
want to. Since you are neither a friend nor a relative,
the police cant really consider her a missing
person.
I dont see why not, Vicki said. Maybe she
hasnt got any friends or relatives. She sighed. Oh,
I realize now that she faked the amnesia and made a
fool of me. But why? Why did she come into our
reception room at all?
Simple, he said. After she fleeced Miss Dawn,
she would naturally want to leave the hotel as soon
as possible. Just in case Miss Dawn might check up
on her. Down in the lobby something happened,
131

Vicki, something which frightened her. So she

ducked into your reception room. Once there she
had to go through the motions of an aspiring flight
stewardess, so she filled out the blanks on the form
with anything that came into her head. Then, having
ascertained that the coast was clear, she was about to
leave when you appeared. There is no doubt that the
girl is an actress, otherwise you wouldnt have been
taken in by the amnesia act. She must have been
furious when you stuck like a burr, but in the end,
she got away through trickery. Crocodile tears, but
not so crocodile at that, for, of course, the last place
she wanted to go was to the police station. Members
of a College Boy Gag organization are trained to
avoid contact with the police. Contact with the law
often means routine fingerprinting, and once a law
violator is fingerprinted, his chances of escaping
justice are practically nil.
You know an awful lot about criminal law,
Vicki couldnt help pointing out.
I should, he replied easily. I was graduated
from Columbia Law School and admitted to the bar.
I dont practice because I dont like it. I only took
the exams to please my dad.
But a talent scout, Vicki cried impulsively. Its
such a far cry from law practice.
A blast of icy wind cut across their faces as they
waited on a corner to cross the street. He lowered his
132

head with a chuckle. Not any farther than a certain

flight stewardess I know has flown from her fathers
chosen profession. I seem to remember that Jean
Cox told me your dad is a professor of economics.
Ivan, pulling impatiently on his leash, turned
around and started back toward the hotel. You
win, Vicki said.
Are you speaking to me or to the borzoi?
Lionel asked.
To you, Vicki said, her teeth chattering. To
both of you. Lets get out of this icy wind. Im
numb, mentally and physically. She noticed then
for the first time that he was carrying his topcoat.
But he strode along as though the near-gale was a
soft tropical breeze.
Ye gods, she gasped. I remember Jean telling
me that you were an All-American fullback, but Im
beginning to think youre Superman. Arent you
frozen?
No, but Im awfully hungry. He grinned.
Wont you have dinner with me, Vicki? We
havent even scratched the surface of the Lindiana
mystery. We can turn Ivan over to the doorman and
grab a cab. Lets try the Pump Room.
Id love it, Vicki said enthusiastically. But do
you think its all right to turn Ivan over to the
doorman? Arent Russian wolfhounds fabulously
expensive?
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Lionel shrugged. The doorman is Dollys

brother. Hell guard the beast with his life. Ed
worships the ground Chalice Dawn walks upon. She
made Mr. Oriole hire him despite the fact that the
kid has rather a shady past. When Chalice does that
kind of thing, I approve of her; but when she
welcomes perfect strangers into her boudoir, I dont.
A boy who has once been in reform school should
not be condemned for life as a potential criminal. On
the other hand, a young woman, just because she has
lovely platinum-blond hair, should not be taken at
face value.
Vicki took a deep breath and let it out slowly,
watching the white steam until it disappeared. Is
there anything you dont know, Lionel Brownson?
she asked. Youve only been in the hotel about
twenty-four hours and you already seem to know the
life history of all the employees.
He chuckled. I dont know much about the hotel
staff, but anyone who has spent an hour with
Chalice Dawn is bound to pick up some facts about
her private life, as well as the private life of anyone
remotely connected with her.
Thats true, Vicki agreed as they waited at the
curb for a taxi. Right here, on this exact spot, when
I hardly knew her, she told me in a loud, clear voice
exactly where she kept her safe. I shudder to think of
it. Dozens of people were passing, and some of them
134

looked none too savory.

He sighed. Dont worry about unsavory-looking
people. Bums and pickpockets dont commit hotel
burglaries. They couldnt get by the doorman or the
desk clerk. The types Chalice Dawn should be
warned against are those who look, dress, and act
like cultured people. Not, he added, that it would
do any good to warn Chalice.
That man in the gray overcoat whos standing
under the awning right now, Vicki interrupted in a
whisper. He certainly looks like a cultured
gentleman and I remember now that he strolled past
us when Chalice told me she was thinking of giving
her pearls to Claire.
Lionel narrowed his eyes. A gentleman, but a
very nondescript one. You probably noticed
someone else, equally nondescript on Sunday
evening.
Vicki shook her head. Im interested in people,
you know, all types, and so I notice little things
about them that other people might not notice. It
wasnt anything you could put your finger on, but I
know he was deliberately listening, just as Im sure
that the young assistant engineer was eavesdropping
when I left Chalices suite later that evening.
Lionels broad shoulders shook with silent
laughter.
Hotel
employees
are
forever
eavesdropping. They exist on gossip. And as for the
135

man in the gray overcoat, hes probably a guest,

who, like Ivan, has been told that for the sake of his
health he must take a walk every evening.
I suppose so, Vicki said, grinning. And when
you get right down to it, who wouldnt listen when a
famous actress announces dramatically that she
plans to give away pearls of great price?
Half an hour later they were seated in the famous
restaurant, eating pancakes with caviar in sour
cream. Vicki, Lionel said slowly, I want you to
tell me everything you can remember about Linda
Murray. Not just the facts you gave the police.
Tonight Im going to have a talk with Captain
Bevin. I want him to find Lindiana. It might mean
the breaking up of an enormous College Boy Gag
organization. If the Fagin who heads it could be put
behind bars, a lot of young people might perforce go
straight. Its worth a try, anyway.
Vicki could not help admiring this sincere young
man. You should have kept on with your legal
career, she said. You probably would have ended
up as a juvenile court judge. I just cant believe
youre happy working as a talent scout.
He grinned. Lets say its only a temporary job,
which it is. Whether I like it or not is beside the
point. Right now, the important thing is to trace the
young woman who duped Chalice Dawn.
Vicki frowned. You obviously know more about
136

these things than I ever will know, but can we be

sure that something happened to Lindiana in the
Hartwood lobby which made her duck into our
reception room? In all fairness to the girl, we should
realize that there may be a perfectly logical
explanation of why she pretended to be suffering
from amnesia when I met her. Theres a possibility
that Lindiana doesnt like cheating people; that she
wants to go straight, and would, if she could get a
job which would mean travel, meeting people, and
adventure. When she passed our recruiting notice in
the lobby she might have acted on a sudden impulse
which she later regretted. Im sure a lot of girls think
theyd like to be flight stewardesses, but after they
see the questions on the application form, they
realize they havent a chance. I felt that way myself.
When I was waiting to be interviewed, I was so
miserably sure I wouldnt be accepted that I would
have run away if I hadnt been frozen with fright.
That, he said, using her own words, I cant
believe. Youre not the type who flees from
anythingeven danger. According to Chalice,
youve solved a lot of mysteries . . . some of them
involving a great deal of risk. His long gray eyes
were steely now. I think that you are a very
observant person and that you know something
about Lindiana which you are keeping to yourself. It
may be buried in your subconscious mind, but its
137

there. I dont mean what she was wearing or what

she said or what she wrote on the form. Its
something more elusive; something which your
feminine intuition sensed. And let me tell you right
now that I have the greatest respect for feminine
intuition. And so do smart policemen. Ive known
criminal investigators who say they get a prickly
sensation all over when a witness is lying, no matter
how plausible his lies may be.
Suddenly Vicki knew what the something
wrong was about Linda Murray which she had
sensed in the very beginning. It was not her long,
pointed fingernails as Ginny had suggested. It was
the same elusive something which had made Vicki
think of Linda when she had joined Chalice Dawn in
the tiny kitchenette the night before. She had come
close to the answer when she had chanted Sugar
and spice. But it wasnt the fragrance of spices that
had made her think of Linda Murray. It was the
faint, elusive fragrance of Chadawn which clung to
Chalices clothing. Only when you were close to the
actress did you notice it.
Linda, Vicki now remembered, had been wearing
the same perfume. When the girl had shrugged away
to tie on her scarf, Vicki, for a fleeting moment, had
been carried back to glamorous Hawaii. And in that
moment Vickis subconscious mind had absorbed
the fact that the lovely platinum blonde was dressed
138

becomingly and in excellent tastebut she was

wearing a perfume that was definitely brunette.
Linda Murray . . . Diana Harding . . . What was it
Chalice had said about Diana Harding? I took her
into my dressing room and made her fluff up her
hair. She crammed the scarf into the pocket of her
coat and was not wearing it when she left.
What else had Lindiana crammed into her pocket
with the blue scarf? How easy it would have been to
waft away the vial of Chadawn at the same time!
A deep, masculine voice broke into Vickis
thoughts. All right. Give.
Vicki, genuinely sorry, shook her head. She was
sorely tempted to confide in this pleasant, wellinformed young man. But the Chadawn mystery was
Chalice Dawns secret. Without the actresss
permission, she couldnt share the secret with
anyone connected with show business.
Besides, any information she gave Lionel
Brownson would be relayed to the police. The fact
that Chalice Dawn had a talisman which was
missing might get into the newspapers. Even if it
was found before opening night, the other members
of the cast might still be jittery. And that, Chalice
had said, would mean disaster.
There was a note of command in Lionels voice
as he said quietly, Youve thought of that
something you couldnt remember when you
139

reported the Linda Murray case to Captain Bevin.

Tell me what it is.
Vicki forced herself to laugh lightly. The only
additional information I can give you about Lindiana
is something youve already figured out for yourself.
Youve said more than once that she can act out a
part very convincingly. My feminine intuition tells
me that youre right. She is or was in show
business.
Silently she asked herself: How else could she
possibly have known that Chalice had an amulet, a
tiny vial of perfume, the only one on the dressing
table that had sealing wax around its crown-shaped
stopper?
As they rode back to the Hartwood, Vicki sat
silently thinking. That very morning Lily had held a
handkerchief under her nose and asked: What does
it make you think of, Miss Barr? And Vicki had
replied promptly, Linda Murray. Adding: I guess
that mans handkerchief made me think of her.
But it wasnt the handkerchiefit was the
perfume. How had that Chadawn-drenched
handkerchief got into the wastebasket of Room 507?
Was dark-haired Lenore Jackson somehow
connected with the disappearance of Chadawn?

