 Chapter 9 of Mystery of the Secret Band by Edith Lavelle This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. LENCH AT THE BELL VIEW Mary Louise slept late the following morning. The dining-room doors had been closed for an hour when Mrs. Hillard finally came into her room. What time is it, Mrs. Hillard? she inquired, opening her eyes and staring at the bright sunlight pouring through the windows. It's almost eleven o'clock. I thought you had better sleep this morning, Mary Louise, on account of your head. How do you feel? Oh, I'm all right, Mrs. Hillard. Thank you. But this is no time for anybody with a job to get up. I'll get fired. The woman laughed. My dear, you are doing all that anybody could do, I believe. I'm afraid the situation is hopeless. Mrs. Weinberger moved out this morning. Did she hear from her daughter? Yes, she had a telegram. She is married, and has gone to New York for a honeymoon over Christmas. How did her mother take it? Very badly. She seemed all cut up about it. The man has a job as a taxi driver, and though Mrs. Weinberger has never met him, she is sure he is a rough uneducated fellow. Miss Daughter thinks he is our thief, announced Mary Louise. She believes he has been working with Miss Weinberger's help. Mrs. Hillard's eyes opened wide in astonishment. That might be possible, she said. Yes, you remember it was a man who entered my room Friday night, and with Miss Weinberger to watch out for him, he could have sneaked into most any of the rooms. That's the theory I wanted to work on today. Where did Mrs. Weinberger go? To the Bellevue, temporarily, she said that she'd find something cheaper later on, and send me her forwarding address. But she will stay at the big hotel for a few days till her daughter comes back. And I am going to see her there. Isn't there something she left that I could take over to her to use for an excuse? A special delivery letter arrived a few minutes ago. I was going to send it over this afternoon by one of the maids. Let me take it, and I'll have Max take me there to lunch so I can say I was coming to the hotel anyway. Where is it? Broad and Walnut, right across the street from the Ritz Carlton. Your friend will probably know. Now, you get dressed, Mary Louise, and come over to my apartment for a cup of coffee. You must have something before you leave. Thanks very much, Mrs. Hillard, if it isn't too much trouble. She was ready before one o'clock, her bandage entirely covered by her hat, and was waiting downstairs in the lobby for Max when he arrived. You're looking fine today, Mary Lou, he exclaimed admiringly. How's the head? Oh, it's all right, Max. Could we go to the Bellevue for lunch, and will you please let me pay the bill out of my salary? Because it's on account of the job that I want to go there. Sure, we can go, he replied, but Nick's on the bill, unless you eat everything on the bill of fare. I know, but it's a big hotel, and it may be dreadfully expensive. We'll see, he agreed. Max left his car in an open-air garage near the hotel, and the two young people entered together. Mary Louise thought it was a lovely place, and she pressed Max's arm jubilantly. What fun it was to have a companion! She wouldn't have enjoyed lynching there alone at all, but having Max made it seem like a party. The hotel was quite crowded, probably with numerous vacation guests and Christmas shoppers, and the young couple made their way slowly to the dining room. In the passageway they suddenly came upon Pauline Brooks, with another girl, the same blonde girl she had been with on Walnut Street the preceding Saturday afternoon. Pauline! exclaimed Mary Louise. How are you? Pauline turned around and seeing Mary Louise's handsome companion, her smile included him. Mary Louise introduced Max, and Pauline in turn introduced the cute little blonde as Miss Jackson. The girl immediately began to roll her eyes at Max. I was so disappointed that you moved away from Stoddard House, said Mary Louise. I didn't like the atmosphere, replied Pauline, too much stealing. I was afraid I wouldn't have anything left if I stayed. But you didn't lose anything, did you? asked Mary Louise. No, but I wasn't taking any chances. Besides, it's a lot more comfortable here. Here I thought you were at the Ritz. Pauline laughed. I was, but my aunt went out into the country, so I moved over here, like it better. I see. Suddenly a thought came to Mary Louise, that woman whom she had seen in the empty house. Her face looked like Pauline's aunt. That was the person she had reminded her of. Is your aunt's place at Centre Square? she inquired. Mary Louise thought she saw Pauline start up the question, but she answered it carelessly enough. It's not in any town, she said, just in the country. Well, I'll be seeing you. She started away. Wait a minute, begged Mary Louise. Did you girls ever meet a girl named Margaret Detweiler from Riverside? I am trying to find her for her grandmother. Margaret Detweiler, yes, began Miss Jackson, but Pauline interrupted her. You're thinking of Margaret Lila Blondie. She corrected. We don't know any Margaret Detweiler. That's right, agreed the other girl in obvious confusion. Mary Louise sighed. She had probably been mistaken, and it was also mixed up anyhow. Her memory of the night before, of those two faces at the window, was already growing vague. She and Max went on into the dining room. Some high steppers, remarked Max, not your type, Mary Lou. I don't care for the little blonde, agreed Mary Louise, but I did sort of like Pauline Brooks. She was my first friend here, in Philadelphia, and she seemed awfully sociable. I don't like her, said Max emphatically. Of course, Mary Louise was flattered, and she smiled contentedly. Well, you needn't worry, she'll never be one of my best friends, she said. The waiter led them to a table with a pretty bouquet on the shining white linen cover, and Mary Louise felt almost as if she were at a party. An orchestra was playing, and there was many people dancing. Everything here spoke of gaiety, and life. No wonder Pauline Brooks referred the Bellevue to Stoddard House. But she must be very rich to be able to stay here. A big city is grand, isn't it? She remarked to Max, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Sometimes, he admitted, but it can be an awfully lonely place, too, Mary Lou. It all depends on who is with you. And his eyes told her who the person was whom he preferred. Yes, I guess you're right, Max. I was lonely, and it was wonderful of you to come. I wish you could stay the whole time here with me. I'm supposed to go back to-night, or to-morrow morning early at the latest. But I could break that on one condition. What's that? demanded Mary Louise. He lowered his voice to almost a whisper. Mary Lou, you know how much I care for you. You know I've adored you since the first minute I met you. There's never been anybody else. Let's get married now, to-day, and keep it secret till I graduate in June. Then, the waiter approached diplomatically, Mary Louise picked up the menu in confusion. She had never dreamed Max would suggest such a thing. Why, she had no idea of getting married for years and years. I'll take this special luncheon, she said, that its cost was moderate. I will, too, added Max, anxious to get rid of the waiter. What do you say, Mary Lou, will you? His voice was so eager that the girl was deeply touched. Oh, no, Max, I couldn't. I don't love you, or anybody that way yet, and I couldn't deceive my parents or let you deceive yours. We might just tell our fathers and mothers, he suggested. No, no, I couldn't. Let's don't even talk about it. I'm here in Philadelphia on a detective job, and I mean to give it my very best. I'll be sorry to have you go home, but maybe it will be better. It'll work harder if I haven't anybody to play around with. Now, what would you say to a dance while we wait for our first course? The couple glided off to the music, and more than one person in that big dining room noticed the graceful, handsome pair, and envied them their happiness. When they came back to their seats their soup was ready for them. Here come your friends, remarked Max, as Pauline Brooks and her blonde companion entered the dining room, and take a look at the fellows they have with them. I don't like their looks, announced Mary Louise emphatically. Neither do I, needless to say. Just goes to show you what kind of girls they are, Mary Lou. I want you to drop that Brooks woman. She might get you into harm. Promise me. No need to promise, lapped Mary Louise. I'll probably never see her again now that she's moved away from Stoddard House. Mary Louise ate her luncheon with keen enjoyment. There was nothing like going without breakfast, she said, to give you an appetite for lunch. Do you think there's any chance of your getting home for Christmas? asked Max wistfully. No, I don't believe so, she replied. I try not to think about it. It will be my first Christmas away from home. The first time I ever didn't hang out my stocking. But, Max, if I could solve this mystery for Mrs. Hillard, it would be worth ten Christmas stockings to me. I just can't tell you what it means. Yes, I realize that. But it doesn't seem right. The fun at home visiting each other's houses after dinner, and the Christmas dance at the country club. Gosh, Mary Lou, I just can't bear it. Why, Max, I'll be the homesick one, not you, she reminded him. Her eyes traveled around the room while they were waiting for their dessert, and she hopped sight of Mrs. Weinberger eating a lonely lunch in a corner by a window, looking as if she didn't care whether she lived or died. Mary Louise felt dreadfully sorry for her. She was glad to have an excuse to go to speak to her after lunch. She took Max over and introduced him. Mrs. Weinberger acknowledged the introduction, but she did not smile. She looked as if she might never smile again. Yet how much gloomier she would be if she knew we suspected her daughter and her husband of those crimes? Thought Mary Louise. I have a special delivery letter for you, Mrs. Weinberger. She said, I was coming here for lunch, so Mrs. Hillard asked me to bring it over to you. Thank you, replied the woman, taking the letter and splitting the envelope immediately. You heard that my daughter is married, Miss Gay? Yes, Mrs. Hillard told me. Mary Louise longed to ask when the honeymooners would be back, but she hesitated because Mrs. Weinberger looked so gloomy. The woman drew a snapshot from the envelope. Why, here is their picture, she exclaimed, and he's positively handsome. Eagerly, she handed the photograph to Mary Louise, anxious for the girl's good opinion of the new son-in-law. What an opportunity for the young detective! Mary Louise's fingers actually trembled as she took hold of the picture. But all her hopes were dashed to pieces at the first glance. The man was different from Mary Louise's burglar as anyone could possibly tell. Six feet tall and broad shouldered, he was smiling down tenderly at his new wife, who was at least a foot shorter. He's charming, Mrs. Weinberger. She tried to say steadily. May I offer my congratulations? The older woman straightened up and actually smiled. He is a civil engineer. She read proudly. But he couldn't get a job, so he's driving a taxi. Well, that's an honest living, isn't it? I should say so, exclaimed Max. You're lucky you don't have to support him, as so many other mothers and fathers-in-law have to nowadays. Mary Louise was pleased for Mrs. Weinberger's sake, but disappointed for her own. Miss Stoddard was all wrong. The solution was incorrect. And she was just as much at sea as ever. There's your friend, Pauline Brooks, remarked Mrs. Weinberger, and look who's with her. That's a friend of hers, a Miss Jackson. Explained Mary Louise as the two girls with their boyfriends got up to dance. Miss Jackson, nothing. That's Mary Green, the chorus girl who was staying at Stoddard House when my watch was stolen. I'd like to have a talk with that young woman, but I suppose it wouldn't do any good. Mary Louise's eyes narrowed until they were only slits. She was thinking deeply. Mary Green, alias Miss Jackson. The next step was to find out whether Pauline Brooks too had a different name at this hotel. Maybe at last she was on the right track. End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10 of Mystery of the Secret Band by Edith Lavelle This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. In the dead of the night. How about a movie? I suggested Max as the young couple left the hotel dining room. Oh no, Max, replied Mary Louise. No thanks, I have to work now. I'm going to stay right here. In the hotel? Doing what? Some investigating. You think that young man is guilty? He looked honest to me. No, I don't believe he's guilty. I'll explain later, Max. If anything comes of my investigations. Now run along and do something without me. Can I see you tonight? I could probably go to an early show with you after dinner. I'm not sure. So don't stay in Philadelphia, just on account of that. I mean if you want to start back home. I'm going to start home at daylight tomorrow morning, replied the young man, so I'll surely be around tonight. At Stoddard House soon after seven. All right, I'll see you then. And thanks for a lovely lunch, Max. It's been wonderful. The young man departed and Mary Louise hunted a desk in one of the smaller rooms of the Bellevue. He set aside for writing. She placed a sheet of paper in front of her and took up a pin, as if she were writing a letter. But what she really wanted to do was thank. I was wrong twice, she reasoned, first in suspecting Miss Stoddard, then in believing Miss Weinberger guilty. I'll go more carefully this time. If my very first guess was right, that the transient