The Second Girl Detective Megapack: 23 Classic Mystery Novels for Girls

by Julia K. Duncan

  “I’m glad,” Gale whispered.

  “If you will wait, Gale, it may not be for long, but I want to give you so many things. If you will wait for me—for a little while, Gale—”

  Gale listened to his words, her heart beating fast. It was true she was going to college, she wanted to finish growing up, to have a chance in the world, and with Brent working for the same goal as she— When she looked up there were actually tears in her eyes. “Oh, Brent,” she whispered, “I’ll wait—I’ll wait forever!”

  When they went back into the ballroom Gale’s eyes were a little brighter, her cheeks a little rosier, and her hand nestled cozily in Brent’s possessive grasp. Her friends noted these things and Valerie and Phyllis smiled knowingly. They fully appreciated how happy Gale must be and the minute they could, when they were alone in the dressing room preparing to leave and drive out to the country to a little place for waffles, they each kissed her.

  “Has it happened, Gale?” Phyllis asked.

  Gale blushed. “Nothing is to be said, but I’m so happy, Phyl!”

  “I’m glad,” Phyllis said, and she meant it.

  Gale and Brent were both favorites with the Adventure Girls. In the short time they had known him Brent had won a place beside Gale in their affections. They liked his ready smile, easy-going nature and sociability.

  The evening ended with Gale, Phyllis and Valerie with their three escorts, driving out into the country where they had hot chocolate and waffles, and then by a long, roundabout way, driving home in the moonlight.

  CHAPTER XX

  Strategy

  “For April showers may come your way,” Janet sang lustily as she tramped along through the warm June rain beside Carol and Gale.

  “Slightly off in your months, aren’t you?” Carol commented. “Methinks this is June.”

  “Ah, yes, ‘what is so fair as a day in June’?” Janet murmured. She squinted up at the dark clouds hanging overhead and at the heavy downpour coming therefrom. “I ask you, ‘what is so fair as a day in June’?”

  “June,” soliloquized Carol, “the month of roses, sweet scented breezes—and examinations!” she ended disgustedly.

  “What has come over you two?” Gale wanted to know. “Quoting poetry—even in the rain!”

  “Yes,” Carol grinned mischievously, “one might think we were in love instead of it being you who—”

  Gale frowned good-naturedly at her. “Instead of who?” she encouraged threateningly. She didn’t mind their teasing; by now she was used to it.

  “I was going to say—” Carol continued meekly.

  “Hi, book slaves,” Madge called, and swung into step beside them.

  “Ah, the light of the history class,” Janet greeted her. “I hear you were disgustingly brilliant in your examination this morning,” she accused the latest arrival.

  “As usual,” Madge said modestly.

  “And poor me,” Carol sighed, “I probably won’t sleep tonight for worrying about my test tomorrow morning.”

  “As if anything less than an earthquake could keep you awake!” Janet declared.

  “I understand that is what we are coming together for this afternoon,” Madge said, “to coach you.”

  “Much to my sorrow,” Carol declared. “You know I simply can’t learn anything when we are all together.”

  “Is that the only time?” Janet inquired daringly.

  There might have been serious results to her last question had not Madge supplied food for different thought.

  “How is it Phyllis is having us at her Aunt’s house?” Madge wanted to know, shifting her books from one arm to the other while she juggled her umbrella.

  “I think her Aunt is out of town for the day,” Gale answered.

  “I hope she is out of town,” Carol declared heartily. “I wouldn’t want to be present if she should come home and find us.”

  “If we get the chance, if her Aunt should surprise us, we must carry out our plans!” Janet insisted.

  “Hm,” Carol said unenthusiastically, despite the fact that in the very beginning the girls’ plan had originated with her.

  The four went on to the grey house on the top of the hill. There they discovered Valerie had already arrived and was attempting to draw some music from the old piano which was so very seldom used.

  “What a day!” Janet declared. “Even music. What would your Aunt say?”

