The Swami's Ring Read Free Page A

said he would show me some pictures as proof.”
    “And that’s when the Indian businessman tried to steal the ring,” Nancy put in.
    “Exactly.”
    “He didn’t count on Nancy Drew,” Lisa added, causing a blush of crimson to cross her friend’s face.
    They pulled up in front of the Scotti home and Lisa opened the car door instantly.
    “I promised Mom I’d cook dinner tonight, so I’d better run,” she said. “Thanks a lot. See you tomorrow.”
    Nancy said good-bye, all the while thinking about the scene in the jewelry shop. She was tempted to return there, but a glance at her watch told her she was more than an hour late for dinner.
    Hannah is probably worried about me, Nancy thought. I can just imagine the phone calls she must have made to the hospital.
    The girl pressed down on the accelerator, watching the speedometer needle waver just under the speed limit. Rush-hour traffic had eased up, and she found herself in the driveway of the Drew home within fifteen minutes. Mrs. Gruen opened the door with a mixture of disapproval and relief on her face.
    “I’m sorry,” Nancy said, hugging the woman. “I was on my way home when—”
    “You caught two robbers, found three clues, and went to see Chief McGinnis,” Hannah replied, unable to keep from smiling.
    “How did you guess?”
    “Because I know you. That’s how.” The housekeeper grinned.
    Before Nancy said another word, she raced upstairs to freshen up. The aroma of home-baked peach pie trailed after her, speeding her back to the dining room table where her father was already seated.
    “Do I have lots of news!” Nancy said excitedly.
    Carson Drew, a distinguished-looking man in his forties, did not respond immediately. Nancy thought he seemed disturbed.
    “Is something wrong, Dad?”
    “Oh, no,” he answered quickly.
    “Sure?”
    “Sure.”
    “I really am sorry about being late.”
    Her father merely nodded as he took a sip of water. “Bring me up to date on what happened today,” he said at last.
    Despite her eagerness to tell him, she could not help being distracted by Mr. Drew’s sullen manner. Nonetheless, she revealed her encounters at the hospital, the discovery of the ring, and Tommy Johnson’s accident.
    “How terrible!” Hannah commented when the girl finished speaking.
    For the first time since dinner began, Mr. Drew’s expression was also animated. He asked several questions, then lapsed into silence until he rose from the table.
    “Let’s go into the living room, Nancy,” he said.
    What was on her father’s mind? Nancy wondered in puzzlement. She sank into the deep, soft cushions of the chair by the fireplace and waited anxiously.
    “I really don’t know how to say this,” Mr. Drew said slowly.
    “Does it have to do with the music festival?”
    “In a way, yes.” Her father paused. “You’ll have to stop doing your detective work for a while.”
    Nancy blinked in disbelief. “But why? What have I done?”
    “Oh, you haven’t done anything wrong. The townspeople of Castleton think I have.”
    “You’ve lost me, Dad.”
    “As I told you yesterday, I’ve been handling negotiations for the River Heights festival on behalf of River Heights.”
    “Negotiations between the city and the different performing groups who are appearing here this summer,” Nancy put in.
    “That’s right,” her father replied. “Well, I’ve been accused of theft.”
    “Theft?” Nancy repeated in utter astonishment. “That’s absolutely crazy.”
    “Castleton claims that River Heights has deliberately stolen one of the theater companies it booked for its own outdoor pavilion.”
    “I still don’t understand.”
    “It’s very simple, dear. The Jansen Music Theater Company was scheduled to perform at the Castleton Theater, but Jansen canceled out on Castleton in favor of River Heights. The town council of Castleton thinks I’m responsible for the last-minute switch.” Mr. Drew interrupted himself, laughing nervously.