The Scarlet Slipper Mystery by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online Page B

get up. But a moment later, when the bell rang, she thought that Nancy must have forgotten her key.
    “Well, I can’t blame her with all the things she has on her mind,” the housekeeper said to herself. She rose and walked to the door.
    As she opened it, Hannah Gruen froze to the spot. A man and woman wearing masks stood there! They rushed inside, slammed the door shut, and the man said gruffly with a French accent, “There is nothing to fear if you will do as we say. Where are the Fontaines?”
    Hannah shuddered. Then she gained control of herself and said bravely, “You’re making a serious mistake. This is the Drew residence. There’s no one here by the name of Fontaine.”
    “We happen to know they are here,” the woman declared. She spoke without accent and in a nasal tone.
    At this moment there was an unexpected interruption. Togo, Nancy’s terrier, rushed in from the kitchen and leaped at the man. In a lightning-like move the masked stranger threw the dog to the floor, pulled a drape from the hall window, and quickly wrapped the terrier in it.
    Hannah sprang into action. “Get out of here! Both of you!” she shouted, moving backward toward the telephone.
    The intruders apparently guessed what was in the housekeeper’s mind. Roughly the man grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her into the living room. He glanced around, then said to his companion, “Go find some rope!”
    The woman disappeared toward the kitchen. Hannah could hear her opening and slamming drawers. Finally she came back with a roll of clothesline.
    Quickly, Hannah was bound to a chair. Then the couple disappeared up the stairway. Apparently they were making a thorough search of the residence, because Hannah heard them going to the third floor.
    Satisfied that the Fontaines were not hiding at the Drew residence, the masked strangers stormed down the stairs. The man entered the living room and stood before Hannah Gruen. Glaring at her and shaking his fist, he cried out, “You tell us where Helene and Henri Fontaine are, or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!”

CHAPTER VIII
    The Artist’s Knife
    As the Fontaines left the Drew home with Nancy and Ned, they felt relieved. They talked about the lighter side of their lives in France and described amusing incidents in connection with their dancing. Nancy was delighted.
    Later, they approached the Nickersons’ cottage on the shore of Cedar Lake. Helene said cheerfully, “This is a charming spot. I am sure my brother and I will enjoy staying here.”
    Ned said he hoped so; then a grim expression crossed his face. The cabin, now visible among the trees, had a dim light in it!
    Nancy saw the light too. “Someone’s here,” she said tensely to Ned. “That’s strange. But how could anybody possibly have known that we were coming?”
    “Maybe a tramp has broken in,” Ned replied calmly. “I’ll go and investigate. You wait here.”
    Bent low, he sneaked up to the cabin. Then straightening up a little, he peered through one of the windows. Almost immediately he came hurrying back to the car, laughing heartily. He said, “Nancy, you’ll never believe who’s here.”
    “Who?” Nancy asked.
    “Nobody dangerous. Just a couple of my fraternity brothers. They have a standing invitation to use the place whenever they want to.”
    Not understanding such a custom, the Fontaines were afraid they would be considered intruders.
    “We will not stay. We do not want to spoil the fun of your brothers,” Helene demurred.
    It took several minutes of persuasion to convince the Fontaines everything would be all right.
    “There’s no reason why all of you can’t stay here together,” Ned insisted. “You can depend upon the boys to keep your secret. In fact, it might be a good thing to have a couple of strong-armed guys on hand if any of your enemies show up.”
    Helene laughed. “I have heard much about these American fraternity boys. It will be nice to meet some of them.”
    “And