You are on page 1of 202

The Secret Quest

The latest exciting mystery in which Judy becomes


involved starts innocently enough. Judy and her young FBI
husband Peter Dobbs go to the airport in Washington, D. C,
to meet Peters sister Honey, who is going to visit them for a
week and take in the many interesting sights.
Back at the motel where the three are stopping, Honey is
amazed to find that accidentally she has picked up the
wrong suitcase. Instead of the pretty suits that she herself
had designed, the bag contains some very old-fashioned
garments, an old diary dated 1847, and an old coffee mill.
Even more startling is Peters discovery of a sheaf of notes
on solar science stuffed inside the drawer of the coffee mill.
The odd clothes remind Honey of two quaintly dressed
little old ladies who were on the plane with her. And later,
when she and Judy and Peter catch a glimpse of the same
two old ladies in the company of the new artist whose
arrival at the Dean Studios caused Honey to lose her job
there, the three young detectives are even more perplexed.
At a solar science exhibit in the Smithsonian Institution,
Judy picks up the first slim clue to an increasingly baffling
mystery and starts on her secret quest for its solution. Dont
miss this spine-tingling story of Judy Boltons latest
adventure and its weird outcome.

The Famous JUDY BOLTON Mystery Stories


By MARGARET SUTTON
The Vanishing Shadow
The Haunted Attic
The Invisible Chimes
Seven Strange Clues
The Ghost Parade
The Yellow Phantom
The Mystic Ball
The Voice in the Suitcase
The Mysterious Half Cat
The Riddle of the Double Ring
The Unfinished House
The Midnight Visitor
The Name on the Bracelet
The Clue in the Patchwork Quilt
The Mark on the Mirror
The Secret of the Barred Window
The Rainbow Riddle
The Living Portrait
The Secret of the Musical Tree
The Warning on the Window
The Clue of the Stone Lantern
The Spirit of Fog Island
The Black Cats Clue
The Forbidden Chest
The Haunted Road
The Clue in the Ruined Castle
The Trail of the Green Doll
The Haunted Fountain
The Clue of the Broken Wing
The Phantom Friend
The Discovery at the Dragons Mouth
The Whispered Watchword
The Secret Quest
The Puzzle in the Pond
The Hidden Clue
The Pledge of the Twin Knights
The Search for the Glowing Hand
The Secret of the Sand Castle

A Judy Bolton Mystery

THE SECRET
QUEST
By

Margaret Sutton

________________________________________________________

Grosset & Dunlap


PUBLISHERS NEW YORK

1962 BY GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC.


ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Secret Quest

Contents
CHAPTER

I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI
XVII
XVIII
XIX
XX
XXI
XXII
XXIII
XXIV
XXV

PAGE

Honeys Arrival
The Wrong Suitcase
In Borrowed Clothes
The Turreted Museum
A Fearful Exhibit
Solar Power
Other Powers
Promises
Homeward Bound
After the Fire
Horaces Clue
Headlines and Headaches
Warned Away!
Poltergeists!
A Time for Prayer
A House of Flying Objects
A Difficult Question
A Terrifying Answer
A Strange Likeness
A Web of Thread
A Secret Departure
A Dampened Spirit
A Promise Is Kept
Another Promise
The Real Quest

1
9
18
26
33
40
48
54
61
70
77
85
93
102
110
118
125
132
138
146
153
161
167
175
183

To my teenage daughter
LINDA SUSETTE SUTTON
Just because . . .

The Secret Quest

CHAPTER I

Honeys Arrival

Honey, whats wrong?


Judy wasnt sure just why she asked the question.
In the five minutes since Honey had stepped off the
plane she must have assured Judy a dozen times that
she was glad to be in Washington.
Nothing is wrong, Honey insisted. The flight
was a little bumpy, thats all. Changing the subject
abruptly, she asked, Is this dress all right to wear
when we go sightseeing?
It was an attractive summer print that brought out
all the gold in her honey-colored hair. Judys own
hair was unmistakably red, but she had learned to
like the color and to choose her clothes more
carefully because of it. Both girls looked lovely and
told each other so.
I brought a lot of stuff with me, Honey
confided. Id like to stay a whole week instead of
1

the weekend we planned, if thats all right with you


and Peter. I wouldnt want to spoil any of your
plans.
What an idea! exclaimed Judy. Honey, youre
part of our plans. Were both delighted to have
you.
Judy meant it. She loved Honey dearly and
couldnt think of anything shed rather do than show
her around the nations capital. They were more than
best friends. Judys marriage to Peter Dobbs had
made his sister hers. Peter had left to bring the car
around while Judy and Honey waited for the
baggage to be unloaded from the plane.
Theres my suitcase! Honey called out,
pointing, and the baggage man placed the brand-new
suitcase at her feet. She was about to pick it up when
Peter reappeared and took it from her hand.
Whew! he ejaculated as he lifted it. This thing
is heavy. What did you bring? The kitchen stove?
No, only a book or two.
Didnt anybody tell you there are bookstores and
libraries here in Washington?
Oh, Peter! Honey was blushing now. Its only
clothes and my diary and a book of poems Horace
gave me. If the suitcase is heavy, blame Judys
brother. He thinks I should read a poem a day for the
good of my soul.
Judy laughed. Knowing you, I think it does your
2

soul more good to draw pictures.


I did sketch a few of the passengers on the
plane, Honey confessed. There were two little old
ladies who fascinated me. There they are now! she
exclaimed. Did you ever see such a funny hat?
Its a sunbonnet! Judy couldnt help staring.
The shorter one of the two doll-like old ladies just
leaving the air terminal was actually wearing a
checked gingham sunbonnet. Her dress was of the
same material, ruffled and edged with white braid.
The other ones her sister, I think, Honey
explained as they watched.
The sister was wearing a less colorful dress and a
little straw hat trimmed with nodding flowers. It
seemed as if she, too, had stepped out of the past.
They just dont know what year it is, Judy said,
laughing. You meet all kinds of people coming to
Washington to see the sights
They are the sights, Peter interrupted with a
chuckle. Bless them. Somehow they remind me of
Grandpa and Grandma Dobbs. How are they,
Honey?
Theyre fine, Honey replied. They want me to
stay a whole week.
Can you? What about your work at the studio?
asked Peter.
Mr. Dean doesnt need me, Honey answered
slowly. I did enjoy fabric designing, of course. This
3

dress Im wearing is one of our new summer prints.


But work is slow right now, and they have other
artists.
I dont believe they have one as good as you are,
Honey. Besides, Judy remembered, youve
already had your vacation. That trip to Yellowstone
when we made the Discovery at the Dragons
Mouth
They hired a new artist while I was away,
Honey broke in. I cant explain just why, but I
dont like him. And now . . .
What? Peter asked when his sisters voice
trailed off into an unspoken thought.
Oh, I dont know. Things kept disappearing
from the studio. Art supplies and designs.
Now Peter was puzzled, too. Judy could see it in
his blue eyes. He asked a few more questions about
the new artist as they walked out to the car. Looking
back, they could see a crowd of people standing on
the observation deck atop the modern air terminal.
We were up there watching when your plane
came in, Honey, Judy said.
You would be. Youre always there when I need
you, declared Honey. You were there when I first
heard the Invisible Chimes. I might never have
known I was Peters sisterand now yours, Judy, if
it hadnt been for you.
I dont deserve all the credit, Judy protested.
4

What about Horaces part in solving the mystery?


And suppose my father hadnt consulted Dr.
Faulkner and he hadnt compared your heart-shaped
thumb print with that of the baby he remembered?
Thats one thing youll have to see while youre
here in Washington, Peter put in. The FBI has the
largest collection of fingerprints in the world. Ill
take you around myself and show you exactly how
fingerprints are used as a means of identification.
Did you show Judy around? asked Honey when
they were on their way in the car with Honey in the
front seat between Judy and Peter
I started to, but the tour was interrupted, and
Peter went on to tell his sister all about the
Whispered Watchword Judy had overheard.
I scared myself wandering around without
knowing what to expect, confessed Judy. It will be
different touring the Capitol Building with you.
Well visit Blackberry
Judy, youre joking! Honey exclaimed. What
would Blackberry be doing in the Capitol?
Working for the government, naturally.
Your cat? Now I know youre joking. How can a
cat work for the government?
Easy, Judy replied, and now Peter was
laughing, too. Hes official mousecatcher in the
basement of the Old Senate Office Building. He
wasnt welcome at the motel. In fact, he was
5

practically catnapped. Liz Holbrook will tell you.


She and Rosita are waiting to meet you.
Ill be glad to meet your new friends, Honey
said, but its you and Peter I really came to see.
And all this, of course.
They were driving along Mount Vernon highway,
and the scenery across the blue Potomac was
breathtaking in its beauty. Honey was taking it all in
as they crossed the second bridge and turned north
on Fourteenth Street. Now, looking to the west, they
could see the tall shaft of the Washington
Monument towering into the sky and reflected in the
oblong pool that extended all the way to the Lincoln
Memorial.
To the east was the famous mall with its
picturesque museums and art galleries. The older
buildings were red stone with turrets and pinnacles
outlined against the sky. Beyond, the Capitol
Building itself dominated the city and gave it a quiet
dignity that, once seen, could never be forgotten.
See those cathedral-like buildings? Peter said,
breaking the silence that had fallen over the three in
the car. I promised Judy wed explore them.
What are they? asked Honey.
Collectively, Peter said, his eyes twinkling,
they are known as the Smithsonian Institution.
Oh, no! Not institution. This seemed funny to
Honey, and she began to laugh. Why on earth do
6

they call them that? They look like fairy castles.


There are all sorts of exhibits inside, Peter said,
and theyre open on Sunday. I thought wed go to
All Souls Church tomorrow and after that, we can
visit those turreted museums, and you girls can
explore to your hearts content.
That will be fun. They had passed the buildings
now, and Honey was exclaiming over other things.
Peter stopped the car to point out the Department of
Justice Building which was one of several important
buildings to the right as they looked back toward the
Capitol. Just ahead was the White House. They
circled the grounds and then turned when they
reached New York Avenue. In five more minutes
they were at their motel.
I hoped Liz would be at the desk, Judy said as
Honey registered, but youll meet her later. Shes
the girl who toured the FBI with me and
afterwards She shivered at the memory. Come
on, Honey. Ill show you around.
Judy took Honey through the lobby past a court
enclosed on three sides by the long motel buildings
and on into a dark passageway that proved to be a
shortcut to the outside rooms.
Meanwhile Peter was unloading the car which he
had parked just outside the door of their adjoining
rooms. Honey liked her room and exclaimed over
the red, white, and blue color scheme and the eagle
7

decorations.
Let me help you unpack, Judy suggested as
Peter brought in Honeys suitcase and put it down.
Honey opened it with her key and threw back the
lid.
Is that your diary or the book of poems? asked
Judy, observing a worn brown book on top of a pile
of folded clothing.
It isnt either one! Honey exclaimed. She
snatched up the book and opened it. Its a diary all
right, but its dated 1847! And look! This is what
made the suitcase so heavy. I never brought along an
old coffee mill.

CHAPTER II

The Wrong Suitcase

Honey stared at the contents of the suitcase, a


dismayed expression on her face. The coffee mill,
gaily decorated with pink painted roses, sat squarely
on top of a pile of calico printed garments. They
were ruffled and tucked and trimmed with white
braid. Beside them was another pile of white things.
Its uncanny, isnt it? Judy wasnt sure whether
she ought to laugh or sympathize.
Its horrible! Honey exploded. Nothing in here
is mine. She snatched up an embroidered petticoat
with matching undergarment. Do you think Id
wear these? Even Grandma Dobbs doesnt wear
white embroideredwhat are they, anyway? Slip
tops?
Judy giggled. She couldnt help it. Corset
covers, I believe. Grandma Smeed used to wear
them. I found some in the attic of our house in Dry
9

Brook Hollow. Dig a little deeper, Honey, and you


may find the corset
But I want my own things, Honey protested.
How do you suppose these funny old-fashioned
clothes got into my suitcase?
It cant be your suitcase, Honey, Peter told her.
Youve taken a suitcase belonging to someone
else.
But my key opened it, she insisted, and it
looks exactly like mine.
Wheres the baggage check? asked Judy.
Oh dear! Honey cried. I tore it off and threw it
away without looking at it. I felt so sure this suitcase
was mine.
Well soon find out who owns it, Judy declared
as they explored its contents. She unrolled a pair of
long black stockings and exclaimed, Ill bet those
two old ladies we saw at the airport wear stockings
like this.
Judy, do you think this could be their suitcase?
Honey asked.
Quite likely, Judy replied. The same key could
fit both locks. And look, Honey! These dresses are
all cut after the same pattern, and they are like the
dresses those two old ladies were wearing. Theres
even a sunbonnet to match this one.
This looks like one of your grandmothers
antiques, Judy, Peter said, examining the coffee
10

mill. This was quite an invention for its day, he


remarked as he began to turn the handle. You
poured the coffee beans in the top, ground them up
like this, and they came out here.
He pulled open the little wooden drawer to
demonstrate and then whistled in surprise.
Now what have you discovered? exclaimed
Judy as Peter withdrew a stack of folded papers and
immediately became absorbed in what was written
on them. Judy noticed that there were drawings, too.
Not sketches of the kind Honey made, but diagrams
to illustrate text.
They look like the sort of drawings you see on
blueprints, she observed. Is that what they are?
Peter nodded, not taking his eyes off the pages.
Honey glanced at them and then picked up the old
diary. Strange, she murmured as she turned the
pages. This is like mine, only its about schoolboys
instead of schoolgirls.
Is that a boys diary? asked Judy.
A mans, I think. I cant find his name. Hes
talking about his schoolmates as if some time had
gone by. Here, read it for yourself, Honey
suggested, handing Judy the well-worn book.
She found the handwriting a little hard to read
with all the curlicues and flourishes. Under the date,
May 1, 1841, she read: Today a great honor came
to an old schoolmate of mine. The cornerstone of a
11

12

magnificent building to house him and his staff was


laid with impressive ceremonies. President Polk and
his Cabinet were there and Im sure our old
professor was there too, in spirit. He used to
encourage us to play at chemistry and I remember
some sad results of those early experiments. Poor
Henry was nearly burned to death when he
attempted to stamp out a fire set by one of Joes
balloons. We were seeking an answer to the
question: Why does smoke fly upward?
Why does it? Honey interrupted.
Warm air is lighter than cool air, Peter
explained, but go on, Judy. I think I know what
building hes talking about. Is there anything more
about this boy, Henry?
The one who was burned? No, its all about Joe,
the boy with the balloon. He kept on with his
experiments Oh, I see, his name was Joseph
Henry. That name seems to ring a bell.
It certainly should. Joseph Henry was a famous
scientist, and his friend who was burned must have
been Henry James. Are their names mentioned
anywhere else in the diary? Peter asked.
I dont see many names. Do you, Honey? Most
of this seems sort of private and personal Im not
sure we ought to read it.
But Judy, it cant be private and personal after
more than a hundred years, Honey objected. Its
13

an antique like everything else in the suitcase.


Not everything, Peter protested. These papers
I took from the drawer in the coffee mill arent old.
They look to me like notes on the latest findings in
solar science.
Then we were wrong! Judy exclaimed. What
would those two old ladies we saw at the airport
know about solar science?
They might know quite a bit if one of their
ancestors wrote this diary, replied Peter. Old
people are full of surprises.
I dont like this kind of a surprise, declared
Honey. If they threw away their baggage check
without looking at it, the way I did, they may carry
my suitcase around for hours without knowing it
isnt theirs. I have to get it back some way. Oh, I
wish I knew their names!
Ill phone the airport and describe both
suitcases, Peter said. They may have found out
right away that it wasnt theirs and left it at the lostand-found desk. If they did, we can drive right back
and get it.
Please, Peter, call them right away, begged
Honey. I simply cant go to church tomorrow with
nothing to wear. I packed a little summer suit and
hat to match.
Youll get them back. I know you will. In the
meantime, how about wearing this? Judy giggled as
14

she held up a creation of brown silk and velvet with


lace sleeves and a trailing skirt.
Oh, Judy! Honey refused to make light of the
matter. It isnt Halloween.
Well, your suitcase isnt at the airport, Peter
reported. He had just finished making a telephone
call from the adjoining room. Now he suggested
dinner.
In this? Honey indicated the soiled dress she
was wearing. Ill have to change into something
else. I leaned up against something and made a big
smudge on the back
It doesnt show, Peter told her.
Put my jacket on over it, Judy suggested, and
lets eat. Well figure out some way to solve your
clothes problem.
On the way to the outdoor tables they met two
girls whom Judy introduced as Liz Holbrook and her
twelve-year-old cousin, Rosita Rocklin.
Liz works at the switchboard, and Rosita is the
managers
daughter,
Judy
finished
the
introductions. Theyve been looking forward to
meeting you.
Honey greeted them warmly. But her face
clouded when they began to plan things for her to
do.
Im afraid I wont be staying that long she
began.
15

But you said you could stay all week, Judy


objected.
How can I, with nothing to wear?
Honey picked up the wrong suitcase by
mistake, Judy explained. Its full of old things that
look as if they belonged in a museum.
That isnt such a tragedy, declared Liz, smiling.
Youre just my size, Honey. Let me lend you some
of my clothes.
Thanks, Liz, Honey said gratefully. I will need
something to wear to church tomorrow.
See you later then.
After dinner Honey paid a visit to Liz and
returned with her arms full of what she laughingly
called loot. She put everything down on the bed and
then, almost as if she were afraid of what she might
discover, picked up one of the notes from the drawer
of the coffee mill and sniffed it.
Is it perfumed paper? Judy asked with a laugh.
Honey shook her head. It smells just like any
paper. Judy, she added abruptly, Ive decided not
to stay all week even though Liz was nice enough to
lend me these things.
If its on account of your clothes, you might buy
a few things, Judy suggested. Youll have time for
shopping Monday. I always travel light and buy
things. Then I can say to myself, This is the dress I
bought in New York or Washington, or wherever
16

Ive been.
You dont understand.
Honey was right about that. Judy didnt
understand, but she meant to find out.
What dont I understand? she asked.
Why I ought to go home, Honey answered. I
told you things have been disappearing from the
studio, didnt I? And that artist I told you about has
been working overtime even though Mr. Dean let
me out because he says work is slow. If I return to
Farringdon unexpectedly I may find out whats
going on behind my back.

17

CHAPTER III

In Borrowed Clothes

Honey, are you still determined to go back to


Farringdon? Judy asked the following morning
when they were getting ready for church.
Yes, Honey replied, shrugging into her
borrowed dress, and I wish you would come with
me. You arent needed here in Washington, are
you?
Peters here, and if I can be of any help to him
Judy began.
But if you can help him more by leaving
Honey interrupted.
How can I help Peter by going back to
Farringdon, Honey? Judy asked curiously.
Honey studied her reflection in the long mirror on
the wall before she answered. The dress fitted as if it
had been made for her.
Judy, she said slowly, if you were in my place,
18

you would be worried, too.


I am worried, declared Judy, if you are. Do
you intend to fly back?
Not if youll drive me back.
And leave Peter here? I wouldnt think of it.
You would if you thought there was a real
mystery to solve. I know you, Judy, and this time
Im asking for your help. The Dean Studios make
photostats of sketches like those in the drawer
Lots of firms make them, Judy interrupted.
Lots of firms arent missing some of their
supplies. Honey lowered her voice. Maybe Mr.
Dean suspects somethings going on but for some
reason is afraid to say anything. Maybe thats why
he wanted me here in Washington where its safe.
Safe! exclaimed Judy. If youd been here last
week when we tangled with those men from the
protection racket, you wouldnt say that. I have to be
here for the hearing on Tuesday. Liz is married
She is? She doesnt look old enough to be out of
high school, declared Honey.
She dropped out of high school and married a
young salesman who was forced into the protection
racket, Judy explained. He cooperated with us,
and I can help him by testifying. After that, if you
really think we should, I suppose we could drive
back to Farringdon.
I really do want to. Please, implored Honey.
19

Well see. Now hurry into your borrowed finery,


or well be late to church.
They were a little late. Washington streets were
confusing, especially the streets named after states.
I never thought Id cross so many states all in
the space of ten minutes, laughed Honey as Peter
turned north on Fifteenth Street.
Thats Meridian Hill Park to your left, Peter
pointed out. Its filled with statues, but you cant
see them very well in this fog.
It isnt fog. Its rain. Oh dear! exclaimed Judy
as big drops began to splash against the windshield.
Why does it always have to rain on Sunday?
I hope it wont spot this lovely dress I borrowed
from Liz. It was good of her to lend it to me, and the
hat, too. Id hate to spoil them, Honey said.
Borrow this lovely transparent rain cape from
me, and you wont. There! Judy exclaimed as Peter
stopped the car half a block from their destination.
It covers both of us.
Judy folded the rain cape back into a small square
and put it in her pocketbook as they entered the
church. They had missed the doxology and the
opening sentences all except the very end:
Summer bringeth heat.
Thy rays nourish every garden.
They live and grow by Thee.
20

Thats part of Akhenatens prayer to Aten,


Honey whispered. Its in my book of poems.
Judy hadnt the least idea what Honey was
talking about, but now wasnt the time to ask her.
The congregation had risen to sing the first hymn:
Joyful, joyful we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
Hail thee as the sun above.
The sun? Thats it, thought Judy. Aten was the
Egyptian word for the sun, and Akhenaten was an
ancient Pharaoh of Egypt.
Judy had never thought of it before, but during
the service she learned that the first people to
believe in one God were the ancient sun
worshippers. Akhenaten had written his hymns to
the sun and proclaimed that Aten bound all men
together.
Scientists today are finding out how true his
words were, the minister continued.
Honey whispered something, but Judy was
listening to the sermon and didnt pay much
attention. Afterwards she asked, What were you
trying to tell me?
Just that a woman quite a way in front of us has
on a covered pillbox hat like one in my suitcase.
21

22

They stood to sing the closing hymn, and then


walked down the aisle toward the vestibule. Honey
was urging them to hurry.
You could be wrong, Peter told her. There
might be another hat like yours. There was another
suitcase
My suit! Honey suddenly interrupted. The
nerve of them! They are wearing my clothes.
Judys sympathies were suddenly with the two
old ladies who were just leaving the church. She felt
sure they had been as upset about taking the wrong
suitcase as Honey had. They were wearing identical
suits except for the color and little hats of matching
material that looked strange perched atop their knots
of gray hair. The suits didnt fit very well, Judy
noticed.
They had to wear something, she defended
them.
Theyve hailed a taxi. We can overtake them in
the Beetle if we hurry, urged Peter, pulling the two
girls along with him.
The Beetle was the name Judy had given Peters
car. It was parked on Fifteenth Street with its nose
pointed toward downtown Washington, the direction
in which the taxi went. In almost no time they were
following it.
Theres a man with them, observed Peter. You
didnt see him at the airport, did you, Honey?
23

No, but they were waiting for someone. Cant


you drive a little faster?
Peter was driving as fast as safety allowed. Judy
glimpsed a number of embassies she had wanted to
see as they sped past them with the taxi still in sight.
Then came one of those annoying little parks with a
monument to house a statue in the center.
I dont see them any more, cried Honey when
they had passed the monument.
I dont either, Judy exclaimed. But, look, isnt
that the President?
She had caught sight of the President himself in a
chauffeured car.
Honey, we saw him, she breathed when she had
recovered her breath.
And his wife, too. Isnt she beautiful? Honey
was lost in admiration, the chase forgotten until the
Presidents procession had passed. Suddenly the
intersection was filled with cars.
They created a beautiful traffic jam, Peter
complained. We really let that taxi get away from
us, but I have his number. Ill check with the cab
company if your suitcase isnt returned soon,
Honey.
Judy was glad they had seen the President even if
it did mean losing sight of the taxi they had been
following. Peter drove on down Fifteenth Street in
the hope that the cab had not turned off on any of
24

the intersecting streets. It was a lovely drive, even in


the rain.
We have lost that taxi, but I have an idea where
those two old ladies may have been going, he
declared. Do you remember the magnificent
building mentioned in the diary? Well, I imagine
that turreted museum seemed quite magnificent a
hundred years ago when it was standing all by itself
on the green meadow west of the Capitol.
Oh, Peter! Is that where you think those two old
ladies were going? Judy asked eagerly. Maybe
they were bringing that old diary to exhibit there.
But now they have mine! Honey objected. I
hope they dont want to exhibit that.