guests were stealing the valuables from Stoddard House. I must begin all over again. Mrs. Hillard said there were two girls staying at the hotel for a day or so, when the silverware and the vase were stolen. Are these girls in league with Mary Green and Pauline Brooks? Are they all members of a secret band of thieves? That's the first question I have to answer. She found and opened her notebook. At night she got in the names of those girls from Mrs. Hillard's old register. The second crime, the stealing of the watches, she could pin on Mary Green, alias Blondie Jackson. Now for the last three robberies, they had all taken place while Pauline Brooks was at Stoddard House. Mary Louise considered them separately. Pauline could have stolen Miss Granger's money and her picture, but it was a man who entered Mary Louise's bedroom on Friday night and who took her watch and her money. Was one of those young men whom Pauline was dining with to-day in accomplice? If so, how did he escape from the hotel? Out of Pauline's window? Finally she thought over the circumstances of Mrs. McGregor's robbery, and she almost laughed out loud at her own stupidity. Pauline had left her own room as soon as the maid came in to clean it. She had slipped into Mrs. McGregor's room and stolen the bag containing the valuables and had left the hotel immediately before Mrs. McGregor came out of her bath. Why hadn't she thought of that explanation before? The solution seemed logical and plausible, yet how, Mary Louise asked herself, could she prove her accusations? None of these girls had been caught in the act, probably none of them still possessed the stolen articles, and the money had not been marked in any way or the serial numbers taken. This fact was dreadfully discouraging. If Mary Louise could not prove the girl's guilt, she could do nothing about it. She couldn't even assure Mrs. Hillard that there would be no more robberies at Stoddard House, because she could not know how many members of this gang there were, and the manager could not suspect every transient guest who came to the hotel. No, she concluded, there was nothing to do but try to catch them in a new crime. If they really made it their business to rob hotels, they would probably carry out some plan here at the Bellevue tonight. Mary Louise's only course was to watch them. With this determination in mind, she went to the clerk's desk in the lobby. Can I see the manager? She inquired. The man looked at her quizzingly, wondering whether Mary Louise was a patron of the hotel or a society girl who wanted to collect money for something. Are you a guest of the hotel, Miss? He asked. Or have you an appointment? No to both questions, she replied. But I am a private detective, and I want to consult him about something. OK, agreed the clerk. What name, please? Mary Louise Gay. The clerk reached for the telephone, and in another minute he told Mary Louise where to find the manager's office. She followed his directions and walked in bravely, hoping that the man would not think she was dreadfully young. I am staying at a small hotel for women called Stoddard House, she began, to investigate a series of robberies which they have had there. The Philadelphia police have my name, and if you wish to identify me, please call Mr. Lestrange. I will take your word for it, Miss Gay, replied the man smiling. These robberies have always occurred when there was a transient guest at the hotel, she explained. The last series, while I was at the place, led me to suspect a certain girl. The series before that led other people to suspect another girl. I find these two girls are living there now at the Bellevue. They seem to go from one hotel to another, for they were at the Ritz only last Saturday. They evidently use different names. I should like to meet your hotel detective, explain the case to him, and get permission to watch these two young women. The manager did not appear as surprised as Mary Louise expected him to be, but she could not know how common hotel robberies were at the present time. I will send for our detective," he said. You have my permission to go ahead, under his orders, of course. Oh, thank you," cried Mary Louise, delighted that so far it had been easy. The manager sent for the detective a nice-looking man of about thirty. He introduced him as Mr. Hayden and repeated Mary Louise's story. What would your plan be, Miss Gay? asked the detective. He treated her respectfully, for indeed a real member of the profession, and Mary Louise felt proud and happy. First of all, I want to find these girls' names on the hotel register and see what names they are using. Then I want, if possible, to engage a room near theirs and listen for them all night. And third, I want you, or one of your assistants, Mr. Hayden, to be right there in readiness in case they do anything to-night. You haven't enough evidence to convict them of the robberies?" asked Mr. Hayden. Oh, no, I may be entirely mistaken. It is only a clue I am going on, but I believe it is worth following up. What say you, Hayden? inquired the manager. I'm glad to help, replied the younger man. I'll be on duty to-night, anyhow, and I'd enjoy the investigation. Nothing is lost, even if nothing does happen. Then let's go have a look at the register, suggested Mary Louise. Better send for it, said the detective, aroused no suspicions. The book was brought to them, and Mary Louise looked carefully for the names of Pauline Brooks and Mary Green. But she did not find them. She did, however, find the name of Mary Jackson, and with it a name of Catherine Smith, both of whom had arrived that day and engaged a room together on the sixth floor. Those must be the girls, she concluded. Room 607. What's the nearest room you can give me? The manager looked in his records. Six on nine is moving out tonight. Would that be enough time, or do you want it now? No, that's plenty of time. And another thing, can you tell me where Mrs. Weinberger's room is? I met her at Stoddard House, and she would be a sort of chaperone for me. Her room is on the tenth floor, was the reply. 1026. Thanks. Then put me down for 609, and I'll phone Mrs. Weinberger this afternoon. I'll come back early this evening, and I'll ask Mrs. Weinberger to meet me in one of the reception rooms. Come there, too, Mr. Hayden? The man nodded, smiling, how correct this girl was about everything. Then I believe it's all arranged, said Mary Louise, rising. I'll go back to Stoddard House, and if you have a chance, Mr. Hayden, will you keep your eye on these girls, we're suspecting? But I don't know them! He reminded her. I'd forgotten that. Well, let me describe them. Maybe if you visit the sixth floor, you'll see them go in and out. She went on to tell him that Pauline Brooks or Catherine Smith, as she called herself here, was a striking brunette, and that her companion Mary Green or Mary Jackson was noticeably blonde. That both girls were short and slender and wore fur coats and expensive jewelry. That both were as little as like the typical sneak thieves as could possibly be imagined. As Mary Louise walked along the street, she decided not to tell Mrs. Hillard any of the details of her plans, or who the girls were that she was watching. If nothing came of her theory, she would feel foolish at having failed the third time. Besides, it wasn't fair to the girls to spread suspicion about them until she had proved them guilty. She stopped at a jewelry store and purchased a small cheap watch, which she put into her handbag. Then she went back to the hotel. Immediately upon her arrival at Stoddard House, she called Mrs. Weinberger on the telephone. Then, assured of her cooperation, she went to Mrs. Hillard's office. I have decided to spend the night at the Bellevue. She said, Mrs. Weinberger is going to be my chaperone. The manager looked doubtful. But I promised your father I'd keep you right here with me. She objected. I know, but this is important. I think I'm on the track of a discovery. And Mrs. Weinberger has promised to look after me. Does she know that you suspect her daughter, Mary Louise? No, because I don't suspect her any longer. Or her new husband, either. My clues point in another direction. This time I'm not going to say anything about them till I find out how they work out. I suppose that will be all right then, agreed Mrs. Hillard reluctantly. What are your immediate plans, dear? I'm going to sleep until six o'clock, because it's possible I may be awake most of the night. I'll have my dinner here with you then, or with the Walder girls, and after that I'm going to a show with Max. About nine-thirty, I'll get to the Bellevue. Mrs. Weinberger is going to wait up for me and go to my room with me. I'm afraid something might happen to you, protested the good woman. Mary Louise laughed. Mrs. Hillard, you aren't a bit like an employer to the detective she has hired. Instead you treat me like your daughter. And you mustn't. I shan't be a bit of use to you if you don't help me go ahead and work hard. I suppose you're right, Mary Louise, sighed Mrs. Hillard. But I had no idea what a lovable child you were when I told your father I didn't mind hiring anybody so young as long as she got results. I only hope I do, exclaimed Mary Louise fervently. She went to her own room, packed only her toilet articles in her handbag, for she had no intention of going to bed that night, and lay down for her nap. It was dark when she awakened. Dressing hurriedly and taking her hat and coat with her, she met the Walder girls in the lobby and accepted their invitation to eat dinner with them. Immediately afterwards Max arrived at the hotel and the young couple went directly to a movie. When it was over, the young man suggested that they go somewhere to eat and dance. Mary Louise shook her head. I'm sorry Max, I'd like to, but I can't. This is all that can be with you tonight. I want you to take me to the Bellevue now. I'm spending the night there. What in thunder are you doing that for? He stormed. Please calm down, Max, she begged. It's perfectly all right. Mrs. Weinberger is going to meet me and look after me. But I'd rather you didn't say anything about it to Mother. I can explain better when I get home. Still, I don't like it, he muttered. Nevertheless, he took her to the hotel and waited with her until Mrs. Weinberger came downstairs. Don't forget to be back home for the dance a week from tonight, Mary Lou, he said in parting. Mary Louise turned to Mrs. Weinberger. Have you seen the girls? Pauline Brooks and Mary Green, she asked. She had explained over the telephone why she wanted to stay at the Bellevue. No, I haven't, replied the older woman. But then I have been in my own room. How late do you expect to stay up tonight, Mrs. Weinberger? Till about eleven, I suppose. Will you bring your knitting or your magazine to my room till you're ready to go to bed? Certainly, I'll be glad to have your company, my dear. Mr. Hayden, the hotel detective, stepped out of the elevator and came to join them. There's a sitting room on the sixth floor, he said. Suppose I go there about midnight, Miss Gay? I'm going to have a nap now. But my assistant is in charge, and if you need him, notify the desk, and he'll be with you immediately. Is that okay? Perfectly satisfactory, agreed Mary Louise. Taking the key to her room, she and Mrs. Weinberger went up together. Pauline's room was apparently dark, but Mary Louise left her own door open so that Mrs. Weinberger could watch for the girls. She herself took up a position where she could not be seen from the doorway. She turned on the room radio, and a couple of hours passed pleasantly. At eleven o'clock Mrs. Weinberger decided to go to her own room and go to bed. When she had gone, Mary Louise turned off the light and the radio and closed her door, pulling a comfortable chair close beside the keyhole. She sat down to wait and to listen for Pauline's and Mary's return. The elevators clicked more frequently as midnight approached. More and more guests returned to their rooms. Mary Louise watched them all until she saw Pauline Brooks and Mary Green come along the passageway. They were in high spirits, laughing and talking noisily, without any regard for the sleepers in the hotel. Even through the thick walls, Mary Louise could hear them as they prepared for bed. But in half an hour all was quiet. Both girls were asleep, no doubt, and Mary Louise believed that she had had all her trouble for nothing. She sighed and dozed in her chair. However she was not used to sleeping sitting up, and every little noise in the hall aroused her attention. She heard a man come along at two o'clock, and another at half past, and a little after three she identified the muffled sound of the door of the next room opening. Leaning forward tensely she glued her eye to the keyhole. Young men emerged from the girls' room and staggered about unsteadily as if they were drunk. Two very small men, who somehow looked more like masqueraders than real men, although they were correctly dressed except for the fact that they wore their caps instead of hats, and had not taken them off in the hotel. In spite of their apparently intoxicated condition they walked silently across the hall to room 614. Very cautiously one of them took a key from his pocket, and after a moment or two he opened the door. Both young men entered the room but Mary Louise saw that they did not turn on the light as they went in. There's something queer about that, she thought, and then she remembered the burglar who had entered her own room at Stoddard House and had stolen her watch. He was very like the young men, short and slight and wore a cap. Perhaps these were Pauline's accomplices. Cautiously she moved her chair aside and slipped out of her room. In another moment