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The Mystery of the Fires
The Mystery of the Fires
Characters
Mary Louise Gay a girl detective.
Jane Patterson her chum.
Mr. Gay, Mrs. Gay her parents.
Joseph (Freckles) Gay her brother.
Silky her dog.
David McCall a young insurance agent, visiting Shady Nook.
boy-friends.
Max Miller
Norman Wilder
Residents of Shady Nook
Reeds two adults and five young people.
Hunters mother and son.
Partridges four adults.
Mr. and Mrs. Flick owners of the inn.
Robinsons two adults and two boys.
Smiths two adults and three children.
Mr. and Mrs. Ditmar a young married couple.
Adams a farmer with three grown-up children.
Mr. and Mrs. Frazier owners of the Royal Hotel.
Eberhardt a village storekeeper.
CHAPTER I
The Burnt Bungalow
“For the whole month?”
Jane Patterson’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she repeated the invitation her chum had just extended.
“Yes,” replied Mary Louise Gay. “You see, we never could invite you before, because the bungalow is so small, and there’s just room enough for our own family. But Dad will be out West all of August. He doesn’t expect to be back until Labor Day.”
“On a case?” inquired Jane, for Mr. Gay was a detective on the police force.
Mary Louise nodded.
“Yes. An important one. I almost wish I could go with him – it sounds so thrilling.”
“Didn’t you have enough excitement and mystery at Dark Cedars?” demanded Jane.
“I never have enough,” returned the other girl.
“Well, please don’t dig up anything to spoil our vacation at Shady Nook. Still, I don’t really suppose you could if you tried. The very name implies peace.”
“It is a peaceful spot,” agreed Mary Louise. “Not a bit like a big summer resort. Just the mountains and the woods and the lovely Hudson River. Only half a dozen bungalows, so that everybody knows everybody else. It’s all so friendly and nice.”