The Witch Tree Symbol Read Free

directly for Togo.
    Before Nancy could act, the car hit the terrier and the dog gave a yelp of paint
    “Togo!” Nancy cried, running to her pet as the car flashed past. The animal was whining and yelping pitifully. Nancy feared that he had been seriously injured.
    Leaning over to examine the dog, she noticed a long cut on his hip, but there were no other marks. Just then Togo stood up, shook himself and licked her hand. The beloved pet would be all right!
    Nancy carried the dog inside and bathed his cut with antiseptic. “That driver deliberately tried to kill Togo!” she told Hannah. “I was so frightened that I forgot to look at him or his license number.”
    Hannah frowned. “Nancy, perhaps that hex symbol means business,” she declared.
    “Oh, Hannah, people today don’t believe in hexes or witches or spells.” Nancy smiled. “And the hex signs that were once used to ward off witches are now decorations on barns and other places. Some people even use them inside their homes.”
    “Maybe, but I think you should give up the trip,” Hannah persisted. “Let the police worry about the robbery. You stay home.”
    “Why, Hannah, I couldn’t do that when I’ve promised to help Mrs. Tenney,” Nancy protested. “Besides, I want a chance to practice my German in Pennsylvania Dutch country!” She smiled.
    Mr. Drew, who had been talking on the second-floor telephone, now joined them. He was relieved to learn that Togo was all right.
    Hannah told him she was worried about Nancy, but the lawyer did not share her point of view.
    “As to the hex business, we are intelligent people and don’t believe in witchcraft. If Nancy is careful, I think it will be safe for her to make the trip.”
    The young detective was preparing to leave the next morning when a special delivery letter arrived for her.
    “Trouble,” Hannah Gruen predicted gloomily.
    The envelope was postmarked Montville, a town about twenty miles from River Heights. Nancy quickly tore open the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper. On it was the strange hex symbol. Underneath the witch tree was a boldly printed warning: STAY HOME!

CHAPTER III
    Chust for Pretty
     
     
     
    NANCY was excited but not alarmed. If the letter was from the thief, he knew she was going to Pennsylvania Dutch country. Montville was en route to Lancaster. She hoped this meant that she had correctly figured his destination.
    “I’m not frightened by this note,” Nancy said when Hannah again urged her to stay home. She kissed the housekeeper good-by and drove off in her convertible.
    In a few minutes she reached the home of pretty, blond, blue-eyed Bess Marvin. She was eager to begin the trip.
    “Pennsylvania Dutch cooking is famous!” she exclaimed. “What meals we’ll have!”
    Trim, dark-haired George Fayne, who lived nearby, climbed into the car soon afterward. “Grand day, isn’t it?” she said with gusto. “August weather’s great for a vacation.”
    “And perfect weather for solving a mystery.” Nancy laughed.
    “Tell us about it,” Bess begged. “I hope it’s not a dangerous one,” she added.
    As they rode along, Nancy told the story. Bess became concerned. She shivered when she heard of the hex symbol. “Do you believe in it?” she asked.
    Nancy assured her she did not. “But,” she declared, “I understand there are some people in the back country of Pennsylvania who still think, it’s possible to hex people.”
    Several hours later, the girls began to notice hex signs on the barns they passed. Even Bess had to admit that the various circular designs, using birds, stars, and crosses, were very colorful and attractive. Seeing a farmer coming from a large red barn, Nancy stopped the car. After chatting a moment, she asked him about the designs’ true significance.
    The burly man smiled and replied, “It’s chust for pretty.”
    “It’s not part of a superstition?” Bess asked.
    The man shook his head. “No. Chust to make pretty the