 Chapter 8 of The Mystery of the Fires by Edith Lavelle The slipperbox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Mary Escano. Danger. Freckles, said Mary Louise at supper that evening. Willilandus, your tent tonight. Jane and I want to sleep outside. Jane raised her eyebrows. She couldn't remember expressing any such desire, but she said nothing. She wanted to see what Mary Louise was up to now. For her child must have some purpose in the request, something to do with the mystery of the fires. It couldn't be just a desire for fresh air. I suppose so, agreed her brother. But you know, my car isn't very wide. Oh, we'll manage all right, returned Mary Louise. And thank you very much. It was not until after supper, while the girls were waiting for their boyfriends to come, that Jane had a chance to ask Mary Louise what she wanted to sleep outdoors tonight. I want to sleep in my clothing, Jane, was a surprising reply. Remember the scat motto, be prepared, that's ours for tonight. Prepared for what? For a fire. I think there's going to be one. I'm only hoping that it won't be our cottage, but you never can tell. What makes you think there'll be one tonight? demanded Jane. From something I learned this afternoon from the Adams family, you remember hearing freckles describing a queer creature he saw last night on his way home from the woods. Well, we almost ran over her this afternoon, with her picture looking for well water, to put out the fires which the Lord sent upon the wicked, were her words. Jane giggled. You think we're as wicked as that, Mary Louise? She asked. You know, I don't believe that, Jane. Then what do you believe? Why do you think that there'll be another fire? I think that either this crazy woman sets the cottages on fire herself, believing that she is appointed by the Lord, or else that somebody she knows is doing it. And she has inside information somehow. More likely she's just prattling, remarked Jane. I hope so. But anyhow, I want to be prepared to jump up at the first sign of smoke. I'm going to rig up a hose with the river, so that I can put it out if it does happen around our cottage. He sound almost as crazy as the old lady, Mary Lou. Next thing, you'll be taking your picture out for a river water. Now Jane, be yourself. You'll sleep out with me, won't you? I suppose so. But let's keep silky with us, in case one of those gypsies comes along and grabs you, the way she did at Dark Cedars. There aren't any gypsies anywhere around here, Mary Louise assured her. No, but there's a tramp. Freckles saw him, and a crazy woman. And from the way Mr. Flick was carrying on this morning, he'll soon be crazy. He's gone to Albany, and the crazy woman is harmless, but you're wise about silky. He will protect us from any tramps that might show up. To Mary Louise's delight, Mrs. Gay raised no objection to the plan. After all, her daughter had often slept outdoors before. So after a pleasant evening of games and dancing at the Reed's cottage, the two girls went out to the tent. You forgot your pajamas, Mary Louise, called Mrs. Gay, and she fixed up the girl's room for Freckles. Oh, of course, replied her daughter. No need to alarm her mother by telling her that they intended to sleep in their clothing. They took off their shoes, changed into sweaters and skirts, and climbed into the cot. Silky lay down on the road beside it. It is close quarters, whispered Jane. But nothing like that could keep me awake. Me either, returned Mary Louise with the yawn. Five minutes later, they were both sound asleep. Entirely forgetful of fires or danger. But the rest was short. About one o'clock, Mary Louise was awakened by a soft growl from Silky. Instantly, she sat up and peered out into the darkness. It was utterly black at the opening of the tent, for the night was starless, and the trees closed out all view of the sky. Yet she perceived something light. Something white, coming towards her. For one wild moment, a terrible thought took possession of her imagination. Was this indeed the angel of wrath, coming to destroy their house, as that queer woman had predicted? But no. Common sense came to her rescue, and assured Mary Louise, things like that didn't happen nowadays. There must be some other explanation. It must be. A horrible, inane laugh burst upon the silence of the night, wakening Jane with a cry of terror on her lips. A long arm reached through the opening of the tent, touching the girl's cot, snatching at their feet. Then another laughter, followed by hysterical sobbing. Mary Louise reached for the flashlight underneath her pillow, but she was calm now. She was sure of the identity of the intruder. It must be the crazy woman. She flashed the light into the creature's face, and the woman gasped in fear. Don't hold me, please. She begged, I am the Lord's messenger, to tell you that the Smith's house is on fire. There are little children to be rescued. Go. Run. I'll follow as soon as I can fill my picture. Jane and Mary Louise looked at each other in wonder. Was what she said the truth, or only a figment of her crazy brain? But they did not dare take a chance. As the poor woman said, there were children at Smith's big house on the hill. Three children, two boys, and a little girl, with only servants to look after them. And servants, unlike parents, too often think of their own safety first. We'll go right away, Rebecca. Mary Louise assured her as she stepped into her pumps. We're all ready. Taking only their flashlight for protection, she and Jane ran off as fast as they could go, with Silky faithfully following them. As soon as they had passed the ruins of Flix Inn, they could see the smoke rising from the hill beyond. There could be no doubt about it. Rebecca was right. The Smith's house was on fire. The girls redoubled their pace, and tore up the hill. As they came nearer, they saw the flames, and heard wild shouts of excitement. Then they met the Smith's boys, and several of the servants racing madly about. How did it start? Demanded Mary Louise, breathlessly as she almost bumped into Robbie Smith. I don't know. In the back, somehow. That's all, would you know? Can they save it? Doing our best. All the Smith are working. He stuck out his chest proudly, evidently enjoying the adventure immensely. Money was never a thing to the Smith's boys. Where's your sister? Around somewhere, everybody got out safe. With her nurse, inquired Jane. Naaah. Nurse took the canoe across the Royal to fill into four quarters for the fire engine. Then we better hunt up little Ethel and take care of her, asserted Mary Louise. The child was only four. Anything might happen to her. Flames were rising upward from behind the house, lighting up the scene vividly, showing the chauffeur, the gardener, the two maids desperately pouring water from buckets and pails. But Mary Louise did not see little Ethel. Ethel! Ethel! She cried wildly, raising her voice above the shouts of the men. Where are you? Came a plaintive reply, and a tiny head leaned out of a second-story window. I come up for my dolly! A cold chill of horror crept over Mary Louise as she realized the dreadful peril of the child. But without a thought for her own danger, she dashed through the front door and up the wide, smoke-filled staircase. Come to the steps, Ethel! She shrieked, her throat choking with smoke. Come here, I'll get you. Okey. Reply the little girl, beginning to sob. Mary Louise took one desperate leap and dashed through the upstairs hall to the nursery. Grabbing the child in her arms, she groped her way back to the head of the stairs. She never knew how she reached the bottom of those steps. With her hand on the railing and her eyes tightly closed, she somehow made her slow progress. All she could remember was Jane's voice at the door as she lifted the child from her arms. Then darkness, choking for breath, silence, and blessed unconsciousness. When Mary Louise finally came to, Rebecca was giving her water out of her huge pitcher and patting her shoulder gently. Speak, Mary Lou! cried Jane frantically. Oh, say you're still alive. I'm all right. Replied her chum, managing a smile. And little Ethel? She's fine. With her nurse. She's back from across the river now. Mary Louise turned her head and saw the woman at her side, clutching the child in her arms and sobbing hysterically. Other people had arrived by this time. Mr. Frazier had come over from the Royal Hotel, accompanied by Cliff Hunter, David McCall, and several other young people who were staying there. And Mr. Reed and all the Robinsons had gathered from Shadynook. In another minute, the fire engine from four corners came, and the volunteers got the flames under control. The front of the house was saved, only the wooden structure at the back was completely destroyed. How did it happen? Frazier was asking the smith's chauffeur, half an hour later, when the crowd had finally gathered about Mary Louise. Nobody knows, replied the man. Everybody here was in bed and asleep. No signs of any prowl or ether. The fire just started with the back shed and spread. I was the first to wake up. David McCall looked knowingly at Mary Louise. No sign of anybody? Yes, the chauffeur. No clues at all? Maybe this is a clue, interrupted one of the volunteer firemen. Coming forward with a small box in his hand. I found this pack of cards right here where the fire must have started. But it had dropped into a pail of water. That's why it wasn't burned. Maybe the boys were playing cards and smoking corn silk. Suggested Cliff Hunter lightly. The chauffeur took the box from the fireman. No, they ain't our cards. He said as he examined them. I know us, because I've bought them for the kids. David McCall stepped nearer and uttered a sudden exclamation of surprise. Gosh, he said solemnly. Recognize them, McCall? Inquired phraser. I sure do. The Cliff Hunters. Nobody else around here can afford to pay a dollar a pack. Look, they're monogrammed. Meryl Louise glanced apprehensively at Cliff. He was holding the cards in his hand, nodding his assent. Sure, they're mine. The kids must have swiped them. Or maybe I lost them and they found them. I myself haven't been up here to smith once this summer before tonight. Sis, you! muttered David McCall under his breath. But not too low for Meryl Louise to hear him and be genuinely frightened. End of Chapter 8. Recording by Mary Escano. Chapter 9 of The Mystery of the Fires by Edith Lavelle. The slipperbox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Mary Escano. The Arrest. When the girls came home from the fire that night, they found Mrs. Gay and Freckles both awake and dressed. The boy was pleading with his mother to be allowed to go to the smiths. The fires out, announced Jane, sinking Whirly into the swing on the porch. Meryl Louise passed out for a few minutes, too. Mrs. Gay uttered an exclamation of alarm. Oh, but I'm all right now, mother, her daughter hastened to assure her. Only, I would like