140

CHAPTER XII

An Impostor

Later that evening when Vicki tapped on the door of

Chalice Dawns suite she was told by Dolly that the
actress could not be disturbed.
Her headache is much worse, Miss Barr, the
maid said. She did so want to see you, but I told
her, no. Tomorrow would do as well. She is so
worried about opening night, Miss Barr. So
dreadfully worried. I gave her a triple bromide and a
massage. I think shes asleep. I hope so. Miss
Dearborn did tire her so. They were closeted in the
dressing room for an hour after supper. Miss Dawn
would show the lady all her jewels. Every one of
them. Ive only just finished putting them away.
Sighing, she followed Vicki down the hall. Miss
Dawn does not have to rehearse tomorrow. Could
you, perhaps, have lunch with her? She is so anxious
to talk with you aboutwell, you know what.
Id be glad to, Vicki replied. Good night,
Dolly. Ill see you at noon tomorrow.
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Dolly hurried away. As Vicki put her key in her

lock she noticed out of the corner of one eye that the
door to Lionel Brownsons room was slightly ajar.
She hoped he had not heard Dolly say:
She is so anxious to talk with you aboutwell,
you know what.
Then the door closed. Vicki slipped into her
room. Had Lionel been deliberately eavesdropping?
Had he been eavesdropping the night before, too,
and only pretended that the night clerk had given
him the wrong key?
Who was he, anyway? He claimed to be a talent
scout and apparently had the proper credentials, but
he certainly didnt behave like one. At Chalices tea
he had almost completely ignored the lovely young
ingnue, and had devoted himself to Vicki. He had
explained his lack of interest in Claire by saying that
she was too petite, which had indirectlyor perhaps
by his directionled her into telling him all she
knew about Linda Murray.
Vicki climbed wearily into bed. Claire, Lionel
had also said, had thrown away her lines. What
would happen to the stars lines if Chalice Dawns
talisman were not found before opening night? If
Chalice, through nervousness, threw away her own
lines, the entire cast might follow suit. In that case,
the play would not last long. Hundreds of people
would be out of work as a consequence; the small
142

fortune which had been invested in the vehicle,

irretrievably lost.
Ive got to find Chadawn, Vicki decided. And
that means Ive got to find Lindiana.
The next day over lunch in the actresss suite,
Vicki told Chalice why she was sure Diana Harding
and Linda Murray were the same person. It took
from soup to dessert to convince Chalice that her
Chadawn had been taken by the blond young
woman; but once convinced, the actress was
outraged.
She paced the floor in a fit of temper. The
horrid, horrid creature. What did I ever do to her to
deserve such treachery? I paid her in cash for those
magazine subscriptionstwenty-five dollarsfor
magazines I would never have read, anyway. I
should have yanked her hair out by the roots, and I
shall if I ever lay eyes upon her again. You must
find her, Vicki, you must. Why did she do this to
me? Why? Why?
Vicki sighed. I cant think of any motive for
Lindiana except revenge. Think hard, Chalice. Did
you ever cause an extra, or someone with a bit part,
to get fired? Someone whom you hardly glanced at
but knew at once she would not work out in your
play?
Oh, do stop talking such nonsense, Chalice
interrupted. Never in my whole life did I ever do
143

anything to get anyone fired.

How about Mrs. Moser? Vicki reminded her
calmly.
Oh, that woman. Chalice sank down on the sofa
beside Vicki. I suppose I shall have to interrupt my
trend of thought and explain to you why I detest her
so. It was she who had Dollys brother sent to
reform school. He was working here as a bellhop,
his first job, the poor dear boy. I dont know the
details, but you may be sure that if I hadnt been
playing in New York at the time, my own lawyer
would have defended him. Something was stolen, I
dont know what, but Mrs. Moser accused Ed. It was
all circumstantial evidence; any number of other
employees could have been the thief. In fact, it
might not have been an employee at all. Twice a day
when they change shifts, at eight in the morning and
at eight in the evening, the employees entrance,
stairways, and elevators are swarming with people.
Anyone, walking in off the street during those times,
and equipped with nothing but a skeleton key, could
have stolen whatever it was that Mrs. Moser
reported missing. As a matter of fact, the house
detective is so stupid, a notorious criminal could
walk right by him and into the elevator without Mr.
Strode being any the wiser.
I can believe it, Vicki said with a smile. This
place is such a madhouse anything could happen.
144

And now I do understand why you dislike Mrs.

Moser. If you feel that Ed was innocent
There is no question of it, Chalice broke in
impatiently. He told me himself that he was
innocent.
It was all Vicki could do to keep from laughing.
Chalice was pathetically naive. The fact that Ed
denied guilt meant nothing. Suddenly Vicki was
struck by another thought. Mr. Strode, the house
detectivewas his presence in the lobby the reason
why Lindiana had ducked into the recruiting office?
Vicki herself had no idea who Mr. Strode was or
what he looked like. A member of a College Boy
Gag organization, however, would undoubtedly
have been briefed on such matters by the Faginboss. Lionel had said the night before that hardened
criminals were often equipped with a sixth sense
akin to feminine intuition. They could almost smell
a detective, no matter what disguise he was wearing.
Lindianas Fagin probably was too practical to
rely on a sixth sense. Before Lindiana came into the
Hartwoods lobby she might well have been shown
a picture of the house detective, or at least have been
given an accurate description of him. The more
Vicki thought about it, the more Vicki felt sure that
this was the explanation of why Linda Murray had
spent an hour filling in the application form with
fictitious information. The aunts name, Charlotte
145

Dorn, was the result of word association, for in

Lindas pocket, as she posed as an aspiring flight
stewardess, was the missing vial of Chadawn.
Chalices voice broke into Vickis thoughts. I
can understand her getting money from me under
false pretenses, but why did she steal my
Chadawn? The actress was pacing the floor again.
On my dressing table are several bottles of
imported perfumes, their seals unbroken. She could
have taken them to anyone who knows about
perfume and have received fifty to a hundred dollars
an ounce for them.
Vicki sighed. If her motive wasnt revenge, I
have no idea why she took your Chadawn. Unless
unless Oh, I think Ive got it, Chalice. Vicki
jumped up. Think of yourself when you were
Lindianas age. You slaved to get to the top of the
ladder. Lindiana hasnt got your stamina. She gave
up; stooped to petty crime. The fact that she fooled
us both proves that she can act out a part
convincingly. She didnt come in here with the
intention of stealing Chadawn, but when you offered
her the opportunity, she couldnt resist it. Cant you
see her sitting at your dressing table, staring at the
only bottle encased with sealing wax and thinking:
Perhaps if I was wearing Chadawn at my next
audition . . . ? Miss Dawns talisman might become
my amulet!
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Yes, yes, Chalice cried, her voice husky with

excitement. A deft motion of her hands and my
Chadawn disappears into her pocket with her scarf.
Yes, I see it all. She couldnt even wait to get home
to break the seal and dab a bit of it behind her ears.
She stopped, her face very pale. Oh, good heavens,
Vicki! Without the sealing wax, my Chadawn may
have evaporated by now.
I dont think so, Vicki said. She would be as
careful of it as you were. I think she wound a large
white handkerchief around it to make sure the
stopper stayed securely in place. A tiny droplet may
have leaked out, and a tiny bit of concentrated
perfume would make that handkerchief reek of it.
The handkerchief still reeks of it. Its the same one
Mr. Oriole left here yesterday; the same one Lily
found in my room on Sunday.
Lily! the actress interrupted. Shes mixed up
in this. Ill tear her straw-colored hair out by the
roots. Before Vicki could stop her, Chalice was on
the telephone in the bedroom. Operator, Operator .
. . This is Miss Dawn. Get hold of the housekeeper
and have the fifth-floor maid, Lily, sent to my suite
at once. She came back and glared at Vicki. Oh, I
can tell from the expression on your face that you
think Lily had nothing to do with this baffling
mystery. But what else am I to think? How did that
handkerchief get into your room?
147

I dont know, Vicki said coolly, but Id sooner

suspect Miss Lenore Jackson than Lily. She
occupied my room over the week end. Shes a bit
player, I understand, and might well be a friend of
Lindianas. Im not accusing her of any crime. Im
simply thinking that she might have borrowed the
handkerchief from Lindiana.
Chalice pursed her lips thoughtfully. A strange
girl. I didnt like her at all. I cant tell you why.
There was something false about her. I sensed it, my
dear. Mr. Oriole introduced us, but I did nothing
further about it. I did not encourage her . . .
Something that didnt ring quite true . . . The
actress suddenly snapped her fingers. Oh, yes, I
have it. She mumbled something about having a
walk-on part in the revival of Tigers and Kings.
Impossible, you know, unless the script has been
drastically changed since I played the lead. I made
the playwright famous, you see, with my
interpretation of Monica. Droves and droves of
extras in the jungle scenes, but no bit players.
Strictly an all-star cast. As unusual a vehicle as We
and the River.
Someone tapped on the door and Dolly admitted
a pretty little brunette maid. Her henna-tinted hair
flowed around her crisp cap in a soft halo. She
smiled shyly and said:
Did you want to see me, Miss Dawn?
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Heavens no, the actress cried impatiently. I

sent for Lily. How can that Mrs. Moser be so
consistently incompetent? Shoo! Go away, my dear,
and tell Lily I dont wish to see her, after all.
But I am Lily, the girl said meekly.
You? The actress pressed her hands against her
brow. I can stand no more. I am going quite insane.
If there are two maids on this floor named Lily I
shall check out at once. If your name is Lily, change
it immediately to Diana or Lenore or Linda
anythinganything at all.
Yes, maam, the girl said. But Im the only
Lily. I just did like Miss Barr told me. Got a haircut
and an end permanent and a shampoo with just a
little something in the rinse. I spent all my money
and all my four hours off-time yesterday in the
beauty parlor. Even Mrs. Moser didnt know me
when I came back. She giggled. Will that be all,
maam?
Both Vicki and Chalice were so surprised that
they could only stare at the maid until she backed
out of the room and softly closed the door.
What a metamorphosis, Chalice cried. From
caterpillar into butterfly. Vicki darling, you have
missed your forte. You could make a fortune as a
make-up artist. Why, that child was a feminine
Cyrano de Bergerac, and now she has no nose to
speak of.
149

I never would have recognized her, Vicki said.

