Observing their interest in the art objects, she pointed out several which were inside a curio cabinet. Among these was a silver box that looked very much like the one at the jewelry counter in the department store. Nancy wondered if this might be the original. She spoke of her search for a distinctive birthday gift for her father.

“Of course I never could afford anything so rare as these lovely pieces.” She sighed.

“You might be surprised.” Mrs. Alexandra smiled rather mysteriously. “Why not go to Mr. Faber, who is an antique dealer? Mention that I sent you. I think he will be able to help you.”

She summoned Anna and asked for one of the antique dealer’s business cards. On it she wrote a message in a foreign language unfamiliar to Nancy. Realizing that Mrs. Alexandra was becoming tired, the girls now said good-by.

“Wasn’t it exciting?” Bess asked when they reached the street. “And didn’t you just love Mrs. Alexandra? She’s so charming.”

“And her treasures are exquisite,” Nancy said. “I was especially impressed with the Easter egg.”

“Right now I’ll take my eggs in omelet form without gold trimmings,” said Bess, giggling.

“Oh, that appetite of yours!” Nancy teased.

The girls walked back to the center of River Heights’ business section, then turned in to Water Street.

They were halfway down the block when a wiry built man darted from an alleyway and brushed past the girls. He glanced back anxiously, then quickly entered a shabby-looking apartment house.

“That fellow acts as if he were running away from someone,” Nancy remarked, turning around. “Look! A crowd has gathered at the corner!”

Retracing their steps, the girls joined the excited group. In the center of the circle stood a young man, angrily accusing a second young man of having picked his pocket.

The other defended himself. “I was walking along the street, minding my own business, when you grabbed me! I never saw your wallet!”