“Not always. Will you see Mr. Hodge the first thing in the morning?”
“Yes, and while I’m about it I’ll call several of the other leading stores for you.”
“Fine!”
“How about the pawnbrokers?”
“The pawnbrokers?” Nancy questioned, not catching her father’s idea.
“Yes. If this Mason girl actually took the jewels herself and was not a chance eye witness of the robbery, she’d have to convert them into cash some way. Through the pawnbrokers would probably be the easiest way.”
“Of course. It was stupid of me not to think of that myself.”
“There are three in River Heights. If you want me to inquire I’ll make it my business to drop in tomorrow morning.”
“I wish you would! If we can trace the jewelry through a pawnbroker the mystery is as good as solved.”
“Yes,” and Carson Drew smiled. “But I’m afraid it won’t be that easy.”
Nancy, too, realized that only lucky chance could bring the mystery of Lilac Inn to a quick termination. However, she felt that she had taken a step in the right direction and would yet help Emily Crandall regain her fortune.