  “Why do you have to remind us of what Miss Fields might say?” Carol asked irritably. “We want to enjoy ourselves.”

  “Not you, my fine young lady,” Janet declared, flinging Carol’s history book at her. “To work, for you!”

  For the rest of the afternoon the girls tried to impress on Carol the facts she would surely need for tomorrow’s examination, the final and biggest of the term. On it depended the result of her whole year’s work. They simply would not let her fail.

  “I’ll have a pony!” Carol said with sudden brilliancy.

  “You know very well you can’t take a horse into a classroom,” Janet said.

  “Silly,” Carol laughed. “A pony in this case is a little slip of paper with all the answers written on it.”

  “Uh huh,” Janet said, “and what happens if you lose the paper?”

  “I didn’t think of that.”

  “Besides, how do you know what questions are going to be asked? How can you tell which are the right answers to write down?” Madge added.

  “Forget I said anything,” Carol pleaded. “I’ll pass without the pony.”

  The girls really had a good time, and at dinnertime Carol had to admit that she did know a little more than when she had started.

  Phyllis suggested that they all stay and between them make their own dinner. The girls welcomed the suggestion albeit they were a little fearful of the sudden and unexpected return of Phyllis’ Aunt. However, Phyllis assured them Miss Fields wasn’t expected back until late in the evening. She was no more anxious than the rest of them to incur her Aunt’s wrath.

  For that one evening the house on the hill was lighted gaily, laughter and chatter echoed in the rooms usually so silent and the dining room was the scene of a festive, yet far from elaborate, dinner. The silver and glassware glittered in the light from the old-fashioned chandelier. The girls were delighted with the old patterned china and glassware.

  “It is a wonder your Aunt wouldn’t give a lot of parties just to show off the things she has,” declared Madge.

  Phyllis laughed but said nothing. She could never picture her Aunt as hostess to any party.

  After the simple meal the girls put together and washed the dishes, Gale doing the actual washing, Valerie and Phyllis drying while Madge, Janet and Carol carried them to the dining room and put them in the old-fashioned sideboard.

  It was upon one of the return trips to the kitchen for more dishes that Carol pushed the swinging door squarely into Madge, knocking the huge platter from her hand.

  “I’m dreadfully sorry!” Carol said in horror, gazing down at the smashed fragments of the dish.

  “That doesn’t help matters any,” Janet said with a frown. “Why don’t you be careful? We will probably get Phyllis in an awful mess now.”

  “It doesn’t matter really,” Phyllis said, knowing in her heart it mattered a great deal. She had no idea what her Aunt might do when she discovered the destruction of her favorite platter.

  While Gale assisted Phyllis in picking up the pieces the other girls returned to the dining room. There they waited for the other two while tracing the patterns of wood carving on the heavy oak furniture.

  Suddenly Carol, who had been standing at the old sideboard beside Janet, looked up and into the mirror over her head. She saw suddenly the figure of Phyllis’ Aunt in the doorway behind them. At first she almost dropped from fright, then quickly she gathered her wits together. She nudged Janet and from the look on her friend’s face judged Janet had already become aware of Miss Fields. Carol only hoped now that the woman did not know th
e girls were aware of her.

  “You know,” Carol said, trying to speak naturally, “since Phyllis can’t go with us to Briarhurst, suppose we go to Stonecliff with her.”

  Valerie and Madge looked at the other two swiftly, but taking their cue, nodded in agreement.

  In the mirror Carol saw Miss Fields draw back into the protecting shadows of the room beyond. She turned quite calmly about. Phyllis’ Aunt could not now be seen, but she was still listening, of that Carol was sure.

  “Yes,” she said, “I think it would be more fun to go with Phyllis than to break up our group, don’t you think so?”

  “Don’t we think what?” Phyllis asked, entering then with Gale.

  “We’ve been thinking,” Janet supplied, “that it would be nice if we went with you to Stonecliff since you can’t go with us to Briarhurst.”

  Phyllis stared at her friends in surprise. “But I thought—”

  “That we were set on Briarhurst?” Valerie put in. “One college is as good as another,” she shrugged convincingly.

