(#25) The Ghost of Blackwood Hall (16 page)

He and the others finally confessed their full part in the sordid Three Branch swindle, and admitted that they first cajoled, then threatened their victims when they did not yield to the suggestions of the spirits. The men also admitted having stolen Mr. Drew’s car to move out some of their props.

To celebrate the successful conclusion of the mystery, Hannah Gruen planned a surprise dinner and invited all of Nancy’s closest friends, and also Mrs. Putney.

“Oh, my dear,” the widow said, tears in her eyes, “I was so unfair to you in my thoughts. At times I felt you lacked all understanding of my case. But you’ve made me realize how utterly stupid I was to be fooled into thinking my husband’s spirit was giving me messages. Now, dear, I know you won’t accept money as a reward for the work you have done in my behalf, but I hope you will take as an expression of my everlasting gratitude this cameo ring which belonged to my husband’s mother. It is one of the jewels you helped me to recover.”

“Oh, Mrs. Putney, I couldn’t,” protested Nancy.

“Nonsense,” Mrs. Putney interrupted. “I have no one to inherit my lovely things when I go. I want you to have it as a memento of a case you solved in which many innocent people were saved from serious loss.”

“You are very generous, Mrs. Putney. I would love to wear it. I enjoyed every moment I was working on the mystery—except the quagmire and the elevator incident,” Nancy declared. “Dad,” she said, turning to Mr. Drew, “I would never have done it without all the help you gave me.”

“Ridiculous,” Mr. Drew objected.

“I’ll bet you could tackle your next case single-handed,” Mrs. Putney insisted.

That exciting mystery,
The Clue of the Leaning Chimney,
was to come as a baffling surprise to the girl detective.

“Say,” said George, laughing, “we learned enough about magicians’ tricks to go into the ghost business ourselves. How about fitting up a studio at Blackwood Hall and running séances?”

Bess shivered. “No, thanks. We’ve just learned that it never pays to flimflam the public.”

“Anyway, it’s much more fun to catch the people who try to do the flimflamming!” Nancy said, smiling.