The Mystery of the Masked Rider by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online

replied. Then he caught sight of the mask, and his face clouded over. “I thought you weren’t riding in the costume class,” he said to Colleen.
    â€œI’m not. Bess found—”
    â€œWell, there you are,” a male voice interrupted Colleen. “It’s about time.”
    Nancy turned to see a slim, attractive young man with dark brown hair striding up the aisle toward them. He was wearing riding boots, breeches, and a denim shirt, the sleeves rolled partway up. His smile was friendly as his bright green eyes darted from face to face, settling on Colleen.
    â€œHey, Scott.” Colleen stepped forward to give him a hug. “I figured if I came late, it would give you a chance to win some prize money this week,” she teased.
    Scott laughed. “Isn’t that the truth!”
    â€œNancy Drew and Bess Marvin, meet one of my rivals, Scott Weller.”
    â€œNice to meet you.” Bess instantly stuck out her hand and flashed her most winning smile.
    â€œYou came, too, huh, Ackerman?” Scott turned to Phil, who had a sour look on his face.
    â€œSure did, Weller. Someone had to keep an eye on you,” Phil replied in a joking voice, but Nancy noticed a hint of jealousy in his expression. “We wouldn’t want you winning everything.”
    â€œOh, he won’t.” Colleen moved away from Scott to stand next to Phil. “So how’s it going, Scott? Tough competition?”
    Scott nodded. “Yeah. France and Canada have some great riders here.” He walked over to peer into Nightingale’s stall. “But I haven’t seen anything so far that’ll beat the wonder horse.”
    Colleen blushed, but Nancy could tell she was pleased by his comment. “Except maybe the Stanleys’ horse, Wintergreen,” Colleen said quickly. “Isn’t that who you’re riding?”
    â€œRight. And Formidable, too.”
    â€œScott’s a professional rider,” Colleen explained to Nancy and Bess. “He rides for several different owners.”
    â€œFor now,” Scott added, a trace of bitterness in his voice. Then his face brightened. “Are you guys going to the Halloween party tonight?”
    â€œI didn’t know there was a party,” Colleen said.
    â€œThe Stanleys are hosting it,” Scott said. “They have a suite at one of the hotels. It’s going to be a blowout.”
    Bess clapped her hands. “Sounds like fun—” she began, but a jab from Nancy’s elbow cut off her sentence.
    â€œSince Bess and I will be busy grooming Nightingale, we won’t be able to go,” Nancy said. “But you should, Colleen.”
    â€œNo, really, I’d better . . .” Colleen started to say, but Nancy gave her a firm look.
    â€œYou need to go,” Nancy murmured. “I’ll explain later.”
    â€œSounds fun,” Phil said. “Do we have to wear costumes?”
    â€œMost people will,” Scott said. “The party starts at nine.” He turned toward Nancy and Bess. “Sorry you can’t make it, but maybe I’ll see you later.”
    â€œThat would be nice.” Bess grinned.
    When Scott walked away, Bess said to Colleen, “Boy, he’s cute.”
    Phil snorted. “He thinks he’s some hotshot rider, too.”
    â€œThat’s because he is,” Colleen said. “Scott would have made it to the Olympics last time if his horse hadn’t been injured.”
    â€œI thought I heard a tiny bit of bitterness in his voice when you mentioned he was riding as a professional,” Nancy said.
    â€œIt’s a sad story.” Colleen sighed. “Scott had awonderful horse, but she fell in a jumping class and broke her leg. It ended her career. She wasn’t insured, and Scott couldn’t afford to buy another horse, so he had to turn professional. He’d had his heart set on the Olympics, but they don’t accept