vicki barr #9 the mystery of the vanishing lady
Post on 22-Sep-2015
28 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
-
THE MYSTERY OF THE VANISHING LADY
-
THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES
Silver Wings for Vicki
Vicki Finds the Answer
The Hidden Valley Mystery
The Secret of Magnolia Manor
The Clue of the Broken Blossom
Behind the White Veil
The Mystery at Hartwood House
Peril Over the Airport
The Mystery of the Vanishing Lady
The Search for the Missing Twin
The Ghost at the Waterfall
The Clue of the Gold Coin
The Silver Ring Mystery
The Clue of the Carved Ruby
The Mystery of Flight 908
The Brass Idol Mystery
-
THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES
________________________________________________________
THE MYSTERY OF THE
VANISHING LADY
BY HELEN WELLS
________________________________________________________
GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS
New York
-
BY GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC., 1954
All Rights Reserved
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
-
CONTENTS ________________________________________________________
CHAPTER PAGE
I A STRANGE OLD WOMAN 1
II FOUND: A BANKBOOK 14
III NEWS AT THE LOG CABIN 23
IV WHAT GINNY KNEW 33
V MR. BARKER 48
VI NOT AN ACCIDENT? 60
VII THE VANISHING LADY 70
VIII TROUBLE IN THE AIR 85
IX NIGHT FLIGHT 100
X FUN AND REFLECTIONS 111
XI SECOND CHANCE 128
XII THE WALLET 141
XIII VICKI OVERHEARS 155
XIV PETEY 173
XV MEET THE ACTOR 187
XVI DENTONS STORY 199
XVII END OF THE ROAD 206
XVIII REWARD FOR VICKI 217
-
1
CHAPTER I
A Strange Old Woman
The Barrs telephone rang at daybreak. Vicki, in the blue room of The Castle, woke up
instantly. When their telephone rang at unlikely
hours, it was generally for the flier of the family.
Five-thirty, said her alarm clock. That meant the call
was for her, all right.
Quickly, softly, Vicki reached across her younger
sister Ginny, in the other twin bed, to get her robe.
The phone rang again. The whole family would be
waked up! Vicki ran through the upstairs hall.
The door of her parents bedroom opened. Betty Barr stuck her curly head out and asked calmly,
Going out? Want some breakfast? And I hoped you wouldnt hear the phone! No
breakfast, thanks, Mother. Go back to sleep, Vicki called over her shoulder and then hurried down The
Castle stairs.
Hello! she said sleepily into the phone. Vicki Barr? said a young mans voice.
-
2
You dont have to be so formal, Bill. She could hear, even by telephone, the sound of the plane
motors warming up at his small airport. Whats the matter?
Plenty, honey. A ham radio operator reports that the flood waters are racin toward a little burg southeast of here, Opossum Run. About thirty
families will be marooned. Ralph Mosley wants us
to take in supplies and make a survey while theres still dry ground for our planes to land on.
Mr. Mosley headed the small group of flying
volunteers who made up Fairviews Civil Air Patrol. They had been doing rescue work ever since the
Wabash, swollen by spring rains, overflowed its
banks earlier that week. The town of Fairview was
not inundated, but many smaller towns lower in the
valley were in trouble, and almost all roads were
flooded. Only planes could get through, with food,
medicines, antiepidemic serums, rubber boats, and
personnel. Even the Red Cross depended on
Fairviews local CAP. So now it was Opossum Runs turn! Vicki knew that village, prettier than its name, as a pleasant spot for picnics and fishing in
the Wabash Riverif this April flood ever subsided. All right, Bill, she said. How soon do we
start? Be over here in thirty minutes, twenty if
possible. And, Vic? Ahhmmm
-
3
Yes, what is it? Why so glum-sounding? You sure its all right for you to fly this mission?
Youre so pint-size and frail. Im not frail! Just because Im blond, and not a
giant Anyhow, flying in a little rain is nothing! My error, Bill said, laughing. Ill lend you the
Cub. See you in a few minutes. Hey! Bring me a roll
and butter, will you? Im starvin. Vicki smiled and hung up. Bill was incorrigible at
times. She recalled her latest adventure, known as
Peril Over the Airport, when just a few months ago
the young mans confidence in the wrong persons had nearly cost him his airport. Vicki had saved it
for him, risking her fife in the attempt. But it all had
been worth while. Both Avery Airport and Bill were
flourishing these days, except that the incorrigible
Bill never could remember a few simple necessities
like rolls, laundry, bookkeepingnothing but flying. If it werent for a reminder from Jack Parker, his new A&E mechanic, Vicki knew Bill would
actually forget to eat. She slipped out to the kitchen,
put two buttered rolls into a paper napkin, and ran
upstairs noiselessly to dress.
A fine rest Im getting on my leave from my Federal Airlines job! But Im glad Im around to help.
Twenty minutes later Vicki caught the bus.
Fairview might not be flooded, but the roads leading
-
4
out of town were almost impassable. Except,
fortunately, this highway to the airport. Sitting
beside an open window, Vicki sniffed the cool, wet
air. She thought she could detect the scent of
springs first green things growing under the soggy earth. She almost doubted that the sun would ever
shine again.
By the time she reached Bills field, half a dozen planes were warming up alongside the runways.
These were small private planes, their owners
huddled around Ralph Mosley, getting instructions.
Vicki joined the CAP group and marked this
mornings route on her flight chart. Turn due south at the Jackson railroad crossing,
then its twenty miles, Mr. Mosley finished. He was a businessman who flew his own plane for sport
and for business trips. Hello there, Vicki Barr. Think youll have room to carry vaccines? Theyre not bulky.
Vicki nodded, waved hello to the other busy men
and women fliers, and ran to the hangar to find Bill
Avery. He was a handsome boy in blue jeans and
leather flight jacket. A long dimple creased in his
cheek when he saw the small, eager figure running
toward him.
Hi, pigeon! he called. All set to go? Of course. Here. She handed him one of the
two rolls. They munched companionably while Bill,
-
5
always particular about her, checked her route. He
had taught Vicki to fly and took special pride in her.
Besides, as Vicki was quick to admit, she still had a
great deal to learn in the air.
Charts okay. My best flyin pupil. Bills dark-blue eyes looked her over critically, especially her
heavy cotton dungarees and sweater, her light-
weight coat. Here, give me that coat and take my other jacket. Its a lot colder upstairs. He lifted the jacket off a wall peg and put it across her shoulders.
Then he chuckled. Doggone, if boys clothes dont only make you look more like a girl!
Well, Im not your long-lost nephew Joe. But this was no time for joking. Did you check the Cub or shall I do it?
Yes, just now, Miss Fuss-budget. Yes, carefully. Course youll check it, too, if I know you.
Bills big DC-3 stood in the hangar. Vicki asked if he were not flying to Opossum Run, too. His
mechanic could take charge of the field and any
customers. Bill shook his head.
Have too many errands downtown this morninhave to go to the bank, for one thing. Besides, big aircraft would only be a nuisance on
this run. Vicki Barr! yelled the CAP leader. On the
runway, please! Avery! Telephone! someone called from the
-
6
office shack.
Bill and Vicki parted on the run. See you around later, pigeonmaybe he called. Or Ill phone you tonight
The messenger from Fairview Hospital had
arrived with a small chest of vaccines. The rest of
the CAP fliers had their various supplies and were
ready to go. Vicki stowed the chest on the cabin
floor of Bills Piper Cub, up front beside the pilots seat. She was careful to keep it out of the way of the
pedals and the stick.
Engines sang as the covey of private planes
warmed up, then taxied. One by one they rose into
the gray sky and streaked away. Vicki glanced at her
wrist watch as she banked and turned, keeping a safe
distance behind Ralph Mosleys Cessna and above Mrs. Di Pernas little red plane. Six-thirty.
From the air she saw that life was at a standstill in
flood-torn farm lands. In some villages, streets were
under water, and houses had collapsed in the muddy
churning flood. Halfway to Opossum Run, Vicki
saw a knot of people in a rowboat wave frantically
at the planes. The aircraft dipped their wings in
reply: We see you. Well send help to you. Ralph Mosleys ship was equipped with radio, and he probably was reporting that rowboats location right now.
Vicki knew exactly what she and her CAP group
-
7
must do. They landed at Opossum Run, where Vicki
delivered her supplies, and assisted the other CAP
members in distributing food, warm clothing, and
blankets. One farm woman was ill. Mr. Mosley, who
had the roomiest plane, would fly her and her
children to Fairview Hospital. The other people,
congregated with their children and a few
belongings, would be evacuated by trucks to a near-
by town on high land. Vickis CAP had already alerted and summoned the ground transportation.
CAPs air strength was backed up by member-owned jeeps, horses, motorboats, snowmobiles, and
by short-wave radio.
In fact, Vicki thought, in spite of our official-sounding initials, were just the neighborhood air forcejust neighbors trying to lend one another a hand. She was glad to have the opportunity to serve, without recompense, at any hour of the day or
night, anywhere she was needed. She felt proud
when the CAP leader sent her off alone.