25

CHAPTER IV

The Turreted Museum

They drove on toward the group of magnificent


buildings known collectively as the Smithsonian
Institution.
They were named for the founder, James
Smithson, Peter explained. That red stone
museum that looks like a castle is the original
building.
Is that a statue of Mr. Smithson?
Judy noticed the statue while Peter was driving
around looking for a place to park.
No, he replied, its a statue of Joseph Henry.
The boy in the diary! Why on earth
He wasnt a boy when that diary was written. He
was a man with a number of brilliant scientific
discoveries to his credit. He was chosen to be the
Institutions first secretary.
Why is it called an institution? Honey wanted
26

to know.
An institution can be a place of learning. This
one is, declared Peter. Its famous for its
contribution to scientific knowledge. The head
offices of such organizations as the Bureau of
American Ethnology
In plain English, American Indians, Judy put
in, seeing the dazed look on Honeys face.
Peter laughed. As I was saying, the Institution
houses ten or twelve bureaus, among them the
Astro-physical Observatory. I believe its the only
organization in the world devoted exclusively to the
study of the sun.
On a day like this? Judy teased.
Well, the suns still there, Peter reminded her.
I know. Behind the clouds the suns still shining.
Unquote. Think of that, Honey, whenever you feel
blue about losing your clothes, advised Judy.
It wasnt just my clothes, Honey protested. I
wanted to surprise you
I was surprised.
Oh, Judy! I dont mean like that. There was
something in my suitcase I wanted to give you.
There was my diary, too, and that beautiful book of
poems Horace gave me. How am I going to tell him
I lost it?
Easy, Peter said reassuringly. Being a
newspaper man, Judys brother likes a good story.
27

Nothing would please him better than to join us in


our search for those two elusive old ladies. They
may be hard to spot, though, disguised in your
clothes.
Not for me, Honey said. I designed those
prints myself. Judy and I were going to wear them.
That was supposed to be the surprise, but I may as
well tell you. Those two suits were ours, Judy.
Yours and mine. I thought it would be fun to go
sightseeing dressed in similar suits. The pale yellow
with the lacy spider-web design was mine, and the
pale green was yours, and there were hats to match.
I saw them, Judy said, unable to conceal her
disappointment. Those darling little pillboxes
covered with matching material. They would look
better on us
Much better, agreed Honey. They didnt know
how to put them on, and the suits didnt fit.
Judy sighed. Well, she said, they had to wear
something to church, and those clothes they had on
yesterday wouldnt do. I dont believe they want to
give up that old diary and all those scientific papers,
either. They must have been taking them somewhere
to show someone. That is, if they knew the papers
were in the drawer.
Do you suppose they didnt? Then weve really
made a discovery. Well, here we are, announced
Peter as he eased the car into a parking space not far
28

from the Smithsonian Institution.


Again Judy and Honey protected their clothing
with the transparent rain cape and ran through the
rain until they reached the main building with its
confusion of towers, turrets, and pinnacles. It was a
copy of an old Norman castle, Peter told them, and
they could well believe it. Judy suspected some of
the people surging through the arched doorway were
more interested in keeping out of the rain than they
were in scientific findings about the sun.
Look at the crowds! Honey explained. A
museum cant be that interesting.
This one is. Peter steered the two girls down a
crowded aisle toward an exhibit of old cars. Many of
them looked more like wagons with their leather
seats and high, spoked wheels.
Cant you just imagine those two old ladies
riding in them? asked Judy.
Yes, Honey giggled. I dont see them
anywhere, do you, Judy?
No, Judy admitted after looking over the
crowds, but well find them. Im sure of it, Honey.
Wont it be fun to return that old coffee mill and tell
them whats in the drawer? Maybe theyll telephone
the motel. Liz is at the switchboard. Shell take the
message.
Honey shook her head. No, Judy, they wont
call. I have one of my hunches
29

Which, Peter broke in with brotherly candor,


are not very reliable.
Just the same, if they were going to call, why
didnt they? Honey asked.
Peter had to admit that he didnt know why.
Down another aisle Judy found a number of
rooms reconstructed from long ago. Wax figures
stood about in various poses. She called Honey over
to see them.
Do you recognize these ladies? she asked.
Honey looked at them closely. Is this one
supposed to be Martha Washington? Oh, and Im
sure this one is Dolly Madison! Isnt her gown
beautiful?
Its all the First Ladies in their inaugural gowns.
See! Judy pointed out the furnishings of the rooms
in which the wax figures were exhibited. Some were
seated on plush divans. Some were standing.
Antique chairs, tables, and desks made the rooms
look much as they must have looked in the days of
Washington, the Adamses, and Thomas Jefferson.
Honey said they reminded her of store windows.
And yet they are different, she added.
I should think so. Just look at those dresses!
enthused Judy, moving from one room to another.
Here theyre getting a little more modern. See this
one, Honey! Its almost like that brown silk and
velvet dress in the suitcase.
30

How real she looks! Honey was gazing up at


the figure wearing the dress. Doesnt she make you
feel creepy? I dont like manikins, the way they
stare.
Youd like them even less if they blinked, Judy
said, moving on to the next display and shivering a
little as the wax figure seemed to look back at her.
Honey shivered, too. Theyre all a little too
lifelike, arent they?
They certainly are, agreed Judy. I suppose its
the way the light reflects on their glass eyes or
something. If we hadnt seen the real First Lady this
morning, these wax figures wouldnt bother me.
If we hadnt seen the real First Lady we
wouldnt have lost sight of that taxi, Honey
reminded her. You havent forgotten that were still
looking for those two old ladies, have you? Maybe if
we went upstairs and looked down from the
balcony
Thats an idea, agreed Judy. We might find
Peter, too. Hes deserted us for some scientific
exhibit that interested him. I guess he thought wed
spend the rest of the day looking at First Ladies in
their inaugural gowns.
Did he go up this way? Honeys hand was on
the stair rail.
Yes, to the right, I think . . .
But Honey wasnt listening. She was already
31

halfway up the stairs and for some reason, turning to


the left.
Wait a minute! called Judy.
Other people on the stairway were blocking her
way. She couldnt pass them without appearing
rude. It seemed that everyone was turning to the left.
Honey had reached an open doorway. There she
stopped and stood as if frozen.
What is it? Oh, what is it? cried Judy as she
hurried after her.

32

CHAPTER V

A Fearful Exhibit

Honey stood there, frightened, gazing at something


just inside the door. Judy was almost afraid to look.
When she did, she couldnt help staring in
fascination.
Its nothing but another exhibit! she exclaimed.
You had me worried for a minute, Honey. You
opened your mouth just as if you were going to
scream.
II almost did, Honey admitted. This room is
enough to scare anybody. Look, Judy! That is what
everybody came to see.
She didnt need to point. Everybody was looking
in the same direction. There, on a pedestal, stood a
transparent figure with moving parts to show the
digestive system and the circulation of the blood.
Skeletons stood about in various poses. They didnt
frighten Judy. She had seen too many pictures of
33

such things in her fathers medical books.


Look at it the way I do she began, but Honey
shook her head.
I cant. Im not a doctors daughter. When I look
at a skeleton I cant help thinking that once it was a
living, breathing person, and now its nothing but an
unidentified collection of bones.
But that transparent moving figure isnt really
frightening, Judy said. You came upon it a little
unexpectedly, that was all. We should have stayed
together.
Were together now. This fact seemed to
comfort Honey. But wheres Peter?
Hell be along in a minute. Lets go and look for
him, shall we? Judy suggested. I saw him turn to
the right at the top of the stairs. He may be over
there.
She indicated an exhibit with flashing lights. The
sign said it was operated by solar power. A whole
group of people were standing around it while a
young scientist demonstrated the appliances that
might be found in the homes of the future.
This display looks more like one of the homes of
the past, Honey observed as they turned down the
aisle toward the solar exhibit.
The display was of an antique kitchen with more
wax figures in the act of cooking and serving meals.
The imitation food reminded Honey that she was
34

hungry.
I could use some real food, she declared.
Honey, look! Judy was standing on tiptoe to see
what was on a high shelf in the old-fashioned
kitchen. Isnt that a coffee mill? It doesnt look as
old as the one we found in the suitcase.
You dont suppose those two old ladies were
bringing it here for this display, do you? asked
Honey.
They certainly werent going to grind coffee
with it, unless
Judy stopped speaking as she noticed something
else inside the cubicle Honey had called a home of
the past. The Queen Esther range in the antique
kitchen was a real curiosity. A wall calendar
advertised horse blankets. January, February, March,
and April had been torn off. The month that
appeared was May, 1847, the same date as that on
the diary. Judy could hardly wait to tell Peter about
it. Could there possibly be some connection?
Unless what? Honey was asking. You started
to say something, but you didnt finish.
I was about to say they might be living in some
room where they are allowed to do their own
cooking. Maybe they dont like instant coffee and
want to grind their own from fresh coffee beans.
Judy waved a hand toward the display. Ill bet they
still five like this.
35

And Ill bet theyre going back in my clothes to


wherever they live, Honey added. That taxi they
took was probably to the station. I dont believe
theyre flying back. They were frightened on the
plane. They kept telling each other theyd never fly
again.
What else did you overhear? asked Judy.
Honey shook her head. Nothing of much
importance. Snatches of whispers. This is their last
trip. I heard the older one say so. She said after
theyd seen Washington and found out what it was
all about, theyd go back home and live on
borrowed time. It was rather sad. I suppose we ought
to be glad they have our suits if they will make them
feel young again.
But will they?
Honey sighed. Im afraid not. Those prints
werent designed for old people. They were
designed for us. It was going to be such a nice
surprise, Judy, but now its spoiled just like
everything else. All my lovely designs It makes
me just heartsick to think about them.
Why? asked Judy. What happened to them?
Aldin improved on them. Thats the name of the
new artist, Aldin Launt, Honey explained. Maybe
he is as good as Mr. Dean thinks he is, but I cant
see it. I liked my designs better the way they were.
He didnt change them much. But I dont see why
36

they needed changing at all.


Did you ask Mr. Dean about it? Judy asked.
II was afraid to, Honey admitted.
I wish you had asked him. Honeys sudden
timidity puzzled Judy. Its always better to come
right out with your questions instead of worrying
yourself sick over possible answers. There are
answers, you know.
They could bethe wrong answers. Honey was
hesitating again. I dont know anything for sure,
Judy. It was my designs that disappeared and then
were returned, and I think Aldin Launt did it, but I
dont know how nor why. Ive had it on my mind so
much that I see him in places where he couldnt
possibly be.
What kind of places, Honey?
In that taxi with those two old ladies. It looked
like his back, but it couldnt have been
Maybe it could. Youre a sensible girl, Honey,
Judy told her. You arent in the habit of seeing
things that arent there.
It isnt that, Honey protested. There wouldnt
be any reason for him to come to Washington. You
see, I had it all figured out that he wanted me out of
the way so hed be free to work out his own fabric
designs, but if he came here, too
On Sunday? He could be back by Monday,
Judy reminded her.
37

Thats so. Honey pondered this for a moment


while Judy turned her attention back to the crowds
around the solar exhibit. She didnt see Peter, and
yet she was sure he had turned to the right because
he would be interested in the solar exhibit.
I hadnt thought of that. You see, Judy, I do need
your help, Honey was saying. If you really care
about me youll drive back home with me and help
me find out whats going on.
I do care, Honey. Ill ask Peter if he can spare
the car, Judy promised. If its all right with him,
we can start back Wednesday morning. Will that be
soon enough?
It cant be too soon. Well return the suitcase
I hadnt thought of that, Judy said, but I
suppose if that man in the taxi really was Aldin
Launt, then he knows the old ladies. We could ask
him where they live and take the suitcase there
ourselves. It would be an adventure. Remember
when we found that other suitcase and heard the
voice
Yes, and when we explored the ruined castle and
someone locked us in the dungeon. I hope it wont
be that kind of an adventure.
Dont worry, Honey. It wont be. After all, well
just be calling at the home of two little old ladies.
What could happen?
Honey shivered. I can think of possibilities
38

Well, dont. Just leave everything to me. Ill


question this Mr. Launt myself and find out the
address
Please, Judy, dont question him. Well have to
find out some other way. I dont trust Aldin Launt.
You might call it a hunch, and Peter doesnt believe
in hunches. Here he comes, Honey observed with
an imploring glance that begged for secrecy. I dont
want to talk about it any more.

39

CHAPTER VI

Solar Power

Peter had been looking at the exhibits in the room to


the right of the stairs, just as Judy had thought. She
could hardly wait to tell him her latest theory.
Its in this cubicle. Honey called it a home of the
past. See the date of the calendar? And theres a
coffee mill on the shelf, but it isnt as old as the one
we found. I think those two old ladies intended the
coffee mill in the suitcase for this exhibit, and the
diary, too. Cant you just imagine it opened to that
part about Joseph Henry? Theres a table right in
front with nothing on it. Im sure the diary was
meant to go there.
Im sure of it, too.
Peter had agreed with her almost too readily.
Suddenly Judy realized he must have facts to back
up his statement.
Youve found those two old ladies! she
40

exclaimed.
Peter shook his head. Not so fast. I didnt find
them, but I did find out who they are. Theres a
young solar scientist here who says hes their greatnephew. As a matter of fact, his father sent them
their plane tickets
And you told him about the suitcases being
mixed up? Honey prompted him.
Yes, replied Peter, but he says the coffee mill
and the old diary they promised to bring cant be
exhibited until they sign a release.
I hope you found out their names and where they
live, Judy said.
I did. Peters blue eyes twinkled. You can
trust me to find out the facts. He called them Aunt
Dorcas and Aunt Violetta, although actually theyre
his great-aunts. They live in Ulysses, a little town
somewhere to the northeast of Farringdon.
I know where it is. Peter, I think I will drive
home with Honey if you can spare the car, Judy
decided. Ill be free after Tuesday, wont I?
Peter hesitated. Yes, but I thought you wanted to
show Honey the sights
We could start early Wednesday morning. Judy
continued making plans. That will give me time to
testify. And it will give those two old ladies time to
return Honeys suitcase or take it home if they
intend to keep it. I dont think they do. Theyre
41

probably just as mixed up as the suitcases. Peter,


what else did you find out about them?
Not too much, Peter admitted. The scientist
was rather vague. Theyre his grandfathers sisters, I
believe. Anyway, they brought him up. His name is
Jewell, the same as theirs. Joseph Henry Jewell.
With a name like that, Judy put in, he could
hardly be anything but a scientist. But what about
his great-aunts? Were they on their way here?
He thought so. They had telephoned that they
would meet him here right after church, but for
some reason, they never showed up.
Thats strange. What do you think happened?
I dont know, replied Peter, looking concerned.
I was beginning to think something had happened
to you, too. Where were you all this time?
Peter wanted to see the room they pointed out,
and so Judy and Honey showed it to him. The
transparent figure had stopped moving. Judy
explained that it was set in motion every so often,
she didnt know how, but Peter said it might be
operated by solar power.
But doesnt that mean sunshine? How can
anything operate by solar power on a cloudy day?
Thats a good question, Angel. Henry Jewell
could probably give you the answer.
Please, Peter, lets not look at his exhibit now,
Honey protested. Im so hungry I could even eat
42

that wax food in the display cases. Theres an old


clock on the wall. If its still running, its after
three
Its running all right. Peter consulted his watch
as they stood waiting at the top of the stairs. He
should be here by now.
Who should be here? Judy and Honey asked in
the same breath.
Henry Jewell, the solar scientist. I asked him to
join us for lunch. When I mentioned my sister
Me? Honey asked.
What other sister do I have? Naturally, he was
interested. Hes young and unmarried
Matchmaker! Judy charged. What about my
brother?
Matchmaker yourself!
They glared at each other for a minute in mock
anger. It was Honey who first noticed a tall, almost
gaunt young man approaching. He resembled
Horace, Judy thought, except that he was taller,
thinner, and had an uneven look to his face because
of a triangular scar beneath his right eye.
Peter introduced the two girls. Henry Jewell
appeared shy at first, but when Honey mentioned
solar power he suddenly came to life.
If you believe in the future as I do, he told her,
you must believe in this new and yet oldest of all
sources of heat and power. A day will come when
43

our supply of coal and oil will be exhausted. But the


energy that comes from the sun is inexhaustible.
Right now the girls are more interested in the
energy that comes from food, Peter reminded him.
Even that would be impossible without
sunshine, the scientist continued as he led them
back toward the solar exhibit to demonstrate his
point. Well be going out to dinner soon . . .
Very soon, I hope. Judy said this under her
breath as he described the dinner they would be
ordering. He picked up a plate of wax food that was
part of the display. Take this dinner, for instance.
Roast beef with baked potato, green vegetables, and
a glass of milk. The meat and milk were once stored
in the body of a cow. The cow got its energy from
the grass it ate. The grass got its energy from the
sun. So did the vegetables and fruit
What about the sugar frosting on that cake?
asked Honey as she pointed out an artificial dessert.
Sun power, he replied, demonstrating with the
light machine. This shows the process by which
plants make sugar out of water and carbon dioxide
with the help of sunlight. Its called photosynthesis.
So we may think of the sugar, too, as hidden
sunshine. When we eat either animal or vegetable
foods the sunshine is built into us.
Thats what the minister was saying this
morning! exclaimed Judy. He read a part of
44

Akhenatens hymn to the sun. Do you remember it,


Honey?
Part of it, she replied. We five and grow by
Thee. I have the whole thing in a book in my
suitcase. Your great-aunts took it by mistake, Mr.
Jewell, and I took theirs. Im sure theyll try to
return it. My address was in it.
Your Washington address?
No, my home address, replied Honey. It was
on the flyleaf of that book of poems. They wouldnt
try to return it to my home, would they?
Who knows? Henry Jewell dismissed the
subject with a gesture of impatience and continued
demonstrating his sun-powered machines. Again
Judy asked the question that had puzzled her before.
How can these machines operate on a cloudy
day like this? If direct sunshine must be caught on a
curved mirror
Exactly, he interrupted. In this way a large
amount of sunshine can be brought to focus in a
small space. This produces heat and stores it for a
limited time. Unlimited storage of sun power is our
aim. Think of all the wasted heat in deserts.
Judy had never thought of sunshine as being
wasted. She glanced at Honey, who seemed to be
taking in all this information with wide-eyed
wonder.
Sunshine is stored in the air, in the sea, and in
45

the ground, as you can see by this photograph, the


scientist was saying. What would you say this
was?
Judy thought it was a photograph of cars on a
parking lot, and that was exactly what it turned out
to be. The strange part of it was that when the
photograph was taken the cars no longer were there.
It is their shadows you see. Such photographs
are possible, the young scientist explained,
because of sunlight stored in the ground. You see
how useful this sort of photography might be in
crime detection.
Its already in use, declared Peter. Youre
interested in pure science, but in the FBI we make
practical use of what you discover. Its our job to
protect your discoveries, too.
I worked with my father and grandfather on
most of them, Henry Jewell said. You see, by
studying these natural storage tanks, science is
gradually working out artificial ways of storing
sunshine. We are convinced that our deserts will
eventually become the sites of great solar power
plants and that sun-powered rockets will take us on
flights to the moon and Venus. Sun power of any
type will work better outside the earths
atmosphere.
He explained why, and Judy listened, but she was
growing hungrier with every word.
46

It will be cheaper than atomic power and will


solve the problem of getting back to earth from
space flights, he continued. Our sun-powered
space ships would resemble flying saucers with the
suns rays reflected in the center. I had it all worked
out on paper. If I had not lost my notes
Where do you think you lost them? Honey
asked.
If I knew where he began and then stopped
as if he had been about to blame someone else for
the loss and then changed his mind.
Perhaps they were just put away somewhere,
Judy suggested.
She knew what Honey had in mind, but when she
glanced at Peter, he shook his head at both of them.
For some reason, he did not want them to mention
the papers that had been found in the drawer of the
coffee mill.