  “But—” Phyllis began, and stopped. “Why this sudden decision?” she demanded.

  Carol was afraid she would spoil everything. “We just decided on it!” she said firmly. “Can’t we change our minds if we like?”

  “It will be nice being with you,” Phyllis sighed. “I—Aunt Melba!”

  “Phyllis, when your guests have gone I would like to speak to you. I will come to your room.”

  The girls were not slow in taking their leave after that. As Carol said, they didn’t need a second hint.

  When the door had closed behind her friends Phyllis leaned against it and for a moment considered dashing after them. Her heart was beating wildly. There had been something about her Aunt—Phyllis dreaded being alone with her. She knew there was punishment coming for daring to bring her friends into the house and then there was that prized platter! What form the punishment would take Phyllis did not know. Her Aunt did not use physical violence, instead she deprived Phyllis of something the girl wanted very much. Phyllis was glad the Prom was past. This would have been an excellent reason for her Aunt to refuse her permission to go. But now nothing could dispel the memory of the good time she had had that night.

  Slowly and thoughtfully she mounted the steps to her room. There was a glimmer of light beneath her Aunt’s door but not a sound came from within. In her own room Phyllis sat on the edge of the bed and waited. Two important thoughts leaped and surged through her mind. One was her Aunt’s anger and the other the Adventure Girls’ new announcement. She was glad that they were going to Stonecliff with her. It would not be so lonesome now.

  Suddenly the door knob turned and noiselessly the door opened. Phyllis stared at her Aunt standing on the threshold. A heavy frown was on the cold features. Phyllis thought instinctively of the broken platter. Now it would come! She got to her feet and stood waiting.

  “Phyllis—” her Aunt began.

  “I’m sorry I brought the girls here, Aunt Melba,” Phyllis interrupted. “I didn’t mean—”

  “Silence!” Her Aunt held up a peremptory hand. “We won’t discuss that. Recently you asked me to reconsider my decision to send you to Stonecliff. I have done so and have decided that perhaps you are right. Briarhurst may be the best for you.”

  Phyllis sat down abruptly upon the bed. “But now—” she began vaguely.

  “Briarhurst is the better college,” her Aunt said firmly. “You should be pleased. It was what you wanted. Good night.”

  The door closed behind her Aunt and Phyllis flung herself across the bed. What she wanted? Last week it was, but now—just when the other girls had made up their minds to go to Stonecliff? She, her Aunt, must have been listening tonight when the girls were talking about Stonecliff, Phyllis decided. It must have been then she decided to send her niece to the other college. Anything to break up the friendship between Phyllis and the other girls.

  Phyllis choked back her tears and went to the window. The rain had cleared away and in the faint moonlight Phyllis could see the houses in the valley below lighted and cozy. She thought of the other girls in homes that were gay and with lots of friends. Girls who did much as they pleased.

  Phyllis tried to remember her own mother and father but she could not. Her Aunt never referred to Phyllis’ parents and she gave the girl no opportunity to ask questions. But lately Phyllis had begun to wonder. She even doubted sometimes if her Aunt was really her Aunt. If she were really Miss Fields’ niece, wouldn’t the woman have a little affection for her? Wouldn’t she be a little kinder sometimes? Must she always be distant, always cold, always a total stranger?

  Phyllis decided to give up thinking anything tonight and go to bed. She felt very young and friendless as she climbed into bed and lay staring up into the darkness. Yet a moment later she chided herself sternly. She had friends, all the Adventure Girls and others. She supposed her Aunt did love her in her way or else she wouldn’t be sending her to college at all. Yes, she told herself, she did have friends. Hadn’t the Adventure Girls decided to go to Stonecliff because she was to go there? Yes, but now she wasn’t going there. She would have to see if she could change her Aunt’s mind back again. Everything was terribly mixed up!