she reached the sitting room where Mr. Hayden, the detective, was dozing over a newspaper. Come with me, she said briefly, leading him to room 614. I saw two young men enter this room a couple of minutes ago. The detective knocked gently on the door. There was no reply. He knocked again. The startled voice of a man called out, What do you want? I'm the hotel detective, answered Mr. Hayden. I'm sorry to disturb you, but please open the door. A light flashed on in the room, and an elderly man, now clad in his dressing gown, admitted Mary Louise and Mr. Hayden. This young lady thinks she saw two young men come in here five minutes ago. Explain the latter. Were you asleep, sir? Yes, was the reply. Your knock waked me up. Then if you don't mind, we'll search the room. Have you anything valuable here? I certainly have, a wallet with $500 and a set of diamond shirt studs. Mr. Hayden went straight to the closet and turned on the light. Feminine giggles greeted his action. Don't be mad at us, Mr. pleaded a girl's voice. We just had a little too much liquor, and we wanted to get some shirt studs for our costumes. Going to a niche party. Dressed up like men. Mr. Hayden smiled and pulled out the two young men from the closet. As he snatched off their caps, Mary Louise recognized them instantly. Pauline Brooks and Mary Green. Pauline! she cried. Amy Lou! in her surprise. Pauline forgot to act drunk. But the next moment she remembered. Please let us go, Mr. She pleaded, taking hold of Mr. Hayden's coat collar. Was only just a prank. Prank nothing, cried Mary Louise, and these girls aren't intoxicated either, Mr. Hayden. No, I don't believe they are, agreed the detective. They turned to the owner of the room. Suppose you check on your valuables, sir, while I call the police. You're not going to send us to jail, protested Pauline in a perfectly normal tone, but we haven't stolen anything. You stole plenty at Stoddard House. Mary Louise couldn't help saying. Pauline regarded her accuser with hatred in her eyes. So you're the one who's responsible for this, she hissed, nasty little rat, and I thought you were a friend of mine. Mary Louise laughed. And when you and your gang give back all the stolen articles and money, she replied. The elderly man who lived in the room interrupted them. Two Stods were missing, he announced. I found the wallet with my money in it on the floor, yet it was carefully put away last night. Take off your shoes, Pauline, ordered Mary Louise. That's the place to find missing diamonds. The girl had to obey, and the Stods fell out on the floor. It's enough, concluded Mr. Hayden. Here comes my assistant. You girls will come with us till the police arrive. Not in these clothes, objected Mary Green. Yes, just as you are. He turned to the man, and now good night, sir. Good night, and thank you a thousand times, was the reply. Thank Miss Gay, amended Mr. Hayden. It was her work. Tired but satisfied, Mary Louise went back to her own room and removing only her shoes and her dress. She slept soundly for the rest of the night. End of Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Of Mystery of the Secret Band by Edith LaVelle This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Bail. Mary Louise did not awaken until nine o'clock the following morning. A pleasant glow of triumph suffused her. She was experiencing her first thrill of professional success, but the occurrence of the preceding night was only a partial victory. She reminded herself the job was just begun. There were more thieves to be caught and valuables to be recovered. She decided to ring for a breakfast tray in her room. She had often seen this luxury pictured in the movies. Now was her chance to try it out for herself. While it was being prepared she took a shower and dressed. Ten minutes later the tempting meal arrived. It was fun, she thought, as she poured the coffee from the silver pot to play being a wealthy lady. But it would be more enjoyable if Jane were with her. However, she had no time to think of Jane or of her friends in Riverside. She must concentrate all her mental powers upon the mystery she was trying to solve. There were the hypotheses she meant to build her case upon. One, Pauline Brooks and Mary Green were two members of a secret band of hotel robbers, composed probably of women and girls. Two, Pauline's aunt, as she called her, must be the leader since she went from hotel to hotel. Three, the two transient guests who had undoubtedly stolen the silverware and the vase from Stoddard House were members of the same gang. Four, Pauline's aunt had a country place where she probably hid the stolen articles until they could be disposed of. Now with these facts in mind Mary Louise had several poignant questions to answer. One, was this country place at Centre Square and was that woman whom Mary Louise had seen in the dark Pauline's aunt? Two, was Margaret Depp Weiler connected with this gang? Mary Louise remembered that Mary Green had admitted that she knew Margaret and that Pauline had instantly contradicted her. It was still rather a muddle. She decided as she finished her breakfast and left the room. She took the elevator to Mrs. Weinberger's floor and hastily told her the story of the previous night's excitement. Then, scarcely waiting for the older woman's congratulations, she hurried down to the manager's office. The hotel is exceedingly grateful to you for the service you have rendered us, Miss Gay, said the man. The least we can do is to present you with a receded bill for your room and breakfast. Mary Louise gasped out her thanks. She had never dreamed of a reward. And what became of the girls? She inquired. They are being held under $500 bail. Was the reply. They won't have any trouble raising that, I'm afraid, said Mary Louise. They'll skip and go right on with their old tricks. Perhaps you're right, Miss Gay. Is Mr. Hayden here? She asked. No. He has gone home, replied the manager. But he left this memorandum for you in case you want to visit the girls and see whether you can learn anything more about the case you're working on. Mary Louise put the paper with the address on it in her handbag and hurried back to Stoddard House. She found Mrs. Hillard in her office on the first floor, planning her work for the day. I've got great news for you, Mrs. Hillard. She cried carefully closing the door behind her. I've got two of the thieves, and you'll never guess who they are. No, I won't even try. Return the other. I'm not much good as a detective. But hurry up and tell me. Pauline Brooks and Mary Green. Pauline Brooks, repeated Mrs. Hillard in amazement, but tell me how you know. The detective at the Bellevue and I caught them in men's clothing, trying to rob another guest at the hotel. Remember, I thought it was the man who stole my watch, though he did seem awfully small. Well, it was Pauline, and she was dressed up the same way last night. You're the cleverest girl I ever met, Mary Louise. How did you ever come to suspect those girls? I'll tell you the whole story later, when I have more time, Mrs. Hillard. I've got to be off now, after some evidence to prove that they were the thieves who did the stealing here. You see, they're in jail now, for what they did at the Bellevue. But I have nothing to prove they were guilty of the robberies at Stoddard House. But what are you going to do? I'm going to try to find the leader of their gang and find the treasure chest, and that reminds me. I want the names of those two transients who were here when you missed the vase and the silverware. Mrs. Hillard searched for them in her book, and Mary Louise copied to them, although she had little hope that they would help her. The way these girls change names with each change of residence made it extremely baffling. Where do you expect to look for the leader of this gang? asked the manager. I'm going to drive up to Centre Square again, right now, in a hired, drive-it-yourself car. Isn't that where you got that blow on your head? Yes, but you needn't worry about me this time, Mrs. Hillard. I'm going to get a policeman to go with me to the empty house. Wise girl, but I believe you'd be wiser still, Mary Louise, if you just dropped the thing now and went home for Christmas. You've certainly earned your pay, and we can feel that our troubles are over. I can give the guests some assurance that they will not be robbed again. Won't you go, dear? Your family will be wanting you. Oh, no, Mrs. Hillard, thank you just the same. But I couldn't think of it. I want to recover the stolen goods and get more proof against those two girls. I couldn't give up now. Well, then, be very careful. I'll be back in time for supper, she promised. Mary Louise went directly to the nearest agency and hired a car. A new car, but one which ran smoothly and which she found no difficulty in operating. The day was warm for December and sunny, the snow was gone. It would be jolly to spend the whole day out of doors. Of course it would have been nicer if Jane or Max were with her. But Mary Louise had so much to think about that she did not mind being alone. Wasn't it funny, she mused, that the very first guest she had met at Stoddard House had been the guilty person? Not thankful she was that she had not given into that impulse to make Pauline Brooks her confident. Perhaps if she had, Pauline would not have stolen her watch. Yet without that misfortune, Mary Louise might never have solved the mystery. She drove along at an even speed, following her map and watching for the landmarks she had noticed on her previous trip. About noon she arrived at the hotel where she and Max had eaten dinner on Sunday evening and she drew the car to a spot at its entrance. The same clerk was at the desk. He remembered Mary Louise and asked immediately how her head was. It's almost well, she replied. But I want to visit that house again and find out who lives there and what hit me. To collect damages? No, not specially. But there is something mysterious about that house and I'd like to see it in broad daylight. This time I want to take a policeman with me. Have you any in Centre Square? We have a constable. He might be willing to go along. Would you be kind enough to ring him up and ask him to come here while I eat my lunch in the dining room? After all, he has a right to help me find out what hit me. Sure, I will miss. And he'll be glad to come. He's mighty obliging. Besides, he ain't got much to do. Mary Louise was hungry and she enjoyed her lunch immensely. The food wasn't dainty like the starter house or fancy like the Bellevue, but it was wholesome and well-cooked and the keen air had given her a good appetite. When she had finished eating and returned to the main room of the Little Country Hotel, she found the officer waiting for her. He was a stout, middle-aged man with a pleasant smile and he wore a baggy grey suit with a stringy tie. He was very much interested in the story of Mary Louise's previous visit to Centre Square and of her reason for wanting to see the ugly woman again who was occupying the house. Of course what I'm hoping for, including Mary Louise, is to catch her with the stolen goods and have her arrested. But she may not be the person I'm looking for at all, because I saw her in the dark with only a lighted candle behind her. What is her name? Mrs. Brooks is the only name I know her by, but I've learned that criminals have half a dozen names so you can't go by that. There isn't anybody by that name around here, is there? The man shook his head. All right, but let's drive to the house you mean and I can tell you who owns it and maybe tell you something about the people that live there. I don't believe anybody really lives there," replied Mary Louise. It's all boarded up. They got into Mary Louise's hired car and she turned off the main highway into the dirt road which she and Max had explored. Here it was difficult for Mary Louise to find her way because on the former occasion it had been dark and had covered most of the ground. She drove along slowly past the empty house they had first visited until she came to the hill and the place with the steep driveway. She remembered the house now. There was the tree under which Max had parked and the barn beyond. A huge sign bearing the words No trespassing private property had been erected since her former visit. This place belongs to a Mrs. Ferguson of Baltimore, announced the Constable. She's a widow with two daughters. They never live here but once in a while she brings a bunch of girls here for a house party. She's wealthy. Always comes in a car and brings a couple of servants. Ferguson repeated Mary Louise wondering where she had heard that name before but she had heard so many new names in the past few days that she could not place it. Could you describe her? She inquired. Can't say as I could. Never saw her close. She dresses stylish. I know that and has nothing to do with the country folks around here. Mary Louise brought the car to a stop and parked at some distance from the house cautiously avoiding the trees this time. Even though she had a Constable with her she wasn't taking any chances of being hit again. That's the tree we were parked under she pointed out where I got hit in the head. Did you see anybody? No, but my friend said afterward he heard somebody laugh but he couldn't wait to investigate because he had to get me to a doctor. Maybe it was just a bad boy. We have some young bums around here once in a while. Mary Louise got out of the car and the Constable followed her making a tour of the outside of the house examining the boarded windows trying the locked doors. Apparently it was deserted. I'd love to get inside remarked Mary Louise. Couldn't we break in? Not without a warrant replied the officer. We ain't got any real