The Scarlet Slipper Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page A

Parsons.
    Among them was a man who now turned and came down the steps. As he hurried toward a side door, Nancy looked at him in amazement.
    He was the man who had stopped her on the country road!
    As quickly as she could, Nancy ran across the back of the auditorium and down the last aisle toward the exit he had taken. When she reached the corridor, he was not in sight.
    A porter mopping the floor told her that a man had left through a nearby door. She dashed outside and up an alley to the street. But by the time Nancy reached it, the man had disappeared.
    For several minutes she watched the passing cars, hoping that the man might have parked and would drive by. But her hopes were in vain and in disappointment she returned to the auditorium and donned the leotard.
    Mrs. Parsons introduced her to the other players and told them that Nancy would take the part Millie Koff had planned to play.
    “I think we’ll go over that first,” Mrs. Parsons said.
    She explained that Nancy had been given the part only that morning, but she was sure she would do well. Nancy hoped so, and was not displeased with her performance, although she realized it could be improved.
    When her part in the rehearsal was over, she walked up to Mrs. Parsons and asked about the man who had been in the auditorium a short time before.
    “I don’t know his name,” Mrs. Parsons replied. “He came in here to ask about Helene Fontaine.”
    Mrs. Parsons explained that he was very eager to find the young dancing-school teacher and wanted her address.
    “Of course I couldn’t give it to him,” said Mrs. Parsons. “He acted as if he did not believe me and went off in a huff.”
    Nancy asked some of the performers who were standing around if they knew who he was, but no one did.
    “He must be a stranger in town,” Nancy decided, as she put her street clothes over her leotard and left the auditorium. “I wonder if he is really a friend of the Fontaines.”
    Nancy returned to the dancing school and learned from Mrs. Nickerson that everything had been going smoothly.
    “Nothing has happened in connection with the mystery,” she reported. “Nancy, I’m dreadfully sorry, but I’ll have to leave right away. I almost forgot an engagement I had made previously. It’s too late now to break it. Would you be able to take over for the rest of the afternoon?”
    “Oh, certainly,” said Nancy.
    “I’ll be in first thing tomorrow morning,” Mrs. Nickerson promised.
    Nancy thanked her and sat down at the receptionist’s desk. A few minutes after Mrs. Nickerson had gone, Bess arrived to teach a class of little girls.
    “Hello, Nancy,” she said. “Any news?”
    Nancy told her about the man at the auditorium. Bess shivered, and again warned Nancy to be careful.
    “Well, there’s one place I’m sure I’ll be safe,” said Nancy with a chuckle. “That’s right here in the dancing school. I’m going to stay the rest of the afternoon and evening.”
    Bess heaved a sigh. “You know, I’m scared silly to take this class. I’ve never taught dancing in my life.”
    Nancy tried to reassure her friend as Bess went into the dressing room. About twenty minutes later she peeked into the big room. The little ballerinas were paying strict attention. It was amusing to watch them try to imitate Bess.
    As Nancy returned to the desk, a woman hurried into the reception room. She was a coarse-looking person, wearing too much makeup and a strong, pungent perfume. She was dressed in a flowered red-and-green dress, and a red hat was perched on her disheveled reddish curls.
    “Where is Helene Fontaine?” the woman asked abruptly.
    “Miss Fontaine is not here right now,” Nancy replied.
    “I’m Mrs. Judson,” the woman said tartly. “Helene is a good friend of mine. I’ve heard she left town. The idea of her going without telling me! What’s her address?”
    “I’m afraid I can’t give it to you,” said Nancy.
    Mrs. Judson cried in a loud voice, “That’s