Its really amazing. But I honestly think if she
hadnt dyed her hair, we She stopped suddenly.
Dyed her hair. Thats what made the tremendous
difference. Chalice! Do you think its possible that
Lenore Jackson could have been Lindiana with dyed
hair or a wig?
The actress narrowed her eyes. Its possible. The
Jackson girl had broad shoulders and was very tall
and slender. She was wearing an ultra-sophisticated
gown and gobs of make-up. Mascara, eye shadow,
eyebrow pencil, lipstick, rouge, and powder. Except
for her figure there was nothing about her at all that
even faintly resembled Diana Harding. But after
seeing what four hours in a beauty parlor did to Lily,
I am willing to believe anything. Especially since I
am quite positive that Lenore Jackson lied. She
strode into the bedroom, saying crisply, I shall put
through a long-distance call to New York at once
and find out if there ever was such a person in the
cast of Tigers and Kings.
Vicki sat silently thinking. If Lenore was
Lindiana in disguise, why had she come back to the
Hartwood? Had she perhaps regretted stealing the
vial of Chadawn and hoped for an opportunity to
return it without being seen? But snubbed by the
actress, she had not even been invited into the suite,
let alone into the dressing room.
150

The dressing room! Only a thin partition

separated its closet from the closet in Vickis room.
Had the week-end guest heard something while she
was hanging up her clothes? Had she, like Vicki,
heard Chalice repeating to herself numbers that
might have been the combination of her safe? And
being an unscrupulous person, one of a College
Boy Gag gang, wouldnt she be tempted to use that
accidentally acquired knowledge? Vicki shivered.
Chalice, her eyes blazing, strode out of the
bedroom. Just as I thought. I talked to the casting
director himself. He never heard of anyone by that
name, nor has he recently hired anyone answering
her description. She bit her lip angrily. Mr. Oriole
is such a fool. He is taken in by everyone and
anyone. The idea of his giving your room to that
impostor! Your roomwhy its mine! I only loaned
it to him.
Chalice, Vicki interrupted quietly, did you
happen to mention to Diana Harding that my room is
part of your suite? And did you tell her that I always
go home on week ends?
Good heavens, Vicki! The actress swept her
long hair up from her shoulders and clasped it to the
top of her head. Youve lost your mind. Why, oh
why, would I?
Beg your pardon, Miss Dawn. It was Dollys
voice from the kitchenette. You did tell the young
151

lady about Miss Barr. You said, A charming young

flight stewardess is occupying the maids room of
my suite. I had Mr. Oriole lock it off from my
dressing room when I heard she was stranded. Such
a sweet child and so devoted to her family. Goes
home every week end. Dolly dropped a curtsy and
disappeared inside the kitchenette.
Vicki shook her head gravely. Chalice, Im
worried about you. I dont think that girl came here
for the sole purpose of selling magazines. I think
shes planning to steal your jewels. The fact that she
took your Chadawn proves shes a thief. The fact
that she apparently came back in another disguise
makes me very suspicious. It wasnt just luck that
she got a room so close to yours. She could have
found out that the hotel is packed and jammed by
simply asking the desk clerk if there were any
vacancies. You had told her that I went home week
ends. From then on it was simple. All she had to do
was take advantage of Mr. Orioles infatuation with
anyone connected with the stage. How could he
refuse to let her occupy my room? If you loaned it to
a stranded flight stewardess, couldnt he count on
your approval when he loaned it to a stranded young
actress?
Chalice frowned. That girl deliberately came
back so she could spy on me. Is that what youre
leading up to?
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Vicki nodded. And I think she succeeded in spite

of the fact that you didnt invite her to any of your
parties. There is only a thin partition between my
closet and your dressing-room closet, Chalice. I
think she spent a lot of time in my closet,
eavesdropping. Even after she had gone the
fragrance of a definitely brunette perfume lingered.
She leaned forward impulsively. Chalice, I dont
know whats behind all the mysterious happenings,
but you must change the combination on your safe
and have burglarproof locks put on your doors.
Ill do nothing of the kind, Chalice said
impatiently. Good heavens, how could I endure the
din and confusion? Men pounding and banging at
the doors. My temples throb at the thought.
Youre right about the locks, Miss Barr, Dolly
said from the kitchenette. Ed was telling me that
anyone with a ten-cent-store skeleton key can get in
and out of these rooms. He told the judge so, too,
but it only went against him when his case came up
in court. Mrs. Moser said there wasnt a word of
truth in it, and so did Mr. Oriole. But how should
they know? Have they ever bought a skeleton key
and tried? Ed did, just to prove that he was innocent,
but, like I say, it only went against him.
Never mind, Dolly, the actress interrupted.
Thats all water over the dam. Must you hover
around in that tiny kitchenette and listen to every
153

word we say? Hadnt you better get into your coat

and overshoes so youll be ready to take Ivan out for
his walk on the dot of one-thirty? How many times
must I remind you that his routine must not vary by
one second?
Yes, Miss Dawn, Dolly said humbly. But
when you dont have a rehearsal, you usually take
him out for his midday walk yourself.
Well, Im not going to budge today, the actress
said emphatically. Miss Barr has upset me with all
her silly chatter. As though I have anything at all to
fear from that ridiculous impostor! Thatto be
vulgar, ham actress! Good heavens, Vicki, youre
not going?
Im afraid I must, Vicki said, starting for the
door. My boss said I could have an extra half hour
because I worked overtime last night, but its almost
one-thirty. She hesitated. Chalice, I wish you
wouldnt dismiss the mystery so lightly. Now that
we know who stole your Chadawn, dont you think
you ought to notify the police? If you explained to
them why it must be kept a secret, Im sure nothing
would appear in the papers.
Chalice shrugged. My dear, call it temperament.
Temperament is the difference between a secondrate actress and a star. What it really is, is an
overwhelming sense of responsibility. So much
depends upon my opening-night performance. The
154

lives of so many little people will be affected. If

there is even the faintest rumor that my Chadawn is
missing!
But it is missing, Vicki pointed out sharply.
And unless you get help from the police, I dont see
how you can hope to find it before opening night.
They probably could track down Lindiana Jackson
in twenty-four hours. They have fingerprint experts,
handwriting experts, and
Chalice interrupted with a wave of her expressive
hands. Nevertheless, I have more confidence in
you, Vicki darling. What would fingerprints and
handwriting prove in this case? That the same girl
who filled out the receipt for those magazines is the
same girl who filled out the application blank in
your office. We already know that!
Vicki sighed. I dont think you quite understand,
Chalice. The girl may have a criminal record. In that
case her fingerprints would be in the police files.
They might be in the files of the Identification
Division of the FBI in Washington.
Pooh, Chalice said airily. I am an excellent
judge of character, Vicki Barr. That girl was no
hardened criminal. While you have been talking
nonsense, I have been thinking. The girl has been
snooping around in order to get material for a
feature article on me. Some newspaper sent her
those editors are up to all sorts of tricks. She was
155

given the assignment because she is a one-time

actress. She borrowed my Chadawn, of course, so
that a blown-up photograph of the vial could appear
in a montage with my picture in the Saturday
morning edition. The actresss eyes flashed. But
she will be back in another disguise to return itand
soon. Then, my pet, I will see through her disguise
and drag the whole story from her in time to prevent
even so much as a word being printed about me and
my Chadawn. The hussy! Ill get a confession from
her even if it means dragging her hair out by the
roots.
Vicki left then, shaking with suppressed laughter.
As she raced down the stairs she couldnt help
reflecting that Chalices theory had some merit.
Lindiana Jackson might be a reporter who had taken
up writing as a career after failing in the dramatic
profession. While playing in summer stock or as an
extra, she could have heard the Chadawn legend.
But reputable newspapers did not print legends; the
risk of a libel suit was too great. Therefore, Lindiana
Jackson might have been sent to get proof that
Americas Most Beloved Actress was, indeed,
Americas Most Superstitious Actress.
How could a reporter prove that Chalice Dawns
fetish was a small vial of perfume? By borrowing
that vial until after opening night! What a frontpage
story! Vicki could almost see the headlines:
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WE AND THE RIVER A FLOP!

MISS DAWN, LACKING HER AMULET,
THROWS HER LINES!
With a shudder, Vicki quickly dismissed the
whole theory. Not even the most ruthless tabloid
editor would dare stoop to such treachery. Not even
the most ambitious girl reporter would dare
borrow Chalice Dawns talisman. No publication,
merely for the sake of an exclusive story, would
deliberately bring about a situation which might
mean unemployment for hundreds of people and the
loss of thousands of dollars to the plays angel.
What was the answer then? Who was Lindiana
Jackson? Why had she stolen the vial of Chadawn?
Why had she returned to the hotel disguised as a
brunette? Would she return again? If so, in what
disguiseand for what purpose?
Vicki felt sure there could only be one answer.
Lindiana Jackson was a shrewd but superstitious
criminal who planned to rob Chalice Dawns safe.

157

CHAPTER XIII

A Clue in a Clipping

That afternoon when Vicki left her office she found

that Lionel Brownson had been waiting for her in
the lobby since five oclock.
News, he said, without any preliminary
greeting. Bad news from Captain Bevin. Lets have
tea in the lounge and discuss it.
All right, Vicki said, quickly making up her
mind. She couldnt tell Lionel about the missing
Chadawn, but she could tell him about Lenore
Jackson.
When the tearoom waitress had taken their order,
he said, I had a long talk with the good captain last
night and again this afternoon. He agrees with me
that Lindiana is probably a member of a College
Boy Gag gang, but none of the fingerprints on that
application form are on file with any lawenforcement agency. He even had photographs of
the prints flown to the FBI. No soap. He was not
amused when I provided him with your clue that she
158

is or was an actress. He cant very well demand that

every young platinum blonde in the theatrical world
submit to fingerprinting. However, he is interested
in locating Lindiana, in the hope that through her he
may be able to find and arrest the head of the gang.
Vicki, he finished soberly, youre holding out on
the law. You know something about that girl, which,
for some reason, you are keeping a secret. What is
it?
Well, Vicki began, I think she came back to
the hotel last week end and occupied my room. She
had either temporarily dyed her hair black or was
wearing a wig. Her clothes and make-up were as
sophisticated as Lindianas were unsophisticated,
but, like Lindiana, she was beautiful, tall, slender,
and broad-shouldered. Furthermore, the brunette is
an impostor. She registered as Lenore Jackson,
formerly of the Tigers and Kings cast. When I told
Chalice I suspected her, she telephoned the casting
director in New York and he never heard of such a
person. She shrugged. But that doesnt get us
anywhere either, does it?
His steel-gray eyes seemed to bore right through
her. And what, may I ask, led you to suspect that
this brunette was Lindiana?
Vicki carefully buttered an English muffin. How
she longed to tell him about the Chadawn-smelling
handkerchief! If only Chalice had not made her
159

promise not to tell anyone connected with show

business that the vial was missing! She glanced at
him through her tangled lashes. His powerful jaw
was set grimly. Vicki felt as though she were on the
witness stand about to be cross-examined by a hardboiled district attorney.
With an effort she forced herself to laugh lightly.
The laugh was hollow. She flushed guiltily. And
then a familiar voice came to her rescue.
Hi, you two. It was Jean Cox, striding in from
the lobby. May I join you, or is three a crowd?
Three is not a crowd, Vicki said with a little
sigh of relief. How glad I am to see you, Jean.
Lionel jumped up to help Jean with her overcoat.
He remained standing until she was comfortably
seated. There was nothing steely-eyed or grim about
him now. He was simply an attractive, wellmannered young man, who, as he drew up another
chair for himself, said to Vicki with a grin:
Saved by the bell.
Jean arched her eyebrows. Did I interrupt a
proposal of marriage? she asked mischievously.
No, Vicki said, laughing. How are flying
conditions, Jean? Any chance that you can spend the
night with me?
Flying conditions, Jean said, are perfect. And I
have three days off. Im going to spend them at
home, but Id love to have dinner with you, Vicki,
160

before my train leaves. She turned to Lionel. How

is the talent scouting? Did the ingnue turn out to be
a find?
He shook his head sadly. It was a mistake
coming to this hotel. Nobody worth an audition gets
by Vickis recruiting office.
Jean chuckled. Smart gals. Anyone with any
sense would much rather be a flight stewardess than
a movie star. Who would swap wings for a goldlined swimming pool?
Out in the lobby a boys high-pitched voice was
droning monotonously: Mr. Brownson. Paging Mr.
Brownson. Mr. Lionel Brownson.
Lionel jumped up and said good-bye to the girls.
On his way out of the lounge he gave the waitress a
five-dollar bill.
Thanks for the tea party, Jean and Vicki called
after him. Hes really divine, isnt he? Jean added.
Do you suppose that call was from Hollywood
ordering him back to the Coast?
I doubt it, Vicki said. Hes supposed to stay
for Chalice Dawns opening, you know. And in all
fairness to the ingnue, he should. I dont see how
he could judge her ability fairly from watching only
one rehearsal. She frowned. Jean, do you think
there could be any possibility that hes an
impostor?
Jeans mouth fell open with surprise. Youre
161

insane, Vicki Barr, she cried. What on earth made

you ask that silly question?
I dont quite know, Vicki admitted. But this
hotel is filled with theatrical people, most of whom
he ignores.
How do you know he does? Jean demanded.
How do you know what he does while youre
interviewing aspiring stewardesses?
I dont, Vicki admitted. But it strikes me that
he is far more interested in finding Lindiana Jackson
than he is in discovering talented amateurs.
And who, Jean asked, is Lindiana Jackson?
Itll take at least an hour to explain, Vicki said,
pushing back her chair. Lets go up to my room so
we can stretch out on the bed and rest our weary
bones.
Weary is right, Jean agreed as they rode up in
the elevator. I had a four-year-old fiend as a
passenger today. One of those precocious imps.
Keeping him from driving the other passengers mad
took all my strength. I
She stopped suddenly and Vicki thought she
knew why. In the rear of the crowded elevator was
Miss Charlotte Dearborn, complete with Gibson girl
hair-do and Gay Nineties hat. Her head was bent
forward so that the veil covered most of her face, but
there was no mistaking that costume and the
lavender-tinted white hair.
162

