Chapter V

Foiled

NANCY grabbed Ned’s arm and hurried after the suspects. An old woman stopped the gypsy couple and addressed the man as Anton and the woman as Nitaka.

“I think they might be the thieves who came to Mrs. Struthers’ in a black sedan! ” Nancy whispered to Ned. “If so, their car must be parked on the grounds and there might be some evidence in it. Want to see if you can find it? ”

“Sure thing. What’s the license number? ”

“I don’t know, Ned. But look for a new black sedan. I’ll wait here for you. I want to watch Anton and Nitaka.”

Ned slipped away quietly and Nancy followed the gypsy couple. Presently they stopped and she sauntered up to them and asked a question about the wedding ceremony. Anton gazed at her with hostile eyes and made a brief reply.

Nancy then brought up the subject of dolls. Instead of talking to her, Anton said something to Nitaka in the Romany language. The couple turned their backs and walked away.

A few minutes later Nancy spotted them talking confidentially to Zorus. As they left him, she caught the word “Drew.” They must be talking about her!

Ned returned to report he had found not one but three black sedans that would answer Nancy’s description. He also handed her a scrap of soiled paper.

“Found this on the ground near one of the cars, ” he explained. “It’s a receipt that may interest you.”

The paper read, “For one doll, $100—” The rest had been torn off, and the names of both buyer and seller were missing.

“This certainly does interest me! ” Nancy cried. “We must find the other part of the paper. Show me where you picked this up.”