evidence against this lady. You can't tell what hit you and besides you was trespassing on private property. Mary Louise sighed. Evidently there was nothing she could do here. She might as well go back to Philadelphia. It had been a useless waste of time. She thought as she drove along towards the hotel she had learned only one fact the name of the owner of that empty house Ferguson. She kept repeating to herself wondering where she had heard that name before and then it came to her in a flash. Ferguson was the name of the woman who had helped Margaret Detweiler at the department store. Mary Louise laughed out loud. So I'm on the track of the wrong mystery she thought oh well if I could find Margaret Detweiler I'd be happier than if I got back all that money stolen from Stoddard House. So my day really hasn't been wasted. When she arrived at her hotel she literally smelled Christmas in the air. The windows were hung with wreaths. Holly and mistletoe and evergreen decorated the rooms on the first floor. Everybody seemed to be hurrying around with the pleasant holiday air of excitement carrying packages and making last-minute plans for the great day. A sudden swift feeling of home sickness took possession of Mary Louise a violent desire to be back in her own home in Riverside sharing the happy holiday confusion. For a moment she felt that she would have to go back at any sacrifice but ambition overcame sentiment she would not be a quitter and leave at the most important time she would see the thing through as she had planned but there was nothing to prevent her wiring to her father to come and spend part of the holiday with her especially now that she had something definite to report to him. So she composed a telegram and sent it at once over the telephone. Have caught thieves, she said, but cannot recover stolen goods. Leader of band at large please come help me, love ML. As soon as the message was sent she felt better and was as jolly as anyone else at supper. She was helping the Walder girls tie up the packages and humming Christmas carols when a call came for her on the telephone. Maybe it's dad, she said to Mrs. Hillard as she came into the manager's office but it wasn't. Mr. Hayden calling from the Bellevue. Calling Brooks has wired to a Mrs. Ferguson Hotel Phillips Baltimore, Maryland, he announced asking for $500. All she says in her telegram is please send $500 bail and signed it P.B. but I thought it might help you to know whom she wired, Miss Gay. I should say it does exclaimed Mary Louise rapturously. Thank you so much, Mr. Hayden. She was so happy that she executed a dance oh how wonderful that piece of news was. Mrs. Ferguson, the woman had helped or pretended to help Margaret Detweiler the woman who lived at Center Square possibly the same woman whom Pauline had called her aunt by the name of Mrs. Brooks. Everything seemed to be coming untangled all at once if only Mary Louise could catch this Ferguson woman but of course she could with her father's help thank heaven he would be coming soon he could fly straight to Baltimore and accomplish her arrest and the mystery perhaps both mysteries would be solved so Mary Louise went happily to sleep that night little dreaming that the worst part of her experience lay ahead of her. End of Bail Chapter 12 of Mystery of the Secrets Band by Edith Lavelle this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Detective Gay arrives Mary Louise awakened the following morning with a delightful sense of expectancy it was the day before Christmas surely her father would come he would know how much she wanted him and her mother would be unselfish enough to urge him to go he would bring Mary Louise her Christmas presents and take her out to Christmas dinner she dressed quickly and hurried down to the lobby to ask the secretary whether there was any message for her she had not arrived as yet but by the time she had finished her breakfast it came arrive about noon to stay over Christmas with you love dad worth the precious words she read her eyes sparkling with anticipation Mary Louise ran to Mrs. Hillard with her good news so you see I don't need to go home she said I can hardly wait till he comes I'm so glad dear replied the manager you've been an awfully good sport about being away from your family now you're getting your reward I think I'll put in my time till he arrives by going over to visit my friend, Pauline Brooks said Mary Louise I'd like to find out whether she obtained her bail yet you better be careful warned Mrs. Hillard that girl probably hates you now and if she's free there's no telling what she might do to you I know she hates me but she can't do a thing especially with bards all around and I'll be back before dad comes I want to be on the spot to greet him she put on her hat and coat and went to the address which Mr. Hayden had written down for her on the paper she encountered no difficulty in finding her way to the matron who had charge of the women prisoners I am Mary Louise Gay, she said a private detective in the employ of the manager of Stoddard House I believe that two of your prisoners, Pauline Brooks and Mary Green are guilty of some robberies there as well as at the Bellevue, where they were caught but I haven't evidence enough to prove my case I thought if I might talk to these girls the matron interrupted her you can't do that Miss Gay she said because they have already been released on bail until her case comes up next month how did they get the money? it was $500, wasn't it? so soon they wired yesterday to a Mrs. Ferguson in Baltimore Miss Brooks received a registered letter this morning and the girls left half an hour ago Mary Louise sighed it seemed as if she were always too late why hadn't she come here before breakfast since she knew from Mr. Hayden last night that the girls had telegraphed a request for the money where did they go? was her next question I don't know, they were to report back here on the morning of January 2nd or forfeit their bail they won't be back, announced Mary Louise $500 is nothing to them the matron turned to read a letter she had no more time to discuss the subject with the young detective but Mary Louise lingered I just want to ask one more question, she said and then I won't take any more of your time was there a letter from this Mrs. Ferguson or did she merely send the money? there was a letter I had it copied because Mr. Hayden told me to keep copies of any correspondence these girls had while they were here wait a minute, yes, here it is you may read it for yourself Mary Louise took the copy eagerly and read it as quickly as she could the writing was poor but entirely legible and the words were spelled right but the subject matter was so rambling that in certain places she was not sure that she read it correctly this was the letter which she finally deciphered dear girls, you poor girls meet your Miss Fortune with this $500 justice is terrible in what other country would they detain innocent girls? Baltimore is where I am now but I am leaving immediately for a trip to Florida Margaret can't go with me on account of school will you write to her? get her address from the phone book Treasure Island is playing at the movies and we liked it a lot from my observation it is like the book C.S. enjoyed it thoroughly and so did I bring me back the book if you go home for Christmas it was mine anyhow tonight I am packing, Baltimore is tiresome and I'll be glad to leave Love and Ethel may I make another copy of this letter? Mary Louise asked the matron since it was rather peculiar it would bear studying besides it mentioned Margaret and that might mean Margaret Detweiler the matron agreed yes sit down at that desk or do you want to typewriter well if you can lend me one answered Mary Louise she learned typing at school thinking it would come in handy in her chosen profession so she typed the letter carefully and put it into her handbag as she stepped out into the open air again she saw by one of the big clocks on the street that it was only a little past ten two hours to wait until she saw her father two hours with nothing to do it seemed rather ridiculous that she should be so idle when everybody else was apparently so busy the throngs of people on the street rushed along as if there were not a minute to lose I can go in here and buy some handkerchiefs for Mrs. Hillard for Christmas, she thought as she entered a department store all the rest of her gifts had been bought and wrapped up long ago they were piled neatly in a box at home ready for her mother to distribute to her family and her friends on Christmas morning the organ in the store was playing Christmas music Mary Louise lingered for a while after she had made her purchase to listen to it she felt very happy because her father was coming she returned to the hotel about eleven put Mrs. Hillard's gift on her desk and went down to one of the reception rooms to wait for her father the Walder girls came in they both had a half holiday so that they might start home early and they said goodbye to Mary Louise and wished her a merry Christmas the slow hands of the clock crept towards twelve at five minutes of the hour her father came Mary Louise saw him the minute he opened the door and rushed to him as if it had been years and not days since their parting oh dad this is grand she cried I was so afraid you wouldn't be able to get here are you very busy no dear he replied as he kissed her there's a sort of lull in my work now and I had expected to be home for several days but now I am at your service your aunt arrived yesterday to be with your mother over the holidays so they probably won't miss me much I want you to tell me everything that has happened so far Max said your watch was stolen and you were hit on the head by a stone how is your head now it's all right daddy and I bought a cheap watch so I can get along without my good one though of course I was especially fond of it but come into the dining room and let's have lunch while we talk at least if you don't mind being the only man who rejected to that no I don't mind he said and I am hungry when they were seated at one of the small tables and had given their orders Mary Louise began to tell her story I was robbed that very first night she said of course it was pretty dark in my room but not terribly so for the street lights showed up quite well anyhow I could see well enough to distinguish a small man with a cap and a black mask well we had a watchman guard that night and the police got here in no time but nobody saw the burglar get away I insisted he was hiding in the hotel but Mrs. Hillard had it searched thoroughly and we couldn't find a man in the place I didn't dream then that it was a girl masquerading as a man but that is the explanation a girl named Pauline Brooks who lived right across the hall from me of course it was the easiest thing in the world for her to slip back into her own room and take off her disguise did you search for the burglar in her room too? yes we went there the very first thing Pauline made us wait a minute or two she said she had just gotten in from a dance and was half undressed and you believed her? yes indeed we had become quite good friends that suffered that night Mr. Gay laughed but what finally led you to suspect her? Mary Louise went on to tell her father in detail about her false suspicions concerning first Miss Stoddard and then Miss Weinberger and described her visit to the Bellevue and the catching of Pauline Brooks and Mary Green in the very act of stealing but that wasn't evidence enough to prove them guilty of the robberies at Stoddard House? objected her father I know, admitted Mary Louise but I figured out there is a whole band of these secret hotel thieves for I'm pretty sure two other members stole some silverware and a vase from Stoddard House a while ago that a woman whom Pauline called her aunt is the leader and that's what I want you to do dad go after her but where is she? he demanded I think she's in Baltimore now at the Hotel Phillips because that's where the girls got their money for bail $500 she's planning to go to Florida so you have to hurry what could I do with her if I did find her? inquired Mr. Gay couldn't you arrest her? God unless I had some evidence against her Mary Louise sighed it was dreadful, she thought to know that somebody was guilty and not be able to prove it but she could see that her father was right Mr. Gay was enjoying his lunch he praised the food and the service to Mary Louise and exclaimed in surprise that the hotel was not well filled it's partly because of these robberies explained Mary Louise several people have moved out to the hotel and they were all singing no wonder Mrs. Hillard is worried but she feels encouraged since she found two of the thieves doesn't she? the waitress approached the table and offered a menu I'll take plum pudding announced Mr. Gay in celebration of the season how about you Mary Lou? chocolate sundae was her inevitable choice she stayed at the Ritz never at Stoddard House? oh no then we'll make a visit to the Ritz after lunch and I think I will take the 2 o'clock train to Baltimore to see what I can find out about the woman what does she call herself? Mrs. Ferguson and sometimes Mrs. Brooks possibly there are two different women but I don't believe so but what will you do at the Ritz Daddy? just make inquiries as to whether anything was stolen while the woman stayed there and if so what? that would give me a reason for going after her in Baltimore that's a great idea dad exclaimed Mary Louise joyfully may I go to the hotel with you? of course now you run along and get your hat and coat and tell Mrs. Hillard where you're going while I order a taxi it was not until they were in the cab that Mr. Gay remembered to ask