When the elevator let them out on the fifth floor,

Jean led the way down the corridor, pretending to
reel. Who on earth was that mummy? she asked as
Vicki unlocked the door to Room 507. Do I look as
though Id seen a ghost? I feel as though I had! I
never saw so many velvet pansies and violets on one
hat in all my life.
Vicki closed her door, took off her shoes, and
stretched out on the bed. That was no mummy,
she said. That was a very famous actress. Shes
here incognito, so I cant tell you who she is.
Jean stretched out beside Vicki, her arms folded
behind her head. I couldnt care less, she said.
On almost every other flight from New York to
Chicago I have an incognito movie actress to cope
with. If they arent wearing veils to attract attention,
they don glasses with thick, rhinestone-studded
frames, and are almost always petulant, fretful, and
demanding. She yawned. If Lindiana Jackson is a
movie actress I dont want to hear any more about
her.
I dont know who she is, Vicki began, and an
hour later finished the tale. Now you can see why I
suspect Lionel Brownson of being an impostor, she
said in conclusion. Oh, I know he apparently has all
the proper credentials, but suppose theyre
forgeries? Why should a talent scout spend so much
time trying to break up a College Boy Gag gang?
163

Because, Jean said blithely, hes a good

citizen. Its the duty of every citizen to do whatever
he or she can to help break up rackets. Besides, hes
a lawyer. Once a lawyer, always a lawyer, I
imagine. She swung her stockinged feet to the
floor. As for you, Miss Barr, people who live in
glass houses shouldnt throw stones. It seems to me
that, for a flight stewardess, youve helped to put
quite a lot of criminals behind bars. She rummaged
through her handbag and produced a folded
newspaper clipping. This was in the drama section
of last Sundays New York Times. If you will
examine it closely you will see that the columnist
mentions the fact that Magna Films has sent one
Lionel Brownson to catch Chalice Dawns opening
in Chicago. It even states that Mr. Brownson will be
stopping at the Hartwood.
Vicki accepted the clipping with a bow. And
what made you tear this item from the Times, Miss
Cox? Could the answer be that you are, shall we say,
infatuated with the handsome man?
Who wouldnt be? Jean demanded without a
blush. But thats not the point. What Im driving at
is that impostors are not written up by New York
Times columnists. She slipped on her shoes. You
may keep that clipping, sweetie pie, to remind you
of the fact that you have a suspicious nature. And
now lets go out and eat. In spite of those clairs I
164

wolfed at tea, Im ravenous.

Me, too, Vicki said, scanning the news column.
Magna Films, she read out loud, skipping
hurriedly, m-m-m. Lionel Brownson, m-m-m. The
Hartwood in the Windy City, m-m-m. Famous
cuisine ruled by the great Pasquale formerly ofmm-m. She was about to refold the clipping when
her eye fell on a name near the bottom. Traveling
incognito and heavily veiled as usual, Frances
Harlow sailed yesterday on a Mediterranean cruise.
Hardly a layman is now alive who remembers the
great Shakespearean actress, so the veil and the
incognito were hardly necessary . . .
Vicki sank back on the bed. Jean, she gasped,
could you possibly miss your train? I mean, could
you take a later one? What Im trying to say is that
Ive got to do a little breaking and entering tonight
and Ill need you to stand guard.
Jean hastily ducked into the bathroom and came
back with a wet washcloth which she placed on
Vickis forehead. There, there, she crooned, just
ree-lax. Ree-lax, little one, and all will be well.
Vicki pushed away the cloth and handed Jean the
clipping, her fingers clamped just above Frances
Harlows name. The ancient lady you saw in the
elevator, she said, is supposed to be Frances
Harlow. And she cant be if New York Times
columnists dont write up impostors. Therefore,
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Miss Charlotte Dearborn is an impostor. Shes a

myth just as Charlotte Dorn was a myth, and Linda
Murray and Diana Harding and Lenore Jackson
were all myths.
Not a myth, Jean said solemnly. A mummy.
But I see what you mean. Behind that ancient mask
she is the gal who stole the vial of Chadawn?
Shes got to be, Vicki said. And I happen to
know that shes having dinner tonight with Chalice
Dawn. Whats to prevent me from searching her
room?
Nothing except a skeleton key, Jean agreed,
and I know where you can get one. Theres a tencent store just around the corner that stays open until
nine. Since I have my shoes on and you havent, Ill
dash out and buy one. Also some sandwiches and
milk shakes. If we get arrested I dont want to go to
jail on an empty stomach. She grabbed her handbag
and coat and was gone before Vicki could say a
word.
Alone in the little room, Vicki suddenly felt icy
cold. Could she be wrong? Could the Times
columnist have made a mistake? Had she really any
right to enter Room 610 with a skeleton key and
search it? Suppose she was caught in the act by
someoneby Mrs. Moser, for instance?
I cant do it, Vicki thought. I cant take that
risk. If Im caught it would mean the end of my
166

career.
But deep down inside her she knew that she
would take that risk. She had to!

167

CHAPTER XIV

Vickis Plan

Of course weve got to do it, Jean said as they

munched turkey sandwiches. Showing that clipping
to Mr. Oriole and Miss Dawn would get us nowhere.
Those two excellent judges of character would insist
that the columnist was mistaken. It would kill them
to admit theyd been kowtowing to an impostor.
And we cant notify the police, Vicki agreed.
If we did, the Chadawn business probably would be
blazoned in headlines. For the same reason, we cant
get help or advice from Lionel Brownson. Hed have
Captain Bevin and a squad of detectives over here in
an hour. Or anyway, five minutes after they received
a cable from the real Frances Harlow.
Thats right, Jean said. It will be time enough
to notify the police after youve retrieved that vial.
Then they can simply arrest Lindiana for
impersonating Frances Harlow.
I dont think the police should be notified even
then, Vicki said thoughtfully. Theres something
168

behind all these mysterious happenings, Jean.

Something evil. That girl or woman, whichever she
is, didnt come here to sell Chalice subscriptions or
steal her Chadawn.
I agree, Jean said. Otherwise, she wouldnt
keep coming back in different disguises. Why does
she keep coming back, Vicki?
To spy on Chalice, Vicki said promptly. To
study her habits; to find out when the suite is empty;
where the safe is located; and, if possible, get the
combination of the safe.
Jean whistled. Youre so right! As they say in
detective stories, shes been casing the joint. Ed is
one of her confederates, and so is the Irish engineer
who spends most of his time on this floor, and so is
the man in the gray overcoat who always seems to
be out in front of the hotel.
I dont think so, Vicki said. I think Lindiana is
working alone. I cant suspect Edhe adores
Chalice. Barrow spends most of his time on this
floor, Im sure, because hes crazy about Marianne.
And Ive decided that the man in the gray overcoat
must be Mr. Strode. Even house detectives, I
imagine, are allowed to leave the lobby occasionally
for a breath of fresh air.
I guess youre right, Jean reluctantly admitted.
Lindiana doesnt need any confederates. She can
certainly act out a part convincingly and shes
169

marvelous at the science of make-up. Frankly, I

never saw anyone look more like a mummy in one
of Queen Marys hats than she did in the elevator.
Its still hard for me to believe that shes the Gypsy
Girl who reminded me so much of Carmen.
Vicki pried the top off the container of milk
shakes. Shes an actress all right, and a
superstitious one. Thats why she swiped the
Chadawn. My theory is that she took it because she
thought it might bring her luck in this venture. It was
a stupid thing to do, of course, but then all criminals
are basically stupid. Another theory of mine is that
she didnt get anywhere in show business. To
become a star like Chalice requires stick-toitiveness. Lindiana either lacks that quality or else
she lacks real talent. Otherwise, she wouldnt have
left the theater for crime.
I think I can guess what youre leading up to.
Jean twisted a straw around her finger. In spite of
the fact that shes stupid, shes as sharp as a young
fox. She realized that her knowledge of theatrical
people would come in handy when she took up
crime. Chalice isnt the only great star who takes
perfect strangers into her boudoir and practically
hands them the combination of her safe on a silver
platter. That screen star who was mysteriously
robbed in Boston last summer is the same type. And
so is the actress whose jewels were stolen while she
170

was staying at the Abercrombie in New York on

Halloween. According to the papers, the police think
the same gang committed both burglaries.
Exactly, Vicki said. And I think Lindiana is
the gangthe elusive Ghost Thief who strikes
swiftly and then miraculously disappears without a
trace.
Jean gasped. Ive changed my mind. Im taking
the nine-fifteen after all. Whether shes a ghost or a
mummy, Im not going to let you put your foot into
her room. If shes what you think she is, shes
dangerous, sinister. She shuddered. I felt it when
she was playing the Gypsy Girl part. Remember, I
said I wouldnt have been at all surprised if shed
produced a knife from the folds of her skirt? Well,
now we know shes armed. Hatpins can be lethal
weapons!
Vicki laughed. She and her hatpins will be safely
ensconced in Chalices suite before I make a move.
It really shouldnt take me more than five minutes to
find that bottle of Chadawn if its in her room. But
Im not going to stop there, Jean.
Jean was nervously shredding a wax-paper
sandwich bag into bits. If there was a phone in this
room, she muttered, Id call the police. I would
so!
I wouldnt let you, Vicki retorted. Dont you
see, Jean? If shes arrested now shed get off with a
171

light sentence. Shes young, and so far as the law

knows, getting money from Chalice under false
pretenses was her first offense. Masquerading as
Frances Harlow might come under the heading of a
prank if the judge were lenient. The Ghost Thief
burglaries would never be solved. The jewels she
has already stolen might never be found, and a small
fortune would be waiting for her when she was
released after a year or two in jail.
Oh, no, Jean moaned. I cant bear it. I can see
your future as plainly as though it were in a crystal
ball. You, Vicki Barr, are going to catch Lindiana in
the act of robbing Chalices safe!
Thats right, Vicki said in a voice which she
hoped wouldnt betray her inner nervousness.
While you were out shopping, I did a lot of
thinking. Lindiana already knows exactly when she
can go in and get Chalices jewels. On the dot of
eight every evening Ivan is taken out for a walk. On
opening night Dolly will do that chore because, of
course, Chalice will be at the theater. For half an
hour no one will be in the suite. That gives her
plenty of time to play around with the dial if she
hasnt got the exact combination of the safe. She
could even, if necessary, pry off the dial and punch
out the combination. Small, portable safes are not
very burglarproof. The whole hotel will be a
madhouse at that time on opening night, so no one
172

will hear her pounding and banging.

