The chief thanked Nancy again, then she and Ned started for Aunt Eloise’s lodge.
“I guess this ends the Mystery at the Ski Jump,” Ned remarked as he turned into the camp lane. “It was exciting, but I’ll be glad to just sit and talk to you awhile. In two days the old grind at Emerson begins again. Nancy, don’t you dare get involved in another mystery before the winter carnival at Emerson.”
“I promise,” the young detective replied laughingly, but secretly hoped another mystery would turn up very soon.
It did indeed, and came to be known as The Clue of the Velvet Mask.
Nancy and Ned had barely stepped inside the lodge when George cried, “Look! Someone’s coming in a car. Could it be John Horn?”
“Not in a car.” Bess giggled.
Their visitor was not the old trapper but Mr. Drew. He and Nancy embraced joyfully.
“When Aunt Eloise telephoned me you were lost, Nancy,” the lawyer said, “I took the first plane I could get. Poor Hannah was frantic too.”
“Have you told her I’m all right?” Nancy asked.
“Yes. I phoned her from the inn. She was certainly relieved. And Hannah sent you a message, Nancy. Mitzi’s skating partner Smith and that man Ben in New York who printed the Forest Fur Company stock have been arrested.”
“Serves them right!” George stated firmly. “And by the way,” Mr. Drew went on, “while I was at Longview, I talked to Chuck. John Horn came in too. You’ll all be pleased to know that, with the old trapper’s sworn testimony, Chuck is sure to regain most of his inheritance. His uncle had put the money into his own bank account, but fortunately hadn’t spent much of it.”
Then Mr. Drew smiled at his daughter. “Chuck asked me to deliver a message. He thinks the successful outcome of his case and Nancy’s calls for a celebration. He has invited all of you to be his guests at dinner at Longview tomorrow night.”
“Hurrah!” Bess shouted. “A party!”
The next morning Mr. Drew was obliged to return to River Heights. The young people spent the day enjoying winter sports, then changed to suits and dresses.
When they arrived at the inn they found that Chuck had engaged a small, private dining room where places were set for ten persons. John Horn and Mr. Wells were to join the party. There were colorful favors at each plate and a special menu, with the promise of dancing afterward. When dessert was brought in, their host rose from his chair.
“This is a happy occasion for me,” Chuck announced. “I’ve not only had gratifying news from my lawyer, Mr. Drew, but I’ve made some grand, new friends, among them one of the world’s cleverest detectives.”
Nancy found herself blushing as the others applauded.
“I’ve been given the pleasure of making some presentations. Mrs. Packer has asked the police to present her diamond pin to Nancy because of the wonderful way in which she tracked down the thief. And here it is!”
“Oh, Nancy, it’s beautiful!” gasped Bess.
“B-but I don’t deserve this,” the embarrassed girl protested.
“Indeed you do.” Chuck smiled. “You deserve it—and more.”
As he spoke, the ski instructor laid a gaily wrapped box on the table before Nancy. “This,” he told her, “is from Mr. Wells, John Horn, and me.”
There was a great hush as Nancy lifted the box lid. Inside were several glossy mink pelts—enough to make a lovely stole.
Nancy’s eyes were moist with emotion. She did manage to thank them all, saying she would wear the lovely fur piece in remembrance of her adventure at Big Hill.
As the young people arose to attend the dance, Mr. Wells called Ned, Burt, and Dave aside. There was a howl of laughter. Then Ned came walking forward with a deer head held in front of his face.
“For our fraternity house, girls. The old deer invites you to come to Emerson and help hang him over the fireplace!”
Carolyn Keene, Mystery at the Ski Jump
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