how Mary Louise had received the cut on her head Max had not told him much he explained because he wanted to keep it secret from Mary Louise's mother to save her unnecessary worry it was part of my investigation about Margaret Duttweiler replied the girl and she hurriedly told her father the reason for her visit to Central Square and its consequences but I feel that in some way the two cases are tied up together she added for the woman who owns the place is named Mrs. Ferguson and a face which I saw at the window Pauline called her aunt but it's all very confusing the taxi pulled up at the Ritz and Mr. Gay and his daughter got out with his badge the former had no difficulty in interviewing the hotel detective immediately he asked whether any money or valuables had been lost at the Ritz during the past week yes replied the other some money and a valuable bag containing two pearl rings were stolen last Friday but we suspected a chap who called himself a leveling salesman and were on his track was a Mrs. Brooks staying here at that time yes I remember her well with two nieces please describe her urged Mary Louise she is tall and stout weighs around 180 I should judge about 50 years old with black hair done very severely looks like a wig dressed as well and wears jewelry has false teeth and an ugly mouth but she's not the type of person that's about all that's enough said Mr. Gay now can you tell me just what was stolen the detective wrote down the articles on a slip of paper a bag containing two pearl rings and $200 the bag was valuable in itself being made of gold mesh he told them thank you very much said Mr. Gay as he pocketed the list I'll let you know if I have any success the taxi was waiting outside the hotel and Mary Louise jumped into it first I'll ride to the station with you daddy she said do you think you'll be back tonight maybe he answered but we'll have a fine Christmas together tomorrow he was just in time to catch his train Mary Louise watched it pull out of the station and wondered what in the world she would do to pass the afternoon slowly she walked out to the street and looked at the Christmas displays in the shop windows she had gone about two blocks she stopped to examine a particularly attractive display featuring a small real Christmas tree when she noticed that the shop into whose window she was gazing was a tea room a cup of hot chocolate ought to taste good she decided rich and hot with whipped cream on the top so she opened the door and went inside little did she realize at that moment how thankful she was to be later on for that one cup of chocolate and the plate of little cakes that she ordered end of Chapter 12 this recording is in the public domain Chapter 13 of Mystery of the Secret Band by Edith Lavelle this LibriVox recording is in the public domain a prisoner in the dark while Mary Louise waited for her chocolate to be served she took the copy of the letter from her handbag and read it again the woman said she was going to Florida oh suppose her father should be too late to catch her but if Mrs. Ferguson really is a crook why should she write all her plans to a prisoner when she would know that the letter would be censored Mary Louise asked herself her eyes narrowed the woman had written the letter on purpose to deceive them she probably had no intention of going to Florida perhaps it was a code letter Mary Louise recalled the Lindberg case in which the kidnapper had written the letter to a prisoner in which the second word of every sentence was a key thus forming a message she decided to try to discover something like that for herself she read the letter again dear girls you poor girls meet your misfortune with this $500 US justice is terrible in what other country would they detain innocent girls Baltimore is where I am now but I am leaving immediately for a trip to Florida Margaret can't go with me on account of school will you write to her get her address from the phone book Treasure Island is playing at the movies and we liked it a lot from my observation it is like the book C.S. enjoyed it thoroughly and so did I bring me back the book if you go home for Christmas it was mine anyhow tonight I am packing Baltimore is tiresome and I'll be glad to leave love Aunt Ethel on the page of her notebook Mary Louise wrote down each second word and read the result to herself poor your courts what is can't her island shucks that doesn't mean a thing she muttered and discussed I guess I was crazy but just the same it does seem like a dumb sort of letter if it hasn't some underlying meaning the waitress brought her chocolate in a blue pot and the whipped cream in a bowl on a plate of the same set dainty pink and white cakes were piled it's a good thing I'm not dieting but Mary Louise as she poured out a steaming cup of chocolate this certainly looks delicious she wondered idly as she finished her refreshments whether she should go to a picture show just to put in her time she wasn't exactly in the mood for that kind of entertainment her own life was too exciting at the present moment to allow her to feel the need for fiction so while she waited for her bill she glanced again at the letter in her handbag I might try the first word of each sentence she thought to see whether I could form a message that way though I should think that would be too obvious still I'll see what happens she jotted down the opening word of each sentence on another page of her notebook you meet us in Baltimore Margaret Will Get Treasure From C.S. And Bring It To Baltimore Pauline and Mary were to go to Baltimore the treasure the stolen goods must be in the house at C.S. Center Square and Margaret would go there to get it Mary Louise no longer had any difficulty in deciding what to do with her afternoon she'd drive to Center Square as fast as she could in order to beat Margaret there oh how she hoped that Margaret referred to was Margaret Deutwiler her hands actually trembled as she paid the bill she was in such haste to be off she hadn't time to go back to the hotel and inform Mrs. Hillard of her plan later on she was to wish desperately that she had taken that precaution instead she hurried to the agency and hired the same car she had driven the previous day then she set off on the road which was by this time becoming familiar it was after five o'clock when Mary Louise reached Center Square the twilight was deepening already the short winter day was almost at a close night she decided and she stopped in at a country store to buy one when she came out of the store she drove directly to the abandoned house this time she did not want to take the constable with her for he would forbid her breaking into the place yet that was exactly what Mary Louise meant to do if she could not be admitted by knocking at the door she turned into the driveway past the no trespassing sign mounted the steep incline and parked her car in an inconspicuous spot behind the house and at the turn here's hoping I don't get hit with a rock she thought recklessly as she jumped out of the car the darkness was becoming deeper the silence was broken only by the moaning of the tree branches in the wind the place seemed completely deserted with her heart beating fast Mary Louise ran to the back door of the house and tried it as she had anticipated it was securely locked a moment later she encountered the same condition at the front door as she knocked loudly at neither was there any response just the same I'm going in she muttered resolutely if I have to climb over the porch to a second story window she walked around the house again more slowly this time examining each window as she passed it everywhere she found boards nailed over the glass on only one window at the side did she discover a partial opening it was the window through which she had seen the face of the young girl beside her Mary Louise's heart leaped up in joy she could break through that glass and get in the window which she was examining was at least three feet from the ground and two boards were nailed across the lower sash but by standing on a log which she dragged to the spot she was able to reach the upper sash with the aid of a stone she smashed the glass into bits it would have been easier to climb through the opening without her fur coat Mary Louise felt sure that she would need its protection in the damp cold house how thankful she was later on that she had not yielded to her first impulse she accomplished the feet successfully however without even tearing her clothing or breaking her flashlight and stood on the floor of a room which she soon identified as the dining room it was horribly cold and damp inside the house but Mary Louise scarcely noticed it at first a thrill of excitement sent a pleasant glow through her body she was going to search for the treasure keeping her flashlight turned on she gave a quick glance about the room a table half a dozen chairs and a sideboard of beautiful mahogany and a china closet filled with lovely dishes comprised its furnishings a good place to begin my search she decided going straight to the attractive sideboard and opening the drawer nearest to the top a legend set of exquisite design greeted her eyes rather grand in her country place she silently commented let's see what else we can find a second drawer was entirely empty but a third contained a full set of silverware seizing a spoon in one hand Mary Louise turned the flashlight on it with the other a wild cry of joy escaped her lips the spoon was decorated with an ivy leaf pattern yes and there were the initials too SH Fort Stoddard House Mrs. Hillard had said she was very brave on the stem so I know if I'm in the right place she couldn't help exclaiming a loud in her triumph the sound of her own voice in the silent dark house was strange Mary Louise found herself trembling but only for a moment courage and common sense came to her rescue hastily she gathered all the silver together and put it in a pile on the dining room table I may have to go through the window again she figured so leave my stuff here but first I'll try the doors from the inside there however she met disappointment there were no dead latches on the doors they were both locked securely and the keys had been removed now that she had familiarized herself with the plan of the house she decided to make a systematic search beginning with the upstairs and working her way down cautiously she ascended the wide stairway in the hall to the second floor there were four bedrooms she saw by the aid of her flashlight in the bathroom a narrow staircase led to an attic above I might as well begin with the attic she thought and do the thing thoroughly that would be a natural place to hide things especially if there's a closet there was a huge closet she soon discovered besides two trunks and all sorts of odds and ends of furniture piled about the room naturally Mary Louise began her search with the trunks to her delight she found them unlocked that I had in the dining room she wished as she began to examine the trays things had apparently been stuffed in the hit or miss fashion ribbons, scarves, odd bits of costumes were all entangled together often a corner of the tray she found a heavy box which looked especially inviting opening it excitedly she let out a wild whoop of joy there was jewelry inside but when she examined the articles one by one she experienced only disappointment there was nothing valuable in the whole collection it was merely five and ten store stuff which nobody would wear except to a costume party I might have expected that she mused as she put the box back into the tray if this trunk had anything valuable in it it would have been locked nevertheless she resolved to make her search thorough and went through both trunks without any success then she directed her attention to the closet this occupied a large space almost as big as a small room so that Mary Louise found that she could easily enter it herself it was horribly chilly and damp she shivered and drew her coat more tightly around her as she continued her task she was peering into a hat box when she suddenly heard a pounding on a wall she stopped what she was doing and listened intently where was the noise coming from had someone come in was Margaret here or had the police come to arrest Mary Louise for housebreaking her hands shook and she turned off her flashlight waiting tensely in the darkness while the pounding continued but she did not hear any footsteps the noise finally ceased and reassured at last Mary Louise turned on her flashlight and resumed her search but the attic revealed nothing of any importance not even any loose boards in the walls or floor underneath which the treasure might have been stored with a sigh of disappointment Mary Louise descended the attic steps entering the bedrooms one after the other and searching them carefully she encountered no better results the bureaus were practically empty the beds contained only a blanket spread over each mattress and though Mary Louise felt around them with her hands for hard objects which might be concealed she found nothing looking at her watch to her surprise that it was almost eight o'clock supper hour was long past because of her excitement and on account of her refreshments in the Philadelphia tea shop she had not felt hungry but she was thirsty and was delighted to find running water in the bathroom I'm glad I don't have to climb out of that window to get a drink at the pump she congratulated herself and while she was there she methodically searched the bathroom again without any success why here's an electric light button she exclaimed in surprise these people must be rich they have all the modern improvements and I've been using up my battery but the light did not turn on no doubt the current was cut