The Clue of the Broken Locket by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online

before you go up in that foggy area.”
    “All right, I will,” Nancy promised.
    When they reached the main road, Nancy stopped the car. “The county seat is to our left, and Misty Lake to our right. Why don’t we go to Ridgeton first and see about an ironmonger, then stop at Eddie’s on the way back?”
    This was agreed upon and Nancy turned left. As they rode along, she told about the flashing light from the bull’s-eye window of Pudding Stone Lodge. George said, “I believe it was just the sunlight glinting on the glass.”
    Cecily and Bess were inclined to think there was more to it, but could offer no explanation which Nancy had not already thought of.
    When they reached the county courthouse, George offered to do the research work and try to find the identity of the original owner of Pudding Stone Lodge.
    “Good,” said Nancy. “Bess and I will inquire about an ironmonger while Cecily phones the record company.”
    The girls separated. Nancy made several inquiries and learned that a Mr. Finnerin was the present owner of an ironmongering establishment which had been in town for over a hundred years. The business was housed in a small building on a very narrow cobblestone street.
    Mr. Finnerin said that unfortunately his old ledger had been destroyed by fire and he personally had no knowledge of the sale of any iron bird to Pudding Stone Lodge.
    “But why don’t you look around at some samples of our old-time work?” he suggested. “Maybe it will help you.”
    The company had set aside one room of old and new products. The antique birds included cranes for the garden, and owls and eagles for roof cornices and door knockers.
    “This is probably the type of thing we should look for,” Bess whispered to Nancy, and her friend nodded.
    The girls thanked Mr. Finnerin and walked back to a tearoom where the four girls had arranged to meet for luncheon. After they gave their orders, each told what she had found out. Cecily had still been unable to reach either Niko or the Waynes. She had had a talk with an official of the record company, however, and he had asked that someone bring the two records to their office in Baltimore.
    “They’re very much interested in your theory of piracy, Nancy,” she said. “I think you should be the one to go.”
    “I’d be glad to. But let’s decide tomorrow.”
    George said she had learned that the original owner of Pudding Stone Lodge was André Delaroy and it had been built in 1825. His two sons were Simon and William. She smiled at Cecily. “It sure looks as if Pudding Stone Lodge was really your ancestor’s home.”
    Cecily was greatly excited, and listened intently as George went on, “The property was inherited by Simon Delaroy’s only child, Ann. She married a Wayne.”
    “Oh, George, that’s wonderful!” Cecily said, her eyes dancing. “We are looking in the right place for the iron bird! Just think! The old family treasure must be buried some place at the lodge. As soon as we finish eating, let’s go back and make plans.”
    “But first we must stop at Eddie’s Soda Shop,” Nancy reminded her, “and find out the name of the jobber who supplied him with Niko’s records.”
    When they reached the shop, Nancy suggested that they purchase some candy and nuts so that Eddie would not be suspicious. As he was filling the order, she asked casually, “By the way, Eddie, who supplies you with records?”
    The soda-shop owner grinned. “I suppose you mean Niko’s hit. I can get all you want. They come from a local jobber. His name is Neal Raskin.”
    “I don’t need any more right now, but when I go home—” Nancy left the sentence unfinished. Quickly she consulted a telephone directory and found that Raskin’s office was located near town, on the highway.
    As the girls walked toward the car, Nancy said, “Cecily, why don’t we drop you and George at Neal Raskin’s office while Bess and I search again for the iron bird?”
    “You’ll come back to pick