Uh-huh, Jean said. I think she knows the
combination, but if she doesnt, shell bring along a
sledge hammer and a mallet. Theyll come in handy
when she finds it necessary to bop you over the
head. I think Ill measure you for your coffin now.
Dont be silly. Vicki grinned. Ill be as safe as
a bug in a rug. On Friday night at eight oclock Ill
be in my closet. Ill hear her when she opens the
door of Chalices closet. Then Ill go into the
dressing room through my bathroom door. Shell be
busy with the safe combination, so all Ill have to do
is give her a push, slam, and lock the closet door.
Then Ill calmly stroll to the phone in Chalices
bedroom and call the police.
Jean thought for a minute. You make it sound so
simple, but I guess you cant fail. How I wish I
could be here as your rear guard, though! Suppose
somehow the tables get turned and youre the one
whos pushed into the closet?
That cant possibly happen, Vicki said. When
I sneak into the dressing room, shes bound to be
down on her knees in the closet with her back
toward me.
Suppose she totes a rod, Jean said slangily.
Gangster molls do, dont they? And from what Ive
read, theyre trigger happy.
You read too many of the wrong kind of books,
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Vicki replied tartly. If she were a gun moll, shed

operate in an entirely different way. That type holds
up the victim, binds, and gags him, and then departs
with the loot. I doubt if Lindiana even knows how to
shoot. She doesnt have toshes too shrewd. If I
dont stop her, shell walk out of here Friday night
with a small fortune in jewels. By the time Chalice
discovers that she has been robbed, Lindiana will be
miles away, in another disguise, having left behind
absolutely no clue. Not even a smudged fingerprint.
Shell probably wear those lavender opera
gloves, Jean interrupted. She is shrewd! Ill bet
she wears the lavender lady outfit. No one would
suspect a mummy.
Speaking of costumes, Vicki said, opening the
door of her closet, weve got to get ready for our
own little burglary. In order to avoid attracting
attention when we climb the stairs to the sixth floor,
we should look as much as possible like the other
guests who roam around in the evening. I wish we
had a couple of brunette wigs.
So do I. Jean peered over Vickis shoulder at
the dresses on the rack. A false face would be nice,
too. Ill wear that yummy evening gown, thank you.
And those gold slippers I see on the shelf. Hope they
arent too tight. Have you got a bit of chiffon I could
tie around my hair and yank down over my face if
necessary?
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In my top bureau drawer, Vicki said, handing

Jean the blue velvet frock. I know what Im going
to wear. The gorgeous flowered holoku I bought in
Honolulu. Its no more bizarre looking than some of
the housecoats the actresses in this hotel float
around in.
Its beautiful, Jean said when Vicki finished
dressing. When you make your getaway, dont trip
over that train. Now, how are we going to be sure
the coast is clear?
Simple, Vicki said. Well simply stroll down
the hall toward the stairs. Chalices door is almost
always hospitably open at this time of the evening.
When we pass her living room we can make sure
that the lavender lady is among those present. Come
on.
I hope Chalice doesnt hospitably invite us in,
Jean whispered as Vicki closed her door. Much as
Id like to be able to tell my grandchildren that she
spoke to me, Im too keyed up for crime at the
moment.
Sh-h, Vicki cautioned her. Here comes
Pasquale from the service elevator. Dont do
anything to attract his attention and he may not
recognize me in this holoku. Im in no mood for
recipe swapping.
Jeans giggle was lost in the sound of laughter
and singing as a merry troupe of guests appeared
175

from the stairs behind the chef and his assistants.

They crowded past the tables and into Chalices
suite where they were boisterously greeted by other
visitors.
In the confusion, Jean and Vicki reached the
stairs without being noticed. She was there all
right, Jean said. As large as life and twice as deadlooking. As they climbed the stairs, she sang softly:
Oh, if I had the face of a mum-my,
How happy and safe I would be!
If you dont watch out, Vicki warned, youll
be singing other words to that tune:
If I had the wings of an an-gel,
Over these prison walls I would fly!
When they reached the floor above they both
collapsed with laughter. On this floor, too, the halls
were filled with guests who were on their way to, or
returning from, visits. Everyone was laughing,
singing, or calling out gay greetings.
Im not the least bit afraid, Jean said blithely.
Why, we could walk on our hands and no one
would pay any attention to us. Six-ten must be just
above Lionels room. All you have to do is walk in
boldly while I stay outside and watch for the ogress.
176

What sort of signal should I give you if Mrs. Moser

should appear?
One loud knock, Vicki said, inserting the
skeleton key in the lock. If I hear it, Ill duck into a
closet. Three knocks will be the all clear. Dont
forget to warn me if you see a maid or the linenroom girl. She slipped inside, closed the door, and
switched on the light. The bed, she was glad to see,
had already been turned down, so the chances were
that she would not be interrupted by an employee as
she searched.
If you had something, she asked herself,
which you didnt want anyone to see or break,
where would you hide it?
In another moment she was standing on a chair,
reaching for the suitcase on the top shelf of the
closet. The suitcase was locked but it wasnt heavy.
Vicki swung it down to the floor of the closet and
hurried into the bathroom. Sure enough, in the
medicine cabinet was a pair of eyebrow tweezers.
Then her heart stood still as she heard a loud knock.
Quickly she switched off the light and ducked
into the closet. There was nothing hanging from the
rack except a Mother Hubbard wrapper and a long,
old-fashioned cloak. Holding her breath, she
crouched behind these garments. Oh, why hadnt she
remembered to lock the door? The moment anyone
put a key into the lock of Room 610, he or she
177

would know at once that the door was unlocked.

Lindiana had locked it when she left to go
downstairs. She would remember that. And she
would know that someone had entered while she
was out. She might guess that the someone was still
there.
Vickis nails dug into her palms. It seemed like
ages until at last she heard three loud knocks.
Clumsy with nervousness, she groped her way to the
light switch. Then she realized that she had left the
skeleton key on the closet shelf. Somehow she
forced herself to get it and lock herself in before
starting to work on the suitcase lock. Eons later her
trembling hands lifted the lid. The bag was filled
with dainty nylon underthings, panties and slips
which did not go at all with the ugly garments in the
closet. And they were not packed neatly; they were
bunched together and tied with a silk stocking. One
sniff of the perfume which permeated the interior of
the suitcase told Vicki what she would find when
she untied that roll. In less than a second she was
triumphantly clutching it, a tiny vial with a crownshaped stopper that was securely held in place by
strips of adhesive tape!
Now it was agony to waste precious minutes retying the bundle so that nothing would look as
though it had been disturbed. And when she tried to
snap the suitcase lock she found that she couldnt;
178

she must have broken it, prying and twisting with

the tweezers. Well, there was nothing she could do
about that now. It simply meant that Lindiana would
know that the vial had been taken sooner instead of
later.
Vicki hastily replaced the tweezers, unlocked the
door with the skeleton key, and switched off the
light. Then she opened the door a tiny crack to
whisper, All clear?
All clear, came Jeans voice.
Vicki walked boldly out into the hall and locked
the door. Ive got it, she breathed, her voice shaky
with relief. Ive got it right here in my hand!

179

CHAPTER XV

The Chef Provides a Clue

Back in Vickis room, Jean carefully examined the

tiny vial. Theres not much left, she said. Ill bet
a lot leaked out into that handkerchief before
Lindiana got around to resealing the stopper.
Vicki nodded. She was an idiot to break the seal
until she was safely in another state with the
contents of Chalices safe. But once she had the
bottle in her hand, I guess she couldnt resist
dabbing a bit behind her ears. Just for good luck.
When I met her downstairs I dont think shed
broken the seal yet. The faint fragrance I smelled
must have been clinging to the bottle itself which
was in her pocket with the blue cashmere scarf.
After she broke away from me in Hungerford Street,
she probably decided she needed an amulet. That
whole episode was a narrow escape, you know, a
harrowing experience for her. Ill bet that shortly
after she got rid of me she broke the seal, and then
tied the bottle up in the large handkerchief she was
180

carrying.
That makes sense, Jean agreed. When she
came back here as Lenore Jackson, Ill bet the vial,
still wrapped in the handkerchief, was in her suitcase
which she probably kept on the top shelf of your
closet. Thats why the closet still reeked when I
came in Sunday evening. The stopper must have
leaked all week and I guess she didnt discover it
until just before she left. It was stupid of her to
throw that handkerchief into the wastebasket.
She had to get rid of it, Vicki pointed out.
Chadawn is very concentrated. A handkerchief
drenched with it would smell to high heaven even if
it was inside her suitcase. She might have gone
down in the elevator with Chalice, or passed her in
the lobby on her way to checking out. And youre
right, Jean, she did discover that the stopper leaked
while she was here. I remember now that Lily said
she gave her a dollar tip just for getting her a roll of
adhesive tape.
Well, now what? Jean asked as she changed
back into her uniform. The last train thatll land me
near my Minnesota home town leaves at ten-thirty.
How are you going to return the Chadawn to Chalice
without telling her the whole story? And wont she
have hysterics when she finds theres only a trickle
left?
For answer, Vicki went into her bathroom and
181

came back with a bottle of rubbing alcohol and an

eye dropper. You do it, Jean, she said. My hands
are still shaking from the million years I lived
through between your warning signal and the all
clear. About twenty drops should do it. Who or
what made you give the warning signal? She tore
the adhesive tape from the vial and watched Jean
carefully dilute the concentrated perfume.
There, Jean said smugly, replacing the stopper.
The talisman is weaker physically but just as potent
metaphysically. The essence is there, and thats what
counts. She grinned at Vicki. What caused me to
rap loudly on the door of Room 610 was the
appearance of the Irish engineer complete with stepladder and a carton of light bulbs. He recognized me
all right. I died a thousand deaths myself until he
was finally hailed by a cadaverous-looking male
actor who had evidently been the victim of bulbsnatching neighbors. She shivered reminiscently.
Whats next on the agenda?
A dress rehearsal, Vicki replied, and went into
the closet. When she came out she was smiling.
Not a sound. The coast is clear. Using this lovely
skeleton key you bought me, Im going to walk in
through the adjoining door, put Chadawn down in
the midst of the myriad bottles on Chalices dressing
table, and return before you can say jack-in-thepulpit.
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I wont say a word, Jean said, giggling. I

wont even breathe. Im going to blindfold myself
and keep my fingers in my ears until you return safe
and sound.
Sh-h. Vicki slipped through her bathroom door
into the actresss suite. She could hear Chalices
voice and knew that she was in the bedroom,
telephoning. One step brought Vicki near enough to
put the tiny vial down on the glass-topped table. In
less than a second she was back in her own
apartment,
stealthily
relocking
the
door.
Triumphantly she dusted her fingers. Now, Miss
Cox, you may depart. Your services are no longer
needed. Me, Im going to the party. Not for all the
world would I miss the expression on Chalices face
when she finds her Chadawn!
Jean sniffed, pointing to her wrist watch. Ive
got a whole hour before I have to leave. After what
Ive been through this evening I deserve some
reward. She crooked her arm at Vicki. Lets go.
Five minutes later they were being greeted
effusively by the actress. Vicki, my sweet, Chalice
cried. A holoku! But how beautiful. The last time I
was in Honolulu I had several made to order, but
where they are now I couldnt tell you. Dolly, where
are my holokus? Id like to show them to Miss Barr
and Miss Cox.
In your dressing-room closet, Dolly said. Shall
183