Now she was flying low over the miles of flooded
farms surrounding Opossum Run, her small plane
barely skimming the water as she looked for any
stranded persons. It was hard to see through the
drizzle. Vicki tried to do her job thoroughly. After
nearly an hours search she flew back to her group and landed. She reported that she had spotted three
families marooned, with no place for her plane to
-
8
land near them. She handed Ralph Mosley her
marked chart. He would send a helicopter or a boat.
I also saw, Vicki reported, that the floodwaters are rising fast. Wed better get everybody out of here!
The reports of the other CAP members matched
hers. The fliers waited until they saw the trucks
arrive, and everyone safely loaded aboard. Then
Vickis group flew back to Fairview, landing one by one at Avery Airport at midmorning. Ten-ten, said
her wrist watch. The rain had lessened.
Good work, boys and girls, Ralph Mosley called to them cheerfully. The fliers were tying
down their ships near the hangar. Who wants to drive back to town with me?
Several persons climbed into his car. Grace Di
Perna was laughing about her breakfastless family.
Vicki shouted, No, thanks. Ill wait here for Bill. Three carfuls drove off, and Vicki was left alone on
the field. The mechanic in the hangar said Bill
should be back any minute now. Vicki filled in the
time by checking over Bills Piper Cub which she had just landed.
It was a trim, tiny craft, painted yellow, easier to
handle than a small car. Vicki wished it were hers.
Of course, to own a plane was expensive, unless you
went partners with someone, but she could
daydream.
-
9
Vicki wandered over to the office shack for a
drink of water. She smoothed her soft ash-blond hair
and wiped a smudge off her pert nose. One thing
about flying, you stayed clean and fresh in the air.
And flying a light craft required more intelligence
than exertion. Not that she or anyone could look
presentable in this flood costume. Vicki thought she heard Bills voice and walked
to the shacks open doorway. She saw only the postman talking to Jack. Then, as she glanced in the
direction of the field, she saw an old woman
standing beside the yellow Cub. The woman seemed
to be greatly agitated.
Vicki ran as quickly as she could across the wet,
muddy turf. Strangers werent supposed to loiter around planes!
What do you want here? Vicki asked, rather sharply.
The old woman looked up, so startled, so shy,
that Vicki felt a little ashamed of herself. The
woman opened her mouth to speak but could only
stammer at first. Vicki admired the straight way she
stood, despite her confusion. She was a shabby
figure in a shapeless black coat which hung from
chin to overshoes. A nondescript womanshe wore glasses, with a kerchief tied over her hair and
knotted under her chin. Her hands, in cheap but neat
cotton gloves, clasped and unclasped nervously.
-
10
Excuse me, miss, IIm lost She had difficulty in speaking. Behind her glasses her eyes
pleaded with Vicki.
Youre lost? So many people were lost and uprooted, temporarily, because of the flood. Perhaps
this old lady was a flood victim, brought to Fairview
for haven until the swollen river and rains subsided.
Where do you live? Vicki asked. Again the old woman stammered and seemed
badly confused. Older people sometimes have
trouble remembering even simple things, Vicki
knew, especially if they are upset.
Where do you live? Vicki repeated gently. My daughterI want to godaughters house,
she said hoarsely. The old woman coughed and
nearly had a choking fit. Her eyes sought Vickis in apology. Excuse me. Cant talk much.
Vicki felt sorry for herold, sick, separated from her family, confused. Yet in some ways she
appeared to be a strange old woman. Vicki felt the
strangeness but could not define it. Something
willful about her . . .
Where does your daughter live? Vicki inquired. Opossum Run. But you cant go there! Didnt you hear that
everybody in Opossum Run was evacuated early this
morning? The old woman nodded. In the folds of the
-
11
kerchief her face was anxious. My daughter EmmaIm awful worriedshe was alone there, and sick.
Your daughter is probably at Jackson by now, and perfectly safe.
Please, miss. Fly me to Jackson? Please? Vickis soft blue eyes widened. This old woman
must have come to the conclusion that, with the
roads flooded, her only way to reach Jackson was by
plane. It had been pretty game of her to struggle out
here to the airport, nine miles from town, all by
herself, and beg a ride! And yet the determination in
those eyeglassed eyes disturbed Vicki.
I can pay, miss Please. My daughterthe old woman coughed and said brokenlyworries about me. She dug into a sacklike handbag or knitting bag and offered Vicki a dollar bill in a trembling
band.
Its not that, Vicki said, frowning. Well, why shouldnt she take this poor old soul home to her daughter? As a licensed private pilot, she had the
right to carry passengers and cargo, though not for
pay. Why not do one more errand of neighborly
help? It was only a half-hours flight to Jackson. Vicki was sorry that neither her CAP head nor Bill
was here for her to consult, but then there was
nothing amiss in giving someone who was stranded
a ride home.
-
12
She did, however, have to leave word with Bills aircraft mechanic, over at the hangar, that she was
taking the Cub up again. Bill wouldnt mind, of course, providing the Cub wasnt scheduled for some other fliers use.
To the old woman she said, You wait here. I think Ill be able to fly you to your daughter. Ill be back in about five minutes.
Five minutes later Vicki returned, her
arrangements made. The new mechanic, Jack
Parker, was as co-operative and easy to get along
with as Bill.
As Vicki approached the plane, she almost
laughed. The old woman was hopping and darting
around the little plane, and poking her head in its
cabin. Why, she must have opened the plane door
herself. Probably because she was so excitedbut even so, she should leave that to the pilot.
The old woman looked so eager that Vicki had
not the heart to scold.
She took a look at the engines and the magnetos,
then walked around the little plane making a quick
check of ailerons, rudders, wing fabric, and wheels.
A line check was a necessary precaution before
every take-off. By the time Vicki was ready to climb
in, she found her passenger already in the back seat.
The old woman looked relieved but ludicrous, with
her baggy coat dragging on the cabin floor.
-
13
All ready? Vicki checked her cockpit controls. They felt a little stiff, but they usually did while the
aircraft was on the ground. Vicki slammed the plane
door and waved to Jack to spin the propeller for her,
as she turned on the ignition. The ship came to life,
vibrating with power and humming like a
bumblebee.
All ready! Here we go!
-
14
CHAPTER II
Found: A Bankbook
For the first several minutes everything went well.
The little plane skimmed along, light and steady,
needing only a touch now and then on the controls.
Even in this light rain, flying was a joy. Because of
the murky sky, Vicki watched with extra alertness
for familiar landmarks a thousand feet below. There
lay miniature houses and barns, roads which
uncoiled like ribbons, now half submerged, and the
swollen Wabash River.
She turned around in her pilots seat to see how the old woman was getting along. Her passenger sat
soberly staring ahead, gloved hands clasped. Vicki
shouted over the engine noise:
Do you like it? Have you flown before? The old lady smiled in a shy, puzzled way.
Evidently she could not hear. Or else she was
thinking hard about her daughter, and her flooded
house.
Vicki shouted louder. Are you all right? Are you warm enough? The air was nippy at this altitude,
-
15
and Bills wool-lined leather jacket felt good. The old woman nodded and smiled. She seemed to be all
right, but preoccupied.
Vicki turned back to her controls. In paying a
half-minutes attention to her passenger, the ship had veered a bit off course. Vicki corrected it. Two
minutes later the plane again moved ever so slightly
off course. The little ship seemed to want to nose
toward the left.
It was strange. Why, Bill Avery had taught her
how to fly in this yellow Cub. She knew its every
trickthe way it lifted off the ground faster than you expected, the way it sputtered indignantly when
you throttled back too abruptly. But the plane never
had behaved like this before.
Again Vicki corrected the ships drift toward the left. In doing so she felt something pulling or
resistingsomething in the controls. The left rudder? Was the old woman resting her foot on the
left pedal and unwittingly pressing down on it? The
Cub, used for training student pilots, had duplicate
pedals and stick.
Vicki throttled back for an instant, coasting, so
that the old woman could hear her.
Put your feet on the floor! Please keep your feet off the pedals!
She turned around in her seat. The old woman
looked puzzled. She said hoarsely, My feet are on
-
16
the floor, miss. Please dont touch anything, Vicki warned. She
turned back to her instrument panel and eased the
throttle forward again. The engine roared. The old
woman tapped Vickis arm and shouted in her ear. Is something wrong, miss? Vicki shook her head. This was no time for
conversation. Nothing very serious was wrong, but
Vicki believed in paying attention to warning
signals.
Better to be safe than sorry, she thought. Ill take a look as soon as I sight a dry landing place.
She flew along, losing altitude and watching out
the windows. Meanwhile, the ships drift off course grew more pronounced. At one minute they bobbed
around crazily in the air. The left rudder under her
foot did not feel right. Vicki decided to investigate the trouble.
Theres a perfectly good pasture, not flooded or too muddy. Im going to land!
She took care to avoid grazing a fence as she
came in low. No cattle were around, thank goodness.
The wheels touched earth. There, she had made it!
For a forced landing, it hadnt been at all bad. Vicki turned off the ignition and swung around in her seat.
