The Ringmaster's Secret by Carolyn G. Keene Page A

when this was. The aerialist thought a few moments, then said it was sometime during the last day that the circus was in River Heights.
    There was no question now in Nancy’s mind that Kroon had engineered the theft. During the rest of the meal, she kept trying to figure out how to prove it.
    “I’ll bet whoever stole the bracelet brought it here to the circus,” she reasoned. “And if he did, it’s my guess that the bracelet is hidden in Mr. Kroon’s trailer.”
    Later, Nancy told Dan Webster about the theft of the bracelet and why she thought it might be in Kroon’s possession. She said she wondered how she could find out whether her suspicions were correct.
    “I thought perhaps I’d get in touch with the police captain,” she said. “Maybe he could make a search.”
    Dan Webster agreed that this was the sensible thing to do, but it had one big drawback.
    “Kroon will know at once that you instigated the search, since it’s your bracelet,” he reminded Nancy. “He’ll instantly make trouble for you, Lolita, and the other riders.”
    Nancy admitted that there was merit in Dan Webster’s objections. Suddenly her eyes lighted up.
    “Dan,” she said, “how would you like to play detective for me?”
    “Me?” Dan Webster began to laugh. “You don’t mean you want me to make the search. I’d be sure to get caught.”
    “No, not to make the search. Just lay the groundwork for me,” Nancy suggested.
    Dan Webster scratched his head. “Well, keep talking. I’ll let you know my answer after I hear what you want me to do.”
    “I can’t tell you now,” Nancy said hurriedly. “I see Mr. Kroon coming. I’ll meet you in your office after the show.”
    The two separated, but after the performance was over, Nancy returned to Webster’s office. She said to the horse trainer in a low voice.
    “This is what I’d like you to do. First, follow Mr. Kroon until he goes to his trailer. Then call on him.”
    “But what excuse could I use?” Dan Webster asked.
    “Oh, that’s easy,” Nancy said quickly. “Tell him that Rosa will not be able to perform by the end of the week. Ask him what he thinks about letting the new girl continue a while longer.”
    “But how is this going to help you find your bracelet?” the horse trainer questioned, puzzled.
    “Dan,” Nancy went on, “tell him that you’ve heard rumors of things disappearing from the circus. Watch Mr. Kroon’s face intently to see if there’s any change of expression or if the ringmaster’s eyes dart to some possible hiding place. Then tell him you’ve heard that someone is going to ask for a police search unless a valuable piece of jewelry that was stolen from her turns up.”
    As Nancy gave her instructions, Dan Webster sat gazing at the floor. He shook his head several times but did not speak. Finally he looked up.
    “Nancy, dear,” he said, “I want to help you as much as I can. But this is a big order. I’m afraid I’d fail. You’d better count me out and get somebody else.”
    Nancy laughed softly. “Oh, it isn’t that bad, Dan,” she told him. “I’ll tell you what. Suppose I stand outside the window and watch Kroon’s actions. You pretend to know nothing about what’s going on, but try to follow the lines of conversation I suggested.”
    At last, Dan Webster said he would attempt it, and the time was set for eleven thirty. Nancy thanked him and hurried off to change her clothes. When Erika saw her starting out again, she asked Nancy where she was going.
    “To do some sleuthing. But don’t be worried. I’m not going to leave the circus grounds.”
    Nancy hurried from the tent. Using a circuitous route to avoid as many people as possible, she went to Mr. Kroon’s trailer. She could hear voices inside distinctly.
    No one was in sight. Nancy cautiously crept to the side window and stood on a box. Through the window she could see the interior and remain out of the line of vision of those within.
    Dan Webster was there,