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THE MYSTERY OF THE

VANISHING LADY

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
OF THE

VANISHING LADY
BY HELEN WELLS
________________________________________________________

GROSSET & DUNLAP


PUBLISHERS
New York

BY GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC., 1954


All Rights Reserved

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CONTENTS
________________________________________________________

CHAPTER

PAGE

A STRANGE OLD WOMAN

II

FOUND: A BANKBOOK

14

III

NEWS AT THE LOG CABIN

23

IV

WHAT GINNY KNEW

33

MR. BARKER

48

VI

NOT AN ACCIDENT?

60

VII

THE VANISHING LADY

70

VIII

TROUBLE IN THE AIR

85

IX

NIGHT FLIGHT

100

FUN AND REFLECTIONS

111

XI

SECOND CHANCE

128

XII

THE WALLET

141

XIII

VICKI OVERHEARS

155

XIV

PETEY

173

XV

MEET THE ACTOR

187

XVI

DENTONS STORY

199

XVII

END OF THE ROAD

206

XVIII REWARD FOR VICKI

217

CHAPTER I

A Strange Old Woman

The Barrs telephone rang at daybreak.


Vicki, in the blue room of The Castle, woke up
instantly. When their telephone rang at unlikely
hours, it was generally for the flier of the family.
Five-thirty, said her alarm clock. That meant the call
was for her, all right.
Quickly, softly, Vicki reached across her younger
sister Ginny, in the other twin bed, to get her robe.
The phone rang again. The whole family would be
waked up! Vicki ran through the upstairs hall.
The door of her parents bedroom opened. Betty
Barr stuck her curly head out and asked calmly,
Going out? Want some breakfast?
And I hoped you wouldnt hear the phone! No
breakfast, thanks, Mother. Go back to sleep, Vicki
called over her shoulder and then hurried down The
Castle stairs.
Hello! she said sleepily into the phone.
Vicki Barr? said a young mans voice.
1

You dont have to be so formal, Bill. She could


hear, even by telephone, the sound of the plane
motors warming up at his small airport. Whats the
matter?
Plenty, honey. A ham radio operator reports that
the flood waters are racin toward a little burg
southeast of here, Opossum Run. About thirty
families will be marooned. Ralph Mosley wants us
to take in supplies and make a survey while theres
still dry ground for our planes to land on.
Mr. Mosley headed the small group of flying
volunteers who made up Fairviews Civil Air Patrol.
They had been doing rescue work ever since the
Wabash, swollen by spring rains, overflowed its
banks earlier that week. The town of Fairview was
not inundated, but many smaller towns lower in the
valley were in trouble, and almost all roads were
flooded. Only planes could get through, with food,
medicines, antiepidemic serums, rubber boats, and
personnel. Even the Red Cross depended on
Fairviews local CAP. So now it was Opossum
Runs turn! Vicki knew that village, prettier than its
name, as a pleasant spot for picnics and fishing in
the Wabash Riverif this April flood ever subsided.
All right, Bill, she said. How soon do we
start?
Be over here in thirty minutes, twenty if
possible. And, Vic? Ahhmmm
2

Yes, what is it? Why so glum-sounding?


You sure its all right for you to fly this mission?
Youre so pint-size and frail.
Im not frail! Just because Im blond, and not a
giant Anyhow, flying in a little rain is nothing!
My error, Bill said, laughing. Ill lend you the
Cub. See you in a few minutes. Hey! Bring me a roll
and butter, will you? Im starvin.
Vicki smiled and hung up. Bill was incorrigible at
times. She recalled her latest adventure, known as
Peril Over the Airport, when just a few months ago
the young mans confidence in the wrong persons
had nearly cost him his airport. Vicki had saved it
for him, risking her fife in the attempt. But it all had
been worth while. Both Avery Airport and Bill were
flourishing these days, except that the incorrigible
Bill never could remember a few simple necessities
like rolls, laundry, bookkeepingnothing but
flying. If it werent for a reminder from Jack Parker,
his new A&E mechanic, Vicki knew Bill would
actually forget to eat. She slipped out to the kitchen,
put two buttered rolls into a paper napkin, and ran
upstairs noiselessly to dress.
A fine rest Im getting on my leave from my
Federal Airlines job! But Im glad Im around to
help.
Twenty minutes later Vicki caught the bus.
Fairview might not be flooded, but the roads leading
3

out of town were almost impassable. Except,


fortunately, this highway to the airport. Sitting
beside an open window, Vicki sniffed the cool, wet
air. She thought she could detect the scent of
springs first green things growing under the soggy
earth. She almost doubted that the sun would ever
shine again.
By the time she reached Bills field, half a dozen
planes were warming up alongside the runways.
These were small private planes, their owners
huddled around Ralph Mosley, getting instructions.
Vicki joined the CAP group and marked this
mornings route on her flight chart.
Turn due south at the Jackson railroad crossing,
then its twenty miles, Mr. Mosley finished. He
was a businessman who flew his own plane for sport
and for business trips. Hello there, Vicki Barr.
Think youll have room to carry vaccines? Theyre
not bulky.
Vicki nodded, waved hello to the other busy men
and women fliers, and ran to the hangar to find Bill
Avery. He was a handsome boy in blue jeans and
leather flight jacket. A long dimple creased in his
cheek when he saw the small, eager figure running
toward him.
Hi, pigeon! he called. All set to go?
Of course. Here. She handed him one of the
two rolls. They munched companionably while Bill,
4

always particular about her, checked her route. He


had taught Vicki to fly and took special pride in her.
Besides, as Vicki was quick to admit, she still had a
great deal to learn in the air.
Charts okay. My best flyin pupil. Bills darkblue eyes looked her over critically, especially her
heavy cotton dungarees and sweater, her lightweight coat. Here, give me that coat and take my
other jacket. Its a lot colder upstairs. He lifted the
jacket off a wall peg and put it across her shoulders.
Then he chuckled. Doggone, if boys clothes dont
only make you look more like a girl!
Well, Im not your long-lost nephew Joe. But
this was no time for joking. Did you check the Cub
or shall I do it?
Yes, just now, Miss Fuss-budget. Yes, carefully.
Course youll check it, too, if I know you.
Bills big DC-3 stood in the hangar. Vicki asked
if he were not flying to Opossum Run, too. His
mechanic could take charge of the field and any
customers. Bill shook his head.
Have too many errands downtown this
morninhave to go to the bank, for one thing.
Besides, big aircraft would only be a nuisance on
this run.
Vicki Barr! yelled the CAP leader. On the
runway, please!
Avery! Telephone! someone called from the
5

office shack.
Bill and Vicki parted on the run. See you around
later, pigeonmaybe he called. Or Ill phone
you tonight
The messenger from Fairview Hospital had
arrived with a small chest of vaccines. The rest of
the CAP fliers had their various supplies and were
ready to go. Vicki stowed the chest on the cabin
floor of Bills Piper Cub, up front beside the pilots
seat. She was careful to keep it out of the way of the
pedals and the stick.
Engines sang as the covey of private planes
warmed up, then taxied. One by one they rose into
the gray sky and streaked away. Vicki glanced at her
wrist watch as she banked and turned, keeping a safe
distance behind Ralph Mosleys Cessna and above
Mrs. Di Pernas little red plane. Six-thirty.
From the air she saw that life was at a standstill in
flood-torn farm lands. In some villages, streets were
under water, and houses had collapsed in the muddy
churning flood. Halfway to Opossum Run, Vicki
saw a knot of people in a rowboat wave frantically
at the planes. The aircraft dipped their wings in
reply: We see you. Well send help to you. Ralph
Mosleys ship was equipped with radio, and he
probably was reporting that rowboats location right
now.
Vicki knew exactly what she and her CAP group
6

must do. They landed at Opossum Run, where Vicki


delivered her supplies, and assisted the other CAP
members in distributing food, warm clothing, and
blankets. One farm woman was ill. Mr. Mosley, who
had the roomiest plane, would fly her and her
children to Fairview Hospital. The other people,
congregated with their children and a few
belongings, would be evacuated by trucks to a nearby town on high land. Vickis CAP had already
alerted and summoned the ground transportation.
CAPs air strength was backed up by memberowned jeeps, horses, motorboats, snowmobiles, and
by short-wave radio.
In fact, Vicki thought, in spite of our officialsounding initials, were just the neighborhood air
forcejust neighbors trying to lend one another a
hand. She was glad to have the opportunity to
serve, without recompense, at any hour of the day or
night, anywhere she was needed. She felt proud
when the CAP leader sent her off alone.
Now she was flying low over the miles of flooded
farms surrounding Opossum Run, her small plane
barely skimming the water as she looked for any
stranded persons. It was hard to see through the
drizzle. Vicki tried to do her job thoroughly. After
nearly an hours search she flew back to her group
and landed. She reported that she had spotted three
families marooned, with no place for her plane to
7

land near them. She handed Ralph Mosley her


marked chart. He would send a helicopter or a boat.
I also saw, Vicki reported, that the floodwaters
are rising fast. Wed better get everybody out of
here!
The reports of the other CAP members matched
hers. The fliers waited until they saw the trucks
arrive, and everyone safely loaded aboard. Then
Vickis group flew back to Fairview, landing one by
one at Avery Airport at midmorning. Ten-ten, said
her wrist watch. The rain had lessened.
Good work, boys and girls, Ralph Mosley
called to them cheerfully. The fliers were tying
down their ships near the hangar. Who wants to
drive back to town with me?
Several persons climbed into his car. Grace Di
Perna was laughing about her breakfastless family.
Vicki shouted, No, thanks. Ill wait here for Bill.
Three carfuls drove off, and Vicki was left alone on
the field. The mechanic in the hangar said Bill
should be back any minute now. Vicki filled in the
time by checking over Bills Piper Cub which she
had just landed.
It was a trim, tiny craft, painted yellow, easier to
handle than a small car. Vicki wished it were hers.
Of course, to own a plane was expensive, unless you
went partners with someone, but she could
daydream.
8

Vicki wandered over to the office shack for a


drink of water. She smoothed her soft ash-blond hair
and wiped a smudge off her pert nose. One thing
about flying, you stayed clean and fresh in the air.
And flying a light craft required more intelligence
than exertion. Not that she or anyone could look
presentable in this flood costume.
Vicki thought she heard Bills voice and walked
to the shacks open doorway. She saw only the
postman talking to Jack. Then, as she glanced in the
direction of the field, she saw an old woman
standing beside the yellow Cub. The woman seemed
to be greatly agitated.
Vicki ran as quickly as she could across the wet,
muddy turf. Strangers werent supposed to loiter
around planes!
What do you want here? Vicki asked, rather
sharply.
The old woman looked up, so startled, so shy,
that Vicki felt a little ashamed of herself. The
woman opened her mouth to speak but could only
stammer at first. Vicki admired the straight way she
stood, despite her confusion. She was a shabby
figure in a shapeless black coat which hung from
chin to overshoes. A nondescript womanshe wore
glasses, with a kerchief tied over her hair and
knotted under her chin. Her hands, in cheap but neat
cotton gloves, clasped and unclasped nervously.
9

Excuse me, miss, IIm lost She had


difficulty in speaking. Behind her glasses her eyes
pleaded with Vicki.
Youre lost? So many people were lost and
uprooted, temporarily, because of the flood. Perhaps
this old lady was a flood victim, brought to Fairview
for haven until the swollen river and rains subsided.
Where do you live? Vicki asked.
Again the old woman stammered and seemed
badly confused. Older people sometimes have
trouble remembering even simple things, Vicki
knew, especially if they are upset.
Where do you live? Vicki repeated gently.
My daughterI want to godaughters house,
she said hoarsely. The old woman coughed and
nearly had a choking fit. Her eyes sought Vickis in
apology. Excuse me. Cant talk much.
Vicki felt sorry for herold, sick, separated from
her family, confused. Yet in some ways she
appeared to be a strange old woman. Vicki felt the
strangeness but could not define it. Something
willful about her . . .
Where does your daughter live? Vicki inquired.
Opossum Run.
But you cant go there! Didnt you hear that
everybody in Opossum Run was evacuated early this
morning?
The old woman nodded. In the folds of the
10

kerchief her face was anxious. My daughter


EmmaIm awful worriedshe was alone there,
and sick.
Your daughter is probably at Jackson by now,
and perfectly safe.
Please, miss. Fly me to Jackson? Please?
Vickis soft blue eyes widened. This old woman
must have come to the conclusion that, with the
roads flooded, her only way to reach Jackson was by
plane. It had been pretty game of her to struggle out
here to the airport, nine miles from town, all by
herself, and beg a ride! And yet the determination in
those eyeglassed eyes disturbed Vicki.
I can pay, miss Please. My daughterthe old
woman coughed and said brokenlyworries about
me. She dug into a sacklike handbag or knitting
bag and offered Vicki a dollar bill in a trembling
band.
Its not that, Vicki said, frowning. Well, why
shouldnt she take this poor old soul home to her
daughter? As a licensed private pilot, she had the
right to carry passengers and cargo, though not for
pay. Why not do one more errand of neighborly
help? It was only a half-hours flight to Jackson.
Vicki was sorry that neither her CAP head nor Bill
was here for her to consult, but then there was
nothing amiss in giving someone who was stranded
a ride home.
11

She did, however, have to leave word with Bills


aircraft mechanic, over at the hangar, that she was
taking the Cub up again. Bill wouldnt mind, of
course, providing the Cub wasnt scheduled for
some other fliers use.
To the old woman she said, You wait here. I
think Ill be able to fly you to your daughter. Ill be
back in about five minutes.
Five minutes later Vicki returned, her
arrangements made. The new mechanic, Jack
Parker, was as co-operative and easy to get along
with as Bill.
As Vicki approached the plane, she almost
laughed. The old woman was hopping and darting
around the little plane, and poking her head in its
cabin. Why, she must have opened the plane door
herself. Probably because she was so excitedbut
even so, she should leave that to the pilot.
The old woman looked so eager that Vicki had
not the heart to scold.
She took a look at the engines and the magnetos,
then walked around the little plane making a quick
check of ailerons, rudders, wing fabric, and wheels.
A line check was a necessary precaution before
every take-off. By the time Vicki was ready to climb
in, she found her passenger already in the back seat.
The old woman looked relieved but ludicrous, with
her baggy coat dragging on the cabin floor.
12

All ready? Vicki checked her cockpit controls.


They felt a little stiff, but they usually did while the
aircraft was on the ground. Vicki slammed the plane
door and waved to Jack to spin the propeller for her,
as she turned on the ignition. The ship came to life,
vibrating with power and humming like a
bumblebee.
All ready! Here we go!

13

CHAPTER II

Found: A Bankbook

For the first several minutes everything went well.


The little plane skimmed along, light and steady,
needing only a touch now and then on the controls.
Even in this light rain, flying was a joy. Because of
the murky sky, Vicki watched with extra alertness
for familiar landmarks a thousand feet below. There
lay miniature houses and barns, roads which
uncoiled like ribbons, now half submerged, and the
swollen Wabash River.
She turned around in her pilots seat to see how
the old woman was getting along. Her passenger sat
soberly staring ahead, gloved hands clasped. Vicki
shouted over the engine noise:
Do you like it? Have you flown before?
The old lady smiled in a shy, puzzled way.
Evidently she could not hear. Or else she was
thinking hard about her daughter, and her flooded
house.
Vicki shouted louder. Are you all right? Are you
warm enough? The air was nippy at this altitude,
14

and Bills wool-lined leather jacket felt good. The


old woman nodded and smiled. She seemed to be all
right, but preoccupied.
Vicki turned back to her controls. In paying a
half-minutes attention to her passenger, the ship
had veered a bit off course. Vicki corrected it. Two
minutes later the plane again moved ever so slightly
off course. The little ship seemed to want to nose
toward the left.
It was strange. Why, Bill Avery had taught her
how to fly in this yellow Cub. She knew its every
trickthe way it lifted off the ground faster than
you expected, the way it sputtered indignantly when
you throttled back too abruptly. But the plane never
had behaved like this before.
Again Vicki corrected the ships drift toward the
left. In doing so she felt something pulling or
resistingsomething in the controls. The left
rudder? Was the old woman resting her foot on the
left pedal and unwittingly pressing down on it? The
Cub, used for training student pilots, had duplicate
pedals and stick.
Vicki throttled back for an instant, coasting, so
that the old woman could hear her.
Put your feet on the floor! Please keep your feet
off the pedals!
She turned around in her seat. The old woman
looked puzzled. She said hoarsely, My feet are on
15

the floor, miss.


Please dont touch anything, Vicki warned. She
turned back to her instrument panel and eased the
throttle forward again. The engine roared. The old
woman tapped Vickis arm and shouted in her ear.
Is something wrong, miss?
Vicki shook her head. This was no time for
conversation. Nothing very serious was wrong, but
Vicki believed in paying attention to warning
signals.
Better to be safe than sorry, she thought. Ill
take a look as soon as I sight a dry landing place.
She flew along, losing altitude and watching out
the windows. Meanwhile, the ships drift off course
grew more pronounced. At one minute they bobbed
around crazily in the air. The left rudder under her
foot did not feel right. Vicki decided to investigate
the trouble.
Theres a perfectly good pasture, not flooded or
too muddy. Im going to land!
She took care to avoid grazing a fence as she
came in low. No cattle were around, thank goodness.
The wheels touched earth. There, she had made it!
For a forced landing, it hadnt been at all bad. Vicki
turned off the ignition and swung around in her seat.
Behind her the old woman, holding her breath,
looked wildly alarmed. Vicki had to say over and
over that nothing was seriously wrong. Only
16

gradually did the terror leave the womans face.


Oh, I see, she said. I thought younever
mind. Poor Emma!
Now, now. Ill examine the plane. Its probably
just some small obstruction that I can fix myself.
Not that she was any expert, Vicki admitted ruefully
to herself.
But, miss Aint a mechanic better? When
Vicki said that was true, the old woman asked shyly,
Cant we phone? Phone for help?
If we can find a telephone.
I can walk, the old woman said, shrill and
proud.
Never mind. You stay here and keep
comfortable in the plane while I go for help.
You go one wayIll go the other. Quicker.
What a spunky old woman, Vicki thought, so
spry and eager! Vicki shrugged and consented. It
would be quicker if both of them went in search of a
telephone. Vicki explained that, judging by her map
and landmarks, they had landed between two small
airfields; one was Deer Park, the other was Grahns.
Perhaps one of these fields could send an aircraft
mechanic.
The old woman nodded. Vicki helped her climb
through the plane door.
Since the terrain was a little less rugged toward
the west, and a fairly clear road was in view, Vicki
17

considerately sent the old woman off in that


direction. She herself started across the pasture
toward the east. Deer Park Airport could not be
more than a couple of miles away, Vicki figured.
Mud made for slow walking. Even the paved
roads were flooded, messy where they were not
submerged. No vehicles passed her. Vicki walked
for several minutes before she came to a small
farmhouse. She knocked on the door, and a woman
answered.
May I use your telephone, please?
We havent got a phone. Try Mrs. Perry down
the road.
Vicki followed the womans directions and came
to a more substantial farmhouse. This time the
farmwife told her that the telephone wires were
down. However, the airport was only a mile away, if
she didnt mind walking.
Thanks, Vicki said. She hoped her elderly
passenger was making out better than this. Poor old
thing, trudging through this wet and mud. I
shouldnt have let her start out, Vicki thought.
Finally the low hangar of Deer Park Airport came
into view. At the office shack Vicki found a fellow
flier, a wind-burned man in old Air Force clothes.
He took one look at Vickis muddy shoes and
whistled.
You sure are in trouble, arent you? He listened
18

to her story. Ill have a look at your plane. Im a


pretty fair mechanic. My jeeps outside.
Thanks. Isnt this flood a mess?
Riding certainly was faster than walking. The
jeep pulled into the pasture and chugged across to
where the abandoned plane stood. The old woman
had not come back yet.
Now, what seems to be the trouble?
Vicki described what had happened. Together,
she and the flier from Deer Park checked over the
plane, outside and in. Not a thing seemed to be
wrong. Vicki felt rather foolish.
Maybe you just met up with a strong wind, the
man suggested. These light planes cant buck a
sixty-mile-an-hour wind.
But theres no sixty-mile wind blowing.
Miss, why dont we take er up? Seems safe, and
I could do better if Id see exactly how she veers.
Let me handle the controls.
After some difficulty with the wheels in the
sodden earth, they took off. Vicki, in the old
womans seat, noticed a piece of paper or cardboard
on the plane floor, but her attention was on how the
Cub was behaving. The flier circled low over the
tree-tops, banked, turned, and tested the little ship in
various maneuvers. The plane flew perfectly. It did
not veer off course.
How do the instruments feel to you? Vicki
19

shouted.
Fine! he shouted back. Beats me
He landed, also without any difficulty. Discussing
the way the plane behaved, Vicki mentioned her
passenger. Maybe the old lady put her foot on the
left rudder pedal, the flier commented.
Vicki was puzzled. I dont think so, and she said
her feet were on the floor, but
Elderly people get confused sometimes, the
flier said. Bet you a dollar to a doughnut that thats
all it was.
Vicki felt relieved. She thanked the man warmly
for his trouble. They shook hands and off he went in
his jeep.
Eleven-thirty, her wrist watch showed.
Vicki sat down on the rubber-tired wheel in front
of the plane door to rest a bit. What a hectic
morning! She wished the old lady would return
soonshe was hungry as well as a little tired.
Eleven forty-five. Where was the old lady?
Vicki was worried. Maybe she should never have
let her start out alone. Maybe she had lost her way
of fallen down or met some other disaster. But her
passenger, though elderly, had seemed sturdy and
self-reliant.
Nevertheless, Vicki got to her feet and hiked to
each corner of the pasture, overlooking the roads.
There was no sign of activity, nor any houses, just ii
20

ramshackle barn. To make sure, Vicki went over and


looked in the barn, and called. It was deserted. Not
a sign of life anywhere around. Just mud and rain.
Vicki returned to the shelter of the plane and waited
a little longer.
Twelve noon, said her watch. Vickis stomach
growled as a reminder that she had had no food
since daybreak. She could not wait indefinitely for
the old woman. Yet she could not simply abandon
her. Anxiously Vicki patrolled again the direction in
which the old woman had started out, then tried a
path she might have taken. For fifteen minutes she
searched. It was so still she could hear water
dripping from the tree branches. The drizzling rain
had washed away any footmarks. Finally, at twelvethirty, a sneezing spell brought her to a decision.
I cant stay in this cold, wet pasture all day. Ive
already waited here an hour. That old woman
probably has gone on.
Although there were no houses within eyes
range, Vicki knew several farmhouses lay within
easy walking distance. The old woman could have
found aid in one of those. Or someone driving along
a half-flooded road might have stopped to help her.
Suddenly Vicki remembered the piece of paper
she had seen near the passengers seat. Perhaps the
woman had left a note saying where she was going.
Vicki hoped so.
21

But it was not a note. It wasof all things!a


bankbook. Brand new, too. Vicki hesitated, then
opened it. A savings account of fifty dollars had
been opened, just yesterday, at the Fairview First
National Bank, for one Edward Denton. That was all
the information the passbook yielded.
The old woman must have dropped it. Yet what
was she doing with Edward Dentons passbook?
Unless it belonged to someone who had rented and
flown the Cub yesterday? But that wasnt likely. Bill
and his mechanic, in cleaning and checking the
plane, surely would have found it. Vicki was
reasonably sure that she had not seen it in the plane
when she checked the ship at six-fifteen this
morning, nor when she checked again at
midmorning before flying the old woman.
Well, Ill ask at the field, just to be certain. If I
ever get back!
She went down to the road and waited until a lone
car came by. She hailed it, and the driver stopped.
The occupants were mother and daughter, with a
clothesbasket full of food and serumsflood relief
workers. They smiled understandingly at the small
blond-haired girl in muddy work clothes.
Will you please spin the propeller of my plane
for me? Vicki asked.
A few minutes later she was up and climbing. She
did have a troubled feeling about that old lady.
22

CHAPTER III

News at the Log Cabin

Even while she circled Bills field for a landing,


Vicki was aware of a wave of excitement. Several
people stood talking near the office shack. She
thought she saw a police car drive off.
Did all this have anything to do with the old
woman? Or had there been an accident?
Vicki set the Cub down deftly on the ground,
climbed out, staked the plane down, and ran to the
hangar.
Bill? Whats going on? Bill, are you here?
He hasnt returned, Miss Vicki, the mechanic
answered her. I figure hes been delayed because
the police are blocking the highway. That robbery,
you know.
I dont know. Tell me about it.
Jacks candid hazel eyes met hers. All he knew
was that an unusually subtle robbery had been
committed downtown that morning. The police
suspected a man had met with foul play. Only
23

rumors had reached Jack, at work here in the hangar.


But if youd go down the road to the Log Cabin
for a sandwich, youd probably hear the whole
story.
Thanks, Jack.
The Log Cabin was new. The only roadside
restaurant near by, it attracted everyone using Avery
Airport and people working or living around there,
nine miles outside of Fairview. The owners, Tommy
and Alice Carter, were plump and jolly, and made
everyone feel right at home. If there was any news,
shed hear it at the Log Cabin.
Vicki waved to Tommy Carter as she entered.
She decided she could hear more news at the counter
than at her and Bills favorite corner booth.
Heres a stool for you, Miss Barr. Tommys
round face smiled at her. Move over, gents, and let
a pretty young lady sit down.
A pretty muddy young lady, Vicki said.
The gents were three long, lean, shy farm boys
who operated their fathers five-hundred-acre farm.
Vicki knew them well enough to know that the three
Pringle boys enjoyed dropping in at the Log Cabin
for lunch andlike herselfthe days news. Bob
Pringle had just driven into town on an errand and
was bursting with news of the robbery.
I dont even know who or what got robbed,
Vicki complained. She had had a fairly exciting
24

morning herself, though, come to think of it.


