“The old bridge had the last laugh.” Nancy’s clothes were thoroughly soaked and her hair was plastered tightly against her head. “Bess warned me I’d get into trouble if I insisted upon coming here,” she said to herself. She pulled herself out onto the slippery bank and sat there for a moment in the rain, trying to regain her breath. Before Nancy could battle her way to shore she found herself carried far beyond the place where the haunted bridge had stood. She was plunged forward into the turbulent waters of the swollen creek! The current was swift.

The underpinning had been torn awayl As the structure swung around, Nancy clutched the railing for support, but the decayed wood gave way. As Nancy reached midstream, it suddenly creaked. As the young sleuth hurried past, the spindly “ arms” entwined themselves about her. Haley’s lion,” she thought, “but what can be causing the other noises?” Nancy approached the sagging bridge where the old scarecrow, wet and tattered, was dancing wildly in the wind. Near the haunted bridge, Nancy was startled to hear the same moaning and groaning sounds which the girls had noticed on their other visits. Woods, the tree boughs crashed together overhead. “To tell the truth, I think we’ve been on the wrong track.” “ How do you mean?” “I doubt that Margaret Judson had anything to do “It was a worthless tip as usual.” He sighed. “Any luck on your lead, Dad?” she asked eagerly. She said good night to Ned and hastened to Mr. When they reached the hotel, Nancy learned from the desk clerk that her father had returned. Drew’s permission, she could not divulge them. It wasn’t there.” “Just as I suspected.” On the way to the hotel Nancy told Ned as much as she felt she should about the case which had brought her father to Deer Mountain HoteL Other facts in her possession were confidential.

Did you look to see if his name is listed?” “I did. Since he claims to be acquainted with so many well- known society people, he should be in the Social Register. I admit I didn’t hear what he said very clearly.” “Ned, I forgot to ask you about Barty. “ Could it have been Martin?” “It might have been. His most startling words were these: “‘Miss Margaret, I’m afraid the box was stolen - don’t cry-why don’t you marry Mark?’ “ Are you sure the name was Mark?” Nancy asked quickly.

Was being followed.” “No doubt.” “Ned, tell me about the man at the cabin.” “He seems about the same, Nancy, but he did talk a good deal.

Nancy drew the haunted bridge