I get them?
No, Ill get them myself. Chalice led the way
across the crowded room. Come, my dears. Theyre
really divine. If you like them, you may have them.
Once they were in the little mirrored room, Jean
surreptitiously nudged Vicki and said, Oh, Miss
Dawn! Ive never seen so many bottles of perfume
in all my life. Are they all imported?
Chalice smiled graciously. Most of them are,
dear. Let me see, youre the lily-of-the-valley type.
Ive some Muguet you may have. I care nothing for
it myself. Her hands fluttered above the gleaming
glass stoppers and then she shrieked. Vicki! Vicki,
my dearest! Chadawn is back. Oh, good heavens,
how wonderful! She forgot everything else as she
cradled the tiny vial against her cheek. It did not
seem to matter that the seal was broken, and not
until much later did she express any curiosity as to
how and why it had reappeared.
All of the other guests had gone by then and she
said to Vicki, It was just as I told you. That
newspaper girl took it. She came back in another
disguise this evening and returned it. There were
dozens of people here Id never seen before, and the
women were forever going in to powder their noses
or comb their hair. She sighed. I suppose it will all
be written up in one of the Saturday papers with an
enlarged photograph of my Chadawn. Ill feel a
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perfect fool, but what does it matter? Tossing her

lovely head she finished defiantly, I am a great
actress, an artiste! My public must allow me a few
little foibles.
Of course, Vicki said soothingly. As a matter
of fact, I think your public will love you all the
more. The Greeks worshiped their goddesses, but
their goddesses had a great many human qualities.
True, Chalice said thoughtfully, and added in
an impressive whisper, Vicki, I am going to let you
in on a little secret. Miss Dearborn is a great actress,
here incognito. I cannot tell you her real name, but I
want you to know that she, too, is, shall we say,
eccentric. Can you believe it? She is in mortal terror
of chefs! That is, until she knows them. When
Pasquale appeared with the crpe suzettes last
evening, she all but jumped out of her skin. No one
else noticed it; I am particularly sensitive to things
like that. Later, when I questioned her, she tried to
deny that she had been startled. It was really quite
impertinent of me, she is such a great artiste, but I
was consumed with curiosity. Why should anyone
stiffen with fright at the sight of a handsome man in
a tall white cap? I pressed her, Vicki darling, and
she finally broke down and admitted that it amounts
to a phobia with her. It dates back to some dreadful
childhood experience, of course. But it is so
comforting to know she, too, has an obsession.
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Vicki left then and went back to her own room to

think. The lady in lavender, she felt sure, was no
more afraid of chefs than she was. Then why had
Pasquale startled her?
Suddenly Vicki knew the answer, and she also
knew why Lindiana had ducked into the recruiting
office. She had seen someone in the lobby who she
was afraid might recognize her. That someone was
Pasquale, formerly of the Hotel Abercrombie in
New York. Before Lindiana committed that robbery
she had certainly paid several visits to her intended
victim. And Pasquale, no matter where he worked,
always inspected the dining room before the doors
opened for lunch and dinner. Lindiana must have
noticed the tall, distinguished-looking man in the
lobby of the New York hotel. Then, when she saw
him in the Hartwood lobby, she must have jumped
to the conclusion that he was a detective, trailing
her. No wonder she was shaking when Ruth Benson
first saw her. No wonder she had almost jumped out
of her skin when he had suddenly appeared in
Chalices apartment. Even though she was
fantastically disguised, it must have been a bad
moment. She had quickly recovered from her fright;
it hadnt taken long to realize that Pasquale was an
internationally famous chef, not a detective.
Vicki climbed into bed, but she lay awake for a
long time. Had Lindiana discovered that her suitcase
186

had been broken into? What was she thinking now?

Whom would she suspect? If the sight of Pasquale
had panicked her twice, what would the
disappearance of the vial do to her nerves? Wouldnt
she feel sure that someone had seen through one of
her disguises if not all of themsomeone whom
Chalice Dawn had given the confidential assignment
of finding her Chadawn?
What would you do if you were Lindiana?
Vicki asked herself. To use one of Jean Coxs pet
expressions, Id scram. Id scram and come back
again on opening night in another disguise.
Vicki fell asleep deciding that she would watch
out for a new night chambermaid who probably
would wear dark glasses and have very short titian
curls. The next morning while she was having
breakfast in the lounge Mr. Oriole joined her.
My dear, he said, beaming, you may have
Room 610 whenever you wish. Dear, dear Miss
Harlow left at midnight. Such a surprise. She felt
one of her attacks coming on and wanted to be near
her own doctor. So disappointing for Miss Dawn;
she was counting on having Miss Harlow in the
audience opening night. His smile broadened. But
its an ill wind, eh, that blows no good? Shall I have
Mrs. Moser and Lily move your things into Room
610 this morning?
No, thank you, Vicki said hastily. Ive decided
187

to stay where I am, for the rest of the week, anyway.

That little cubbyhole grows on you. Its so cozy.
Besides, she added sweetly, I really dont trust
you, Mr. Oriole. If some celebrity arrived at the last
minute to catch Miss Dawns opening, you know
perfectly well youd move me out bag and baggage
without the slightest hesitation.
As you wish, he said, assuming a hurt
expression which made him look more than ever
like a chipmunk. Before she could stop him, he
signed his name to her check, bowed, and left.
Vicki couldnt help feeling smug; she had been
right in her reasoning. The lavender lady must have
checked out as soon as she discovered the vial of
Chadawn was no longer in her suitcase. However,
she probably had already achieved her purpose. In
her Frances Harlow disguise, she must have learned
all she needed to know about Miss Dawn and her
suite and the hotel itself.
Now, in the bright light of morning, Vicki
realized that there was no necessity for Lindiana to
return to the premises she planned to rob until the
very last minute. She must know that the employees
changed shifts at eight oclock in the evening, and
that, on opening night at that hour, most of the
guests would be departing for the theater via the
stairs and elevator. In the confusion no one would
notice her. She could ride up, or walk, and she could
188

make her getaway before Dolly and Ivan returned at

eight-thirty without arousing the slightest suspicion.
Theatrical type of make-up and evening clothes
would be all she needed to change her from Linda
Murray into a stunning, sophisticated blond woman.
I wouldnt be at all surprised, Vicki thought, if
she plans to cram some of Chalices jewelry into her
evening bag and wear the rest. All the feminine firstnighters will probably be bejeweled from tiaras to
diamond anklets. It would be just like Lindiana to
walk out of here wearing the famous Dawn pearls.

189

CHAPTER XVI

The Ghost Thief

Opening night turned out to be even more hectic

than Vicki had anticipated. Chalice herself, with
Dolly on guard, remained incommunicado the entire
day. But Vicki did not see how she could have had
any rest from teatime on. The noise and the informal
gaiety reminded her of stories she had heard about
the Mardi Gras when she stayed in New Orleans.
Everyone seemed to be at home to everyone else.
Even Mrs. Moser was in a festive mood.
And Lily was starry-eyed and ecstatic. It was
Eds night off and Chalice had given him two tickets
so he could take Lily to the opening. Vicki had
promptly donated her blue velvet evening gown and
gold slippers for the occasion. Lily had her own
dress rehearsal right after Vicki came up from her
office at six. For a long time she stared at herself in
the mirror without even blinking.
Dont be afraid of the mascara, Vicki said. Its
waterproof. Even if you cry all through the second
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act youll still be beautiful. She gave the little maid

an impulsive hug. You are beautiful, honey, and
dont forget it for one minute.
Lilys round eyes were huge. Do you think Edll
think so, Miss Barr? Hes so handsome! And he
never even spoke to me until I got my hair fixed like
you said. Right off he spoke to me then. Said,
Hello, cutie. I all but died right there by the time
clock. Eds real nice, Miss Barr. I dont care what
some folks say, hes a nice boy. Miss Dawn thinks
the world of him. Reluctantly she changed back
into her uniform. Hardly had she left with her
borrowed finery when Lionel Brownson tapped on
Vickis door.
He was already in his swallowtails but was
humming the Dwarfs Song from Snow White. He
grinned ruefully. Off to work I go. How I hate first
nights and first-nighters. You dont look as though
youd been invited to the dinner party Mr. Oriole is
giving in his suite. How I wish I could get out of it
and take you to dinner instead. You are, of course,
going to catch the show?
Oh, yes, of course, Vicki fibbed. With all those
people jostling one another in the corridor she
couldnt take any chances. No one must know that
she had no intention of leaving her room until she
did so for the sole purpose of catching a thief.
Something flickered in and out of his long gray
191

eyes. Listen, Cinderella. Why dont you get into

your glad rags and barge on up to Mr. Orioles
suite? Everyone else except the cast will be there.
Were all leaving for the theater together in a fleet of
taxis. Im sure he meant to invite you, but hes so
vague I doubt if he even knows what his name is
half the time.
Vicki laughed. Im off the managers list at the
moment. I accused him of favoritism this morning.
But dont feel sorry for me. Ill probably see you
between acts. Gently but firmly she closed her
door. She hadnt fooled him; he knew perfectly well
that she was fibbing when she said she was going to
the opening. The flicker in his eyes told her that. But
what difference did it make? He couldnt possibly
know what her plans for the evening were.
He was simply a nice young man who was sorry
she was a wallflower. If the theater business were
not his business he would have been her escort.
Because he found her an attractive young woman?
Vicki stared thoughtfully at her reflection in the
mirror. No, Lionel Brownson had not been attentive
for that reason. Almost every minute that they had
spent together he had directed the conversation so
that they were discussing the Lindiana mystery.
Why was he so interested in Lindiana? Could the
answer be that he was working with her and had to
find out how much Vicki knew and suspected?
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Remembering the newspaper clipping, Vicki

shrugged away the thought. Then she was struck by
another. Suppose Linda was not working alone?
Suppose she was, as Lionel had suggested, merely a
member of an organization which was headed by a
Fagina ruthless criminal who was the real Ghost
Thief? Vicki shivered involuntarily. Then she
scolded herself:
Oh, stop it. Youre letting your imagination run
away with you. Seeing Lionel reminded you of the
Fagins who run College Boy Gag gangs. The
Fagins of this world dont commit hotel robberies. . .
. Lindiana is working alone. I know it. . . . Im sure
of it. . . . Theres nothing to be afraid of. . . . Then
suddenly it was eight oclock.
Vicki crept into her closet and laid her ear against
the far wall. Her heart was beating so loudly she was
sure it would drown out all other sounds. But it
didnt. The hands on her wrist watch showed her
that it was exactly four minutes past eight when she
heard a faint click. Someone had opened Chalices
closet! At eight minutes past, Vicki was stealthily
turning the skeleton key in the lock of her bathroom
door.
She opened it a crack. The dressing-table lamps
cast a rosy glow, and the first thing she noticed was
that the door to the bedroom was closed. The door to
the closet was wide open, and as soon as her eyes
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grew accustomed to the pale light she could see that