something hot to drink and my own bed to sleep in if Freckles doesn't mind changing again. Ah, drink! repeated her brother in amazement. Why hot? Briefly, Jane told the story of Meryl Louise's daring act of heroism and Mrs. Gay hurried off to make her daughter comfortable for the night. In their own soft bed again, the girls slept soundly until nearly noon the following day. Meryl Louise was vexed with herself for wasting so much time when she saw the lateness of the hour. For if she was to do anything about solving the mystery of the fires, she hadn't a single minute to lose. Have you heard any news this morning? She demanded of her brother as the family all ate their breakfast lunch together. Not much, replied the boy. We went over to see the place, of course, as soon as we were up this morning. It must have been some fire. What's left of the house is in fit to live in. Jesus, you and Jane were lucky to be in on it. Lucky for the smiths, amended Mrs. Gay. I shudder every time I think of what might have happened to little Ethel. Where are the smiths now? inquired Jane. Moved over to the hotel. The chauffeur telegraphed Mr. Smith, and he and Mrs. Smith are coming this afternoon with clothes and stuff. Did you see the boys this morning? questioned Mary Louise. Yeah, replied the boy. I took the canoe across the river, where there were in swimming early with the chauffeur. And couldn't they tell you anything more about the fire? Nope. Robby said he never waken up till he heard the chauffeur yelling at them. Then they all grabbed their clothes and ran. The nurse was sleeping in the same room with little Ethel, and she saw to it that the kid got out safely. And she went back for her dolly, whispered Mrs. Gay with a catch in her voice. Mother, please stop thinking about that, begged Mary Louise. Everything came out all right, so do try to forget it. I will, dear, but I think I've had enough of shady new for one summer. I've about decided to back up and go home tomorrow. Oh no, protested Mary Louise aghast. We can't run away. If only her father were here. He'd find out what's the cause of all these disasters. But I feel so unsafe, so helpless without him. I'm going to find out, announced Mary Louise, with determination in her voice. Just stay a little while, till we have a chance to see what develops. I won't promise. By the way, I've decided that we all go over to the Royal Hotel for dinner tonight. It'll be a nice change, and you girls can dance afterwards, because practically everybody from Shadynook eats there now. Everybody except the Dittmas, said Mary Louise, with a significant look at Jane. She said nothing further about the young couple now, but an hour later, when the two girls were getting into their bathing suits, she mentioned the Dittmas again. I've come to the conclusion that the criminal, the person responsible for the fires, is one of two people. She said, with a possible chance of a third. You suspect Horace Dittmar, of course? asked Jane. Yes, I think everything points to him. First, he has the motive, to get work for himself, to plan new houses to take the place of those that have been destroyed. If you'd noticed, Jane, the three places that have been burned have all been big, expensive ones. The finest at Shadynook, the smiths and the hunters are rich people, well able to afford to rebuild. And Flix was such a flourishing business that anybody would naturally expect them to want to start it up again. Next, Horace Dittmar had the opportunity. He was absent from the two parties which were going on when the hunters and Flix places burned, and he could easily have slipped out last night and set smiths on fire. And last, and most important of all, that often says, Dittmar's the kind of man who could do it. Quiet, almost sullen, I think, and deceitful. I've never spoken two words with him, but that's my opinion. Jane nodded solemnly. Her chum's logic appeared sound. But still, she remarked, Horace Dittmar isn't profiting any by these fires. Nobody seems a bit inclined to rebuild. No, not yet, but wait till the smiths come and see whether Horace Dittmar tries to chum up with them. You know Adelaide Dittmar admitted that they went over to call on Mrs. Hunter after their fire, and the woman almost snubbed her. True. Who's your other suspect, Mary Lou? Is it Cliff? No, positively not Cliff. In spite of that pack of cards they found over there last night. Imagine Cliff Hunter setting far to a house that had three children asleep in it. It's unthinkable. Jane breathed a sigh of relief. I'm glad to hear you say that, she said. The other person I suspect strongly is Rebecca Adams, continued the young detective. I hate to, for she seems harmless, but you just never can tell about a half-witted person like that. She wanders around at such queer times, and then her coming here last night, after predicting a fire in the afternoon, looks bad. She's got to be watched. Right again, agree the other girl admiringly. But go on. Spencer Dean, who's your third suspect, the one you call the possible chance? The hotel keeper's phraser. It's meant a lot to his business. He has the motive all right, but I just can't see how he could have actually accomplished setting the places on fire. He was with us all evening the night flicks burned down, and Cliff says he was at the hotel when the hunters cottage burned. Still, phraser sly, he might have managed it. I'll have to take a good look at him tonight when we go over to dinner, observe Jane, and try to size up his character. Mary Louise reached for her beach robe and stepped into her slippers. Come on, Jane, she said. We've got to hurry, or the crowd will go home before we get there. They ran out to the canoe and jumped in, paddling down the river half a mile to the spot, which was generally accepted as the best swimming place near Shadynook. Here they found about twenty-five people gathered on the shore, all talking in the wildest excitement, and not a single person was in the water. What's happened? demanded Jane. Anybody drowned? Another fire? asked Mary Louise. Neither, explained Sue Reed, turning to the newcomers, but something is almost as bad. A detective arrived from Albany and arrested Cliff Hunter. As an incendiary, I believe he said, a person who sets things on fire. No, gasped Jane in horror. But how could he? cried Mary Louise incredulously. I mean, how could a detective from Albany know about the fires here at Shadynook, let alone suspect Cliff? Somebody wired, said Sue. Who? demanded both girls in the same breath. Nobody seemed to be able to answer that question. All anyone knew was that Cliff had gone off in the detective's car, and that his mother had insisted upon going with him. Mrs. Hunter was positive that it was all a put-up job, a plot of some kind to kidnap her son. The talking died down at last, and the crowd dispersed into the water. But nobody seemed to enjoy the swim that day. Discouraged and worried, Mary Louise and Jane decided to paddle back home in their canoe. All your detective work gone for nothing, lamented Jane miserably. I'd just like to know who's responsible for that arrest. It was such a dirty trick. I wonder if it was one of the Smith's servants. I don't know. But I'm going to find out tonight, returned Mary Louise. Thank goodness we're going to the Royal to dinner, where we'll see everybody. Keep your eyes and ears open, Jane. As soon as the girls reached their cottage, they told Mrs. Gay the startling news about Cliff Hunter. She was as much distressed as they were over the announcement, for she had known the young man so long that he seemed almost like a son. And like the girls, she was positive of his innocence. Let's just get dressed early and go over to the hotel. Maybe we can find out something there, she suggested. That's just what we're hoping, replied Jane. And believe me, if we find that the Smith chauffeur is responsible or that sneaky Fraser, it wasn't Mr. Fraser can assure you, interrupted Mary Louise. He'll be losing money without the hunters and their friends. No. But maybe, maybe what? Nothing. No use of making guesses in the dark. We'll wait and see. The girls went into their room to dress. Mary Louise was surprised to see Jane take a simple white voile out of the closet. Why, Jane, we're going to the Royal Hotel to dine and dance. Don't you want to wear your pink drawer jet? Her chum shook her head. No, what's more appropriate for the way I feel tonight? I'm not in the party mood. Maybe I'd wear black if I had it. Mary Louise lowered her voice. Do you care that much about Cliff, Jane? She asked seriously. I don't know about that part of it, Mary Lou, but I do feel dreadfully. Cliff was always so carefree and happy, just like a child with his car tricks. And then for somebody to pounce down on him like that and carry him off without any chance to defend himself. Don't worry about that, Jane, interrupted Mary Louise. Don't forget that the hunters are rich and Mrs. Hunter will hire the best lawyer in the whole state of New York to defend him. Well, that's comforting, but just the same. It was a mean trick, and I'm going to miss Cliff dreadfully. By the way, where was David McCall today? I didn't see him in swimming. Mary Louise frowned. Neither did I, she muttered. Jane swung about sharply. Mary Lou, you think David sent that word, don't you? She demanded. I'm trying not to think so, responded her chum. But we'll find out tonight. The girls were ready in a few minutes, but they waited for Mrs. Gay and Freckles. They had expected to go across the river in the canoes, but Stuart Robinson stopped in to invite them to join their family in the motorboat so that there was a further delay. Instead of getting off early, the party did not leave until after six. Naturally, everybody talked of the arrest on the way over, but none of the Robinsons knew who was responsible for it. Stuart blamed it upon the Smith servants. When they reached the porch of the hotel, they found it deserted. Everybody ate early at the resort. The large dining room, with its pale yellow wall, its long-screen windows, and its snow-white tables was certainly a pleasant-looking place. The floors were off-polished hardwood, so that when the same tables were removed, the room was fine for dancing. The space was ample, too, for it was intended to accommodate a couple of hundred people at a meal. Tonight it looked fairly well-filled, with all the guests from Shadynook in addition to the regular diners. Mr. Fraser himself came up and found two tables for the gays and the Robinsons. The little men looked happy and confident tonight. Please, no doubt, that business was more flourishing. He stayed in the call here, Mr. Fraser, asked Jane abruptly. Yes, was the reply. He's sitting with the Smiths this evening. Mr. and Mrs. Smith arrived this afternoon. Thank you, answered Jane, without going to any explanation. Mary Louise smiled. Nothing like going right to the point, Jane, she