47

CHAPTER VII

Other Powers

Before they left the museum, the young scientist


insisted on exhibiting a new solar battery that had
been used in space photography. A picture of the
earth taken from outer space showed the misty cloud
covering. Oceans and continents were partially
hidden. The familiar world Judy knew so well from
maps was strangely unfamiliar in the picture. It
resembled the other planets.
Who knows what secrets the atmosphere of a
planet like Jupiter or Venus may be hiding? Henry
Jewell asked. Theyre children of the sun just like
our earth.
They were on their way to a nearby restaurant
when Honey asked, How did you first become
interested in sun power, Mr. Jewell?
Call me Henry, he said. I hope we will be
friends. It was my Aunt Violetta who first awakened
my interest. She is quite a naturalist. One day we
48

were examining a leaf through a magnifying glass


when suddenly it began to smoke.
The suns rays did it! We did that once
ourselves, didnt we, Judy? Honey asked.
It was quite by accident. We were looking for
clues.
Judy was more eager to hear about the scientists
missing great-aunts than she was about his boyhood
experiments, but he went on talking, and Honey
encouraged him. He had made what he called a
galvanometer out of a piece of cardboard lined with
tinfoil and shaped into a hollow cone. He explained
how it worked.
A magnetic needle was suspended over a coil of
wire. When the axis of the conical reflector was
directed toward a distant object, such as a horse
Did your great-aunts keep horses? Judy
interrupted to ask.
They did then, he replied. This scar under my
right eye is proof of it. One of their horses threw me.
I hit a stone and landed with my leg doubled under
me. The weeks I spent recovering from the accident
gave me time to study with Grandfather. The body
temperature of an animal is usually greater than the
surrounding area. I was amazed that the difference
in radiant heat was shown by the needle on my
homemade galvanometer.
Did your great-aunts encourage such
49

experiments? asked Judy.


Aunt Violetta did. I had a feeling that Aunt
Dorcas vaguely disapproved. She resisted change
the way a heavy sled resists the energy of a boy
pulling it uphill. That was another one of the
wonders I discovered as a child. I was continually
asking, Why?
His questions, the scientist went on to explain,
were usually answered with patience and
understanding. Not all the answers were scientific,
but they did stimulate thought. It was not until they
were seated around the restaurant table that Judy
learned, to her surprise, that Henry Jewell had not
seen his great-aunts since he was ten years old.
We wrote to each other regularly until a few
months ago when, suddenly, their letters stopped. It
puzzled me at first, he admitted, but then I decided
I must have said something that rubbed them the
wrong way.
Havent you any idea what you said? Judy
questioned.
He shook his head sadly. It might have been
something I didnt say. I was so preoccupied with
my own work at the time that I probably forgot to
answer some query of theirs or ask after their health.
My grandfather is living there with them now, so my
father sent three plane tickets and asked him to bring
them down here for a visit. It seemed a shame, after
50

all these years. . . .


His voice drifted off. Honey looked at him with
that understanding smile of hers and then gave her
attention to the food that was being served. It looked
delicious but then, as Honey had said, even the wax
food had begun to tempt her.
Were filling ourselves with sunshine, arent
we? she asked, attempting to turn the conversation
back to something more cheerful.
You sound like Aunt Violetta, the scientist
commented. She was always the sunny one. I
remember, when I was a boy, how we used to climb
up to the observation room at the top of the house
and study the sun through a homemade telescope.
My grandfather provided the lens. He lived with us
for a while after Grandmother died. I dont
remember her very well, but Ill never forget my
great-grandmother and her tapping cane. She was an
invalid and used to manage the house from her bed.
My great-aunts had to report all their own activities
and my misdeeds to her. But up in the observatory
we felt free.
If they brought you up until you were ten years
old it must have been hard for them to give you up.
What happened? Judy asked.
Henry Jewell hesitated for so long that Judy was
afraid she shouldnt have asked the question. Peter
hadnt done much talking, but Judy knew he had
51

been listening and making mental notes of every


word. This time he did not shake his head at her
question. He wanted to hear the answer, too.
Maybe you dont want to talk about what
happened, Honey ventured. I understand
It isnt that, the young scientist interrupted.
The explanation is simple. My father married
again. He didnt want divided loyalties. That sort of
thing. I soon became fond of my stepmother and
didnt want to hurt her by acting homesick.
But you were homesick? Judy prompted him.
Yes, I suppose I was. That house has been in the
family for five generations, he explained. My
great-great-grandfather, Nathan Jewell, built it. He
went to school with Joseph Henry, and it was his
diary my great-aunts said they were bringing to
Washington. I read it when I was a boy.
Nathan Jewell. So that was your great-greatgrandfathers name! exclaimed Judy. We couldnt
find it anywhere in the diary. He mentioned Joseph
Henry and Henry James and a lot of other important
people, but never once did he give his own name.
My people were all like that. Modest to a fault.
Id like to know them, Judy said. Honey and I
are thinking of driving home in a couple of days. We
could drive on to your great-aunts place and pick up
Honeys suitcase if they still have it. Well return
theirs, of course.
52

Give them my love when you see them, wont


you? My father expected they would come to our
house, but they insisted upon going to a hotel. They
telephoned yesterday, probably before they
discovered they had the wrong suitcase. Afterwards
they may have become frightened and stayed just
long enough to go to church and pray about it.
They took a taxi from church. Were sure of that
much, declared Peter. They attended All Souls
Thats our church. They would go there.
There was a man in the taxi with them, Judy
began.
Henry Jewell laughed. Why didnt you tell me
that before? I guess the joke is on me. The man in
the taxi was probably my father. Ill call home right
now and find out if my aunts changed their minds
and went there. They may have patched up their
quarrel with my father and had dinner with him and
my stepmother.
This was the first Judy had heard about a quarrel.
It was all very puzzling. If the man in the taxi was
Henry Jewells father, why had Honey mistaken him
for Aldin Launt, a much younger man? And why
hadnt Peter told the scientist about the papers
concealed in the drawer of the coffee mill? They
were supposed to be looking for answers, but how
could they find them when they were keeping
secrets from each other?
53

CHAPTER VIII

Promises

No, they arent there.


The three at the table accepted this news in
silence. Henry Jewell had just called home and
talked with his father who was, apparently, as
baffled as he was. Nothing more was said about the
man in the taxi, although Judy couldnt help
thinking that it might have been the artist from the
Dean Studios and, if so, Peter ought to be told.
Perhaps she could persuade Honey to tell him later.
Whats the next move? Peter asked finally.
Well, Im thinking of driving up there, Henry
Jewell replied. Im convinced they went home, and
its about time I visited them. My vacation begins
next week. My father didnt send them return tickets
because I planned to drive them back. In fact, I was
rather looking forward to the trip up through the
Pennsylvania hills.
54

It will be fun, wont it, Judy? Honey agreed.


They talked of the proposed trip as if all four of
them were taking it. Plans were made for sightseeing
all day Monday.
Each time you tour the Capitol Building or the
FBI its like the first time, declared Judy. There
are so many new things to see. Honey, youll be
especially interested in the microdots used in various
designs. They are on exhibit in the Department of
Justice Building. Magnified, these microdots
become secret messages sent back and forth by
subversive groups.
May I accompany you on the tour?
The young scientists request was unexpected.
Honey seemed pleased. She was not looking
forward to sightseeing alone on Tuesday, she said,
when both Judy and Peter would be at the hearing.
But with Henry to show her around, none of her
precious time in Washington would be wasted.
There was so much to see in just two days. The
girls planned to pick up Judys cat at the Capitol on
Wednesday morning, take a last-minute tour of the
basement, and then start home.
Well join you there on Sunday, Peter
promised.
The we puzzled Judy. She glanced at Honey to
see if she understood and surprised a look of utter
absorption in her eyes. Wasted time had reminded
55

the young scientist of wasted sunshine, and he was


off again.
The sun, as if weary of so much discussion,
appeared briefly only to hide behind a rosy cloud in
the west. Judy could see it through the restaurant
window. It was late for dinner and later still when
they finished. The museum closed at five. Henry
went back to finish up some paper work he was
doing, and the others headed for Peters car. Judy,
able to speak freely now, turned to Peter.
Why did you say we? she asked. Is Henry
Jewell coming with you?
He may. We havent discussed it, Peter replied.
It seems to me theres a lot we havent
discussed, declared Judy, and Im not talking
about sunshine. Didnt you tell him anything about
those papers in the drawer of the coffee mill? I
started to, but you gave me that look
Peter laughed. I have you well trained. I did
mention the coffee mill but only to promise that we
would see that it was returned
But wasnt it intended for the museum?
It was. You guessed right about that.
Then why didnt you want me to talk about it?
Those papers in the drawer were probably his lost
notes
Probably, Peter agreed. The question is, how
did they get there? He didnt mail them to the old
56

ladies, unless he accidentally put them in an


envelope with one of his letters.
Do you think he did?
No. A scientist doesnt do things like that.
Maybe hes sort ofwell, absent-minded,
Honey suggested. Like Horace. You know how he
is, Judy. Ive seen him put sugar on his potatoes
instead of in his coffee when his mind was on
something else.
That could be what happened, Peter, Judy
agreed. Henry Jewells mind is on sunshine. If he
had a round face instead of a rather angular one, Id
call him a human sunflower.
Mr. Sunflower! Oh, Judy! I like Jewell better.
He is a jewel, declared Honey. Were going to
help him, arent we?
Well try, Peter promised. He seems confident
that you girls will find his aunts at home and
exchange suitcases without any trouble. If theyre
still in Washington
Honey shook her head. I dont think they are.
Its just one of my hunches. You dont believe in
hunches, so why discuss it? Well find out for sure
when we go home. Im looking forward to meeting
the Misses Dorcas and Violetta Jewell. If we walk
up to the door with their suitcase
Just a minute, Peter stopped her. Before you
rush into this, I have a request to make. Those
57

papers, as you say, may be Henry Jewells lost


notes. His aunts may or may not know they were
hidden there. You can tell by the way they act when
they open the suitcase. If they open the drawer of the
coffee mill and act surprised to find it empty, I want
to know it.
Well report everything exactly as it happens,
wont we, Judy? Honey said.
Yes, but what if they dont open the drawer?
Judy asked. I dont see how we can find out who
put those papers there unless
Honey did not let her finish. Well think of a
way. You know how good Judy is when it comes to
mysteries, and I have helped her solve a few of
them. Trust us, Peter.
Just the same, Peter said gravely, you girls
keep in touch with me. If any harm has come to
those two old ladies, let me know. Ill be ready to
investigate at this end. As for the papers, theyll be
safe with me. Ill see that theyre returned to Henry
Jewell after Ive looked into this myself. You can
tell his aunts where they are if they ask about them.
But suppose they dont ask?
Judys question was followed by a long silence.
Finally Peter said, If they dont ask for those papers
youll know they were put there by someone else,
and its up to us to find out who that someone is. I
want you to telephone me immediately. You know
58

where to reach me. Will you promise to do that?


We promise, Judy and Honey answered.
When they arrived back at the motel, there had
been no inquiries concerning the suitcases. Liz
Holbrook had been at the switchboard all day, and
she agreed with Judy and Honey. The Jewell sisters
probably had left for home with the wrong suitcase.
But dont worry, Honey, she finished. They
may leave your suitcase with your grandparents if
its on their way
It is if they left by train. They have to pass right
through Farringdon.
You see? Its all solved then. I wish my
problems were that easy.
Judy promised Liz she would do her best to help
her solve her problems, too, when the case against
Lizs husband came up. And Judys testimony at the
hearing on Tuesday did help Charlie Holbrook.
Its always like this, Judy said to Peter when
the morning in court was over. We wind up one
mystery just to be plunged into another.
You dont agree with Liz that Honeys mystery
is solved as soon as she finds her own suitcase, do
you? Peter said as they started for the restaurant
where they were to meet Henry Jewell and Honey
for lunch.
I certainly do not. Those papers puzzle me,
Judy confessed. They arent perfumed, and yet
59

Honey sniffed them just as if she expected to smell


something. Im going to ask her about that if I get a
chance to speak to her privately.
When Judy did have an opportunity to question
Honey, she received her answer in one word:
ammonia.
Ammonia! gasped Judy. But thats used in
washing. You dont wash papers. They
disintegrate.
Its used in other ways, Honey replied
mysteriously. Ill show you when we get back to
Farringdon. Until then lets forget it and enjoy
ourselves.

60

CHAPTER IX

Homeward Bound

Honeys remark about ammonia continued to puzzle


Judy. Honey didnt want to talk about it. But she did
say this much, as the two girls were packing to leave
Wednesday morning.
My suspicions are probably without any
foundation in fact. And the more I think about it, the
surer I am that the man I saw in the taxi couldnt
have been Aldin Launt. I only saw his back.
Peoples backs all look alike.
Do they? asked Judy. Id know Peters back
anywhere. Theres something about his shoulders
and the way he turns his head
You love him. Thats why.
But if you dislike someone, your feelings may
be just as strong and you may be just as aware of his
peculiarities.
Perhaps. Honey dismissed the subject with a
61

bang as she closed the folding bed. Half of it


disappeared into the wall. She threw cushions on the
other half and said, There! Now the room looks just
as neat as it did when I moved in. Where do I put the
bedding?
Just leave it there, Judy told her. The maids
will take it. Thats the beauty of living in a motel
room. I wish you could have stayed the whole week.
Anyway, we had two wonderful days of
sightseeing
Three wonderful days, Honey said. Have you
forgotten I toured the FBI with Henry? I like him,
Judy. Thats my trouble. I like so many boys Ill
never settle down to just one.
Dont tell my brother that, warned Judy. Hes
still waiting for you to settle down. I never liked that
word much myself. It sounds like a broody hen
settling over a bunch of eggs and just staying there.
Well never be like that, will we?
Never, agreed Judy. I like to travel. But home
is best. I find myself wishing the house in Dry
Brook Hollow wasnt rented. Id even enjoy dusting
it.
Honey sighed. I feel the same way about my
drawing board. There was something homelike
about my little corner. I suppose somebody else is
working in it.
You dont really think Mr. Dean has replaced
62

you, do you, Honey? Judy asked.


I dont know what to think. Well see whats
going on when we get there. Im certainly traveling
light.
They were all packed now. What few things
Honey had went into Judys suitcase. The other
suitcase would be returned just as it was except for
one small detail. Henry Jewells notes were no
longer in the drawer of the coffee mill. How they
came to be there in the first place remained a
mystery.
I can hardly wait to see their faces when they
open the drawer, Honey commented.
Whose faces? asked Judy.
She was checking to see if they had forgotten
anything and wasnt paying much attention.
The Jewell sisters, of course.
Suppose they dont bother to open the drawer?
Peter said then wed know the papers were
hidden there by someone else. Where is he,
anyway?
Hes out in the car waiting for us. Come on,
Honey, Judy urged her. Were going to the
Capitol to pick up Blackberry, and I thought wed
include Washingtons crypt in this last bit of
sightseeing.
The crypt, Honey soon discovered, was in the
sub-basement of the Capitol Building. Few tourists
63

knew it was there. But Judy and Peter were familiar


with this part of the building because of their
frequent visits to Blackberry.
I hope he finished off all the mice down here,
Peter said as they searched for the cat. They could
hear a scratching sound. Honey shivered.
Is George Washington really buried down
here? she asked. I thought his tomb was in Mount
Vernon.
It is, but it was supposed to be here, Judy
replied as she pointed out a space directly below a
circular rail. The guide told me that, when the
foundations for the rotunda were laid, a marble
monument was meant to stand just about where
were standing now. That railing above was so
people could stand around in a circle and look
down
Peter laughed. Do you see whos looking down
now?
Blackberry! exclaimed Judy as two green eyes
glowed at her. He thinks hes people. How do we
get up there?
There was no need. Blackberry had found a way
down. He knew the building better than Judy did.
Soon her famous cat was purring in her arms.
I was afraid hed be spoiled, she confessed.
He had his picture in all the Washington papers,
but hes the same loving pet hes always been. Peter,
64

I do believe Blackberry is the nicest present you


ever gave me.
Hes the cheapest. That fur coat I gave you
It was lovely, Judy admitted, but it wasnt
alive.
Peter said he hoped not, and the three of them left
the Capitol Building laughing. Blackberry
remembered his old place next to the back window
of the car and immediately made himself
comfortable.
He wont be any trouble, Honey laughed.
And not much protection, either, Peter added.
If anyone tries to follow you girls
Who would? Judy interrupted.
Nobody, I hope. But just in case there is
anything at all you have to report, stop at the nearest
telephone and let me know.
We will, Peter, Judy promised.
I have to leave you now. Im meeting another
agent in ten minutes. Take care, both of you.
With a kiss for Judy and another for his sister,
Peter was off as soon as Judy started the car. She
drove for a while, and then Honey took a turn. They
werent being followed except by other tourists like
themselves on the busy highway between
Washington and Gettysburg.
The trip was fast and uneventful except for a
short delay at the battlefield. Blackberry crawled
65

inside a cannon and refused to come out until Judy


thought of luring him with a sardine. They escaped a
news photographer just in time. If there was one
thing Judy didnt want at this point, it was publicity.
Blackberry nearly spoiled our plans, Honey
complained when they were on their way again.
Everybody would know we were coming if our
pictures got in the paper trying to fish him out of
that cannon.
We fished him out with a fish, didnt we?
laughed Judy. Silly cat. Dozing there by the
window, he almost looks like a dog. It is more usual
to travel with a dog than with a cat.
A watchdog, declared Honey. Well need one
if we stop at the studio. I really dont want people to
see us. Theyd wonder why I came back so soon.
The mixed-up suitcases explain it. Of course, we
know theres another reason. Were on a secret quest
for something. Im beginning to wonder what it is
myself, Judy added.
We may find out at the studio
It will be after closing time when we reach
Farringdon, Judy reminded Honey. We can tell if
that artist is working overtime. Shall we drive by
and look for lights?
Honey agreed, and Judy drove faster in
anticipation. After following the west bank of the
Susquehanna River for some distance, the road
66

turned northwest into Pennsylvanias wooded


mountain region. It was beginning to look and feel
like home.
Theres the park where we had our high school
picnic, and you and I were left behind, Judy
pointed out.
That was the day we heard the voice in the
suitcase, wasnt it? Theres the old cemetery on the
hill. Do you remember how frightened we were
when we passed it? Those old gravestones still look
spooky, Honey observed.
Judy had been driving for some time now. The
road twisted and turned like a snake and finally took
her into Roulsville where the broken dam still stood
to remind her of the flood that had once swept the
valley.
This road is really haunted with memories, she
said as they drove on.
Above the dam were a few new houses that had
been built since the flood. Below it practically
everything was new. But farther up the valley there
were few changes. The Blade farm looked just as it
always had except for the new barn. A fire had
destroyed the old one.
The houses along the North Hollow road were the
same. Next came the little private road that led to the
house Judys grandmother had left her. A grove of
trees hid it from view, but she could see enough to
67

68

give her a twinge of homesickness.


It seems strange not to stop, she commented
when they had passed.
The sun was just setting as they crossed the last
hilltop and came down into Farringdon. It looked
like a toy city from this distance. Cupped in the
valley as it was, the downtown section looked misty.
Or is that smoke? Judy frowned. See it? Just
beyond the courthouse
Its a fire! gasped Honey. The fire engines are
there already. See that bit of red? Oh, I hope they
have the fire under control!
I hope so, too, agreed Judy, aghast when she
saw what was burning.
It was the building that housed the Dean Studios.
Forgetting that Honey wanted to keep their visit a
secret, Judy drove as fast as she could toward the
downtown section of Farringdon.

69

CHAPTER X

After the Fire

Oh, Judy! This is terrible. I should trust my


hunches, wailed Honey. Something told me there
would be trouble at the studio. Can you see how
much damage was done? she asked as they drove
nearer.
I cant see much, replied Judy. Its too smoky,
but I think the fire is under control.
The damage to the building appeared to be slight,
but the whole area was thick with smoke. The
downtown section was roped off. Judy couldnt turn
when she reached Grove Street. Traffic was being
directed around the courthouse square.
Shall we park here and walk over? Judy
suggested, noticing a vacant parking space.
I guess well have to if we want to find out
anything, agreed Honey.
They closed the car windows so Blackberry
70

couldnt jump out, and hurried toward the still


smoking building. Most of the smoke was coming
from the west end.
Thats the end where the presses and most of the
photographic supplies are kept. Maybe some film
caught fire. That would make a lot of smoke,
Honey said as they ran.
Suddenly the smoke cleared, giving Judy a good
view of the building. She pointed.
See that, Honey! The whole window frame is
burned away, and the bricks are black. It must have
been quite a fire, but its out now. The east end of
the building doesnt seem to have been touched.
Thats where the artists work, isnt it? asked Judy.
Thats right. I want to peek in and see if any of
the things in my corner have been disturbed, Honey
suddenly decided. I can see it through this window.
Dont worry! Its safe.
Judy wasnt so sure of that. Smoke could be
treacherous, she knew. It could be followed by a
sudden burst of flame.
If a gust of wind blows all that black smoke in
our direction, she began, but Honey had already
climbed up, using a basement window ledge for
footing.
Its just the way it always was! she exclaimed.
Not a thing has been touched. Judy, I was wrong

71

Were you? asked Judy. Dont be so sure.


Theres a whiff of ammonia in the air, and you were
sniffing those papers for ammonia. You said so
yourself.
Didnt I say why?
You certainly didnt, but I think I know. That
ammonia smell comes from photostats just off the
press, doesnt it? Judy questioned.
Burned photostats, Im afraid. Its a shame,
declared Honey. I suppose Mr. Dean will be held
responsible, though he must be covered by
insurance. Plans and drawings cant be replaced
without a lot of work if the originals were burned
with them.
Do you think they were?
Probably. The originals have to be run through
the press to make the photostats. Sometimes you can
tell if copies have been made. The paper retains a
faint odor of ammonia.
But there wasnt any such odor on those papers
in the drawer of the coffee mill?
No, just a very faint odor of coffee. I really dont
think copies were made of them.
That doesnt prove that Aldin Launt wasnt
trying to get hold of them to make copies, declared
Judy. If we can find out what caused this fire
Wed better not stand here talking, Honey
interrupted fearfully. Lets go before anyone comes
72

along and asks questions.