Well, the pay roll of the Fairview Farm Tool
Company was stolen. About thirty thousand
dollars, Bob Pringle reported. The strange part of
it is that nobody saw the robbery take place. There
wasnt any outcry, no clues left lying around,
nothing.
Whered it happen? Vicki asked.
Right smack in the middle of Fairview Bank!
But nobody saw it happen.
His two brothers snorted. Somebody mustve
seen it. Werent there people around?
Plenty of people. But no two stories agree. Dont
blame me! Bob grinned. The fellow who had the
money was the cashiernot the bank teller. I mean
the tool-company cashier. Or assistant cashier. He
goes to the bank every Thursday morning, I heard,
to pick up cash for the pay roll. The Farm Tool
employees get paid Friday mornings.
Thats right, the other brothers agreed. Thats
what Stu told us, and he works there.
Mr. Carter put cheeseburgers at their places. They
munched, while Bob said reflectively:
The strange part of it is that one minute the
cashier was standing there on line in the bank, and
the next minute he just vanished into thin air.
Huh! Whats strange about that? Alice Carter
trotted in with a tray of freshly made doughnuts.
25

The cashier ran off, vamoosed, and scrammed with


the money, thats all.
But not a soul saw him go! Bob insisted. No
one in the bank, no one outside the bank on the
street. And there hasnt been a trace of him since.
Now I ask you! He must have gone somewhere.
Vicki, eating her lunch, now asked a few
questions and listened attentively to the answers.
Did the cashier go downstairs or upstairs in the bank
building? Of course not. The bank was a one-story
structure, all on one floor. Why, from wherever one
stood in the bank, one could see the entire room.
Then how could he vanish? Perhaps he was still
somewhere in the bank building? But the police had
searched thoroughly and found nothing.
The Log Cabins proprietor brought glasses of
milk. What about the guards? Theres a bank guard.
Besides, doesnt the tool company send their own
guard along to protect the cashier and the pay roll?
Why, sure! Thatd be our friend, Richard Workforth.
What were those two guard fellows doing when the
cashier skedaddled?
Alice Carter looked troubled and reached for a
doughnut. Poor old Workforth, she said. Hes
only recently got this guard job at Farm Tool. Its
the first steady job hes found in a long time. Now
hell probly get fired on account o this. She set
down the doughnut untouched, thinking.
26

Vicki felt troubled herself. Richard Workforth


was an aging man who seemed to have had more
than his share of illness and misfortune. Professor
Barr frequently hired him to do errands or odd jobs
in the garden, whenever he heard that Richard was
having a hard time of it. So did their neighbors. The
patient old man was a familiar figure to Vicki, and
she hated to think of his losing his much-needed
employment. Yet this negligence was a serious
charge against himif it were merely negligence
and not something more complex. She asked slowly:
Wasnt Workforth guarding the cashier and the
pay roll? Wasnt he standing near the cashier, or
even next to him?
Thats right, Bob Pringle said. Workforth says
he turned his back for less than a minute, to say
hello to somebody. In those few seconds the cashier
waswell, spirited away.
It made no sense to Vicki. There were big holes
in Bobs hearsay story.
Tommy Carter switched on the radio that sat on
the counter, tuned to Fairviews local station. The
announcers smooth voice said:
robbery that took place under mystifying
circumstances this morning. Twelve persons present
at that time in Fairview Bank have been interviewed
without much result. Although they were
eyewitnesses, they claim they saw nothing. The
27

police are inclined to suspect that the tool-company


cashier has been kidnaped. A search with the aid of
State Police is under way. However, no official
comment is available at this time. Tune in again for
further bulletins.
Now for the weather for Fairview and vicinity.
Flood conditions are expected to continue with wind
velocities at
Click. The radio was switched off. The people
lunching at the Log Cabin looked at one another
with blank faces. Vicki shrugged and slid off her
high stool, preparing to leave. Just then her good
friend Guy English, with Dickie Browns sister
Lynn, came into the restaurant.
Hi, everybody! Hi, Vicki! Can you give us some
lunch, Mrs. Carter? Lynn and I just drove back from
the hospital. About that truck accident, you know
Vicki sat down again. What a day! What
accident?
Guy, in his grave way, punctuated by Lynns
horrified comment, described the second disaster of
this fateful Thursday.
Trouble surely seems to come in bunches, Guy
said. First the flood, then the payroll robbery or
kidnaping, and now Right out here on this
highway! Not a hundred yards from where were
sitting.
Alice Carter poured out black coffee for
28

everyone. We need this. I was aworryin thered be


an accident sooner or later. With just this one
highway open, its dangerous. Floods forced extra
traffic out here, and this roads wet and slippery,
besides. Didnt I tell you, Tommy Carter, thered be
an accident?
Then the Carters and the Pringle brothers began
to recall hearing a crash down the highway a few
minutes before ten oclock. They had not paid much
attention to it, nor, a little later, to the ambulance
clanging somewhere on the highway. In the midst of
the flood emergency, such things had become
almost commonplace.
This accident wasnt exactly caused by the
flood. Guy had the same thoughtful, measured,
gentle way of talking as had his father, the judge. A
delivery truck from Swansons Dairy turned over
and landed in the ditch. The driver was unlucky
Lynn whispered in Vickis ear. Do I look a
sight? I mislaid my compact and that drive back and
forth to the hospitalwell!
Lynn looked as attractive and amiable as ever,
Vicki thought. But she offered Lynn powder and a
fresh handkerchief, and asked about the hospital
visit.
Guy and I went to contribute to the blood bank.
You know how this flood creates sickness. Vicki
nodded. And while we were at the blood bank, they
29

were just preparing to give this truck driver a


transfusion.
Was he hurt badly?
I dont honestly know, Lynn said. He was
unconscious and I overheard a doctor say he
suffered a concussion when his truck turned over.
No telling how long hell be unconscious. Hes
expected to recover, though.
Poor fellow, Vicki murmured. Whats his
name?
Lynn rubbed her broad forehead, trying to recall.
Ahhits Harold Mack.
Plates of steaming food arrived just then for Lynn
and Guy, and the conversation lapsed. Vicki found
herself wondering again as to who the owner of the
lost bankbook might be. She felt a bit uneasy about
having that passbook in her possession.
The conscientious thing to do, Vicki supposed,
was to return the book immediately to the bank. But
she felt fatigued now from her long mornings work,
and when she thought of waiting in the crowd at the
bank, she yawned and gave up.
Ill take the passbook back bright and early
tomorrow morning, she decided. The bank
officers are probably awfully busy with the police
this afternoon.
Guy had his jeep. He and Lynn would drive Vicki
home. At the door, they bumped into a tall, wind30

burned young man coming into the Log Cabin.


It was Bill. His dark-blue eyes glinted with
excitement.
Vic! Hi, Lynn! How are you, Guy? Vicki, Jack
said you were here. Have I things to tell you!
Youre getting a new DC-3? Vicki guessed.
Your sister Ruth is coming to visit?
Nope, though I wish it. No, its about Well, I
was in the bank this mornin.
You were! At what time?
In time enough to have a couple of interestin
details to tell you. Can I come over to see you after
supper? Have to get a sandwich and run now. Goin
to do a job of stunt flyin this afternoon.
Be careful! Vicki called after him.
Lynn smiled. Its useless to tell the one and only
Avery to be careful.
Guy held open the door of his jeep for the two
girls. Nobody has to worry about Bill. He knows
how to handle himself in the air.
It turned out, on the ride home, that Guy was
going up with Bill later in the afternoon. Vicki was
fascinatedany talk about flying was exciting to
her. But her eyelids kept falling shut and her mouth
kept yawning open.
At The Castle she had a good, satisfying nap.
Ginny was at school, so Freckles kept her company
in their blue room. In fact, when she woke up, the
31

little spaniel whimpered at being disturbed. Vicki


edged off the bed and stepped out onto the blue
rooms small balcony.
She stood there half hidden by the sweeping
branches of the trees which surrounded their house.
The cool, moist air waked her completely, and she
began to sort out the curious things that had
happened that day.
Her old woman passengerfinding the lost
passbookthen the truck accidentthe robbery
Were any of these connected? They did not seem to
be.
If only she had more information! All she had
was tantalizing bits and snatches . . .

32

CHAPTER IV

What Ginny Knew

Professor Barr had two rules, these were strictly


enforced, except when he was thirty miles away
teaching economics at State University. But when he
was at home, as Vicki saw he was from the light in
his upstairs study, late this afternoon, the rules held.
They were, in Professor Barrs classic words:
Great Jupiter, cant we have a little quiet around
here? Please turn off that radioand the
televisionand leave them off!
Rule Two was: Nobody gets to feed Freckles but
me. I understand that spaniel better than any of you
three ladies.
So the radio and television were silent, while
Vickis father, hungry and cross, sat in his study
reading the evening paper. He always monopolized
the newspaper. Betty Barr was busy preparing
dinner as rapidly as possible. Vicki powdered her
nose and ran downstairs to help. The kitchen was
warm and snug and bright.
33

Youre supposed to be resting, her pretty


mother said. Thats why Federal Airlines gives you
these periods of time off. Honestly, dear, I think you
work harder when youre in Fairview than when
youre away at your flight-stewardess work.
A change of activity is a rest, isnt it? Anyway,
with this flood emergency, everyone has to help.
Want me to fix the salad?
That was Ginnys pet job. But Ginny was not
home yet, so Vicki went ahead. Her younger sister
was quite indignant when she arrived a few minutes
later.
You know thats my job! You know Im an old
salad tosser from way back. Hi!
Hi! Vicki said. What kept you so late, baby?
Youd be surprised. You really would.
Ginny adored being mystifying. Vicki knew how
to handle that. She turned away, feigning a complete
lack of interest, and began to talk to her mother
about anything, about her date with Dean Fletcher,
next time she and the pilot were both in New York.
Mrs. Barr was carefully neutral as she attended to
the meal.
Ginny cleared her throat. I had quite an
interesting day.
Isnt that nice! Dean said, Mother, that wed
drive out to Jones Beach
Ginny regarded her beautiful grown-up sister
34

with a wicked eye. You see, I was at the bank when


the robbery was pulled off. Vicki gave a little
shriek. But dont let me bore you.
That doesnt bore me!
Ginny, go call Dad to dinner.
Yes, Mother, Ginny said, full of virtue. She
trotted off, plump and sturdy, into the dining room
where she rang the little crystal bell several times.
All through dinner Ginny smilingly declined to
discuss what she knew. In a way it was just as well,
and Vicki did not press her. Their parents were not
reconciled to Vickis sleuthing activities, and any
mention of Ginny, too, being involved even as a
witness of todays robbery would alarm them.
After dinner, though, Ginny did want to talk to
Vicki. Vicki looked around for the evening
newspaper, but her father was not finished with it.
Anyway, Ginny called her to the sun porch where
they could be alone.
Well, Miss Sleuth! Ginny teased. Bow low
and admit I know more about this affair than you
do.
Vicki obligingly dropped to her knees and
salaamed three times. It was a little uncomfortable to
do right after dinner. But Ginny and Freckles
enjoyed it.
Vicki brushed her ash-blond hair out of her eyes.
But how did you happen to be in the bank, baby?
35

Why werent you at high school?


I was elected class treasurer yesterdayI forgot
to tell you
Congratulations.
Thanks. And I had to take the class funds
downtown this morning and deposit them. Our class
voted to take a monthly collection, you know, for
But thats irrelevant. The point is, Vic, I was in the
bank at nine-thirty this morningand I was standing
in line at the tellers window only four places in
back of the man whos missing!
You saw him, then!
No.
But you must haveonly three persons stood
between you and him!
II dont think I saw him. I didnt see him
leave the line. Or maybe Im confused. There were
several lines, and people squeezing through. Im not
sure exactly what I saw.
Vicki let out an exasperated sigh. Then how are
you sure it was the cashier four places ahead of
you?
Thats what the people in front of me said.
Did anyone actually see him? Vicki demanded.
Ginny shrugged in bewilderment.
What did you actually see with your own eyes?
Vicki asked.
A lot of people milling around, waiting and
36

coming and going, the way they always do when the


bank has a busy morning. Old Richard Workforth
was there, but he was gabbing with the bank guard.
Ginnys hand flew to her lips. I wouldnt say that to
anyone but you.
Vicki nodded. She said it looked as if Ginny, like
everyone else, really had nothing to tell.
Oh, yes, I have! A man got hurt pretty badly in
the bank this morning!
At the same time as the robbery?
About, I guess.
Then there was some violence connected with

No, no, no! A man fell down, thats all! Now


dont look suspicious, Vicki. He said himself that he
wasnt pushed. Just sort of crowded, and that
slippery marble floor Ginny started to giggle.
Vicki said sternly, I dont see whats so hilarious
about a man injuring himself in a fall on a stone
floor.
The sisters scowled at each other affectionately.
Ginny was a younger, rounder version of Vicki,
more sturdy than glamorous at the moment, what
with braids and no make-up, but just as blue-eyed
and fair-haired. While Vicki was still growing, she
had looked nearly exactly the same way, but, with
almost no effort on her part and a sudden assist from
Mother Nature, she had turned out very nicely.
37

Ginny would, too.


By the way, Vic, I saw your pal Bill Avery in
the bank. That was just before I noticed the man
fall. Ginny mentioned the accident soberly this
time.
How did he happen to fall? Was the floor wet
or was he an elderly person?
No. He looked husky to mea middle-aged
man about thirty, said Ginny. He said, when they
picked him up, or tried to, that hed twisted his
ankleand down he went. He landed awfully hard,
what a crash! And commotion! He did hurt himself
but Ginny was laughing again.
If its so funny, wont you tell me, too?
The bank officials, Ginny said, had come running
at the crash. They forbade bank customers to touch
or move the man, and sent at once for a doctor. The
injured man groaned loudly and begged for aid. The
bank officers brought him water and sedatives and
did all they could to ease his pain. Of course
everyone else in the bank, too, watched and tried to
be helpful, opening windows and then shutting
them, and giving the poor man encouragement.
Its screamingly funny so far, Vicki said.
Well, you know how stiff the bank officers
usually are sitting behind their mahogany desks?
You should have seen them playing nurse and
holding tin mans hand!
38

They hovered over the injured man constantly,


suggesting to him that you didnt really hurt yourself, did you? What worried them, obviously, was
that this man might sue the bank and its insurance
company, for a large sum of money to compensate
for his injuries. The man got rather more solicitous
attention from them than he wanted. The
conversation went like this, Ginny said:
Is your back all right?
Feels all right, but I cant be sure.
Well, if your back is all right, youre fine! Your
head is all right, too, isnt it?
Y-yes, guess so.
Good! Good! Youll be in tiptop shape as soon
as the doctor comes.
My leg is killing me!
Now, sir, its nothingyoull be fine, fine . . .
This went on, Ginny said, until the doctor finally
arrived. Then it turned out that the doctor was
employed by the insurance company and he began
to fill out a long form, asking the injured man
endless questions. The doctor also poked him here,
there, and everywhere. Between pokes and
questions, the mans groans died downin fact,
died away. After half an hour of this, he said, Stop
poking me and asking me questions! Just let me get
out of here! Ill find a doctor of my own! And with
that he rolled over on the marble floor, got on all
39

fours, stood up shakily, and hobbled away.


He was the most disgusted man I ever saw.
Ginny giggled. And were the bank officials ever
relieved! Whew!
Ill bet it was funny to watch. Of course, Vicki
said with a straight face, you helped yourself to an
extra hour off from school.
Well, I dont get a chance like that every day. I
had to stay around for whatever happened next.
An engine snorted and brakes screeched in their
driveway. The doorbell rang merrily several times.
Out of this din burst Bill Avery. Betty Barr said,
The boy has so much energy he must be first
cousin to a cyclone. Lewis Barr hoped aloud that
the flying fool wouldnt blow the roof off their
house.
Dont mind my dad, Vicki whispered to Bill as
she led him into the living room. Hes extra tired
tonight. Just say a quick howdy-do.
Bill did, and Mrs. Barrs friendly grin made
everything hospitable. They went out on the sun
porch and found that Ginny had brought a tray of
cokes, then gracefully retired.
Vicki thought Bill looked unwontedly serious this
evening. When she said so, he looked up with a
quick grin, the long dimple creasing in his cheek.
Sorry. Maybe Im extra tired myself.
How did the stunt flying go?
40

Good. But Im a little rusty. Guy noticed it.


Bill, I wish youd please
be careful. His hand closed over hers. Im
careful, pigeon. Tell you the truth, though, I nearly
went into a spin once, between rollovers, because I
kept thinkin about that blamed robbery this
mornin. Its uncanny. I cant stop tryin to make
some sense out of it.
Me, too, Vicki said. But I have only hearsay
and Ginnys story to go on. You were there.
Yes, I was there and I wish I hadnt been! he
burst out. He picked up his coke and sipped it in
silence for a few minutes, calming down. Then he
told Vicki a grimmer and more illuminating account
than she had heard from Ginny.
Bill saw substantially what Ginny saw, but he
interpreted it very differently. In addition, he was
able to tell Vicki some revealing details.
The assistant cashier of the Fairview Farm Tool
Company, accompanied by his guard Richard
Workforth, came every Thursday morning to
Fairview Bank, bringing a company check for thirty
thousand dollars and a small black leather valise,
like a physicians kit. He came in this morning,
about nine-thirty as usual, and took his place on line
at one of the tellers windows. Beside him stood old
Workforth. The line moved up, and it was the
cashiers turn. The cashier said Good morning to
41

the teller, handed him the check, and in return


received thirty thousand dollars cash for the pay roll.
Workforth later said he saw the cashier put the
money into the small valise as usual. Workforth
turned away to chat for just a moment, and when
he turned back again, the cashier was gone.
Now, Vicki, listen to this. Bill frowned. The
man next in line said he saw the cashier step away
from the tellers window and leave the line. People
on the next line agree they saw this, too. Old Mrs.
Pepper was sittin on a bench near the side door, and
she says she saw the cashier walk through the bank,
all right, but he did not go out the side door.
Who was at the banks front door?
Im comin to that. I was. And I swear to you,
Vicki, I didnt see any man with a little black valise
go out the front door.
Whom did you see go in and out?
Oh, a mess of people, the usual crowd of men
and women, some familiar facesbut not that
cashier. As far as anyone can make out, he
disappeared without ever leavin the bank buildin!
He and thirty thousand dollars cash. What do
you make of this talk that he was kidnaped?
Stands to reason. Though on the other hand
Hill mopped his forehead. Doggone, I cant swear
exactly what I did see or didnt see. Wish I hadnt
been around at the bank this mornin. Tryin to
42

remember things is drivin me crazy.


He and Vicki sifted possible explanations of how
the cashier had disappeared without being seen to
pave the bank building. The only other door, a
service door leading to the alley, was heavily
padlocked. It was also in full view of the
bookkeepers. Vicki sighed.
Could he simply have slipped out the front or
side door unnoticed? she asked.
No! Bill emphatically shook his handsome
head. There were too many people aroundpeople
who knew him. Inside the bank and outside on
Vermilion Street, too. Theyd have recognized that
man. Hes average lookin, average height, but
theyd recognize him with that black valiseor
even without it, I guess. I hear hes been workin for
Farm Tool for several months, and in a middle-sized
town like this, a lot of people can recognize you
after several months. Bill ruffled Vickis soft hair.
What else goes on in that little head?
We-ell, could the cashier have been forced out?
With at least fifty other people present?
It might be possible, Vicki figured. Suppose
someone, or two someones, discreetly strolled up on
either side of you, and pressed a gun in your side,
and whispered to walk out quietly between them
well?
Yep. Could be. This cashier was only a medium43

sized guy. I can see how two bigger men could


elbow him out between them, and nobodyd notice.
Poor old Workforth didnt realize for a good five
minutes that his man was missin. Thought he was at
a desk countin over the money, the way he
sometimes does. Rumors say the police think its a
kidnapin.
Rumors! Speaking of the police Vicki
remembered something she noticed on her return
from Opossum Run as she circled for a landing
above Bills airfield. Wasnt a police radio car at
the field shortly after the cashiers disappearance?
Thats right. Didnt find him. Routine check of
all exits out of town. The instant the alarm went out
that he was missin, the police started combin every
street, alley, and highway in and out of Fairview.
Are you sure nobody on Vermilion Street saw
him? He must have come out of the bank onto
Vermilion Street.
Not a soul saw him, Vicki. That man has been
wiped out of sight. She shuddered a little. Bill
added, Or wiped himself out of public view, for the
time bein.
Vicki tried to put together the scattered bits of
information that she knew. Ginnys tale of a man I
ailing down in the bankhad Bill seen that? He
had, but he did not believe it was related to the
robbery. Just a coincidence. Besides, the man fell
44

after Workforth discovered to his horror that his


man was gone.
Lets see. Vicki closed her eyes tightly,
concentrating. She thought about the old woman in
her head kerchief and glasses and baggy old black
coat, pleading yet determined. Bill! Did you see an
old lady with Vicki described her.
Honey, Ive seen a lot of elderly women in
kerchiefs and baggy coats today. Honestly, I cant
tell one from another. Nope, I dont remember
seein one at my field today. Why?
Vicki told him about her passenger, the
mechanical trouble on the flight, the forced landing
in a pastureand then how the old woman evidently
went ahead on her own. The only part of Vickis
account which interested Bill was the planes
behavior.
You say the mechanic who helped you out found
nothin wrong? The Cub functioned perfectly on the
flight home? Bill was puzzled but not alarmed.
Jack and I will take a look, but its probably
nothin. Mightve been your own doin, pigeon.
Maybe you made some little old mistake
Im not the most experienced pilot in the world,
but Im a meticulously careful one, Vicki insisted.
And Ive had good flight training from one of the
best pilots the Air Force ever had.
Bill turned red in the face with pleasure. Vicki
45

wondered if he were dismissing the planes slight


misbehavior too casually. Bill was, she knew all too
well, happy-go-lucky. Still, the neighbor mechanic
had found nothing wrong, and the plane did handle
perfectlyonce the old lady was out of it.
Maybe it was merely because the old lady had
her foot on the pedal, Vicki said. Bill, I have a
funny feeling about her.
About goin off and leavin her? Dont worry.
Someone on the road gave her a lift, thats all. She
sounds pretty spunky to me. She was able to coax a
ride from you, so shes probably coaxed a ride from
somebody else, too. Therere plenty of flood relief
workers and state police around to give her a hand.
Its not only that Vicki checked herself.
Bill, did anyone who was at the field yesterday or
today report losing a bankbook?
Havent heard of anything like that. He
yawned. Excuse me, pigeon. Ive had so much
fresh air today I feel like a balloon.
Then youd better get some sleep. Youre
excused, Bill.
He got to his feet and pulled her up, too. She
walked with him to the door.
Have to wake up real early tomorrow, Bill said,
to see if the police have located Edward Denton
yet. Doggone, I tell you, Vic
What name did you say?
46

Edward Denton.
Is thatis that
Thats right, the cashier whos missin. Havent
you seen the evenin newspaper, or heard the radio
tonight? She shook her head. Why, honey, you
look as if youd seen a ghost. Whats the matter?
Nothing, Bill, nothing at all. Good night, and see
you tomorrow.
He went off whistling. Vicki watched him roar
off in his yellow roadster. She was glad she had not
blurted out something that might get him, as well as
herself, into trouble. There was no need for Bill to
know at this time that the name in the passbook the
old woman had dropped was Edward Denton.

47

CHAPTER V

Mr. Barker

Vicki did not sleep well that Thursday night. She


awoke, troubled, to a gray, drizzly morning. Rain!
Was it never going to cease? Rain, and the ensuing
flood, had led her into this questionable situation.
Was it really only some twenty-four hours ago that
she had flown the old woman to the middle of
nowhere?
Vicki went downstairs to breakfast determined
not to mention the bank passbook to a soul. Ginny,
the all-observant, luckily had already left for high
school. Vicki had Edward Dentons bankbook
tucked out of sight in her handbag, and she carried
her raincoat and hat.
Good morning, Vicki, said her mother, with a
glance at the raincoat. Must you go out again on a
damp morning? I do wish youd rest.
Just a quick run down to the bank, Vicki said
easily. Any errands? Morning, Dad.
Mr. Barr was busy reading the morning
48

newspaper, but not too busy to smile at his daughter.


He was a very blond man, stubborn-looking but
nice. Good morning, Victoria. Sleep well? You
look as if you didnt have a care in the world.
Why shouldnt she, Lewis? Pass me your cup,
dear.
Ahhexactly, Vicki said. She passed her
coffee cup to her mother, who poured. What do the
headlines say?
European Situation Improves As
Not that headline, Dad.
Oh? House Proposes New Taxes, Argues
I mean local headlines, Vicki said, exercising
patience. Having a professor for a father was trying
at times.
Lets see. Flood Control Authorities Gain
Time.
Thanks, Dad. Thats dandy.
Mrs. Barr said, Vicki means, is there any fresh
news about the bank robbery? Dont you, dear? Me,
too. Poor old Workforth! Hell lose his job nowif
he hasnt already lost it.
Mr. Barr nodded, frowning. Id give him work
gardening, and so would the neighbors, except for
this rain. Hasnt he any relatives to help him out?
He hasnt anyone, Lewis. Couldnt we invent an
indoor job for him?
Vicki listened. She knew that a few odd jobs here
49

and there would be small help to the unfortunate


man. What he needed was to be kept on at his guard
job with the tool company. Wouldnt it be wonderful
if he were cleared of any blame for negligence in the
robbery! She wished she herself could clear him and
thus ensure his employment for him. He was the last
to see Denton. . . .
On the bus going downtown to the bank, Vicki
thought about Richard Workforth and Edward
Denton. She reached the bank building before its
doors were open, and spent a restless five minutes
pacing the sidewalk.
Suppose the bank manager said: And what are
you doing with the private bankbook of the missing
cashier?
Or suppose he said: Sorry, Miss Barr, but this
story of yours about an old woman passenger, and
finding this passbook Well, frankly, were going
to have to turn you over to the police.
Actually, the bank manager listened thoughtfully
when Vicki told him her story in detail. The
manager, Mr. Cox, was a man accustomed to
financial dealings with all sorts of people. He looked
at Vicki with a shrewd and practiced eye.
Its an odd story, but I dont doubt your word,
Miss Barr. During this flood emergency, we do have
a great many unknown transients in and out of
Fairview. But I see no reason to believe that it was
50

necessarily your passenger, and not someone else,


who dropped this passbook in a rented plane. The
manager put the brand-new bankbook in a drawer of
his desk. You have no objections, have you, Miss
Barr, if Fairview Bank reports your facts to the
police?
Not at all.
Still, being reported to the police made her feel
uneasy. Was she involved in the robberyin some
way at faultor wasnt she? Shed only given a ride
to an old woman who begged for help! She needed
more information about that old woman, and about
the missing cashier, too.
Mr. Cox, now that Ive told you all I can, would
you mind answering a few questions for me?
The bank manager saw her discomfort, and
agreed. No, he could not tell her much about the
missing cashier Edward Dentonalthough Denton
had come to the bank regularly for some weeks. He
was an unobtrusive little man who came punctually,
with his guard and his small black leather valise,
stood on line to pick up cash for the pay roll, then
quietly left with his guard.
Quietly Vicki put another question: In what
denominations was the pay roll paid? In five-, ten-,
and twenty-dollar bills, said the bank manager. A
considerable amount was also paid in silver, the
coins wrapped in cylinders of brown paper. Vicki
51

tried to imagine thirty thousand dollars worth of


bills and coins packed into a small black leather
valise. It would be small but heavy, and locked.
What did Edward Denton look like? The bank
manager considered. Well, he was a plain-looking,
middle-aged man, of middle height, wore glasses,
hair thinningnot a man youd ever notice. The tool
company which employed him as assistant cashier
seemed to think well of him; his work there for the
last six months had been satisfactory, routine,
unobtrusive, like Mr. Denton himself.
He reminded me, the bank manager said with a
little smile, of Caspar Milquetoast. A mousey,
mild-tempered man, very conscientious, reliable but
no initiative. Thats why, Miss Barr, the toolcompany people are inclined to believe he has been
kidnaped. If he had wanted to abscond with their
funds, he could have done so long before this.
Vicki nodded, thinking that a robber who wanted
to make a getaway would hardly wait until a flood
had closed the roads.
Another thing, Miss Barr. Mr. Denton came to
the tool company highly recommended by his
previous employers. He lived quietly at Mrs.
Jenkins boardinghouse, he attended church, he
well, in short, hes above reproach. Poor old
Workforth tells me that Dentons chief concern is
his son. Denton keeps the boy in a good boarding
52

school somewhere.
I see. But you yourself, Mr. Cox, didnt see
much of Edward Denton?
Thats correct. Except that during this week just
past he stopped in several times, on his lunch hour,
on personal business. Our records show that Denton
purchased a couple of small savings bonds this
week, and then on another day he asked my advice
about financing a mortgage. I believe Denton had
his eye on a cottage for himself and his son. In fact,
he was so eager he came twice to ask about that
cottage. The bank manager shook his head.
Wherever Denton is now, Im sorry for him.
Im sorry for Richard Workforth, said Vicki.
The tool-company guard? Yes, well, we all are.
Week after week, Ive seen Workforth trudge in here
with Denton, and chat with our own guard while
Denton stood not an arms reach away, and nothing
happened. Then yesterday I suppose Workforth
shouldnt have taken his eyes off Denton even for a
moment. Still, its too bad.
Their conversation seemed to have come to a
natural end. Vicki thanked the bank manager and
rose to leave, when she remembered one crucial
question.
Mr. Cox, did you or anyone working here see
my old-woman passenger in the bank yesterday
morning? Vicki gave an exact description. Or did
53

anyone see her on the sidewalk outside the bank?


she liked.
Mr. Cox looked blankly at Vicki. There are
dozens of elderly women, as you know. Its hard to
recall, but I dont believe I know, or noticed, any
such person. Neither has anyone on our staffand I
listened to their reports to the police.
Did the police themselves, Vicki pursued,
mention an old woman?
No, they did not.
Vicki left the bank wondering whether, after all,
someone other than the old woman had dropped
Edward Dentons passbook in the plane. Who had
used, or been in, that rented plane the day before she
had? Bills mechanic Jack said no one had been
around. Well, Jack could be mistaken!
Im going right out to Avery Airport and find
out who used that Piper Cub the day before
yesterday, Vicki decided.
Another bus ride gave her time to think over what
the bank manager had said. A nondescript minor
employee, of impeccable habits and reputation,
suddenly disappeared in the midst of his routine.
Week in and week out, Denton followed the same
pattern, until yesterday. Waithed been in the
bank an unusual number of times this past week.
On personal business. Once to buy bonds, twice to
ask advice on buying a cottage, once to open that
54

small savings account. Three or four visits to the


bank in one week was a lot, wasnt it? Yet the bank
manager had told her Dentons perfectly logical
reasons.
Vicki debated whether she were making a
mountain out of a molehill. Maybe she was, in her
eagerness to turn up a clue. Or maybe not!
One could just as logically argue that the old
woman had had some contact with the robbers
with Dentons kidnapers, if she was the one who had
dropped the bankbookbut that her contact had
been innocent or unwitting. Or maybe not!
Or one could explain it another way, as well
Vicki put her hand to her forehead and grinned in
spite of her worry. My head is spinning with so
many explanations that Im dizzy!
Someone was waiting for her at the airport, a man
whom she had never seen before.
Bill hailed her with, Here she is! Hey, Vic!
Someones been waitin hours to see you!
She thought, with no great loss of composure,
that the police wanted to question her about finding
Dentons passbook. Or perhaps something untoward
happened to the old lady whom she hadmore or
lessabandoned. Would the authorities be asking
her questions on that score? Vicki swallowed hard.
But a glance at the stranger showed her at once
55

that he was neither a policeman nor a detective nor a


reporter. For one thing, he was nervous. For another,
he had a suitcase with him.
VickiBills warm smile made her feel
betteryou know that old lady you flew
yesterday? Well, I his is Mr. Barker, Skip Barker,
said Bill, and hes lookin for the old lady.
Thats very interesting. Vicki scanned the
stranger. He was rather sporty-looking, neither
young nor old, not really respectable-lookingtoo
flashy and uneasybut still there was nothing
telltale Vicki could put her finger on. Bill seemed to
accept Skip Barker as a straightforward person,
though. Bill said he and Mr. Barker had been talking
for an hour, waiting for her. The stranger smiled
weakly.
In fact, miss, Ive been waiting for you for a
good two hours already this morning. Yesterday I
waited for you nearly that long, too.
Vicki stared at him in astonishment and inquired
why he was looking for the old lady.
Shes my mother, miss.
Oh! She was going to have a hard time telling
him that his mother had wandered away. Vicki
glanced inquiringly at Bill, then at Mr. Barker.
Mr. Avery here told me what happened
yesterday, missabout your forced landing and how
my mother struck out for herself. Im plenty worried
56

about her.
Vickis cheeks burned. She started to stammer
something when Bills mechanic yelled for Bill to
Come help with this wheel. Bill, looking
concerned, moved off. Vicki had to face Skip Barker
alone.
Im dreadfully sorry about your mother, she
started. I did what I could to help her, and I hope
you dont hold me responsible for
Oh, no, miss! Not at all. Iuhknow how she
is. Well, I guess you know what Im going to ask
you for. I want you to fly me to the spot where you
made I hat forced landing, so I can hunt for my old
lady. Please, miss.
It was an entirely reasonable request. Except for
the fact that Skip Barkers mother might have been
the one who dropped Edward Dentons passbook.
Vicki hesitated.
I realize how you feel, Mr. Barker. But you
shouldnt worry too much, really. Your mother is
probably safe with your sister by now in
My sister?
Why, yes, your sister Emma whos sick.
Oh. Sure. Emma. He lit a cigarette before he
spoke again. My sister Emma. Thats right. You
see, me n Emma dont get along very good. He
took a long, nervous pull on the cigarette.
Thats too bad, Vicki said carefully. Your
57

mother asked me to fly her to where Emma lives.


