Chapter 6 The Quest of the Missing Map by Carolyn Keene
The Warning Message
At Nancy’s cry of alarm a number of passengers turned around, but no one had sufficient presence of mind to try to stop the fleeing man. He mingled with the crowd and quickly was lost to view. A policeman, appearing from inside the railroad station, questioned the girl as to the appearance of the thief.
“I can’t describe him,” she admitted in chagrin. “The truth is, I was looking the other way when he jerked the pocketbook from under my arm.”
“Afraid we haven’t a good chance of catching him then,” the officer said regretfully. “Did you have much money with you?”
“Practically none in the purse. However, it did contain a number of small articles I hate to lose.”
As Nancy was talking to the policeman, Ned Nickerson, a handsome, athletic youth, came through the group.
“Hello, Nancy,” he greeted her anxiously. “Is anything wrong?”
“I’ll tell you all about it in a minute,” she promised.
Thanking the officer for his trouble, she and the lad went to a quiet corner of the waiting room where they could talk.
“I was scared half silly when you telephoned, Nancy,” Ned declared, seating himself close beside her. “Those folks didn’t bother you again?”
“Yes, they trailed me here, but I was able to elude them until your train arrived. Oh, I’m so glad to see you! I was getting pretty excited!”
“I should think so!” Ned exclaimed. “But tell me everything. What did I hear you say to the policeman about losing a pocketbook?”
“My purse was snatched just as your train came into the station.”
“By that same couple who followed you in the car?”
“I didn’t see the person, but my guess is that it was done by the man or someone working with him.”
“You have no idea what they’re after?”
“Oh, yes,” Nancy smiled, “I have a very good idea. However, I fooled them!”
“Trust you for that!” chuckled Ned admiringly. “What did you do?”
“When I realized I was being followed I transferred everything of real value from the purse to a pocket of my dress. All I lost was a compact, a handkerchief, some small change and a few knick-knacks.”
“Smart girl!” Ned approved, squeezing her hand. “You think they weren’t after money?”
“This is what they want,” Nancy responded.
From her dress pockets she removed the most recent copy of Tomlin Smith’s treasure map, and laid it on his knee.
“I don’t get it!” Ned complained, frowning as he studied the crude drawing. “This looks like a lesson in geography.”
Nancy lowered her voice. “It’s a portion of a map showing where a treasure has been buried.”
“Belonging to Captain Kidd?”
“Now don’t tease me, Ned. I know it may sound fantastic, but this is a clue to a buried treasure. We might even organize an expedition and go sailing for gold!” the girl added gaily.
“You do have elaborate plans,” Ned laughed.
“Suppose you tell me all the details and maybe I’ll agree to ship on your treasure schooner as first mate!”
Nancy related the entire story and was pleased to note that it impressed her companion, especially the part about the gadgets at the Chatham home.
“You’ve certainly walked into a double-barreled mystery,” he commented when she had finished. “I’m beginning to feel sorry for myself already.”
“Why, Ned?”
“Because I probably won’t see much of you for the remainder of the summer, while you’re hunting for that missing twin brother. When you get up to your ears in a new case you forget everything else.”
“Don’t you think I should try to help Ellen and her parents?”
“Oh, sure,” he replied quickly. “It’s just that I hoped we could see a lot of each other after college is over.”
“We may,” Nancy laughed, “if we go hunting for buried treasure!”
“Then let’s hold the thought!”
Ned glanced at his watch, an act which reminded Nancy that time was slipping away. If they were to reach Emerson College before the dinner hour, they must be on their way.
“Do you mind delaying a few minutes longer while I buy a purse and articles I must replace?” she requested. “I can’t go to a dance without a compact!”
“Oh, you’ll be a smash hit even with a shiny nose,” Ned rejoined, grinning. “Every dance on your card has been taken, and the fellows have warned me they’re going to cut in.”
Slightly embarrassed, Nancy quickly changed the current subject to a less personal one. They shopped for a new pocketbook, then started the journey to the college town in the Drew car. Arriving at the fraternity house where Nancy was to stay, the girl was greeted by Mrs. Haines, the chaperon, and a bevy of young women who had been invited for the night.
As she was starting upstairs to change into a party frock, someone sang out, “Telephone for Nancy Drew!”