They started back toward the car, but before they
had gone very far they were surrounded by young
people who had come to watch the fire. Among
them were some of Judys friends from high school.
This is a surprise! exclaimed Lois FarringdonPett, stopping her. Horace said you and Honey
were spending the whole week in Washington. What
brought you back?
The Beetle, Judy parried the question. Its
parked over there by the courthouse with Blackberry
locked inside. We havent been home.
Then you dont know
What? Judy asked fearfully as Lois looked
about as if she were wondering whether or not she
ought to tell whatever was in her mind.
Its nothing, Lorraine said quickly. She and
Lois were always together. Like Judy and Honey,
they were sisters-in-law. Lorraine Lee, the
newspaper editors fair-haired daughter, was now
Mrs. Arthur Farringdon-Pett.
If its nothing, why are you girls looking at each
other like that? charged Honey. Tell us the truth,
Lois. What were you going to say?
Lois hesitated. You can find out the truth from
Horace, she said. You know how he is. Always
starting a big crusade against crime. Well, someone
beat him up, and he wont say who it was.
73

For a moment Judy and Honey were too stunned


by this news to speak. Judy had always thought of
her brother as a timid soul, until he had shown her
that physical courage wasnt the only kind. Had he
tried to defend himself when he received the
beating? Or had he turned the other cheek, according
to his convictions?
Was he badly hurt? she asked when she could
find her voice.
Were sorry. We didnt mean to frighten you
Then tell us, urged Honey.
Not too badly, Lois replied. A few bruises on
his face. He says they make him look worse than he
feels.
He moves around all right, Lorraine put in. As
a matter of fact, he was here just a few minutes ago,
poking around the fire. Somebody said he turned in
the alarm, but that may be just a rumor. Ever since
the Roulsville flood, the whole county thinks of your
brother as a hero.
I think of him that way myself, declared Judy,
and Honey echoed, So do I.
We thought you girls might have heard about
Horace, Lois continued. He asked us not to say
anything. He didnt want anything to spoil your
vacation. But you must have heard something. Isnt
that why you came home?
No, it isnt. Judy decided she ought to explain
74

at once about the mixed-up suitcases. Honey hadnt


a thing to wear, she ended her explanation.
Tomorrow were going to drive to Ulysses and get
back her things if the Jewell sisters will give them
up. Would you girls like to go along?
Lois hesitated, so Lorraine spoke for her.
No, thank you, Judy. Weve gone along with
you before. These little expeditions of yours are apt
to turn into big adventuresand dangerous ones.
Thats a lonely road, and the weather report predicts
thunderstorms for tomorrow.
I dont believe it, declared Honey. There
wasnt a cloud in the sky today. We had perfect
weather all the way here from Washington.
I wouldnt attempt the trip if I were you,
another girl in the group advised. My names
Donna Truitt, and we just moved here from Ulysses.
It isnt even a town any more. The Jewell sisters
wont welcome you. They might not even let you in
out of the rain. Theyd take in a stray animal, but
theyre afraid of people. They never come out of
hiding, not even to shop. Their nephew does all their
shopping for them. He even picks up their mail at
the post office.
Their nephew! exclaimed Judy. Thats
impossible. He hasnt lived with them since he was
ten years old. Whats this nephews name?
Joseph Henry Jewell. Hes their great-nephew
75

really. People call him Joe.


I met him myself, declared Lois. Everybody
says his aunts are a couple of recluses
Thats not true! Hes called Henry, isnt he,
Judy? We met him in Washington. And his aunts
arent recluses, Honey added. They flew down to
Washington to see him. I know because I was on the
same plane.
We could be wrong about them, Lorraine
conceded. Anyway, we have other plans for
tomorrow, dont we, Lois? Wed rather be safe than
sorry.
Well see you later, then.
After the group of girls had left, Honey turned to
Judy and said in a worried voice, I dont like that
safe-and-sorry bit. I suppose Lorraine thinks Horace
is sorry he wrote whatever he did that made
somebody beat him up. But if I know him, he will be
out crusading harder than ever. I hope he feels well
enough to drive to Ulysses with us.
Judy frowned thoughtfully. If we run into real
trouble well need help from Peter, not Horace, she
pointed out. Whatever he finds out gets into the
newspaper. Im not sure we ought to tell him what
were looking for.
Honey shook her head and said in a puzzled
voice, Judy, do toe know?
76

CHAPTER XI

Horaces Clue

Honeys question gave Judy something to ponder.


Youre right, of course, she said slowly, we
dont really know what we expect to find. But we do
want to find out the truth, Honey. I wish I knew that
girl, Donna Truitt, a little better, Judy continued.
If some man is calling himself the old ladies
nephew
I dont believe a word of what she said,
declared Honey. Ive seen her before. I dont
believe she just moved here from Ulysses.
In other words, her name doesnt fit?
Truitt? Honey laughed. No, I guess it doesnt.
Maybe what Lois and Lorraine said about Horace
isnt true, either.
I hope it isnt, Judy replied.
Eager to find out for sure, they drove on until
they came to the old dividing fine where Grove
77

Street turned uphill. Here, with the woods behind it


and a green lawn in front, was Dr. Boltons house
with its mysterious gables and round attic windows.
The fence around the grounds was concealed by a
thick hedge. The gate creaked as Judy opened it.
This gate always creaks. Theres no help for it.
Theres Mom at the window. I guess shes surprised
to see us, Judy exclaimed. Here she comes!
She doesnt look worried, Honey observed.
Horace cant be too badly hurt.
Whats this? asked Mrs. Bolton.
Company, Judy announced, embracing her
mother.
Nonsense! she scolded. You and Honey are
part of the family. But wheres Peter, and what
brought you home?
The Beetle, Judy said.
Mrs. Bolton looked puzzled for a minute and then
broke into a laugh.
Of course. Thats the ridiculous name you and
Peter gave your car. Id forgotten for a minute. Is
that Blackberry next to the back window?
It is. Hide Horaces parrot and Ill bring him in.
How is he, Motherkins? Judy asked anxiously.
The parrots fine. Noisy as ever.
You know I didnt mean the parrot. Im talking
about Horace, Judy said. There was a fire
downtown. We stopped.
78

It was the Dean Studios, Honey put in.


This was the first Mrs. Bolton had heard about
the fire, so Judy and Honey gave her what few
details they had. There were some friends of ours
there watching. They said Horace had beenwell,
hurt, Judy finished.
Then youve heard? There was a long pause.
Maybe its just as well, Mrs. Bolton added. It
wont be such a shock when you see him. The
bruises are all superficial, your father says. Horace
insists on going about his work as usual. Excuse me,
dear, she broke off quickly. Theres the
telephone.
It was Horace himself calling to say hed be a
little late.
Are you all right, dear? Mrs. Bolton began. I
just heard
Dont tell him were here, Honey whispered.
We want to surprise him.
Come home as soon as you can. Im keeping
your dinner hot for you, was all Mrs. Bolton said.
The doctor came in a few minutes later.
Judy girl! he exclaimed. What brought you?
The Beetle, she said, feeling afterwards that the
joke had worn a bit thin. She explained that Peter
would join them on Sunday.
We had a strange experience in Washington,
she continued. Honey picked up the wrong suitcase
79

at the airport. We found out afterwards that it


belongs to a couple of elderly sisters who live in
Ulysses. Their names are Dorcas and Violetta
Jewell.
Ah, yes, Dr. Bolton said. I was called to their
home several times during their mothers last illness.
She had been an invalid for years. They seemed very
devoted to her and to each other.
You wouldnt call them recluses, would you,
Dad?
I wouldnt, he replied. Some people might.
They do keep pretty much to themselves. I accepted
a deed to a lot in payment for my services. You
remember it, Judy girl? You thought it was a gold
mine.
Judy laughed. What a disappointment that was!
Id been telling all my school friends that we owned
a gold mine, and then you told me it was nothing but
a swampy old lot in a little town named Gold. We
drive through it to get to Ulysses, dont we?
Yes, the doctor answered with a chuckle.
Youll see it just below the road. Some fine cattails
grow there. Its populated with frogs and
mosquitoes. Im still paying taxes on it.
Judy turned to Honey. You see why Dad doesnt
get rich? Couldnt they afford to pay you, Dad?
They couldnt then. I suppose they could now,
Dr. Bolton continued. Their great-nephew probably
80

helps them out. They raised him until he was ten


years old. He left the Jewell place when his father
married again.
You see? Honey exclaimed. Henry was telling
the truth!
Whats their house like, Dad? Judy asked.
He described it as Judy set two extra places for
herself and Honey, who had decided not to upset her
grandparents by coming home unexpectedly.
The house was quite secluded, the doctor said.
You have to drive along a winding dirt road to
reach it. Its a square house with a porch in front and
a little cupola on top. Somehow, it reminded me of
your grandmothers place, Judy, before you and
Peter made all the improvements. The river that runs
through the front yard is no wider than Dry Brook,
as the Jewell place is somewhere near the head of
the stream.
It must have been a wonderful place for a boy to
play. Henry Jewell said it was, declared Honey.
We met him in Washington. Hes a solar scientist.
I heard that he was. His aunts idolize him, or did
when I met them. That was several years ago. What
did you think of him?
The question came so abruptly that Honey
blushed. It was all the answer Dr. Bolton needed.
When Horace came in, looking like a chimney
sweep with his face black from smoke as well as
81

bruises, he was told he had better wash up.


Honey will lose her heart to someone else if you
dont, his father finished.
Honey! Is she here? And Judy, too! What
brought you?
Judy didnt say, The Beetle this time. She had
seen Horaces face. It was so badly bruised and
swollen that his eyes were mere slits above his puffy
cheeks.
I told you to wash up, son, Dr. Bolton repeated.
You have to keep bathing your face in cold water if
you expect that swelling to go down. In fact, he
added more gravely, you should be lying down
with cold compresses over your eyes.
Thats just what they want, Horace replied
grimly, but they havent put me out of circulation.
Not yet. Ill be all right, Dad. You said so yourself.
Horace did look better when he finally came to
the table. Judy tried to talk of other things, but it was
no use. Her brothers swollen face kept reminding
her of the question uppermost in her mind.
What really happened to you? she finally
asked.
Its a new crime wave. Thats all, Horace
explained indifferently. Part of it hit me when I
walked in on a holdup and followed the masked guy
who pulled it. A drugstore and a couple of other
stores that sell photographic supplies were held up,
82

and just now I poked around where this fire was and
picked up this piece of glass under the west
window.
He fished a small, circular object out of his
pocket and handed it to Judy.
It probably doesnt amount to much, he said,
but it was the only clue I could find. What would
you say it was?
A magnifying glass?
It could be a reducing glass, Honey said.
Artists draw things big sometimes and then reduce
them to fit in small spaces. Its just the opposite of a
magnifying glass, she explained, holding the glass
over Horaces hand to demonstrate. Its concave
like those mirrors on the solar heater we saw in the
Smithsonian Institution. When you turn it over, it
magnifies. See how big the pores in your skin are
now?
Judy saw much more than that. The glass,
whatever it was, could have started the fire.
Honey, dont you see how important this is?
Horace has found a real clue, declared Judy. If
someone left that glass on the window sill where the
sun hit it
Aldin Launt, for instance?
Yes, anyone.
It was the west window! Horace exclaimed.
I see. Right where the sun was shining. Its just
83

as Henry Jewell says, Honey went on with a look


of enchantment in her eyes. The sun may be far off,
but its rays bring heat.
Whos Henry Jewell? Horace wanted to know.
Honey told him, but he was unimpressed.
Akhenaten said the same thing over four
thousand years ago. Its in that book of poems I gave
you. Didnt you read it?
Not all of it, Honey confessed. I dont have
the book of poems any more. I took it with me, but
now I have an old diary
You traded?
It was by accident, Judy said hastily. Give
Honey a chance to explain.

84

CHAPTER XII

Headlines and Headaches

Really, Horace, it was an accident, Honey


insisted. I wouldnt have lost that book of poems
for anything. You know that. I did intend to read one
every night just the way you suggested
Then why did you trade it off? he interrupted.
People dont trade things they care about.
Honey didnt mean to, Judy explained. She
picked up a suitcase that looked exactly like hers.
Thats how it happened.
Interrupting each other and wandering far off the
subject, Judy and Honey told him all about the
mixed-up suitcases. After they had finished dinner
they opened the suitcase that belonged to the Jewell
sisters and exhibited the contents. Horace was
especially interested in the old diary.
Listen to the way he ends it, he said. I
retired to the woods with my family so that they
85

could enjoy the bounties of Nature. Is that any way


for a scientist to serve his country? Suppose our
modern scientists all went into hiding? Where would
we be then?
He wasnt a modern scientist, Honey retorted,
on the defensive again. Anyway, it isnt fair to read
the back of a book first. You begin at the beginning
and read it the way you should.
Ill do that, Horace promised. Ive always
been curious about the beginnings of science in this
country. Ah! Heres a choice bit of information. I
never knew Joseph Henry went to school with
Henry James. That must have confused their
teachers.
I can see that. We studied about Henry James in
school, Judy remembered, but I guess that was the
son of the man mentioned in the diary. He had a son
named William, too. Wasnt it William James who
said The great use of life is to spend it for
something that outlasts it?
The solar scientist we met lives by that rule,
declared Honey. The future is all he talks about. He
says a time will come when the great flood of
sunshine that pours down on the earth will be used
in place of gas and electricity and even atomic
power. I dont quite understand it, but he says
everything except atomic power is really converted
sunshine.
86

Apparently he converted you, Horace remarked


dryly.
You mean to his way of thinking? Yes, I guess
he did, Honey admitted. He showed us so many
things. Photographs of cars that werent there any
more, and the earth photographed from space
I could show you some pretty fine pictures taken
by news photographers. But tell me more about the
Smithsonian. Did you go into the towers? Horace
asked.
The towers? No, we didnt, Honey admitted.
Well do it when you and I go to Washington on
our honeymoon, declared Horace. Or has this sun
worshipper spoiled my chances?
He isnt a sun worshipper, denied Honey. Hes
a world-famous scientist, or will be when his
discoveries are appreciated. Hes designed a solar
power plant and a sun-powered rocket
Indeed! Horace interrupted in a mocking voice
that made Honeys cheeks flush with anger. I
suppose his sunshine will work better than atomic
energy.
It isnt his sunshine. Its everybodys sunshine,
Honey retorted, and it will work better in outer
space where there arent any clouds to break it up
and scatter it
So now hes scattering sunshine!
Stop it, Horace! Judy commanded. You know
87

what Honey means as well as I do. Thats what the


earths atmosphere does, but if a rocket took off
from a space station
I suppose hes designed that, too? The next thing
you know hell be trying to sell you stock in his
inventions, Horace predicted. Peter should know
better than to let you be taken in by such characters.
This man you met in Washington probably is a
phony. Why? demanded Judy.
Because Joseph Henry Jewell doesnt live in
Washington any more. Thats why, Horace
retorted. He lives with his aunts in Ulysses. There
was an item about it in the paper. SCIENTIST
TAKES TO NATURE or some such thing. Donald
Carter covered the story.
Judy and Honey looked at each other.
Lois Farringdon-Pett was with him as usual, I
suppose? Judy asked.
Yes, it was just local news. When Don
interviewed Joseph Jewell, he said the world was
moving too fast. You know, the back-to-nature
routine. Thats why he gave up his research and
came back home. He said it wasnt right to probe too
far into space.
That doesnt sound like Henry, does it, Judy?
Honey asked.
It doesnt sound a bit like the man we met. Im
beginning to wonder about him Judy admitted. If
88

he is an impostor
He cant be! Honey broke in with what
sounded almost like a sob. You believed him when
he was telling us all that about the sun. You know
you did.
Yes, I guess I did, Judy admitted. Why dont
you find out the truth for yourself, Horace?
How, may I ask?
By coming with us tomorrow when we return
this suitcase. There may be a story in it, Judy
finished.
Mixed-up suitcases arent much of a story. It
happens all the time. I have a better story to cover
here at home, declared Horace. They cant beat
me up for reporting this fire, and if I headline the
story Solar Heat Starts Blaze, its sure to arouse the
curiosity of whoever left that round piece of glass on
the window sill. You see how one thing leads to
another?
One thing certainly did lead to another, and it all
added up to a forewarning of trouble. Judy knew it,
but her independent spirit made her set out boldly
the following morning.
We arent going to let Horaces remarks stop us,
are we, Honey? she asked when they were in the
car.
He gives me a headache, declared Honey. If
he wants to propose, why does he wait until Im mad
89

at him to do it? Im glad he isnt going with us.


Maybe we ought to stop and check with Grandpa
and Grandma, though. Liz thought the old ladies
might return the suitcase to my home address.
We cant stop long. Im afraid Lorraine was
right about those thunderstorms, Judy admitted.
The sun is shining now, but just look at those dark
clouds gathering in the east. They do look sort of
threatening.
Judy had brought her cat to keep him out of
trouble. Horaces parrot had screeched a parting
warning at them, Youll be sorry! And Horace
himself had echoed the birds sentiments.
We wont be sorry, will we? Honey asked now.
Of course we wont. Whats a little
thunderstorm? The roads are paved most of the
way.
Judy stopped in front of the apartment building
and ran inside with Honey just long enough to greet
Honey and Peters grandparents. It took a while to
explain about the suitcases as Grandpa Dobbs was a
little hard of hearing. Finally, with loud voices and
gestures, they made him understand.
Nobody came by here, did they, Mother? he
asked.
Judy liked the way he called Mrs. Dobbs mother.
Chessie, a little calico kitten fathered by Blackberry,
rubbed about their ankles while they talked.
90

Blackberry himself waited in the car. He was dozing


in his usual place when Judy and Honey started off
once more.
They took the road that went past the library and
the new Farringdon Post Office, which also housed
the resident agency of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation. Judy hoped Peters next assignment
would bring him back to work out of his home
agency. But she could never be sure.
I cant wish for it, she said half to herself as
they passed. It would be like wishing for a crime
wave.
Or like a doctor wishing for an epidemic,
Honey completed the thought. But Judy, if Horace
is right, there is a crime wave.
He thinks there is because it hit him. It has to be
something bigger than a local holdup to need the aid
of Federal officers, declared Judy. The criminals
have to cross state lines.
Ulysses is near the state line, isnt it?
It isnt far. You can see by the map, Judy
pointed out, but the road is lonely. Id forgotten this
part of Pennsylvania was so thinly settled.
Presently they came to a little clump of houses.
They looked gray as the storm clouds gathered
above them. Judy shivered and said, This must be
Gold.
Honey laughed. Is that swamp below the road
91

your gold mine?


It is. I still feel rich when I think of it, declared
Judy. Imagine my father accepting that lot in
payment for all he must have done for the Jewell
sisters when their mother died. She would have been
Henry Jewells great-grandmother, wouldnt she?
The one with the tapping cane? I guess she
would. Judy, you should have asked your father for
better directions. How will we know that road to the
Jewell place when we come to it?
Easy, Judy said, well stop in the village and
ask.
The storm broke before they reached the first
house. Rain pelted down, and lightning flashed,
brilliantly sharp. From far overhead came the low
rumble of thunder followed by another sound which
Judy was quick to identify.
Is that Blackberry? asked Honey as the yowling
grew louder. The poor cat! This is quite a change
from the luxury of the Capitol, isnt it?
Id like to join him in his wails, declared Judy.
This isnt a thunderstorm. Its a cloudburst. Well
never make it to the Jewell place.

92

CHAPTER XIII

Warned Away!

Whatll we do, Judy?


Theres nothing to do, Judy replied, except
wait until the worst of this storm is over. I cant
even see to drive.
Blackberry had crawled into her lap for comfort.
She held him while the ram slapped against the car
and poured over the windshield. The storm would
delay them, Judy was thinking, but it might not last
too long. Then they could drive on.
I think its letting up a little, Honey observed
presently. The sky isnt as black as it was, and I can
see the road ahead. Maybe we can make it after all.
Well try. Judy was suddenly determined not to
give up just because the weather was against her.
She transferred Blackberry to Honeys lap and drove
on through the rain until she came to a combination
gas station and grocery store.
93

Is this a town? asked Honey.


The buildings ahead looked unreal, rising as they
did, out of the mist. It was, indeed, a town, but both
girls had the feeling that it might vanish at any
moment. Only the gas station seemed real. Judy
honked her horn, and a man in a yellow raincoat
came out to see what she wanted.
Shall I fill her up? he asked, indicating the gas
tank.
Judy told him how much gas to put in the car. It
would be better, she decided, not to have the tank
quite full. What she really wanted was directions.
Do you know where the Jewells live? she
asked.
The Jewells? The man came over and peered
into the car before he answered. The cat surprised
him, and he gave a little start. You want the old
ladies or
The old ladies. Judy wished afterwards that she
had let him finish. But she was eager to get started
and sensed his misgivings.
You going there in this rain? he asked. The
roads apt to be under water. Cant say for sure,
though. You know where to turn, dont you?
No, Im afraid we dont, Judy confessed.
Weve never been there. Its a big square house
with a cupola on top, isnt it?
Was, he said. Dont know what it looks like
94

now. Nobody goes over there any more.