Behind her the old woman, holding her breath,
looked wildly alarmed. Vicki had to say over and
over that nothing was seriously wrong. Only
-
17
gradually did the terror leave the womans face. Oh, I see, she said. I thought younever
mind. Poor Emma! Now, now. Ill examine the plane. Its probably
just some small obstruction that I can fix myself. Not that she was any expert, Vicki admitted ruefully
to herself.
But, miss Aint a mechanic better? When Vicki said that was true, the old woman asked shyly,
Cant we phone? Phone for help? If we can find a telephone. I can walk, the old woman said, shrill and
proud.
Never mind. You stay here and keep comfortable in the plane while I go for help.
You go one wayIll go the other. Quicker. What a spunky old woman, Vicki thought, so
spry and eager! Vicki shrugged and consented. It
would be quicker if both of them went in search of a
telephone. Vicki explained that, judging by her map
and landmarks, they had landed between two small
airfields; one was Deer Park, the other was Grahns. Perhaps one of these fields could send an aircraft
mechanic.
The old woman nodded. Vicki helped her climb
through the plane door.
Since the terrain was a little less rugged toward
the west, and a fairly clear road was in view, Vicki
-
18
considerately sent the old woman off in that
direction. She herself started across the pasture
toward the east. Deer Park Airport could not be
more than a couple of miles away, Vicki figured.
Mud made for slow walking. Even the paved
roads were flooded, messy where they were not
submerged. No vehicles passed her. Vicki walked
for several minutes before she came to a small
farmhouse. She knocked on the door, and a woman
answered.
May I use your telephone, please? We havent got a phone. Try Mrs. Perry down
the road. Vicki followed the womans directions and came
to a more substantial farmhouse. This time the
farmwife told her that the telephone wires were
down. However, the airport was only a mile away, if
she didnt mind walking. Thanks, Vicki said. She hoped her elderly
passenger was making out better than this. Poor old
thing, trudging through this wet and mud. I shouldnt have let her start out, Vicki thought.
Finally the low hangar of Deer Park Airport came
into view. At the office shack Vicki found a fellow
flier, a wind-burned man in old Air Force clothes.
He took one look at Vickis muddy shoes and whistled.
You sure are in trouble, arent you? He listened
-
19
to her story. Ill have a look at your plane. Im a pretty fair mechanic. My jeeps outside.
Thanks. Isnt this flood a mess? Riding certainly was faster than walking. The
jeep pulled into the pasture and chugged across to
where the abandoned plane stood. The old woman
had not come back yet.
Now, what seems to be the trouble? Vicki described what had happened. Together,
she and the flier from Deer Park checked over the
plane, outside and in. Not a thing seemed to be
wrong. Vicki felt rather foolish.
Maybe you just met up with a strong wind, the man suggested. These light planes cant buck a sixty-mile-an-hour wind.
But theres no sixty-mile wind blowing. Miss, why dont we take er up? Seems safe, and
I could do better if Id see exactly how she veers. Let me handle the controls.
After some difficulty with the wheels in the
sodden earth, they took off. Vicki, in the old
womans seat, noticed a piece of paper or cardboard on the plane floor, but her attention was on how the
Cub was behaving. The flier circled low over the
tree-tops, banked, turned, and tested the little ship in
various maneuvers. The plane flew perfectly. It did
not veer off course.
How do the instruments feel to you? Vicki
-
20
shouted.
Fine! he shouted back. Beats me He landed, also without any difficulty. Discussing
the way the plane behaved, Vicki mentioned her
passenger. Maybe the old lady put her foot on the left rudder pedal, the flier commented.
Vicki was puzzled. I dont think so, and she said her feet were on the floor, but
Elderly people get confused sometimes, the flier said. Bet you a dollar to a doughnut that thats all it was.
Vicki felt relieved. She thanked the man warmly
for his trouble. They shook hands and off he went in
his jeep.
Eleven-thirty, her wrist watch showed.
Vicki sat down on the rubber-tired wheel in front
of the plane door to rest a bit. What a hectic
morning! She wished the old lady would return
soonshe was hungry as well as a little tired. Eleven forty-five. Where was the old lady?
Vicki was worried. Maybe she should never have
let her start out alone. Maybe she had lost her way
of fallen down or met some other disaster. But her
passenger, though elderly, had seemed sturdy and
self-reliant.
Nevertheless, Vicki got to her feet and hiked to
each corner of the pasture, overlooking the roads.
There was no sign of activity, nor any houses, just ii
-
21
ramshackle barn. To make sure, Vicki went over and
looked in the barn, and called. It was deserted. Not
a sign of life anywhere around. Just mud and rain.
Vicki returned to the shelter of the plane and waited
a little longer.
Twelve noon, said her watch. Vickis stomach growled as a reminder that she had had no food
since daybreak. She could not wait indefinitely for
the old woman. Yet she could not simply abandon
her. Anxiously Vicki patrolled again the direction in
which the old woman had started out, then tried a
path she might have taken. For fifteen minutes she
searched. It was so still she could hear water
dripping from the tree branches. The drizzling rain
had washed away any footmarks. Finally, at twelve-
thirty, a sneezing spell brought her to a decision.
I cant stay in this cold, wet pasture all day. Ive already waited here an hour. That old woman
probably has gone on. Although there were no houses within eyes
range, Vicki knew several farmhouses lay within
easy walking distance. The old woman could have
found aid in one of those. Or someone driving along
a half-flooded road might have stopped to help her.
Suddenly Vicki remembered the piece of paper
she had seen near the passengers seat. Perhaps the woman had left a note saying where she was going.
Vicki hoped so.
-
22
But it was not a note. It wasof all things!a bankbook. Brand new, too. Vicki hesitated, then
opened it. A savings account of fifty dollars had
been opened, just yesterday, at the Fairview First
National Bank, for one Edward Denton. That was all
the information the passbook yielded.
The old woman must have dropped it. Yet what
was she doing with Edward Dentons passbook? Unless it belonged to someone who had rented and
flown the Cub yesterday? But that wasnt likely. Bill and his mechanic, in cleaning and checking the
plane, surely would have found it. Vicki was
reasonably sure that she had not seen it in the plane
when she checked the ship at six-fifteen this
morning, nor when she checked again at
midmorning before flying the old woman.
Well, Ill ask at the field, just to be certain. If I ever get back!
She went down to the road and waited until a lone
car came by. She hailed it, and the driver stopped.
The occupants were mother and daughter, with a
clothesbasket full of food and serumsflood relief workers. They smiled understandingly at the small
blond-haired girl in muddy work clothes.
Will you please spin the propeller of my plane for me? Vicki asked.
A few minutes later she was up and climbing. She
did have a troubled feeling about that old lady.
-
23
CHAPTER III
News at the Log Cabin
Even while she circled Bills field for a landing, Vicki was aware of a wave of excitement. Several
people stood talking near the office shack. She
thought she saw a police car drive off.
Did all this have anything to do with the old
woman? Or had there been an accident?
Vicki set the Cub down deftly on the ground,
climbed out, staked the plane down, and ran to the
hangar.
Bill? Whats going on? Bill, are you here? He hasnt returned, Miss Vicki, the mechanic
answered her. I figure hes been delayed because the police are blocking the highway. That robbery,
you know. I dont know. Tell me about it. Jacks candid hazel eyes met hers. All he knew
was that an unusually subtle robbery had been
committed downtown that morning. The police
suspected a man had met with foul play. Only
-
24
rumors had reached Jack, at work here in the hangar.
But if youd go down the road to the Log Cabin for a sandwich, youd probably hear the whole story.
Thanks, Jack. The Log Cabin was new. The only roadside
restaurant near by, it attracted everyone using Avery
Airport and people working or living around there,
nine miles outside of Fairview. The owners, Tommy
and Alice Carter, were plump and jolly, and made
everyone feel right at home. If there was any news,
shed hear it at the Log Cabin. Vicki waved to Tommy Carter as she entered.
She decided she could hear more news at the counter
than at her and Bills favorite corner booth. Heres a stool for you, Miss Barr. Tommys
round face smiled at her. Move over, gents, and let a pretty young lady sit down.
A pretty muddy young lady, Vicki said. The gents were three long, lean, shy farm boys
who operated their fathers five-hundred-acre farm. Vicki knew them well enough to know that the three
Pringle boys enjoyed dropping in at the Log Cabin
for lunch andlike herselfthe days news. Bob Pringle had just driven into town on an errand and
was bursting with news of the robbery.
I dont even know who or what got robbed, Vicki complained. She had had a fairly exciting
-
25
morning herself, though, come to think of it.
Well, the pay roll of the Fairview Farm Tool Company was stolen. About thirty thousand
dollars, Bob Pringle reported. The strange part of it is that nobody saw the robbery take place. There
wasnt any outcry, no clues left lying around, nothing.
Whered it happen? Vicki asked. Right smack in the middle of Fairview Bank!