Whats the name of that town again?
Skip Barker coughed. When he could speak
again, he said, Darned if I know. Emma moves
around so much, and she dont write me.
You mean you dont know in what town your
mother lives?
Sure I know! She lives with me. In
Cooperstown.
She told me she lives with Emma in Opossum
Run.
Skip Barker snapped his fingers. Thats it!
Opossum Run. I have an awful bad memory, miss.
He discarded his cigarette and gave Vicki a big,
toothy smile. Well, what d you say? Will you fly
me to my oldto my mother?
Vicki looked at the little Piper Cub, then back at
the stranger. She had no wish to go upstairs alone
with this doubtful Mr. Skip Barker. For all she
knew, he might seize the controls and fly the plane
anywhere he chose. Vicki opened her mouth to say
No
But he did know something about the old woman!
Barker might even know something about the bank
passbookand about the missing cashier!
Ill tell you what, Vicki said slowly. Before I
can fly you to the pasture, I have toto do some
urgent chores at home.
58

Chores? At home? the stranger echoed. Was he


distrustful of her, or was he genuinely worried about
the old woman?
I promised my mother to help her with some
chores that cant wait, Vicki fibbed. She added,
You know, Id fly you this minute if I thought your
mother was in any need or trouble. But shes
perfectly vigorous and able to look out for herself.
Vicki continued, not too hopefully, Why dont you
come back tomorrow? At about the same time? Ill
be glad to help you the minute Im free. Right now, I
have to hurry home.
The stranger grumbled but said, All right, and
went off, carrying his suitcase.
Stalling for time was what she was doing. She
had better put her few hours grace until tomorrow
to good use. For she did not think the cageyor
worriedSkip Barker would be willing to stall a
second time.

59

CHAPTER VI

Not an Accident?

Such a crowd was lunching at the log cabin that


Vicki had difficulty in finding a seat. Lynn Brown
called out from a booth:
You can squeeze in with me, Vicki!
Vicki slid in gratefully. The two other girls
sharing the booth with Lynn were people she had
seen around town and knew slightly. But the one
person she really wanted to see was lunching at the
counter. Vicki ordered, excused herself, squeezed
out again, and went up to Bills A&E mechanic.
Jack, I must talk to you for just a minute. No,
please dont get up.
What can I do for you, maam?
Remember we chatted about the Piper Cub
yesterday? Well, I wish youd try real hard to recall,
exactly, something thats awfully important to me.
Why, sure. Jack was really a nice person and an
excellent mechanic, Vicki thought, smiling at him.
Bill was lucky to have him on the field.
60

Jack, who took up the Cub before I did, the day


before yesterday?
Jack stopped eating. Hmm. Whylets seeno
one.
Well, who was around looking at the Cub or
perhaps sitting in it?
Now you know I dont allow anybody to loiter
around the planes! No busybody touches our
aircraft.
I know youre careful, Jack, but you work in the
hangar and the planes are tied down a good fifty
yards away. You havent eyes in the back of your
head.
Jack agreed reasonably that someone might have
been in or around the Cub two days ago without his
knowledge.
Tell me just one more thing, Vicki said. Did
you see any strangers hanging around the field the
day before yesterday?
My land, you sure can ask questions! How can I
remember all the people that drift in and out of an
airfield? I know a lot of the faces, but a lot of others
are transients. What are you driving at, anyhow?
I found a bankbook in the Cub. Has anyone
reported losing a bankbook?
But Jack shook his head. She had learned
nothingagain. Vicki felt as if she were running in
circles in a blind maze.
61

That was why she was willing to try even a long


shot, when Lynn said, Will you go to the hospital
with me? Lynn had promised to do some volunteer
work, and mentioned something about that injured
driver of the delivery truck. Vicki idly said shed go,
then an idea struck her like a flash of lightning.
Timing. The time of that accident! Shortly before
ten oclock yesterday morning the delivery truck
crashed near Avery Field, on the one highway open.
At ten oclock, just a few minutes later, the old
woman had arrived at the field, apparently on foot,
begging a ride. Could there possibly be a
connection? What caused most highway accidents?
Two cars collidingbut only one car had crashed.
Blowouts, a drunken driverbut no accounts of the
accident which Vicki had heard about even hinted at
these causes. Swerving to avoid hitting an animal or
a pedestrian in the road? Vicki, in her minds eye,
could see the independent old lady marching along
heedlessly in the middle of the road.
Farfetched? Perhaps. At any rate, while she was
at the hospital with Lynn, she would try to see the
injured driver.
While Lynn attended to her task in the hospital
blood bank, Vicki went to the information office. A
nurse in crisp cap and crackling white uniform
hesitated when Vicki asked to visit the truck driver.
Yes, I know who you mean. Harold Mack,
62

Room 801. He has regained consciousness, but hes


still weak. Are you a relative?
N-no. Im sorry hes had this accident. Will he
be all right?
The doctors think so, the nurse said, unbending
a bit. The Mack boy is young and strong. If youd
like to waitthough I dont think it will do you
much goodvisiting hours are from two to three,
and its almost two now.
Thank you, nurse. Id like to try, at least.
Vicki took the elevator along with anxious-faced
visitors. At the eighth floor she spoke to the floor
nurse, then waited obediently until the hand of the
clock touched two. Beside her and all down the
gleaming, antiseptic-smelling corridor, whiteuniformed people came and went. She saw several
patients strolling in bathrobes. Evidently the nearly
well and not-too-serious cases were grouped here.
Two oclock. Vicki glanced around at the
families waiting with flowers and gifts. Did Harold
Mack have a visitor this afternoon? If so, shed
better not intrude.
Its all right, you may go in, Miss Barr, said the
floor nurse. Dont be upset if Harolds still rather
vague. We hope hell be wide awake when his
mother and father visit this evening.
Vicki tiptoed into Room 801. In the bed was a
boy of about eighteen, with a thick shock of brown
63

hair and a bandaged hand. The white covers rose


and fell regularly with his breathing. He didnt look
very sick, just tired. Poor boy! Vicki stood looking
down at the pleasant young face, and as she did so,
his eyelids fluttered. Then the boy was looking up at
her, his eyes wide open and dark. She felt half guilty
about being there.
Who are you? he mumbled. Where am I?
Youre in Fairview Hospital, Harold. You had
an accident with your delivery truck.
Yes. They did tell me. Now I sort of remember.
He shut his eyes tightly. My head aches. Thirsty.
Vicki poured a glass of water for him and asked if
he wanted her to call the nurse.
Wait. Got to get my bearings. What day is
today?
Vicki told him, and added that his parents would
visit him in a few hours. The boy smiled a little.
You a volunteer helper?
In a way. Im Vicki Barr.
Oh, sure. You live in The Castle. He sipped the
water. Imagine, I cracked up badly enough for em
to bring me to the hospital. Never did that before.
I guess youre lucky to be alive, Harold.
Guess I am. Though honestly it wasnt my fault.
If my rider hadnt pulled on the wheel Say, what
became of that old lady? Do you know?
Vickis throat grew tight. She had to wet her lips.
64

Wh-what old lady?


The old lady I gave a ride to. She begged me to
drive her home, out near the airfield. And look what
she did to me!
Vicki whispered, What did she look like,
Harold? Did she wear a kerchief and glasses and
and a baggy old black coat? Did she have a funny
voice?
The boys dark eyes burned. Thats her, all right.
Id like to catch her and fix her for sending me to the
hospital. Sa-a-ay!
Vicki expected him to ask how she knew so much
about the old lady. But he turned his head restlessly
on the pillow, his gaze wandering.
Harold, do you feel like telling me about the old
lady?
Sure, why not? The boy spoke in a soft, tired
voice. Vicki suddenly hated the old woman whose
actions, whether accidental or deliberate, had landed
Harold Mack flat on his back in the hospital. He
began to tell his story:
Harold Mack was driving down Vermilion Street,
Fairviews main business street, when he stopped
for a traffic light. The delivery truck he was driving
was small and lightweight. A seat was vacant beside
the drivers seat. When Harold stopped, it was a few
minutes after half past nine andthis came out
under Vickis questioningthree blocks from the
65

Fairview Bank. As he waited for the traffic light to


change, a frantic old lady came puffing and panting
to the open door of his delivery truck.
She begged me to give her a ride, the injured
boy told Vicki. Said shed lost her purse, so she
didnt have bus fare, and she lived way out, near the
airfield. She knew my route, I guess, knew Id be
driving out that way anyhow. I could see she was
too old to walk that far, though she wasnt brokendown, exactly.
And naturally you thought you might as well
help out an old lady in distress. Vicki added
silently, As I did.
Well, before I could answer her, she hopped in,
spry as a grasshopper. The light changed and I had
to get rolling. Then I couldnt be mean enough to
put her out, could I? Wish I had! Listen to what that
old hypocrite did
While he drove through Fairview streets to the
edge of town, making a few deliveries of milk and
butter, the old lady ventured a gentle, timid remark
or two about the flood conditions. Once they were
out on the open country highway, however, the old
lady became anything but gentle.
She had a big, half-worn-out bag, Harold Mack
recounted, like a shopping bag or an oversize
knitting bag
Vicki interrupted. Was she wearing a long black
66

coat? Overshoes? She had to be very sure that this


was the same old woman.
Yes. Say, you really know. But let me tell you
aboutabout What were we talking about?
The old ladys bag.
The boy resting on the bed sighed. Well, I asked
for her address, so I could drive her to her home like
she asked me to. Keep going along the highway
and fast, she says. Naturally I was surprised. I
asked her a couple of questions; such as, where did
she really want to go, and why was she in such a fret
all of a sudden. Didnt she get angry! Said it was
none of my business, and to keep driving. Guess she
thought I was suspicious of herwouldnt you be? I
explained that I had to make deliveries on my route
andand
I didnt pay any attention at first when she
started to fish in this big bag. Next thing I knew, I
felt something small and hard digging into my ribs. I
couldnt believe it until I looked. That old woman
had drawn a gun on me.
Vicki could not meet the boys shocked eyes.
What a narrow escape shed had! Then it occurred to
her that shed helped an armed woman make a
getaway. No wonder the old lady had vanished, with
the courteous aid of Miss Victoria Barr.
You see, she didnt really want to go home, like
she said. She kept nudging that gun into my side and
67

commandeered me into driving her almost all the


way out to the airfield. Why, whats wrong, Miss
Barr? You look so pale.
Nothing, nothing. Go on.
Well, I told her to take that gun awaytold her I
had to stop and make deliveries on the way out there
or Id lose my job. Its not real clear to me what
happened next. I remember I was driving along
when all of a sudden she interfered andwham!
The boy rubbed his forehead. Seems fantastic.
Maybe I dont remember right.
Try it out on me, Vicki suggested. Maybe its
good for laughs.
He relaxed, grinned, but then the grin faded.
I think Im remembering it correctly. We were
rolling at about forty miles an hour when suddenly
this old lady yanks the steering wheel hard to the left
and hangs onto it. While Im trying to jam on the
brakes, she shoves her left shoulder and hip between
me and the back of the seat. There we go, screeching
across the road into the far-side ditchmy side
with me pinned tight against the steering wheel, and
making a nice cushion for her. It was the force of
that steering wheel in my stomach that knocked me
outbut coldwhen we banged into the ditch. We
must have turned over, but I never knew it. I blacked
out while I was still playing cushion for the old lady.
So all she had to do, when it was all over, was to
68

climb out and walk away.


Poor boy, Vicki murmured.
And thats all I remember.
Thanks for telling me, Harold. I have a score to
settle with that old woman, too. I wont forget you.
A nurse stood in the doorway, peering in.
Feeling well enough to talk to a visitor? Thats
fine, Harold. But dont overdo it.
Vicki pressed the boys hand and slipped away.

69

CHAPTER VII

The Vanishing Lady

No question about it! Anyone with half an eye could


put the facts together now, Vicki thought, as she left
the hospital. The vanishing ladyfirst met
significantly near the time and place of the bank
robbery, who begged a ride from the truck driver,
then begged a ride from Vicki and disappeared
must have played a major part in that robbery!
For all I know shes carrying the thirty thousand
dollars cash in that dilapidated bag of hers, Vicki
thought. Whether the old woman had had a role in
the actual robbery, or in the disappearance of
Edward Denton, Vicki could not know. But one
thing was sure. If she could track down the old
woman, she might have the key to the robbery.
Be careful, Vicki warned herself, walking
down the street. That old woman has a gun.
Nevertheless, the plan which sprang up in her
mind was not to be ignored. Dangerous or not, it
was the only way to find a clue to the vanishing
70

lady.
Certainly an armed and ruthless woman, possibly
a member of a gang, was no one to fool around with
singlehanded. But that was what her plan called for.
What alternative was there?
I ought to think this over more carefully before I
act, Vicki cautioned herself.
But every minute countedif it wasnt already
too late. Vaguely she remembered she had left the
hospital without saying good-by to Lynn. Shed
telephone or explain to Lynn some time later.
Should she go straight to the airfield now?
Fear, perhaps, sent Vicki to a phone booth. She
dialed home, instinctively wanting some advice or
support for what she was about to doalthough she
certainly would not alarm her family in advance!
Her mothers voice, though they talked only of
everyday matters, bolstered up her courage.
Richard is here, dear, her mothers voice said.
Richard who?
Workforth. He was let out of his job. He came
over here, just after you left this morning, all upset.
Dad put him to work repotting plants. The Fairchilds
offered to hire him next, and then well see.
An old man thrown out of his joba young boy
the victim of a deliberate accidentherself about to
risk a long chancethese were strange
circumstances. Partly the aftermath of the robbery,
71

they were also partly the old ladys doings. Vickis


thoughts kept circling back to the old woman.
Vicki? When do you think youll be home? Dad
and I are going out this evening, so I planned to
have dinner a little earlier than usual.
Ohuhbetter not wait for me if Im not in on
time, Mother. Iahhave some business to take
care of. Good-by for now, dear.
The sharp click as Vicki hung up seemed to
clinch her decision. As fast as she could get there,
she returned to Avery Airport.
Luck was with her. The Piper Cub was not in use.
Nor, Jack said, had any other flier reserved it for the
afternoon. Bill was around somewhere, but Vicki
was in too much of a hurry to hunt him up.
May I have the Cub, Jack?
Sure thing. The mechanic checked the Cub for
her and filled its gas tank. You sure look excited,
Miss Vicki. Whats up?
Me, if youll spin the prop for me.
Vicki saw no reason to tell Jack the alarming fact
that she was flying back to the pasture, in order to
try to find the old lady. Though in a way, she
realized, it was not smart of her to go off without
telling anyone where she might be found.
Vicki climbed into the Cub, slammed the door
shut, and turned on the magneto switch, braking the
plane with both her feet. Jack spun the propeller,
72

then backed away. As Vicki advanced the throttle,


the plane gathered power and began to vibrate, as if
alive, as if eager to lift into the air.
Vicki taxied down the field, and coming to her
usual full stop, she held the brakes down. She gave
it full throttle, until she could barely hold the small,
straining plane, and checked both mags. Easing back
her throttle, she turned and lined up with the
runway. Then, pushing the throttle full forward, she
skimmed along the airstrip and made a smooth, swift
take-off. She rose with a heady sense of liberation,
climbing fast.
It was about three oclock. Though the sky was
gray, the air was calmrather good flying weather.
Vicki leveled off at a thousand feet, and left the
flight pattern, flying free now.
Wonder if I can find the pasture again?
She remembered the landmarks. Vicki looked
down past the wing upon twin silvery threads of
railroad tracks. It was just about here, yesterday, or
perhaps a bit farther on, that the Cub had begun to
veer to the left. Peculiar, that veering. It was still
unexplained.
Perhaps the old woman could explain that, along
with why she had gone away without telling her son,
Skip Barker. Maybe the old woman also could
explain where the missing cashier, Edward Denton,
was now.
73

If I can find her again. If I can get her to talk


Neither possibility was too likely. Vicki flew on
doggedly, checking landmarks, but a doubt occurred
to her.
Suppose that boy in the hospital who had given
her the hair-raising information about the old lady
suppose his story was unreliable? After all, Harold
himself had said, Maybe I dont remember right.
The troubled way he had rubbed his forehead and
complained of a headache. Why, Harolds story
might be just a nightmare result of his accident!
Yet, Vicki argued to herself, he had given an
accurate description of the old woman. Well, Vicki
argued back, Harold had probably given the old lady
a ride, but whether she had pulled a gun on him was
questionable. An old woman hijacking a truck? It
didnt sound reasonable! People who are struck on
the head hard enough to suffer a concussion and
unconsciousness cant always be expected to think
or remember exactlyat least not in the first few
hours of regaining consciousness.
Ill bet, Vicki thought, adjusting the trim tab,
that if I went back to see Harold Mack this evening
or tomorrow his story about the old lady would be
considerably less wild!
The pasture was only about ten minutes distance
farther on now. In those minutes Vicki did some
hasty reviewing.
74

Suppose Harolds story was mostly fantasy?


What other, more reliable facts did she know about
the old woman? From contact with her, nothing very
startling. From her son, Skip Barker, nothing very
startling, either. She was an extraordinarily
determined and self-reliant old lady, but that was all.
Still, on the other hand, there was the curious fact
that the old woman had disappeared. And Vicki had
felt doubtful about Skip Barkers uneasy behavior
and untrue answers. Something was wrong. But
whether the old lady was connected with the bank
robbery at allor as much as shed been thinking
was what she had to find out.
The pasture lay below her. Vicki eased back on
the throttle, and keeping the Cubs nose up so as to
lose altitude, she started her long, slow glide down
to where she could more clearly see the field. She
watched carefully as she attempted a landing, and
thought she saw fresh footprints in the mud.
A few seconds later Vicki was down. The instant
the wheels, and then her feet, sank into the mud, she
realized she might have difficulty getting the plane
out of here, especially unaided.
But those footprints said she was not alone!
Yes, the marks caked into the mud were adult
footprintsmedium-sized, not as sharp an outline as
a shoeovershoes? The old woman had been
wearing overshoes! And these were fresh prints
75

made today.
She followed the footprints, cautiously at first,
then as fast as she could slough across the damp
pasture. The footprints led toward the deserted barn.
If I had any sense, I wouldnt go a step farther!
Vicki thought.
The barn was an evil-looking place, large, faded,
half-rotted, andas Vicki found when she reached
the doorwaydark inside. Not a sound except the
dripping of rain water came to her. The barn smelled
sourly of neglect and age. She did not want to go in
there. She called out:
Hello! Hello? Is anybody there? Then she
remembered Skip Barker. Mrs. Barker? Are you
there?
A voice answered her, eerily. Who you calling?
Vicki glanced into the shadows for the source of
the voice, but she clung to the doorframe, and kept
one foot outside.
There was a fumbling and rustling somewhere
above. Then Vicki heard the creak of wood. A figure
slowly came down the ladder from the half-ruined
hayloft. In the dark, the figure was shapeless and
unidentifiable, and moved awkwardly as if carrying
something.
Hello? Vickis voice sounded thin. She backed
out into daylight.
The shapeless figure stepped through the barn
76

doorway. It was the old woman, in her long baggy


coat, lugging her bag. Vicki was not sure whether
she felt relieved to see the old woman or not.
Alone with her in this isolated spot, Harolds tale
came back with sickening force. Vicki saw, behind
the old womans glasses, in those brown eyes, an
alert, sly expression which she could not fathom.
Miss! You came back! The old womans voice
was hoarse, deep, as if she had caught cold. She
could not conceal her shock at seeing Vicki here
again.
Yes, I came back. I guess you didnt expect me,
did you?
II Why, I Why, yes, I did. The eyes
behind the glasses sparkled with cunning. Howd
you know Id be here?
It was Vickis turn to hesitate. I didnt know. I
took a chance on it.
The battle of wits heightened Vickis sense of
being on guard. Why was the old woman still here?
She had gone away and come back to the barn
why? How much later? Why hadnt she gone on to
Jackson to join her daughter?
Miss? The planeyou flew it?
You must have heard me fly in and land, just a
few minutes ago.
Excuse me, miss, I meanthe others with you

77

What others? Vicki asked sharply.


The old woman shrugged, and her hand in its
cheap cotton glove strayed inside the bag she
carried. Vicki remembered Harolds story: I didnt
pay any attention at first when she started to fish in
this big bag. Vicki stared at the outlined hand, and
the hand stopped moving. The old woman looked
self-conscious.
If she could be made to think that other people
had flown in with her in the Cub, Vicki realized, that
would be a safeguard. But could she be kept
thinking it? No, for even from this distance the
empty yellow Cub sat in full view.
Youre alone, aint you?
I came to help you, Vicki said, rather
desperately.
Bless you. II prayed youd come. The old
woman drew a large crumpled handkerchief out of
her big bag and wiped her nose, blinking rapidly
several times. Thanks, miss, for coming.
The poor old creature seemed to be weeping.
Vicki stiffened, lest her sympathies betray her a
second time. While the old woman sniffled and
fumbled to regain her composure, Vicki noticed a
nick on her jaw. It was a small raw cut, half an inch
long, freshly made. Her whole face looked raw.
You cut yourself? Vicki murmured.
The eyes behind the glasses showed alarm.
78

Maybea little. I hada badtime here.


Well, anyone who had to sleep overnight in this
old barn, probably without food or drinking water,
undoubtedly had had a rough time. It was
astonishing that she had remained here. Vicki started
to ask a question, but the old woman beat her to it.
Whyd you set me down here yesterday, miss?
Why?
I didnt do it on purpose. The plane wasnt
acting properly. I told you yesterday we were
making a forced landing. Didnt you believe me?
The old woman looked down guiltily. Why did you
think I was landing in a lonely spot?
I dunno.
Vicki said, I gave you a ride yesterday in good
faith. When you didnt return, I was worried about
youso worried that I came back today to help
you. A smile forced itself on the old womans dry
lips. Now, wont you tell me why you went away
yesterday?
What dyou want to know that for?
Im here to help you, Vicki insisted with a
show of patience. Arent you going to be honest
with me?
Yes. Well. Ill tell you One gloved hand
crept up to her jaw and fingered the cut, as if she
wished Vicki had not noticed it.
Well? Vicki was determined to gain some
79

information in return for her risk and effort.


Well, miss. I went out on the road, but there
wasnt many cars going by. And what cars I saw,
none stopped for me. She spoke with an effort.
But there are farmhouses around here, not very
far. I walked to some myself, yesterday, looking for
a telephone. Why didnt you go to a farmhouse?
II couldnt walk. Twisted my ankle. Ifell.
Suddenly Vicki remembered about the man in the
bank who had fallen on the marble floor. He, too,
had hurt his leg, and limped. Could this old lady, by
any remote chance, be that man?
Timing. That man had fallen a little after ninethirty and had been detained an hour before the
doctor arrived. The doctor then examined and
questioned him, and after that the man left. That
must have been at least ten-thirty. The old woman
had appeared at Bills airfield at ten.
But some nameless suspicion bothered Vicki. The
old woman was not the man who fell in the bank,
but who was she? Vicki peered closely at the strange
figure. Was there really something odd or wrong
about her? Vicki had sensed something
unconvincing about her yesterday, too.
Please, miss. Please take me to my daughter. To
Jackson. Will you?
The elderly woman was more aggressive today.
Was she emboldened by the fact that Vicki was
80

alone? If a gun was in that bag, she could afford to


be bold. But Vicki, too, took a stiffer attitude
because she knew a little more about the old woman
today than yesterday. She spoke carefully, trying to
make every word count in this battle of wits.
Yes, Ill help you, but in fairness you ought to
explain a few little things. After all, I waited a whole
hour for you to come back yesterday.
I did tell you, miss. III tried to get a ride,
but no cars
Yes, yes, and you couldnt walk as far as any of
the farmhouses. How soon did you return to the
barn?
The old lady was not expecting that question. She
hesitated so long that any faint trust Vicki had in her
evaporated. It was a great deal more reasonable to
believe Harold Macks account than anything this
sly old creature said. At last the woman mumbled
she didnt know when she had returned to the barn,
didnt have a watch, the sun wasnt out to judge the
hour by. Shed wandered around . . .
Vicki didnt believe a word of it. She could guess
what had happened. The old woman had got away
from Vicki as fast as she could. Probably she had
not even risked standing on the road to thumb a ride,
nor risked going for help, or food, to a farmhouse
for an excellent reason. The old woman must
surmise that police were out on the roads looking for
81

the bank robbers, and that radio bulletins had alerted


private citizens.
But the police were searching for the man,
Edward Denton, not for an old lady. A police alarm
would hardly be out for a harmless-appearing old
woman. Or would it? The police, Vicki thought,
would be much shrewder than she was in knowing
who was a suspect. Before talking to Harold Mack,
she had not suspected the old lady. But the police to
look forand where. She should leave dealing with
this old woman to the police. She should never have
come back here alone. Vicki shivered a little.
Another consideration. The old woman had no
way of knowing that Harold Mack had remained
unconscious for so many hours. She might have
believed that he had turned in a description of his
armed passenger right after the accident.
But how long had the old woman intended to hide
out here? Until she could get word, perhaps by
night, to someone she trusted? To Skip Barker in
Fairview? Until hunger overcame her caution? Or
did she have food in that big bag? Chocolate bars,
for instance, could sustain her for several days and
not take up much space. Vicki looked at the bag
intently, wondering whatbesides a gunwas in it.
It seemed to be heavy and it certainly was bulky.
The woman noticed her interest. Vicki quickly
averted her glance. She thought of a new approach.
82

You must be hungry.