Were going over there, Honey spoke up. We
have to. I have something that belongs to the Jewell
sisters, and they have something of mine.
I see. He peered into the car again as if looking
for whatever it was, but neither of the girls
mentioned the suitcase. If thats their cat on your
lap they may let it in, he said finally. Might catch
birds, though. Theyre naturalists, Im told. Real
fond of all the little woods creatures. But I ask you.
How natural is it to welcome animals and turn
human beings away?
Blackberry may be a help at that, Judy
whispered. Aloud she said, This is an important
errand.
Must be, the man agreed. I hope you know
what youre doing. I can tell you the way all right.
You drive right on through town past the Methodist
Church and the movie theater. Keep right on going
past the cemetery and take the little dirt road turning
off to the right
Thanks
Not the first road, mind you, he called after
them. Take the second road at the top of the hill, till
you come to a creek. Cross the creek and youll be
there but, mark my words, they wont let you in.
Well take that chance, declared Judy.
She started to thank him again, but he had not
95

finished.
Itll be slippery on the hills and muddy in the
low places. The road may be under water like I said.
Flash floods, you know. But thats not the worst.
Youll hear noises like nothing human.
Judy laughed. The next thing, youll be telling
us the house is haunted.
Ive heard it is. From reliable sources, mind you.
Theres something over there that keeps folks
away.
Well find out what it is, wont we, Judy? asked
Honey.
That isnt all well find out, Judy replied.
She was confident that the noises, whatever they
were, wouldnt frighten her. Both girls were
laughing as they drove away.
The mans directions were easy to follow now
that the rain had let up enough so that Judy could
see. There was the church and the movie theater just
as he had said. It was a little town on its way to
becoming still smaller. Most of the houses they
passed looked deserted. The cemetery, when they
came to it, appeared larger than the town. Judy
gazed at the flat tombstones wet with rain.
Everything here is old, she said. Old houses.
Old tombstones.
There are a few new ones, Honey pointed out.
See that one. Oh, Judy!
96

The name on the tombstone, clearly visible from


the road, was Joseph Henry Jewell. It took Judy a
moment to recover from the shock. Then she said
slowly, That must have been his grandfather
funny, he didnt speak of his grandfather as though
he had died.
It is odd, Honey agreed. It must give him a
creepy feeling to have his own name on a
tombstone.
He hasnt seen it if he hasnt visited his aunts
since he was ten years old. The stone is newjust
about the only new thing in town. Can this be die
road?
She slowed down where a little dirt road turned
off to the right and disappeared among the trees.
No, Judy, Honey objected. He said not the
first road, but the second road at the top of the hill.
Thats right. Judy drove on until the hilltop
seemed to meet the gray sky. It was clearing a little.
The rain had now taken the form of a thin mist.
Thunder no longer rumbled, and there were no more
lightning flashes. But the air was heavy and so was
Judys heart when she saw the condition of the road.
We shouldnt have come without Horace or
Peter oror somebody, she said suddenly.
Suppose the car does get mired down on this dirt
road? Who will there be to help us?
Farmers, Honey said, but she was as uneasy as
97

Judy. There were fewer farms as they drove deeper


into the woods.
The first valley was wet, but somehow the Beetle
crawled through and emerged, mud-spattered and
protesting, at the foot of a slippery hill.
You look bushed, Honey observed. Want me
to drive?
We cant change places here. If I stop on this hill
Ill never get the car going again. Im doing all
right, Judy reassured her, but, even as she spoke,

98

she could feel the car wheels slipping. Climbing to


the wet hilltop was like climbing a glacier. At the
last rise of ground Judy was rewarded.
Look at the view! she exclaimed. Did you ever
see anything like it? Miles and miles of woods.
It must be the Jewell place, Honey said, gazing
at it in awe.
It is! cried Judy. Isnt the country wild? Now I
know why they built their house with that funny

99

little cupola on top. They can go up there and


watch
Maybe someone is watching, Honey
interrupted. Theres some reason why nobody
comes here.
They drove on for a little distance. A printed sign
loomed suddenly at the side of the road. It plainly
warned them to Keep Out, adding, This Means You.
Ignoring the sign, Judy kept on driving until the
Beetle refused to go any farther. Its wheels spun,
spattering mud. The harder Judy tried to start it, the
deeper it sank. At last she gave up.
Well have to walk the rest of the way, she
announced, opening the car door and jumping clear
of the mud.
What about the suitcase? asked Honey. Its
our password, or do I mean passport?
Pass it over to me, Judy said with a laugh.
She had forgotten how heavy the suitcase was.
She carried it a short distance, and then Honey took
a turn. Blackberry ran ahead of them, glad of his
freedom. They passed a barn, and finally came to the
creek. Strangely enough, there was no bridge over it,
only a slippery plank stretched from one bank to the
other.
Maybe Blackberry can cross that plank safely,
but our weight will make it sag, Judy predicted.
The bridge must have been washed out.
100

So well get our feet wet. Does it matter? asked


Honey. There are dry clothes in my suitcase. The
old ladies will have to give it back when we return
this one. Oh, but its heavy!
Let me carry it again, Judy offered, taking the
suitcase from Honeys hand and starting across.
The weight of the suitcase made the plank dip
still farther into the water. Judy could feel it oozing
into her shoes. Blackberry, already across, waited on
the other side. Suddenly his fur bristled.
Whats that? Honey asked fearfully as a long,
moaning sound came from the house.
Well find out, Judy reassured her. There! Im
across. Shall I help you?
She put down the suitcase and stretched out her
hand. This gave Honey confidence and she ran the
last few steps. In her haste to be across, she kicked
the plank sideways.
Oh! she cried as she lost her balance.
Judy caught her in time, but the plank went
flying. The next thing they knew it was floating
away down the stream. It wasnt a moan that came
from the house this time. It was the eerie sound of
wild laughter.

101

CHAPTER XIV

Poltergeists!

Whats that? cried Honey, clinging to Judy.


This time Judys voice was not so confident as
she answered, Well find out.
Are we surewe want to? Honey faltered.
Weve come too far to turn back now. Besides
Judy paused. She hated to face the fact, but
there it was. They couldnt turn back even if they
wanted to. The Beetle was over there on the other
side of the creek, deep in mud. Judy knew she
couldnt start the car. They couldnt even return to it
with the plank gone. The creek, swollen to twice its
natural size by the rain, was much too deep for
wading. Later, if they had to, they might swim
across. Judy shivered at the thought.
I know, Honey said, moving closer to her in
sympathy. We cant get back there. Were trapped
on this side of thethe river. It is a river, Judy.
102

Your father called it a river, and its cut a deep


gorge. That man didnt know how big it was when
he called it a creek.
The water may go down as fast as it rose, Judy
said hopefully. In the meantime we do have an
errand, and we dont believe in haunted houses.
Weve proved too many times that there arent any
such things as ghosts. Come on, Honey! We came to
return this suitcase, and thats exactly what were
going to do.
We could use the dry clothes in mine, Honey
agreed as she followed Judy along the path that led
to the big square house on the hillside.
It was raining again, but there was no wind with
the rain. Judy glanced up at the cupola. Had the
moaning sound and the laughter come from there?
See anything? Honey questioned.
No, do you?
Honey shook her head. Nothing but the gray sky
and the rain. The house looks empty. Judy, what if
the Jewell sisters didnt come home?
Then Peter should be told at once. That man in
the taxi would be a suspect
Oh dear! Honey sighed. I suppose he would. If
he took them somewhere against their will
Theyre there! Judy exclaimed, as the face of
Violetta Jewell appeared at the window.
She was the smaller and more doll-like of the two
103

sisters. Shes really quaint, Judy found herself


thinking. Somehow, the woman, her dark hair parted
in the middle, resembled the type of china-headed
doll that children used to play with fifty or sixty
years ago.
She isnt wearing my clothes, Honey observed
as they came nearer.
No, Judy agreed. Shes wearing one of those
lovely ruffled dresses like the one in her suitcase.
Doesnt she look just like a doll?
She looks frightened to me.
Wouldnt you look frightened if you lived in a
haunted house? Im not afraid any more, Judy said
with a toss of her head that caused her dripping hair
to fall in a curl on her forehead. There isnt any
reason to be afraid now that we know the Jewell
sisters are safely home.
There isnt? What about that moaning sound we
heard? And what about that fiendish laughter when I
tripped on the plank?
Oh, Honey! That was nothing, Judy reassured
her. Birds laugh and moan, and we are in the
woods. The sisters are naturalists, the man said.
He also said we wouldnt be welcome, but I bet
we will be when they see this suitcase. Shall I
knock? asked Honey, tripping up the steps with a
new light-heartedness.
Judy followed, as it was her turn to carry the
104

suitcase. She set it down on the porch, and the two


of them stood there for a moment, glad to be out of
the rain. Honey hadnt knocked, but it seemed the
only thing to do. There wasnt any bell.
Shall I? she asked again.
Her hand was ready when the door seemed to
open by itself. Quick as a flash, Blackberry darted
through it. He knew of only one reason for a door to
open and that was to let a cat inside.
A crooning sound of welcome came from within
the house. Judy shivered. The door couldnt have
been opened by an invisible hand. There must be
someone behind it. She stepped inside to see and
almost collided with Dorcas Jewell, the older and
more severe looking of the two sisters. She had been
standing in the shadows with her hand on the
doorknob. Had she meant to frighten them? This
couldnt be her usual way of opening doors.
Excuse me for coming in like this, Judy began
to apologize, but my cat rushed in ahead of me.
We have him. The old lady spoke as if she
meant to keep Blackberry. Hes welcome to stay.
We came to return your suitcase, said Honey,
finding her voice after her obvious fright.
You shouldnt have taken it, Dorcas Jewell said
severely. Just leave it there on the porch.
But I want my own suitcase back, Honey
protested.
105

Our feet are wet, and we need dry clothes, Judy


said. May we come in and change?
You may not, was the firm reply. No one is
allowed to enter this house.
This silenced both girls, but only for a moment.
Honey was the first to speak.
Butbut my suitcase! she protested. You
cant take this one and keep mine, too.
Well keep this one until you give us the other,
Judy said, her temper rising. Youll want to check,
of course, to make sure everything is there, she
added.
We certainly will, wont we, Violetta?
The other sister was no longer at the window. She
had come to stand beside her sister. Ive been quiet
too long, she began, but now Ill have my say. Let
them in, Dorcas. You let the cat in out of the rain.
Surely youll do as much for these two girls. Its
true. We do have their suitcase.
They took ours first, the older woman retorted.
It was a mistake, Judy explained. The two
suitcases look just alike.
Well see about that! Bring the other one,
Violetta!
Plainly the younger sister was used to taking
orders and the older one to giving them, and yet
Judy had a feeling that, in an emergency, the dolllike Violetta would be the stronger of the two. She
106

was back in a moment with Honeys suitcase.


There! she announced as she shoved it into the
entrance hall. You cant tell one from the other. We
bought ours new.
Oh, thank you! Mine was new, too, Honey
began.
Thats what happens when you buy new things,
Dorcas interrupted. Old things are best. They have
more character.
Violetta agreed. We didnt know we had the
wrong suitcase, she started to explain, until we
reached our hotel. Then the temptation came over
us. We wanted to look like all those stylish people in
Washington, but it was wrong, and now were being
punished
Thats enough! her sister stopped her. These
girls are strangers. They dont want to hear our
troubles.
Oh, but we do! Judy exclaimed impulsively.
Maybe we can help you. We met your nephew in
Washington. We know you went to Washington and
came back without seeing him
We came back home because he sent for us,
Dorcas snapped. It was a mistake for us to have left
him.
This seemed to be a contradiction. Judy and
Honey stood there, the two suitcases between them.
They hadnt been invited in, but, on the other hand,
107

they hadnt been asked to leave.


The old-fashioned rockers grouped around the
table in the living room just beyond the entrance hall
looked inviting. Judy took a step forward and found,
to her dismay, that her muddy shoes left an imprint
on the rug.
Oh, my! Violetta exclaimed. Id better spread
papers for you to walk on. Our house is clean. She
spoke as if she were defending it. There was no need
of that. Judy could see that the living room was
spotless. It was just such a room as she expected to
find in a house that had remained in the same family
for five generations.
Now may we come in? she asked when
Violetta had finished spreading papers.
She nodded. Be careful, though. Dont touch
anything.
Judy and Honey walked very carefully. The
papers made a path through the living room and into
the bedroom beyond. A squat heating stove,
polished until it shone, stood at the far end of the
living room. There was no fire in the stove, since it
was midsummer. But all at once Judy wished for a
fire to take away the sudden chill she felt.
Whats that? gasped Honey as a tapping sound
came from somewhere overhead. She and Judy were
halfway across the living room when they heard it.
The Jewell sisters looked at each other.
108

I didnt hear anything unusual. Did you,


Dorcas?
Not a thing, the older sister replied, but you
know what happens when we let strangers into the
house.
Violetta shivered, and Judy was certain she heard
the whispered word, Poltergeists! just before the
lid flew off the stove and went sailing through the
air like a flying saucer.

109

CHAPTER XV

A Time for Prayer

In the silence that followed the crash of the stove lid


against the piano stool, Judy thought she heard an
echo of the same fiendish laughter that had greeted
them when Honey tripped on the plank. The tapping
from upstairs grew louder. It could be someones
footsteps.
Isis anyone else in the house? she heard
herself asking in an uncertain voice not at all like
her own.
Apparently this was not a question that could be
answered with a simple yes or no. Violettas lips
moved as if she were praying, but she uttered no
sound. Judy tried again.
Is anyone else here? Perhaps your nephew
Dorcas interrupted sharply. Why did you say
you met my nephew in Washington? she
demanded.
110

We did meet a young solar scientist named


Joseph Henry Jewell, Judy said. He told us he
used to five here.
Did he have a three-cornered scar under his right
eye? Dorcas asked.
Yes, Judy replied. I noticed it at once. He said
it happened when one of your horses threw him.
Just so. The Jewell sisters looked at each other,
apparently puzzled by more than the flying stove lid.
It had sent Blackberry scurrying into the kitchen, but
he hadnt caused it. He hadnt been near the stove.
Mother warned us about strangers, Dorcas
whispered. She always warns us
Does she? asked Violetta. She didnt warn us
when he came. I think that extra plane ticket was for
our brother. His son may not know about his death.
He never answered our letter.
He said he mailed it. I think that trip to
Washington was a trick, declared Dorcas.
A trick? Judy questioned, puzzled.
To get us away from this house so they could
move in. I cant explain them, Dorcas admitted,
but Henry used to tell me, in his letters, that there is
always some scientific explanation for poltergeists.
Wh-what are they? gasped Honey. The stove
lid had missed her by an inch, and she was still
trembling.
Theyre noisy ghosts, Dorcas explained. They
111

tap on the floor or throw things around to haunt a


house.
Judy laughed. She couldnt help it. They were all
acting as if there really were such things as
poltergeists.
They break cups, too, Violetta added. A cup
flew right out of my hand yesterday when I was
drying the dishes.
Thats happened to me, too, but Im sure a
poltergeist didnt do it. Your nephew is right,
declared Judy. There has to be a scientific
explanation for what just happened. Maybe
something exploded inside the stove.
We havent used it for weeks, Dorcas replied.
Its been so warm we didnt need a fire in here. The
kitchen stove gives us all the heat we need.
Maybe we ought to build a fire now, Violetta
suggested. These girls are wet and chilly
They can come into the kitchen as soon as they
change their clothes.
This was the kindest thing Dorcas had said since
they arrived. Blackberry was already in the kitchen.
His tail had gone back to normal size, and he was
eating the food in the plate Violetta had set down for
him. Judy could see him through the open door.
No one had touched the stove lid. Judy couldnt
tell, as she and Honey tiptoed past the stove,
whether or not there had been an explosion inside.
112

I hope nothing flies off the wall here in the


bedroom, Honey remarked as she closed the door.
The walls were covered with pictures, some of
them in hand-carved frames with crossed corners.
Two round mirrors hung above two identical
dressers, each with its own array of precious
ornaments. This room, like the living room, had
what Dorcas Jewell had called character. Probably
neither she nor her sister knew the value of the
antiques they had collected over the years. There
were two spool beds in the room. Over one was a
picture of a wide-awake child making a daisy chain.
Over the other bed the same child was fast asleep.
Each bed had its own colorful patchwork quilt.
Flowering plants bloomed in both windows. They
looked as if the sisters had given them loving care.
This must be their bedroom, Judy decided. I
wonder if anyone sleeps upstairs.
Im sure I heard someone walking around up
there, replied Honey, opening her suitcase and
checking to make sure her book and diary were
there. Its a little late, she went on, but you might
as well try on the dress I brought for you to wear in
Washington. Actually its a suit, Honey explained
as she unfolded the skirt and held it up to Judy to see
if it was the right length.
All the clothes in Honeys suitcase were neatly
folded. The things the Jewell sisters had borrowed
113

had been carefully laundered and returned. The skirt


fitted Judy perfectly.
I just love it! she exclaimed. Its such a pretty
print. Green always flatters me. Makes my eyes look
like Blackberrys. Thank goodness, the jacket is
warm. Im beginning to feel a little shivery.
Beginning! Honey echoed. Ive had the
shivers ever since I saw this house. Maybe it isnt
haunted, but it certainly gave a good imitation of it.
Did you hear that laugh?
I thought I did.
They werent laughing, Honey said, meaning
the Jewell sisters. I dont think poltergeists are
funny. I read in the paper about a house with flying
objects. The people never did find out what caused
it. Horace had theories, of course. He always has
theories.
I have a few theories of my own, declared Judy.
As soon as were dressed, I intend to walk into that
kitchen and start asking questions. Its obvious that
somebody is trying to keep people away from this
house. It may be the sisters themselves. They didnt
give me a direct answer to my question.
Maybe they couldnt. Who knows? They may be
just as puzzled as we are. You look beautiful in that
outfit, Judy. I hope I look as well in this one. If
youre ready, Honey finished, we can go in now.
Im ready. We look like real sisters, dont we?
114

Judy stood for a moment beside Honey in her


matching suit, but it was impossible to see exactly
how they looked in the small, round mirrors. When
they were ready to leave, Judy picked up the
clothing they had shed and asked, Where do we put
our wet things?
Wed better take them with us. Maybe they have
a clothesline in the kitchen. Come on, Judy, Honey
urged her. Our feet are dry now. We dont need to
step on papers
Wait! Judy stooped down and tore an item from
one of the old newspapers that had caught her eye.
It tells about an escaped prisoner. Im sure I saw
this mans picture when we toured the FBI.
Espionage Agent Wanted in Prison Break, it says.
He doesnt look like anyone you know, does he?
Of course not. How would I meet an escaped
prisoner?
I was thinking of that artist, Aldin Launt.
He had references, Honey said. Good ones,
too. Besides, he doesnt look anything like that. You
can think again, Judy. My suspicions of him were
probably all wrong. If he went to Washington at all
it was probably to bring the Jewell sistersbut what
am I saying? Do you think he brought them home?
I dont know, Judy said, putting the clipping in
her pocket. Well ask them. Its time they answered
a few questions. Im ready now. Lets tiptoe into the
115

kitchen very quietly and see if anyone else is there.


Honey agreed. It was easy to walk quietly on the
thick braided rug that covered the living room floor.
The kitchen door stood open. The first thing Judy
saw was a low range with a kettle of water bubbling
over a wood fire. Blackberry lay in front of it
warming himself.
That cat would make himself at home
anywhere, Judy whispered.
Around the corner, out of sight until Judy tiptoed
into the kitchen, was a round table with a white cloth
spread over it. Here the Jewell sisters sat opposite
each other, their heads bowed in silent prayer.
Shhh! Honey cautioned, pulling Judy back.
Judy understood. The two frightened women
were praying for help. The girls waited, until the
silence was broken by the clatter of a falling spoon.
Company, Dorcas remarked, bending to pick it
up.
Uninvited, Violetta agreed.
Those girls were uninvited. Do you think theyre
playing tricks on us? Dorcas asked.
Theyre good girls.
You always say people are good, Violetta,
Dorcas retorted, but there is such a thing as evil.
May the good Lord deliver us from it and show us
His will.
There was fear in both voices. They continued
116

speaking in monosyllables, but Judy had heard


enough. Afraid of startling them if she spoke, she
seized Honeys hand and led her back toward the
bedroom.

117

CHAPTER XVI

A House of Flying Objects

Whats the idea? Honey whispered when they


were in the bedroom with the door closed. Theres
food on the table, and Im hungry.
So am I, agreed Judy. I just didnt want to
burst in on them. Poor things! she exclaimed. Im
afraid they dont know what to think, and neither do
I. There must be someone else in the house. But if
some impostor is calling himself their nephew and
living here, why isnt he at the table with them?
Honey shivered. Maybe he can make himself
invisible. They were just as frightened as we were
when that lid flew off the stove. If I believed in
haunted houses
You dont, Judy interrupted, and neither do I.
Weve lived in too many of them to be fooled by
anybodys tricks. Fear is the only thing that can
really haunt a house. We mustnt let ourselves be
118

afraid. We both believe in finding out the truth, and


that is exactly what were going to do.
Youre right, Judy. But how do we go about it?
Honey asked.
By watching and listening the way Peter told
us, she replied. I found out quite a bit just now
from their table conversation, but it was a little too
much like eavesdropping. We ought to introduce
ourselves and come right out with our questions.
They havent opened their suitcase, and Im going to
have plenty of questions to ask them when they do.
You ask the questions, Honey implored. I
wouldnt know what to say. Did you see what
Violetta was doing? Fixing a tray just as if her
mother was still alive.
That explains those noises upstairs then, Judy
concluded. If this impostor is an invalid
Oh, Honey cried, I didnt think of that. I was
afraid they were still fixing trays for their mother.
Henry said she used to tap on the floor like that. I
can hear the tapping now. It scares me, Judy.
Im sure its meant to scare somebody. Come
on, Judy urged. Its time we found out whats
going on.
They entered the kitchen more noisily this time.
The first question Judy asked was, Where shall we
hang our wet things?
Is the shed all right? Violetta asked uncertainly.
119

Dorcas nodded, and the girls were shown a


clothesline in a sort of pantry built on the back of the
house. It was lined with shelves on which dishes and
food supplies were kept. Violetta, who had jumped
up from the table the moment the two girls
appeared, showed them a basket of clothespins. But
Judy noticed something else. A shaving brush and a
tube of shaving cream were also on the shelf. A
mans coat hung on one of the pegs on the back
wall, and a flight of narrow stairs led upward.
Apparently the house had both a front and a back
stairway. Honey noticed it, too.
He must be up there, she whispered.
Judy glanced at a tall kitchen clock on a shelf in
the kitchen. Its hands pointed to five. Must they
spend the night here? She shivered at the thought.
Here, girls. Sit down and have some nice hot
soup. Thatll warm you up, Dorcas invited them.
Perhaps we should introduce ourselves before
we accept your hospitality, Judy began. Im Dr.
Boltons daughter
Wasnt he the doctor we had for Mother?
Violetta inquired.
He was, Dorcas said. He let her die
Oh, please! Judy interrupted. Dont blame my
father. He never lets a patient die for want of the
best medical care. How old was your mother?
Eighty. Some people would say it was her time
120

to go, but we wanted to do what was right, Violetta


said firmly.
That ended the discussion. Judy could see that
doing right would always be the first concern of
these two sisters. They had done what was right
when they took their nephews infant son to bring
up. Even though they loved him, it was right to let
him go when his widowed father married again.
Caring for their invalid mother was right, too,
though it had meant sacrificing their own youth and
any chances they might have had of finding
romance.
Knowing all this, Judy thought, wasnt it logical
to conclude that if a man came to their door
claiming to be the grandnephew they hadnt seen
since he was ten years old, they would again do
what they thought was right and take him in?
If your nephew is upstairs ill, Judy said
suddenly, who is the Henry Jewell we met in
Washington?
Who told you our nephew was up there?
gasped Violetta.
You did, snapped Dorcas. They have eyes,
havent they? They saw you fixing his tray. And
then you took them out into the shed where hes
always leaving things for us to pick up.
He always did that, Violetta said.
Children do, but a grown man shouldnt make so
121

much work, Dorcas retorted. She paused, thinking.