remarked, when the hotel keeper had turned away. I mean to ask David point-blank. I hope I can make him ashamed of himself if he did cause Cliff's arrest. I'm afraid you can't do that, put in Mrs. Gay wisely. These self-righteous people who feel that it is their duty to tell on others. She stopped, wondering whether she was hurting Mary Louise's feelings by speaking thus about David McCall. But her daughter was scarcely listening. I think he'll come over to see us. Mrs. Gay concluded, as she gave her order to the waitress. With the Smiths. Mrs. Gay was correct in her surmise. When the Smiths had finished their dinner, they came straight to the gays' table. Mrs. Smith, a well-dressed woman of perhaps 35, though she looked much younger, put her hand on Mary Louise's arm. I can never thank you enough for saving my baby, Mary Louise, she said. Oh, my life, I'll be grateful to you. Mary Louise smiled. I'm thankful I was there in time, Mrs. Smith, she said. Ethel is such a darling. I wish we could do something for you, Mary Louise. Put in her husband. Can't you think of something you want? He was too well-bred to offer her a reward and money, the way old Miss Matty Grant at Dark Seeders had done. All I want is to find out who really did start that fire at your house, replied the girl. Because I'm sure Cliff Hunter didn't. She was staring past Mrs. Smith right at David McCall as she said this, with scorn in her eyes. Jane couldn't keep quiet any longer. She turned angrily to the young man. Are you responsible for Cliff's arrest, David McCall? She demanded. I am, he stated calmly. I did it to protect our insurance company. It just happens that our company holds most of the insurance up here at Shady Nuke. And they've paid enough already, or will pay. So I don't want any more fires. It's my duty to protect their interests. Oh yeah? retorted Jane, hot with fury. Well you're not doing it. Cliff Hunter never started those fires, and you'll find out soon he is innocent. How? demanded David. There'll be another fire, just the same. We haven't got the guilty person yet. I know it. Mrs. Gay shuddered. Oh, I hope not, she exclaimed. But I believe we'll go home tomorrow. We're planning to stay on here at the Royal while we see about repairing the damage, said Mrs. Smith. But if it isn't safe... I guess the hotel's safe enough. Put in her husband. It's practically fireproof. David turned unschallantly to Mary Louise. Will you dance with me after supper, Mary Lou? He asked. It's my last night here. I'm going to Albany tomorrow. I don't believe I care to dance, replied the girl icily, to Jane's infinite delight. Jane and I are going to stay with mother this evening. The party moved on, and Jane reached for her chum's hand under the table. That's telling him, she murmured in deep satisfaction. End of Chapter 9. Recording by Mary Escano. Chapter 10 of The Mystery of the Fires by Edith Lavelle. The slipperbox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Mary Escano. The visit with Rebecca. The following morning, Mrs. Gay relented from her decision to pack up the family's things and go home immediately. It was such a perfect day. The river sparkled beautifully in the sunlight. The birds sang sweetly in the trees beside the cottage, and her children seemed happy. Yes, it would be absurd to run away from all this beauty. Mary Louise was overjoyed at her mother's decision. Immediately she began to make important plans for the day. She would go over to Adam's farm and find out where Rebecca was. If necessary, she could have the boys trail her during the day, in case the crazy woman might be planning another fire for tonight. Then she would call on the ditmars and make it a point to talk to the man himself. Maybe she'd run over to Eberard's store at Four Corners, later in the afternoon, just to check up on his business. Oh, it promised to be an interesting day for Mary Louise. Where will the wild guys of the road be today? she asked her brother at breakfast. Over at our cabin, I guess. replied Freckles. Why? I may want to call on you for some sleuthing, explained Mary Louise. I am a little suspicious about Rebecca Adams. That queer-looking woman you boys saw the night flicks in burned down. Remember her? Sure I do. Nobody'd forget a scarecrow like that. Well, you stay around here, where I can get hold of you while I drive over to Adam's farm right after breakfast. If I can locate her, I'd like you boys to keep your eyes on her all day. Freckles' face lighted up with excitement. You can call on us, sis. He assured her. Thanks a lot. Now, you help Mother with the dishes, and I'll run along. Wanna come with me, Jane? Yes, I do, replied her chum. I'm really interested in the mystery of the fires. I admit now that they couldn't all be accidents. And you'd kind of like to prove Cliff Hunter is innocent, wouldn't you, Jane? teased Freckles. Naturally, who wouldn't? was the retort. Mary Louise backed the car out of the garage and followed the same road she and David McCall had taken on their first visit to Adam's farm. She drove very cautiously now. Almost as if she expected Rebecca Adams to dart out again from the bushes into the path of her car. But nothing happened, and the girls reached the top of the hill in safety. An old man was sitting out on the porch, with one leg propped up on a chair. A young man was standing on the steps, talking to him. He was a big fellow in overalls. Mary Louise remembered seeing him at Flicks the day after the fire. He must be Hattie's brother, Tom. The girls left the car at the fence and approached timidly, not quite sure how they would be received. Good morning, began Jane briskly, to hide her nervousness. Is Hattie home today? The old man looked questioningly at his son. Have you seen her since breakfast, Tom? He inquired. Yeah, replied the young man. She's still in the kitchen, or else upstairs with Rebecca. Well, I'll be moving on, dad. I'll be away all afternoon. The old man'll have to look after things. Where are you going? Four corners. What for? Tom shrugged his shoulders. He wasn't going to tell his business in front of strangers, Mary Louise decided. Then he shuffled off. See that you get back in time for the milking. What's his father's command? And stop around at the back now and call to Hattie. Tell her she's got visitors. Mary Louise and Jane sat down on the step and waited. Too bad about that fire, not before last. Remarked the old man. Lucky thing they saved that little girl. It was Mary Louise who did that, announced Jane proudly, nodding towards her chum. Hmm. You don't say. Returned Mr. Adams. Well, I reckon girls are braving boys nowadays. My head needs a good girl too. Can't say anything to get her. Oh yes, everybody likes Hattie, agreed Mary Louise instantly. She wished that she could ask Mr. Adams about his other daughter, Rebecca. But she didn't know just how to begin. Jane however came bluntly to the point, as usual. Mr. Adams, she said. May I ask a question? You wouldn't mind if it was something about your family? The old man grinned. I know what it is, Miss. It's about my daughter Rebecca, ain't it? Yes, go ahead. I ain't sensitive about her. We ought to be used to her by now. That's right, agreed Jane. Do you think she could be starting the fires? Do you know, she warned Mary Louise, the day before yesterday there would be another fire. And of course there was. And then she came to our tent that night, and wakened us up to tell us that the Smith's house was on fire. Mr. Adams nodded. I can't believe that. But I don't think Rebecca would ever say anything on fire. She's afraid of him. She won't even like the stove or do any cooking for that very reason. Many's the time she's come in with a pitcher of water and poured it right on the coals and the stove. It's that gravity if you're ready to get dinner. Haiti and me have both slapped her for doing it, but she keeps right on. No, I don't see how we could lay the blame on poor old Rebecca. I'm glad to hear you say that, said Mary Louise. She seems like such a happy, harmless creature that it would be a shame to shut her up somewhere or accuse her of a crime. Didn't you say she is home now? inquired Jane. She's upstairs in bed with a short throat, replied Mr. Adams. That's why Haiti's staying around, and because my room isn't sped again, otherwise I reckon she'd be over to the royal trying to get work. She was sore to lose her job at Flakes. Yes, she told us. The girl herself appeared in the doorway. Oh, hello girls, she exclaimed. Glad to see you. Come on into the kitchen. I'm fixing some broth for Rebecca. She's upstairs sick. The two girls entered the old farmhouse and followed Haiti through the hall back into the old-fashioned kitchen. It was a large room with several chairs near the windows, and Mary Louise and Jane sat down. I'm going to be frank with you, Haiti, began Mary Louise, and tell you why we've come. You've heard, I suppose, that they arrested Cliff Hunter in the charge of burning three houses, and Jane and I believe he's innocent, so we want to find out who really is responsible. We thought there might just be a chance that it was Rebecca. I don't blame you for thinking that, agreed the girl, but I'm sure she couldn't be guilty of that particular thing. She's crazy enough to do it. Only she's scared of fires. Yes, so your father said, but she must know something, or how could she predict when they're going to occur? She's always predicting them, laughed Haiti, even when there aren't any. And sometimes, when it's just a fire to toast marshmallows, she gets all excited and swear it's the wrath of heaven descending on shady nuke. She came and warned us about the smiths. Put in Jane. She probably saw the flames. Sometimes she gets up in the middle of the night and goes out with her picture. She's probably wandering around that night. I guess that's how she caught her sore throat. Mary Louise nodded. Could we go upstairs and see her when you take up her broth? She inquired. Sure, but I'm afraid you won't get much sense out of her today. He has a slight fever and her mind's wandering a lot. Nevertheless, the girls followed Haiti up the carpeted staircase to a room on the second floor. The blinds at the windows were pulled down, but they could see Rebecca's face, surrounded by its tangled gray curls on the pillow. She was muttering to herself when they entered the room. Here's some chicken broth for you, Rebecca, said Haiti cheerfully, and a couple of visitors. The woman stared at the girls blankly and then shook her head. Don't know them, she remarked. Of course you do, insisted Haiti, pulling up the window shade. These are the girls who saved the little child at the smith fire the other night. Rebecca sat up and peered at them. Suddenly, a smile broke over her face. Yes, oh yes, she exclaimed. I do remember. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are wicked people, traveling off and leaving their children alone, and the Lord sent a fire to punish them. But I put the fire out with my well water, and these girls saved the baby. Yes, yes, I remember. Haiti straightened her sister's pillow and handed her the tray. Get me my well water, commanded the woman, indicating the familiar picture which she always carried with her about the countryside. Can't you tell us where you were when that fire started? asked Mary Louise. Didn't you go to bed that night? The woman sipped her broth slowly. No, I didn't, she said finally. I was sitting on the porch till Tom come home. About midnight, I guess you call it. And then it seemed as if I could see smoke over at Shadynook. We're high up here on the hill. We can look down on the wickedness of you people in the valley. Jane suppressed a giggle. Without noticing it, Rebecca continued. So I picked up my picture and ran down the hill to Shadynook to warn the people. I saw Smith's house burning then. And then I heard folks shouting. So I run along and tried all the doors at Shadynook. All of them was locked. I looked in that tent and found you girls sleeping and gave you the warning. Apparently exhausted with the effort of eating and talking, she dropped over on her pillow asleep. Hattie picked up the tray and the girls followed her out of the room. I wish we could talk to your brother, remarked Mary Louise as they re-entered the kitchen. If he was out late that night, maybe he saw the fire start. Maybe he knows something. Maybe he wasn't out at all, laughed Hattie. He can't depend on what Rebecca says. For the most part, she's sensible. But sometimes she gets sadly muddled, especially about fires. That's the one subject in particular that she's tipped about. Well, I guess we better be going, Hattie, concluded Mary Louise. If we want to swim this morning, why don't you come over and go in with the crowd? Now that you haven't any job, we'd like to have you. Thanks, softly, returned the girl. But I've got to stay here. Tom's gone off in the Ford and I have to look after things. Dad can't even cook his lunch on the count of his aromatism. Where did your brother go? inquired Mary Louise. Four corners, I think. He likes to play cards over there. I'm afraid he gambles. Dad doesn't know about it. No sooner were the girls out of the gate than Jane asked her chum why she had shown any interest in Tom Addams' whereabouts. He don't suspect him, do you? She questioned. I suspect everybody. Returned the other girl laughingly. No, I really don't. She corrected. Because Tom Addams lost a job by flicks burning down. That wouldn't be so nice for him, especially if he likes to gamble with the money to pay his debts. But I just thought he might know something. If he really was out till after midnight the night before last, he might even be protecting somebody. So, I suppose we have to go to Four Corners this afternoon? sighed Jane. Not till after we call on the deadmars, replied Mary Louise. And a swim and a lunch come before that? End of Chapter 10. Recording by Mary Scano. Chapter 11 of The Mystery of the Fires by Edith Lavelle. The slipperbox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Mary Scano. Adelaide Deadmars' plan. There are four new young men at the Royal, announced Jane, and she set the table for lunch after their swim that morning. Who? How do you know? demanded Mary Louise. Suri told me. She said they used to come to Flix every summer for two weeks, vacation. So instead, they are staying one week at the Royal Hotel. I don't know their names. Her chum nodded. I know now. I can't think of their names either. But they'll probably come to me. They're Harrisburg people. But Jane, how can you take an interested man when your own boyfriend is in such trouble? Last night you seemed so sad. He can't be sad all the time, replied the other girl. It doesn't help Cliff any. Besides, I wasn't engaged to him, so I can get a kick out of meeting new men. Can't you, Mary Lou? I don't believe I can at the present moment. I have too much else to think about. But what do you want me to do about them, Jane? Have a party and invite them over? Oh no, nothing like that. Sue asked me to come to her cottage this afternoon to meet them. She said to tell you to come along. In case she didn't see you to invite you herself. You go by yourself. Mary Louie said the plate of chicken salad on the table. It does look good, doesn't it? She remarked. If I do say it myself. Yum, yum! agreed Jane. But what makes you think you don't want to go over to the Reeds with me? Because I have other plans for this afternoon. The mystery of the fires! cried Jane, rolling her eyes. Oh, Mary Lou, forget for a while and have some fun. No, I can't. I've got to have a talk with the did-mars. You better stay away from them. Why, Jane? You never can tell what that man might do if he got desperate. Nevertheless, Mary Louie's was firm in her resolution not to join the young people. And she was thankful that she had stayed home. For no sooner had Jane gone to the Reeds and her mother to the Partridges than Mrs. Ditmar herself came to the gay bungalow. Oh, Mary Louie, I'm so glad to find you alone, exclaimed the young woman. Have you any engagement? Or can I talk to you for a while? I haven't the thing to do but knit, replied Mary Louie, smiling to herself. Jane has gone over to the Reeds to dance, but I was sort of tired, so I thought I'd just take it easy. And I'll be delighted to have you, Adelaide. She addressed Mrs. Ditmar by her first name. For though she had a prefix of Mrs., she was, after all, hardly more than a girl. And Mary Louie's wanted to make her feel at home. Oh, thank you, replied the visitor, sinking into a chair with a sigh of contentment. You see, I haven't any friends up here at Shadynook, she explained. Nothing's turned out right. I thought Horace and I would have a lovely time with the young people, belong to the crowd and have lots of fun. But everybody avoids us. It's all Horace's fault, of course, for people were friendly at first. But when you repeatedly turn down invitations and are grouchy when you do go anywhere, naturally, nobody invites you again. It's a wicked shame. For you, I mean, exclaim Mary Louie's. And yet, I can't blame Horace entirely. It's circumstances, nothing turned out right, she repeated. Tell me how you happened to come here, Adelaide, urged Mary Louie's. She wanted to hear the story from the girl's own lips to see whether it coincided with Cliff Hunter's. Well, Horace is an architect, you know, began Adelaide. And he did some work for Mr. Hunter last fall, just before we were married and before Mr. Hunter died. Mr. Hunter was so pleased with it that he gave Horace a little piece of land up here as an extra bonus to build a cottage for ourselves. And he got Mr. Robinson to let him design his too. We got married, and everything went fine until Mr. Hunter died. Then Horace didn't have much work. But Mr. Hunter had indicated that it would be good business for us to live up here during the summer and meet wealthy people. Some of us are far from wealthy, put in Mary Louie's. We didn't know that. We judged everybody to be like the Hunters. Besides, Mr. Hunter said that he owned a lot more land around Shadynook, and as he sold it off in lots, he'd see that Horace got the contracts to design the new cottages. We came up early in the spring, and Horace enjoyed designing our bungalow and the Robinsons. We had enough money left to see us through the summer, but no prospects for the fall. Unless something unexpected turned up, then Horace began to worry. Naturally, we thought Mrs. Hunter would be nice to us, but she was horrible, just icy. I really think she believes Horace started that fire just to get the contract to build her a new cottage. Mary Louie's flushed. It was amazing to have Adelaide Dietmar calmly state the suspicion which was being whispered behind her back. It almost proved her husband's innocence, she thought. Evidently, Adelaide did not notice Mary Louie's embarrassment, for she continued her recital in the same tone of voice. I hate to tell you so much of my troubles, Mary Louie's, she said. But there's a reason for it. I have a plan, and I thought maybe you'd help me carry it out. You're so popular that anything you took a hand in would be sure to be a success. Popular? repeated Mary Louie's amazement. Even if she were, she wondered how popularity could help solve Adelaide Dietmar's worries. I want to make some money to help Horace, and I think I see a way. Before I was married, I took a course in home economics, and I was assistant director of a YWCA dining room. So you see, I really do know something about food. Still, Mary Louie did not see what on earth she was driving at. So, I'd like to start a dining room here at Shadynook, now that the inn has been destroyed. No borders, like flicks, but just lunch and dinner service. I believe we could do it by using our living room and dining room and porch. That young Adams man, Tom I believe his name is, could knock together some benches and tables for us, and we could gather up enough dishes, I think. Would you go into it with me, Mary Louie's? Mary Louie's was startled by the suggestion. What an idea, yet she could not help admiring Adelaide's courage. You really are serious? She asked. It would mean an awful lot of work. Oh, I know that, but I don't have enough to do now. Yes, I've thought it all out. We could hire Hattie Adams to wash dishes, and I could cook, and you and Jane could wait on the tables. Would you, Mary Louie's? I don't know, replied the other hesitantly. Maybe if mother's willing. Does your husband approve Adelaide? Oh yes, he's keen about it. He has promised to do anything he can to help me, buy all our supplies for us, and keep accounts, and even take turn in washing dishes if we need him. Oh, Mary Louie's, please. Adelaide seized her hand excitedly, and Mary Louie's could not bear to refuse point-blank. Mr. Fraser wouldn't like it, she said. Who cares about that old stiff? Returned the other girl. He has no business to charge such terrible prices. I'll bet the people of Shadynook will be glad to get out of paying them. Still, Mary Louie's hesitated. Was this plan just another proof of the Dittmar's guilt in the burning of the cottages? No, that didn't seem possible. Whatever crime Horace Dittmar might commit, Mary Louie's felt sure that his charming wife could have no part in it, and she longed dreadfully to help her out. I'll talk it over with mother and Jane, she finally agreed, and let you know tonight after supper. Will you be home then? Yes, indeed. Horace and I will be waiting for you on the porch of our bungalow. And now I must go, Mary Louie's, and talk over the plans with him. I'm really thrilled about it. He'll give us a new interest in life. Oh, I do hope you'll decide to help me. And pressing Mary Louie's hand affectionately, she darted off down the steps. For a long time, Mary Louie sat still, her knitting lying forgotten in her lap, while she