Тайна загадочной лестницы [with w_cat] | страница 24

[336] "Let's start with Miss Flora's room," Helen suggested.

[337] "That's a logical place," Nancy replied, and took the lead up the stairway.

[338] Every inch of the wall, which was paneled in maple halfway to the ceiling, was tapped. No hollow sound came from any section of it to indicate an open space behind. The bureau, dressing table, and bed were pulled away from the walls and Nancy carefully inspected every inch of the paneling for cracks or wide seams to indicate a concealed door.

[339] "Nothing yet," she announced, and then decided to inspect the sides of the fireplace.

[340] The paneled sides and brick front revealed nothing. Next, Nancy looked at the sides and rear of the stone interior. She could see nothing unusual, and the blackened stones did not look as if they had ever been disturbed.

[341] She closed the damper which Helen had left open, and then suggested that the searchers transfer to another room on the second floor. But no trace of any secret entrance to the mansion could be found.

[342] "I think we've had enough investigation for one day," Aunt Rosemary remarked.

[343] Nancy was about to say that she was not tired and would like to continue. But she realized that Mrs. Hayes had made this suggestion because her mother was once more showing signs of fatigue and strain.

[344] Helen, who also realized the situation, said, "Let's have an early supper. I'm starved I"

[345] "I am, too," Nancy replied, laughing gaily.

[346] The mood was contagious and soon Miss Flora seemed to have forgotten about her mansion being haunted. She sat in the kitchen while Aunt Rosemary and the girls cooked the meal.

[347] "Um, steak and French fried potatoes, fresh peas, and yummy floating island for dessert," said Helen. "I can hardly wait."

[348] "Fruit cup first," Aunt Rosemary announced, taking a bowl of fruit from the refrigerator.

[349] Soon the group was seated at the table. Tactfully steering the conversation away from the mystery, Nancy asked Miss Flora to tell the group about parties and dances which had been held in the mansion long ago.

[350] The elderly woman smiled in recollection. "I remember one story my husband told me of something that happened when he was a little boy," Miss Flora began. "His parents were holding a masquerade and he was supposed to be in bed fast asleep. His nurse had gone downstairs to talk to some of the servants. The music awakened my husband and he decided it would be great fun to join the guests.