there was someone in there. Vicki slipped into the
room, her feet making no sound on the thick carpet.
Her reflection in the mirrored walls followed her
and all at once she felt bewildered, dizzy. It wasnt
possible, she was imagining itseeing things.
Vicki closed her eyes. The person who was
kneeling beside the safe must be Lindiana; it
couldnt be a man wearing swallowtails. Vicki
opened her eyes and then she saw, on the dressingtable stool, the evening topcoat, white scarf, and tall
silk hat. Against her will a little gasp came out of
her dry throat.
Before she could turn, the man was on his feet,
and the gun he held in his white-gloved hand was
not two feet from her face. Even in that pale, rosy
light she recognized him at once.
Bruno Ventura! And his homely cashier, Letty,
must have been Lindiana in another disguise.
Now all of the pieces of the puzzle fell into
placetoo late. Bruno Ventura was Lindianas
Fagin; he was also the Ghost Thief.
What is this? he demanded in a hoarse,
threatening whisper. How did you get in here? Who
are you? Answer me!
Vicki was still so stunned she could only swallow
and shake her head.
Then, as he apparently noticed her uniform and
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the half-open door behind her, he sneered. The

little flight stewardess! I should have taken care of
you right after you barged into my place with Jack
last week. But Jacks a good guy, so I didnt pay any
attention to Letty when she said you were too nosy.
What she didnt tell me was that you have the habit
of breaking into other guests apartments.
Vicki found her voice then. Letty, she said
defiantly, should have told you that. She should
know that I break and enter whenever it suits my
purposes. Who else do you suppose got back the
Chadawn your Letty stole from Miss Dawn?
His small brown eyes were mere slits. Letty
stole what?
Miss Dawns very valuable perfume, Vicki
replied coolly. The French clock in the living room
had just chimed the quarter hour. If she could keep
him talking for another fifteen minutes Dolly would
be back with Ivan. If Letty hadnt stolen that
perfume, she went on, I wouldnt have seen
through her various disguises. You should scold her
for that mistake.
Ill do more than scold her. His voice was very
ominous. I was going to marry the little fool.
Thought she was better than all my other operators
put together. As he spoke he moved toward the
dressing-table stool, holding the gun even closer to
her face. Vicki could see now that the safe was
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open; the trays of jewels out on the closet floor. And

she knew why he had picked up his white scarf. He
was going to bind and gag her; fill his pockets with
those jewels, and walk calmly out before Dolly
came back. If she screamed hed pull the trigger.
And then, to the surprise of both of them, they
heard a voice in the bedroom. It was too cold out,
Ivan, wasnt it? Much too cold for us. You curl up
there on the rug while I take a little nap on Miss
Dawns bed. What a day! What a day!
As Dolly rambled on in the next room, Ventura
said softly to Vicki: Open your mouth and Ill blow
your head off.
But she could tell that Dollys unexpected return
had unnerved him. The hand which was holding the
gun was shaking, and beads of perspiration dotted
his brow. She guessed that this was the first time in
his life that he had ever been in such a predicament;
he had always taken great care to avoid unexpected
events which might endanger him. Venturas
accomplices took all the risks, getting the
information he needed before he himself appeared
on the premises to be robbed.
Now Ivan was sniffing curiously on the other side
of the door. Vicki knew that Ivan wouldnt bark;
Ivans life was just one stranger after another. If he
had tried to bark at all the strange people who
frequented his mistresss home, he would have died
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of exhaustion long ago.

She knew he wouldnt bark, but Ventura
obviously wasnt so sure. In the rosy light from the
dressing-table lamps Vicki could see that his face
and lips were a sickly color. He was trying to make
a decision. He had two choices. He could try to bind
and gag her without making enough noise to attract
Dollys attention; pocket the jewels and depart
through Room 507.
But that was risky. Dolly, if she were still awake,
could hear even the faintest click, clink, or bump. If
she suspected that someone was lurking in the
dressing room, she would simply pick up the phone
beside her mistresss bed and yell for help. Then the
Ghost Thief would be trapped.
And he also ran a risk if he suddenly knocked
Vicki out with the butt of his gun and swiftly took
Dolly by surprise. That would be the safest way if it
were not for the dog. How could he be absolutely
sure that the huge wolfhound wouldnt spring at his
throat the minute he opened the bedroom door?
Letty had undoubtedly reported to Ventura that
Ivan was harmless, or had she? The dog, according
to the prearranged plan, didnt enter the picture at
all. According to that plan, Ivan should still be out
on the street, and by now, the Ghost Thief would
probably be there too, calmly entering one of the
fleet of taxis in front of the hotel.
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No, Vicki quickly decided. Ventura is

terrified; he doesnt know that Ivan wouldnt spring
at a mouse. He turned his face slightly to glance at
the half-open door to her bathroom and Vicki knew
that he had decided to escape that way. Oh, Dolly,
stay awake, she prayed silently. Stay awake and
listen!
And then, in the nerve-racking silence, she heard
a lusty snore followed by deep, regular breathing.
Poor Dolly, exhausted by a day of coping with her
mistresss preopening nerves, was sound asleep. She
probably was so sound asleep that nothing short of
an explosion would arouse her.
A triumphant smile twitched the gunmans lips,
but still he hesitated. Vicki could almost read his
mind. You couldnt gag and bind a person without
using both hands. The minute he laid down his gun
she would scream. Therefore, his next step was to
knock her out with the butt of it.
For more reasons than one, Vicki didnt want to
be knocked out, and she sensed that the gunman in
evening clothes would welcome an excuse for
avoiding violence. His success in crime, she
guessed, had been due to his brains, not his brawn.
He did not look at all like the hard-boiled moving
picture and stage gangster. He was neither tall nor
short; heavy nor slight. In fact, he looked like
hundreds of other men in their early forties who
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have small brown eyes and thinning sandy hair. His

very looks played an important part in his success
that was obvious. Later, when the burglary was
discovered, who would remember seeing such a
nondescript person on the stairs, in the elevators, in
the lobby?
With a deft movement, he shifted the gun so that
he was now holding it by the barrel. But still he
hesitated. Then Vicki knew what she should do. She
had seen it done on the stage many times. Before an
actress fainted, she swayed slightly and then
crumpled to the floor. If Vicki fainted now the
gunmans problems were solved.
She forced herself to go limp all over; her head
fell forward, her knees sagged, and just as the
French clock chimed the half-hour, she was a little
heap on the carpet. Through her tangled lashes she
saw him drop to his knees, place the gun beside him,
and with the scarf in both hands
With a violent wrench of her whole body, Vicki
kicked the gun out of his reach and screamed at the
top of her lungs. The scream was muffled by the
silken folds of the white scarf as the Ghost Thiefs
hands jerked downward, and Vicki knew that she
wouldnt have to pretend to faintshe was going to
faintshe couldnt breathe. And then, as though it
came from miles away, she heard a crisp, stern
voice:
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All right, Ventura, Ive got you covered. Get up

with your hands above your head. You can see me in
the mirror on the opposite wall. You can see my
badge. This is the FBI, Bruno, boy. Special Agent
Horning.
Vicki disentangled herself from the folds of the
scarf and stared up into the face of Lionel
Brownson. He was still in swallowtails but was
holding in one hand a menacing revolver. In the
other hand was his badge.
Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity, Vicki thought,
scrambling to her feet. I should have guessed who
he was from the moment Jean called him a
superman!

200

CHAPTER XVII

A Reward for Vicki

It was midnight when Chalice returned from the

theater, flushed with triumph. She was not at all
surprised to find her suite a bower of flowers and
filled with people. She was only slightly annoyed to
discover Dolly in her own bed with the hotel nurse
beside her.
Good heavens, child, she cried. I do hope you
havent anything catching. I never had any of the
childhood diseases. And I simply cant come down
with measles now. Such a success. Such an
appreciative audience. Will someone go out and get
the morning papers as soon as theyre off the press?
Vicki, love, what is the matter with Dolly? . . . Mrs.
Moser, must you stand there with that idiotic
expression on your face? Gracious! Cant somebody
do something to create some order out of this chaos?
Ive invited simply everybody to supper. But I cant
cope without Dolly. Tell me, Vicki darling, has she
scarlet fever? She looks most dreadfully jaundiced.
Or is that a symptom of yellow fever? Send all the
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reporters away, Vicki. I couldnt speak to another.

There were hundreds of them in my dressing room
backstage. All asking such silly questions.
Somebodys safe was broken into. As though that
were any concern of mine!
She stopped to catch her breath and Vicki said
quickly, It was your safe, Chalice. And theres
nothing wrong with Dolly except that the excitement
was too much for her. The doctor gave her a
sedative and asked the nurse to stay with her until
you got back.
Dollys eyes fluttered open. Oh, Miss Dawn,
she moaned, it was so awful. Miss Barr got the gun
away from him at the risk of her life, and me in here
sleeping. Ill never forgive myself. Never! And Mr.
Brownson being a G-man! Who would have guessed
it? But he couldnt have done anything if it hadnt
been for Miss Barr. He said so himself. Still
mumbling she lapsed into semiconsciousness.
Mr. Oriole appeared then, nervously patting a
handkerchief against his upper lip. So unfortunate,
my dear Miss Dawn. Or should we say fortunate? I
was at the theater, of course, and knew nothing of it
until just now. The fellow is safely behind bars.
Bruno Ventura! A mere nobody! Whoever heard of
him? Not I! But hes the hotel Ghost Thief all right.
Theres no denying that! Those Federal men never
make a mistake. Had you any idea, Miss Dawn, that
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Mr. Brownson was here incognito? Imagine it! The