thought over Adelaide's startling proposition. Maybe it was the best thing in the world that could have happened. Perhaps fate was playing right into her hands. The opportunity to know and to watch Horace Dittmar would be perfect if he really were guilty. She surely ought to be able to find it out upon such close association. But, on the other hand, the work would take a great deal of time. Time for recreation. Time from following up other clues that might transpire concerning other suspects. Her mother would probably disapprove. And no doubt Jane would object. Well, she wouldn't insist upon Jane's helping her. No doubt. Mabel Reed would jump at the chance of making some extra money, for she expected to earn her own way through college. She'd give it a try. She finally decided as she folded up her knitting and put it back into her bag. Now, she must turn her attention to other matters. She wanted to drive over to four corners and ask the storekeeper some questions about Tom Adams, and possibly have a talk with the young man himself. She wished she had kept freckles with her, even though she didn't need him to trail Rebecca Adams. With Jane over at the Reed's, she didn't have to drive to four corners alone. But after all, it wasn't much of a trip. Only four or five miles at the most. She found the list of needed groceries on a pad in the kitchen, which her mother kept for that very purpose, and took her own pocketbook. Twenty minutes later, she drew up at the entrance to the store. As Jane had remarked, Eberd's looked like anything but a grocery store. It was an old-fashioned country house, with a wide front porch, and although Mary Louise had never noticed it before, there was a screened-in porch around at the side, partially hidden by a huge elm tree. As she locked her car, she heard voices from this porch, men's voices, and the remark which one of them made cost her to listen in astonishment. I'm sick of your card tricks, Tom Adams! He snared. Think you'll make me forget them hundred bears, Eoby? Well, I ain't a-goin' and forget it. You pay me by tonight, or I'll... You what? Drilled Tom Adams in a voice which Mary Louise instantly recognized from having heard it that morning. Beat me up! His laugh was contemptuous. Evidently, the other fellow was a little man, Mary Louise decided. See that nobody ever plays another game with you, Tom Adams. That's what I'll do. A liar and a cheat. Hold on there. Interrupted the other. I'm a-goin' to pay you, Bill. Don't I always square up my debts? You always win. Returned his accuser. This is my first streak of luck in a year. I'm paying you tomorrow after I collect a little bill a guy owes me. A little bill? Who around here could owe you a hundred smackers? None of your business. A voice from the store interrupted this argument. Boys, boys! Not so much noise! Called the storekeeper. Mary Louise, realizing that she had been sitting in her car for several minutes, got out and went into the store. Quite a card party have out there, Mr. Everett. She remarked. The man's face flushed. Yeah, those boys are getting too old for that sort of thing. Let them play games there when there's nothing but kids. But now they're grown up and gets my store a bad look. Harmless, of course. But I reckon I better put a stop to it. Not so harmless if they gamble to the extent of owing each other hundred dollars, remarked Mary Louise shrewdly. Oh, you must be mistaken about that, Miss Gay. There is only their little joke. Nobody around here has a hundred dollars to throw away. Mary Louise smiled, and pretended not to have any further interest in the matter. Nor did she ask Mr. Everett any questions about Tom Adams. For it wasn't necessary. She had learned plenty about the young man for herself. She merely handed the storekeeper her list, paid her bill, and departed. So Tom Adams does card tricks. She muttered to herself as she started the car. With Cliff Hunter's cards, no doubt, she smiled with satisfaction. She'd write that fact, Cliff, tonight. But who, she asked herself, could be paying Tom Adams a hundred dollars? And for what? Surely not for the odd jobs he did for the people of Shadynook, or for Fraser at the Royal Hotel? At last she believed she was on the right trail in solving the mystery of the fires. Recording by Mary Scano Getting Business No one was at home when Mary Louise returned from her visit to the store at Four Corners. What a splendid chance it was to write to Clifford Hunter to tell him about Tom Adams' card tricks. With this piece of evidence, a clever lawyer ought to be able to clear Cliff of all suspicion. Tom Adams probably left that pack of cards at the smiths deliberately, she wrote. I feel almost positive now that he is the person who is starting the fires. He had the opportunity. Each time one occurred, he was nowhere to be found. I think he's doing it at somebody else's orders, for some of money. But I can't find out who is paying him, and I feel rather certain it isn't his father. I intend to watch Tom Adams like a hawk for the next 24 hours, and as soon as I can find out who is responsible, I'll ward the police. But in the meantime, Cliff, I think you ought to be freed, and I wish you and your lawyer would come back to Shadynook. She signed and sealed the letter, and took it immediately to the box at the entrance to Shadynook, where the rural postman collected mail each day. Then, feeling that the fine piece of work had been accomplished, she put away the groceries and started the evening meal. But Mary Louise made no mention of her suspicions to the family that evening, nor did she say anything about her letter to Cliff. She'd tell Jane later, when they were alone, for there was no need of bringing up the subject of the fires again in front of her mother. If Cliff did return, it would be a pleasant surprise for Mrs. Gay and the other inhabitants of Shadynook. Mary Louise's own regret would be David McCall's absence. She would love to have the pleasure of saying, I told you so, to that cop-sure youth. There was plenty to talk about at the supper table that evening, without bringing up the mystery of the fires. Jane had to tell all about the new young men she had met and the fun they had over at the Reeds. She thought it was a crime for Mary Louise to have missed it all. But I had to call her and answer Chum. In a different way, my afternoon was just as thrilling as yours. You don't mean David McCall, do you? snapped Jane. Oh no, he's gone home. No, not the man. A girl, Adelaide Dittmar. Adelaide Dittmar? What in the world did she want? I'll tell you, replied Mary Louise. And you must listen to mother, for I want your advice. And she proceeded to outline the proposition which the young woman had made to her. I want to go into it, she concluded. I think it means everything to Adelaide. Lots of people have been poorer than the Dittmars at one time or another. But I don't believe anybody has ever been more desperate. Jane frowned. I don't see why we have to give up our vacation and work hard just because a married couple can't get on. She objected. You don't have to, replied Mary Louise. But it happens I want to. And I think Mabel Reed will be keen to help. If you don't want the job, Jane. So, if you don't mind, I'll run right over there after supper. Of course I don't mind, laughed Jane. Anybody that's ambitious has a right to work. But you better wait a while, Mary Lou. The Reeds may be over at the hotel, eating their dinner. No, they're not, put in Mrs. Gay. Mrs. Reed told me herself that they couldn't afford to go over there oftener than once a week with all that family. You don't mind my doing it, mother, inquired Mary Louise. No dear, provided you don't get too tired. But if you do, you can easily stop. Will you promise me that? Of course I will, mother. Agreed the girl, and she started to gather up the dishes. Stop that, protested Jane. I may not be ambitious, but I'm not going to let you get the supper and wash the dishes both. Freckles and I are clearing up tonight. You run along, Mary Lou. Suits me, agreed her chum, as she hurried off to the Reeds' cottage. Mabel Reed listened to the proposition with delight, and immediately consented to help. Let's go right around Shadynook now, she suggested, and get the people to sign up for the meals. Then we'll have something definite to take to Adelaide. You are a businesswoman, Mabel, exclaimed Mary Louise admirably. But we'd have to quote prices, wouldn't we? Make it the same as Flicks used to be. Forty cents for lunch and sixty for dinner. The royal charges a dollar for lunch and a dollar and a half for dinner. So everybody would save a dollar and a half a day by eating with us. Frazier's going to hate us, remarked Mary Louise. Of course he is, but who cares? He'll huff and he'll puff, muttered Mary Louise half to herself. Well, come on, let's go. I've got a pencil and paper. You always have a pencil and paper with you, Is that because you expect to become a writer? No, I don't believe I'll ever be a writer, Mabel. I'd rather do things than write about them. She wish you might tell the other girl what she had accomplished earlier in the summer at Dark Seeders with the help of her notebook and pencil. But that would seem too much like bragging. Besides, the only way to succeed in life is to forget about the past and keep looking forward. Right then seven reads and four gays, said Mabel, and two did Mars. That makes 13 already. But four of those won't eat till the others are served, so we'll need only nine chairs so far. Now, let's see. Where shall we go first? Let's go right up the line of the cottages. Hunters is gone, of course, so we'll try the partridges. They have four in their family. Mrs. Partridge is a great friend of mother's, observed Merlewies. I think they will sign up. The two girls walked a quarter of a mile up the private road that went along beside the river, past the hunters' grounds, onto the pleasant five-room cottage that belonged to the partridges. As there were no young people in this family, Merlewies did not know them so well. But she felt sure that they would like the idea of having their meals on this side of the river. Mr. and Mrs. Partridge, and the two sisters who spent the summer with them, were just coming across the river in Mr. Fraser's launch when the girls reached the scene. The hotel keeper himself was running the motorboat. Merlewies smiled at them and waited until the launch had puffed off before she explained her plan. Mrs. Partridge was delighted. Of course, welcome. For our dinners. She agreed immediately. My husband is going back to the city except for weekends. And we three women would just as soon have a bite of lunch at home. But I hate this bothering with a boat every night for a dinner. Although Mr. Fraser has been most kind. Then, we can count on you three? Ask Merlewies in delight. Yes. And Mr. Partridge too on Saturdays and Sundays, added the woman. Merlewies marked down the names and the two girls continued on their way, pleased with their success. That's three more paying guests, she said. Totalling twelve. It's thrilling, exclaimed Mabel. It was even more thrilling to find the Robinson's just as enthusiastic about the plan, adding four more names to their list. That's all, sighed Mabel. Unless we go over to the royal and try to get the smiths. They wouldn't come, returned Merlewies, because they'd have nowhere to sleep. And besides, they don't care about the economy. They have piles of money. True. But I'll tell you whom we can get Merlewies. Those four Harrisburg boys, they can put up tents in the woods and eat at Digmars. They'll love it. And besides, it'll make it possible for them to stay at Shadynook a lot longer. Their money will go so much farther than it would at the royal. That's an idea, Mabel, cried Merlewies. And maybe they'd be willing to eat at the second table. So we shouldn't have to get extra chairs. The very thing. 