off while the people were away and Mary Louise had to resort to her flashlight again because I started in the attic the treasure will probably be in the cellar she concluded I hope my battery doesn't give out before I get to it less she meant to proceed with the downstairs first just as she had planned she would rather be there if Margaret arrived oh how she wished the girl would come especially if she proved to be Margaret Detweiler the kitchen consumed a great deal of time for she had to look in every possible can and dish in the various closets as she examined everything she was conscious of increasing hunger she sincerely hoped that she would find something she could eat but her search revealed nothing except some dry groceries tea, sugar, salt, and spices moreover the stove was an electric one useless without current she could not even heat water to make herself a cup of tea she was debating whether she should crawl out of the window and go to a store for something to eat or whether she should wait until she had completed her task it was nine o'clock now if she left the house she might miss seeing Margaret finding either the girl or the treasure but as she passed through the dining room from the kitchen she saw immediately that her decision had been made for her the window through which she had crawled in the house had been boarded up tightly she was a helpless prisoner in this dark lonely house so that was the explanation of the pounding which she had heard from the attic closet oh why hadn't she rushed down to see who was doing it now what in the world could she do if Margaret didn't come she would have to spend the night here alone and tomorrow was Christmas but suppose nobody came tomorrow or the next day or the next week starvation, death from pneumonia loneliness that would drive her insane all those grim horrors stared Mary Louise in the face sharing with cold she stood motionless in the dining room and tried to think of some way out it would be impossible for her to break down and she knew nothing about picking locks there wasn't an unboarded window on the whole first floor and even the windows over the porch on the second floor were tightly nailed shut what on earth could she do if only Max and Norman would come along now and give that familiar signal she wished but no sound disturbed the silence of the night even the wind had died leaving a stillness like death all about her she felt buried alive in a doorless tomb nobody knows I'm here she moaned not even Mrs. Hillard I'll have to think of something she decided with a supreme effort to keep herself in control in the meanwhile I might as well finish my search but even that satisfaction was denied to Mary Louise in the doorway between the dining room and the living room her flashlight went out at the most critical moment when her courage was at the lowest ebb a groan of agonized dismay escaped her lips in utter despair she groped for a chair and sank down in it miserable and defeated the impenetrable blackness of the room was overpowering for she was used to the lights of the streets in Philadelphia and in Riverside a strange physical fear took possession of her paralyzing her limbs for several minutes she'd sat still in the darkness not even attempting to move a shiver ran through her she was becoming colder and colder in this damp icy house her need for warmth stirred her to action she rose cautiously to her feet and groped her way to the hall where she remembered the stairway to be located and without encountering any serious knocks she slowly ascended to one of the bedrooms here the inky blackness still confronted her but it was not so deep as that of the first floor for there was an unboarded window in the room today as she made her way towards it Mary Louise could perceive its outline most of the window was covered by the tree branches but here and there through the limbs she could distinguish patches of sky yes far off and dim but real nevertheless was one shining star the Christmas star she remembered or at least my Christmas star for it is the only one I'll see tonight there was something immensely comforting in its presence the star reassured her it reminded her that was still in his heaven and she was not forsaken tomorrow Christmas morning rescue would surely come so after collecting all the blankets in the house on one bed she took off her coat and her hat and her shoes and lay down drawing the squirrel coat over her on top of the blankets cold and hunger and her dark prison were forgotten in a blissful maze of unconsciousness Mary Louise slept until the son the experience awakened her End of Chapter 13 Chapter 14 of Mystery of the Secret Band by Edith Lavel This LibriVox recording is in the public domain The Secret Band Mr. Gay settled back in his seat in the train with a sense of comfort he liked traveling no matter how hard he was working or how difficult the case he was trying to solve he could always rest on a journey I might have brought Mary Louise with me, he thought she would have liked the experience but perhaps he decided she had wanted to remain on the spot at Stoddard House in case anything new developed little did he think as he was speeding along towards Baltimore that his daughter was driving as fast as she could in the opposite direction into a new danger which he had not dreamed of Mary Louise in her systematic way had given her father a list of all the valuables to be recovered now at his leisure he took the paper from his pocket and went over it carefully set of silverware ivy leaf pattern initials SH Chinese vase five watches including one set with diamonds and my own $550 in cash painting by Whistler pair of diamond earrings Mr. Gay let out a low whistle what a list that was no wonder Mrs. Hillard was worried he took from his pocket the other slip of paper which the detective at the Ritz had just given to him gold mesh handbag containing $200 two pearl rings if this woman Mrs. Ferguson is responsible for all this she certainly ought to be kept behind prison bars for the rest of her life he thought but we'll see we'll see his train passed through a small town and from his window Mr. Gay could see the Christmas decorations in the houses how he wished that he and Mary Louise could both be at home taking part in the happy celebrations trimming the tree filling the stockings eating the turkey dinner together but there would be more Christmases he reminded himself that he would be here on New Year's Day it was dusk when he arrived in Baltimore and he took a taxi straight to the hotel Phillip he engaged a room for he meant to take a shower and have his dinner there even if he did not remain all night a few minutes later he was interviewing the hotel detective in his private office is there Mrs. Ferguson staying here he asked after he had shown his badge yes there is replied the other man she came two days ago with two daughters and four other girls as guests they have a suite of rooms on the ninth floor and are planning to stay over Christmas has anything been stolen since their arrival questioned Mr. Gay the other detective's eyes opened wide in surprise yes a roll of bills $200 I believe it amounted to and a valuable stamp collection last night but surely I have reasons to suspect Mrs. Ferguson and her accomplices stated Mr. Gay other hotel robberies lead us to believe she is the leader of a band of hotel thieves but we are on the track of another suspect a man we found wandering into the wrong room last night and excusing himself by the old gag of saying he was drunk maybe he was drunk possibly we couldn't get any sense out of him I believe that he was just a darned good actor another fellow got away in accomplice I think who is known to be a stamp collector or on his trail I'd like to search the Ferguson woman's rooms announced Mr. Gay can I have your help the man hesitated he hated to antagonize wealthy guests who were bringing so much money into the hotel yet when he recalled the expression of Mrs. Ferguson's eyes he remembered that he had distressed her so he reluctantly consented to the other detectives' request taking one of his assistants with him the hotel detective led Mr. Gay to the ninth floor and knocked at Mrs. Ferguson's door from within sounds of laughter and gay music could be heard as the door opened the three men saw the girls playing cards in the sitting room of the luxurious suite a radio was grinding out jazz with a shrewd glance at the girls Mr. Gay realized immediately that they were not the same type as his daughter's friends at Riverside they were older too although they were painted and lipsticked to appear younger Mrs. Ferguson began the hotel detective I must apologize for interrupting your card game but I have to go through with a routine last night some valuables were stolen from one of our guests and I have promised him to make a thorough search of each room you understand of course that no slight is meant to you or to your guests the girls can go on with their game if you'll just permit us to look around Mrs. Ferguson who was Mr. Gay thought one of the ugliest women he had ever seen drew herself up proudly I very much resent this she replied haughtily in fact I forbid it you can't do that answered the detective Cooley for even if you decide to leave the hotel your things will be searched before you go but please don't be unreasonable Mrs. Ferguson suppose that you, for instance had been robbed of that beautiful diamond ring you are wearing wouldn't you want us to do everything in our power to get it back for you I wouldn't want guests especially women and girls subjected to such insults as you were offering me and my young friends and relatives besides I thought you were already pretty sure of your thief we're not sure of anything will you submit peacefully Mrs. Ferguson or must we call in the police the woman looked swollen and did not answer the detective stepped across the room and locked the door Mrs. Ferguson turned her back and wandered indifferently towards the bare Christmas tree in the corner it was standing upright in a box of green but it had not been trimmed a pile of boxes beside it indicated the ornaments with which it would probably soon be decorated to gaze always the keenest observer sensed the fact that Mrs. Ferguson had some special interest in those boxes and his first shrewd surmise was that valuables were somehow concealed within them therefore he kept his eyes glued on that corner of the room I guess you'll have to stop your games girls said Mrs. Ferguson since these men mean to be objectionable of course we'll move to another hotel immediately you can all go and get your things packed Pauline you take care of these balls for the tree men like this wouldn't care whether they were smashed or not they have no Christmas spirit some hotel muttered Pauline with an oath under her breath but she caught up and went towards the Christmas tree wait a minute I'm looking into those boxes Mrs. Ferguson laughed scornfully they just came from the 5 and 10 she said they haven't even been unwrapped and I warn you men if you break them you can replace them it's not easy to get through the crowds now either Detective Gaye smiled I'll take the responsibility he promised as he untied the string of the top package as Mrs. Ferguson had stated it contained nothing but bright new Christmas tree balls but when he lifted the second box in the pile the package as big as a hat box he knew immediately that it was too heavy to contain Christmas tree ornaments nevertheless his countenance was expressionless as he untied the string a great quantity of tissue paper covered the top of the box this Mr. Gaye removed and from beneath it he drew forth a shabby blue book is this the stamp album he asked the hotel detective the other man gasped and rushed to Mr. Gaye's side yes he cried that's it see if the stamps are still in there with a quick movement Pauline Brooks took two steps forward and snatched the book from the detective's hands that's my album she exclaimed if you don't believe it look at the name in the front triumphantly she turned to the first page and displayed the inscription Pauline Brooks Christmas 1931 from Aunt Ethel Detective Gaye laughed scornfully you can't fool us that easily miss Brooks he said examine the ink in the handwriting for yourself it's fresh you can't pass that off for 3 years old Pauline looked calmly into her accuser's eyes maybe it is she retorted but I don't have to write my name in my books the minute I get them do I hand it over commanded the hotel detective while Mr. Gaye continued his search of the Christmas boxes at the bottom of the pile he found a bag with two pearl rings inside it but he did not discover any of the lost money called the police ordered the hotel detective turning to his assistant Gaye and I will make a thorough search of this room and on your way downstairs get hold of Mr. Jones in room 710 he can come up here and identify his stamp album Mrs. Ferguson by this time had slipped into her bedroom and one by one the girls were following her Detective Gaye suddenly aware of the fact that the criminals meant to escape by another door dashed out into the hall just in time to stop them must we use handcuffs he demanded pushing Mrs. Ferguson back into her room and locking the door the woman did not reply but she looked at him with an expression of hatred in her eyes Mr. Gaye called into the next room to the hotel detective who was still making a systematic search can you get me a photographer he asked okay was the reply and the detective put the message through using the room telephone now what do you want a photographer for demanded Pauline impundantly because we're such pretty girls I want to send your picture to my daughter replied Mr. Gaye I understand that you