“No, but I thought I saw something fall from the wallet when it was dropped.”

“The policeman would have found it,” Bess argued. “If we’re ever to eat-”

“Here is something against the wall!” Nancy interrupted excitedly and stooped to pick it up. She held up the slightly soiled photograph of a small boy wearing a sailor suit.

“This is the same child whose picture was in Mrs. Alexandra’s miniature!” she cried. “Do you suppose she’s related to Francis Baum?”

“Haven’t the slightest idea,” Bess replied, shrugging her shoulders. “And look! There’s a hamburger stand. George and I have an appointment at three o’clock, so we ought to eat.”

“Please do,” Nancy said. “I want to go to Faber’s first.”

The young detective went on alone to the antique shop. It was an inconspicuous place on a busy street. A bell jingled as she entered.

A pleasant-faced man emerged from a rear workroom. Nancy explained that she was trying to find a gift for her father, and handed him the business card with Mrs. Alexandra’s message on it.

“Oh, Madame sent you herself.” The shop owner beamed, speaking with a noticeable accent. “Ah yes, I am honored to serve you.”

The little man moved briskly about the cluttered room, scanning various objects.

“No, I have nothing suitable now,” he finally said. “You must give me a few days.”

Before leaving the shop, Nancy decided to show him the photograph she had found. She inquired if he knew who the boy might be.

With trembling hands Mr. Faber took the picture of the child in the sailor suit.

“Where did you get this?” he asked tensely. “Tell me! Tell me at once!”

CHAPTER II

After a Suspect

ASTONISHED by the tone of Mr. Faber’s voice and his interest in the photograph, Nancy readily told how it had come into her possession.

“Unbelievable!” the antique dealer murmured. “You say this picture belongs to a young man named Francis Baum?”