16 chairs isn't so bad. I guess at Digmars have four. And we each have a card table set. I suppose the Robinson boys can knock together a bench and some chairs for a porch table. Adelaide Digmar suggested getting Tom Adams to do it. Then we'd have to pay him. No. I think we'd better ask the Robinson boys or Horace Digmar. The girls reached the bungalow and found the young couple waiting for them on the porch. Horace Digmar was a good-looking man of perhaps twenty-five. Not much older than David McCall. Merlewies thought. And Adelaide was scarcely twenty. They were a handsome pair. It was too bad if they weren't happy. Adelaide's eager blue eyes were gazing into Merlewies as if she could not wait for her answer. Maybell and I have decided to help you, Adelaide, announced Merlewies immediately. We just stop at all the bungalows to find out how many people we can get to promise to come to the meals. We have sixteen for dinners and thirteen for lunches. Besides all of us who will be working. Sixteen? Repeated the young woman in delight. Oh, Merlew, I knew everybody adored you. If I'd asked them myself, they'd all have refused. Now there. Remonstrated her husband with such an affectionate look at his wife that Merlewies was surprised. Maybe Horace Digmar was all right after all. The girl sat down on the porch and plunged right into the discussion of all the details of carrying out the plan. The young man was surprisingly helpful and resourceful. As Adelaide had said, he was keenly interested. He had not only promised to provide the needed tables and chairs, but he drew plans for placing them and for arranging the kitchen to utilize every bit of its space. He knew how to make homemade ice cream, he said, and he would drive over for all the supplies twice a week. In fact, he took so much of the work upon his own shoulders that the girls felt as if there was little for them to do in advance. They were too open for business day after tomorrow. And all we have to do is borrow some silverware and dishes, remarked Mabel as the girls rose to go, and engage Hattie Adams to wash them, added Adelaide. But I wish she wouldn't go home yet, girls. I was hoping we might play a little bridge. Her tone was wistful. Merlewies knew how eager she was to make friends. We'll be over tomorrow, but I think we ought to go now, because those Harrisburg boys are over at our bungalow, and I want to see whether I can't get to them to camp over here in the woods and take their meals with us. There are four of them. Good girl, approved Horace, go right after the business. So the girls said good night and hurried off, full of excitement over their new adventure. All the young people who had gathered at the reeds were enthusiastic too. They were tired of dressing up and going to the Royal Hotel and enjoyed the informal intimacy of a small boarding house like Flix. The four young men from Harrisburg were only too glad to adopt Mabel's suggestion and planned to borrow the tents and start camping out the same day that the dining room was too open. During the entire evening the mystery of the fires was not mentioned. Indeed, nobody thought of them until Jane and Mary Louise were alone again. Getting ready for a bed. Then the former referred to them casually. I guess you won't have time to solve for any more mysteries now, Mary Lou. She remarked with this dining room on your hands. On the contrary, returned her companion. That is just the reason why I wanted to go into the thing. I was anxious to get to know Horace did more better and I'm practically convinced that he had nothing to do with the fires. Then who? inquired Jane. Rebecca Adams? No, not Rebecca. But I did get the new clue this afternoon, Jane. I learned something that made me suspicious about her brother Tom. Tom Adams? Why, Mary Lou, I thought you dismissed him long ago when we learned that the Adams family are losing jobs by these fires. Yes, I know. But there's something we don't understand yet. Anyhow, Tom Adams does card tricks. Card tricks? Yes. He probably learned them from Cliff and maybe swiped his cards to do them. Jane's eyes opened wide with understanding. That pack of cards hit the smith fire. She cried. Mary Louise nodded. Exactly. That's just what I've been thinking. So I wrote to Cliff this afternoon and told him about it. Jane threw her arms around her friend and hugged her. You are wonderful, Mary Lou. But... But... Can you prove anything? Not yet. But I mean to watch Tom Adams and see whether I can't learn some more. If he really is guilty and finds out that you suspect him, observed Jane. He'll take out his spite by setting fire to this bungalow. You better be careful, Mary Lou. I expect to be, was the reply. I'm looking for trouble. But she hardly expected it in the form in which it came the following day. End of Chapter 12 Recording by Mary Escano Chapter 13 of The Mystery of the Fires by Edith Lavelle The slipperbox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Mary Escano The Threat Is there anything I can do to help you people? Inquired Jane of Mary Louise the following morning at the breakfast table. Pair potatoes? Or something? No thanks, Jane. Return her chum. Jane, I would like to have you pull a load of dishes over to the ditmars for me, freckles, she added, turning to her brother in your wagon. OK, sis. Was a cheerful reply. They left soon after breakfast, promising to be back again in time for lunch. It was a beautiful day and Mary Louise was in high spirits, anxious to get everything arranged for the opening of the dining room this morning. Naturally, she expected Adelaide Dettemar to feel the same way. She was therefore taken aback when the young woman came to the door with a distressed expression on her face and actual tears in her eyes. That husband of hers has done something, Mary Louise thought resentfully. Oh, why can't he behave himself? Come in, Mary Louise. Invited Adelaide by pressing a sub. You too, freckles, if you can keep a secret. Of course I can, replied the boy proudly. They entered the charming little house and their hostess closed the door behind them. Then she reached into the pocket of her apron and took out the coarse piece of paper which she handed to Mary Louise. Read that, she said. Mary Louise held the paper in front of her so that her brother could see it at the same time. The message was printed in pencil and the words were misspelled. But there could be no mistaking its meaning. Close up your place right away, or expect fire. Mary Louise read it twice before she handed it back to Adelaide Dettemar. How did this come? She demanded. I found it under the back door. I saw the young woman in a horse whisper. But did you see anybody? No. When did you find it? Early this morning. About half past seven. Did you show it to your husband? Asked freckles. Not yet. Replied Adelaide. He's been so nervous, you know. And this work has just been wonderful for him. I can't bear to give it up. It means more than money to us. It means an occupation for horrors. Saving him from melancholia perhaps. Mary Lou, what can we do? Isn't there some policeman we can get to watch her house? Shady Nook never had one. Replied the other girl. I certainly do wish my dad were here. Your father? What could he do? He's a detective, explained Mary Louise. The best detective in the world! Added freckles. Oh, where is he? Sobbed Adelaide. Can't we send for him? I'm afraid not. He's out west somewhere on a case. No, I don't see what we can do except watch. Never leave the house. She turned to her brother. She ran the woods for suspects freckles and keep a hidden guard around the cottage. I'm going to look for Tom Adams. Something made me suspicious of him yesterday. Don't let him into the place, Adelaide. And you'll have to tell Horace because he will need to be on guard too. Especially at night. It's a work of a maniac, I'm sure, said Adelaide. Nobody else would want to burn down all these cottages? Of course. It may be, agreed Mayor Louise. But I don't believe it's Rebecca Adams who's doing it. She's sick in bed. Of course, she might be up and around by this time. But I don't think so. Anyway, I'm going over there this afternoon to engage Hattie for the job there and I'll make it a point to find out about Rebecca then. In the meantime, let's get on with our work. Michael's rushed off to round up his gang. Mayor Louise settled down to work. When Mabel Reed came over an hour later and Horace Didmore returned in the car with his purchase of supplies, they were both amazed at the progress which had been made. The little house had been transformed into a tea room. With trembling hands, Adelaide showed the threatening message to her husband. She chose a time when Mabel Reed was out of the room. For Mayor Louise had urged secrecy. No use frightening people away from the dining room. Horace Didmore did not appear to be alarmed. I think it's just a practical joke on the part of those Smith kids. He said or maybe those harassment boys. The best thing we can do is ignore it. I don't think we need to worry. And he smiled so confidently that Mayor Louise wondered for a moment whether Horace Didmore could have set those other cottages and fire himself. And because of this fact feel perfectly safe about his own? But no. That wasn't possible, she felt sure. She had the new clue now. Someone was objecting to the serving of meals to shady new people. The same person who had destroyed Flix Inn by fire. The only person who could possibly resent the project. It was Fraser, she thought. Fraser was guilty. The hotel keeper could not bear to lose his business. And he was bribing Tom Adams to start the fires. But how could Mayor Louise possibly prove this fact? However she said nothing of her suspicions to the Didmars or to Freckles. But she warned the boy not to mention the threat at home for fear of alarming her mother. So the gay family had the pleasant lunch that day. Little thinking of the danger that was lurking so terribly near. They talked