and she used to be friends who is your daughter Mary Louise Gaye the little rat if I'd ever realized how smart she is supplied Mr. Gaye proudly you'd have been more careful well Miss Brooks you've been pretty clever but not clever enough this is the end of your dangerous career I guess we can get out on bail she boasted I guess you can't not this time young lady the photographer and the police arrived at the same time the president of six had to submit to having their pictures taken and were allowed under supervision to pack a few necessary articles of clothing into their suitcases then under the escort of four policemen and the assistant hotel detective they rode downstairs to the waiting patrol car Mr. Gaye and the hotel detective went on with their methodical search suppose we stop and eat suggested the latter we can lock up these rooms okay agreed Mr. Gaye a knock sounded at the door I'm Jones the man who lost the album announced the visitor did you fellows really get it his question held all the eagerness of the collector this it queried the hotel detective holding the worn blue book up to the view oh boy is it I'll say so let's see it he grasped the book affectionately we are still hoping to find your money too added Mr. Gaye but the man was hardly listening his team's meant for more to him than his role of bills whom do I think for this he inquired finally as he opened the door my daughter returned Mr. Gaye but she isn't here and I'll have to tell you the story some other time during their supper together Mr. Gaye told the hotel detective about Mary Louise and the discoveries she had made which led her to suspect Mrs. Ferguson and Pauline Brooks he brought the list out of his pocket and crossed off the articles that had been recovered the gold mesh bag and the two pearl rings except for the money which was stolen here last night we probably shan't find anything else in the rooms he concluded Mrs. Ferguson has no doubt hidden or disposed of everything which her gang stole from Stoddard House nevertheless the two men resumed their search after dinner deeply hidden in the artificial grass which filled the Christmas tree box they found four hundred dollars the exact amount which had been taken from the hotel Ritz in Philadelphia and the hotel Phillips there in Baltimore but two hours more searching revealed nothing else at ten o'clock the two men decided to quit Mr. Gaye went directly to his room and called Stoddard House on the telephone asking to speak to Mary Louise to his surprise it was Mrs. Hillard who answered him Mary Louise did not come home for supper she said I concluded that she had gone to Baltimore with you Mr. Gaye no she didn't could she have gone to the movies with any of the girls do you think possibly but she usually tells me where she is going of course she may have gone home with the Walder girls and I know their folks haven't a phone Mr. Gaye seemed reassured what had happened to his daughter now that the criminals were under lock and key well tell her I'll take the first train home tomorrow he concluded and then I have good news for her I will Mr. Gaye promised the hotel manager disappointed but not worried he replaced the receiver and went down to the desk to inquire for the picture of Mrs. Ferguson's band of thieves several copies had been struck off and they were surprisingly good Mr. Gaye chuckled when he thought how pleased Mary Louise would be to see all the criminals lined up together taking the pictures with him he went straight to the offices of Baltimore's leading newspapers in a short time he had given the editors the important facts of the capture of the dangerous band giving the credit to Mary Louise to one of these newspapers he gave his daughter's picture a snapshot which he always carried in his pocket wait till Riverside sees that won't our family be proud of our Mary Lou? Mr. Gaye slept soundly that night believing that everything was all right with Mary Louise had he but known the agony of spirit his daughter was experiencing he would have returned host haste to Philadelphia Mrs. Hillard however was more concerned and spent a restless night she felt sure that something had happened to Mary Louise for she was not the sort of girl to go off without mentioning her plans even if she had gone to the country with the Walder girls she would have found a way to telephone Mary Louise was never thoughtless or selfish in her worried condition Mrs. Hillard awakened twice during the night and went down and looked into the girls empty room at six o'clock she could stand the anxiety no longer and she called Mr. Gaye on the long distance telephone he was in bed asleep but the first ring at his bedside awakened him and listened to Mrs. Hillard's news with a sinking heart remembering the dreadful thing which had happened to his daughter the previous summer while she was investigating a mystery of crime all take the seven o'clock train to Philadelphia he cried already snatching his clothing from the chair beside the bed in his haste and his deep concern for his daughter he forgot entirely that this was Christmas morning when the waiter in the dining car greeted him with a respectful Christmas sir Mr. Gaye stared at him blankly then he remembered and made the correct reply one look at Mrs. Hillard's face as he entered Stoddard House told him that there was no news of his girl Mary Louise had not returned the only place I can think of said Mrs. Hillard for I've already gotten in touch with the Walder girls is that empty house out in center square where she was hit on the head the night she went there with Max Miller I'll drive right out there announced Mr. Gaye immediately I guess I can make inquiries at the hotel and in the meantime I'll notify the Philadelphia police but I'll warn them not to give out the news on the radio till I get back I don't want to alarm Mary Louise's mother until it is necessary ten minutes later he was in a taxi cab directing the driver to speed as fast as the law allowed to center square end of chapter 14 Chapter 15 of Mystery of the Secret Band by Edith Lavelle this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Christmas morning Mary Louise laughed out loud when she wakened amid the bleakness of her surroundings in that empty house near center square oh how different it was from every other Christmas of her experience no lovely fragrance of evergreen no warm fire no cheery hot breakfast no presents but this last fact worried her least of all at the moment she believed she would give up all the Christmas presents in the world for a plate of sausage and hotcakes she felt a little stiff from sleeping in her clothing but underneath the blankets and her fur coat she had not suffered from the cold and oh how good it was to see the sun to be able to walk around in a lighthouse or a dimly lighted one for even some of the second story windows were boarded up with the fear that no one might come that day to rescue her that she might be subjected to another black night in this dismal place but with daylight to aid her perhaps she could find a way out for herself if no one came she would try not to lose hope she got up and washed, thankful at least for the water in the house and she took a long drink then she remembered that there was tea in the kitchen and even though there was no way of heating the water she could make cold tea and add sugar perhaps the sugar would supply a little energy with her fur coat buttoned up to her neck she cautiously descended the stairway in the hall downstairs it was so dark that she could not even see the outlines of the furniture until her eyes became accustomed to the dimness there must be candles in the kitchen she surmised but I'm afraid it will be too dark to find them she groped her way out to the kitchen and fumbled around until she touched the dresser I'd never be able to tell which is sugar and which is salt, she thought except that I can taste anything I happen to find however that proceeding might not prove to be so good she decided for she had no desire to taste kitchen cleanser or ratch poison, for instance no, it would be better to do without than to take any risks just for the sake of a cup of a cold tea as she cautiously ran her hand around the bottom shelf of the dresser her fingers encountered something decidedly rough for a moment she was puzzled until she could identify the object but in a moment she recognised it sandpaper of course sandpaper on the outside of a box of matches her pulse quickened as she picked up the box and found that it was full this was luck indeed she struck a match at once and began to hunt feverishly for candles but she wasted three matches without finding a single one I can have my cold tea anyway she thought and with the aid of a single match she located tea and sugar and a cup the sink was right beside the dresser and she ran cold water over the tea leaves Merry Christmas, Merry Lou she finally said aloud as she drank the cold tea through closed teeth to avoid swallowing the leaves she felt chillier than ever after she had finished it but not quite so weak and empty lighting another match she made her way into the living room wouldn't it be wonderful if there were an open fireplace all piled up with wood she mused as she entered the room there was a fireplace she found but it was totally empty on a shelf over it however she came upon a discovery which she had overlooked the previous night there right in the middle of the mantelpiece stood a Chinese vase of the very design which Mrs. Hillard had described maybe if I look around I'll find Miss Granger's painting was her next hope she examined the picture over the fireplace it's a hunting scene I was just about to turn away when she made another find which brought a whoop of joy to her lips in plain view at each end of the shelf stood two tall red candles when Merry Louise had lighted one of these she felt suddenly like a different girl it was amazing what a change one steady little gleam of light could make but she was frugally enough to burn only one of them if she had to spend another night in this house she would not need to be in complete darkness there was an upright piano at the other side of the room Merry Louise stepped over and sat down on the stool in front of it I'll play a Christmas Carol just to celebrate she decided and struck the opening chords of oh come all ye faithful she stopped abruptly what a terrible rattle she exclaimed these people must throw their tin cans into the piano when they finish with them she stood up and examined the top with her candle lifting up the hinged half she peered down into the space beneath instantly she perceived a gray flannel bag hanging on the end of one of the keys as if someone had deliberately hidden it there she snatched it off excitedly delighted to find that it was heavy no doubt it contained something metallic which had been the cause of the jangling of the piano keys trembling fingers she pulled open the string and dumped the contents of the bag upon a chair diamond rings, bracelets, earrings watches and gold necklaces dropped out before her astonished eyes a fabulous treasure such as one reads about in fairy tales or sometimes dreams of finding colour came to Merry Louise's cheeks and her heart raced wildly as she examined to the articles one by one to make sure that they were genuine Mrs. Weinberger's old fashioned timepiece ornamented with diamonds was there and Merry Louise's own dainty little wrist watch engraved with her name in the back of it oh what a joy it was to have it again she clasped it affectionately about her wrist leaving the jewelry on the chair she peered into the piano again to see what else she could find she was rewarded with another discovery down in a corner in a remote spot a small package wrapped in brown paper she encountered some difficulty in prying it loose but alas she had it free stripped of its brown paper wrapping she found that she held a fat wad of bills in her hand Mrs. McGregor's money she thought immediately and Miss Granger's and my own five dollars how wonderful it all was to be able to return the possessions to the rightful owners at Stoddard House to have proof enough now to convict Mrs. Ferguson and her band of thieves to collect her salary from Mrs. Hillard and go home in time for Max's senior dance if only she could get out of this house a feverish sense of impatience took possession of Merry Louise it was cruel she stormed that in her hour of triumph she should be imprisoned alone in a dark house wouldn't somebody miss her and come to her rescue where was her father driven out here to Centre Square when he returned to Stoddard House last night and had found her missing but suppose, awful thought that he had not returned suppose he had missed finding Mrs. Ferguson and had been deceived by that letter of hers into pursuing the woman to Florida Mrs. Hillard would conclude that he had taken her Merry Louise with him when neither returned a trip to Florida Merry Louise figured might consume almost a week while she waited alone in this dark cold house each day itself in eternity of hunger and loneliness and suffering a hollow laugh escaped her lips as she glanced at the money and the valuables heaped on the chair beside her they were as little used to her now as Midas's gold they would neither feed her nor keep her warm there's no use hoping for release by somebody else she told herself to have to be a modern count of Monte Cristo she stood up and gathered her treasure together again into the bag and took the Chinese vase from the mantelpiece another tour of the room revealed the whistler picture in a dark corner with the aid of her half burnt candle she carried everything to the dining room and placed it all in a pile beside the silverware I'll hide the