This illness of his. It came on him quite suddenly
when we were in Washington.
But your real nephew is there, Honey objected.
He expected you to come to the museum with the
things in the suitcase I took by mistake.
Did you give them to him? Dorcas demanded.
N-no. Honey hesitated, looking at Judy. Had
Peter given the young solar scientist the notes that
were in the drawer of the coffee mill?
Why dont you check your suitcase right now
and make sure everything is there? Judy suggested.
We will as soon as were finished. You didnt
take his dessert up to him yet, did you, Violetta?
Dorcas inquired.
He can go without for all I care, she retorted.
Hes fat enough.
It is strange, Dorcas said, shaking her head.
He was always such a thin little boy.
Doesnt the scar prove which one is the real
Joseph Henry Jewell? asked Judy.
Dorcas Jewell smiled sadly. The real Joseph
Henry Jewell is buried over there in the cemetery.
You must have seen his name on the stone as you
passed.
We did. Who was he? Judy asked.
He was our brother, the finest man who ever
lived. Not only was he a line man. He was a great
122

scientist and a man of courage. He had the courage


to leave this place and work with his son and his
grandson in Washington, but he came back to die.
In this house? gasped Honey.
In this very room. He had a heart attack as he sat
right at this table, drinking coffee. She sighed.
You girls want dessert, dont you? she asked.
Theres fruit we put up ourselves.
Dorcas left the table to get it before either Judy or
Honey could protest. Judy had hoped they could
skip dessert. The conversation had taken away her
appetite.
The entrance to the cellar was from the shed
where the girls had hung their wet clothing. Judy
remembered that the back stairs continued on down
into the basement. They creaked as Dorcas
descended them.
I wish she hadnt bothered, Judy began. We
dont want to make extra work. Were here to
help
It wasnt an echo. It was a real cry for help that
came from the cellar. With it came the sound of
breaking glass.
Its those poltergeists again!
Violetta jumped up from the table. Judy and
Honey followed her down the creaking stairs to the
far end of a low-ceilinged, dirt-floored cellar.
Dorcas stood there beside the fruit shelves dripping
123

with strawberry juice, part of a broken jar in her


hand.
I saved a few berries. Isnt it a shame? she
wailed. All our hard work for nothing. The jar
popped the moment I touched it.
Just then another jar flew off the shelves,
shooting cherries as if they were bullets. It fell,
crashing in a dozen pieces on the floor. Violetta
screamed as a piece of flying glass grazed her
forehead.
No one touched that jar. It will happen just the
way it did when our brother came, Dorcas
predicted as Judy and Honey stood there speechless.
These poltergeists are here because we have
visitors. You girls must leave at once for your own
safety.

124

CHAPTER XVII

A Difficult Question

Honey was ready to take the older womans advice.


But Judy had no intention of leaving until she found
out what was happening in the cellar. Several of the
fruit jars on the shelf looked ready to pop. She could
see bubbles rising inside them.
This is the work of human hands, she told the
frightened sisters. Someone has deliberately
loosened the jar tops and let those air bubbles in.
Violetta suddenly began to cry. My forehead is
bleeding, she wailed.
Upstairs, they discovered it was only cherry juice
on her forehead. But the shock was real, and it was
several minutes before she quieted down enough to
listen to Judys explanation. Nobody wanted any of
the strawberries Dorcas had saved. There might be
fragments of glass in them.
Finally everyone moved into the living room.
125

Judy walked over to the stove and peered inside.


Then she calmly replaced the lid and sat down in
one of the rocking chairs.
The lid wont fly off the stove again, she
reassured the others. There was a fire in here, but
its out now. I believe I was right the first time.
Someone put a small homemade bomb in here and
started a slow fire. When the stove became hot
enough, the bomb exploded, and the lid popped. I
intend to find out who did it. And I may as well tell
you, I already suspect that man upstairs.
He couldnt have done it, Dorcas protested.
Hes sick in bed with a high fever. His temperature
was a hundred and four when we came home from
Washington.
Hot water can make anybodys temperature
shoot up, Judy told her. There are tricks with
thermometers, too. He had to get you back here
before you found him out. I suspect he isnt Henry
Jewell at all.
Then who is he?
It was Dorcas who asked the question. Violetta
jumped to her feet. Im going right upstairs this
minute and find out how sick he is.
Wait! Judy stopped her. Dont let him know
you suspect him. You were going to open your
suitcase and check the contents, werent you? If
everythings there, youll know you can trust us to
126

help.
What if everything isnt there? asked Dorcas
and Judy remembered, with a feeling bordering on
panic, that Henry Jewells notes were missing from
the drawer of the coffee mill. An alarming thought
occurred to her. What if she and Honey were wrong
and the Jewell sisters were right? Had Peter given
those notes to the wrong Henry Jewell?
You dont want us to leave now, do you?
Honey was asking. We arent afraid of those
those poltergeists. I mean if theyre just tricks, we
can find out whos doing it.
She had addressed this remark to Dorcas. Judy
wondered if Honey suspected Dorcas herself of
playing ghost. Was she doing it to keep Violetta in a
state of terror so that she could dominate her as
then-mother had done? This possibility occurred to
Judy as the older sister hesitated, the suitcase in her
hand.
He bought this suitcase for us, she said with an
upward glance. He did all our shopping. Before the
bridge was washed out, we used to go out now and
then. But not any more. We used to have visitors,
but not since he came. Hes managed to keep
everyone except his own friends from setting foot on
the place. That artist friend of his
Aldin Launt? Honey questioned. Was he the
one who brought you home from Washington?
127

Dorcas looked at her suspiciously. Both sisters


asked, in the same breath, How did you know?
I thought I recognized him, Honey explained,
but then it didnt seem possible. Judy thought I
might be right, but II wasnt sure. I saw him get
into the taxi with you, and after that I only saw his
back. We figured that someone was taking you to
the station.
That was afterwards, Judy corrected her. At
first we felt sure you were on your way to the
Smithsonian Institution. You were expected. We
saw you in church, you know, and tried to follow the
taxi
No, we didnt know, Dorcas interrupted. That
was our brothers church. Thats why we went. I can
see why he liked it. All that talk about the sun. He
used to take Henry up there in the cupola when he
was a little boy. He made sort of an observatory out
of it. The telescopes still up there. You can observe
the heavens or adjust it so that you can view the
scenery for miles around. Henry still goes up there
to study the sun.
Its not the sun hes studying, Violetta objected.
I went up there myself the other day, and he had
the telescope set for viewing the countryside. You
can see where our road turns off the main highway
and check on anyone turning in
So thats why these poltergeists didnt bother his
128

friends! Dorcas exclaimed. Im beginning to see it


now.
I am, too. Arent you, Honey? Judy asked.
Not quite. That laughter was really spooky. And
the moaning, too. Birds didnt do it. Im sure of that.
I thought maybe it came from thethe observatory,
but if it did, how could we hear it way over on the
other side of the river? I dont know how well get
back. That plank tipped so suddenly Im tempted to
think a poltergeist did that, too.
Oh, Honey! You arent superstitious, Judy
reminded her. You know we can explain it.
Well, if Aldin Launt is mixed up in it, maybe we
can. You see, Honey explained to the Jewell sisters,
I worked with him before Mr. Dean gave me this
unexpected vacation. Now I cant go back because
there was a fire in the studio. Someone left a
magnifying glass on the window sill right where the
suns rays hit it. Your nephew told me he first
became interested in solar power when something
like that happened. He said he was examining a leaf
under a magnifying glass when the sun set fire to it.
It didnt actually burst into flames. It just began
to smoke a little. I remember that. Henry couldnt
have been more than five years old. He was such a
dear little boy, Violetta went on, her voice
trembling. It broke our hearts when he left us, and
then to have him come back so changed
129

He remembered things. I questioned him,


Dorcas broke in, and he remembered so much that I
felt sure he was our little Henry, grown up and
changed, to be sure, but still the same boy we
brought up.
Did he meet his grandfather? asked Judy. An
impostor couldnt fool your brother.
Dorcas shook her head. They didnt actually
meet. Henry came through the door and a moment
later, my brother was stricken.
If he isnt your real nephew Judy began.
Sh! Violetta cautioned her. I think I hear him
on the stairs. Wed better open that suitcase,
Dorcas.
I do want to make sure Grandfathers diary is
safe, Dorcas agreed. Get the key, Violetta.
II dont know exactly where it is, the
younger sister stammered.
My key will open it, Honey offered. The
suitcases were just alike, even the locks
Humph! the older sister snorted. Maybe they
make them that way now. We had to buy ours new.
We arent traveling people. Homes best.
Violetta threw open the suitcase. Its ours all
right, she said. Heres the diary. I suppose we can
mail it to Washington for the exhibit. As for the
coffee mill, its been sitting on the top shelf there in
the pantry for at least ten years.
130

Shall I put it back there? Judy asked, watching


her every move.
That wont be necessary. Ill take the coffee
mill, a gruff voice said behind her.
Judy whirled around and stared with terrified eyes
at the man who had spoken. A triangular scar
beneath his right eye gave his whole face an uneven
appearance. It was flushed as if he really did have a
fever.
Whowho are you? Judy gasped as this
caricature of the other Henry Jewell snatched the
coffee mill from her hand and opened the drawer.

131

CHAPTER XVIII

A Terrifying Answer

Didnt they tell you I was here? the man asked. He


looked at Violetta reprovingly and added, I was
waiting for my dessert. Im surprised that you let
these girls into this house. My fever may be
contagious.
We havent caught it, Dorcas snapped. As for
your dessert, if you were well enough to go down
cellar and ruin all our preserves
My dear aunt, what are you talking about? he
broke in with a look of bewilderment. You know
how I love home-canned fruit.
Weve canned it long enough to know how to
seal the jars. Someones tampered with them,
Violetta said.
I warned you about visitors, he reminded her.
Someones tampered with this coffee mill, too. The
drawer is empty.
132

What did you expect to find in it? Coffee?


Dorcas demanded.
Of course not. I expected to find my plans.
These girls have taken them, he charged. By the
way, you forgot to introduce us.
The sisters, not having been told Judy was
married, introduced her as Judy Bolton. The other
ones Grace Dobbs, Violetta said, Honey for
short
The man nodded. Aldin Launt told me about her.
She shouldnt be in this house, and she shouldnt
have picked up the wrong suitcase. Was anything
else taken out of it?
No, we checked. This was Violetta. We didnt
know about the plans. Your father wanted the coffee
mill for the exhibit in Washington. He sent us a
registered letter with the plane rickets
I know, and when you got there these girls
picked up the wrong suitcase. Dont let them tell
you it was an accident, he advised the Jewell
sisters. It was all prearranged
Oh, but it wasnt! Honey protested. The
suitcases looked just alike. We came here to get
back my clothes, and then our car got stuck
I saw it. Its stuck all right.
You couldnt see it unless you went up in the
cupola and looked through the telescope, Violetta
began. If youre so sick
133

Quite suddenly, he replied, I feel a whole lot


better. At last I know whats been going on behind
my back. My father and stepmother arranged this.
Theyre trying to deceive you into thinking youve
made a mistake, but theyre the ones who are
mistaken in thinking you will fall for their tricks.
They kept me away from you too long, dear Aunties.
This house is home, and here I intend to stay.
You wont stay, Mister Phony. Not if I can help
it, Judy resolved under her breath.
Henry wouldnt go to Washington with us. We
begged him, Violetta turned to the girls and
explained. His father sent three tickets
Doesnt that prove he knows Im here?
Grandfather knew it, too. He came on purpose to
urge me to return to Washington. We had been
working together on plans for a sun-powered rocket,
but I work better in the observatory where its quiet.
Besides, he confessed in a lower tone, I was
afraidafraid my plans would fall into the wrong
hands. I knew they were trying to get hold of them.
Rubbish! Dorcas snorted. Your father
wouldnt do such a thing. I dont know about your
stepmother. I never knew her very well.
She put him up to it, Auntie, he declared.
They must have found out from Grandfather that
the plans were kept in the drawer of the coffee mill.
They didnt want the coffee mill to exhibit. They
134

were after those plans, and now Im afraid they have


them. If they sell them to some foreign power
You dont call the United States a foreign
power, do you? asked Judy. If anyone has a right
to those plans, its our own government. Dont you
agree?
Well, yes, but they werent finished.
Do you think you could finish them? How much
do you know about solar power? Do you know what
a galvanometer is? Did you ever make one?
Judy fired more questions at him, amazed at
herself for remembering so much of what she had
learned from the solar scientist. Honey joined in
with still more questions. It was a dangerous game,
but one they had to win. The mans answers were
confused at first, and then terrifying.
Prove your charges if you can, he flung back at
them. Find another man with all the scars of a
reckless childhood. That fall from the horse. Dapper
Dan, we called him. And the burns! You remember
the burns, Aunt Violetta.
He stretched out his fingers and Dorcas screamed
at him, You know better than to remind Violetta of
that. She never meant to burn you.
I know. I was racing through the house and
bumped into her. She was carrying a kettle of hot
water
Please, Henry, Violetta stopped him. No more.
135

His hand is burned, Dorcas, and he does have that


peculiar-shaped scar on his face. Just the same, I
cant believe our nephew would repay us for
bringing up his little boy by planning such a trick.
Dorcas, you shouldnt have told him youd rather
stay at a hotel and then, when you said what you did
about his wife
Thats enough! Dorcas stopped her. I said
what I said. I cant take it back now. I did telephone,
didnt I?
We should have kept our appointment with him,
Dorcas, Violetta told her sister.
We thought we were on our way to meet him,
Dorcas reminded her. We directed the cab to the
Smithsonian Institution, but that Mr. Launt said,
Never mind and told the cab driver to go right to
the station. What could we do but come home?
You were needed, Auntie. Believe me, you did
right, said the man who called himself her nephew.
Then, turning to the other sister, he said, Youve
been good to me, too. But now Iif youll excuse
me, I really must he down. Im afraid Im getting
another chill.
He gives me one, Judy whispered as Dorcas ran
to get a shawl.
Wrapped in the shawl, like an Indian, he started
toward the front stairs. They went up from the living
room, but a door concealed them until he opened it.
136

Youll see, he flung back into the room. My


aunts know Im their real nephew. Actually Im
Joseph Henry Jewell the third. My grandfather
We know, Judy interrupted. His name was
Joseph Henry Jewell, too. We saw his tombstone.
The poor man! He dropped dead so suddenly. It
could happen to anyone.
That sounded like a threat. Soon after he closed
the stair door, the tapping started again. Tap and a
little space, then tap tap tap very quickly as if the
spirits were impatient. Knowing that it was a trick
didnt make it any less unnerving. Frightened,
Honey moved toward the bedroom. Judy was about
to follow when a sudden thought stopped her in her
tracks, petrified with fear.
That clipping! she gasped. The eyes!
They are hypnotic, arent they? Honey said.
It isnt that. Judy snatched the newspaper
clipping from her pocket. Theyre the same eyes!
Cant you see it?
Honey shook her head, but Judy knew she was
right. She took the clipping to the bedroom window
and studied it more closely. Something had made
her tear it out of the old paper Violetta had spread on
the floor. Now she recognized, in the scarred face of
the man upstairs, the same countenance pictured
unblemished in the newspaper!
137

CHAPTER XIX

A Strange Likeness

Judy! Honey exclaimed as the piece of torn


newspaper trembled in Judys hand. You dont
think that really could be the same man, do you? His
face
I know. Its scarred exactly like the real Henry
Jewells face, only much worse. It doesnt look like
an old scar from a childhood accident. It looks like a
new one, and I think he did it on purpose. His name
is Joseph Mott, and he was sentenced to twenty
years, it says here. Thats a long time to spend in
prison.
But to scar his own face like that? Honey
shuddered. I cant believe anyone would do it.
Its been done. Ask Peter. Judy stopped herself.
I wish we could ask him. Honey, weve got to find
a telephone.
Where? Honey questioned. The Jewell sisters
dont have one, and there isnt another house for
miles.
138

Maybe there is. Lets ask them, Judy suggested.


In the living room they found Violetta sitting in a
rocking chair with Blackberry on her lap. She
looked up with a forced smile as they entered.
A cat is a comfort, she said. We used to keep
cats, but not any more. He says they catch birds, and
I suppose they do, but why must he have his way
about everything? She believes him.
Violetta jerked her head toward Dorcas, who was
busy lighting a tall kerosene lamp which she had
placed in the center of the table. Its light dispelled
the shadows, but not the growing fear that lurked in
every corner of the room.
Dont you believe him? Judy asked hopefully.
Violetta shook her head. Not any more. Just now
he called himself Joseph Henry Jewell, the third. He
isnt. Hes the fourth. That was his greatgrandfather, not his grandfather, in the diary. Our
nephew would have known that. We used to tell him
stories about his great-grandfather. The first Joseph
Henry Jewell was about twelve years old when his
father retired and built this house. He helped,
hammering in nails
That wouldnt be the sound of hammering,
would it, Violetta?
Was Dorcas joking? Blackberry looked up from
Violettas lap and blinked as if he didnt think the
joke was very funny. Judy and Honey laughed at
139

him. Their laughter must have angered the spirits.


The tapping noises grew louder.
That sounds more like Mothers cane than it
does like a hammer. Do you think it could be a
branch tapping against the house? Violetta asked.
It wasnt the other time. It happened just before
we left for Washington, and the wind wasnt
blowing then. Its something hes doing upstairs. I
think Ill take his dessert up to him now, Dorcas
announced. Maybe I can catch him at it.
Go quietly, Violetta advised her.
Maybe, if I went up there with her, Judy began
and then stopped. That would mean staying, and she
knew she had to leave. This man had found a haven
for six months, she thought, but prison was where he
belonged. She turned, deliberately, and walked back
into the bedroom. When she returned she had the
item she had torn from the newspaper in her hand.
Oh, Violetta said, relieved, I thought you went
for your suitcase. Youll stay and help us, wont
you? Whatll we do about him if he isnt our
nephew?
Im sure he isnt. Judy handed her the piece of
torn newspaper. You see, we have to do something.
Thats who he is!
It took Violetta a moment to grasp what Judy was
saying. Honey, meantime, had opened the front door
to check on the weather. It was dark out there, and
140

the rain was coming down harder than ever. Judy


could hear it. The rat-tat-tat of the raindrops on the
porch roof mingled with the faint tapping upstairs.
Presently Dorcas reappeared and announced, He
isnt in his bedroom but the tapping is there. Its
right by Mothers bed. I didnt look, but I think he
must be up in the cupola watching the rain. I didnt
leave his dessert.
She went out to the kitchen with it, not waiting
for Violetta to reply. Judy could hear her out there,
doing the ordinary things women do in kitchens. It
didnt seem possible that anything out of the
ordinary could happen to this plain woman and her
timid younger sister. And yet . . .
Honeys hand on Judys arm startled her out of
her thoughts. You shouldnt have shown Violetta
that picture, she whispered. Look at her face.
Youve scared her half to death.
Im sorry. I didnt mean to
Im all right now, Violetta interrupted. She took
a long breath and released her hold on the picture. I
just cant believe its the same man. I suppose these
things do happen. Ive never thought about them,
but this is an old paper, isnt it?
Almost a year, Judy said. It figures. His real
name is Joseph, too, and I was told his friends call
him Joe.
Yes, thats true, Violetta acknowledged. He
141

sees them across the creek mostly. Theres an old


barn over there.
We saw it, Honey put in. We hoped there
might be a house near it.
No, its our old hay barn where he keeps his
car.
I suppose he goes and comes as he pleases?
Thats right. Were the ones who stay here.
Dorcas wont ride in his car. She says he drives too
fast. Maybe he does it on purpose to scare her. Id be
afraid to ride with him myself, not that hes ever
asked me, Violetta added. He does all our errands
for us, anyway.
For you or for himself? Judy couldnt resist
asking.
I never thought of it that way. He does keep us
here like prisoners, waiting on him, while he goes
free. We never get out except for walks in the
woods. Theres a beaver dam down the road a
ways
Arent there any people? Honey asked in alarm.
Not this side of the creek, Violetta replied.
This is the last house. The road over the hill isnt
used any more. Its overgrown with berry bushes.
Blackberries, like your cat. Look at him! Hes
stretched his paw out toward the picture.
Hes reminding you of it, Judy told her.
Violetta laughed a little shakily. It does seem
142

that way. The more I look at it the more I think you


may be right. There is a strange likeness. Its the
eyes and the shape of his head, but Dorcas will
never believe it. This man has been in prison. My
sister would be horrified to think wed taken in an
escaped prisoner. He would be dangerous.
He is dangerous. Dont you see? Judy pleaded.
You heard his threat. He meant one of us when he
said, It could happen to anyone.
But the scar! It doesnt show
It wasnt there when the picture was taken. We
dont know this for sure, but we think he tried to
change his appearance. Think about it before you
decide
There isnt time, Honey interrupted. We have
to leave. Our folks will be worried sick.
They knew you were coming here, didnt they?
Violetta said pleadingly. Theyll understand about
the storm. If Mother were alive, shed ask you to
stay. I dont know what to do about all this. Im not
used to deciding things.
Well, I am, Dorcas put in, returning to the room
and overhearing the last of what her sister was
saying, and Im making a decision right now. You
girls are not to leave in this rain.
But you asked us to leave before, Judy
protested.
Well, Ive changed my mind. Dorcas spoke as
143

144

if she didnt change her mind very often. You cant


get across to your car anyway, she pointed out,
and you cant start it once youre there. Your cat
has made himself at home, and you may as well do
the same.
Shes right, Honey whispered, not that I
wouldnt like to leave.
We have to, Judy insisted. We have to
telephone.
Thats impossible, they told her. The nearest
telephone is at a neighbors house two miles the
other side of the creek. You cant get across.
Besides, youll be watched
Judy couldnt remember afterwards which one of
the sisters was speaking when it happened. The
interruption was so sudden and terrifying that the
sentence never was finished. It was a flatiron this
time. It rose slowly toward the ceiling and then,
suddenly, as if an invisible hand had thrown it, came
crashing back toward the table.
The lamp! someone screamed, and Judy
grabbed it and stood holding it. The heavy iron
flatiron, which had been used as a bookend, glanced
off the table and hit the rug with such force that the
whole room trembled.
That does it! cried Honey. Now dont you
agree with Judy that someone ought to telephone for
help?
145

