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