“For me?” she asked in surprise, retracing her steps. “Maybe it’s from Dad.”
The call proved to be from Ellen Smith, who spoke in an agitated voice.
“Nancy, I’m sorry to bother you,” she apologized. “It’s about Mrs. Chatham. She came to see me at Music College today and absolutely insists that I give her my decision about the position within three days.”
“You weren’t able to stall her off?”
“No, she says she’ll not wait beyond three days. What shall I tell her?”
“I’ll talk to Mrs. Chatham tomorrow,” Nancy promised. “Don’t do anything until I see you.”
“I really can’t afford to turn down the work.”
“I understand,” the Drew girl responded soberly. “Don’t worry about it, Ellen. If it seems unwise for you to take the position, I’ll try to find another for you.”
“You are so kind,” the other murmured gratefully. “Mother and Father think you’re grand, too!”
After Ellen had hung up the receiver, Nancy debated for a moment and then telephoned her own home. Her father was not there as she had hoped, so she talked with Hannah Gruen.
“I am so glad you telephoned,” the housekeeper said, her voice unsteady.
“Why, is anything wrong? You seem quite upset.”
“Oh, I am!” the woman responded. “About half an hour ago a man telephoned. He didn’t give his name, but he had the most sinister voice!”
“What did he say?”
“ ‘Lay off the Tomlin matter or you’ll be sorry.’ Those were his exact words. Oh, Nancy, the warning must have been meant for you. And to think that I induced you to take an interest in Mr. Smith’s treasure map!”
“Now don’t let it upset you,” Nancy responded soothingly. “Only cowardly persons resort to anonymous calls.”
“I wish you would have nothing more to do with the case. Ellen and her parents need help, but not at the expense of your safety.”
After a somewhat lengthy conversation Nancy convinced the housekeeper that there was no immediate cause for alarm. She refrained from reporting the incident at the Hamilton railroad station, knowing that it would only add to kindly Hannah Gruen’s uneasiness.
“I wonder who it was that telephoned the warning,” she speculated a little later as she dressed for the evening. “Oh, well, I’m going to forget about it tonight and have a good time.”
Nancy’s new white dress made on simple lines accentuated her attractiveness. As she descended the stairs to meet Ned she saw his face light up with admiration.
Dinner was a great success. There was a lively conversation between Nancy and one of the young professors on the subject of bringing lost relatives together. Afterwards, an excellent ten-piece orchestra played for dancing in the gymnasium. It began with a grand march and the presentation of guests to the college president and faculty committee.
From the first hour Nancy thoroughly enjoyed herself. She danced with the boys whose names appeared on her card. Then, as Ned had predicted, those on the stag line began to cut in. During an intermission Ned said he would introduce the next student on Nancy’s card.
“I don’t know this fellow very well, but he’s an excellent dancer,” he explained. “He came to Emerson just this year. His name is Bill Tomlin.”
“Did you say Tomlin?” Nancy asked, glancing up.
“Why, yes, do you know him?”
“I didn’t tell you, Ned, but the old sea captain who buried the treasure had that same last name.”
“You don’t say! Then I take it you might like to meet this chap.”
“Indeed I should,” Nancy responded with emphasis. “Probably he’s not even remotely related to the old sea captain, but I believe in investigating every clue.”
Bill Tomlin proved to be a pleasant, rather naive youth of twenty. He danced very well, but somehow in the crowd Nancy’s dainty slippers were stepped on many times by passing couples.
“Gosh, I’m sorry,” he apologized in deep embarrassment. “I guess I’m not much good at this sort of thing with so many people around.”
Nancy tried to put him at his ease. She casually inquired if any member of his family ever had followed the sea.
“Why, yes,” was his response, “my grandfather’s brother was a sea captain.”
“Can you tell me if he had twin sons?” Nancy asked with bated breath.
“Right again,” the young man admitted, regarding her curiously. “One of them was a sea captain, I understand. I don’t know what became of the other brother.”
“Is the captain still living?” Nancy inquired, trying not to disclose her mounting excitement. “Do you know where he might be found?”
Before Bill Tomlin could reply the music stopped abruptly. One of the orchestra men thumped the bass drum loudly, and the chairman of the dance committee arose to speak.
“Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please!” he proclaimed dramatically. “I have a very important announcement to make!”