happily of the opening of the dining room on the morrow and of their plans for that afternoon. We're all going to play tennis on the hotel court after lunch, announced Jane. The boy said they wanted to use it while they had the chance because they're going to put up their tents over here tomorrow morning. And Fraser will probably think about losing them that he'll refuse us all the use of the court. We've got a court of our own, observed Mayor Louise. Yes, but it's not so good as the Royals. Still, it won't do, agreed Jane. I don't suppose you'd have time to play with us this afternoon, would you, Mayor Lou? I don't know, replied her chum. I have to hunt up hattie Adams or we'll have to do all the dishwashing room. I'll paddle across the river with you. She may be working at the Royal Hotel. If she isn't, I'll have to come back and go see her at the farm. Oh, you certainly do like to work on a hot day, you're on Jane. After all, it's not nearly such hard work as tennis. With those strenuous boys, returned Mayor Louise. Well, if you do go to Adams farm, be sure to get back in time for a swim. Urge Jane. About an hour later the two girls put their tennis rackets into the canoe and paddled across the river. The tennis court was around behind the hotel away from the shore. Here they found half a dozen young people, four of whom were playing doubles. The two extra boys on the bench moved over and made room for Jane and Mayor Louise. They'll be through in a minute. Course 5-2 now, announced one of the young men. Then we four will have a set. I don't believe I had better play now, replied Mayor Louise. Because I have to go hunt up Hattie Adams. Who's she? A girl we want to get to wash dishes at our dining room. She may be working here now. Or perhaps I can find her brother. He happened to know Tom Adams, a fellow who does odd jobs around the boy nodded. Yes, I know the guy you mean, big brute with light hair. I think he's back in the garage now, fixing up Fraser's truck. Mayor Louise jumped to her feet. This was just the information she wanted. She would rather see Tom Adams than his sister, although she didn't actually want to talk to him, just to check up on his movements. Be back in a few minutes. She called and she disappeared through the clump of bushes behind the tennis court. In her sneakers she skipped along noiselessly, unconscious of the fact that an outsider might regard her actions as snooping. Yet, when she stopped just outside of the garage door because she heard men's voices inside, she realized then that she was really eavesdropping. Immediately she identified the voices as belonged to Mr. Fraser and Tom Adams. The latter was evidently changing attire on the truck. I tell you, I got to have that money tonight. Snarled Tom Adams. I owe a guy a hundred books and I need to rest myself. I can't pay it all now. Wine Fraser. I just haven't got it. I can let you have three hundred and rest when the job's finished. Oh yeah? Will the job ain't a good thing when I'll be finished till you cough up all the dough? Fraser's tone became more whining. Business isn't any too good. What would I have been without me to help? Retorted the younger man. Did I or did I not put money in your pocket? Oh, sure you did. And I'm willing to pay for it. There was a silence for a moment while Mary Louise waited breathlessly. She could not see the men's faces but she had no difficulty in following their conversation. She heard the rattling of paper money and knew that Fraser must be paying Tom something. Want to receive? Demanded Tom presently. Good Lord, no! cried the other. Nothing in writing, Tom. It might be used against us. Guess I can trust you. We've got to trust each other. Sneered the younger man. That's why I say he had no right to hold that on me. I'm doing the dirty work. Mary Louise felt she had heard enough. Everything was perfectly clear to her. The only thing required was to wire the Albany police. Forgetful of her own danger and her need for secrecy until her discovery could be announced. She ran across the front of the garage to the kitchen door of the hotel but not lightly enough. Both Fraser and Tom heard her and stepped out of the garage to see who she was. What do you want, Mary Louise? Demanded Fraser wondering whether or not she could have overheard their conversation. Lost a tennis ball? No, no. I'm looking for Hattie. Hattie Adams. Her voice was trembling. She did her best to make it sound unconcerned. Hattie doesn't work here, replied Mr. Fraser. Hasn't for a long time. What gave you that idea? I thought maybe she would after she lost her job with Flicks. Well, she doesn't. And I thank you to keep out of my kitchen and other places where you don't belong. Miss Mary Louise gay. Returned Fraser. Like all guilty people he was angry at the innocent and he glared at the girl with hate in his eyes. Oh, I'm sorry Mr. Fraser replied Mary Louise. Turning to Tom she asked is Hattie over at the farm? Reckon so. Reckon so. muttered the young man. Mary Louise turned about and went back to the tennis court. Another set was in progress. Jane was playing now and Mary Louise didn't like to interrupt the game. So she merely picked up her tennis racket and told the young people on the bench that she was going home. I'll have to take the canoe, she said. But I guess some of you people can see that Jane gets across the river in case I don't return in time. OK. agreed the boys. Mary Louise walked rapidly toward the river trying to formulate the plan as she went. But it was very difficult. Since there were no police at Shadynook and the only telephone anywhere near was at the Royal Hotel she didn't know how to proceed. There can be no doubt that Fraser and Tom Adams were guilty of starting the fires at Shadynook. But what were the first steps she should take in having them arrested? Whom should she inform first? Oh, if her father were only here to help her. They'll burn the ditmars down if I'm not quick, she thought. And they may do something to me because I think both men suspect that I overheard that conversation. Oh, what shall I do? She paddled across the river and tied the canoe to the dock. Then she went inside the bungalow debating whether or not to take her mother into her confidence. But that question was answered for her. Mrs Gay was not at home so there was no opportunity to tell her. Mary Louise sat down at the little desk in her bedroom and took out her notebook. While the conversation between the two men was fresh in her mind she'd write it down to the police when they arrived. Word for word, just as Fraser and Tom Adams had spoken. After she had finished that she sat still for a while, thinking. At last she decided upon a plan. I'll go to Adams first and make sure Hatty will be over tomorrow, she thought. Because I mustn't let Adelaide down. Then I'll drive on to the railroad station and ward the police in Albany. I'll send Mrs Hunter a telegram too so that she can help me out on the other end. She glanced at her costume, a red and white sports dress which she usually wore for tennis because of its short, full skirt. That would do. Although it was a little conspicuous easy for Tom Adams to identify in case he wanted to know what she was doing. She'd change her shoes however for she liked pumps better than sneakers. Ready at last, she went through the back door of the bungalow to the garage. But here she met with a disappointment she had not expected. The car was not there. Then she remembered. Her mother had promised to take Mrs Partridge and her sisters to a country fair that afternoon and would be gone until six o'clock. So there's nothing for me to do but walk. She concluded. Oh, if Cliff were only here so it could borrow his but if Cliff were here and his house had not been burned there would be no necessity of sending that wire. She started at once, cutting across a field and walking as fast as she could in spite of the heat for it was almost four o'clock now and she and Jane had promised her mother that they would prepare the supper. But Jane was a good scout, we thought. She'd go ahead just the same if she were alone so that part needn't worry her. The important thing was to get that telegram to Albany before anything disasters happened. Yet her fears were entirely for the Dytmars as she trudged up the Long Hill to the Adams Farm. Never once was she afraid for her own sake, not until her own horrible fate descended upon her with the suddenness of a clap of thunder. Then, and then only, did she realize what the risk she had taken by coming to this lonely place by herself, away from her friends, her family, everybody, alone with a cruel enemy and a crazy woman. For Meryl Louise Gay was forcibly prevented from going to the station that afternoon to send the wire to the police in Albany. End of Chapter 13 Recording by Mary Escano Chapter 14 of The Mystery of the Fires by Edith Lavelle The slipperbox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Mary Escano The Search Jane Patterson finished her tennis match and came back across the river in a canoe belonging to one of the boys just as Meryl Louise had suggested. Although she had hoped that her chum would turn in time for the afternoon swim, she was not surprised when Meryl Louise failed to appear. Adam's farm was farther off than you thought when you had to go the whole distance on foot. Jane remembered that Mrs. Gay had taken the car to the fair. She managed to find freckles in the water and asked him to come right back to the bungalow after the swim. Meryl Louise has gone to Adam's farm to see Hattie, she explained. She had to walk so she'd be all in when she gets back. Your mother will be tired too, so let's have supper ready, freckles. You can set the table and crack the ice for the tea. Okay, Jane, agreed the boy. I'll be with you as soon as I can dress. The two young people worked fast. At six o'clock, when Mrs. Gay drove back from the fair, she saw a meal on the table. It certainly smells good, girls. She exclaimed as she came through the kitchen door from the garage. Girls, nothing! retorted freckles. You mean girl and boy, mother. I did a lot of work for this meal. That's fine, dear, replied Mrs. Gay. But where's Meryl Louise? She went over to Adam's farm to see Hattie. And she hasn't come back yet. In all this heat? Oh, that's too bad. She should have waited till I got home with the car. I didn't know she was going. She wasn't sure of it herself. She was hoping to find Hattie over at the hotel. But evidently she didn't, for she didn't wait to play any tennis. Well, I guess she'll be along soon. remarked Mrs. Gay cheerfully. We'll keep a plate hot for her. But let's eat. We're all hungry. And this food is too good to spoil by drying up. The meal passed off pleasantly. Nobody thought of being worried by Meryl Louise's absence. But as the minutes went by and she did not come, freckles was the first to become anxious. For he remembered the threat to the ditmars on