"How terribly unfair!" Bess cried out, and the other girls expressed the same opinion.

Nancy then told the inventor that a friend of hers had found the signet ring. "I'll see that it is returned to you," Nancy a.s.sured him.

"Well, that is good news," said Mr. Swenson.

Nancy gradually switched the conversation to the Raybolt fire, and said, "The investigators report that the explosions in the house could have been caused by a freak accident: a television set not working properly; a defective electronic heating device setting off some kind of explosive stored in the cellar. Mr. Swenson, have you any idea what really happened at the Raybolts'?"

Mr. Swenson looked at Nancy searchingly. "My answer might explain a good many angles to the case," he said slowly. "As you probably know, it's against the law to store explosives without a permit. I believe Felix Raybolt was breaking that law. He probably was in the house waiting for me and accidentally caused the explosion himself!"

"But they found no evidence of-of a body," Bess spoke up with a shudder.

"Mr. Raybolt undoubtedly escaped, and then disappeared, knowing he would be arrested," the inventor said vehemently.

"But you didn't see him run out?" Nancy queried.

"No."

"We should have looked for footprints, but I guess it's too late now," Nancy remarked.

"Oh, why didn't we think of that!" Bess murmured. She had turned around to watch out the rear window for any pursuers. Suddenly she gasped. "Police!"

George had just pa.s.sed a side road. From it shot a car with two state troopers. When it turned in their direction, George said grimly, "I hope they're not after us."

All the occupants of the convertible grew tense, but Nancy said, "Just keep going at this same speed. Let's not act guilty."

By this time she was convinced of Mr. Swenson's innocence, and hoped fervently that the officers were not pursuing her car. Nancy doubted they would take her word about the truth of the inventor's story.

"Maybe they're after someone else-for speeding," Bess said, though without conviction.

Nancy stole a glance out the rear window. Her spirits sank. The State Police car was gaining on them, but did not look as though it was going to pa.s.s the convertible.

An uneasy thought crossed Nancy's mind. "If those troopers are after Joe Swenson, then George, Bess, and I might be arrested for aiding a suspected criminal to escape!"

George was forced to slow down for a sharp curve. Directly beyond it, two men were driving a small herd of cattle across the highway.

"What luck!" George cried, slowing down.

She honked her horn and tried to edge through, but only succeeded in frightening the cows so that they stood motionless. The convertible came to a halt. Behind it, the police car drew nearer.

Nancy had a sudden impulse to tell Joe Swenson to duck down out of sight, then checked herself. Such an action would indeed make the officers suspicious. Instead, she slipped the diary into her handbag.

Nancy glanced at her companion. Mr. Swenson's face was grim. The police car pulled up alongside the convertible. Nancy's heart was in her throat, but she tried not to show any agitation.

The two herdsmen had headed the cows off to the side of the road. Affecting nonchalance, George started to drive off. But a shout from the troopers' car stopped her.

"Hold on!" one of the officers cried out. "Pull over!"

"They were following us," Bess groaned.

Quickly Nancy whispered to Joe Swenson, "Don't worry. We'll stick by you."

The officers had jumped out. They strode up to the convertible.

"We've had a call to pick up this car," said one, while the other thrust his face through the open rear-door window and peered intently at Mr. Swenson.

"This is the man!" he declared.

"What do you mean?" Nancy demanded coolly, with as much conviction as she could muster.

"Are you Joe Swenson?" the trooper barked, ignoring Nancy's question.

"Yes."

"You are wanted by the Mapleton police for deliberately setting the Raybolt house on fire."

At this accusation the girls gasped and Joe Swenson blanched. Then a flush of anger mounted to his cheeks.

"What nonsense is this? You haven't a shred of proof. I don't know anything about the fire. You have the wrong man."

"Well, you can explain that at headquarters. You'll have to come along with us. The less trouble you make, the better it will go for you."

One of the troopers flipped a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. Joe Swenson shrank back.

"Don't put them on, please! I'll come without any trouble."

"O.K. But don't try any funny stunts. Climb out and be quick about it!"

"Just a minute, Officer," Nancy interposed. "Aren't you making a mistake? I feel sure Mr. Swenson isn't the man you're after. Please let him go free. I'll be responsible for his appearance in court."

Joe Swenson added, "I started working at Baylor Weston's factory just recently. I don't mind answering your questions, but if I'm detained in jail, I'll lose my job."

Protest was useless. Joe Swenson gave Nancy a courageous, apologetic smile, and alighted.

"You girls will have to come along too!" the officer announced. "Drive on ahead, and not too fast! You have some explaining to do too. Don't try to get away!"

CHAPTER XV.

Nancy Is Accused

"THIS is an outrage!" Bess gasped. "You mean we actually must go to police headquarters?"

"I'm sorry I involved you girls in this," Joe Swenson murmured. He turned pleadingly to the officers. "It wasn't their fault. They merely offered me a ride."

"They'll all have to come to headquarters for questioning," the officer insisted.