But nobody saw it happen. His two brothers snorted. Somebody mustve
seen it. Werent there people around? Plenty of people. But no two stories agree. Dont
blame me! Bob grinned. The fellow who had the money was the cashiernot the bank teller. I mean the tool-company cashier. Or assistant cashier. He
goes to the bank every Thursday morning, I heard,
to pick up cash for the pay roll. The Farm Tool
employees get paid Friday mornings. Thats right, the other brothers agreed. Thats
what Stu told us, and he works there. Mr. Carter put cheeseburgers at their places. They
munched, while Bob said reflectively:
The strange part of it is that one minute the cashier was standing there on line in the bank, and
the next minute he just vanished into thin air. Huh! Whats strange about that? Alice Carter
trotted in with a tray of freshly made doughnuts.
-
26
The cashier ran off, vamoosed, and scrammed with the money, thats all.
But not a soul saw him go! Bob insisted. No one in the bank, no one outside the bank on the
street. And there hasnt been a trace of him since. Now I ask you! He must have gone somewhere.
Vicki, eating her lunch, now asked a few
questions and listened attentively to the answers.
Did the cashier go downstairs or upstairs in the bank
building? Of course not. The bank was a one-story
structure, all on one floor. Why, from wherever one
stood in the bank, one could see the entire room.
Then how could he vanish? Perhaps he was still
somewhere in the bank building? But the police had
searched thoroughly and found nothing.
The Log Cabins proprietor brought glasses of milk. What about the guards? Theres a bank guard. Besides, doesnt the tool company send their own guard along to protect the cashier and the pay roll?
Why, sure! Thatd be our friend, Richard Workforth. What were those two guard fellows doing when the
cashier skedaddled?
Alice Carter looked troubled and reached for a
doughnut. Poor old Workforth, she said. Hes only recently got this guard job at Farm Tool. Its the first steady job hes found in a long time. Now hell probly get fired on account o this. She set down the doughnut untouched, thinking.
-
27
Vicki felt troubled herself. Richard Workforth
was an aging man who seemed to have had more
than his share of illness and misfortune. Professor
Barr frequently hired him to do errands or odd jobs
in the garden, whenever he heard that Richard was
having a hard time of it. So did their neighbors. The
patient old man was a familiar figure to Vicki, and
she hated to think of his losing his much-needed
employment. Yet this negligence was a serious
charge against himif it were merely negligence and not something more complex. She asked slowly:
Wasnt Workforth guarding the cashier and the pay roll? Wasnt he standing near the cashier, or even next to him?
Thats right, Bob Pringle said. Workforth says he turned his back for less than a minute, to say
hello to somebody. In those few seconds the cashier
waswell, spirited away. It made no sense to Vicki. There were big holes
in Bobs hearsay story. Tommy Carter switched on the radio that sat on
the counter, tuned to Fairviews local station. The announcers smooth voice said:
robbery that took place under mystifying circumstances this morning. Twelve persons present
at that time in Fairview Bank have been interviewed
without much result. Although they were
eyewitnesses, they claim they saw nothing. The
-
28
police are inclined to suspect that the tool-company
cashier has been kidnaped. A search with the aid of
State Police is under way. However, no official
comment is available at this time. Tune in again for
further bulletins.
Now for the weather for Fairview and vicinity. Flood conditions are expected to continue with wind
velocities at Click. The radio was switched off. The people
lunching at the Log Cabin looked at one another
with blank faces. Vicki shrugged and slid off her
high stool, preparing to leave. Just then her good
friend Guy English, with Dickie Browns sister Lynn, came into the restaurant.
Hi, everybody! Hi, Vicki! Can you give us some lunch, Mrs. Carter? Lynn and I just drove back from
the hospital. About that truck accident, you know Vicki sat down again. What a day! What
accident? Guy, in his grave way, punctuated by Lynns
horrified comment, described the second disaster of
this fateful Thursday.
Trouble surely seems to come in bunches, Guy said. First the flood, then the payroll robbery or kidnaping, and now Right out here on this highway! Not a hundred yards from where were sitting.
Alice Carter poured out black coffee for
-
29
everyone. We need this. I was aworryin thered be an accident sooner or later. With just this one
highway open, its dangerous. Floods forced extra traffic out here, and this roads wet and slippery, besides. Didnt I tell you, Tommy Carter, thered be an accident?
Then the Carters and the Pringle brothers began
to recall hearing a crash down the highway a few
minutes before ten oclock. They had not paid much attention to it, nor, a little later, to the ambulance
clanging somewhere on the highway. In the midst of
the flood emergency, such things had become
almost commonplace.
This accident wasnt exactly caused by the flood. Guy had the same thoughtful, measured, gentle way of talking as had his father, the judge. A delivery truck from Swansons Dairy turned over and landed in the ditch. The driver was unlucky
Lynn whispered in Vickis ear. Do I look a sight? I mislaid my compact and that drive back and
forth to the hospitalwell! Lynn looked as attractive and amiable as ever,
Vicki thought. But she offered Lynn powder and a
fresh handkerchief, and asked about the hospital
visit.
Guy and I went to contribute to the blood bank. You know how this flood creates sickness. Vicki nodded. And while we were at the blood bank, they
-
30
were just preparing to give this truck driver a
transfusion. Was he hurt badly? I dont honestly know, Lynn said. He was
unconscious and I overheard a doctor say he
suffered a concussion when his truck turned over.
No telling how long hell be unconscious. Hes expected to recover, though.
Poor fellow, Vicki murmured. Whats his name?
Lynn rubbed her broad forehead, trying to recall.
Ahhits Harold Mack. Plates of steaming food arrived just then for Lynn
and Guy, and the conversation lapsed. Vicki found
herself wondering again as to who the owner of the
lost bankbook might be. She felt a bit uneasy about
having that passbook in her possession.
The conscientious thing to do, Vicki supposed,
was to return the book immediately to the bank. But
she felt fatigued now from her long mornings work, and when she thought of waiting in the crowd at the
bank, she yawned and gave up.
Ill take the passbook back bright and early tomorrow morning, she decided. The bank officers are probably awfully busy with the police
this afternoon. Guy had his jeep. He and Lynn would drive Vicki
home. At the door, they bumped into a tall, wind-
-
31
burned young man coming into the Log Cabin.
It was Bill. His dark-blue eyes glinted with
excitement.
Vic! Hi, Lynn! How are you, Guy? Vicki, Jack said you were here. Have I things to tell you!
Youre getting a new DC-3? Vicki guessed. Your sister Ruth is coming to visit?
Nope, though I wish it. No, its about Well, I was in the bank this mornin.
You were! At what time? In time enough to have a couple of interestin
details to tell you. Can I come over to see you after
supper? Have to get a sandwich and run now. Goin to do a job of stunt flyin this afternoon.
Be careful! Vicki called after him. Lynn smiled. Its useless to tell the one and only
Avery to be careful. Guy held open the door of his jeep for the two
girls. Nobody has to worry about Bill. He knows how to handle himself in the air.
It turned out, on the ride home, that Guy was
going up with Bill later in the afternoon. Vicki was
fascinatedany talk about flying was exciting to her. But her eyelids kept falling shut and her mouth
kept yawning open.
At The Castle she had a good, satisfying nap.
Ginny was at school, so Freckles kept her company
in their blue room. In fact, when she woke up, the
-
32
little spaniel whimpered at being disturbed. Vicki
edged off the bed and stepped out onto the blue
rooms small balcony. She stood there half hidden by the sweeping
branches of the trees which surrounded their house.
The cool, moist air waked her completely, and she
began to sort out the curious things that had
happened that day.
Her old woman passengerfinding the lost passbookthen the truck accidentthe robbery Were any of these connected? They did not seem to
be.
If only she had more information! All she had
was tantalizing bits and snatches . . .
-
33
CHAPTER IV
What Ginny Knew
Professor Barr had two rules, these were strictly
enforced, except when he was thirty miles away
teaching economics at State University. But when he
was at home, as Vicki saw he was from the light in
his upstairs study, late this afternoon, the rules held.
They were, in Professor Barrs classic words: Great Jupiter, cant we have a little quiet around
here? Please turn off that radioand the televisionand leave them off!
Rule Two was: Nobody gets to feed Freckles but me. I understand that spaniel better than any of you
three ladies. So the radio and television were silent, while
Vickis father, hungry and cross, sat in his study reading the evening paper. He always monopolized
the newspaper. Betty Barr was busy preparing
dinner as rapidly as possible. Vicki powdered her
nose and ran downstairs to help. The kitchen was
warm and snug and bright.
-
34
Youre supposed to be resting, her pretty mother said. Thats why Federal Airlines gives you these periods of time off. Honestly, dear, I think you
work harder when youre in Fairview than when youre away at your flight-stewardess work.
A change of activity is a rest, isnt it? Anyway, with this flood emergency, everyone has to help.
Want me to fix the salad? That was Ginnys pet job. But Ginny was not
home yet, so Vicki went ahead. Her younger sister
was quite indignant when she arrived a few minutes
later.
You know thats my job! You know Im an old salad tosser from way back. Hi!
Hi! Vicki said. What kept you so late, baby? Youd be surprised. You really would. Ginny adored being mystifying. Vicki knew how
to handle that. She turned away, feigning a complete
lack of interest, and began to talk to her motherabout anything, about her date with Dean Fletcher,
next time she and the pilot were both in New York.