The old woman nodded but with no particular
interest. She did place hardship second to safety!
Ill fly you to Fairview and get you a good, hot
meal.
No! I mean, thanks, miss. Its Jackson
please
Vicki understood that she had the upper hand as
long as she could give the old woman a ride or
withhold itthat is, help the old woman to a safe
haven or leave her to escape on her wits. But should
she help a probable criminal to escape?
Please, miss? Jackson. My daughter Emma
The gloved hand again slid inside the bag, deep
down, and the fingers moved seeking something.
The gun? Vicki realized she had scant choice.
Or maybe, after all, there was no gun. Vicki did
not want to take a chance on finding out.
But suppose the old woman pulled a gun on her
in the plane!
An alternative flashed through Vickis mind. She
saw herself climbing into the plane and taking off
without the old lady. Getting the old woman to spin
the prop and then taking off alone very fast. But that
might mean murder! The moving plane could kill or
at least injure the woman. Or the old woman might
shoot. Or both disasters might happen.
Or suppose she peaceably did as requested, and
83

gave the old woman no reason whatsoever to pull a


gun on her? Yes, that was it. To comply was the
least dangerous thing she could do under the
circumstances.
You wouldnt leave me here, said the old
woman, fumbling in her bag, now would you?
Ill fly you to Jackson, Vicki said unwillingly.
Together they plodded back to the plane, in a
silence heavy with mistrust. Vicki noted that the old
woman, who claimed a twisted ankle, walked
vigorously and did not limp at all.

84

CHAPTER VIII

Trouble in the Air

Youll have to spin the propeller for me.


What? The old woman, right at Vickis heels,
started to climb into the Cub. Vicki barred the plane
doorway with her arm.
Someone has to get the propeller revolving, she
explained, while I sit in the plane and hold the
brakes and give it a little throttle.
Ill hold the brakes and handle your throttle,
miss. I dont know about propellers. Im scared of
machinery, miss.
Those eyes, half-masked behind the glasses,
looked hard as lumps of coal, Vicki thought.
If youre scared of machinery, you wouldnt
know how to handle the motor and brake, would
you? Vicki said reasonably. But its very easy to
spin the prop. Now come up in front of the plane
and
I wont do it.
If you dont, well never get off the ground.
85

You aint going to fly off and leave me here.


Of course Im not! Look here, we cant stop to
argue. Its getting close to four oclock, and this
plane isnt equipped for flying after dark. Do you
want to spend another night in the barn?
You aint going to do a thing like that to me.
Vicki sighed. Or do you want me to walk down
to the road and hail the first motorist who comes
along, and get him to spin the propeller for me?
No! All right, all right. Ill do it.
Well, you cant do it with your arms full. Ill put
your things in the plane
Dont you touch my things!
The old woman, muttering hoarsely to herself,
followed Vicki to the nose of the light plane. She set
the bag on the ground between her feet. Vicki
showed her what to do, then ran around to the
cockpit and climbed in the front seat. In a couple of
minutes they had the motor started, and she waved
the old woman to climb into the plane, too. The face
in the folds of the kerchief was ashen. With relief?
Vicki wondered.
You did that fine, she called over the engine
noise, then slammed the door shut.
The old woman did not bother to answer.
Vicki turned around. She saw her passenger bent
over, busy stowing her bag on the floor, again
between her feet.
86

Dont you want me to move your things in back


for you, out of your way?
No. What you waiting for? Why dont we go?
For a few seconds Vicki was tempted not to
venture into the air with this unknown person. Yet
the consequences of staying on the ground might be
worse.
She took off as well as she could, the planes
wheels dragging and bumping over the muddy
pasture, then the wings just clearing a fence. Too
slow, too low. Rising above trees, the aircraft began
to gain altitude and speed, and Vicki relaxed a bit.
Whew! All she needed to complicate this mess was
to crash on take-off. She climbed swiftly and leveled
off.
Vicki glanced over her shoulder to see how the
old woman had taken it. When she saw her
passengers frightened face, she realized the old
womans guard was down, temporarily. Here was
her chance to learn a few things! Vicki called:
Youre not used to flying, are you?
No, miss.
Dont worry. Im a licensed pilot. By the way,
you dropped something in this plane yesterday.
No answer. A quick backward glance showed her
the old woman frowning.
Didnt you miss the bankbook?
87

I dont know what youre talking about. There


was a pause, then, What bankbook?
For Fairview BankEdward Denton It was
hard to talk above the engines roar. Didnt you
miss it?
No! Never heard of Edward Denton. But Vicki
noticed that the old woman got the name right.
Show me the bankbook.
I dont have it
Vicki felt strong fingers dig into her shoulder. If
I lost it, miss, you should give it back to me.
Vicki swallowed hard. She dared not say she had
turned it in to the bank. The old woman might guess
that Vicki suspected her. She had to play out this
farce of passenger and pilot.
Mechanic found it when he checked the plane,
Vicki shouted. I dont know where the bankbook is
now. She felt the fingers loosen on her shoulder.
Now should she risk asking the old woman some
indirect question about the owner of the bankbook,
Edward Denton? Better not. Vicki returned her
attention to the controls.
Her passenger behind her must have been
suspicious. The old woman shouted, Is this the way
to Jackson?
For reply Vicki held up her air chart with one
hand and nodded. Though the old woman was silent
then, Vicki sensed her tension. What was going on
88

in back of her? In a panic she turned around but the


old woman was sitting there quietly, gripping her
gloved hands, staring ahead of her.
Miss! Jackson isnt far from St. Louis. You fly
me to St. Louis instead.
But you said your daughter is in Vicki had to
turn forward and watch where she was flying.
St. Louis is where I want to go. Not Jackson
Changed your mind since yesterday?
No.
The engine roared in the voiceless lull. Vicki
gazed half-blindly at the blur of the moving
propeller in front of her, beyond it to the floating
clouds, trying to think what to do next.
St. Louis Is your son, Skip Barker, there?
Never mind that! You take me to St. Louis,
miss.
To meet Edward Denton? It slipped out without
Vickis intending it to.
Dont ask so many questions, the old woman
growled right in her ear. Vicki felt something cold
and metallic against the back of her neck. She could
not see it but she knew what it was.
Taketake the gun away, she gasped. Ill fly
you to St. Louis. Heres hoping we have enough gas
to make it.
Youd better!
The balance of the flight was a seemingly endless
89

nightmare. Vicki tried to imagine what would


happen when they landed. She must not let the old
woman get away from her. For with her, and in her
big bag, lay the clues to the bank robbery, Vicki felt
sure. If anyone knew the secret of the missing
cashier who had disappeared under the eyes of at
least fifty persons, this old woman knew.
I mustnt let her get away from me, Vicki
thought. The plane neared the outskirts of the great
city.
Vicki flew high over Lambert Field, which was
the St. Louis municipal airport. It was a big one and,
now in late afternoon, crowded with great silver air
liners gliding in and out. Vicki flew a wide distance
from its air pattern and radio control area. As she
left the municipal airport behind them, she felt again
the guns muzzle cold on her neck.
Why didnt you land there? the old woman
demanded.
Because our small craft has no radio. Vicki
explained that the control tower at Lambert Field
sent its landing and take-off instructions by radio,
and so could not signal her. She hoped the old
woman believed her. Well fly to a small field,
Dick Seaveys field, I guess, where they dont
require radio.
The old woman seemed satisfied. At the mention
of Seaveys, she nodded as if well acquainted with
90

it. Well, if the old woman knew that small obscure


field, she must be well acquainted with St. Louis.
Below them lay the great city, dignified and
beautiful.
Vicki took an anxious look at the sky. Flood
conditions seemed to have touched this area little if
at all. However, the sky was overcast, and dusk
would soon be gathering. She had to fly home, and
she didnt want to fly in a rainstorm or in the
deepening shadows of twilight. She had better hurry
up.
Unless she decided not to fly home
It might pay her to remain in St. Louis a short
while, if by doing so she could gain further
information from the old woman. So far she had
learned disappointingly littlenot even her name
although certain suspicions were now confirmed.
They approached the small field. She had to
decide quickly. Vicki sighted markers on the ground
and figured out the air traffic pattern. She entered
the pattern and flew the usual rectangle, watching
below for a signal to land. For a split second Vicki
glanced back at the old woman. The eyes behind the
glasses were as alert as a foxs. The old woman had
the overstuffed bag in her lap.
Shes going to make a run for it, Vicki realized.
I must not let her get away from me!
Deliberately Vicki made a steep, fast landing. Bill
91

would have bawled her out if he had seen it. But she
hoped to startle the old lady so that she would be too
rattled on landing to slip away.
The plane wheels touched ground with a bump.
Vicki taxied fast along the edge of the strip, slowing
gradually, as a man with a light gun on the runway
signaled her. Stopping the plane, Vicki opened the
top half of the door and started to unlatch the bottom
door. As she did sobefore she could parkthe old
woman squeezed past Vicki, pushed the bottom door
open, and hopped out.
Forward a little more! the lineman shouted to
Vicki. All right, you can tie down.
Vicki, out of the corner of her eye, saw the old
woman running across the airport at a brisk gait,
clutching the big bag tightly. Even before Vicki
could get out of the Cub, she saw her passenger melt
into a group of people and buildings. Vicki belatedly
became aware of the linemans shouts.
I dont think I need to tie down, after all, she
called back.
The lineman shook his head as if he thought she
was crazy. Vicki, however, was obliged to tie down
for a few minutes while she paid a landing fee. Then
she was finally at liberty to look for the old woman.
By that time, in the distance, all figures looked alike.
Her passenger had vanishedagain.
Nothing to do now but fly back to Fairview. St.
92

Louis was a big city, and though Vicki had some


acquaintance with it, she had no leads which would
guide her in searching for the old woman.
Besides, Skip Barker might show up at Bills
field tomorrow. Vicki did not want to miss him. He
knew something about the old woman, a great deal
if she was his mother, and Barker was more
talkative than the old woman. She might gain more
through Skip Barker than by hunting high and low
in St. Louis without an inkling where to look. The
sun was rapidly dropping. Right or wrong, she took
off again, rising into the air and streaking toward
home.
Because it was still daylight high in the air,
though it was dusk on the ground, Vicki was able to
see her way home to Bills field. When she landed
and tied the Cub down in front of the familiar
hangar, it was so dark she could barely see the rope.
Bill yelled:
Whos there? Didnt I hear my Cub coughin?
Thats right. Its me. Vicki ran over to the
brightly lighted hangar. Brr, its cold! Let me in.
Come on over to the office shack, Bill said.
Jack brought a thermos of hot coffee. He put his
arm around her shoulders, walking over.
Vicki gratefully accepted a paper cup of hot
coffee and sank down into one of the battered
wicker armchairs. Bill encouraged her to put her feet
93

up. She did so.


Gosh, Bill, all this attention! Is something
wrong?
He grinned and said No, but his dark-blue eyes
remained serious. Where in thunder were you?
What do you mean by goin off all alone and never
tellin your friends?
II went after that old lady. Found her, too.
Well, you dont need to look so blamed pleased
about it! I spose you think thats a nice, entertainin
way to spend the afternoon!
Vicki leaned forward. Why? Do you know who
she is?
No, but Id have enough sense not to go flyin
around alone with some stranger. Any moren Id go
drivin in a car with just anybody at all.
Vicki eyed the big boy lounging on the desk. He
certainly did seem upset. This wasnt at all his usual
easygoing mood. Vicki asked him point-blank what
was the matter.
Aw Bill stalled, straightening a shelf of
fliers logbooks. Nothin. Well, yes, pigeon, its
somethin. But I sure hate to tell you.
Is it something you have to tell me? she
guessed.
Yes. Its like this I mean, ah Shucks!
Maybe I better just tell you all at once. Its this,
honeythe police came here. They want you for
94

questionin.
Because of Bills stricken face, Vicki forced a
smile. I was half-expecting that, she said, and it
was true. I found the bankbook of the missing
cashier, you know. I guess the police want to talk to
me about that.
Yes, and about some peculiar people youve
been associatin with.
You, for instance?
Bill could not laugh. Vic, why do you take such
crazy chances? I mean the old woman, and you
know it.
Im in it. I cant stop now. Vicki slowly drank
the last of her coffee, considering. When do the
police want to see me?
They said as soon as you got here. Right away, I
figure. If you like, Ill drive you to the police
station.
On the way there, in Bills noisy yellow roadster,
Bill again talked about the danger of dealing with
the old woman. It was now generally known that she
had caused Harold Macks accident.
Her son, Skip Barker, didnt seem so bad, Vicki
puzzled out loud. Not the most solid citizen in the
world, but not in the same class with the old lady.
You seemed to like him, Bill. And you talked to him
about an hour, didnt you?
Mmmm, while waitin for you to show up. I
95

didnt like or dislike him, pigeon, but he seemed to


be an all right kind of person. He sure was worryin
about his mother. Told me he searched all over
Fairview for her. She wanted to get home at any
cost, and since shes a bit touched in the head
Wha-a-at? Had she been up in the air with a
madwoman?
Sure. Old ladys slightly crazy, he hinted.
Well, that would explain a lot of things!
Oh, shes not dangerous, just sort of eccentric,
Skip Barker said.
They drove past the white sign which marked
Fairview town limits and said Welcome. Ten
minutes, and they would be at the police station.
They drove along residential streets where lights
shone in peoples houses. They drove past The
Castle, and home looked unbelievably peaceful and
safe. Vicki wished she were inside its walls instead
of on her way to the police station. Well, she had
better try to set in order the facts she must report to
the police. She asked Bill what he had told the
police.
Well, I told em Barker said his mother has been
leadin him a merry chase. Say, pigeon, did you
notice Barker was limpin pretty badly?
No, I didnt!
Limpinga man who limpedthe man who fell
down in the bank
96

Bill, Skip Barker wouldnt happen to be the man


who fell in the bank yesterday morning when the
cashier disappeared?
Why, yes, he is. I forgot to tell you.
Oh, Bill, youre so careless! Youre always
forgetting.
Now, honestly, how could I tell you when I
hardly ever see you? If youd pay a little more
attention to me, instead of dashin in and out of my
field
We had a visit at my house last night.
I was so tired last night I forgot some details.
Anyway, you hadnt met Barker last night. And
besides, that was our first date in weeks.
Bill, I want to see you, but there just hasnt been
time!
They compromised on a date for Sunday evening.
Bill let her out of the car in front of the police
station. He offered to wait for her, but Vicki waved
cheerfully and ran into the station house.
For half an hour she answered the police
sergeants questions. The procedure was friendly but
strict. Vicki told them every detail: how she flew the
old woman to St. Louis at gun point, how she met
Barker and had asked him to return tomorrow. The
sergeant and a stenographer took her testimony with
calm, noncommittal faces.
Well keep that appointment with Barker
97

tomorrow, the sergeant said. Dont worry. Were


sure you wont see or hear any more from Skip
Barker. He will suspect you of having reported his
presence at the airport to us.
I realize that, Sergeant.
That will be all now, Miss Barr. Thank you for
your information.
Can youcan you tell me anything about the
old woman? Shes connected with the robbery, isnt
she?
The police sergeant smiled. Sorry, we cant
discuss the case publicly yet. But I can tell you this
much. You arent very far off the right track, young
lady.
Dinner at The Castle was over by the time Vicki
reached there. Both parents had gone out. However,
Ginny and the spaniel were waiting for her. Ginny
was keeping Vickis dinner hot in the oven.
What a day! Vicki sank down on the sofa in
their long living room. Honestly, Ginny, Im
almost too pooped to face dinner.
Ginny also had a telegram for Vicki. This was
really the last straw. Vicki opened it, stared, then
began to laugh. It read:
REPORT TONIGHT FRIDAY ST. LOUIS.
SUBSTITUTE FOR TESSA HORTON ON NIGHT RUN
ST. LOUIS TO NEW YORK. RETURN TO ST. LOUIS

98

FOLLOWING SUNDAY NIGHT. (SIGNED) RUTH


BENSON, CHIEF FLIGHT STEWARDESS, FEDERAL
AIRLINES.

There went her date with Bill for Sunday! And


maybe there went the opportunity of finding the
vanishing old lady.

99

CHAPTER IX

Night Flight

On the stroke of midnight at Lambert Field Vicki


ushered the last passenger aboard the Federal
Airlines plane. She was in uniform, and it felt good
to be busy doing safe, orderly thingsworking fast
with the passenger agent, helping her passengers
fasten safety belts, then locking the cabin door from
the inside. Work was a relief after the terror and
confusion of these past two days.
Vicki went to her jump seat and strapped herself
in. She waited while the great plane gathered power
and the night echoed with its roar. The pilot and
copilot tonight, up front behind the locked steel
door, were Captain Frane and Ted Manzini, pilots
she knew little about except that they were
magnificent fliers and reliable, honorable men. Not
shady, not dangerous, like Skip Barker and the old
woman! Was it only a few hours ago that she had
flown over this St. Louis airport with a gun at her
neck! Here, now, with her flight team, with her rows
100

of passengers seated quietly in the lighted cabin, this


afternoon seemed like a nightmare.
Bill had almost wormed the story out of her when
he flew her in his DC-3 from Fairview to St. Louis
earlier tonight, to help her catch her plane. She had
almost told him, but not quite. She did not want to
involve Bill in this messit was bad enough that
she was involved.
Just as the Federal air liner roared down the
runway in the floodlights glare, a headline on a
passengers newspaper caught her eye. Vicki
couldnt make it out as the aircraft swayed gently
and lifted smoothly off the ground. But the
newspaper didnt particularly interest her at the
moment. Her spirits leaped up with the plane. She
loved these minutes when the plane rose into the air
like a freed, living thing and climbed up into a sea of
stars. It was the first clear night she had seen for
some time, a brilliant night.
Someone buzzed for the stewardess. The plane
was leveling off. Another passenger buzzed, too.
Vicki came back to her duties with a start. For the
next twenty minutes she was busy serving hot coffee
and sandwiches, answering questions, providing
blankets and pillows. It was a lot for one stewardess
to manage singlehanded, but since the run took a
scant three hours, and no real meals were served,
one stewardess was considered sufficient.
101

After she had removed the passengers trays, and


cleared up in her tiny sky kitchen, only a few chores
remained. A woman traveling with a sick child
requested an extra blanket. An elderly man, thrilled
at his first night flight, asked Vicki to describe their
course. The passenger with the newspaperVicki
recognized him as a Mr. Fisher, a Fairview
businessmanwanted to know whether his portable
radio, tuned low, might disturb the other passengers
who were settling down to doze. Vicki led Mr.
Fisher to a rear seat with his radio. She adjusted the
heater and dimmed the cabin lights.
Mr. Fisher, when youre finished with your
newspaper, may I please see it?
Certainly. Take it now.
Back in the galley she had light to read by. This
was a Fairview newspaper. She had not had time to
see it at home, and she and Bill had been in too
much of a rush to buy a paper or even tune in the
radio. Here was the headline which had arrested her
attention:
WORKFORTH HINTS FOUL PLAY
CASHIER KNEW NO OLD WOMAN
BELIEVES DENTON KIDNAPED

Vicki skimmed through the news story,


wondering if she did not know more about this case
102

than the reporters. One part interested her:


Police have censured Workforth for laxity in
failing to call them immediately on noticing that
Denton was missing. Workforth, interviewed
yesterday by this newspaper, declared that he
could not have waited more than five minutes. He
then searched the bank for Denton. Failing to find
him, Workforth searched Vermilion Street in the
area of the bank but without results.
Workforth said he does not remember seeing
the old woman who, less than half an hour later,
caused the truck accident. But several witnesses
claim to have seen her walking along Vermilion
Street. Police discount these claims, pointing out
that the witnesses descriptions do not tally. Police
Chief McNally, in a guarded interview, declined to
issue any further bulletin at this time.

The old woman! The old woman! No one could


find her, and everyone thought he had seen her!
Only Harold Mack and I really saw her, Vicki said
aloud to herself.
Vicki returned the newspaper to its owner,
walked up and down the plane aisle to check, and
found everyone dozing. She sat down again in the
rear of the cabin, yawning. This unexpected flight
would cause her to miss seeing the police meet Skip
Barker tomorrow whenif he had not read the story
in the newspapers about the old woman involved in
103

the truck accidentBarker kept his appointment


with her at Avery Airport. Vicki sighed. Skip Barker
was her one thread to locate the old woman. By now
the police might have him in custodyif he hadnt
already skipped. She might never see the man again,
never be able to go any deeper into this dangerous
puzzle. Perhaps it would be just as well. Except
that
The steel door opened and Captain Frane stepped
through, locking the door again. Vicki knew that the
copilot of course had taken over the controls.
Captain Frane came down the aisle, a stocky,
capable-looking man wearing a flight uniform of the
same blue as Vickis. The pilot needed coffee and a
few minutes rest before he flew the next leg of the
journey, which was over mountains.
Evening, Vicki. Everything under control?
Yes, Captain Frane. Would you like to sit here?
She offered him a vacant seat and went promptly
for coffee. Frane was an uncommunicative man, not
fond of conversation. After he drank his coffee, he
leaned back with closed eyes. Vicki returned to her
jump seat.
What was she thinking about the old woman? Oh,
yes, that in losing touch with Skip Barker she might
be clear of the mystery. But she was very much
involved in it! She had helped the old woman make
a getaway! Even though the police sergeant had not
104

reproached her, Vicki felt keenly her responsibility.


No, she could not simply sit down and fold her
hands and let someone else assume responsibility for
what she had done.
Moreover, except for Harold Mack who was too
sick to act, she was the only person who had been
face to face with the old woman. She possessed a
unique knowledge of the old woman. It must not go
to waste.
Vicki looked up, and her mouth fell open in
surprise. Why, here came the copilot through the
steel door! Ted Manzini locked it behind him and
strolled down the plane aisle, glancing interestedly
at their passengers. Vicki struggled up the aisle to
meet him as the plane bobbed about.
Ted! she whispered. Whos at the controls?
His brown eyes sparkled. The automatic pilot.
Its about time we had one. How about some hot
coffee?
Vicki clutched the young mans arm. Automatic
pilot! Since when do we have This isnt a test
plane. Were carrying live passengers! Ted, youre
joking.
He shrugged. The captain and I came back here
for a nap.
Then theres actually no one at the controls?
The copilot handed her the key to the steel door.
If you dont believe me, go up and see for
105

yourself. He walked into the galley. Meanwhile,


the plane zoomed through the night.
Automatic pilotboth Frane and Ted left the
controls for a napwhy, it was unheard of! Vicki
went forward as fast as the rolling motion of the
plane would permit. Inside the dimly lighted pilots
cabin she found, to her immense surprise, an old
friend. Dean Fletcher was calmly flying the ship.
Automatic pilot, indeed!
Vicki tapped him on the arm. He glanced up and
smiled. Then he returned his gaze to the instruments.
She had to shout because he wore earphones.
Dean, I didnt know you were on this flight!
Teds getting off at Detroit. Did he give you a
scare? Vicki nodded. You should have seen
Charmion Wilson when he told her the same stuff.
Hes been trying it out on all the stewardesses.
Dean chuckled, and Vicki had to grin.
Ill bet he didnt fool an old-time flier like Jean
Cox, though. She began to think ahead to meeting
her crowd of flight stewardesses in their New York
apartment. She hadnt seen them in two weeks, but it
felt like two years. Did I miss any parties, Dean?
No. We planned to go dancing, but we waited
for you and Jean to come back.
Well, here I am!
Its a date. Dean smiled and turned away again.
Vicki left the pilots cabin and nearly bumped
106

into Captain Frane and Copilot Manzini, who were


returning. The two men saluted her solemnly, very
official indeed.
Detroit . . . Cleveland . . . Buffalo. At each brief
stop, at each illuminated field, Vicki helped
passengers get off and on the planemanifests to
make out, tickets to checkall within the space of
three to five minutes. Then up again, flying east to
meet the morning.
It was still dark, only three A.M., when Captain
Frane set down the ship at New Yorks La Guardia
Airport. Vicki stood in the planes opened doorway
seeing her passengers safely off with all their hats,
coats, brief cases and overnight bags, a sleepy,
yawning crew. They managed to smile at the pretty
young stewardess. Several thanked her for making
their trip so comfortable and pleasant.
I hope youll fly with us again, Vicki replied,
stifling a yawn herself.
She was dead tired, but she had to check over her
cabin for any articles the passengers might have left
behind, and write up her flight report. In the tiny
kitchen she set out empty food containers for the
commissary men to pick up. Dean, the dependable,
came back for her.
Couple of crews are driving in to Manhattan.
Are you ready?
Oh, Dean, Im too sleepy to travel a step farther!
107

I dont like to show up at the apartment at this hour


and disturb the girls, either. Ill just stay right here at
Stewardess Lounge.
Dean walked with her to the Administration
Building and saw her safely inside the door of
Stewardess Lounge.
Good night, Vic. See you tomorrow.
That will be nice. Rest well, Dean.
She tiptoed through the lounge sitting room and
into the bunk room. Who the touseled girls were,
asleep in three of the bunk beds, she could not see
and was too sleepy to care. In two minutes she had
tumbled into bed herself and was asleep.
Vicki did not remain asleep. She must have slept
about an hour, then woke up with her mind ticking
away like a time bomb. Suppose that old woman
were not
That old woman follows me everywhere! She
wont even let me sleep!
The muzzle of the gun still seemed to raise gooseflesh on the back of her neck. Vicki congratulated
herself on her narrow escape. Harold Mack hadnt
got off so lightly. As bad, or worse, could have
happened to her. She hoped the boy would recover
soon.
Something Harold had said abruptly came back to
her. He had been talking about how the old woman
hailed him on Vermilion Street and begged a ride to
108

the edge of town. She knew my route . . . knew Id


be driving out that way anyhow.
Now that was a remarkable thing. It meant that a
flood refugee had taken care to notice the route of a
dairy delivery wagon. But how could the old woman
know Harolds route unless she had followed Harold
previously? And how could she follow? Buses did
not run on those streets. Apparently the old woman
had no car of her own with which to follow Harold.
If she owned a car, she would not have had to hitch
a ride with Harold in the first place. Of course she
could have trailed Harolds truck in a taxi, but that
would have aroused the taxi drivers suspicions, and
the old woman was too clever to do that. No, it
wasnt plausible that someone temporarily in
Fairview would know Harolds route.
But someone residing in Fairview would know it.
It was one of those familiar details of everyday
living that a resident automatically picks up. So the
old woman was not a stranger in Fairview, as she
had claimed. As Skip Barker had claimed . . .
Vickis eyelids grew heavy. Her thoughts slid
away from her and began to go into a tail spin, but
she held on tight. Now, look, there were two
alternatives. Not a stranger in Fairview could
mean either someone who lived always in Fairview,
like herself, or someone who had lived in Fairview
for a while, and recently enough to know Harolds
109

present route. Why, that latter description would fit


the missing cashier. He had lived in Fairview for
several monthsup until Thursday morning.
Someone at the Log Cabinor had she read it in
yesterdays paper?said that Denton lived at Mrs.
Jenkins boardinghouse. Hed easily know Harolds
route.
And that implied that the cashier and the old
woman, both missing, could be the same person.
Not decisive, but Vicki felt relieved at reaching a
logical conclusion. This idea of double identity had
been lurking, dim and unacknowledged, in her mind,
but now here it was, spelled out clearly. Some more
careful reasoning and the puzzle should yield. Then
she would be ready to act!
She was so relieved she relaxed. That was a
mistake. She fell asleep again.

