"I don't know why I did it." Joan began to sob. "I wish my Aunt Juliana would come home. I'm sure she'd buy us some nice things."

            In an undertone Lieutenant Masters explained to Nancy that Joan knew about her aunt only from her mother.

            "Mrs. Fenimore wasn't married when her sister disappeared. Come inside and let her tell you the story."

            Nancy received a distinct shock as Joan led the way into the living room. Lying on a well-worn couch was a slender woman with deep lines in her pallid face. Nancy was sure Mrs. Fenimore was not more than thirty years old, but she looked fifty.

            Upon seeing the policewoman, a concerned expression appeared on Mrs. Fenimore's face. "Has Joan done something wrong again?"

            At her mother's question, the child turned her head away. Neither Lieutenant Masters nor Nancy spoke immediately. After a brief pause, the police officer introduced the new visitor.

            "I'm glad to meet you," Mrs. Fenimore said softly.

            "I'm sorry you're not feeling well," Nancy replied. "Perhaps it would be better if I came back some other time."

            "No, no."

            "I wish you'd tell Nancy Drew about your sister," Lieutenant Masters urged. "Nancy's a detective and will try to find out what happened to Juliana."

            "You really will?" Mrs. Fenimore looked at the girl hopefully. "You see, Julie went away by herself for a month's rest and never was heard of again."

            "Have you any idea at all where she may have gone?" Nancy asked. "Do you think she disappeared deliberately?"

            "No. I can't believe that, and I keep telling Joan I'm sure her aunt will come home someday." Mrs. Fenimore explained that the dancer had been engaged to a wealthy manufacturer named Walter Heath.

            "Five years after her mysterious disappearance, he died and left Heath Castle to Juliana. He tried to trace her before his death but was unsuccessful. There's a provision in his will which stipulates that it Juliana does not claim his estate within five years, it is to be sold and the money given to charities he specified. The time is almost up."