that coarse piece of paper that morning. And he knew that Meryl Louise was involved in that same business. When seven o'clock struck and still his sister had not put in an appearance, he suggested that his mother take the car and drive over to Adams. It's such a lonely road up to that farm. He explained that if Meryl Lou had sprained her ankle or hurt herself in the way, nobody might pass by for hours to give her help. Mrs. Gay was startled. It had not occurred to her that anything might have happened to her daughter. Meryl Louise was always so self-reliant and Shadynook was such a safe place. You two people go, said Jane. I'll stay here and wash the dishes. I want to squeeze some lemons because some of the bunch are coming over here tonight. If that's all right with you, Mrs. Gay. Certainly, it's all right there. And Meryl will be delighted too, I'm sure. Mrs. Gay backed the car out of the garage with freckles in the seat beside her and drove slowly up the dirt road which led to Adams' farm. The boy kept a sharp watch on both sides of the road to make sure that his sister was not lying helpless along the way. Twice his mother stopped the car and they both called Meryl Louise's name. But there was no response. She may just have stayed for supper with Hattie, remarked Mrs. Gay. And of course, since neither of us has a telephone, she couldn't let us know. She'd think we wouldn't worry so long as she got home before dark. Oh, sure, muttered the boy, but he was anxious. His mother didn't know what had happened that morning. Hattie stayed at last and got out of the car. Old Mr. Adams was sitting alone on the porch with one leg propped up on a chair. Good evening, Mr. Adams. Began Mrs. Gay. Is Meryl Louise here? I'm her mother. No, she ain't. Replied the old man taking the pipe out of his mouth. Has she been here? No, as I know Hattie and I have been to the fair all afternoon. If your daughter was here she must have turned right around and gone home again. Nobody was home all afternoon except poor Rebecca and she's sick of it. A feeling of alarm crept over Mrs. Gay. What could have happened to Meryl Louise? Was Tom home? Demanded freckles, remembering his sister's warning. Don't reckon so. He was working over to the hotel today after he helped our hard man this morning. Is he here now? Could we ask him? The old man shook his head. Tom packed up and left tonight right after Super. Hattie drove him down to the junction to catch the train. See, he's got a friend out somewhere who owns a ranch. So, Tom decided all for soon to go there. I tried to stop him for we needed him as I'm all crippled up with rheumatism at the time. But he wouldn't listen to me. Pig headed, that's what I call it. Freckles eyes opened wide with terror. It sounded as if Meryl Louise had been right in assuming Tom's guilt in connection with the fires at Shady Nuke. Running away proved it. But what had he done to Meryl Louise first? Could we talk to Rebecca? Inquired Mrs. Gay. Sure. Agreed Mr. Adams. But it probably won't do no good. She can't remember things straight, you know. She might remember seeing Meryl Louise if she had stopped in, replied Mrs. Gay. It's worth trying. Go right up. Said the old man. Room at the back of the house. You won't have no trouble finding it. Sure, you can't go with you. But my legs are pretty bad tonight. Oh, that's alright. Responded Mrs. Gay. I'll find a way by myself. You better stay here Freckles. The boy looked disappointed. He would have liked to take another look at that queer creature and size her up for himself. Maybe she had done something to Meryl Louise. But he sat down on the steps as his mother advised and waited patiently. Mrs. Gay hurried up to Rebecca's room and found the woman in bed as she had expected. With her tangled gray hair spread over the pillows she stared blankly at her visitor. I am Meryl Louise's mother, Rebecca. Announced Mrs. Gay. You remember Meryl Louise? The girl who saved the Smith baby in the fire. The woman nodded. Yes, I know Meryl Louise. She came to see me today. Got me a drink of water. It wasn't well water. But it tasted good. She's a fine girl. I like Meryl Louise. What time was she here? I don't know. I can't tell time. It's all the same to me. Except day and night. She was here in daytime. Mrs. Gay sighed. Where was she going after she left you? She asked. Did she happen to say? No. She didn't. I heard a car outside. I think it was a car. I think it was my brother Tom's. But I don't know if Meryl Louise had gone before that or not. I can't remember. Her voice trailed off as if she were half dreaming. She said she'd look for well water for me. Because I'm sick. She said she'd come again. Meryl Louise is a good girl. Mrs. Gay walked to the doorway. There was nothing more to be learned from Rebecca. She wasn't even sure that the woman knew what she was talking about. If only she could talk to the brother. But it was too late now. The only thing to do was to wait for Hatty to return from the junction and see whether she had any news. Rebecca says that Meryl Louise was here this afternoon. She told Mr. Adams and Freckles when she returned to the porch. I'm afraid that don't mean nothing. remarked the old man. Like it's not. Rebecca is confusing today with yesterday or even last week. She ain't got no memory at all. Do you think Hatty will be back soon? I reckon so. Sounds like the fourth out at the bottom of the hill. But she was away all afternoon. You recollect at the fair. I know. Agreed Mrs. Gay. But Rebecca seems to remember a car arriving about the time Meryl Louise left. And she thought it was your son's. So maybe he saw Meryl Louise and mentioned it to Hatty. Freckles heart stood still at these words. Tom Adams with a car. What had he done to Meryl Louise? But he did not say anything. He waited for Hatty Adams to drive her car into the garage. In another moment the girl appeared on the porch and nodded pleasantly to Mrs. Gay and Freckles. Where's Meryl Louise? She inquired immediately. That's just what we want to know. cried Freckles. She's lost. Did Tom say anything about seeing her? No, he didn't. He never mentioned her. Why? Mrs. Gay explained again what Rebecca had said. But Hatty was just as doubtful as her father had been about the racity of any of Rebecca's statements. I wouldn't go by that. She said. But Meryl Louise may be home by this time waiting for you. Don't worry till you find out. This sounds like a good advice. So Mrs. Gay and Freckles got into their car and drove as quickly as possible back to Shadynook. Jane, the Reed twins Stuart Robinson and the four new boys were all waiting anxiously on the Gay's porch. But Mrs. Gay knew immediately from their expressions that Meryl Louise had not returned. Get the boys together at once, Freckles. Commandance, Stuart Robinson. And we'll search the woods thoroughly. Two of you fellows paddle across to the island and the two more go over to the hotel and hunt around there. Meryl Louise may have sprained her ankle somewhere and be waiting for help. Mrs. Gay went inside the cottage into her bedroom and sat down, making a desperate effort to control her fears. Without thinking of all the dreadful stories she had read in the newspapers, stories of kidnapping and sudden death, oh, if only her husband were here. She picked up his last letter from the bureau. He was in Cleveland now and hoped to be with them soon. Soon! She must have him immediately. She remembered the promise she had given him when they said goodbye to send for him if she needed him. Yes, she would wire tonight. She'd paddle across the river to the hotel and send a telegram over the phone. Coming out of the door again she almost ran into Horace Ditmar with Freckles beside him. We're afraid this is serious, Mrs. Gay. He said. Freckles said, Meryl Louise, suspected Tom Adams of starting the fires at Shady Nuke and writing us a threat which we found under our door this morning and now your boy tells me that Tom Adams has run away so we're afraid that he may have done something to Meryl Louise. Oh, no! cried Mrs. Gay aghast. Oh, it just isn't possible. But it is, mother, said the boy and Mr. Ditmar thinks we should send for the police immediately. He'll go over to the hotel for now. Mrs. Gay sank unsteadily into a chair. For an instant she thought she was going to faint. But she made a desperate effort to control herself. She realized that she needed all her powers in this terrible emergency. Yes, go, Mr. Ditmar, she said and telegraphed to my husband at the same time. She scribbled a message on the envelope with Mr. Gay's address and handed it to the young man. Mr. Ditmar left immediately and Freckles brought his mother a glass of water. She drank it gratefully. Here comes Mrs. Reed. He announced cheerfully. Have her stay with you while I join the boy's mother. He said, bending down and kissing her. For I can't leave you alone. In these last two hours the boy had suddenly seemed to grow up. His mother realized the fact and in spite of her trouble she was grateful and proud. I'll be all right, dear. She replied. And you go along. Mary Lou knows your whistle better than anything else and if she is somewhere in the woods you should refine her. Go, dear. Freckles ran off and a systematic search of all the country around Shadynook with lanterns and flashlights and whistles interspersed by Freckles from the boys and girls. But as the darkness grew deeper and the silence of the woods more intense an increasing sense of alarm took hold of all the searchers. Joking and laughter ceased. The only singing that broke out was forced because someone thought it might help find Mary Louise. In vain. Midnight came and the various groups made their way back to Shadynook tired, hungry, and disheartened. Mrs. Gay and Mr. and Mrs. Reed and the three partridge women were all still sitting on the gay's porch hopefully waiting for news. But they knew from the slow silent manner of the young people's return that they had not been successful. Make us some coffee and we'll begin all over again. said Stuart Robinson Mary Lou must be somewhere. Mrs. Gay shook her head. No. I think you better all go to bed. The children must have their sleep. In the morning the police will come. Perhaps they will have some news for us. If only we hadn't let Tom Adams get away from us. Mothered tourists did more. We went back to Adams and got the old man out of bed and tried to learn Tom's address. But he said he didn't know it and I'm inclined to believe he was speaking the truth. Even in her half frenzied state Mrs. Gay looked at the young architect and thought what an admirable man he was. How anyone could have thought him guilty of any crime was more than she could understand. He was more helped to her in the crisis than anyone else. Except freckles. So accepting Mrs. Gay's advice the group dispersed to their own cottages intending to continue the search the following morning. End of Chapter 14 Recording by Mary Escano