The Hidden Window Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page B

mouths.”
    As he was speaking, Nancy caught sight of a magazine carelessly thrown behind one of the benches. The advertisement on the back was the same as that on the copy of Continental she had seen.
    Unnoticed by the others, she slid her foot under the bench and flipped the magazine over. It was the issue of the magazine that carried the story of the missing stained-glass window!
    Nancy was amazed. Surely Mr. Bradshaw must have seen the article. Why had he denied knowing about it?
    A sudden thought struck the young detective. Bradshaw might be searching for the window himself!

CHAPTER VI
    The Paint Clue
     
     
     
    NANCY wondered if Mr. Bradshaw knew where the peacock window was.
    Suddenly Bess realized that Nancy was not paying attention to the artist. Wondering why, she followed the other girl’s gaze and saw the magazine. Instantly she knew Nancy was suspicious. Bess also noticed that Mr. Bradshaw was looking in the young detective’s direction.
    To warn her friend, Bess said, “Isn’t this talk fascinating, Nancy? I had no idea that the art of making stained-glass windows was so intricate.”
    With a grateful smile at Bess, Nancy nodded and replied, “Yes, it’s extremely interesting. But to me, designing the picture would be the most intriguing part.”
    Mr. Bradshaw’s eyes lighted up. “I agree with you a hundred per cent, Miss Drew. And it is probably the most difficult part. Beginners rarely fashion a picture that can be used for a stained-glass window. It takes a great deal of practice to plan a design that will cut into pieces of the right shape.”
    Presently, not wanting to take any more of Mr. Bradshaw’s time, the girls told him how much they appreciated his courtesy and help and said good-by.
    As the girls drove off, Bess mentioned the Continental and asked Nancy if she thought Mr. Bradshaw knew more than he was willing to admit.
    “Yes, I do.”
    After hearing about the magazine, George remarked, “Well, I can’t blame him for wanting to win the reward himself.” Then she asked. “Nancy, did you learn anything that might help you find the window?”
    “Nothing in particular,” her friend answered. “But I have a hunch it’s in this area.”
    “Do you think Mr. Bradshaw knows where it is?” Bess questioned.
    “Probably not.”
    “Then it may still be a race,” said George enthusiastically. “And I hope you win!”
    At Seven Oaks the girls found Susan in the living room, studying picture pamphlets of various automobiles. She looked up and smiled.
    “What do you think?” she said, excited. “Cliff wants me to get a new car.”
    “You’re lucky,” Bess commented. “Have you decided what make?”
    Susan had not made up her mind and was waiting for the girls’ advice. “What kind do you all have?” she asked.
    Each of the three girls’ families had a different make, but both Bess and George declared that Nancy’s convertible was their favorite. “If you get one like hers, you’ll love it,” Bess added.
    Susan stood up and said impulsively, “I’ll do it. Come on down to the showroom with me and we’ll see what they have.”
    Within an hour they were back at Seven Oaks, with Susan driving her new convertible. George, who had ridden back with her, stepped from the light-green automobile.
    “Hypers, this is a record for buying a car!” she said, laughing.
    Nancy and Bess arrived in the station wagon just as Cliff came out to inspect the new purchase. He congratulated his wife on her fine selection, then said to Nancy, “While you stay here you’re welcome to use either of our cars. There’s only one condition attached.”
    “What’s that?”
    “You must solve at least one mystery.”
    Nancy laughed merrily, then asked Susan and Cliff how plans were coming for Garden Week.
    “Everything is about ready,” Cliff answered. “But the committee is disappointed that the owner of Cumberland Manor still refuses to open it to the public.”
    “I’m sorry I didn’t have