110

CHAPTER X

Fun and Reflections

About one minute lateror so it seemedJean Cox


was shaking her and shouting, I told you kids its
Vicki! Who else has that fabulous hair?
Vicki woke up and took a bow. Three of her
roommates hereit was practically a reunion. They
all chattered at once.
I, announced Tessa Horton, tossing back her
dark hair, I had the most divine passengers
yesterday. One man wants to give me a screen test!
Dot Crowley, on the next bunk, giggled. To play
bit parts in an advertisement? Did he ask you to
elope, too?
He meant it! At least I think he did. He said any
time Im in Hollywood, to be sure to
A couple of passengers have told me that, too,
Vicki said. But unless they can show me a business
card, references, and make a definite appointment at
the movie studio, I dont believe em. So far, she
admitted with a grin, no one has.
111

Tessa said meekly, Well, he did say Im just the


type for serious dramatic roles. II recited Juliets
balcony speech for him. Ah, swear not by the
moon, th inconstant moon
Jean Cox handed Tessa her shoes. Get dressed,
Juliet. We need breakfast. Dot giggled again. Jean
turned briskly to the redhead. See here, none of us
can afford to snicker. Didnt we get stranded in
California last week? That was how you arranged
thingsyou with your executive talents!
Its still true that Im the only one among us
with any organizing ability, Dot retorted. Who got
us to Californiaif not back?
Vicki stared. What were you doing in
California?
Flew there from New York for the week end.
Vicki heard all about it over breakfast in the Kitty
Hawk restaurant of the airport. Last week end Jean
and Dot were at loose ends at the girls New York
apartment. It was Friday afternoon, three oclock,
and they wanted to go some place for the week
endany place.
I wanted to go swimming, Dot said. Outdoors.
No hotel pools for me.
Oh, certainly, that explains everything, Vicki
said. You had a yen to go swimming, so you flew a
total of six thousand miles.
Right. So we each packednot a suitcasejust
112

a hatbox, Jean Cox said. Put in a suit, an afternoon


dress in case of parties, a bathing suit, and a coat
in case we didnt go where we thought we were
going.
Tessas dark, arched brows drew together.
Where were you going?
We didnt know. But with those clothes we
could go anywhere in the world, so we started off

each of you equipped with a pass, Vicki


guessed.
Jean and Dot nodded.
Those free passes were one of the privileges that
went with a flight stewardesss job. The airline
would give her free flights on its planes in very
generous amounts of mileage and time, to anywhere
its planes flew.
Vic is right. Each of us had a pass. Yes, blank.
We came out here to LaGuardia figuring wed catch
the first plane with empty seats that was going to
some place warm enough to swimDallas, Mexico
City, Tucson. We werent fussy.
Its a wonder you didnt go to Idlewild Airport
and try to hop a ride to the French Riviera, Tessa
said.
We thought of that, Jean said, but our clothes
werent grand enough for there. You know me, I
own mostly sports clothes.
113

The two girls could not get aboard any plane.


They were obliged to sleep at Stewardess Lounge,
until a friendly girl at the reservations desk ran in
with good news for them. The night plane to the
West Coast had two last-minute cancellations. How
did Dot and Jean feel about Los Angeles for the
week end?
Perfect, Dot had said. My aunt just rented a
beach cottage at La Jolla.
So they had flown from New York to Los
Angeles on that Friday night, ridden down to La
Jolla for breakfast, and had a glorious week end
swimming, beach-club privileges, a party which
Dots aunt gave for themthe works, Dot
gloated. Our total expense was fifty cents for
sandwiches.
Dont forget to mention all the mix-ups we got
into, trying to hitch a ride back to New York. We
were a day late getting back to our jobs. We ruined
Ruth Bensons schedule. Shes still furious with us.
But its worth it.
Ill bet, Vicki agreed. That reminds me. I must
stop in to see our boss.
The Chief Flight Stewardesss office looked like
herbusinesslike, but feminine and high style.
Benny herself was sleek and handsome.
Well? Miss Benson was writing at her desk and
did not look up when Vicki softly came in. Are you
114

off for a swim at Rio this morning, Dot?


Its not Dot, its Vicki.
Oh, hello! Brilliant, shrewd gray eyes scanned
Vicki. And what are you up to? You dont look as
if youve been resting. Then Ruth Bensons face
crinkled up with laughter. I shouldnt bite your
golden head off, should I? Those flying imps. Did
you hear?
Yes, I heard. Uhhow are you, Miss Benson?
Still annoyed. Still readjusting my stewardesses
schedules because of their California jaunt. Thats
why youre being pressed into service and your rest
period broken up.
I dont mind. Vicki did mind, minded not being
in Fairview to see if Skip Barker would show up.
Even though the police would keep that
appointment, she would like to see what would
happen.
Girls will be girls. Or rather, fliers will be
fliers. Ruth Benson finished with one stack of
schedules and leaned back for a moment. Ill tell
you a little secret, Vicki. When I was a flight
stewardess, several years ago, I did exactly the same
thing. Flew to New Orleans with my roommate to
see the Mardi Gras, couldnt catch a ride back in
time, and my regularly scheduled plane started off
without any stewardess at all. The passenger agent
had to take the tickets. I chased it and caught up
115

with it at its first stop, but still!


And for that, you were promoted to Chief Flight
Stewardess.
No. Mr. Trent, the head of the passenger service,
gave me an awful scolding, threatened to fire me,
and ended up by admitting he liked my enterprise.
May I tell Jean and Dot that? Vicki asked very
innocently.
Dont you ever tell! Incidentally, I remember
you missed your plane once, thanks to fishing your
younger sister out of a lake. You stopped to fish
your dog out, too, as I remember.
Vicki turned pink and was relieved when Miss
Benson changed the subject. They discussed Vickis
schedule for the next few days. She would have
flights out of New York for today and tomorrow.
Although these Saturday and Sunday flights were
usually solidly booked, Vicki had short runsno
meals to serve, only one stop. Of course nobodys
schedule in the transportation business could be
completely predictable and definite. If weather
grounded the planes and delayed flights, Vicki
would have to work as long as needed. Shed get
back to Fairview when she got there. Miss Benson
handed Vicki her written schedule and dismissed
her.
While Im flying these short runs, Vicki
thought, as she left Ruth Bensons office, the old
116

woman can vanish off the face of the earth. Well, at


least Ill have a few quiet minutes aloft for putting
together what Ive learned. I certainly wont have a
chance to think when I get back to the apartment!
Within the hour Vicki was busy with passenger
records and plane galley, and getting flight
information, preparing to fly to Washington and
back. Her cabin filled up with passengers, and Vicki
was kept hopping. The few quiet minutes did not
materialize.
No peace and quiet existed at the stewardesses
apartment either, she found, when she arrived there
at midafternoon. A happy bedlam had broken loose.
The threesome who met earlier in Stewardess
Lounge now had earned a respite, and the other two
regulars were home. Charmion Wilson, dignified as
the eldest by a year or so, and little Celia, who was
losing her southern accent, constituted the lunchand-welcoming committee.
Today was one of those once-in-a-while times
when all of them were on the ground and in the
same city at once. They talked the rest of the
afternoon, exchanging news, hearing about
Charmions helicopter lessons, catching up on
Celias uncertain romance with a pilot who was
always being sent on overseas flights. Vicki did not
mention her adventure with the old woman, though
she certainly was thinking about it. A gabfest,
117

Mrs. Duff, their housekeeper, declared. While they


chattered, Charmion managed to do everybodys
mending, Vicki gave Celia a new hairdo, while Jean
brought up to date their bulletin board beside the
telephone. Redheaded Dot Crowley supervised, as
usualgives orders but doesnt work, Tessa
sniffed. The six girls made such a racket that Vicki
chanted:
Mrs. Duff will go off in a huff!
Their roly-poly housekeeper did nothing of the
kind. She marched into the kitchen and started
making sandwiches and cake in large quantities.
From long experience Mrs. Duff knew that when all
her girls were home, their beaux were certain to
show up in the evening for a party.
And they didyoung newspaperman Pete
Carmody, and The Three Bears, then Dean bringing
two new copilots, both named John. They had
planned to go out to dance but Pete had brought
along some wonderful new dance records. By the
time everybody had heard all the new records, and
sampled Mrs. Duffs superb refreshments, the party
was in full swing.
Vicki enjoyed herself. She loved to dance. For a
few hours she put the old woman out of her mind.
Or she thought she did.
She could not really forget something so
troubling. On Sunday, when her New York118

Washington run gave her a chance to sit quietly on


the jump seat, for a half hour going and another half
hour returning to New York, Vicki began to think in
earnest. Not that reasoning by itself would solve the
mysteryshe would have to act. But what was her
next step to be? If only she could have learned more
from Skip Barker!
That limp of his which Bill Avery reported! Vicki
herself did not remember seeing him limp, but
maybe he had limped a little and she simply had not
observed it. The important thing was that Skip
Barker was the man who fell down in the bank, on
the morning of the robbery. Was this accident, like
Harold Macks, no accident at all?
Vicki puzzled over that. Was Barkers fall
connected in any way with the robbery? He had
fallen, Bill reported, a few seconds after Workforth
discovered that the cashier was missing. Quite a
coincidence! Barkers fall had created a lot of
excitement in the bank. Enough to distract peoples
attention from whatever the robbers were doing?
Enough to give the robber or robbers precious
minutes in which to get away? It was possible.
Yet, according to Bill, Barker was limping after
his fall. His fall was not a fake, then. He had really
hurt himself.
But that proved nothing. Barker might have
deliberately taken a fall, to distract attention from
119

the robbery, and hurt himself without intending to.


Suppose that Barkers fall was to distract
attention from the robbery. It was a reasonable
supposition, since the old woman clearly was
involved in the robbery, and the old woman was
Barkers mother.
If the old woman were his mother. Or, as Vicki
had thought earlier, were the old woman who
vanished and the cashier who had vanished, the
same person?
Vicki considered the rather odd character of the
old woman. She had been too awkward for a
womanvigorous as a manas aggressive and
decisive as a man. The way the old woman hopped
out of the plane at St. Louis before the wheels
stopped rolling was hardly like an elderly lady!
Skip Barker had hinted to Bill that the old woman
was mildly crazy. Well, maybe Barker was trying to
account for her unusual behaviorplanting in Bills
mind and hers a plausible story to mask the truth.
Vicki doubted the old woman was unbalanced or
even eccentric. That was too easy and pat a tale. A
person would have to be a lot more than eccentric
to pull a gun.
Vicki returned to the main problem. Was it
possible that the old woman was Edward Denton? In
other words, could the old woman be a man? Vicki
visualized again that erect, baggy figure. The long,
120

shapeless coat had concealed any body outlines.


Gloves to hide the hands, overshoes to cover a
mans shoes. Vicki recalled reports that the missing
cashier was a small man. Perhaps small enough to
masquerade as a woman. The voluminous head
kerchief and glasses disguised the old womans head
and face. Did Edward Denton wear glasses? Vicki
did not know, or if shed heard, she did not
remember. She must find out.
That face Vicki made an effort to recall
anything that had struck her as unusual. Its
stubbornness. She remembered that aloft, in the
piercing light of the open sky, the old woman
seemed to have talcum powder rubbed on her face.
At the time Vicki had dismissed that without
thinkingwomen do use face powderbut now she
thought talcum could cover beard shadow.
There was a clue! That nick on the old womans
jaw! Vicki had noticed that fresh, raw cut when the
old woman stepped out of the barn. She had said she
stayed overnight in the barn, and it had seemed
likely. Overnight meant that if the old woman were
indeed a man, she would have had to shave. Was
there a shaving kit in that big bag? Possibly. And the
old woman could have used rain water to shave
with. It would have been cold, muddy water, causing
a messy shave. That certainly would explain the cut
on the jaw.
121

Now Vickis conviction grew. If the old woman


were a man, what about her voice? It had been
hoarse, broken on Thursday, as if the old woman
spoke with an effort. Well, speaking in falsetto or
any false voice was an effort. And the old woman
had talked remarkably littlejust the necessary
minimum. She remembered how the old woman
coughed at first. That would supply a convenient
excuse to explain the hoarse, rather deep voice. And
next day, she had sounded as though she had caught
a cold.
The old woman was clever! Whoever she was,
sheor hewas quick-thinking, a born actor or
rather, liar, and a criminal. The bank robber also was
clever and a criminal. How had Edward Dentons
disappearance, with thirty thousand dollars, under at
least fifty pairs of eyes, been managed?
If the old woman were Denton, how, where, when
had Denton slipped into the disguise of the old
womans clothes? He had not been seen to leave the
bank. Therefore he must have donned the disguise in
the bank.
But the bank was all on one floor, with
everything in full view. No stairways, no basement,
no second floor.
Yetif her theory were correctEdward Denton
had somehow changed into womans clothes in, or
very near, the presence of bank employees and
122

depositors. It seemed to Vicki all but impossible.


She must be wrong. Denton must have donned his
disguise elsewhere than in the bankperhaps in a
car parked outside the bank? It would be just a few
steps from bank door to curb.
Stubbornly the key fact rose up like a wall:
Denton had not been seen to leave the bank. And
there were enough people around for someone to
have noticed.
Vicki was stymied. She again tried to figure
where Denton could have changed clothes in the
bank. He must have found some place! She
remembered how often he had come to the bank on
so-called personal business for several days
immediately preceding the robbery. Was he casing
the joint? Asking about financing a mortgage
opening that small savings accountthese errands
must have given him excuses to loiter in the bank,
and inspect it.
Another puzzler. Had Denton brought the
disguising clothes with him to the bank on the day
of the robbery? Vicki didnt see how he could. That
bulky coat, the overshoesnot to mention the large
knitting or shopping bagwould have made a
conspicuous bundle. Well, then, had Denton stowed
these articles in the bank sometime beforehand?
Where in the bank could he stow them?
She thought of the washrooms. There was one for
123

men, but she doubted that it contained any furniture


in which Denton could stow a large bundle. He
might have left his bundle in a cleaning closet, but
the porter would have been sure to find it. The
ladies washroom was an attractive little powder
room complete with dressing table, but Denton
could scarcely barge in there.
She was stumped. Was her theory wrong, then?
Wrong or right, even if Denton and the old woman
were both the same missing person, nothing was
solved.
Vicki came to a decision. The old woman had
been anxious to get to St. Louis. She had last seen
the old woman in St. Louis. Some clue, some lead,
some shred of information probably awaited her in
St. Louis.
Ill go there. Even though I cant foresee where
to look or how to start searching, now. Once Im in
St. Louis, Ill improviseask questions to start
with. People dont disappear without a trace, bag
and baggage.
She wouldnt be surprised if the old womans big
bagbesides containing shaving kit and talcum
powder for disguise, and the emergency food which
sustained her overnight in the barnalso contained
the missing thirty thousand dollars. That bag which
she had guarded so tenaciously . . .
* * *
124

By Sunday afternoon Vicki was back at New


Yorks LaGuardia Field, her runs completed, her
reports in. She said her good-bys to her friends and
fellow stewardesses by telephone. Now she was
ready to return home. Vicki remained in flight
uniform, for Ruth Benson had scheduled her to serve
as flight stewardess on the New York-St. Louis
plane. She wired Bill at Avery to meet her that
evening at the St. Louis municipal airport and fly
her back to Fairview.
Bill was glad to see her. Since she had served
dinner to passengers on her Federal plane but had no
dinner herself, Bill took her to a restaurant at the St.
Louis airport. As they ate, Vicki kept returning to
the subject of the old woman and the robbery.
Doggone, Vicki, cant you talk about somethin
else?
If youll just answer a few questions, Bill, I
promise not to bring up the subject again foroh,
maybe a whole hour.
All right. Bill was resigned and good-humored.
Shoot.
How tall was Edward Denton? Do you recall?
Mmm, small, only a couple of inches tallern
you, pigeon. And youre little. Little an sweet.
Vicki smiled back at him. Stick to the subject,
William. How did Denton walk?
On his feet. Haw!
125

Bill, be serious! I mean his gaitslow or fast,


or For instance, did he stand erect and walk with a
vigorous step?
Thats about right.
Did he wear glasses? Bill nodded. Did he have
aa stubborn look? Bill nodded to that, too. And
what about his voice?
Good grief, Vicki, how do I know? I never
talked to the man.
All right, youve told me all I need. Thanks.
Vicki drew a deep breath. The descriptions of
Edward Denton and the old woman tallied. Her
theory was right, notwithstanding her inability to
figure out how Denton had changed into womans
clothes, right there in the bank. She wished she
knew. If she could find her-him, shed know the
answer.
Oh, Bill! I just remembered
Now what, pigeon?
I dont suppose Skip Barker ever showed up at
your field the day after I left?
No, he didnt.
Vicki thought she knew why. Barker was afraid
that she had gone to the police after the story of the
old woman had appeared in the newspaper. He
probably suspected that she had told the police about
his appointment with her at Avery Airport.
They crossed Lambert Field and climbed into
126

Bills DC-3. While they waited for the radio control


tower to give them permission to take off, Vicki
looked a little desperately out the plane window. She
wished she could stay here in St. Louis, now,
tonight, and begin her search.
Well, she couldnt very well, with no preparations
made. But she was determined to come back very
soon. Tomorrow.

127

CHAPTER XI

Second Chance

A soft tongue licked Vickis face. She opened her


eyes and for a moment had to think where she was.
Then she saw the spaniel, the blue curtains at the
balcony, and a blue sky beyond. The clock said ten,
but Vicki was to sleepy to care, this Monday
morning. Except that shed missed seeing Ginny and
her father, by sleeping late, and wouldnt see them
now until dinnertime.
Ginny does want to see you as soon as possible.
Vickis mother gave her breakfast and joined her in
a second cup of coffee.
I know, Mother. Ginny and her friends want to
get on with their Wing Scout work.
Theyre halfway through their ground-school
studies already! Although not all the girls planned
to learn to fly, they all realized they lived in an air
age and wanted to learn as much as they could about
it. Their high-school science teacher was their leader
in this special Girl Scout course. But, Mrs. Barr
128

reminded Vicki, the teen-agers hoped that someone


with a pilots license would appear as their good
angel. And youre the someone, Vicki.
Id love to do it, but when? IIm planning to
go to St. Louis.
Whatever for? Oh, you mean just a quick flight
over and back. Vicki nodded. She hoped her errand
would be quickand successful. If you have time
when youre in St. Louis, dear, will you call up Cora
Wilson for me? I owe her a letter. Just say hello and
tell her Ill write soon.
Of course. Mrs. Wilson was an old school
friend of Vickis mother.
And will you stop in somewhere and buy
yourself a bottle of perfume for your birthday, when
it comes, from me?
No, said Vicki, laughing. Thank you very
much, anyway. She noticed a man working in the
yard. Whos that?
Richard Workforth. I told you, didnt I, that hes
doing odd jobs again. This is the first day the
weathers been good enough to permit him to work
outdoors.
Vicki said thoughtfully, Id like to talk to him, if
youll excuse me.
Be tactful. Hes still upset over what happened,
her mother called after her.
Vicki found a pinched old man puttering around
129

with the hedge shears. Vicki was shocked.


Workforth had aged startlingly. He had not looked
as beaten as this when he was doing hand-to-mouth
jobs last year, when he had worked here.
Hello, Mr. Workforth, Im glad to see you
again, Vicki said, with as much encouragement as
she could muster.
The old man nodded courteously, vaguely. He
dropped the shears but did not seem to notice. Vicki
picked them up.
Its good to see the sun again, isnt it? she said.
Its a nice day to be working outdoors.
Yes, miss. But Id ruther have my reglar job.
He sighed. My own fault I lost it, I guess. I keep
thinkin and thinkin about what happened
He rambled around the yard, muttering half to
himself. He couldnt get it straight in his head, he
said, just couldnt figure it out. Some people said Ed
Denton ran off with the pay roll, but old Workforth
didnt believe it.
Such a nice feller. You cant tell me he did it!
Workforths watery eyes met Vickis. No, miss, not
a good feller like that.
Like what, for instance? Vicki prompted.
Well, his boy. His son. You take the way Ed felt
about that boy of his. A person thats no good, thatd
steal, he wouldnt care about his kid the way Ed
Denton does.
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Vicki pricked up her ears. She had heard Mr. Cox


at the bank mention Dentons son. But the
newspaper and radio had not mentioned this possible
angle of the case. She did not agree with Workforth
that a man who was good to his child would do
nothing very bad. Might not a man steal for his son?
Does Dentons son ever come to Fairview?
No, miss. Hes never been in Fairview, far as I
know. Denton keeps the boy in a real good school, a
boardin school. Thats why Ed worked so hard, to
pay the school bill. He was always sendin the boy
presents, too.
Where is the boys mother? Vicki asked.
Shes dead. There aint no other children. Ed
just has the one boy. And so good to him! Thats
why I dont believe
Vicki asked the old man a few more questions.
She learned the boys name was Peter, that he was
fourteen years old, and that the school where he
studied and lived was not far from St. Louis. St.
Louis! Was that coincidence or something more?
Vickis impatience to go to St. Louis returned
with a rush. She glanced at her wrist watch and the
clear sky. It was midmorning, perfect flying
weather. Shed better get started. No point in
lingering here; the old man was too upset to tell her
much more.
Saying good-by to him, Vicki went into the house
131

for her purse and a warmer coat. She called to her


mother, busy in the sun porch, to say where she was
going.
Will you be home by nightfall, Vicki?
Oh, yes, Vicki answered. Even at the moment,
she wondered if she werent being a little too
confident. But she snatched up her things and was
on her way.
Avery Airport stretched broad and empty this
weekday morning, with only a trainer plane buzzing
in circles overhead. Bill must be giving someone a
flying lesson. Shed like to say hello to him before
she started off to St. Louis.
She found Jack at work in the plane-filled hangar.
He told Vicki that the airport had done a lively
business the past week end.
I was off the field buying parts Saturday
morning. The mechanic clambered up a ladder to a
plane engine. Bill says so many people came out
that he had his hands full. A little better weather,
and folks come out here like bees around a
honeycomb.
She stood watching Jack, her hand resting on the
wing of the Cub. A matter she had half forgotten
popped back into her mind. Jack wouldnt object if
she sat in the Cub.
Vicki picked up a portable light and climbed into
the plane. Both Jack and Bill, as well as the Deer
132

Park mechanic, had said the Cub was mechanically


perfect. Nevertheless, Vicki was dissatisfied.
Something must have caused the Cub to veer to the
left, on that first flight with the old lady, and she
wanted to know what it was.
Nothing had been wrong with the pilots set of
controls. Therefore something may have gone wrong
with the student controls where the old woman sat.
Gone wrong or been interfered with. Vicki slid to
the second seat, the students or passengers seat,
and began to probe with the light. She saw nothing
unusual. Well, if her eyes couldnt see any cause,
her fingers might locate something. Sensitively she
touched the left pedal, inch by inch, and came to a
spot that felt very slightly warped. On this she
trained the electric bulb. Sure enough, the head of
the pedal was a little indented. Something heavy
heavier than the pressure of a foothad been
wedged in there and had left its mark. Heavy
enough, too, to swing the plane to the left.
So it wasnt just a strong wind or an error on my
part! Vicki said to herself. What heavy weight did
the old woman have? Something that she wedged in
there, on the floor
Why, of course! The big bag which she had
guarded so suspiciously! She had had nothing else
heavy. If, as Vicki figured earlier, the bag contained
the missing thirty thousand dollars cash, some of it
133

in coins, plus some provisions for hiding out, plus a


gun and heaven knew what weapons or toolswell,
that would add up to quite a weight!
Vicki remembered how, on the second trip, she
had innocently volunteered to stow the big bag
farther back in the cabin, out of the way. The old
woman had refused. No wonder!
There he is again, said Jack. That man who
was here last week looking for you.
Who? Vickis heart jumped an extra beat.
That man wandering around the office shack.
Almost too good to be true! She was getting a
second chance. The man in the gaudy suit was Skip
Barker.
He was risking being picked up by the police, in
coming here. He must have been watching a long
time to see when the road would be clear. Vicki
wished she had a few moments to notify the police
that he was here. But she had no such chanceand
she did not want to lose touch with Barker.
Hello, there! Vicki hurried out of the hangar
toward him. Mr. Barker!
He turned and a look of the greatest relief came
over his face. He broke into a run, dragging a
suitcase. He and Vicki met alongside the near
runway.
Golly, Miss Barr, am I glad to see you! Where
you been?
134

Away on my job. He looked as if he did not


believe her. Whereve you been?
II couldnt come Saturday. Becauseuh
He decided not to give an excuse. Well, lets not
waste time, huh? Im mighty glad to see you now.
Skip Barker added, Sos I can get news of my poor
old mother.
Vicki looked doubtfully at Barker. His poor old
mother, indeed! If youre so worried about your
mother, why didnt you go to Jackson? How come
youve stayed in Fairview all this time?
Whyuhwhy
She knew the reason. He had stayed in order to
gee Vicki Barr, to learn something from her that he
urgently needed to know.
From Saturday to Monday is a long time, Mr.
Barker. You couldnt expect to find your mother in
Fairview when you know shed left here.
Skip Barker floundered. As a matter of fact, I
been askin around, all over Fairview, where shes
gone to. I asked the folks she stayed with, and and
the flood relief office, and
Come on, Mr. Barker, lets by-pass all this talk
and get to the point. What is it you want of me? You
think know somethingahunusual about your
mother, is that it?
He gave her a long, cold look. Vicki waited.
I got to know where you flew the old woman.
135

I see no reason to tell you that. Shes not your


mother.
Barker hesitated. They were bargaining now.
All right, she aint my mother. Youre a smart
girl. I figured what you been up to. He did not
mention that he had been dodging the Fairview
police. So you know she aint my mother and you
probably know she aint even a woman, but a man.
Youre on the track of this, so okay, you tell me
what I want to know, and Ill tell you the rest. What
dyou say?
Vicki did not believe for a moment that Skip
Barker was going to tell her the whole story. He
would tell her only as much as he had to, in order to
accomplish his own purpose, whatever that was. But
anything Barker told her, no matter how
fragmentary, would guide her. Vicki was careful to
keep her eagerness out of her face.
Its like this, he said, sounding very
confidential. That man you flew out of Fairview,
hes mixed up in the bank robbery. You know that. I
guess the police know it, too, huh? Vicki shrugged.
Ill bet you flew him to St. Louis, didnt you?
Vicki did not answer but her eyes must have
given her away.
I knew it! Barker shouted. He run back quick
to home base. Now listen to me. Im goin to tell
you the truth, so help me. Im puttin it up to you. I
136

got to get to St. Louis. Right away. That means fly.


Will you help me? Youre in this thing part way
already, he pleaded. Help me out.
Why should I do that for you?
Look. Theres a reward bein offered for that
bank robber. A big, juicy reward. You dont even
know his right name, do you? And I know, as sure
as I know anything, that hes still in St. Louis. You
fly me to St. Louis, and well split the reward. Dont
you want to make a pile of money? he coaxed.
Just for a short hop? Come on, youre a smart girl.
Be smart now.
Vicki realized that Barker had no other way to get
out of Fairview and to get his share of the loot than
with her help. She was not gullible enough to
believe, though, in Barkers flattery and promises.
Why do you think Im so crazy to get to St.
Louis if he aint there? Hes there, I tell you. And I
know where to find him. He cant hide from me.
Vicki pounced. You and the other man are
friends? Pals? Accomplices was what she meant.
Skip Barkers eyebrows went up. None of your
business, he growled.
It wasnt hard to guess that Barker had come to
Fairview to help the so-called old woman with the
bank robbery. Vicki regretted her blunt question.
Now Barker was doubly on his guard with her.
All right, Vicki said disarmingly. As long as
137

you say you can find him in St. Louis, Im


satisfied. For that was precisely what she needed to
learn. But bow could she be sure Skip Barker wasnt
lying, or simply making use of her?
Well? Will you fly me? Come on, I aint got all
day.
Youre asking a lot of me. What about some
token of good faith on your part, Mr. Barker?
If you mean can I pay you
Not only that. Have you some identification?
He pulled out of his pocket an expensive-looking
leather wallet. Here, you can keep this. And heres
my paperssee, a lot of papers but no money. But
the wallets worth a lot.
Vicki looked at the identification papers. Drivers
license, hunting and fishing license, a postmarked
letter, a business card. She was not too surprised to
see that the name on these was not Skip Barker. The
name was William Clerke, and she half-consciously
memorized the address: 3030 Sky Line Drive, St.
Louis.
All right, Mr. Barkeror Mr. Clerke. Vicki
tucked the wallet deep in her pocket. I dont want
to keep your wallet or your papers permanently. Ill
give them back to you in St. Louis.
He seemed surprised but was quick to say,
Okay. Now we go, hey? Wheres your plane?
For one last minute Vicki hesitated. Suppose this
138

second shady passenger also pulled a gun on her,


once they were aloft? She did not think he would,
somehow. Barker was too eager to reach St. Louis to
make things difficult for his pilot. But even if she
had to take a chance, it was worth it! She sought
clues with which to solve this mysterywith which
to help Richard Workforthand Skip Barker knew
those clues. He knew a great deal. Perhaps
everything. Vicki did not wish to lose track of
Barker a second time. No matter how much Barker
lied or evaded, some of what he had told her was
credibleand useful to her.
Ill get the Cub gassed up, she said.
When they climbed into the Cub, Vicki noticed
that Barker was extremely nervous.
Aint this an awful frail craft?
Its small but sturdy. You arent used to flying,
are you?
I never flew before.
That meant Barker had come to Fairview,
probably from St. Louis, by train or automobile.
Since the distance was not great, and since Fairview
was a local stop with limited train service, Vicki
figured that Barker had come by car, while the roads
were still open. She asked boldly:
Are you leaving your car in Fairview?
He turned red and refused to answer. A car! Here
was a new factor in the robbery, but she had no time
139

now to think about it. Jack was spinning the


propeller for her.
The flight to St. Louis went uneventfully. Vicki
knew the route so well by now that flying it took
only part of her attention. With another part of her
mind she attempted to estimate how much Skip
Barkeror William Clerkeknew about the theft
of the pay roll.
Well, he might know everything up to the point
where the old womanor rather, Denton, in all
probabilityleft the bank unnoticed. But Barker did
not know exactly where the first man was now, nor
where the loot was, either. Plainly the robber had
run out on Barkerabandoned him, and was
probably cutting Barker out of his share of the loot.
Thats why Barker was so anxious to learn from
Vicki Barr where she had flown the old woman, and
why he wanted to go there as fast as possible. Barker
wanted his share of the thirty thousand dollars.
Her passenger tapped her on the shoulder. Barker
shouted, What airfield did you let him off at?
Vicki shouted back, Ill tell you when we get
there.
For if Barker needed her, she also needed him.
She had better look sharp when their wheels touched
ground.
The sky line of St. Louis came into view.
140

CHAPTER XII

The Wallet

Vicki came in low over Seaveys Field. It was the


same small airport where she had brought the old
woman. She watched the ground for a signal to land,
since the field was busy this sunny noon, and flew
around in the traffic pattern meanwhile.
Whats the matter? Barker shouted. Where are
we?
Relax, Vicki called back. Were at Seaveys.
Way out here at the edge of the city Then he
couldnt very wellve gone to
Vicki saw a man on the ground waving her in and
indicating the north-south runway. She ignored
Barkers excited talk in order to glide in and make a
safe landing. She taxied the Cub as the man
motioned her to do, then came to a stop.
Instantly Skip Barker tried to open the plane door.
Vickis hand reached the handle first, blocking him.
Just a minute, Mr. Barker.
I aint runnin out on you, he said aggrievedly.
141

Do you think Id pull a trick like that? Come on,


open the door.
Wait. Vicki explained that she had to tie down
the plane, and she expected Barker to help her. Then
she expected him to walk with her to the office
where she would pay a tie-down fee. If you run
away, Mr. Barker, Ill yell my head off. All these
people will hear me. You dont want that, Im sure.
Quit talkin that way. How could I run away
from you in broad daylight? Anyways, I promised
you, didnt I? Hows about givin me my wallet
back?
Not yet.
Barker stayed beside her, meekly enough, while
she tied the plane wing to a rope attached to a stake
sunk in the earth. They started to walk toward the
office, skirting other parked planes, brushing past
pilots and mechanics. Vicki took the precaution of
placing her hand firmly on Barkers arm.
Where do you think your man is? she asked.
Holy cats, how do I know?
A little while ago you told me you knew.
Aw, Ill find him! You cant make me out a
liar!
They were walking now at the edge of the
airfield, parallel to the highway. There was no fence.
Vicki tightened her grip on Barkers arm. Noise
from traffic, especially buses at the airport bus stop,
142

made it necessary for Vicki to raise her voice.


