The Clue of the Broken Locket by Carolyn Keene

could have been made right near Misty Lake where the crickets are plentiful.”
    “Namely at Pudding Stone Lodge!” Ned guessed.
    “Yes.”
    The others were astounded by Nancy’s theory. She went on, “As soon as we get back to Misty Lake, I’m going directly to Neal Raskin’s office again and see what I can find out.”
    “Right now, how about some ice cream?” Burt suggested.
    The group went into the Stratford’s soda shop. They selected a table in a far corner and Niko kept his back to other guests, hoping he would not be recognized.
    “I’m sorry we’ve had such a hectic evening,” he apologized.
    Nancy chuckled. “I’m to blame too, Niko. So don’t worry. We loved your show, anyway.”
    A short while later the young singer asked to be excused. “I admit I’m absolutely beat,” he said.
    The other boys insisted upon driving Niko to his hotel to be sure there were no more incidents. The girls waited in the lobby until Ned, Burt, and Dave returned.
    Nancy and the cousins were delighted when the boys decided to accompany them to Misty Lake.
    “We’ll get a room at that Mrs. Hosking’s place.” Ned grinned. “Nancy, you know we couldn’t leave you with such a complicated and dangerous mystery to solve.”
    Soon afterward, the girls bade their friends good night. “See you in the morning,” said Bess.
    Nancy urged that they get an early start for the lake. “It’s Sunday morning and there won’t be too many cars on the road, so we can make good time. On the way, we can stop and go to church.”
    The others agreed, and after breakfast the boys and girls set off in the two cars. After attending church services, they stopped at a roadside restaurant for noontime dinner.
    During the meal, the mystery and its various aspects became the sole subject of conversation. Ned chuckled. “Nancy, you certainly can get yourself involved in the most baffling cases. I’d like to bet that police chief at Misty Lake hasn’t found out as much as you have!”
    Nancy laughed. “What have I found out? Not much. I have only suspicions, I’m afraid!”
    Nevertheless, when they reached Misty Lake village, Nancy discovered that Ned was right. Chief Stovall, who happened to be on duty at headquarters, admitted that he had learned nothing about the lake mysteries.
    “I think I know who may have been bothering you at the cottage, though,” he said. “A report reached my desk that a man had escaped from a mental institution and was hiding out in this area. But he’s been recaptured.”
    Chief Stovall went on to say that he and his men had searched around the entire lake for clues to the phantom ship but had found nothing that warranted further investigation. “Are you positive, Miss Drew, that you really saw this—thing?”
    For answer, Nancy said, “Mr. Henry Winch and some summer residents saw it before we did. I’m sure you have found him a very truthful citizen.”
    The police chief scratched his head. “Yes, we have.”
    Nancy smiled and changed the subject. “Do you know where Mr. Neal Raskin lives?”
    “Yes. But if you’re planning on seeing him, you can’t do it before tomorrow. I happen to know he’s out of town until then.”
    Nancy left headquarters and reported the chief’s conversation to her companions. Ned said, “Well, Nancy, it looks as if you’ll have to solve this mystery without the chief’s help.”
    They stopped at Mrs. Hosking’s to pick up Satin, the cat, and reserve a room for the boys. Then they all went down to the cottage. They ate supper in front of a roaring fire, and soon afterward the boys said good night.
    “We’ll meet you in the village tomorrow morning,” Nancy told them. “I’ll need your help in a sleuthing project.”
    Ned saluted. “We’ll be ready and waiting.”
    When the young people met the following day, Nancy explained what she had in mind. She suggested that Ned call on the jobber.
    “You might pretend you’re interested in doing outside saleswork