The Mystery at Lilac Inn Read Online Free PDF Page A

slowing down, the truck’s speed increased, as if to pass her. The curve was not wide enough for two cars to go side by side. On Nancy’s right was a deep ditch, filled with water.
    She had no choice but to start around the curve. To her horror, the other vehicle was already edging around her left fender. Nancy glimpsed a chrome eagle ornament on the truck’s hood.
    A split second later her convertible was forced over into the ditch!

CHAPTER V
    Blackout!
    As NANCY’S convertible leaned precariously, its right wheels in the ditch, the panel truck roared on around the bend and out of sight. Nancy braked her car to a stop, thankful it had not turned over.
    “That driver ought to have his license revoked!” she thought indignantly. She knew it would be difficult to get out of the muddy ditch. “Well, I’ll have a try,” she decided. “Here goes!”
    She tried to rock the car gently back and forth to gain momentum. The right tires spun crazily and sank lower into the mire.
    Nancy tried again. No use. She feared it might be some time before a car would come along in this deserted area. Finally she decided to search for some objects to force under the right wheels for traction.
    Just then, Nancy heard an automobile approaching. “Thank goodness!” she murmured a moment later. “A State Police car.”
    It drew up and parked at the side of the road. A young officer hopped out.
    “Having trouble, miss?” he asked. “Lieutenant Brice, Benton State Police Barracks,” he said pleasantly.
    Nancy introduced herself, then explained. He asked if she had noted the truck’s license plates. “No,” she replied, but described the truck and the chrome eagle ornament on its hood.
    Lieutenant Brice said that if he found the truck, he would see that the driver was brought to court,
    “I have a tow chain in my car. I’ll try to pull you out. Keep the engine in gear.”
    Five minutes later the convertible was out of the ditch. Nancy thanked the trooper for his help, then drove off.
    It was almost six o’clock when Nancy pulled into the Lilac Inn parking lot. She went at once to the patio, where the Willoughbys, Maud, Helen, and John were gathered.
    “I’m glad you could return in time for supper, Nancy,” said Mrs. Willoughby.
    The others plied the girl detective with questions about the Drews’ burglar. Nancy gave an account of her day’s experiences, concluding with the reckless truck driver.
    “Why, how terrible!” Emily exclaimed.
    “The nerve of someone impersonating you!” Helen bristled.
    Nancy smiled wryly. “I’d certainly like to know what the girl’s purpose is.”
    Abruptly, Maud changed the subject. To Emily she said, “I dropped into the Empire Employment Agency this morning. A waitress walked in to apply, so I told her to report here tomorrow for an interview. Her name is Jean Holmes.”
    “But I asked—” Emily broke off when Nancy gave her a warning look.
    Maud evidently did not notice this, and added sweetly, “I knew another waitress was needed here. I just wanted to make myself useful.”
    “I see. Thank you,” Emily said coolly.
    Later, after Maud had excused herself to dress for supper, Emily burst out, “Maud makes me so angry! Why doesn’t she tend to her own job!”
    “Don’t pick on her, dear!” Mrs. Willoughby retorted. “She’s had a hard enough time lately.” Rising, Emily’s aunt said she wanted to confer with Mr. Daly and went off.
    The four young people were left alone. Nancy asked Emily how Maud had been chosen as social director for Lilac Inn.
    “Aunt Hazel asked us to,” Emily replied. In a whisper she added, “I wish Maud would concentrate more on our recreational program. Nancy, why did you give me the high-sign?”
    Nancy told of having seen Maud enter the agency, and of being informed by the manager later that no one had inquired about a waitress.
    Emily sighed. “I’ll be so glad when Dick gets back. Especially if any more strange things happen around