CHAPTER XX

A Web of Thread

We need help all right, Dorcas gasped. Weve


been praying for it!
As Dorcas spoke, her sister went suddenly limp in
the rocking chair. Honey had her hand on the
doorknob when Violetta fainted. She opened the
door and quickly closed it, but not before Blackberry
seized the opportunity and fled. It was raining harder
than ever.
Were trapped! Honey wailed, leaning against
the closed door. We cant leave, and we dont dare
stay here. Whatever are we going to do?
Somebody has to go for help, but not now, Judy
continued. Were needed here. Honey, bring some
water from the kitchen. Do you have any spirits of
ammonia or smelling salts?
In the bedroom, Dorcas told her.
Judy was still holding the lamp that had caused
146

all the excitement. She took it in the bedroom with


her and set it down on the first of the two dressers.
That seemed the safest place for it, if there was such
a thing as a safe place in this house. It left the living
room a little dark, but at least she could see to find
the smelling salts.
As she searched for them she felt sure a cobweb
brushed her face. That seemed strange as the sisters
kept the house immaculate.
Spiders! she thought with a shudder.
She found the bottle of smelling salts on top of
the second dresser where Violetta probably kept it in
readiness for just such emergencies as this. She must
be subject to fainting spells, and no wonder! Judy
hurried back to the living room to see if there was
anything else she could do to help.
Thank you, Dorcas said in a choked voice as
she handed her the smelling salts. My poor sister
will probably go just like my brother. We cant seem
to bring her to.
Honey had been holding a wet cloth on Violettas
forehead. Judy knelt beside her and held the opened
bottle of smelling salts under her nose.
Breathe deep! Deep! Keep breathing! she told
her as she held the bottle closer. Breathe now!
Deep! Deep!
Can she hear you? asked Honey, dismayed
when Violettas eyes remained closed.
147

I think so, Judy replied. Dad says people often


obey his instructions when theyre unconscious, and
she is breathing. She ought not to stay here, though.
Do you think we could carry her into the bedroom?
I could carry her myself, declared Dorcas.
Violetta seemed pitifully thin and light as the
three of them carried her into the bedroom and put
her down on the first of the two beds.
Shes corning around. Shell be all right in a
minute. Its safer in hereI think, Judy added,
glancing toward the ceiling.
This must be the old part of the house. All the
ceilings were wide, painted boards with cracks
between them and an occasional knothole showing
through the paint. In the kitchen, which appeared to
have been built on later, the plaster ceiling had been
replaced by soundproof squares with small holes in
each square. At first Judy wasnt sure why the
thought of holes in the ceiling bothered her. Then,
suddenly, she saw something. That hadnt been a
spider web that brushed against her face. It had been
a long black thread!
Look at this! she exclaimed. I think Ive
found
Before she could finish speaking, the little alarm
clock on the dresser began to move toward the
ceiling. Judy grabbed it, and the thread snapped. It
was a very thin thread, almost invisible.
148

How did you do that? gasped Honey, her face


white.
Easy, Judy replied. I caught the clock. Youve
heard people say that time flies. Well, this time I
decided not to let it fly in our faces.
Is that a joke? Oh, Judy! How can you make
jokes at a time like this? cried Honey. We are
trapped. Were caught in a web just like flies.
Judy laughed. Its a web of thread, she said. I
dont know how it operates, but hes doing it and I
intend to stop him.
How? asked Honey. Things fly up in the air
by themselves. How can you stop that?
With scissors, Judy replied, if you will help
me cut the threads.
Did you hear that, Violetta? Dorcas asked,
shaking her sister.
W-what? Violetta gasped. Then, suddenly, she
was fully conscious and wildly aware of what had
happened. The poltergeists! she screamed. They
were going to throw the clock and tip over the
lamp!
Its all right now, Honey soothed her. Judy
stopped them.
This is the second time shes done it. The first
time was when you fainted, Dorcas explained. Its
a mercy the lamp didnt go over and set the house
afire. If she hadnt grabbed it . . .
149

Judy felt a little faint herself when she thought of


what might have happenedwhat might still happen
unless she acted fast. Without explaining why she
was doing it, she ran into the kitchen and bolted the
back stairs door. Back again in the living room, she
bolted the door to the front stairs.
Now whos trapped? she asked as she returned
to the bedroom and told the group around Violettas
bed what she had done.
It wont work, Dorcas pronounced, shaking her
head. If its spirits, doors wont stop them. And
even if youre right and hes playing ghost with
pieces of thread, doors wont stop him either.
Scissors might, Violetta put in timidly, if we
could find the threads.
They all hunted for them, waving their arms
about as they would if they were searching for
spider webs. Dorcas swept the bedroom ceiling with
a broom and found nothing, not even dust.
I keep it clean, she insisted. I dont see how he
could trick us with threads. I heard what you girls
were saying, and Im afraid he did, too. His
bedroom is right over the living room.
But you said he wasnt in it, Judy objected.
I hope he wasnt. Dorcas lowered her voice
until Judy could hardly hear her as she continued.
If he is an escaped prisoner, as you say, he will try
anything to keep us from notifying the police. Im
150

not convinced, mind you. I wont be until I meet this


other man who claims hes our great-nephew; but
we have to explore every possibility. Had my
brother lived, he would have exposed this man if he
is the criminal you say he is. You know the man
who brought us home, dont you?
Aldin Launt? I dont know him, Judy admitted,
but Honey does.
She motioned for Honey to come nearer. But the
very idea of staying long enough to tell what she
knew about the artist terrified Honey.
Aldin Launt worked in Washington before he
came here. He told me so himself, but I forgot to
mention it, Honey confessed. Maybe Aldin Launt
knew Henry Jewell and gave this Joe Mott, or
whatever his name is, the idea of masquerading as
your great-nephew. I dont know. I only know we
have to go
You cant leave. Dorcas spoke as if she were
giving an order. He watches everyone who goes or
comes. If he isnt at his bedroom window hes up
there in the tower. He can see a car coming half an
hour before it gets here. If its one of his friends,
nothing happens. But you girls are strangers
Were friends now, Judy reassured her. Your
friends, not his. We couldnt go away and leave you
at his mercy. I think he was trying to start a fire so
he could escape down the back stairs.
151

Why would he want to escape? Violetta asked.


Hes been perfectly safe right here. Of course, if he
thinks his pretend game is over . . .
An idea must have flashed across her mind just
then. She didnt finish the thought, but Judy could
see she was planning something.
We could do a little pretending ourselves, she
said finally, and Dorcas nodded in agreement.
Judy wasnt sure just what they were planning,
but anything was worth a try. This is the way I
figured things out, Violetta continued, lowering her
voice as they all gathered around her. Hes been
trying to make us leave by scaring us with flying
objects. Then, if he overheard our conversation in
the living room, hes decided hes the one who has
to leave. Hes probably packing his things right
now.
Do you really think so? asked Dorcas. Are you
brave enough to go up there with me and find out,
Judy?
Yes, said Judy firmly.
Judy, dont! Honey broke in, her voice
beginning to tremble. He may have a gun. Oh! she
sobbed. Well never get out of this house alive!

152

CHAPTER XXI

A Secret Departure

They were a frightened group, huddled together in


the bedroom, seeking a way out and finding none. It
seemed that Honey was right. They never would get
out alive. But Judy refused to let herself believe they
were helpless.
Suppose we do go upstairs? she asked Dorcas.
What would we accomplish?
Well, if hes asleep, you girls might get away
without being seen. Theres a woodshed back of the
house. Youre strong. You could carry one of the
planks. The rains letting up a little. But Im warning
you, dont try to cross the creek unless youre sure
he isnt watching. You might never make it.
Couldnt we arrange some signal? A light in the
window if hes asleep
What if he isnt? Honey asked fearfully.
We might catch him working the strings. Heres
153

one thread, if that proves anything.


Dorcas snipped it with her scissors, and Judy
picked up the small jug to which it was attached.
The jug was lettered: Souvenir of Washington, D.C.,
1847.
It would have been broken! Violetta exclaimed.
She was in the living room now, looking for more
threads as she went on talking. Joseph Henry
himself gave that jug to the first Joseph Henry
Jewell when he left Washington to come here with
his father. Its a miniature vinegar jug, as you can
see, but nobody ever kept vinegar in it. I caught him
looking at it the other day. Oh, that man!
The expression on her face said more than words.
Still Judy felt that Violetta was hating the evil in the
man and not the man himself. For him there would
still be compassion. The sisters had thought of him
as their great-nephew too long to readily believe the
evidence of their own eyes.
There were no more strings in the bedroom, but
they found several strings in the living room and
spent half an hour looking and snipping before Judy
was satisfied that the living room was safe.
You see, she pointed out, the strings go up
through the cracks and knotholes in the ceiling.
Theres a big knothole right over the table where the
lamp was. Dont put it there again. He may
Whats that! exclaimed Violetta.
154

It was a lighted firecracker that popped in the air


before anyone could reach it. Sparks flew
everywhere, but they were quickly stamped out.
Violetta didnt faint this time. She was too busy
hunting for sparks.
Im not afraid any more. Now I know who our
ghost is, she announced in a loud voice as she
attacked a spark on the curtain. She came down on it
hard with a fly swatter and continued, almost
shouting. Its Henry. Thats who it is. He wouldnt
hurt us. Hes just playing tricks the way he used to
do when he was a little boy.
I wish I could spank him the way I used to do
when he was a little boy, declared Dorcas. I used
to spank him and put him to bed when he played
such tricks on us. He had the same room and that
same knothole was under his bed. He must have
remembered.
Of course he remembered, Violetta agreed. He
ought to. He was eight years old when he played that
same trick on Mother. You spanked him good for
that.
Hes too big to spank now, but thisll fix him if
he tries it again.
Very noisily Dorcas removed everything from the
table and placed a tall metal wastebasket below the
knot hole.
Thats fine, Violetta agreed, still almost
155

shouting. Now he can drop all the firecrackers he


pleases. They wont bother us. Theyll explode and
make a beautiful big noise inside the basket. Its a
funny thing, girls, she added, turning to Judy and
Honey, who stood there bewildered, how some
little boys never quite grow up.
There was what sounded like genuine affection in
her voice. Judy couldnt believe Violetta was only
acting. And yet she must be. They all knew the
mans real intention was not to play a boyish prank,
but to escape, somehow, from the consequences of
his evil doing.
He wont play any more tricks. I can promise
you that. Henry! Dorcas shouted upstairs. You go
to bed now. Ill be up in a minute with a glass of
orange juice.
There was no answer, just a faint tapping as if the
spirits were objecting to her plan.
Are you really going up? Judy whispered.
Dorcas nodded. Yes, and youre going with me.
I need somebody to hold the flashlight.
Judy hoped she could hold it. She was trembling
all over. The tables seemed to have turned,
suddenly, and the Jewell sisters were the brave ones.
That act of Violettas! It was still hard for Judy to
believe it was only an act. Honey hadnt said a
word, but she did gasp and move closer to Violetta
when Dorcas unlocked the door Judy had securely
156

bolted.
Is that safe? Judy whispered. I bolted both
doors so he couldnt come down either stairway.
Hed come down if he wanted to, Dorcas
whispered back. His bedroom window opens out
on the porch roof.
Apparently Dorcas had decided not to warn him
of their approach, after all. It would be best to
surprise him, Judy agreed, just in case he was
armed.
Come along. I must admit I feel a lot safer with
you behind me, Dorcas added in a low voice as,
carrying a glass of orange juice, she started up the
front stairs. Usually she went up the back stairs, and
the creaking boards warned him. But this time
neither she nor Judy made a sound.
They reached the top of the stairs and tiptoed
through a room with shadowy furnishings. This was
the room over the downstairs bedroom, but no one
appeared to be in it. A big double bed occupied most
of the floor space.
Wait! Judy whispered.
She lifted the bed ruffles and directed the beam of
her flashlight under the bed. Nothing was there.
Suddenly, without more than a seconds warning,
Dorcas tapped on the door of the next room and
said, Were coming in with your orange juice.
They entered noisily. This room also appeared to
157

be empty, but Judy suspected it might not be.


Under the bed! she whispered.
Youre right, Dorcas said, and she wasnt
whispering. Hes up to his old tricks just as I told
you.
Down on her knees, she seized a leg.
Help me pull him out, Judy, she directed. Hes
gone to sleep under there. Im afraid hell get a chill.
Come on, Henry! Wake up! she ordered. You
belong in the bed, not under it. Heres your juice.
Now drink it and go to sleep. The girls are staying
all night, and I dont want you coming downstairs
and bothering them. You hear?
Yes, Auntie, he murmured in meek tones.
Judy was tempted to laugh. He looked quite
ridiculous, grown man that he was, being hauled out
from under the bed like a child. Judy knew now why
he had been there. The wooden potato masher and
the white curtain rings she had glimpsed under the
bed gave him away. But she pretended she had not
seen them. She just asked solicitously, Will he be
all right?
I hope so, Dorcas replied. He tired himself all
out playing tricks to make you girls give his plans
back. Just leave them with me and hell know his
mission is accomplished, she continued as they
walked out of the room. You know now that he is
our real nephew.
158

Yes, I know. And I know we have to get out of


here and telephone for help, Judy added in a
whisper when they were all the way downstairs.
Stay until hes asleep, Dorcas whispered back.
Keep talking as if you were undressing and getting
ready for bed. You girls can have my bed, Dorcas
continued in a louder tone. Violetta and I will
double up in hers.
This will give us a little time, Judy whispered,
bolting the door she had just closed. She did it
noiselessly, and then all four of them gathered in a
corner of the bedroom to wait.
As they waited Judy kept watching the little
alarm clock that she had stopped in midair. It ticked
noisily. There was no other sound. The rain had
stopped, and there were no more tapping noises
from upstairs. No flying objects dangled like
puppets from threads in the living room, and no
popping firecrackers shattered the silence. Time
seemed to pass very slowly.
He must be asleep, Dorcas finally whispered.
She carried the lamp they had agreed to use as a
signal and placed it in the window. Its beams shone
down the pathway in front of the house. In back all
was dark.
Come on, Judy, lets leave, Honey whispered,
picking up her suitcase.
You cant carry that and the plank, too. Better
159

leave it here, Dorcas advised. Youll be back. First


you must get away from the house and across the
creek without being seen. If he comes down here
and rattles the doors, Ill tell him you girls felt safer
with them locked. He may believe me and go back
to bed. If theres danger, Ill blow out the lamp to
warn you. Take his car if you cant start your own.
He has an extra set of keys hanging on a nail in the
barn. Then drive as fast as you can to the main road.
Theres a gas station there
We know. We stopped to ask directions, Judy
told her. The man said the house was haunted.
You just tell him whos haunting it and ask him
to call the police.
Ill call them myself, Judy promised in a very
low whisper. The FBI, too. An espionage agent is
their business. Youll have more help than you know
what to do with before this night is over.
Come on, Honey urged impatiently.
Actually Judys hand was on the doorknob. It was
nearly midnight, but she had never been more wide
awake and alert. Noiselessly she opened the door.
Good luck! Violetta whispered as the two girls
stepped out into the night.

160

CHAPTER XXII

A Dampened Spirit

At first Judy could see nothing. The blackness of the


trees in back of the house seemed to meet the
blackness of the sky with no horizon.
Wheres the flashlight? Honey whispered.
We cant use it until we get inside the
woodshed. This must be it, Judy whispered back as
a black shape loomed ahead of her.
They found the door and closed it. Even then
Judy was afraid to use the flashlight for fear the
beam might show through a crack in the walls. She
turned the light on just long enough to find a plank.
The one they chose was long and heavy. There was
nothing else for them to carry as Honey had taken
Dorcas advice and left her suitcase behind.
Can you see your way? Judy whispered as
Honey preceded her in the dark.
Im following the beam of light from the
161

window, Honey whispered back. Quoting


Shakespeare, she added, So shines a good deed in
a naughty world.
Our good deed wont get done unless we keep
out of that light, Judy warned her. Shall I walk
ahead?
Id rather have you behind me. I cant see
anything, but I can hear water ahead. Ill follow the
sound and hope I dont fall in, Honey answered
bravely.
They were afraid to talk much, even in whispers.
Night sounds were loud all around themthe
chirping of crickets and an occasional bullfrog
croaking, Youll drown! Youll drown!
Judy knew they didnt really say that, but it
sounded as if they did. Her grandmother used to tell
a story about it. The little frogs, or peepers, sang a
little warning, Knee deep! Knee deep! But the big
ones always croaked a big warning, Youll drown!
Judy shivered and wished she hadnt thought of her
grandmothers story.
Were quite near the water, Honey whispered
presently. Wed better put down the plank and push
it the rest of the way. We can tell when it hits
water.
Suppose it isnt long enough?
Oh, Im afraid it isnt! cried Honey. Look,
Judy! The light in the window is gone. Does that
162

mean hes downstairs rattling the doors?


It may mean hes after us. Well have to use the
flashlight and hurry, Judy decided, her heart
pounding with sudden fear.
She turned on the flashlight and gasped when she
saw that the plank did not reach to the other side of
the creek. It had reached only to an overhanging
rock.
If the bank gives way Honey began.
We have to risk it, Honey, Judy urged her.
Hurry!
Oh, Judy! Youre right. He is after us. Hes
limping along with a cane. Shall I cross?
Yes, and hurry!
Honey ran the rest of the way across the plank,
and Judy followed. She risked a backward glance
and saw that the man they feared was close behind
them. That dark object he carried looked more like a
shotgun than a cane. His flashlight found them and
then, as Judy ducked, lost them again.
She knew she had to act fast. Now she was
crouching near the overhanging rock. The creek, still
swollen and looking like an angry black river, was
just beneath her.
With trembling hands, she pushed the plank
sideways. The plank slipped off the rock. Judy heard
a splash and then a gurgle in the darkness. Then a
hoarse scream from the other side.
163

Oh, Judy! Honey gasped. He had already


started across!
The girls had the flashlight on, searching the dark
water and seeing nothing. The frogs kept on
croaking, Youll drown! Youll drown!
There he is! cried Honey as Judy directed the
flashlight in another direction.
All they could see was his head just above the
water and both hands clutching an overhanging
bush. Judy breathed a prayer of thanks, not
understanding why. She only knew that life was
preciousany life.
His hands are free, Judy said in a low voice.
He must have dropped that shotgun in the water.
He isnt so dangerous without it. Raising her voice,
Judy shouted to him, Cant you climb out by
yourself?
The man uttered an ugly threat followed by an
accusation. His words were garbled, but Judy
understood enough of what he said to realize the
plank must have hit him and, somehow, injured him
so that it was impossible for him to climb out.
Hang on, Judy shouted. Well get help!
Honey suddenly exclaimed, Here comes a car! If
theres a man in it
She didnt finish. Judy had seen it, too. First the
lights above the dark treetops and then the car itself.
She wasnt sure whose car it was at first. Then, as it
164

stopped, not one, but two men got out.


Its Dad! she cried. And Horace is with him.
Theyll know what to do.
Both girls began to call and wave their arms with
the flashlight making wild circles in the dark.
Were here, Dad! Over here! Horace, were here!
Were coming! Dr. Bolton called back. He had
stopped beside the Beetle. Take it easy! he
shouted. Well pull your car out.
We need help here! Here! Over here! Judy kept
on shouting. Honey joined in with a loud cry of
Help!
That did it. Horace reached them first.
What are you girls doing? Trying to drown
yourselves in the river? he inquired.
Oh, no! It isnt funny, Horace. II almost
drowned someone else, Judy gasped. Help him,
Dad! she exclaimed as her father came nearer. Im
afraid his leg is broken or something.
Can you fish that plank out? Honey asked. Its
down there wedged between two rocks in the river.
Dr. Bolton and Horace retrieved the plank, placed
it in position, and crossed. Judy and Honey helped
pull the drenched impostor out of the water. He was
a heavy man and it took all four of them to rescue
him. When he was safely on the bank, the man
whimpered, My leg, doctor. Whats the matter with
my leg?
165

Dr. Bolton examined it under the flashlight while


Horace kept an eye on the impostor.
No tricks, Horace warned. I believe weve met
before, so dont try anything. This better be a real
injury.
If it is, its the only real thing about him,
declared Judy. He has been living with the Jewell
sisters and pretending to be their nephew. He has
confined them to their own house and scared
everyone else away. You should have heard him
laughing up there in the cupola. It sounded
Judy shivered, unable to finish. She still didnt
know how he had managed that eerie laugh as if the
house itself were mocking any strangers who
approached it.
He made tapping noises, too. The Jewell sisters
thought it was their dead mother tapping with her
cane, Honey put in.
It wasnt a cane, Horace, Judy told him. It was
a potato masher.
Horace laughed. Hes a pretty limp-looking
ghost now. You girls put an end to his career of
house haunting, I take it. Dampened his spirit, to
coin a phrase.

166

CHAPTER XXIII

A Promise Is Kept

Dr. Bolton was bending over the figure on the


ground, his fingers on his wrist. He had him
wrapped in a blanket and he did look limptoo
limp, Judy saw in dismay.
Oh, Dad, he isnt
Not dead, just unconscious, her father replied.
I had to give him something for the pain, and that
knocked him out. Hes pretty well banged up, Im
afraid. We cant move him, but he will be all right
here until the ambulance arrives. Horace, you stay
with him while I call the hospital.
The Jewell sisters havent any telephone, Dad.
We were on our way to call Peter. We have to call
him, Judy went on more urgently. Please, Dad,
take me with you
Not me, Honey interrupted. Im staying here
with Horace. Somebody has to play nurse
167

To him? Horace interrupted. I thought Id seen


him before and now Im sure of it. Shine your fight
on his hand, Dad.
Dr. Bolton did so.
Ah, I thought so! Horace exclaimed. He is the
guy who beat me up. I remember that scar. Most of
his face was covered with a mask, but I couldnt
mistake that burn on his hand.
Whatll we do if he wakes up? Honey inquired.
His leg seems to be broken. He wont escape
He hadnt better try, Horace interrupted grimly.
Judy was reluctant to leave Honey with the
escaped criminal, even with Horace to protect her.
Dad, are you sure its safe for us to leave? Judy
inquired.
Its necessary, he replied.
Judy could see a light from the house. She knew
the Jewell sisters themselves would be coming down
the path soon to see what they could do.
Just dont get him well too fast, nurse, Judy
warned Honey as she climbed into the car beside her
father and drove away.
The going was rough. Dr. Boltons car, already
spattered with mud, took on a fresh coat as it hurtled
and bounded over deep ruts made by the Beetle
coming down. Mud flew as high as the windows,
but the car did not stall.
This hill is slippery, Dad, Judy warned him as
168

they started up.