Department of Justice did not let me in on the
secret! I cant help feeling hurt. I, who am the soul
of discretion!
At that Chalice lost her temper. You dodo, she
screamed. Stop talking such utter drivel. Oh, my
throbbing temples. Vicki, love, if you have any
fondness for me whatsoever, youll take me into
your room and put me to bed with a triple bromide.
Id love to, Vicki said, slipping her arm around
the actress. We can go in through your dressing
room. The door is still open.
Mrs. Moser hovered closer to whisper: Couldnt
I do something to help, Miss Barr? Shall I have the
engineer put a cot in your room? We on the staff
well, we all think youre just grand!
Vicki smiled her thanks and shook her head. Ten
minutes later Chalice had calmed down enough to
listen to the whole story. But she interrupted
frequently with little shrieks of rage and horror.
That womanthat unspeakable creature! How
could I have thought she was Frances Harlow? What
will they do to her, Vicki?
Dont worry. Shell be properly punished,
Vicki said. Lionel suspected from the very
beginning that Linda Murray was working for the
Ghost Thief. You see, the only clue they had to the
hotel burglaries was a slim one. Early last month,
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part of the loot that was stolen in Boston turned up

in a small Colorado town. Then the FBI was called
in, and Lionel, who was only recently graduated
from the Academy, was given the assignment. After
long talks with both the actresses who had been
robbed in hotels, he finally gleaned one clue. The
New York victim admitted she had given an order
for Christmas cards to a lovely blond girl who was
working her way through modeling school. When he
checked with the school and the greeting card firm,
he learned that they had never heard of Elizabeth
Sayre. After further questioning, the Boston actress
remembered that she had given a small sum of
money to a ravishing blonde who was collecting
funds for a charity, which, it turned out, nobody had
ever heard of. Lionel now felt sure that both crimes
had been committed by the same shrewd criminal
who employed, among many others, a beautiful
blond young woman.
These employees carefully examined the hotels
and the actresses suites long before the robbery was
committed. In various roles, they studied the
victims habits until enough knowledge had been
obtained so that the robbery could be committed
without any possibility of interruption.
Vicki sighed. The other actresses, like you,
Chalice, made it easy for the criminal and difficult
for the police. They welcomed perfect strangers into
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their apartments. They took anyone and everyone at

face value. They made no secret of where they kept
their jewels or when those jewels could conveniently
be stolen. One of them even hired a maid without
asking for references.
Chalice pouted. At least I wasnt that stupid!
No, Vicki said, smiling, but it didnt take
Lionel long to figure out that you were next on the
Ghost Thiefs list. You fitted into the pattern
perfectly. Before he left New York, Lionel sent the
Chicago police a description of the lovely platinum
blonde. He asked that one detective be constantly on
duty inside the hotel and another outside in front.
When our precinct captain received this request and
a description of the blond girl, he naturally relayed
to Lionel the facts of the Linda Murray amnesia
case. No one had any way then of connecting her
with you, but she answered the description and had
certainly behaved suspiciously in the Hartwood.
Furthermore, she had disappeared without a trace
which was suspicious in itself. The clues I had given
Captain Bevin petered out by Saturday night, but
when he talked over the phone to Lionel, who was
still in New York, he told him that when I reported
the disappearance I had said that there was
something wrong about her which I couldnt put my
finger on.
Lionel made up his mind to find out what that
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something was. He immediately got in touch with

the director of personnel in our home office, who
gave him my life history from the day I cut my first
tooth, including the fact that I had already helped the
police solve several mysteries. Lionel couldnt, of
course, risk letting me know that he was an FBI
agent, but he decided to waste no time getting
acquainted with me.
I like that man, Chalice interrupted. He
believes in a womans intuition. And I dont care
what you say, no one could possibly have seen
through his incognito. He had a letter of introduction
to me from the president of Magna Films, and his
arrival at the Hartwood was mentioned by several
New York and Chicago columnists.
At the request of the Department of Justice,
Vicki added. And the gentleman who occupied
Room 510 then was equally co-operative. When
Captain Bevin explained, he checked out at once so
that the room across the hall from your suite would
be free when Magna Films Chicago representative
called for a reservation. Vicki shook her head. Mr.
Oriole fibbed when he said he received Lionels
reservation long before he received mine.
Mr. Oriole is a dodo, Chalice said. He played
right into that awful Ventura mans hands when he
gave your room to his accomplice last week end.
Vicki smiled. And I suppose you werent helpful
206

when you kept mumbling the combination of the

safe loud enough for her to hear through the closet
wall? Anyway, when Federal gave Lionel a seat on
the plane to Chicago, he was told that the stewardess
was a classmate of mine. He made it a point to get
more information about me from Jean, without, of
course, her having any idea that he wasnt a bona
fide talent scout. That evening, when he heard the
bellhop knock on my door with a message from
Federal for Jean, he came out into the hall and
pretended to be having trouble with his key so he
could have an excuse for talking to me. He was sure
that buried in my subconscious was an important
clue to the blondes identity, so the next morning,
forgetting about the rehearsal, he made a luncheon
date with me. Then he hurried off to prove what he
already suspected: De Paul University had never
heard of your Diana Harding. At the tea you gave
for Claire I told him all I knew about Linda Murray
and later you yourself proved that she and Diana
Harding were the same person.
My memory is fabulous, Chalice said smugly.
And Im sorry I made Lionel break that luncheon
date with you. But how was I to know that he was
more interested in you than he was in Claire? And it
was his own fault that you didnt help him solve the
mystery sooner. If hed told me the truth about
himself, instead of posing as a talent scout, I would
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have let you tell him about my Chadawn.

Vicki laughed. In the end it didnt matter.
Because in a roundabout way I gave him the clue to
Lindianas identity. He was with me when I finally
remembered what the elusive something wrong
about Linda Murray was, and he could tell from the
expression on my face that I had remembered. When
I refused to share the secret with him, he ordered the
inside detective, Barrow, who was working here as
assistant engineer, to keep his eye on me. Barrow,
pretending to be busy with light bulbs in a room
across the hall, saw me come out of Room 610 after
I had found your Chadawn. When he reported to
Lionel, Lionel quickly decided that the lavender
lady was Linda in another disguise. He figured out
that I must have seen through her disguise, too, and
was playing amateur detective when I sneaked into
her room. When she checked out at midnight she
was trailed to Bruno Venturas night club on
Hungerford Street.
Thats what I dont understand, Chalice cried
exasperatedly. Why didnt they arrest that awful
man then and there instead of turning my suite
topsy-turvy? Ive a good mind to sue the
Department of Justice.
They couldnt arrest him, Vicki explained
patiently, because they had absolutely nothing on
him. But, of course, they suspected him from the
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moment the lavender lady went upstairs and came

down again in a startlingly different disguise. By
simply removing all make-up, pulling her hair back
into a tight bun and wearing horn-rimmed specs and
unattractive clothes, Lindiana is Venturas homely
cashier.
I can believe it, Chalice said. After seeing
what your good advice did for Lily, I can believe
anything. And I suppose the homely cashier of
Hungerford Street is the explanation of how Linda
Murray disappeared without a trace right after she
broke away from you?
Vicki nodded. Linda was Venturas nemesis.
Previously he had hired several different people,
never using the same ones twice, but she so quickly
got valuable information about the Boston actress
that he decided to use her again in New York. On
this job he decided to use her alone. She is, as we
guessed, a one-time actress who gave up because
she was never given anything but walk-on parts. Her
experience made her invaluable and her jealous
hatred of all stage and screen stars made her a loyal
and hardworking operator. Bruno never robbed
anyone but the easy victims so many famous
actresses are. The police had wondered about him
because the night club is nothing but a cheap
restaurant and recently Bruno had been spending
money like water. But they could prove nothing, and
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of course did not connect him with the Boston and

New York robberies. He never appeared in those
hotels until the last minute, and returned to Chicago
immediately after both burglaries.
Both crimes were committed during nights of
unusual festivity when no one would notice a
nondescript man in evening clothes. The one in
Boston took place at a Fourth of July ball, and the
one in New York during a Halloween masquerade. It
didnt take Lionel long to decide that an attempt to
rob you would be made on opening night between
eight and eight-thirty. He made careful plans
because he wanted to catch Ventura with enough
evidence on him to convince any jury of his guilt. So
on opening night, instead of leaving the hotel with
the other guests, Lionel slipped back to his room,
leaving the door open a crack.
Sure enough, shortly after Dolly left with Ivan,
Ventura appeared, right on schedule, and using a
skeleton key boldly walked into your suite. Lionel
settled down to wait. He anticipated no trouble at
all; most criminals collapse when a G-man catches
them with the stolen goods in their possession.
Lionel, of course, had no way of knowing that I had
gone into your dressing room. He was sure I was
safely in my room and thought I might not even be
disturbed when he quietly arrested Ventura.
Then, Chalice interrupted, to the surprise of
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everyone, Dolly returned ahead of time with Ivan.

That girl was born and bred in Chicago, but youd
never guess it. She simply cannot stand a bit of
winter wind.
Vicki chuckled. Her unscheduled return
certainly did surprise everyone. Lionel was
flabbergasted. You had scolded her so severely the
other evening when she didnt walk Ivan for his full
half-hour, it never occurred to him that she would
disobey you. The silence that followed Dollys
return, Lionel figured, could only mean that she was
being silenced at the point of Venturas gun. Any
attempt to capture Ventura now would mean
shooting, and Dolly might be harmed. The FBI is
dead against shooting at the risk of innocent
bystanders. But neither could he leave her alone in
there with a criminal.
Using his master key, he quietly slipped into
your living room. To his astonishment the only
sound he heard was Dollys snoring in the bedroom.
And then I screamed. Naturally Lionel didnt
hesitate a second after that. He burst into the
dressing room before Ventura could grab his gun,
and before I could scramble to my feet, Bruno was
safely handcuffed. And then the whole suite was
simply swarming with people, among them my own
private detective, Barrow.
Right after that, the detectives, who had been
211

watching the Ventura night club ever since the

lavender lady entered it, appeared with the dowdy
cashier. Mr. Gray Coat, the police detective on duty
in front of the Hartwood, had notified them the
moment Bruno came into the lobby. Lionel didnt
want Letty picked up until he had arrested her boss.
He had planned a surprise attack on both of them,
and it worked. Letty didnt stay dowdy long after
she saw those handcuffs on Ventura. She literally
and figuratively let down her hair and said a lot of
things which I imagine she now regrets.
I can imagine, Chalice said with satisfaction.
She naturally jumped to the conclusion that she had
been arrested because of information Ventura gave
the police.
Thats right, Vicki said. When she started
accusing him of treachery, he in turn accused her of
bungling the job. I told him, you know, that I never
would have seen through her various disguises if she
hadnt stolen your perfume.
Chalice stirred restlessly. I do wish you hadnt
brought my Chadawn into it, Vicki. Was it really
necessary?
Of course not, Vicki said, silently laughing. I
never mentioned the word, nor did anybody else.
The FBI, the police, and reporters know that Letty
stole a bottle of your perfume, but thats all they do
know. I had to give Lionel some explanation of why
212

I sneaked into Room 610. He was very nice and

didnt ask me a lot of embarrassing questions. He
simply shook his head and said:
Once an amateur detective, always an amateur
detective, I suppose. I could have you arrested for
breaking and entering, but I wont. Without your
reluctant help, this would have been a much harder
case to crack than it was.
Pooh, Chalice said, swinging her long legs out
of Vickis bed. He couldnt have solved the case at
all without you. I am an excellent judge of character
and I was right when I said in the very beginning
that you would solve the mystery. She started off
toward her dressing room. You shall have a reward,
darling. Not the pearlstheyre not your typebut
my Ivan pin. . . . No, no, NO, dont argue with me. I
want you to have it, Vicki. Next time youre
involved in a mystery youll wear it and remember
me.
Next time! Vicki smiled and followed the actress
into the mirrored dressing room. She stood at
attention while Chalice, with the pompous air of a
four-star general, pinned the beautiful miniature
above the wings on her jacket. Wings and a fleet
wolfhound!
Vicki seemed to be gazing into the crystal ball of
her future. Did another mystery await her?
With all her heart Vicki hoped so!
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