money inside my dress and the jewelry in my coat pocket these other things I'll drop into that wood basket in the kitchen when she had finally completed her packing she sat down in the dining room to think I believe I'll try to get out the same way I got in she decided because the glass is already broken in that window all I'll have to do will be to cut my way through the new boards which that caretaker, or whoever he was hammered on last night with this purpose in view Mary Louise carried her candle into the kitchen the drawer in the dress revealed a poor selection of knives it might take days to cut through a board with only these as tools nevertheless she meant to try anything was better than idleness selecting what appeared to be the sharpest in the collection she returned to the window in the dining room but she realized immediately that her scheme would not work the boards were too close together it would be impossible to insert a knife between them at any place I guess I'll have to smash them at that bedroom window and jump out she thought gloomily it would probably mean a broken neck but that's better than a slow lingering death she pulled the dresser drawer far throughout looking only for some other implement to facilitate her escape suddenly her eyes lighted upon a hammer not a very large hammer but adequate enough for the task why hadn't she thought of that plan before it would be lots easier to hammer those boards loose than to try to cut through them with a knife she picked it up out of the drawer and paused at Berkeley there was a slight sound in the front of the house like the click of a key in a lock extinguishing her candle she waited breathlessly till she heard the front door open someone stepped cautiously into the hall Mary Louise's heart stood still in her excitement who was the intruder was it the Margaret whom Mrs. Ferguson mentioned in her letter or was it the woman herself whoever it was was he or she armed with a revolver much as Mary Louise longed to find Margaret Deathweather she dared not take a chance now of coming face to face with an unknown person in this dark house since all the valuables were in her possession her only desire at the moment was for escape silently she moved towards the door of the kitchen which led directly into the hall she heard the newcomer go into the living room and as Mary Louise crept past the doorway she saw the gleam of a flashlight but the person whoever it was was hidden from her view and Mary Louise did not wait to find out who it was she reached the front door in safety and found the key still reposing in the lock a second later she removed the key and slipped out of the door into the clear cold sunshine she was free at last and with a chuckle of triumph she inserted the key on the outside of the door and turned it she herself had been in prison for the last 16 hours end of chapter 15 chapter 16 of mystery of the secret band by Edith Lavelle this LibriVox recording is in the public domain two captures for one ecstatic moment Mary Louise stood motionless on the front porch breathing the cold, delicious air of freedom then she ran around the side of the house in the rear to look for her car at first she thought it was gone for she could not see it huddled up close to the barn but a few steps more revealed it to her view and weak as she was she darted forward eagerly she decided that she would drive directly to the hotel and have some breakfast afterwards she would inquire her way to the Constable's house he could take charge of the valuables in her possession and go back with her to meet the intruder for Mary Louise had no intention of returning to Philadelphia without first learning that person's identity besides she had forgotten to bring out with her the basket containing the vase and the picture and the silverware no use going back to Stoddard House without the entire loot she climbed into the car and put her foot on the starter without any success she pulled out the choke and tried again and again five minutes passed she made one final effort in vain the car was frozen despair seized her she did not know what she could do in her weakened condition cold and hungry as she was she did not believe herself physically capable of walking to the hotel the distance must be at least a mile although it had seemed so short by automobile she got out of the car and silently walked back to the front porch of the house listening for sounds from the prisoner locked within its walls but she heard nothing until she reached the driveway then a young man stepped from behind a tree and almost frightened her to death he was a tough looking fellow of about 19 or 20 she judged in slovenly corduroy trousers a dirty lumber jacket and cap he eyed her suspiciously Mary Louise forced herself to meet his gaze although she was trembling she had to keep her hand on the jewelry in her pocket to prevent its rattling the young man edged up near to her you want of mrs. furkesson's girls he demanded yes i know her replied mary louise i you been in the house now yes admitted mary louise anything gone no i don't think so that's lucky remarked the young man i come around last night about six o'clock same as i do every night and i seen a window was broke on the side of the house but i didn't see nobody prowling around so i just nailed a board across it i'm still watching for that guy that came in a car you can tell mrs. furkesson he ain't come back yet what guy inquired mary louise feeling more at ease now since this young man evidently regarded her as one of mrs. furkesson's gang of girls that fellow that drove up here last sunday night was the reply didn't mrs. furkesson tell you i haven't seen mrs. furkesson to talk to she stammered hardly able to keep from laughing well this guy meant trouble i'ma thinking he drove up here in a car with a dame alongside of him i hid in a tree when i heard the car coming and when it was under the tree i dropped a rock on the dame's head knocked her out and the guy had to rush her off to a doctor suppose you had killed her exclaimed mary louise solemnly i ain't supposing besides nobody knows i'd done it except mrs. furkesson and you girls and if any of you dames tell on me i've got plenty to tell on you no doubt about that agreed mary louise well i must be getting on i'm going to the hotel for breakfast how about my money demanded the young man mrs. furkesson wrote me you'd be along today and said you'd pay me she promised me ten bucks this announcement scared mary louise she didn't know whether she should pay the man or not in order to keep up the pretense that she was a member of the secret band if she refused mightn't he knock her down yet if she complied with his demand and let him see the role of bills what would prevent his stealing them all at once however a solution came to her mind she decided to risk it i have it more than five dollars in my purse she said opening it and showing him the contents i'll have to pay you when i get back after i have something to eat i'm starved i didn't have any supper last night okay agreed the young man to mary louise's surprise meet me here in an hour yes just about returned mary louise hurrying down the driveway the minute she reached the road out of sight of the house mary louise started to run and she kept on running for perhaps a couple of minutes then she stopped abruptly dropping down on the cold hard ground she was so faint she did not believe that she could take another step oh i must get there i must must must but the main highway was not even in sight only the long desolate country road before her without a sign of a person or a house she staggered somehow to her feet and took two or three steps forward utterly exhausted she sank again to the ground a lot of good all my discoveries will do me or the people of stoddard house she mused bitterly if i pass out here on the road she made another effort to rise but she was growing colder and weaker every minute in her utter dismay she buried her head in her arms a sense of numbness began to creep over her as she sat there she was losing consciousness of where she was when the sharp sound of a motor horn aroused her to her senses a car stopped opposite her for one tense second she was afraid to look up for fear of the occupants where some of mrs. ferguson's gang when a pleasant masculine voice addressed her she felt the tears rush to her eyes in relief what is the trouble my girl inquired the man can i help you reassurance and an overwhelming sense of gratitude almost prevented mary louise from answering the man with the kind voice was someone she could trust she saw by his manner of dressing that he was a catholic priest oh yes she replied can you take me to the constable do you know where he lives yes of course i can it was an odd request but the good man asked no questions he merely got out of his car and lifted mary louise in beside him i'll tell you the story only i'm so cold and hungry he said maybe later that's all right my child he replied soothingly in less than five minutes he stopped his car in front of a plane berck house and helped mary louise to the doorway mary christmas hodge he said when the door was opened to his knock this young lady mary christmas father returned to the constable gazing at mary louise almost instantly he recalled who she was come in miss gay enough said mary louise fervently to the priest but the good man only smiled and departed as quickly as he had appeared the smell of coffee of breakfast for it was only a little after nine o'clock was overpowering to the hungry exhausted girl she sank into a chair with one cry on her lips coffee before the constable could even ask her a question his wife hurried from the dining room with a steaming cup in her hands she was a motherly woman of about 45 and immediately followed her into the living room to see who the stranger was who had arrived so mysteriously drink this, dear said mrs. hodge holding the cup to mary louise's lips i put cream and sugar in it so it won't burn you nothing in her life had ever tasted half so good to the cold hungry girl as that fragrant cup of coffee she finished it to the last drop and a smile broke over her face was that good she exclaimed oh how much better i feel you must have some breakfast now urged mrs. hodge don't crowd around miss gay so closely children she needs room to breathe i'm all right now, really said mary louise the warmth of the room was working its magic spell for the first time now she noticed the christmas tree and the toys around the floor i've been locked up alone in that empty house of mrs. fergusson's tonight, she began but mrs. hodge refused to let her talk until she had eaten her breakfast mary louise ate everything that was on the table a steaming bowl of oatmeal in orange half a dozen hotcakes, two pieces of sausage a glass of milk and another cup of coffee when she had finally finished she said that she believed she had enjoyed that breakfast more than any meal she had ever had the whole family listened while she briefly told her story with the code letter which had directed her to center square she explained how she had broken into the empty house and how she had been imprisoned by a man who was evidently in mrs. fergusson's employ he admitted hitting me, only of course he didn't know it was i over the head last sunday he thinks i'm one of mrs. fergusson's gang so will you go back with me and arrest him, constable hodge she asked i sure will, agreed the man she told one of his children to run across the yard to get a neighbor to help him i found the stolen goods concluded mary louise reaching into her dress and producing the roll of bills and taking the bag of jewelry from her pocket will you take charge of it till i can bring my father up to get it he's a detective too, you see everyone gasped in amazement at the heap of valuables which mary louise displayed before their eyes the children rushed forward excitedly and the young detective saw no reason why they should not examine them to their heart's content one of the boys even wanted to count the money but how did you get out of that house demanded the constable did that man open the door for you oh no replied mary louise a member of mrs. fergusson's gang came with a key i slipped out and locked her inside that's why we must hurry back to catch her before she escapes from her chair can we go now constable? she asked certainly, yep, here comes my neighbour who often helps me make arrests we'll take him along in case your man or your prisoner gets up-ish could we take a mechanic to fix my car too? she asked it's frozen one of the kids will phone to the garage right now to send somebody out they gathered up the treasure and leaving it in mrs. hodge's care mary louise, the constable and his neighbour a husky six foot fellow got into the car the distance, which had seemed so long to the girl an hour ago was covered in less than five minutes at the turn into the driveway mary louise saw the man who was waiting for her recognising the constable at once he made a quick dash to get away but he was not fast enough the constable was out of the car in a second commanding him to stop mary louise and his neighbour with an oaf on his lips he surrendered the constable's big friend took charge of him while mary louise and the officer entered the dark cold house the moment they opened the door they heard a girl's terrified sobs from the living room who are you she called in a voice choking with fear and misery the constable of centre-square and mary louise gay replied the young detective the prisoner jumped to her feet and ran out to the open door mary louise gay she repeated incredulously bursting afresh into tears but mary louise had identified her immediately she was Margaret Deutweiler end of chapter 16