Mrs. Barr was carefully neutral as she attended to
the meal.
Ginny cleared her throat. I had quite an interesting day.
Isnt that nice! Dean said, Mother, that wed drive out to Jones Beach
Ginny regarded her beautiful grown-up sister
-
35
with a wicked eye. You see, I was at the bank when the robbery was pulled off. Vicki gave a little shriek. But dont let me bore you.
That doesnt bore me! Ginny, go call Dad to dinner. Yes, Mother, Ginny said, full of virtue. She
trotted off, plump and sturdy, into the dining room
where she rang the little crystal bell several times.
All through dinner Ginny smilingly declined to
discuss what she knew. In a way it was just as well,
and Vicki did not press her. Their parents were not
reconciled to Vickis sleuthing activities, and any mention of Ginny, too, being involved even as a
witness of todays robbery would alarm them. After dinner, though, Ginny did want to talk to
Vicki. Vicki looked around for the evening
newspaper, but her father was not finished with it.
Anyway, Ginny called her to the sun porch where
they could be alone.
Well, Miss Sleuth! Ginny teased. Bow low and admit I know more about this affair than you
do. Vicki obligingly dropped to her knees and
salaamed three times. It was a little uncomfortable to
do right after dinner. But Ginny and Freckles
enjoyed it.
Vicki brushed her ash-blond hair out of her eyes.
But how did you happen to be in the bank, baby?
-
36
Why werent you at high school? I was elected class treasurer yesterdayI forgot
to tell you Congratulations. Thanks. And I had to take the class funds
downtown this morning and deposit them. Our class
voted to take a monthly collection, you know, for But thats irrelevant. The point is, Vic, I was in the bank at nine-thirty this morningand I was standing in line at the tellers window only four places in back of the man whos missing!
You saw him, then! No. But you must haveonly three persons stood
between you and him! II dont think I saw him. I didnt see him
leave the line. Or maybe Im confused. There were several lines, and people squeezing through. Im not sure exactly what I saw.
Vicki let out an exasperated sigh. Then how are you sure it was the cashier four places ahead of
you? Thats what the people in front of me said. Did anyone actually see him? Vicki demanded. Ginny shrugged in bewilderment.
What did you actually see with your own eyes? Vicki asked.
A lot of people milling around, waiting and
-
37
coming and going, the way they always do when the
bank has a busy morning. Old Richard Workforth
was there, but he was gabbing with the bank guard. Ginnys hand flew to her lips. I wouldnt say that to anyone but you.
Vicki nodded. She said it looked as if Ginny, like
everyone else, really had nothing to tell.
Oh, yes, I have! A man got hurt pretty badly in the bank this morning!
At the same time as the robbery? About, I guess. Then there was some violence connected with
No, no, no! A man fell down, thats all! Now
dont look suspicious, Vicki. He said himself that he wasnt pushed. Just sort of crowded, and that slippery marble floor Ginny started to giggle.
Vicki said sternly, I dont see whats so hilarious about a man injuring himself in a fall on a stone
floor. The sisters scowled at each other affectionately.
Ginny was a younger, rounder version of Vicki,
more sturdy than glamorous at the moment, what
with braids and no make-up, but just as blue-eyed
and fair-haired. While Vicki was still growing, she
had looked nearly exactly the same way, but, with
almost no effort on her part and a sudden assist from
Mother Nature, she had turned out very nicely.
-
38
Ginny would, too.
By the way, Vic, I saw your pal Bill Avery in the bank. That was just before I noticed the man
fall. Ginny mentioned the accident soberly this time.
How did he happen to fall? Was the floor wetor was he an elderly person?
No. He looked husky to mea middle-aged man about thirty, said Ginny. He said, when they picked him up, or tried to, that hed twisted his ankleand down he went. He landed awfully hard, what a crash! And commotion! He did hurt himself
but Ginny was laughing again. If its so funny, wont you tell me, too? The bank officials, Ginny said, had come running
at the crash. They forbade bank customers to touch
or move the man, and sent at once for a doctor. The
injured man groaned loudly and begged for aid. The
bank officers brought him water and sedatives and
did all they could to ease his pain. Of course
everyone else in the bank, too, watched and tried to
be helpful, opening windows and then shutting
them, and giving the poor man encouragement.
Its screamingly funny so far, Vicki said. Well, you know how stiff the bank officers
usually are sitting behind their mahogany desks?
You should have seen them playing nurse and
holding tin mans hand!
-
39
They hovered over the injured man constantly,
suggesting to him that you didnt really hurt your-self, did you? What worried them, obviously, was that this man might sue the bank and its insurance
company, for a large sum of money to compensate
for his injuries. The man got rather more solicitous
attention from them than he wanted. The
conversation went like this, Ginny said:
Is your back all right? Feels all right, but I cant be sure. Well, if your back is all right, youre fine! Your
head is all right, too, isnt it? Y-yes, guess so. Good! Good! Youll be in tiptop shape as soon
as the doctor comes. My leg is killing me! Now, sir, its nothingyoull be fine, fine . . . This went on, Ginny said, until the doctor finally
arrived. Then it turned out that the doctor was
employed by the insurance company and he began
to fill out a long form, asking the injured man
endless questions. The doctor also poked him here,
there, and everywhere. Between pokes and
questions, the mans groans died downin fact, died away. After half an hour of this, he said, Stop poking me and asking me questions! Just let me get
out of here! Ill find a doctor of my own! And with that he rolled over on the marble floor, got on all
-
40
fours, stood up shakily, and hobbled away.
He was the most disgusted man I ever saw. Ginny giggled. And were the bank officials ever relieved! Whew!
Ill bet it was funny to watch. Of course, Vicki said with a straight face, you helped yourself to an extra hour off from school.
Well, I dont get a chance like that every day. I had to stay around for whatever happened next.
An engine snorted and brakes screeched in their
driveway. The doorbell rang merrily several times.
Out of this din burst Bill Avery. Betty Barr said,
The boy has so much energy he must be first cousin to a cyclone. Lewis Barr hoped aloud that the flying fool wouldnt blow the roof off their house.
Dont mind my dad, Vicki whispered to Bill as she led him into the living room. Hes extra tired tonight. Just say a quick howdy-do.
Bill did, and Mrs. Barrs friendly grin made everything hospitable. They went out on the sun
porch and found that Ginny had brought a tray of
cokes, then gracefully retired.
Vicki thought Bill looked unwontedly serious this
evening. When she said so, he looked up with a
quick grin, the long dimple creasing in his cheek.
Sorry. Maybe Im extra tired myself. How did the stunt flying go?
-
41
Good. But Im a little rusty. Guy noticed it. Bill, I wish youd please be careful. His hand closed over hers. Im
careful, pigeon. Tell you the truth, though, I nearly
went into a spin once, between rollovers, because I
kept thinkin about that blamed robbery this mornin. Its uncanny. I cant stop tryin to make some sense out of it.
Me, too, Vicki said. But I have only hearsay and Ginnys story to go on. You were there.
Yes, I was there and I wish I hadnt been! he burst out. He picked up his coke and sipped it in
silence for a few minutes, calming down. Then he
told Vicki a grimmer and more illuminating account
than she had heard from Ginny.
Bill saw substantially what Ginny saw, but he
interpreted it very differently. In addition, he was
able to tell Vicki some revealing details.
The assistant cashier of the Fairview Farm Tool
Company, accompanied by his guard Richard
Workforth, came every Thursday morning to
Fairview Bank, bringing a company check for thirty
thousand dollars and a small black leather valise,
like a physicians kit. He came in this morning, about nine-thirty as usual, and took his place on line
at one of the tellers windows. Beside him stood old Workforth. The line moved up, and it was the
cashiers turn. The cashier said Good morning to
-
42
the teller, handed him the check, and in return
received thirty thousand dollars cash for the pay roll.
Workforth later said he saw the cashier put the
money into the small valise as usual. Workforth
turned away to chat for just a moment, and when he turned back again, the cashier was gone.
Now, Vicki, listen to this. Bill frowned. The man next in line said he saw the cashier step away
from the tellers window and leave the line. People on the next line agree they saw this, too. Old Mrs.
Pepper was sittin on a bench near the side door, and she says she saw the cashier walk through the bank,
all right, but he did not go out the side door. Who was at the banks front door? Im comin to that. I was. And I swear to you,
Vicki, I didnt see any man with a little black valise go out the front door.
Whom did you see go in and out? Oh, a mess of people, the usual crowd of men
and women, some familiar facesbut not that cashier. As far as anyone can make out, he
disappeared without ever leavin the bank buildin! He and thirty thousand dollars cash. What do
you make of this talk that he was kidnaped? Stands to reason. Though on the other hand
Hill mopped his forehead. Doggone, I cant swear exactly what I did see or didnt see. Wish I hadnt been around at the bank this mornin. Tryin to
-
43
remember things is drivin me crazy. He and Vicki sifted possible explanations of how
the cashier had disappeared without being seen to
pave the bank building. The only other door, a
service door leading to the alley, was heavily
padlocked. It was also in full view of the
bookkeepers. Vicki sighed.