St. Louis is a big place. Where are you going to
start looking?
Ill show you where. Easier t show you than tell
you. Be a nice girl and give me back that wallet
now, huh? Its valuable, I need it.
He was terribly nervous, striding at a pace that
made Vicki almost run.
Pretty soon. Itll take us just a minute to pay the
tie-down fee, and then we can start look
Suddenly he jerked his arm loose from her grip
and ran, heading for a bus marked Downtown.
Vicki was so astonished that it took her a moment to
shout: Barker! Stop! She saw him swing himself
aboard the bus just as its door was closing.
Vicki ran blindly, but the bus was already rolling
down the highway. Frantically she looked around
for a taxi. Not a vacant taxi in sight! Cars and trucks
whizzed past her, and a driver shouted a warning to
step back. She threaded her way among speeding
cars to the safety of the field. Another bus marked
Downtown stood waiting.
Driver! How soon do you leave?
Ten minutes.
Ten! How do I get a taxi way out here?
Telephone, lady. Or pray.
And the tie-down fee was not paid yet! She could
not leave the field until that was done, not if she
143

wanted to get Bills Cub back without a great deal of


difficulty. Vicki plodded back to the airfield office.
She had to wait in line to pay her fee, while a
transient pilot asked endless questions. No point in
chasing Barker now! She burned with impatience,
and with anger at Barker.
Now I see why hes called Skip, she said to
herself. Well, I should have expected him to skip
out on me. Downtown. The heart of the city! Even if
Id followed him within a minute or two, I could
never catch him in the crowd. All those stores, all
those buildings and busesits easy to disappear in
a city.
Yet she must find Skip Barker, because he was
her only clue to the old woman. Vicki brightened.
The wallet! She had Barkers address and his real
name. Or was that too good to be true? She checked
with the telephone book. A William Clerke was
listed at the address on the identification papers. In
her relief Vicki calmed down and even stopped for a
sandwich at the airport lunchroom.
She inquired of a bus driver how to reach 3030
Sky Line Drive. It was a long distance, since St.
Louis covered a big area and included several
suburbs. Vicki decided to go by bus, because a taxi
would be expensive and only a few minutes faster.
It was a maddening ride. She had not realized on
previous visits how leisurely and dignified St. Louis
144

wasand how spread out, in orderly fashion, over


miles and miles and miles! A beautiful city, a
historic and stately city with Indian, French, and
German antecedents, but Vicki was in no mood for
sightseeing. The unhurried friendliness of St.
Louisans, taking their time getting on and off the
bus, nearly drove Vicki crazy. The bus passed the
great plaza on the Mississippi River, and the Old
Cathedral, and the Old Courthouse in which the
Dred Scott decision was made, but Vicki scarcely
saw them.
Relax, she told herself. Barker may not even
be at home. I may have to wait hours for him. Hmm!
Suppose he sees me coming and wont let me in?
If the address turned out to be an apartment
building, maybe the superintendent would let her in.
Or suppose it were a house? Would she be less
noticeable if she applied to the back door of
Barkersor Clerkeshouse instead of the main
entrance? Not if Barker was on the lookout for her,
or was at this moment carefully describing her to
people at that address. There was something else!
Suppose it wasnt Barkers home butwhat? The
address of his accomplices? Just what a girl alone
should not walk into.
Finally, after transferring twice, Vicki stepped out
of the bus. She was within walking distance of Sky
Line Drive. As she walked, the houses and gardens
145

grew larger and more beautiful. Vickis surprise


grew, too. What was a character like Skip Barker
doing in this substantial neighborhood, among the
quiet, respectable men and women she saw driving
along? Despite her worries, Vicki paused to admire
the wealth of spring flowers. Lilacs, bridal wreath,
dogwood, flowering peach, and almond were all
coming into fragrant bloom, and a mass of color.
The house numbered 3030 was set well back
from the street, as if its owner desired privacy. Vicki
took a long breath before she started up the walk to
the colonnaded porch and the heavy oak door. No
telling what she was walking into. She made a
nervous joke with herself that either a butler or a
thug would answer her ring.
Instead, an elderly man opened the door. He had a
newspaper in his hand, and reading glasses pushed
up on his forehead. He looked at Vicki curiously but
pleasantly enough.
Im sorry to disturb you, sir, but Im looking for
Mr. William Clerke.
I am William Clerke.
You areI beg your pardon, Mr. Clerke. This is
awfully confusing. Perhaps its your son Im looking
for?
I have no son. Only Mrs. Clerke and I live here,
and our housekeeper. May I ask how you learned
my name and address?
146

Vicki felt an abrupt misgiving. The man looked


thoroughly respectable, but by now she was inclined
to doubt everyone. A rush of shyness engulfed her.
Mr. Clerke, Im afraid someone has played a
trick on me. I wont bother you any further
Not at all. Would you care to come in?
Vicki crossed her fingers and went in. Once
inside, the faintly shabby comfort of the living room
reassured her. This was home, with books and
newspapers and jars of garden flowers, and a cat
dozing in a sunny window. This was no meeting
place or false front.
Please sit down, said Mr. Clerke, easing his
spare figure into a chair. Ill ask Annie to bring you
a cup of coffee, if you like. Vicki smiled and shook
her head. Now tell me what the trouble is.
Its about a wallet, Mr. Clerke.
Why, thats funny! I lost an alligator wallet, dark
brown, containing my drivers license, and my
hunting and fishing license, andI forget what
else.
He had described exactly the wallet which Skip
Barker gave her. Vicki put her hand on it in her
pocket. So Skip had thrown her completely off his
track! She had presence of mind enough to ask a
question.
Would you mind telling me, Mr. Clerke, where
and when you lost your wallet?
147

It was stolen from meoh, almost a year ago.


Mrs. Clerke and I went out to Mississippi Park,
thats a dog track and amusement park. After wed
been there a couple of hours, I started to pay for
refreshments but my wallet was missing. I suppose
someone in the crowd picked my pocket. I notified
the authorities, and had those licenses rendered
invalid, but I never did get the wallet back.
Vicki could guess who had picked Mr. Clerkes
pocket. She produced the wallet. Is this yours?
Yes! By George! Im glad to see that again. As
Vicki handed it over to him, he looked at her
curiously. How did you get it, Missah?
Vicki Barr. I hope you dont think I had
anything to do with stealing it. It came into my
hands fromin a roundabout way.
I can see you arent the type to go around
picking pockets, Miss Barr. He chuckled. Well,
Im obliged to you for returning it to me. Is there
something I can do for you, now?
Yes, if you will. Where is Mississippi Park and
how do I get there?
For Vicki figured that a dog track and amusement
park was just the sort of place where Skip Barker,
and others like him, would hang out. She might be
lucky enough to find him there. Anyway, it was the
only lead she had toward finding Barker again. Mr.
Clerke gave her directions for reaching the
148

amusement park.
But it isnt open, Miss Barr. Its a warm-weather
place. Though I think it opens soonwait a
minute. He leafed through the newspaper until he
came to a large advertisement. Here we are.
Mississippi Park opens tomorrow.
Tomorrow! After she had said good-by to Mr.
Clerke, Vicki walked back to the bus route. How
could she stay in St. Louis overnight and possibly
for several days, when she had brought no luggage
and only enough money for the day? It was already
midafternoon.
She considered flying back to Fairview at once
and starting out afresh tomorrow. But it would be
difficult to return to St. Louis much before noon
tomorrow, and that meant a morning wasted. Worse,
Vicki suspected that her family would insist that she
remain at home to rest, and that meant an argument.
And she might lose the argument, too. She
remembered with exasperation the time she had
been in St. Louis with the old woman, the time she
had been here for her Federal job, and had wanted so
badly to stayand it had taken her all this time to
get back here.
Im here now, finally, and I must stay here,
Vicki thought. Of course I could sit on a bench in
Union Station all night. Thats a safe place and no
charge. Wouldnt I be a wreck tomorrow! Whats
149

the matter with me? How could I forget Cora


Wilson? Maybe shell take pity on Betty Barrs
daughter.
Vicki found a drugstore, then a phone booth and a
directory. She called the Wilsons number. At the
other end the phone rang unanswered for so long
that Vicki sagged against the wall of the booth. At
last a woman answered.
Yes, this is Mrs. Wilson. . . . Why, Vicki, what a
real nice surprise! . . . Yes. Yes, I do. Well, honey,
you tell your mother she doesnt have to hurry about
writing me a letter. . . . Whats that?
I said, would it be convenient for you to let me
stay overnight at your house, please?
Why, Id like nothing better! You know how my
husband and I enjoy having company, specially
young company. The spare bedroom is all ready for
you, Vicki, and you just stay as long as you like!
Vicki perked up at the familiar Middle Western
hospitality. Thats awfully kind of you, Mrs.
Wilson, and a real help to me.
You come right over. What would you like for
dinner? Oh, well have a good, long talk! Where are
you? Ill phone my husband at his office and ask
him to pick you up in the car.
No, no, thank you! Vicki broke in. Im on my
wayandand thanks!
St. Louis was transformed into the friendliest of
150

cities, despite the presence of those two shady men


hiding somewhere here. Vicki dismissed them from
her mind until tomorrow. She stopped to buy a box
of candy for her hostess and to admire the springs
first flowering apple and cherry blossoms, then
boarded a bus which took her across the city again.
Maybe Mr. and Mrs. Wilson would advise or help
her about her errand here. Though she saw them
seldom, the Wilsons were old and good family
friends. Cora Wilson and Betty Barr had gone to
school in St. Louis together at a time when, as
Professor Barr was fond of remarking, St. Louis
girls were famous as the most beautiful girls in
America. Vicki felt sure the Wilsons would help her
on the strength of that long-standing friendship.
She was right. After a cordial welcome and a
happy dinner with two people very like her own
parents, Vicki explained her business in St. Louis.
Albert Wilson did not approve at all. It was far
too risky a venture for a young girl. He wanted to
know why Vicki did not simply leave the matter to
the police. Since Mr. Wilson ten years ago had been
an assistant district attorney, and was now in private
law practice, he knew what Vicki was up against.
But he admitted that because only Vicki and Harold
Mack, who was hospitalized, had actually seen the
mysterious old lady, she did have some obligation.
Mr. Wilsons eyes twinkled. And besides, youre
151

intrigued. Now listen to me, Vicki.


Mr. Wilson gave her sound advice on how best to
search and at the same time how to protect herself.
He approved her plan to look for Barker in the
amusement park.
But dont enter any house alone. This Barker
may set a trap for you. He doesnt want to share the
stolen money or the reward with you. Remember he
wants you out of the way, and be careful.
Mr. Wilson added that friends in the city
government could furnish him access to city realestate records, hotel-residence records, residents and
transients, if Vicki found she needed that
information.
Thank you very much indeed, Mr. Wilson. Its
reassuring to know youre here if I need you.
Cora Wilson beamed. Alberts as intrigued as
you are. Honey, have another piece of cake. Do you
play bridge?
Vicki managed an answer and foresaw how easy
it would be to enjoy herself with Cora Wilson,
instead of searching for Barker and the bank robber.
Oh, my goodness! I completely forgot! May I
use your telephone?
Reversing the charges, Vicki telephoned home to
Fairview to tell her family where she was. They
were not at all surprised to learn that Vicki had
changed her plans and would stay on in St. Louis.
152

Our traveling daughter. Her mother laughed.


Im used to your adventures by now, though Ginny
sayswhat, Ginny? Ginny says to tell you the Wing
Scouts are going ahead without you. Well, have a
good visit and convey our thanks to the Wilsons.
Next, Vicki telephoned Bill Avery to tell him
where his Cub was.
Doggone, Vicki, he exploded, and Vicki could
imagine him brandishing the telephone, I dont care
about the Cub. We dont need it too bad. But when
do I get to see you? Arent you ever comin home?
I did come home. For a rest. Im resting.
I mean stay home, doggone it!
Ill stay home, Bill, when Ive solved this thing.
And I will solve it, so help me.
Vicki hung up to discover Cora Wilson plugging
her ears with her fingersBills shouts had been
loudand Mr. Wilson laughing.
Whos your lively young man?
He certainly is noisy. Vicki told them about the
one and only Bill Avery. Hed be my beau if I ever
stayed in Fairview long enough for a few dates.
But you prefer a couple of thugs. Mr. Wilson
shook his head, laughing, and strolled off into the
library.
Oh, my goodness! I forgot something else!
Vicki gasped. The only clothes I brought are the
ones Im wearing. I should have asked Mother to
153

send
Never mind, Cora Wilson said. Im only a
little bit bigger than you. You may wear some of my
things. Well pin em here and pull em in there, and
theyll fit you.
Vicki giggled. Ill be doing my sleuthing
practically in disguise. You havent a black wig for
me, too, have you?
Wearing different and older-style clothes than
usual was not such a bad idea, Vicki thought, as she
began to plan for tomorrow.

154

CHAPTER XIII

Vicki Overhears

The sun shone on the freshly painted carrousel, and


hawkers were stocking their stands with popcorn
and dolls and cheap watches. For two hours Vicki
had been wandering around, keeping close to the
rifle ranges and games of chance which might attract
a man like Skip Barker. Not many visitors strolled
along the broad walks this morning. Perhaps she had
come too earlybut that was better than being too
late. Perhaps by noon the crowd would swell.
Vicki patiently continued her slow walk, missing
nothing, a bit uncomfortable in Cora Wilsons dress.
She had slicked back her hair and wore dark glasses;
that changed her appearance surprisingly. She tried
to guess what Ginny would say if she could see her
in this outfit. Something for the birds, probably,
although Ginny might envy her sophisticated black
dress.
At noon Vicki paused for breath. Her feet
declared she really had to sit down. Vicki chose an
155

outdoor restaurant, because from the terrace she had


a wide view of the promenade and entrance gate.
She was halfway through a sandwich when a
group of five or six men caught her eye. Cocky,
dressed in flashy sports clothes, they spread
themselves out all over the promenade and talked
loudly as if they owned the place. Vicki was struck
with how much they looked alikethe same cheapsport type. Plainly they were loafers, with time to
kill and money to throw around; they were not men
who worked honestly for a living. And then she saw
Skip Barker in the thick of the gaudy pack. He had a
hat pulled low over his eyes, but she recognized the
rest of his face.
Vicki shrank back. In choosing a spot where she
could see, she had also placed herself in full view. If
Barker noticed her, the game was up. The men,
intent on pointing and cracking jokes, sauntered on.
Vicki quickly paid her check and hurried after them.
She kept a discreet distance behind them, grateful
for new arrivals who filled the walks and gave her a
degree of cover. The men stopped at a rifle range.
Vicki stopped also. She waited twenty minutes
while they shot moving clay ducks. These men were
all too well skilled with guns. Vicki noted grimly
that Skip Barker was the deadliest and fastest shot of
all.
Then they played a gambling game and started an
156

argument with the operator of the concession. Vicki


was appalled at the way all six of them ganged up on
the one man, jeering and bullying, and taking his
best prizes off his shelves. Next, they were attracted
to a side show. Vicki followed them into the tent, for
fear they might go out a back exit. She sat through
an interminable entertainment by dancers who
couldnt dance and worn-out singers whose voices
cracked. Skip and his pals hooted and shouted gibes
at the players.
Pleasant characters, Vicki thought. And this is
what theyre like when theyre in a good humor.
As her eyes adjusted to the semidarkness of the
tent, she scanned the men to see if anyone
resembling the old woman was among them. Or
anyone answering to the description of Edward
Denton. She did not think so.
Out in the sun and air once more, Vicki half hid
under an awning while the men argued about
something. Vicki wanted badly to hear, but was
afraid to edge too close. They sent off the youngest
among them. Vicki watched him hurry to the nearby dog track, passing close by her. As he came back,
Skip rushed toward himdirectly toward Vickiso
close that he brushed her handbag. Vicki held her
breath. Skip kept right on going! He did not
recognize her! She felt emboldened.
Track aint open yet! Skip yelled to the others.
157

Come on. Lets go back, huh?


Did she dare trail them to their haunts? She had
seconds in which to decide. Well, Skip hadnt
recognized her close upthough he was busy at that
moment. Would these middle-aged clothes fool him
again?
The men started for the gate. Vicki stood frozen.
Then abruptly she ran after them. They whistled for
a taxino buses for this self-indulgent crewand
all six of them piled in. Luck was with her. A second
taxi had pulled up at their whistle. Vicki got in.
Where to, miss?
Im going with those other people. Just follow
the taxi ahead of us. Butbut not too close. Its a
joke, you see? Skip Barker must not notice that he
was being followed.
She wondered where the trail would lead. The
two taxis drove to downtown St. Louis. So far, so
good, though Vicki was anxious about losing
Barkers cab on a change of traffic lights. Her driver
was skillful, however, and the taxi ahead remained
in her sight. It drove into a shabbier neighborhood,
near the docks, and Vickis cab followed. Then
down a poor, narrow street they went. The first cab
slowed and Vicki called hastily:
Driver! Stop here! Right now! She wanted to
get out about a block behind Barker.
Her taxi ground to a sharp stop. This okay?
158

Yes, fine.
Vicki sat watching. Skip Barker and the men
were climbing out of the first taxi and entering an
ordinary cigar-and-stationery store. She waited until
the last man was inside, then paid her driver and got
out herself, reluctant to abandon the safety of the
cab.
She felt conspicuous, vulnerable, on the street.
Barker might stroll out of the store at any minute
and see her. She crossed to the same side of the
street as the cigar store and hugged the buildings,
noting spots where she could duck if she had to. A
ten-cent store had a wide, deep entrance; she could
stand in there and still see Barker through the plateglass windows and the display of merchandise.
Vicki made herself stand there three minutes by her
watch, in case the men came right out again.
However, it was very unlikely that they would take a
taxi to this particular cigar store if all they wanted
was to buy cigarettes. Her heart pounded.
What are they doing in there? she wondered.
What goes on in that cigar store?
Vicki moved cautiously down the street. One or
two people glanced at her but went on by. She
passed a small butcher shop, a shabby radio-repair
shop, and next came the cigar store. Vicki hesitated.
Out in front stood a stand with newspapers. She
fished in her purse for coins, dropped the right sum
159

on the stand, and took a newspaper. Unfolding and


holding it before her so that she was hidden by it,
Vicki slowly walked two more steps, pretending to
read. With head still lowered, she looked over the
top of the newspaper into the cigar store. The door
stood open. The store was empty!
There she stood, holding the newspaper wide
open until her arms ached. Where had the men
gone? Peering again, she noticed a door at the rear
of the store. Apparently it led into a back room;
Barker and the rest must be there. For endless
minutes she waited, but still no one re-entered the
store. She noticed that a few passers-by purchased
newspapers from the stand, but not one of them
went into the cigar store.
It had no name. Just the usual advertisements of
standard tobacco brandsnothing more.
I cant stand here all day. Do I go in or dont I?
Mr. Wilson had warned her against going into
buildings alone. Still, this store was visible to people
on the street, its door was open to the street. Skip
had not recognized her at the park. If he did
recognize her in the store, what would she say?
Well, she had a right to enter a store without
explaining to Skip Barker! Especially this store,
with its back room that had swallowed up the men?
Curiosity got the better of her. Vicki went in,
careful to walk softly, and went to stand in a
160

telephone booth. If Barker came out front, she could


turn her back and close the door of the booth. For
the first few seconds inside the store, fear rendered
her numb. Then, as nothing happened, her fear
subsided and her senses began to register.
Loud voices were coming from that back room.
The back door had swung open a couple of inches.
Vicki could not see in there nor be seen, but she
could hear.
All the voices were mens voices. All of them
were rough and angry.
You saw The Actor last! Well, so? You should
know!
Yeah, you was there, right there, you big dope.
Whaddaya think we paid your expenses for? For
love?
Now, look This was Skip Barkers strained
voice. I aint as smart as The Actor and thats no
secret. Hes smartern any of you lugs, too. How
should I know where hes at? Whose idea was it?
Vicki listened, baffled. Who was The Actor?
What expenses had the men paid for Skip Barker?
She missed part of the conversation, and listened
tensely.
Aw, he makes me sick, a deep voice
complained. We all got together on plannin it, but
then The Actor talks us into keepin out. Just me
and Skip, he says. Only need two. More would
161

louse up the job. And we fell for that!


Yeah, The Actor couldnt let moren two of us
go, because he figured to cut out the rest of the
organization from the take, another voice said
resentfully.
Their talk was beginning to make sense to Vicki.
The ActorSkip didnt know where he was. Skip
Barker didnt know where Denton was. Denton had
acted the role of company cashier, then the role of
old woman. And this was the gang behind him! In
her excitement Vicki did not notice a man come in
from the street, but he did notice the girl in the
phone booth.
Wheres the boss? he asked her in a low voice.
She jumped. II dont know. His eyes shifted
to the back room.
Was this man going into the back room and
maybe mention her presence here? He studied Vicki,
obviously a stranger to this mean street, helped
himself to a pack of cigarettes, left coins on the
counter, and walked out on the sidewalk again.
That was a close call!
Vicki did not want to push her luck. She ought to
go while the going was still good. If the telephone
rang in this booth and someone came to answer it
while she was here . . .
He aint gonna cheat me! a voice burst out. I
got a right, we all got a right, to that thirty grand. I
162

always said The Actor was crooked. Cheatin on his


buddies!
So howre we goin to get it?
First, we got to find him.
Thats a brilliant remark. A genius.
Skip Barker said shakily, I dont think well find
him in any hurry. Yesterday I looked for him, after I
ditched a kid that flew me here. Vicki burned at the
negligent, almost contemptuous way he referred to
her. I tried all The Actors night spots and I ast
everybody, up to midnight, but Hes hid real
good.
The deep voice, apparently a leaders, asked,
You still think The Actor is here in town?
Sure he is, Vicki heard Skip say. He wouldnt
ever get too far away from that boy of his. Even if
he almost never visits the kid, he wants to be near
him. And thats how
That boy of his. Vickis heart pounded. The Actor
was positively Denton!
thats the way we can smoke him out of
hiding. Only I dont like jobs like that, much.
What do you care, Skip? You got plenty reason
to be sore at The Actor. He run out on you, left you
in the lurch, left you stuck with the car.
A cara getaway car, whose existence she had
guessed atit did exist, then!
The fact he didnt use the car you had waitin,
163

Skipdont you get it? It proves The Actor planned


all along to hog the whole loot.
Vicki was amused to note that Skip Barker did
not mention his ruse of falling downand the delay
he had not counted on, waiting for an insurance
doctor!
Yeah, whats your idea of findin The Actor,
Skip? Somethin about Petey?
Richard Workforth had told her about a boy of
fourteen, named Peter, at school near St. Louis. She
listened again, but the conversation grew
meaningless to Vicki. Only bits and pieces of what
followed made sense.
We flush him out, and Petey is how.
You mean a big job?
Well, I dont say I want to do it, its nasty if we
get caught. But Petey is the surest way.
You mean go up to that little village, whats its
name?
Belleville, said Barkers voice. Vicki had never
heard of it. I dont like kidnapin. Peteys a nice
kid.
Dont get mushy. Its business.
Yeah, said Skip Barker. Ill be hanged if Ill
let The Actor cheat me, I mean us, out of thirty
grand. We got to force his hand.
How we goin to do it?
Simple. Go to Belleville and ask for Petey Bla
164


Vicki did not catch the last name. It was not
Denton, of that much she was sure. Then was the
Petey they talked about not Dentons son?
Sure, its simple.
The plan did not sound simple or even clear to
Vicki who listened in horrorkidnaping!and in
fear lest someone discover her now. Belleville. Was
it near St. Louis? Go to Belleville and ask for Petey
Bla
You look the most respectable, Skip. You go to
Belleville, said the deep voice. And Snorky and
Tiny go. You bums remember to wear ties and shave
that day.
Hey! It was Barker again. What do I tell em
at Belleville? Were goin on a picnic, huh?
No, Skip, no. You couldnt fool em with that.
Say its foruha trip to the dentist.
Was this a code phrase? Vicki wondered. Did it
stand for kidnaping? Like taken for a ride
What day, boss?
I know somepin, said a younger voice eagerly.
Friday theyre havin a track meet with another
school. Yep, at Belleville, right in the hick village.
Therell be a lot of people around, so the job would
be a cinch on Friday.
Kidnaping Peter from the school on Fridaythen
these men, using the boy as hostage, could force
165

Dentonor The Actor as they called himto cut


them in on the thirty thousand. Poor Petey!
Vicki felt sick just thinking about a kidnaping.
She tiptoed out of there, out of that wretched and
evil little store. This Friday! Or sooner!
Now she was on her own. She no longer had any
illusion that Skip Barker might help her
voluntarily, that is.
What should she do with the information she had
just gleaned? Her first impulse was to report the
planned kidnaping to the police at once. But if she
did that openly, The Actor would not come out of
hiding. Vicki wanted as badly as Skip and his gang
to find the bank robber. So did the police. She must
find a subtler, indirect way.
Should she simply go to Belleville? But to
approach (or even locate) an unknown person of
whose last name she was unsureto interfere in a
kidnap planwere dangerous moves. At least if she
had a little more information, she might avoid some
of the danger. The information had to come from a
gang member, and she knew only oneSkip Barker.
Vicki had reached the ten-cent store entrance and
there she loitered, half hidden from the street. She
was waiting for Skip Barker to come out.
Curious, how the change in her physical location
put her in a different bargaining position toward
Barker. In the cigar store shed feared hed find
166

herbecause she had no right to be eavesdropping


in that store. But for her to confront Barker boldly
on the public streetto take the initiative herself
instead of being on the defensivewas quite
another matter. Vicki still had qualms, but they were
chiefly lest Barker brush her off. She would have to
be ingenious about persuading him to talk.
A few minutes later Skip did come out, but not
alone. Two of the gang were with him. As they
walked toward the ten-cent store, Vicki could not
screw up enough courage to face all three of them.
Courage or folly? They passed her. She let them get
nearly half a block ahead of her, and then started to
trail them.
At a main intersection Barkers companions left
him. Barker went ahead by himself, window
shopping, in no hurry, and once he stopped and
counted the change in his pocket. He stopped in
front of a barbershop.
Oh, no! Vicki groaned to herself. Do I have to
wait around while Skip Barker gets a shave and a
haircut?
Mr. Barker evidently considered himself
handsome enough already, for he preened at his
reflection in the polished barbershop window and
strutted on.
Two blocks farther on he turned down a shabby
street, Vicki after him. Rows of rooming houses
167

stood here, with a few stringy potted plants trying to


bloom on window sills. Vicki was interested to see
Skip enter one of the best-kept rooming houses on
the block, with freshly washed stone steps and
starched lace curtains. This looked like a house she
need not be afraid to enter, though you never could
tell from the outside.
Vicki mounted the steps and rang the bell. A neat
older woman answered. Vicki said she would like to
see Mr. Barker.
Ill ask him to step downstairs to the parlor.
The woman went to the staircase and called, Oh,
Mr. Barker! Theres a visitor to see you.
There was a cautious silence. Skip called back:
Who is it?
Vicki smilingly shook her head at the landlady. I
want to surprise him, she whispered. Just say a
young lady.
Its a young lady! The landlady tactfully
disappeared into the parlor.
Skip came down the stairs in his shirt sleeves, a
flattered grin on his face. When he saw Vicki, his
face registered surprise.
Hello, Mr. Barker. I have a message from
For a moment he seemed uncertain about the
sophisticated lady in black. Then he peered again at
the face under the slicked-back hair and the
sunglasses.
168

Wow! Barr! said Skip Barker, and scuttled up


the stairs. Vicki went right after him. She had been
quick to note that, coatless, he had no gun, so she
ran after him, calling:
I have a message for you from Ed Denton!
You have not! Dont shout that name!
Skip scooted like a rabbit down the hall of the
second floor, past closed bedroom doors. Vicki
chased him to the end of the hall. Down there a door
was open. He darted in there, Vicki after him. He
ducked out a back door. It took Vicki a few seconds
to catch sight of him again. He was running along
the hall.
Go away, you pest! shouted Barker.
Im not going to pester you! Listen to me
Down the hall to the front of the house Barker
ran, Vicki at his heels. She almost clutched his
sleeve but tripped against some large wooden frames
on which freshly washed lace curtains were drying.
At the staircase Barker hesitated. If he raced
down, arousing the landlady, and fled out the front
door to the street But he went up. So he didnt
want a scene!
Vicki started to scramble up after him when she
saw what he faced. Skip tugged frantically at a
locked door leading to the roof. No use. The lock
held. He glared down at Vicki. He braced himself,
as if planning to run down again with such force as
169

to knock her aside. She had to think fast.