  CHAPTER XXI

  Castaways

  The next day was the last day of examinations. It marked the end of all their four high school years. Carol did her best in history class and she had the secret conviction when the bell dismissed them that she had done pretty well. Of course she wouldn’t know until their papers were marked, but she was sure she had passed. The other girls, too, were pretty confident now of having no more difficulties with high school studies.

  “If you hadn’t been so patient I wouldn’t have passed,” Gale declared to Miss Relso that afternoon when she was the last one to leave the English class.

  “I’m glad you passed, Gale,” the teacher said, “and I want to wish you lots of success in college.”

  “I’ll probably need a lot of good wishes,” Gale confessed. “I know college will be more difficult than high school has been.”

  “If you do your work as you have done here you won’t have any trouble,” Miss Relso assured her. “To what college are you going, Gale?”

  “Briarhurst,” Gale said.

  “Indeed!” Miss Relso murmured in a pleased tone; she had graduated from there.

  Gale greeted this news eagerly. “Then perhaps you can help me,” she said. “The girls and I want to make arrangements for our rooms, but we don’t know the dormitories or anything. Or will all that be taken care of for us? Will the registrar assign our dormitories?”

  “It would be nice if you could get into the Omega Chi Sorority house,” the teacher mused.

  “Is that your sorority?” Gale asked, indicating the pin the teacher wore.

  It seemed at that Gale struck a responsive note for the teacher launched into vivid details of her days at the Sorority house. Right then and there Gale decided she would rather stay at the Sorority building than anywhere else. The teacher’s description of the rooms, the friendship that sprang up between the girls, all delighted her. Gale made up her mind to write to the Omega Chi Sorority that very night. Unknown to her the teacher at the same moment decided to write in the girls’ behalf.

  The sun was setting but it would not be dark for a long while yet, when Gale ran lightly down the wide stone steps of the high school building. Boys and girls lounged on the corner, strolled slowly homeward, or made their way to the tennis courts in back of the building. Gale answered their hails with smiles and a wave of her hand but she did not linger. She suspected and earnestly hoped that there would be a fat letter from Brent awaiting her when she reached home. She was not disappointed. There was a letter whose thickness delighted her and also some snapshots taken by Stubby of Brent in his flying togs and near his pet plane.

  Gale propped the pictures upright upon her dressing table and curled up on the window seat to read the closely written pages of hi
s letter. She read it through twice before she finally restored it to the waiting envelope.

  She knew the other girls were waiting at the Kopper Kettle for her, but she couldn’t bring herself to bestir herself from her dreams. She could look out and down on the lawn and street beyond. The trees had once more assumed their gay lovely summer colors. The scent of flowers was heavy.

  Gale’s eyes were dreamy and there was a half smile on her face. If someone had spoken to her then she wouldn’t have heard. She was miles away, alternately dreaming of a tall young man who spent much of his time in the sky, and the college days that were to come. She wondered if she would like the girls at Briarhurst. She wondered if she would fare well in her studies. She wondered if, with the enlargements of their interests and new friends, the Adventure Girls would ultimately be broken up.

  The jangle of the telephone sent her scampering downstairs to answer.

  “Say, aren’t you ever coming?” Carol’s impatient voice demanded.

  “Right away!” Gale declared and true to her word snatched up her tennis racquet and departed forthwith.

  After their impromptu meeting at the Kopper Kettle the girls were to play tennis until dinner time. They all had their tennis racquets, that is all but Phyllis. When she appeared, even after Gale, the others noted the lack of the important equipment if she was to play with them.

  “You can’t play!” Janet cried in disappointment.

  “No,” Phyllis said briefly, seating herself beside Valerie, “I can’t play and what is more—I won’t be going to college with you.”

  “What’s that?” Carol demanded. “Do you mean to say that after all this—”

  “What I mean to say is that since you are going to Stonecliff my Aunt has decided to send me to Briarhurst. Whichever one you go to I shall probably go to the other. Now when I want to go to Stonecliff—”

  “You can just keep on wanting,” Madge said delightedly, “because we aren’t going there.”