Could he simply have slipped out the front or side door unnoticed? she asked.
No! Bill emphatically shook his handsome head. There were too many people aroundpeople who knew him. Inside the bank and outside on
Vermilion Street, too. Theyd have recognized that man. Hes average lookin, average height, but theyd recognize him with that black valiseor even without it, I guess. I hear hes been workin for Farm Tool for several months, and in a middle-sized
town like this, a lot of people can recognize you
after several months. Bill ruffled Vickis soft hair. What else goes on in that little head?
We-ell, could the cashier have been forced out? With at least fifty other people present? It might be possible, Vicki figured. Suppose
someone, or two someones, discreetly strolled up on
either side of you, and pressed a gun in your side,
and whispered to walk out quietly between themwell?
Yep. Could be. This cashier was only a medium-
-
44
sized guy. I can see how two bigger men could
elbow him out between them, and nobodyd notice. Poor old Workforth didnt realize for a good five minutes that his man was missin. Thought he was at a desk countin over the money, the way he sometimes does. Rumors say the police think its a kidnapin.
Rumors! Speaking of the police Vicki remembered something she noticed on her return
from Opossum Run as she circled for a landing
above Bills airfield. Wasnt a police radio car at the field shortly after the cashiers disappearance?
Thats right. Didnt find him. Routine check of all exits out of town. The instant the alarm went out
that he was missin, the police started combin every street, alley, and highway in and out of Fairview.
Are you sure nobody on Vermilion Street saw him? He must have come out of the bank onto
Vermilion Street. Not a soul saw him, Vicki. That man has been
wiped out of sight. She shuddered a little. Bill added, Or wiped himself out of public view, for the time bein.
Vicki tried to put together the scattered bits of
information that she knew. Ginnys tale of a man I ailing down in the bankhad Bill seen that? He had, but he did not believe it was related to the
robbery. Just a coincidence. Besides, the man fell
-
45
after Workforth discovered to his horror that his
man was gone.
Lets see. Vicki closed her eyes tightly, concentrating. She thought about the old woman in
her head kerchief and glasses and baggy old black
coat, pleading yet determined. Bill! Did you see an old lady with Vicki described her.
Honey, Ive seen a lot of elderly women in kerchiefs and baggy coats today. Honestly, I cant tell one from another. Nope, I dont remember seein one at my field today. Why?
Vicki told him about her passenger, the
mechanical trouble on the flight, the forced landing
in a pastureand then how the old woman evidently went ahead on her own. The only part of Vickis account which interested Bill was the planes behavior.
You say the mechanic who helped you out found nothin wrong? The Cub functioned perfectly on the flight home? Bill was puzzled but not alarmed. Jack and I will take a look, but its probably nothin. Mightve been your own doin, pigeon. Maybe you made some little old mistake
Im not the most experienced pilot in the world, but Im a meticulously careful one, Vicki insisted. And Ive had good flight training from one of the best pilots the Air Force ever had.
Bill turned red in the face with pleasure. Vicki
-
46
wondered if he were dismissing the planes slight misbehavior too casually. Bill was, she knew all too
well, happy-go-lucky. Still, the neighbor mechanic
had found nothing wrong, and the plane did handle
perfectlyonce the old lady was out of it. Maybe it was merely because the old lady had
her foot on the pedal, Vicki said. Bill, I have a funny feeling about her.
About goin off and leavin her? Dont worry. Someone on the road gave her a lift, thats all. She sounds pretty spunky to me. She was able to coax a
ride from you, so shes probably coaxed a ride from somebody else, too. Therere plenty of flood relief workers and state police around to give her a hand.
Its not only that Vicki checked herself. Bill, did anyone who was at the field yesterday or today report losing a bankbook?
Havent heard of anything like that. He yawned. Excuse me, pigeon. Ive had so much fresh air today I feel like a balloon.
Then youd better get some sleep. Youre excused, Bill.
He got to his feet and pulled her up, too. She
walked with him to the door.
Have to wake up real early tomorrow, Bill said, to see if the police have located Edward Denton yet. Doggone, I tell you, Vic
What name did you say?
-
47
Edward Denton. Is thatis that Thats right, the cashier whos missin. Havent
you seen the evenin newspaper, or heard the radio tonight? She shook her head. Why, honey, you look as if youd seen a ghost. Whats the matter?
Nothing, Bill, nothing at all. Good night, and see you tomorrow.
He went off whistling. Vicki watched him roar
off in his yellow roadster. She was glad she had not
blurted out something that might get him, as well as
herself, into trouble. There was no need for Bill to
know at this time that the name in the passbook the
old woman had dropped was Edward Denton.
-
48
CHAPTER V
Mr. Barker
Vicki did not sleep well that Thursday night. She
awoke, troubled, to a gray, drizzly morning. Rain!
Was it never going to cease? Rain, and the ensuing
flood, had led her into this questionable situation.
Was it really only some twenty-four hours ago that
she had flown the old woman to the middle of
nowhere?
Vicki went downstairs to breakfast determined
not to mention the bank passbook to a soul. Ginny,
the all-observant, luckily had already left for high
school. Vicki had Edward Dentons bankbook tucked out of sight in her handbag, and she carried
her raincoat and hat.
Good morning, Vicki, said her mother, with a glance at the raincoat. Must you go out again on a damp morning? I do wish youd rest.
Just a quick run down to the bank, Vicki said easily. Any errands? Morning, Dad.
Mr. Barr was busy reading the morning
-
49
newspaper, but not too busy to smile at his daughter.
He was a very blond man, stubborn-looking but
nice. Good morning, Victoria. Sleep well? You look as if you didnt have a care in the world.
Why shouldnt she, Lewis? Pass me your cup, dear.
Ahhexactly, Vicki said. She passed her coffee cup to her mother, who poured. What do the headlines say?
European Situation Improves As Not that headline, Dad. Oh? House Proposes New Taxes, Argues I mean local headlines, Vicki said, exercising
patience. Having a professor for a father was trying
at times.
Lets see. Flood Control Authorities Gain Time.
Thanks, Dad. Thats dandy. Mrs. Barr said, Vicki means, is there any fresh
news about the bank robbery? Dont you, dear? Me, too. Poor old Workforth! Hell lose his job nowif he hasnt already lost it.
Mr. Barr nodded, frowning. Id give him work gardening, and so would the neighbors, except for
this rain. Hasnt he any relatives to help him out? He hasnt anyone, Lewis. Couldnt we invent an
indoor job for him? Vicki listened. She knew that a few odd jobs here
-
50
and there would be small help to the unfortunate
man. What he needed was to be kept on at his guard
job with the tool company. Wouldnt it be wonderful if he were cleared of any blame for negligence in the
robbery! She wished she herself could clear him and
thus ensure his employment for him. He was the last
to see Denton. . . .
On the bus going downtown to the bank, Vicki
thought about Richard Workforth and Edward
Denton. She reached the bank building before its
doors were open, and spent a restless five minutes
pacing the sidewalk.
Suppose the bank manager said: And what are you doing with the private bankbook of the missing
cashier? Or suppose he said: Sorry, Miss Barr, but this
story of yours about an old woman passenger, and
finding this passbook Well, frankly, were going to have to turn you over to the police.
Actually, the bank manager listened thoughtfully
when Vicki told him her story in detail. The
manager, Mr. Cox, was a man accustomed to
financial dealings with all sorts of people. He looked
at Vicki with a shrewd and practiced eye.
Its an odd story, but I dont doubt your word, Miss Barr. During this flood emergency, we do have
a great many unknown transients in and out of
Fairview. But I see no reason to believe that it was
-
51
necessarily your passenger, and not someone else,
who dropped this passbook in a rented plane. The manager put the brand-new bankbook in a drawer of
his desk. You have no objections, have you, Miss Barr, if Fairview Bank reports your facts to the
police? Not at all. Still, being reported to the police made her feel
uneasy. Was she involved in the robberyin some way at faultor wasnt she? Shed only given a ride to an old woman who begged for help! She needed
more information about that old woman, and about
the missing cashier, too.
Mr. Cox, now that Ive told you all I can, would you mind answering a few questions for me?
The bank manager saw her discomfort, and
agreed. No, he could not tell her much about the
missing cashier Edward Dentonalthough Denton had come to the bank regularly for some weeks. He
was an unobtrusive little man who came punctually,
with his guard and his small black leather valise,
stood on line to pick up cash for the pay roll, then
quietly left with his guard.
Quietly Vicki put another question: In what
denominations was the pay roll paid? In five-, ten-,
and twenty-dollar bills, said the bank manager. A
considerable amount was also paid in silver, the
coins wrapped in cylinders of brown paper. Vicki
-
52
tried to imagine thirty thousand dollars worth of
bills and coins packed into a small black leather
valise. It would be small but heavy, and locked.
What did Edward Denton look like? The bank
manager considered. Well, he was a plain-looking,
middle-aged man, of middle height, wore glasses,
hair thinningnot a man youd ever notice. The tool company which employed him as assistant cashier
seemed to think well of him; his work there for the
last six months had been satisfactory, routine,
unobtrusive, like Mr. Denton himself.