Stay where you are or Ill yell! she warned.
Ill shout so loud the whole neighborhood will
come runningand asking questions!
Skip Barker saw that Vicki had him cornered on
the stairs, and he slumped.
All right, Mr. Barker, now will you talk to me?
All right, lets get it over with, he said
reluctantly. You came about the reward, huh? That
deal is offI dont know where Denton is.
Never mind the reward
What do you want? Youre sore at me. If you
double-cross me, Ill pay you back!
Im not going to do anything to you, Vicki said.
Im not angry with you. Calm down.
Barker was puzzled. You said you have a
message?
Sort of a message. Its Vicki realized that in
order to coax information out of Barker, first she
had to give him some informationor pretend to.
Its something you ought to know about Petey.
Petey! Blackburns kid! Barker exclaimed
nervously. So the name was Blackburn. Then the
name Denton was an alias. What do you know
about the kid? His face grew quite red. He came
down a few steps.
I know several things, Vicki answered. She
must be careful not to let on that she knew of the
170

kidnap plan. Peteys fourteen and hes in school at


Belleville, isnt he?
Barker was so surprised that he nodded. Good.
This verified that she had understood the gangs
conversation correctly.
Thats right, Skip growled. Howd you find
out so much?
Vicki told him about Workforth. She had to, and
anyway, why not? Skip listened with spiteful
amusement.
Say, thats a good joke on The Actor. Thinks
hes so smart and here a snip of a girl from a hick
town knows about the most important thing in his
life. Why, hed do anything in the world for his kid.
Petey dont know how his old man makes his
money. Petey thinks his father is a swell guy. The
Actord sooner die than have the kid know the truth.
I guess he aint so smart at that.
Barker guffawed, and Vicki thought, Poor
Petey. Abruptly Skip Barker glared at her again.
So whats the message you got for me?
Well, II wondered Vicki swallowed hard.
You know She cast about wildly for an idea.
You know, Easter is coming soon, andahthe
boy will be lonesome if someone doesnt send him
an Easter message or a present or something. Skip
Barker was watching her narrowly. I wondered if
you could send him a present. Youre a friend of his
171

fathers, and all, and his father is away


She was gambling on the wisp of feeling Skip had
displayed earlier for The Actors nice kid. Skip
nodded now.
Okay. Ill take the kid a present. Maybe on
Friday, Barker said and laughed. Now you go
away like a nice girlie, huh?
Yes, said Vicki, and started off. For she had
won her points. She had verified her information,
and she felt sure Barker and the gang would not go
to Belleville before Friday.
Now the coast was clear for her to go to
Belleville herself.
That evening Vicki talked over her plans with the
Wilsons. They approved, and she made
arrangements to visit Belleville early the next day.
Vicki thought a long time that night about Petey,
a criminals son but unaware of it, and now in
danger of kidnaping. She speculated, too, about a
bank robber who could be so devoted to his boy but
in such a dishonest way. What sort of contradictory,
twisted man was he? Vicki hoped to meet Edward
Denton face to face again, this time without his
disguise of the old woman, and learn the truth. But
the price of learning might come high.

172

CHAPTER XIV

Petey

Which school, sis? said the stationmaster at


Belleville to Vicki. We have more than one school
here.
Oh! Well, then, a boarding school for children of
about fourteen.
We have two such schools, sis. The
stationmaster looked at her and scratched his head.
Maybe you got off the train at the wrong station.
The train at that moment was chugging away over
the prairie.
This is Belleville, isnt it?
Belleville it is, population ninety, not countin
the schools, a thrivin village known for its old
Indian sites. Now which school is it you want?
Well, sir, Im looking for a boy of fourteen
Why didnt you say so! A boy, hey? Theres a
boys school and a girls school. The one you want
is St. Olafs. See way out there where the road
winds?
173

Half hidden in trees, she made out the rosy-red


roof of a large building. The stationmaster
announced that Belleville had its own taxi service,
and pointed to a dilapidated but shiny car half
loaded with crates of eggs.
You speak to Mr. Michaels and hell drive you
to the school.
I will, as soon as I do an errand. Thank you very
much.
Along Bellevilles one main street, Vicki passed
an attractive inn and a few shops for students which
sold sporting equipment, clothes, and books. She
was looking for a little present to bring Petey and
spied, in a bakery window, a tempting chocolate
cake. She purchased it and carried it back to the taxi
stand. After a while, Mr. Michaels appeared and
stowed her among the crates of eggs.
Its a fine morning, aint it?
It is indeed. Vicki was not inclined to talk. She
had too much to think about.
We had a lot o rain lately. Good for the crops,
though.
Mr. Michaels rattled on as actively as his old car.
Vicki let the conversation lapse. She reviewed what
she was going to say and do at the school. In a few
minutes they arrived.
St. Olafs School was a dignified and quiet place.
Its beauty must have represented to The Actor all the
174

good things he desired for his son. What a contrast


these pillared buildings and green lawns made to the
sordid cigar store! Mr. Michaels, as she paid her
fare, told Vicki how to reach the headmasters
office.
The headmasters name is Dr. Clements. Hes a
fine man. You just ask him anything you want to
know.
Thanks, Vicki said, but wondered how openly
she could talk to the head of the school. She really
had no right to be here. Yet she was in a position to
warn himif she daredof a terrible shadow of
kidnaping hanging over the peaceful school. Friday!
This was Wednesday . . . Vicki hoped, as she
entered the main building, that Dr. Clements would
forgive her a few small lies. She would try to tell
him an important truth.
A secretary led Vicki into a sunny, book-filled
study. A lean white-haired man was writing at a
desk. He stood up quickly and surprised Vicki by his
young face and athletic step in pulling up a chair for
her.
Thank you, Dr. Clements. Vicki sat down,
gingerly balancing the cakebox. I hope I havent
come at an inconvenient time.
Not at all, Miss Barr. Classes are in session, but
the recess bell will ring soon.
The headmaster chatted a little about the school,
175

and the boys eagerness to be outdoors now that


spring was here. A meet this Friday with a rival
school was more on their minds than classwork just
now, Dr. Clements said, smiling. Vicki could not
smile. She realized he was discreetly sizing her up.
Now, Miss Barr, you wanted to see?
Peter Blackburn, if I may. Just for a few
minutes. Ive brought him a cake, you see.
Oh, yes, Peter Blackburn! So the headmaster
knew him as Blackburn, not Denton. Hes one of
our best boysthough theyre all fine boys. Are
youahmay I ask, are you a relative of Peters?
No, Dr. Clements. Im a friend. Peter has never
met me before. She felt ashamed to lie to this
forthright man. Im a family friend of Peters
deceased mother. Im visiting in St. Louis, and as
long as Im this near Belleville, I wanted to visit
Peter. That much, at least, was true.
I see. I see. Well, any visitor for Peter is
welcome. He has very few callers, and his father
rarely comes here. Im afraid the boy feels
neglected. Do you know his father, Miss Barr?
Slightly.
He impressed me as an odd man. A difficult
man.
Vicki felt her cheeks burn. She contented herself
by murmuring, Mmm, and hoped Dr. Clements
would not go into that subject. Though it provided
176

an opening for telling him about Fridayif she


could risk telling him The recess bell rang and
Vicki tingled with relief.
Dr. Clements rose, saying, Ill send for Peter, if
you will please wait here. He walked out of the
room leaving Vicki debating whenor ifshe
would get a chance to warn the headmaster. Was it
her responsibility to do so? She might throw the
school into a panic! Was there a better way in which
she could notify authorities to avert the kidnaping?
Here he is!
Dr. Clements had come back with a tall, sandyhaired boy. Although Peter was shooting up toward
six feet, the face way up there was shy and very
young. The boys eyes were bright with excitement
at having a visitor. Dr. Clements was pleased
himself.
This is Peter Blackburn. Peter, this is Miss Vicki
Barr, who was a friend of your mothers.
Vicki saw the look of wonder that came over the
boys face and she said hastily, Just a family
acquaintance. I do want to meet you, Peter.
Peter said, How do you do? and shook hands
very properly, but his eyes strayed to the cakebox.
I hope you like chocolate, and Vicki handed the
box to him.
Its awfully good of you to come, and to bring
me a present. Peter was salmon-colored with
177

pleasure.
Dr. Clements suggested that they could visit at
leisure in the music room. Peter will show you the
way. If youd like to stay for lunch, Miss Barr?
Oh, no, thank you, I wont detain Peter from his
classes that long.
Well, good-by, then, Miss Barr, and come
again. The headmaster escorted her to the door and
shook hands with her. Have a good visit, Peter.
But she hadnt told himnot even hinted!
Thered be no second opportunity, for Dr. Clements
was a busy man
The music room is this way, Miss Barr, said
Peter.
She murmured good-by to the headmaster and
followed the boy across the wide center hall. Classes
were changing, and other boys glanced at Peter and
his visitor and his cakebox with envy. Peter tried to
appear nonchalant. He escorted Vicki very politely
into a handsome sitting room where a grand piano
filled a bay window. They chose a couch and sat
down rather self-consciously. Vicki saw that she
was going to have to do most of the talking with this
shy boy. She could not connect him in her
imagination with the bank robber. That made it hard
for her to talk, too, at first.
Well, to start with, why dont you call me Vicki?
Im not so awfully much older than you.
178

Arent you? I mean, Id like to call you Vicki.


Butah
Yes, what is it?
If you arent much older than me, you mustve
been pretty young when you knew my mother.
I didnt really know her, Vicki said gently. Its
just thatthat our families know one another. He
seemed disappointed, and Vicki suggested he open
the cakebox. A look at the mound of chocolate icing
made him smile. Vicki said quickly, I dont know
your father very well, either. But thats no reason
why I shouldnt know you, is it?
No. Its a swell cake. Big, too, big enough for all
the fellows in my wing. Thanks a lot, Miss Barr
Vicki. Gee, its nice that you came.
She asked about, and Peter told her about, his life
here at St. Olafs. He liked most of his studies and
practically all of the other boys, and Dr. Clements
was very good and kind to him.
You know what Dr. Clements does? When the
other fellows go home for week ends or holidays or
vacationssometimes the fellows invite me, but
sometimes they dontwell, Dr. Clements invites
me to stay in his house with him and Mrs. Clements.
And Im their boy for a while. It sure is nice. They
have a dog and their cook bakes cookies specially
for me. A couple of fellows here say Im teachers
pet, but I think theyre only jealous, dont you think
179

so?
Vicki nodded. She understood very well why the
headmaster made particular efforts to befriend Peter,
and felt grateful to him and his wife. Apparently
Peter had no home to go to on vacations.
Did you hear about the big meet this Friday?
Peter asked her eagerly. St. Olafs is playing
Grover Military Academy, and a lot of people are
coming down. Wouldnt you like to come? Im only
a sub on the baseball team, left outfield, but Im one
of the cheer leaders. Weve been rehearsing. I can
hardly wait until Friday!
I wish I could come, but I dont think Theres
something important scheduled for this Friday.
The meet is important. Dont you feel well,
Vicki? Shall I bring you a glass of water?
No, thanks, dear, Im fine. Vicki recovered
herself and smiled.
You know, youre my first visitor in a long
time, the boy confided. Now that he had found his
tongue, he seemed glad to talk. My father is too
busy to come here very often. Its sort of
embarrassing on Parents Day. He didnt get to
come for Christmas exercises, either. Once a friend
of his, Mr. Barker, came to see me. But he didnt act
very nice and I hope he doesnt come again.
Vicki gulped. I hope not, too.
I dont want to give you a wrong impression
180

about my father, Peter said earnestly. Hes a


businessman, and he explained to me how
businessmen work hard and keep long hours and
have to take trips.
Of course, everyone understands that, Vicki
reassured the boy. A businessman! She went along
reluctantly with the lie because it spared the boy.
She was careful not to ask Peter what business his
father was in.
Lots of times, Peter went on, my father tells
me, Now Ill be away on a trip for a few weeks, so
dont bother to write to me. And when hes out of
town, my father doesnt write to me, either. That
happens lots of times every year, when I dont get
any letters from him, the boy said wistfully.
Vicki tried to console Peter by saying how taxing
business trips can be. She added that his father was a
very clever man.
Oh, yes, he certainly is! We have grand times
together, my dad and I. Before I came to St. Olafs,
we lived in lots of different hotels in St. Louis, and
had dinner in a different restaurant every evening. I
liked that, though we did move a lot. But Dad
thought I should be with boys my own age, so he
sent me here.
Sounds nice here, Vicki agreed. Its really
better for you than hotels.
I know. Just the same, I wish hed visit me
181

sometimes. The way other boys fathers do.


Vicki sighed. Well, I guess your father writes to
you as often as he can.
No-o. He doesnt like to write things down, he
says. Hes always sending me presents, though. But
I did get a letter from him yesterday. Peter eagerly
put his hand in his pocket. Want to see it?
Very much!
With pride Peter showed her a letter, in a poor
handwriting, which read:
Hello, Petey.
Well I am back in St. Louis after a long busness
trip, I went up in a privat airplane. You would like
it, I didnt but your old man made a good profit on
this deal. Got your letter O.K., glad you like the stuff
I sent. Will stay in St. L. a while now. You can come
as soon as I get rested up, we will have a good time
together, restarants shows, etc, etc. Will close now,
Be good,
Pops
I dont call him Pops, Peter said, but he
always signs his letters that way. Hehe doesnt
write very well, but honestly, hes one of the best.
Its a nice letter, Vicki said, returning it.
She had noted that Dentonsor Blackburns
letter was written on the stationery of the Hotel
Marcy, St. Louis.
I write to him every Sunday and Wednesday,
182

Peter said. Jeepers, that reminds me! Ive got to


write today.
To the Hotel Marcy?
No, Dad said always send my letters to General
Delivery in St. Louis. I guess thats because he
moves around a lot. Business trips andwell, he
just likes a change, I guess.
Vicki felt sorry for this boy. She hoped he would
never have to learn the ugly truth about his father.
Peter was deep in a description of cheerleader
techniques when Vicki heard another bell and
noticed the hall again was thronged with boys.
Isnt this another class period? Or your lunch
time?
Lunch, he admitted, but who wants lunch?
Unless youll stay, Vicki?
Vicki excused herself and rose to leave. Peter
prolonged their handshake. Youll come again,
wont you?
Ill try to, Peter. Good luck on Friday.
She crossed back to the headmasters office, but
his door was closed. The secretary said Dr.
Clements was in conference with several instructors.
He could not be disturbed and would not be free for
two hours.
Do you wish to leave a message with me? the
secretary offered.
Vicki did not think a kidnap threat could be
183

relayed secondhand. She said her message was not


important and that Dr. Clements would be notified
through another channel. Preferably through the
police, Vicki thought. She waited while the secretary
telephoned for the Belleville taxi. She felt deeply
troubled about Peter, as she planned her next step.
Obviously, it was to go to the Hotel Marcy.
Back to Belleville, waiting for the next train, then
the ride to St. Louis, took nearly two hours. To
Vicki they were the two longest, slowest hours she
had ever lived through. At Union Station she hopped
into a cab and was driven to the Hotel Marcy.
Blackburn alias Denton alias the old woman
certainly treats himself well! This is a first-rate
hotel.
At the busy desk Vicki found the manager as well
as registration clerks at work. She applied directly to
the manager and said she would like to be put in
touch with Mr. Blackburn.
We have no one of that name registered here,
the manager said.
Then Mr. Denton, please?
I dont believe The manager looked through
the hotel registry cards. No, we have no guest
named Denton.
Has anyone of either name registered her
recently? Vicki asked. Im sorry to trouble you,
but this is urgent. Please!
184

The manager asked a clerk to look through recent


records for the two names. The names did not
appear.
Can you give us a description, miss?
She could give only a vague description of the
bank robber. The hotel manager grew impatient.
Vicki explained that Blackburn, or Denton, wrote a
letter yesterday on this hotels stationery.
But you ought to know that means nothing, said
the hotel manager. Your man could have been a
guest here months ago, picked up the hotel
stationery on the desk in his room, and be using it
now. Besides, many people pick up their mail here
without living here. Apparently Mr. Blackburn and
Mr. Denton are doing that. . . . Youre welcome. . . .
No trouble at all.
Vicki had no other address for the elusive
Denton. Even Skip Barker and the organization did
not know where to find him in this big city. She was
at a dead end.
What should she do next? Time was growing
short. The gang would kidnap Peter by Friday
afternoon. This was Wednesday. Peter would write
to his father today. That meant the bank robber
would surely be at General Delivery some time
tomorrow, Thursday, to pick up his mail.
Vicki had an idea. She returned to the Wilsons
house and there she printed out a letter to the bank
185

robber. She addressed it, as Peter did, to Edward


Blackburn at General Delivery. Her letter, unsigned,
read:
SKIP BARKER PLANS TO TALK TO YOUR BOY.
IF YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
DATE AND PLACE, ILL BE AT THE STAMP
WINDOW IN THE MAIN POST OFFICE ON FRIDAY,
AT NOON. WILL WEAR A DARK-BLUE COAT.

Would he come? Vicki wondered.

186

CHAPTER XV

Meet the Actor

If she pulled the belt tight, Mrs. Wilsons blue coat


fit her. Vicki hunted through several hats Cora
Wilson put at her disposal, and finally pulled on the
concealing one, though it went badly with the coat.
Silvery gold hair might be the envy of her friends,
but it was like having a spotlight shining around her
face. She did not want Dentonif he showed up
to recognize her too quickly. The police had to have
a chance to move in.
Mr. Wilson, after learning Vickis plan for noon
today, had tipped off the police. He knew exactly
which officers and detectives to notify, and his
contacts made everything swift and simple.
Plainclothes men would be stationed in the main
post office, at the general-delivery window and at
the stamp window, from eleven-thirty on. Vicki was
to pretend unawareness.
Yesterday Vicki had spent a large part of the day
in the main post officenot wearing the blue coat.
187

She was curious to see whether Denton came for his


regular letter from Peter, and for her letter which
was also waiting for him. If Denton came, Vicki did
not see him. He might have come at some unlikely
hour, such as six A.M. or midnight. Or he might have
sent a messenger to pick up his mail.
Or Denton might not have come at all and not
received her warning letter. In that case, todays
efforts would be a wild-goose chase. But she had a
strong feeling Denton would show up.
She took one last look at herself in the guestroom mirror. In the dark-blue coat she was colorless
and inconspicuous, yet identifiable. That was
exactly what she intended. The blue coat, mentioned
in her anonymous letter, had an advantage: it left
Denton uncertain as to whether he was to deal with a
man or a woman.
All right, Peter, here goes! Vicki said silently
and started downstairs. Her hostess was waiting to
drive her downtown.
They talked little on the way, each thinking her
own sober thoughts. Cora Wilson looked worried
when she let Vicki out of the car at the post office.
Youre walking into the thick of an awfully
risky situation, honey. Albert says there may be
shooting.
Ill be careful, Vicki promised. The words were
automatic and, in the circumstances, almost
188

meaningless.
If anything happens to you, your mother will
never forgive me. Ill never forgive myself
Dont worry. I have to go now.
The station clock said ten minutes to twelve.
Vicki took up her post at the stamp window. For the
first five minutes she stood there making a
conscious effort not to look around for the plainclothes men. Knowing they were close by,
surrounding her, was enough. She never would have
dared this encounter alone.
Was Denton somewhere in this block-long
marble post office right this minute? He might very
well be anxious enough to come early. So many
people walking back and forthmaybe he could not
see her? After all, there were three stamp windows.
Vicki began to stroll slowly between the three
windows, around and back, around and back. Surely
Denton could see her now.
Six minutes to twelve. She knew several pairs of
eyes were upon her, and she did the best she could
to keep in a cleared area for the detectives
convenience. They might have to move fast.
Three minutes to twelve. Vicki kept on with her
strolling, but now she was sorting out faces of
passers-by. That man? No, too tall. That one? No
glasses, though. Did Denton regularly wear glasses?
As the cashier and as the old woman, he wore
189

glasses. She should have thought to ask Peter. Or


suppose Denton deliberately left them off today? It
was even conceivable that The Actor might come in
still another disguise. A man wanted for bank
robbery might not venture out in public without
some cover-up. He would very likely be armed.
One minute to twelve. Where was Denton?
Didnt he care about his boy?
Then Vicki saw a man of medium height, very
quietly dressed, wearing glasses, approach the stamp
window. She stared at the man and he glanced back
at her sharply. He went up to the stamp window,
spoke to the postal clerk, and waited. The clerk
handed him postage stamps. He half turned, looked
quizzically at Vicki, and Vicki held her breath. The
man briskly walked across the post office and
pushed open the door to the street.
Oh, no! He mustnt be allowed to get away! Even
though the police would follow himMr. Wilson
said they had an old description of Blackburn in
their filesit was important that everything go as
planned. Then Vicki controlled herself. That man
might not have been Denton at all. She was tense,
thats all. The twelve-oclock city whistle blew
piercingly, and Vicki jumped.
Now. Now it was noon. Now was the moment.
If Denton had the precise, logical mind which the
robbery indicated, he ought to show up on the stroke
190

of noon. A minute slid away. Vickis eyes were


glued to the wall clock. Two minutes after twelve.
Watch the faces, she reminded herself. She was so
keyed up she felt a little giddy. A fine time to have
the blood pounding in her ears! Now of all moments
she must keep calm.
Three minutes after twelve. That man, the one
who had the fat woman with him? They came close
and Vicki saw that the man was blind. That man
with the mustache? Denton could be wearing one for
disguise. No, he was not at all the same build as
Denton. Even under the baggy black coat of the oldwoman disguise, an erect, strong, stocky figure had
been discernible.
Wasnt he coming? Was he too smart to walk into
a trap? It was five after twelve. Six after.
There he wasno doubt about it!that sturdy,
willful-looking man walking in from the street with
fast, pounding steps. A dramatic broad-brimmed hat
was pulled low and shadowed his face. He paused in
a corner to glance furtively in every direction, with
his right hand buried in his coat pocket.
Vicki felt paralyzed. She should stroll casually to
keep in sight, but she could not move. Denton
pounded nearer and nearer to the stamp window.
Under the hat was a cold and evil facedisturbingly
like, yet unlike, the old womans face. Vicki could
not tell whether he recognized her yet or not. She
191

caught the glint of his glasses. Denton was close


enough now for Vicki to see the faint scar on his jaw
where the nick had healed.
He brushed by her.
Hello, she said very low. Denton.
He whirled. Whats that?
Did you get my letter? About Peter.
A dame? You? And then he realized who the
girl was. He backed away in panic.
I dont know you! Denton muttered. I never
saw you before!
Denton, dont go awaylisten
They stood an arms length apart, the man poised
to run. What if he stuck by his story that hed never
seen her beforethat he wasnt Dentonthat she
had the wrong man? Vicki couldnt prove who he
was. Why, he could walk out under the very noses
of the police if she wasnt careful! She talked fast
and softly.
Youre afraid Im going to turn you in. Im not.
Im sorry for your boy, thats why Im here.
Dont lie to me!
Im not lying! I saw your son two days ago. Yes,
at Belleville. Hes in danger, I tell you!
Im a fool to stay here and listen to you, Denton
growled. Whos with you?
No one.
Dentons hand closed painfully on her wrist.
192

Answer me! Whos with you!


No one, I swear it. Come over here where we
can talk.
He let go her wrist and sullenly followed her into
a corner of the great room. Vicki paused beside the
radiator. The police had planted a tape recorder
behind the radiator. Vicki maneuvered Denton close
to it. Every word he said now would be recorded.
His face was threatening, ugly.
In the first place, what do you mean buttin in
with my boy? You know what I ought to do to you
for that?
A surge of anger gave Vicki courage. Would
you rather I didnt let you know that Peters in
danger?
All right. You win. In danger of Barker goin to
tell him who I am, is that it? That dirty little rat
Thats the least of the danger. Thats not all
Barker intends to do.
Denton looked shaken. What do you mean?
How much do you know?
Vicki did not answer. This was her chance with
Denton.
You tell me what you know about Barker and
my kid, or I swear Ill strangle you right here in the
post office!
He meant it. Or hed find her and kill her later.
Vicki struggled to think, to fight back.
193

Then youd never find out about what Barker


plans to do, would you?
Sweat broke out on Dentons upper lip. He pulled
out a handkerchief and wiped his face.
Name your price, you little crook.
I want to know how you managed the Fairview
bank robbery.
Oh, you do! Well, aint that cute! Do you think
Id spill it to you?
I think youd better tell me, Mr. Blackburn alias
Denton. If you care anything about Peter, youll tell
me.
Denton looked as if he could kill her. He pressed
his lips tightly shut. He wasnt a man to give up
easily, without a fight. She had to provoke him into
talking, here, now.
You missed the getaway car, didnt you, because
Skip was delayed in the bank.
There was no getaway car! I had nothing to do
with that robbery!
Skip told me there was a getaway car. Skip had
told her nothing; she had figured it out for herself.
The stratagem worked, for Denton muttered:
Skip Barker talks too much.
Hes looking for youthrough Peter.
Stop threatening me with Petey! You think I
dont know Barker wants his cut of the money? But
why should I give him anything? Whatd he do for
194

me? Nothing! Hes a pig, a stupid pig.


