The Ringmaster's Secret by Carolyn G. Keene Read Free Book Online Page A

Webster’s office with Pietro. They had gone only a few steps when one of the midgets rushed up to Lolita.
    “Your father’s coming!” he warned.
    With that, Pietro dodged behind a truck. The two girls went on. A moment later they were confronted by Kroon.
    “Who is this, Lolita?” he asked sternly. Giving Nancy a piercing look, he said, “Aren’t you the girl who let that kid sneak a ride in Cinderella’s carriage during the parade?”
    The ringmaster did not wait for Nancy to answer. His eyes flashing, he ordered her to leave the circus grounds at once. Then, turning to Lolita, he snapped, “Get to your trailer and don’t come out until suppertime!”
    Over Kroon’s shoulder, Nancy spotted Pietro. He was beckoning her. His signal seemed to indicate that she was to pretend to leave and that he would follow and meet her later. After bidding Lolita good-by, Nancy started off. Kroon stood there until he was sure his daughter had obeyed his command; then he stalked away.
    A short distance farther, Pietro caught up with Nancy. He offered to guide her to the trailer where extra costumes were kept, including riding habits.
    Nancy shook her head. “It wouldn’t be safe now, Pietro. I suspect that Mr. Kroon knows who I am. I think he mentioned Teddy as an excuse for ordering me to leave. He doesn’t want me around here and will do anything to keep me away.”
    Pietro looked crestfallen. After a moment of silence, he said, “Even so, Nancy, you must stay and see what you can do for Lolita and me. Listen! I’m going to tell you something that I don’t even dare tell my fiancée. She would be worried sick.
    “I was walking past Mr. and Mrs. Kroon’s trailer a little while ago. I believe they thought nobody was around. Mrs. Kroon was crying and saying to her husband, ‘The money won’t do us any good if people find out where it came from.’ ”
    Nancy was startled. “Have you any idea what Mrs. Kroon meant?” she asked the clown, but he shook his head.
    Nancy’s mind jumped to one possibility. The Kroons may have secretly gained possession of money that did not rightfully belong to them!

CHAPTER VIII
    A Quick Switch
    THERE was no question now in Nancy Drew’s mind that if she rode in the circus act she would be in danger—and not only from the angle of riding. Intuition told her there would be other hazards as well!
    “I’ll need eyes in the back of my head,” the girl thought.
    “Please don’t let us down,” Pietro pleaded. “You see what a dreadful position Lolita is in. Even if we ran away and got married, I don’t think it would solve our problem. Kroon might continue to make life miserable for us.”
    “I agree,” Nancy answered. “I’ll do everything I can for you and Lolita. But if my father disapproves of my living at the circus, I’ll have to work on the outside.”
    The clown thanked Nancy and then took her to Mrs. Kelly, the wardrobe mistress. Nancy was quickly outfitted in dark-blue jodhpurs and a white blouse. But instead of boots she was given soft heelless slippers. Since she had never used this kind of footwear in stunt riding, Nancy asked Mrs. Kelly about them.
    “That’s what all our bareback riders use,” Mrs. Kelly replied. “You’ll probably find them easier to manage than stiff boots.”
    After thanking the woman, Nancy hurried to the Big Top where Dan Webster awaited her. He introduced the equestrian group and their leader, Rancoco.
    Dan took the arm of an attractive young woman with lovely blond hair and big blue eyes. “Erika will be your roommate when you join us,” he said.
    The two girls smiled at each other, then Nancy asked, “What shall I do first?”
    Fortunately, the lead horse, whose nose had been bruised, was all right otherwise. She was the same size and build as Belgian Star, so when Nancy swung herself onto the mare’s back, she felt almost as if she were riding Roberto’s thoroughbred.
    “Now, don’t be nervous,” Webster encouraged. “Just do