He reminded me, the bank manager said with a little smile, of Caspar Milquetoast. A mousey, mild-tempered man, very conscientious, reliable but
no initiative. Thats why, Miss Barr, the tool-company people are inclined to believe he has been
kidnaped. If he had wanted to abscond with their
funds, he could have done so long before this. Vicki nodded, thinking that a robber who wanted
to make a getaway would hardly wait until a flood
had closed the roads.
Another thing, Miss Barr. Mr. Denton came to the tool company highly recommended by his
previous employers. He lived quietly at Mrs.
Jenkins boardinghouse, he attended church, hewell, in short, hes above reproach. Poor old Workforth tells me that Dentons chief concern is his son. Denton keeps the boy in a good boarding
-
53
school somewhere. I see. But you yourself, Mr. Cox, didnt see
much of Edward Denton? Thats correct. Except that during this week just
past he stopped in several times, on his lunch hour,
on personal business. Our records show that Denton
purchased a couple of small savings bonds this
week, and then on another day he asked my advice
about financing a mortgage. I believe Denton had
his eye on a cottage for himself and his son. In fact,
he was so eager he came twice to ask about that
cottage. The bank manager shook his head. Wherever Denton is now, Im sorry for him.
Im sorry for Richard Workforth, said Vicki. The tool-company guard? Yes, well, we all are.
Week after week, Ive seen Workforth trudge in here with Denton, and chat with our own guard while
Denton stood not an arms reach away, and nothing happened. Then yesterday I suppose Workforth shouldnt have taken his eyes off Denton even for a moment. Still, its too bad.
Their conversation seemed to have come to a
natural end. Vicki thanked the bank manager and
rose to leave, when she remembered one crucial
question.
Mr. Cox, did you or anyone working here see my old-woman passenger in the bank yesterday
morning? Vicki gave an exact description. Or did
-
54
anyone see her on the sidewalk outside the bank? she liked.
Mr. Cox looked blankly at Vicki. There are dozens of elderly women, as you know. Its hard to recall, but I dont believe I know, or noticed, any such person. Neither has anyone on our staffand I listened to their reports to the police.
Did the police themselves, Vicki pursued, mention an old woman?
No, they did not. Vicki left the bank wondering whether, after all,
someone other than the old woman had dropped
Edward Dentons passbook in the plane. Who had used, or been in, that rented plane the day before she
had? Bills mechanic Jack said no one had been around. Well, Jack could be mistaken!
Im going right out to Avery Airport and find out who used that Piper Cub the day before
yesterday, Vicki decided. Another bus ride gave her time to think over what
the bank manager had said. A nondescript minor
employee, of impeccable habits and reputation,
suddenly disappeared in the midst of his routine.
Week in and week out, Denton followed the same
pattern, until yesterday. Waithed been in the bank an unusual number of times this past week.
On personal business. Once to buy bonds, twice to ask advice on buying a cottage, once to open that
-
55
small savings account. Three or four visits to the
bank in one week was a lot, wasnt it? Yet the bank manager had told her Dentons perfectly logical reasons.
Vicki debated whether she were making a
mountain out of a molehill. Maybe she was, in her
eagerness to turn up a clue. Or maybe not!
One could just as logically argue that the old
woman had had some contact with the robberswith Dentons kidnapers, if she was the one who had dropped the bankbookbut that her contact had been innocent or unwitting. Or maybe not!
Or one could explain it another way, as well Vicki put her hand to her forehead and grinned in
spite of her worry. My head is spinning with so many explanations that Im dizzy!
Someone was waiting for her at the airport, a man
whom she had never seen before.
Bill hailed her with, Here she is! Hey, Vic! Someones been waitin hours to see you!
She thought, with no great loss of composure,
that the police wanted to question her about finding
Dentons passbook. Or perhaps something untoward happened to the old lady whom she hadmore or lessabandoned. Would the authorities be asking her questions on that score? Vicki swallowed hard.
But a glance at the stranger showed her at once
-
56
that he was neither a policeman nor a detective nor a
reporter. For one thing, he was nervous. For another,
he had a suitcase with him.
VickiBills warm smile made her feel betteryou know that old lady you flew yesterday? Well, I his is Mr. Barker, Skip Barker, said Bill, and hes lookin for the old lady.
Thats very interesting. Vicki scanned the stranger. He was rather sporty-looking, neither
young nor old, not really respectable-lookingtoo flashy and uneasybut still there was nothing telltale Vicki could put her finger on. Bill seemed to
accept Skip Barker as a straightforward person,
though. Bill said he and Mr. Barker had been talking
for an hour, waiting for her. The stranger smiled
weakly.
In fact, miss, Ive been waiting for you for a good two hours already this morning. Yesterday I
waited for you nearly that long, too. Vicki stared at him in astonishment and inquired
why he was looking for the old lady.
Shes my mother, miss. Oh! She was going to have a hard time telling
him that his mother had wandered away. Vicki
glanced inquiringly at Bill, then at Mr. Barker.
Mr. Avery here told me what happened yesterday, missabout your forced landing and how my mother struck out for herself. Im plenty worried
-
57
about her. Vickis cheeks burned. She started to stammer
something when Bills mechanic yelled for Bill to Come help with this wheel. Bill, looking concerned, moved off. Vicki had to face Skip Barker
alone.
Im dreadfully sorry about your mother, she started. I did what I could to help her, and I hope you dont hold me responsible for
Oh, no, miss! Not at all. Iuhknow how she is. Well, I guess you know what Im going to ask you for. I want you to fly me to the spot where you
made I hat forced landing, so I can hunt for my old
lady. Please, miss. It was an entirely reasonable request. Except for
the fact that Skip Barkers mother might have been the one who dropped Edward Dentons passbook. Vicki hesitated.
I realize how you feel, Mr. Barker. But you shouldnt worry too much, really. Your mother is probably safe with your sister by now in
My sister? Why, yes, your sister Emma whos sick. Oh. Sure. Emma. He lit a cigarette before he
spoke again. My sister Emma. Thats right. You see, me n Emma dont get along very good. He took a long, nervous pull on the cigarette.
Thats too bad, Vicki said carefully. Your
-
58
mother asked me to fly her to where Emma lives.
Whats the name of that town again? Skip Barker coughed. When he could speak
again, he said, Darned if I know. Emma moves around so much, and she dont write me.
You mean you dont know in what town your mother lives?
Sure I know! She lives with me. In Cooperstown.
She told me she lives with Emma in Opossum Run.
Skip Barker snapped his fingers. Thats it! Opossum Run. I have an awful bad memory, miss. He discarded his cigarette and gave Vicki a big,
toothy smile. Well, what d you say? Will you fly me to my oldto my mother?
Vicki looked at the little Piper Cub, then back at
the stranger. She had no wish to go upstairs alone with this doubtful Mr. Skip Barker. For all she
knew, he might seize the controls and fly the plane
anywhere he chose. Vicki opened her mouth to say
No But he did know something about the old woman!
Barker might even know something about the bank
passbookand about the missing cashier! Ill tell you what, Vicki said slowly. Before I
can fly you to the pasture, I have toto do some urgent chores at home.
-
59
Chores? At home? the stranger echoed. Was he distrustful of her, or was he genuinely worried about
the old woman?
I promised my mother to help her with some chores that cant wait, Vicki fibbed. She added, You know, Id fly you this minute if I thought your mother was in any need or trouble. But shes perfectly vigorous and able to look out for herself. Vicki continued, not too hopefully, Why dont you come back tomorrow? At about the same time? Ill be glad to help you the minute Im free. Right now, I have to hurry home.
The stranger grumbled but said, All right, and went off, carrying his suitcase.
Stalling for time was what she was doing. She
had better put her few hours grace until tomorrow to good use. For she did not think the cageyor worriedSkip Barker would be willing to stall a second time.
-
60
CHAPTER VI
Not an Accident?
Such a crowd was lunching at the log cabin that
Vicki had difficulty in finding a seat. Lynn Brown
called out from a booth:
You can squeeze in with me, Vicki! Vicki slid in gratefully. The two other girls
sharing the booth with Lynn were people she had
seen around town and knew slightly. But the one
person she really wanted to see was lunching at the
counter. Vicki ordered, excused herself, squeezed
out again, and went up to Bills A&E mechanic. Jack, I must talk to you for just a minute. No,
please dont get up. What can I do for you, maam? Remember we chatted about the Piper Cub
yesterday? Well, I wish youd try real hard to recall, exactly, something thats awfully important to me.
Why, sure. Jack was really a nice person and an excellent mechanic, Vicki thought, smiling at him.
Bill was lucky to have him on the field.
-
61
Jack, who took up the Cub before I did, the day before yesterday?
Jack stopped eating. Hmm. Whylets seeno one.
Well, who was around looking at the Cub or perhaps sitting in it?
Now you know I dont allow anybody to loiter around the planes! No busybody touches our
aircraft. I know youre careful, Jack, but you work in the
hangar and the planes are tied down a good fifty
yards away. You havent eyes in the back of your head.