And youre like a crafty tiger Vicki thought.
Youre a killer. Youd kill in cold blood.
She remembered the cold metal of the gun the
old woman had pressed against the nape of her
neck. It was shocking to see again the same eyeglassed face minus enveloping kerchief. Now
without the film of talcum powder, the mans ruddy
skin and dark shadow of beard stood out clearly.
The voice The Actor had been clever! Maybe it
would help if she flattered him. He might be ham
enough to
You certainly fooled me, Denton. I really took
you for an old woman. Barker, as you say, is pretty
stupid. He never could have carried off your role.
That old-lady voicehow did you do it?
If you think Ill fall for that, youre crazy. I had
nothing to do with that Fairview job.
Well, maybe Im talking to the wrong man. In
that case, Id better not give out confidential
information about Peter.
He winced every time she used the boys name.
All right! All right! You want to know how I acted
like an old woman. Like this
Pitching his ordinary, rather hoarse voice to a
falsetto, and using a coaxing tone, Denton said, I
didnttalk much. And, excuse mehe faked a
coughwith a coldyou couldntbe sure.
195

Vicki nodded. She was still amazed. But the false


voice was a small part of what she wanted to know.
Your old-womans clothes were convincing, too,
Denton. Where did you stow them in the bank? It
was only a guess, a thrust in the dark, but she had to
move boldly.
Now listen, if you think me using a high voice
proves anything against me If you got any ideas
about turning me in, forget it! Nobodys going to
collect that reward thats out for me. They wont be
in any condition to talk.
Vicki said with a show of patience, Im not here
for that reason.
If youre on the level, lets get out of here.
That pulled her up short. The best answer she
could think of was to stammer, Im not going
anywhere with you, I wouldnt take such a chance.
Yeah. Youre not so dumb. Well, at least we
could go over there and sit down.
Over there were benches next to a series of
street doors. Denton could vanish into the street, if
necessary.
I dont want to sit down, Vicki said lamely. She
kept hammering at him because she saw that her
shrewd guesses made him uncomfortable. Where
did you hide the coat and bag and overshoes?
You dont know a thing about Petey! Hes okay.
Your whole act is a trick. Im going.
196

She had failed! Should she play her trump card


now? Time was running out.
Oh, yes, Peters okayexcept that your
organization plans to kidnap him. But if you dont
want to talk to me
She turned as if to leave. Out of the tail of her eye
she saw three men amble toward the doors, and wait.
Denton caught her by the shoulder.
Kidnap? My own organization do that to me!
When?
You talk first, Denton.
His face worked. Vicki felt almost sorry for him.
Torn between his own and his sons safetystill
uncertain whether he was being lied tohe seemed
to be in agony. But a man like that who was without
pity for others deserved no pity himself.
I wont talk until I know my boy is safe.
Hes safe and he will be for two or three hours
longer.
That aint what I mean. Peteys got to be safe
safe for always, dont you understand? I dont want
those rats to go anywhere near him! When they
going for him? If you want me to spill it, tell me.
Denton was no longer faking. He was ashen and
turned to Vicki the pleading face of a wounded
animal.
You talk first, Denton. Or I wont talk at all.
Denton momentarily closed his eyes.
197

All right. What do you want to know?


Everything.
Here? Now? Well, where should I begin?
At the beginning.

198

CHAPTER XVI

Dentons Story

He was not called the actor for nothing. Although he


had never really been an actor, as a boy he had
worked at odd jobs backstage. Being observant and
clever, he had picked up tricks of make-up, costume,
gesture, and voice. He was something of a natural
mimic, anyway. Denton told Vicki all this with a
certain air of vanity.
These traits stood him in good stead over a period
of yearsfor what purpose, Denton did not say
including the months he spent in Fairview, working
as assistant cashier for the Fairview Tool Company.
He took the job with the aim of stealing the pay roll.
He had secured the job with cleverly forged letters
of recommendation, and he had held the job by
weeks of model work and model deportment. No
one at the tool company, nor at Mrs. Jenkins quiet
boardinghouse where he lived, nor at the church he
attended, could suspect that the mousey man in
glasses was not to be trusted. He had invented a
199

credible past history, to satisfy peoples questions;


the only truth in it was his love for his son, Peter.
I shouldntve talked about Petey, but I couldnt
help it, Denton said to Vicki as they stood beside
the radiator. But there was an old guy at the tool
company named Workforth Cant you tell me
about Petey now?
Go on, said Vicki. She felt the detectives eyes
upon them, waiting.
After Denton had worked at the Fairview Tool
Company for several weeks, he went on, his
excellent record gained the confidence of his
employers. His immediate superior, the chief
cashier, presently recommended that Denton be
entrusted with going to the bank for the pay roll. Of
course Denton had subtly planted this idea in the
cashiers head himself, by offering to relieve him
of this nuisance job, like an errand boys. So it
was arranged that Assistant Cashier Denton,
accompanied by the guard Workforth, was to take
the tool companys check to the bank, cash it, and to
return with the weekly pay roll of thirty thousand
dollars cash.
Every Thursday, for many weeks, Denton went to
the bank with Workforth, and faithfully brought
back the cash.
The winter passed. Denton planned to commit the
robbery in the spring. By then no one would think of
200

suspecting him, and by then the roads would be


clear of snow, for a fast getaway to St. Louis.
In the days just before the robbery, Denton went
often to the bank. He made up various excuses
pretending to discuss a mortgage loan, opening a
small savings accountin order to loiter in the
bank. Actually he was inspecting and exploring it
more thoroughly than he had ever been able to
before, when Workforth was along. Denton was
seeking a place to hide his clothing disguise and the
big knitting bag. At last he decided on the ladies
powder room for depositors, not employees; it was
usually empty of people and had a large dressing
table. The powder room was an anteroom to the
washroom, and he could hide, if need be, behind
long, full, window draperies. If discovered there, he
planned to say that he suddenly felt ill, needed water
at once, and pushed open the first door he came to.
Since the entrance was around the corner from the
main lobby of the bank, he was not likely to be
observed. What decided Denton was the dressing
table.
In and under the dressing table, with its drawer
space and its concealing skirt to the floor, Denton
stowed his old-woman disguise. He had to trust to
luck that a porter cleaning the room would not
discover the clothing. One day he brought in the
overshoes, in a brown paper bag. Another day he
201

brought in and quickly left the black coat, tightly


rolled and wrapped. So that, by the red-letter day, all
the equipment for his transformation and escape was
on the premises. He hoped, indeed expected, that all
Fairview would believe the respected, missing
cashier had met with foul play.
All this Denton told in a flat, hurried voice. He
kept glancing at Vicki almost pleadingly. But her
face was controlled, and whenever Denton stopped,
she prompted, Go on.
The floods started. Denton had ignored the heavy
rains and already had had Skip Barker come over
from St. Louis, bringing a car. When suddenly the
rains swelled rivers into floods, Denton was loath to
cancel his plans. One road was still open, or so he
believed. Everything was all setthe machinery
was in motion.
I got no patience, Denton admitted to Vicki. I
was fed up with your hick town of Fairview. I
wanted to get the job over with. Get it and get out,
thats me. Work fast.
Denton was a little too fast for the slower and
more stupid Barker. While Barker loitered in the
bank, with the getaway car parked outside, and
while old Workforth chatted with the bank guard,
Denton slipped into the powder room. This time he
had a gun with him and no one was going to
interfere with his getting into costume. Fortunately
202

for him, the powder room was deserted. Denton


quickly slipped on the overshoes, kerchief, coat, and
gloves. He put the black leather kit containing thirty
thousand dollars cash into the big knitting bag. Then
he hurried out through the crowd in the bank. He
was afraid Workforth would notice he was missing,
and would set up a hue and cry. Apparently
Workforth had, for Barker had done what Denton
instructed him to do in just such an emergency
Barker had taken a fall. The crowd in the bank
was so busy gathering around the man who had just
fallen down that no one noticed an ordinary old
woman flit out of the bank.
I headed for Barkers car, it was right at the
curb, Denton recounted, and then it dawned on me
that an old woman driving a convertible would look
peculiar. If itd been a sedan, I couldve waited
inside. But no, Skip had to rent a flashy sports job! I
walked up and down the street a couple of minutes
but Skip didnt come out. Then I could see he was
stuck in the bank, maybe for a long time. I could see
Workforth looking for me inside the bank. I didnt
dare stay around in Fairview carrying that pay roll.
So I beat it.
And you didnt mind leaving your accomplice in
the lurch?
Barker is nothin to me. I had the cash. He
wasnt my worry.
203

Denton, always quick to think and to act, saw that


his only fast route out of town was by plane. True,
he could try renting a car or go to the railroad station
and wait for a train, but Workforth and the police
might come looking for him in the meantime. He
had to get out of Fairview fast. That meant he must
go to the airport at once. When Denton saw the dairy
delivery truck, which he knew traveled the roads
near Avery Airport, he knew the first step of his
problem was solved. The truck would be less
noticeable and faster than taking a bus.
I begged a ride and the boy give it to me. He was
a softhearted sucker. I had trailed him on Saturdays
before I decided to have Barker rent a car.
You didnt have to nearly kill him! Vicki said.
It was his skin or mine, Denton said calmly.
He told how, after commandeering and then
wrecking Harold Macks small truck, he hurried on
foot to Avery Airport. There he spotted Vicki at the
Cub and sized her up as another softhearted,
softheaded kid. Was I wrong! You gave me a free
ride, but youre no dope. Twice I had to beat it away
from you, once at the barn, once at Seaveys Field.
Youre too smart, Denton said resentfully.
Yes, if I hadnt discovered your bankbook and
noticed the dented airplane pedal, you might have
got away with this robbery.
Yeah. Well, now will you tell me about Petey?
204

Or do I have to break your neck?


Ill tell you in a minute now.
Vicki pulled off her hat, the prearranged signal.
The three men waiting at the post-office doors came
over quietly and murmured, Youre under arrest.
They took Denton into custody. One reached behind
the radiator. So quietly that the people in the post
office never noticed, several other men came up.
The whole group, including Vicki, moved out to the
street and climbed into two big cars that were
waiting.
The meet at St. Olafs was only two hours off.

205

CHAPTER XVII

End of the Road

When the two cars reached police headquarters,


Vicki was ushered in with the others. They took
Denton into a bare, grim office where a heavy-set,
quiet man sat at a desk. He was Captain Taylor, in
charge of the case. The rest of the detectives, his
staff, seemed to Vicki to fade into the background.
Only the police chief and Denton stood out strongly.
Captain Taylor scanned the bank robber, lounging
in a chair. So youre Edward Blackburn, alias
Denton.
My name is Blackburn. Not Denton. I never
heard of any Denton.
So he was going to deny everything! What if the
tape recorder had somehow failed to pick up their
conversation? Vicki sat on the edge of her chair.
Captain Taylor laid his hand on a sheaf of papers.
The description the Fairview police give of the
missing cashier, Edward Denton, fits you to a T.
Youre Denton, all right. The Fairview police have
206

been silent, but they havent been idle. All right,


Denton, wheres the thirty thousand dollars?
How should I know? I had nothing to do with
that job!
Where is it? We have a witness here, Miss Vicki
Barr.
Whatre you pestering me for? I demand a
lawyer! I know my rights!
Youll have your own lawyer, or the state will
provide you with free counsel. Nobodys treading on
your rights, Dentonbut how about other peoples
rights? You pulled a gun on Miss Barr. You stole a
pay roll from people who earned that money by hard
work. Stop stalling. We know who you are.
Denton looked at Vicki sitting tensely at the
police chiefs right. His sullen eyes behind the
glasses said: I know you can testify against me.
He asked whether, if he talked, his son Peter would
be protected against kidnaping.
We would protect any child in any case. You
know that. Youll talk because theres a mountain of
evidence against you.
Denton was stubborn as a stone. Captain Taylor
reminded him that co-operation with the police
would pay off in a lighter sentence. But Vicki held
the key to Dentons character.
Captain Taylor, if Denton co-operates now, will
you have your men keep in constant touch with him
207

about his son? About this kidnap threat, I mean?


Fair enough, provided Denton talks.
Dentons face relaxed and he seemed almost
ready to give in. But then he burst out, I dont
know anything about the robbery, I tell you!
A detective came in and laid a roll of tape
recording on Captain Taylors desk.
We just played it, sir. Its all there. Miss Barr got
an almost complete confession from him.
All right, Denton. Wheres the pay roll?
I dont believe youve got a tape recording!
Captain Taylor pulled open the door of a cabinet.
In it stood a small mechanism on which he placed
the tape. He touched a switch, and Vickis recorded
voice eerily came on. Then Dentons recorded voice
filled the room, confessing.
Now do you believe us, Denton?
Denton went slack. He had been outwitted, and
knew it. He directed the police to a motel on the
outskirts of the city, near Seaveys Field. His room
number was 8; Denton handed them the key. In the
closet they would find the thirty thousand dollars in
a big knitting bag, buried under some womans
clothing.
Suppose you tell us, the police chief directed,
how and why you returned to St. Louis to hide out.
Wasnt it dangerous, if you wanted to avoid Barker
and your associates?
208

Well, my boys near St. Louis and Denton


shrugged. I wanted to pick up Peteys mail.
Besides, its easier to hide out in a city you know
and are used to. I didnt want to go wandering
around a strange town, maybe make a fool of
myself.
Denton explained in a weary voice that on
running away from Vicki Barr at Seaveys Field he
had taken refuge in a vacant lot. Two billboards met
at a corner and formed a protecting V. There he had
divested himself of the old womans clothes and
emerged in the business suit he had been wearing
underneath. He draped the old womans black coat
over the knitting bag, so that he could carry the bag
without its being noticed. In this guise he had
applied for a room at the first place he came toa
motel. Denton had holed up in the motel, feigning
illness and having meals sent in.
Captain Taylor instructed two men to go for the
loot. He turned to Denton, who fidgeted.
About Petey, Captain What about my boy?
Were coming to that. First, were interested in
hearing about your Fairview activities. Harold Mack
and the Fairview police are pressing charges against
you of kidnaping and attempted manslaughter.
Aw, I only snitched a ride! Is it my fault if the
kids such a lousy driver that he wrecked his truck?
The police chief turned to Vicki. Miss Barr, is
209

this true to the best of your knowledge?


It doesnt tally with what Harold Mack told me,
Captain Taylor.
You been talking to Harold Mack? Denton
shouted.
I was one of the first persons he spoke to after he
regained consciousness. You almost killed that
boy!
Thats a lie. Anyways, hes getting well. I heard
one of the dicks say so coming over here.
No thanks to you.
Dont worry, Miss Barr, said Captain Taylor.
Dentons attack on Harold Mack will be brought up
in his court trial.
Denton began to whine. Youre too hard on me,
youre prejudiced against me. So I did do these
things. But I did it for my boy. Do you think I want
him to grow up to be like
Dont blame your son! the police chief cut in.
You had a criminal record a mile long, years before
Peter Blackburn was born. But now youve reached
the end of the road. Apparently its never occurred
to a parasite like you to get the good things of life
for your son by working for them.
Work is for suckers, Denton muttered.
Youll work in the prison shops. Maybe youll
wake up yet. Now, Miss Barr, will you repeat, for
the record, what the injured truck driver told you?
210

Vicki did so. Denton seemed to grow small and


flabby in his chair. The police chief listened to Vicki
and leafed through the report of the Fairview police.
It tallies, he said. Denton, you realize we have
on that tape recorder a good description of what
happened on the morning of the robbery. Denton
snorted and glared at Vicki. But it doesnt fit in
with Barkers story.
Barker! Dont you know hes planning to
kidnap
Sit down. We know all about that.
Well, I dont. Dentons eyes were glassy with
strain. He swallowed hard. That dirty little crook.
He was in on this job, too, y know. Captain Taylor,
I hope you dont figure I was the only one on the
Fairview job. There was Skip Barker, and Big Joe
Cooley, and Cat Katzenbach, and
Yes, were familiar with your organization, the
police chief said dryly.
Some of them fellows are more to blame than I
was, for the robbery. A lot more to blame, Denton
said aggrievedly. I only happened to get caught.
They didnt. Good Lord, he burst out again, are
you going to let Barker go free and snatch Petey?
Are you?
Vicki herself felt anxious about Skip Barker and
that cigar-store gang going free. With a crowd
gathering in Belleville, Barker might still slip
211

through and lure Peter away. No one had any


guarantees of what might happen. And if Barker
went free to make more trouble, would some of it be
for her? If Skip had gone to Belleville before today
and learned that Vicki had been there!
Listen, Denton, said the police chief. Skip
Barker and the organization probably are at
Belleville right now. Theres a school meet. Therell
be a crowd
And youre letting him get away with it!
Calm down and listen to me.
On Tuesday afternoon, said the police chief,
Vicki Barr had learned Barker and the gangs kidnap
plan. (Denton looked at her with a sudden respect.)
She had at once notified Mr. Wilson, and on
Wednesday he reported the kidnap threat to Captain
Taylor.
The St. Louis police immediately telephoned St.
Olafs School and alerted Dr. Clements of the
possible danger. That same Wednesday evening, the
St. Louis police unobtrusively set up a guard around
the school. The names of Blackburn and Barker
were already familiar to them, from the mens long
record of previous arrests. The police had been on
watch in Belleville ever since. They were there this
afternoon. Skip and his gang presumably would
walk directly into the police trap. The police hoped
to clean out the whole nest of gangsters all at once.
212

They planned also to raid the cigar store


simultaneously.
Vicki heard Denton let out a quivering sigh.
Then wheres Barker? Dont that meet start any
minute now?
For answer Captain Taylor nodded and one of the
detectives opened a side door. Between two police
officers, Barker plodded in. He cringed when he saw
Denton. Denton jumped to his feet, yelling:
There he is! Barker! You ratyou doublecrosser!
Denton made a lunge for Barker. Two police
officers grabbed Denton and had to struggle with
him to get him back into his chair.
Ill kill him! He tried to hurt my kid.
Aw, Ed, I didnt mean any harm. I just wanted
my share
Be quiet, both of you! Captain Taylor shouted.
Abrupt silence followed. He warned both
criminals to remember they were under arrest. Then
he added gruffly, Peter is safe. Therell be no more
worry on that score. Weve cleaned out the entire
Cat Gang.
Denton gave a short, harsh laugh of satisfaction.
His eyes still smoldered when he glanced at Barker,
but The Actor sat quietly now. Vicki saw relief and
resignation in his face.
Take him out and lock him up, the police chief
213

ordered.
My last bow, The Actor said ironically. My
big exit scene.
Two men took him out. Vicki thought with relief
that she would never have to see that man again.
But Skip Barker cockily seemed to think he still
had a chance himself, and was slow to discover that
the girl in the room was Vicki Barr. His eyes
popped.
Miss Know-It-All Barrhere?
Barker would have been ludicrous if he had not
been vicious. Vicki was relieved to know Peter was
safe from him, and from all the men she had
overheard in the cigar store. It was good to know the
meet was now taking place simply as a happy
afternoon.
Barker, we have a few questions to ask you,
said Captain Taylor. What did you do with the car
you drove to Fairview?
I never had no car.
Denton admitted that you rented a sports car.
Oh, that car! All right, all right. A grin spread
over Barkers face. I did rent a car but only because
Denton told me to, see? Denton wanted it to make
his getaway in, see?
What did you do with the car, Barker?
Who, me? Welluhas a matter of fact, I got
rid of it. Hid it, you might say. See, Im bein honest
214

with you. I drove it off a dirt road outside of


Fairview and left it in the woods. Out in the country,
near enough t Avery Airport sos I could walk it.
Walk along back roads, I mean. He added
helpfully, I had t go to the airport t see Miss Barr
sos she could tell me where Denton was at. I guess
him and she was in cahoots, huh?
Captain Taylor ignored that. Where did you live
last week end while the Fairview police looked for
your
Oh, I knew they was lookin for me! Barker
said, as if he were a mighty canny fellow. So every
night I slept some place different, like in the woods,
and once in a barn, and one night I treated myself to
rentin a room in a farmhouse with some deaf old
people. And I ate in roadside shacks and I snitched
bottles of milk and bread from peoples back
doorsteps.
Very, very clever, Captain Taylor said wryly.
You might like to know that the Fairview police
found the car you abandoned. Its in poor condition
and youre going to have to pay for it. Youll have
to pay for more serious crimes, too.
It wasnt my fault! It was all Dentons idea
That will do. Take Barker out, Captain Taylor
directed two of his men.
As the interview broke up, two of the detectives
returned, carrying a small black leather kit and the
215

big knitting bag which Vicki remembered so well.


They reported that they had found the stolen money
in Dentons room at the motel. It was intact except
for a few hundred dollars sent to St. Olafs for
Peters school bill, and some more spent for
Dentons living expenses while hiding out.
Captain Taylor indicated that Vicki might leave
now, shook hands with her, and said that her
information had been of great help.
Im glad Peter is safe, Vicki replied. Thats
the main thing.
Well, the boy is safe largely because of your
efforts. You can take real pride in that, Miss Barr.

216

CHAPTER XVIII

Reward for Vicki

Her task in St. Louis was completed now, and


successfully. Vicki returned to the Wilsons house.
Albert Wilson was already at home, with Cora
who had waited anxiously all day to see Vicki walk
in safe and sound. Both the Wilsons were eager to
hear her news.
How did it go, Vicki? Captain Taylor knows his
business, doesnt he?
He certainly does, Mr. Wilson. Do you want to
hear all the details?
I should say we do! Cora Wilson exclaimed.
Honey, take off that awful blue coat and sit down
and tell us what happened. Ever since I let you off at
the post office, Ive been in a state of nervous
prostration.
So Vicki recounted what had taken place between
noon when Denton arrived in the post office and
now in the late afternoon. Cora Wilson listened with
her mouth open, but her husband seemed less
217

surprised.
Theres a partial account of the Belleville events
in the early edition of the evening newspaper.
More about Peter? Vicki asked. Oh, may I
please see that newspaper?
The story was boxed with a headline: Late
Bulletin. Under a St. Louis dateline the news item
read:
St. Louis police announced early this afternoon
that they rounded up and arrested members of the
notorious Cat Gang, in the village of Belleville, on
charges of illegal possession of firearms. Belleville
is the seat of St. Olafs School, and rumors of a
planned kidnaping circulated during todays meet.
The police at first denied the rumors but, after the
arrests, admitted a kidnap threat had been made.
The police moved quietly in order not to throw the
crowd at the meet into a panic. Captain William
Taylor withheld the name of the threatened child.
Dr. John Clements, headmaster of St. Olafs, also
stated that it was to the childs best interest not to
release the name. The childs family has been
notified that he is safe.

So they were shielding Petersaving him from


terrifying, useless knowledge.
Now what becomes of the poor boy? Vicki
asked.
I can tell you that, Mr. Wilson said, because of
218

what Captain Taylor learned from Dr. Clements. Its


a happier outlook for Peter than any of us had hoped
for.
Peter was to continue at St. Olafs School, under
the kind care of Dr. and Mrs. Clements. If necessary,
the state would appoint the headmaster as Peters
legal guardian. Peter had been at the school three or
four years already, so that it was home to him, and
Dr. Clements was already a second father to him.
More of a father than Denton had been. Peter was
not to be told until he was twenty-one that his father
had been a criminal. In the meantime, the boy would
have a chance to grow up into a happy man and a
good citizen. Perhaps in the years until he reached
twenty-one, Vicki hoped, Peters situation would
straighten out.
Now Im ready to go home, Vicki declared.
Not that I want to leave here. She hugged Cora
and smiled back at Mr. Wilson.
I never saw one small girl eat so much, and I
declare, it did me good to watch you, Mrs. Wilson
said. Now do you want to call home?
Youll fly back in the Cub tomorrow morning, I
suppose? Mr. Wilson said.
Vicki nodded and excused herself. She
telephoned her family in Fairview. Betty Barr
answered.
Everyone was fine, said her mother. She was
219

relieved to hear that Vicki was safe and that the


Denton case was closed. The Barrs knew most of the
story from the St. Louis newspaper account, for it
had been telegraphed to the Fairview news service,
too; Vicki promised to tell them the rest as soon as
she saw them.
There was some good news at home.
How is Harold Mack? Vicki asked.
Hes out of the hospital, Mrs. Barr replied.
Youll be glad to know hell soon be well enough
to return to work.
And Workforth?
Thats good news, too. Richard Workforth has
been exonerated of any blame in the bank robbery,
and the tool company has reinstated him in his job.
Im awfully glad, Vicki said. Maybe thats one
good result of my tracking down Denton.
Dad says hello, dear, and Ginny wants to talk to
you. Hold on.
Ginny, now that the Wing Scouts had made her
air-minded, was concerned about the Cub first and
Vicki second.
The Cubs okay, Vicki said. Needs a grease
job. How are you, baby?
You know what? Bill took me up in his other
trainer and he says Im almost ready to learn to fly,
thanks to my Wing Scouts ground lessons, except
that Im not sixteen yet, but anyhow
220

You never missed me a bit, Vicki teased.


Well, I did. Bills voice came on. Im visitin
your folks, and I was tellin em Im goin to think
up a way to keep you in Fairview, so I can see you
once in a while.
Vicki could almost see her father nod in
agreement with that.
Why, Bill, Ive been resting, Vicki said
demurely. Not that Federal Airlines is going to let
me have much more time off for a rest period.
Cora Wilson remarked, Id like to rest by flying
around and having adventures.
Vicki giggled into the telephone. Bill
misunderstood.
Your father says this is what comes of me
teachin you to fly. But I told him, No, sir, it isnt.
I said, Vickis the kind of girl things happen to,
planes or no planes. Youve got too blamed much
curiosity.
Knowing how to fly doesnt hurt any, Vicki
said, demure as a pink-and-gold angel. She had to
grin, though. I certainly had a fine, interesting rest
period away from my stewardess job. You need your
Cub back, Bill, dont you? I shouldnt have kept it
so long.
Never mind the Cub! How about seein you?
Hey, pigeon, dont you get a reward?
She had all but forgotten about the reward offered
221

for apprehending the bank robber. I dont know.


No one has said anything to me about it. After all, I
didnt take Denton into custody or anything like
that.
Well, look. If you should get it
Thats a big if, Bill.
Well, if youre lucky, Vic, want to buy half a
plane? Ill buy the other half. Would you be partners
with me on that Cessna Ive had my eye on?
She heard Ginny yelp in the background: You
bet she would!
Vicki laughed. Ill daydream a little bit about it.
We could have a lot of funif.
Bill and Vicki said a long, affectionate good-by.
Cora Wilson was amused. But youre going to see
him tomorrow!
She had breakfast with the Wilsons next morning,
a bright Saturday morning, perfect for flying. Cora
was reading aloud a further newspaper story about
the robbery. Big black headlines read:
BANK ROBBERY SOLVED, CASHIER CONFESSES.
FAIRVIEW GIRL SUPPLIED LEADS.

It was a long news item. Vickis name was


mentioned, but discreetly, thank goodness. She was
interested to note that the bank robber was referred
to throughout as Denton.
222

That shields Peter, Mr. Wilson pointed out.


Its a happy ending, Cora Wilson sighed.
The doorbell rang. It was a caller, from the head
of the St. Louis police. Not Captain Taylor, but a
stranger.
Is Miss Victoria Barr here?
Yes, here I am! Now what? Vicki was upset.
Some news for you. May I come in?
I beg your pardonplease come in, Vicki
sputtered. The Wilsons faces were as blank as her
own.
It is my pleasant duty to inform you that because
of her efforts leading to the capture and arrest of the
bank robber, and to the return of the stolen money,
Vicki Barr is to receive the reward offered for the
capture and indictment.
Ahwhat, sir? Me?
Yes, Miss Barr. You. And the police official
handed her a check.
Suddenly they all started laughing and talking.
Vicki was the most incoherent of all. She had not
dreamed she really had a chance for the reward, and
besides
But it wasnt only me! What about Harold
Mack, andand the Fairview police, and the work
Captain Taylors men did in St. Louis?
The two police groups worked largely on leads
which you furnished, young lady. As for Harold
223

Mack, he was very good about co-operating but he


had no hand in tracing the old woman.
He made his good-bys and Vicki escorted him
dazedly to the door. She returned murmuring, The
old woman. The vanishing lady. She stared in
unbelief at the check.
Mr. WilsonMrs. Wilsonyou deserve a share
in this check, I think. You advised me and put me in
touch with Captain Taylor, and you
No, Vicki, her host said, laughing. Our reward
is having some unaccustomed excitement in our
house.
Well, Im grateful to you. She promised silently
to send Cora some nice gift. I do hate to go. I loved
being with you and staying in your house.
I think we might let her in again, Albert, dont
you? You come back real soon.
They drove her to Seaveys Field and waved
good-by from their car, as Vicki ran over to the
yellow Cub. She climbed in, and her eyes were
shiny with new dreams. She wasnt decided about
buying half that plane with Bill. But if she did
well, she could foresee some wonderful adventures.

224

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