I know, Dr. Bolton answered. We saw your
Beetle mired down at the foot of it so we stopped
before we hit the big puddle. Horace was worried.
He said youd asked him to go along and afterwards,
when he got to thinking about it, he decided hed
made a mistake when he refused.
It didnt turn out that way. Your timing was
perfect even if you didnt plan it. We needed help at
the exact moment you arrived. I dont think Honey
and I could have pulled that man out by ourselves.
He must weigh two hundred pounds.
Who is he? Dr. Bolton inquired. You said
youd tell me later.
Ill tell you who I think he is. Im not quite
sure, Judy admitted, but I think hes an escaped
federal prisoner, and Horace is sure hes the one
who beat him up. There may be a whole gang of
them. Anyway, I want to tell Peter.
You should tell him at once, her father agreed.
He was driving faster now, as though their lives
depended on reaching a telephone before anyone
else turned down the road.
Oh, Dad! I hope he hasnt any friends in the
neighborhood. It wouldnt be safe to stop at one of
the farmhouses, would it? I mean in case some
member of his gang lived there, Judy added.
Well drive right on to the gas station. It will be
169

faster, Dr. Bolton decided.


They were there minutes afterwards. Dr. Bolton
stepped into the telephone booth first. He called
Chief Kelly and asked for a police ambulance and a
guard to remain with the escaped prisoner at the
hospital. Then Judy called Peter in Washington. She
was able to reach him right away.
What is it, Angel? Where are you? he asked her
in an anxious voice.
Never mind that now, she told him breathlessly.
We have a present for youif he doesnt get away,
and I dont think he will. We left Horace and Honey
keeping watch on him. Dad helped us fish him out
of the water. Hes half drowned, and his leg is
broken.
Who on earth are you talking about? Peter
asked as soon as he could get in a word.
Oh, didnt I tell you? Judy asked in surprise. I
think his name is Joseph Mott. Did you ever hear of
him?
Hear of him! exclaimed Peter. Who hasnt?
His picture is in every Post Office in the country.
Hes one of the FBIs ten most wanted men.
Well, hes yours now. Your wanted man will be
in Farringdon Hospital under police guard waiting
for you when you arrive Sunday. Is Henry Jewell
coming with you?
He was
170

Dont let anything keep him from coming. His


aunts still need convincing, Judy hurried on. Did
you give him those plans that were in the drawer of
the coffee mill?
This question caused Peter to hesitate. He didnt
answer. Instead, he asked another question.
You didnt find out how they got there, did
you?
Well, not exactly, Judy admitted. The Jewell
sisters didnt open the drawer. He did.
Are you talking about this escaped prisoner,
Joseph Mott?
Yes, hes the one who opened the drawer. He
said those rocket plans were his, and the Jewell
sisters believed him. Hes been living with them and
pretending to be their nephew. I have more to tell
you. Lots more, Judy finished, but there isnt time
now. See you Sunday.
She was smiling when she hung up the telephone.
Now I can breathe, she told her father. Peter
knows. I kept my promise and telephoned him just
as soon as I could.
Well have to get back there sooner than that,
Dr. Bolton declared as they returned to the car. If I
had known as much about this scoundrel as I know
now I might not have risked leaving him with
Horace and Honey. You say he had a gun?
Yes, but I think he dropped it. Oh, I hope he
171

doesnt find it. Hell do anything, Dad. Did you see


the scar on his face? I think he disfigured himself to
make the Jewell sisters think he was their nephew. I
should have told Peter
Therell be time enough for that later, Dr.
Bolton interrupted, driving past the cemetery and
making a fast turn at the top of the hill. I dont
know how you get into these jams, Judy girl.
And I dont know what Id do if I didnt have
you and Peter and Horace to help me out of them.
Judy took a deep breath. They were back on the dirt
road plowing through the mud again. Her words
jolted and bumped with the car as she continued:
Tonight, for instance. The Jewell sisters were so
frightened. Did I tell you how he kept them in a state
of terror by dangling flying objects from the
ceiling? He even tried to set fire to the house. I think
he intended to escape down the back stairs, but I
locked both doors
How did he escape then? Dr. Bolton
questioned.
Im not sure, Judy replied, but he may have
jumped down from the porch roof. Now that I think
of it, he was limping when we first saw him coming.
Honey thought the gun was a cane at first, but then,
as he came nearer, I saw what it was. There wasnt
anything to do but yank the plank away.
He could have climbed out by himself if he
172

hadnt suffered this injury to his leg. I dont think he


can escape, but he may try. Hang on, Judy girl, Im
going to make time, Dr. Bolton finished.
His car roared up the last hill and down again
until it was just opposite the barn where the Jewell
sisters had said the impostor kept his car. Dr. Bolton
backed into the driveway, blocking the exit from the
barn. Turning his headlights toward the banks of the
swollen river, he was surprised to see no one there.
Judy knew he had expected to see Horace and
Honey still standing guard beside the injured man.
Dad! Hes escaped! exclaimed Judy.
His cars still in the barn. I dont think hell get
far on that broken leg, Dr. Bolton predicted. But
where are Horace and Honey?
At that moment a voice seemed to come from the
house itself. It wasnt a laugh or a moan. It was a
prolonged call for help.
Thats Violetta! cried Judy. She must be up in
the cupola, but how can we hear her away over
here?
Well soon find out, Dr. Bolton promised.
Together they ran across on the plank and toward
the lighted building. Its square shape showed clearly
in spite of the dark hill behind it. There were lights
both upstairs and down. It looked as though there
were a swinging lantern up there in the cupola. The
cry for help became louder as they crossed the water
173

on the treacherous plank and came nearer.


Were up here! Up here! Help us, somebody! He
locked the door!

174

CHAPTER XXIV

Another Promise

Were coming, Judy called back, knowing all the


time that she and her father were too far away to be
heard. Why, then, could she hear the voices from the
cupola so clearly?
Other voices joined Violettas. She recognized
Honeys plaintive, Up here! and Dorcas
commanding tone, Dont bother about us. Stop
him! and then Horaces shout, Watch the barn!
Dont let him take his car!
They saw him then, dragging himself painfully
along the path. He looked about ready to collapse.
The fool! Dr. Bolton muttered when Judys
flashlight found him. I dont care if he is Joe Mott,
hes still my patient and I feel responsible for him.
Hell lose his leg if I cant keep him quiet. I didnt
think hed move
Help me, Dad! Judy seized the plank. Together
175

they pushed it across and left it on the other side of


the gorge.
Now he cant get across, and neither can we, but
help will come and the police are going to need that
plank, Judy said.
That was quick thinking, her father told her.
Soon they had all the help they needed. First a
police car roared down the hill, then an ambulance
with its red lights flashing. Judy waved her
flashlight to direct them to the injured prisoner, who
was still trying to escape. Nearly exhausted, he
protested feebly, Dont let them take me to a
hospital.
Its the only place for you, was Dr. Boltons
firm reply.
Stretcher bearers from the ambulance stepped
across a quickly improvised bridge. They placed the
struggling man on a stretcher and strapped him
down. The last Judy saw of him he was being lifted
into the back of the ambulance. Two policemen rode
along with him to make doubly sure he wouldnt get
away. Two more stayed behind to investigate the
contents of the barn.
Meanwhile Judy and her father hurried to the
house. The front door was standing open. And there
was Blackberry waiting patiently before the locked
stair door. Voices came from behind it.
Its safe now.
176

Yes, I saw them put him in the ambulance.


Is that you, Dad? Horace called in his ordinary
voice.
Yes, son.
Dr. Bolton unbolted the door, and Horace nearly
fell on top of him, he was so eager to explain.
It was a dumb thing to do, but the man kept
struggling. Said he had to get to the house, so we
decided it was better to carry him there than let him
hurt himself dragging that leg. We placed him on the
plank and then carried it back so you could get
across. Honeys getting to be quite an expert
carrying planks.
I could hire out to a builder. I mean, if I dont
get my art job back. Honey laughed ruefully.
Youll get it back. I know how much it means to
you, Horace told her. Well, as I was saying, he
continued, we carried the plank back. This Joe
Mott, or whatever his name is, was in the bedroom
by then. He seemed to be asleep. Blackberry
followed us into the house. He kept making
protesting noises, but I cant understand cat
language the way you can, Judy. Maybe he was
trying to tell us the man was faking.
Good old Blackberry! We understand, Judy
said, stroking her pet.
Really, Judy, Horace wasnt to blame, Honey
defended him. I was the one who asked the
177

question that caused all the trouble. It was


something about that laugh we heard. You
remember? When I tripped
Yes, I remember. It was loud, just like your
voices.
Come up in the cupola and well show you what
made it so loud, Violetta invited them. He isnt
here now, so he cant lock us in the way he did
before. We knew he intended to escape in his car.
I thought of that possibility myself. Thats why I
parked my car across the driveway, Dr. Bolton
explained.
A policeman who had remained behind to get a
statement accompanied the others to the cupola. It
was an amazing place with its huge telescope and
other scientific apparatus.
Some of this stuff was Henrys when he was a
little boy, but these are new. Violetta indicated a
group of loudspeakers. He used them to warn
people away from the house. The neighbors around
here are simple people. They were frightened, and
so were we. Then I tried them out, and Dorcas
listened.
That was before you girls came, Dorcas took up
the story. Violetta became suspicious, but I thought
it was just another one of his experiments. We felt
safer having a man here. Neither of us wanted to
believe he wasnt our real great-nephew. I still feel
178

sorry for him.


So do I, agreed Judy. I feel sorry for anyone
who thinks he can live by disloyalty and deceit.
Actually I didnt hurt him half as much as he hurt
himself. Dad thinks he really broke his leg when he
jumped from the porch roof. He had a shotgun with
him when he jumped.
He kept it for hunting, Dorcas began.
Hunting people, Violetta agreed with a
shudder. Ill never forget the feeling that came over
me when he started after you and I saw the gun in
his hands.
You didnt faint, Dorcas remembered. You
just marched over to the window and blew out the
lamp.
It was the signal we had agreed on, Judy
explained to the others. The house was so peaceful
now, and there was so much to be explained that she
was tempted to stay a little longer. But she knew her
father had to leave. He wanted to follow the
ambulance and see what more he could do for his
unwilling patient.
Just before they left, Judy placed Blackberry in
Violettas arms. You may keep him until Sunday,
she told her. You may not believe it, but hes better
than a watchdog.
Violetta murmured her thanks, telling Dorcas
theyd have to get a cat of their own.
179

Dorcas agreed. Were used to taking care of


things, she explained. We would have looked after
that man the rest of our lives, believing he was our
real great-nephew, if you girls hadnt found him
out.
Honey picked up the suitcase that had led them
on their secret quest. As Horace took it from her
hand an understanding look passed between them.
Everything is all right now, Judy concluded. I
dont think you will be troubled with any more
flying objects or popping fruit jars. When we came
here to return your suitcase we had no idea
Just a hunch, Honey interrupted, because I
didnt trust Aldin Launt.
They were working together on some sketches.
Theyre still up in his bedroom, Dorcas confided.
Would you like to see them?
I certainly would, replied Honey.
One look convinced her that her suspicions had
been based on more than a hunch.
They are my sketches! she exclaimed. I
thought they would be.
Leave them right where they are, Judy advised
her. I want Peter to see them. You may have a lot
of company on Sunday, she warned the Jewell
sisters.
Judy didnt say the real Henry Jewell might be
there. Peters identity would be another surprise. She
180

left both sisters smiling and waving from their


doorway.
The lamp that had almost set the house on fire
lighted the way down the path. The sky was clear
now. There was no moon, but a few stars twinkled
in the east where the sun would soon be rising.
Already the water was beginning to recede so that
the plank seemed more secure as they crossed the
gorge to the doctors car on the other side.
Whatll we do with the Beetle? Judy asked her
father.
Dr. Bolton thought it might be better to leave it
where it was until Sunday. The sun will dry up that
mud puddle, and you can just drive it out without
any trouble at all, he predicted cheerfully.
Judy didnt like leaving either the Beetle or her
cat, but it wasnt the same as if she were going home
with Peter to their house in Dry Brook Hollow.
Blackberry simply did not get along with Horaces
parrot, and Judy felt her mother deserved a little
peace.
Was Mom very worried? she asked on the way
home.
She always worries about you, was the doctors
reply. If it isnt you, its Horace. Thats the way
mothers are.
He spoke as if he hadnt been a bit worried
himself. To keep them from worrying, Honey had
181

told her grandparents she was spending the night


with Judy. Honey was already asleep in the back
seat of the car, her head resting on Horaces
shoulder. He wasnt asleep. He was smiling and
looking content with himself and the world.

182

CHAPTER XXV

The Real Quest

Honey spent the night in Judys old room, the one


that had been hers when they first met. Both girls
slept until nearly noon. Honey awoke first and
glanced at the clock.
Oh dear! she exclaimed, sitting up in bed with a
dazed expression on her face. Ill be late to work.
Mr. Dean will be furious. But what am I doing
here?
You spent the night with me, Judy told her.
Remember?
Suddenly Honey did remember. She tried to hide
the hurt look in her eyes, but it was no use. This
time Judy didnt have to ask her what was wrong.
She knew.
Youll get your job back. I know it, she
declared. Just wait until Mr. Dean hears what we
found out about Aldin Launt. He was working with
183

that criminal, Joe Mott, on your sketches.


Remember? Its obvious where all those missing art
supplies went.
I suppose it is, agreed Honey. Just the same, I
dread asking Mr. Dean to take me back. Wouldnt it
be better to tell Peter what we know and let him find
out what was going on at the studio? That fire kept
us from finding out a thing.
We found out plenty about those papers in the
drawer of the coffee mill, Judy consoled her, and
if Aldin Launt was working with Joe Mott and his
pals, it all ties in. I think Henry Jewells grandfather
must have put the papers there, or else he had them
in his pocket
Thats an idea! Honey exclaimed. Joe Mott
could have taken them from the poor mans pocket
when he collapsed, and put them in the drawer of the
coffee mill himself. What a horrible thing to do!
Judy shuddered at the thought. Everything hes
done in his whole life seems pretty horrible to me. I
suppose Horace has the news spread all over the
front page of the paper.
Lets hurry downstairs and see, Honey
suggested.
Downstairs a few minutes later they found
Horace eating his lunch quite casually as if nothing
had been omitted from the paper he had just brought
home. And yet there wasnt a thing about the
184

previous nights excitement on the front page.


I thought surely there would be something,
Judy began. That man was Joe Mott, wasnt he? I
should think it would be news when one of the
FBIs ten most wanted men is found masquerading
under another identity.
Dont worry about it, Horace advised her. Sit
down and have brunch with me and Ill explain.
Quite a bit has been happening while you girls were
sleeping. For one thing, we have been requested by
the FBI to suppress the news until the man you
nearly drowned is positively identified. The police
are cooperating
And so are you! Honey put in. Horace, thats
the bravest thing a newspaper man could do. The
paper would print the news if you turned it in.
Sure they would, he declared, and be glad to
get it. But I put the good of our country ahead of the
paper.
I cant believe it! exclaimed Judy. I thought
nothing was more important to you than turning in a
big story.
It can wait. Im thinking about the whole gang,
not just one man, Horace explained, and that
includes this artist fellow, Aldin Launt. Peter
wouldnt stand a chance of nabbing him if Launt
knew Joe Motts game was up. And there are others
like him. You didnt know it, but we didnt leave the
185

Jewell sisters without protection. The police are


watching their house in the hope that some of this
gangsters pals may show up. The police wont
stopnot until they have every one of them behind
bars.
Peter should be here to help them, Judy said.
Secretly, she felt that no solution was complete
without Peter. Whatever he was doing in
Washington couldnt be as important as what he
might be doing at home, she thought. But she was
wrong. She knew it when he arrived unexpectedly
on Saturday and announced that his new assignment
had been given to him because of her telephone call.
Rounding up the Joe Mott gang was not a task to be
accomplished in days or even weeks. It might take
months, and all that time Peter would be working
out of the resident agency in Farringdon.
And that means well be living home, he
finished, not here at your parents house, but home
in Dry Brook Hollow. How does that strike your
fancy?
Its wonderful! exclaimed Judy. But what of
Miss Pringle? I mean Mrs. Whatever-her-name-is,
whos renting the house? I always think of her as
Miss Pringle because that was her name when I first
knew her in Roulsville. She was going to display
some of my antiques at the Roulsville library.
She will. She doesnt need to live in our house to
186

do that. Maybe the Jewell sisters will have a few


antiques to display along with yours. I met them this
morning, Peter confessed. Im sorry I couldnt
take you with me, but this was official business. I
interviewed a number of people, including Mr.
Dean. Honeys job will be waiting for her on
Monday.
It will? Oh, Peter! Shell be so happy. May I call
her right now and tell her? She went home last
night.
Tell her you have a surprise for her. She can be
here in five minutes. Id call for her, but I know she
enjoys the walk.
Peter was right, although Honey ran, rather than
walked, most of the way from the downtown
apartment where her grandparents lived to the
doctors house on Grove Street. She arrived,
breathless, and exclaimed, I thought this was your
surprise. Peters home!
Its more than that, Judy told her. Hes home
to stay awhile, and hes interviewed Mr. Dean, and
your job will be waiting for you on Monday.
Thats wonderful! Did you find out why he
asked me to leave? Honey questioned, turning to
Peter.
It was for your own safety, he replied. Mr.
Dean knew Aldin Launt was trying to take over the
studio. In fact, he expected trouble and reported it to
187

the police. The fire was an accident, probably


caused by Launts carelessness. Well pick him up
for questioning when he comes to work Monday
morning. His art work is a little too much like those
sketches you saw in the Justice Department
You mean microdots! gasped Honey.
Something like that. Those drawings he took
from you are still being investigated. He didnt make
photostats of those rocket plans. He just reduced
them with the intention of hiding them in various
fabric designs
Including mine! Honey exclaimed. Oh, Judy!
That would have made me an espionage agent
without knowing it. I couldnt ever betray my
country.
You both did just the opposite, declared Peter.
You uncovered this subversive plot to sell ideas
Henry Jewell was working out for our own
government.
Where is he? asked Judy. I thought you were
bringing him with you.
I did bring him, Peter replied. Or, to be more
accurate, he brought me. He was so eager to see his
grandfather that we went directly to his aunts home.
It was quite a shock for him when we passed that
cemetery. He had never been notified. In fact, he
and his father had been hoping his grandfather
would come to Washington, too. There will be an
188

investigation of that. The letters he sent his greataunts and his grandfather were taken out of the mail
box and destroyed. The plane tickets were sent by
registered mail or they would never have received
them. He understands the whole evil business,
including the false face Joe Mott carved for himself
from Launts description of him. It didnt take long
to convince his aunts. We drove up from
Washington in his car and he helped me pull the
Beetle out of the mud. And who do you think I
found in the back seat waiting for a ride home?
Blackberry? Judy questioned. She knew
someone had brought the cat back. Horaces parrot
had been screeching all kinds of names at him.
If we put your parrot up in the cupola, she told
Horace later, the Jewell sisters really would have a
haunted house.
Peter hadnt been told about the voices from the
cupola. There was a great deal he hadnt been told,
Judy discovered, when they returned with Honey
and Horace to the old house on Sunday, and Judy
pointed out its many secrets.
This is the way we like to receive visitors,
Dorcas greeted the four young people at the door.
You noticed that all those KEEP OUT signs have
been removed, didnt you? But wheres your father,
Judy? And why have you brought this G-man along?
I answered his questions before.
189

I did, too, Violetta put in. He searched the


desk upstairs and found all the letters we never
received.
You didnt take him up in the cupola, did you?
asked Judy.
Why, no. Violetta seemed surprised at the
question. Henrys up there now. We knew him
right away. Why do you ask?
Oh, I just thought my husband might like to go
up with us and see those loudspeakers.
Both sisters looked their surprise.
Tour what?
Judy laughed. Peter Dobbs and I are married,
she said.
Imagine it, Violetta, Dorcas said. Here we
were entertaining the wife of a G-man
And an espionage agent who pretended to be our
own grand-nephew. He is Joe Mott, isnt he?
Violetta asked.
You bet he is, replied Peter. I wouldnt have
recognized him myself with that scar on his face, but
his fingerprints didnt change.
His eyes didnt either, Judy said. That was
how I recognized him.
And we never suspected. We are a couple of
innocents, arent we? Violetta said, shaking her
head. But come in, all of you. They had been
standing on the porch talking. Now she turned to
190

Honey. What secret have you been keeping? she


asked. You arent, by any chance, Mrs. Horace
Bolton?
Im considering it, Honey answered, blushing.
It was at that precise moment that Henry Jewell
appeared. Horace beamed at him. The two of them
hit it off right away. All during dinner they chatted
amiably about everything from their recent
experiences to the sun, always a favorite topic with
Henry Jewell.
Come up to the observation room, he invited
them afterwards, and well have a look at the sun
through my old telescope.
This was the invitation Judy had been waiting for.
The square room at the top of the house presented a
very different appearance by daylight.
Look, Peter! Judy exclaimed as they entered.
Isnt this a marvelous view?
Through the telescope it was even better. Hills
and valleys seemed to stretch away endlessly with
towns nestled between. Since it was Sunday, there
was no smoke from the factories. Tall church spires
reached skyward instead. And there, above it all,
was the bright ball of the sun.
Though thou art afar off
Thy rays are on the earth,
191

Horace quoted softly from the book he had given


Honey, the book that was now returned.
Sun power. Rocket fuel, Henry Jewell added.
The plans! Judy suddenly exclaimed. Were
they returned?
Of course they were, Peter replied, laughing at
her. You didnt think Id keep them, did you?
I have no intention of keeping them, either, the
solar scientist added. They are not mine to keep.
They belong to the future.
Always there was some bright hope there, like the
sun itself, lighting the way. Mysteries would puzzle
Judy for a time and then be solved. Her next one,
THE PUZZLE IN THE POND, would be a real challenge
to her mind and heart. But always the quest would
go on.
It isnt a secret quest any longer, she told Peter.
I realize now were all looking for the truth in
different ways. Horace finds it in his newspaper
work, Honey in her drawings, and Henry Jewell in
his solar science. Maybe the Jewell sisters find it in
nature. They do love all the little woods creatures.
What about us? asked Peter. Where do we find
it?
Im not sure, Judy replied gaily. I guess were
still looking in all sorts of places. Ill let you know
the next rime I find a clue!
192

You might also like