Jack agreed reasonably that someone might have
been in or around the Cub two days ago without his
knowledge.
Tell me just one more thing, Vicki said. Did you see any strangers hanging around the field the
day before yesterday? My land, you sure can ask questions! How can I
remember all the people that drift in and out of an
airfield? I know a lot of the faces, but a lot of others
are transients. What are you driving at, anyhow? I found a bankbook in the Cub. Has anyone
reported losing a bankbook? But Jack shook his head. She had learned
nothingagain. Vicki felt as if she were running in circles in a blind maze.
-
62
That was why she was willing to try even a long
shot, when Lynn said, Will you go to the hospital with me? Lynn had promised to do some volunteer work, and mentioned something about that injured
driver of the delivery truck. Vicki idly said shed go, then an idea struck her like a flash of lightning.
Timing. The time of that accident! Shortly before
ten oclock yesterday morning the delivery truck crashed near Avery Field, on the one highway open.
At ten oclock, just a few minutes later, the old woman had arrived at the field, apparently on foot,
begging a ride. Could there possibly be a
connection? What caused most highway accidents?
Two cars collidingbut only one car had crashed. Blowouts, a drunken driverbut no accounts of the accident which Vicki had heard about even hinted at
these causes. Swerving to avoid hitting an animal or
a pedestrian in the road? Vicki, in her minds eye, could see the independent old lady marching along
heedlessly in the middle of the road.
Farfetched? Perhaps. At any rate, while she was
at the hospital with Lynn, she would try to see the
injured driver.
While Lynn attended to her task in the hospital
blood bank, Vicki went to the information office. A
nurse in crisp cap and crackling white uniform
hesitated when Vicki asked to visit the truck driver.
Yes, I know who you mean. Harold Mack,
-
63
Room 801. He has regained consciousness, but hes still weak. Are you a relative?
N-no. Im sorry hes had this accident. Will he be all right?
The doctors think so, the nurse said, unbending a bit. The Mack boy is young and strong. If youd like to waitthough I dont think it will do you much goodvisiting hours are from two to three, and its almost two now.
Thank you, nurse. Id like to try, at least. Vicki took the elevator along with anxious-faced
visitors. At the eighth floor she spoke to the floor
nurse, then waited obediently until the hand of the
clock touched two. Beside her and all down the
gleaming, antiseptic-smelling corridor, white-
uniformed people came and went. She saw several
patients strolling in bathrobes. Evidently the nearly
well and not-too-serious cases were grouped here.
Two oclock. Vicki glanced around at the families waiting with flowers and gifts. Did Harold
Mack have a visitor this afternoon? If so, shed better not intrude.
Its all right, you may go in, Miss Barr, said the floor nurse. Dont be upset if Harolds still rather vague. We hope hell be wide awake when his mother and father visit this evening.
Vicki tiptoed into Room 801. In the bed was a
boy of about eighteen, with a thick shock of brown
-
64
hair and a bandaged hand. The white covers rose
and fell regularly with his breathing. He didnt look very sick, just tired. Poor boy! Vicki stood looking
down at the pleasant young face, and as she did so,
his eyelids fluttered. Then the boy was looking up at
her, his eyes wide open and dark. She felt half guilty
about being there.
Who are you? he mumbled. Where am I? Youre in Fairview Hospital, Harold. You had
an accident with your delivery truck. Yes. They did tell me. Now I sort of remember.
He shut his eyes tightly. My head aches. Thirsty. Vicki poured a glass of water for him and asked if
he wanted her to call the nurse.
Wait. Got to get my bearings. What day is today?
Vicki told him, and added that his parents would
visit him in a few hours. The boy smiled a little.
You a volunteer helper? In a way. Im Vicki Barr. Oh, sure. You live in The Castle. He sipped the
water. Imagine, I cracked up badly enough for em to bring me to the hospital. Never did that before.
I guess youre lucky to be alive, Harold. Guess I am. Though honestly it wasnt my fault.
If my rider hadnt pulled on the wheel Say, what became of that old lady? Do you know?
Vickis throat grew tight. She had to wet her lips.
-
65
Wh-what old lady? The old lady I gave a ride to. She begged me to
drive her home, out near the airfield. And look what
she did to me! Vicki whispered, What did she look like,
Harold? Did she wear a kerchief and glasses andand a baggy old black coat? Did she have a funny
voice? The boys dark eyes burned. Thats her, all right.
Id like to catch her and fix her for sending me to the hospital. Sa-a-ay!
Vicki expected him to ask how she knew so much
about the old lady. But he turned his head restlessly
on the pillow, his gaze wandering.
Harold, do you feel like telling me about the old lady?
Sure, why not? The boy spoke in a soft, tired voice. Vicki suddenly hated the old woman whose
actions, whether accidental or deliberate, had landed
Harold Mack flat on his back in the hospital. He
began to tell his story:
Harold Mack was driving down Vermilion Street,
Fairviews main business street, when he stopped for a traffic light. The delivery truck he was driving
was small and lightweight. A seat was vacant beside
the drivers seat. When Harold stopped, it was a few minutes after half past nine andthis came out under Vickis questioningthree blocks from the
-
66
Fairview Bank. As he waited for the traffic light to
change, a frantic old lady came puffing and panting
to the open door of his delivery truck.
She begged me to give her a ride, the injured boy told Vicki. Said shed lost her purse, so she didnt have bus fare, and she lived way out, near the airfield. She knew my route, I guess, knew Id be driving out that way anyhow. I could see she was
too old to walk that far, though she wasnt broken-down, exactly.
And naturally you thought you might as well help out an old lady in distress. Vicki added silently, As I did.
Well, before I could answer her, she hopped in, spry as a grasshopper. The light changed and I had
to get rolling. Then I couldnt be mean enough to put her out, could I? Wish I had! Listen to what that
old hypocrite did While he drove through Fairview streets to the
edge of town, making a few deliveries of milk and
butter, the old lady ventured a gentle, timid remark
or two about the flood conditions. Once they were
out on the open country highway, however, the old
lady became anything but gentle.
She had a big, half-worn-out bag, Harold Mack recounted, like a shopping bag or an oversize knitting bag
Vicki interrupted. Was she wearing a long black
-
67
coat? Overshoes? She had to be very sure that this was the same old woman.
Yes. Say, you really know. But let me tell you aboutabout What were we talking about?
The old ladys bag. The boy resting on the bed sighed. Well, I asked
for her address, so I could drive her to her home like
she asked me to. Keep going along the highwayand fast, she says. Naturally I was surprised. I asked her a couple of questions; such as, where did
she really want to go, and why was she in such a fret
all of a sudden. Didnt she get angry! Said it was none of my business, and to keep driving. Guess she
thought I was suspicious of herwouldnt you be? I explained that I had to make deliveries on my route
andand I didnt pay any attention at first when she
started to fish in this big bag. Next thing I knew, I
felt something small and hard digging into my ribs. I
couldnt believe it until I looked. That old woman had drawn a gun on me.
Vicki could not meet the boys shocked eyes. What a narrow escape shed had! Then it occurred to her that shed helped an armed woman make a getaway. No wonder the old lady had vanished, with
the courteous aid of Miss Victoria Barr.
You see, she didnt really want to go home, like she said. She kept nudging that gun into my side and
-
68
commandeered me into driving her almost all the
way out to the airfield. Why, whats wrong, Miss Barr? You look so pale.
Nothing, nothing. Go on. Well, I told her to take that gun awaytold her I
had to stop and make deliveries on the way out there
or Id lose my job. Its not real clear to me what happened next. I remember I was driving along
when all of a sudden she interfered andwham! The boy rubbed his forehead. Seems fantastic. Maybe I dont remember right.
Try it out on me, Vicki suggested. Maybe its good for laughs.
He relaxed, grinned, but then the grin faded.
I think Im remembering it correctly. We were rolling at about forty miles an hour when suddenly
this old lady yanks the steering wheel hard to the left
and hangs onto it. While Im trying to jam on the brakes, she shoves her left shoulder and hip between
me and the back of the seat. There we go, screeching
across the road into the far-side ditchmy sidewith me pinned tight against the steering wheel, and
making a nice cushion for her. It was the force of
that steering wheel in my stomach that knocked me
outbut coldwhen we banged into the ditch. We must have turned over, but I never knew it. I blacked
out while I was still playing cushion for the old lady.
So all she had to do, when it was all over, was to
-
69
climb out and walk away. Poor boy, Vicki murmured. And thats all I remember. Thanks for telling me, Harold. I have a score to
settle with that old woman, too. I wont forget you. A nurse stood in the doorway, peering in.
Feeling well enough to talk to a visitor? Thats fine, Harold. But dont overdo it.
Vicki pressed the boys hand and slipped away.
-
70
CHAPTER VII
The Vanishing Lady
No question about it! Anyone with half an eye could
put the facts together now, Vicki thought, as she left
the hospital. The vanishing ladyfirst met significantly near the time and place of the bank
robbery, who begged a ride from the truck driver,
then begged a ride from Vicki and disappearedmust have played a major part in that robbery!
For all I know shes carrying the thirty thousa
top related