"If you're not busy, Aunt Rosemary and I would like to come over in about an hour and talk to you about the ghost."

      "I can't wait."

      After Nancy had put down the phone, she sat lost in thought for several minutes. Since solving The Secret of the Old Clock, she had longed for another case. Here was her chance!

      Attractive, blond-haired Nancy was brought out of her daydreaming by the sound of the doorbell. At the same moment the Drews' housekeeper, Hannah Gruen, came down the front stairs.

      "I'll answer it," she offered.

      Mrs. Gruen had lived with the Drews since Nancy was three years old. At that time Mrs. Drew had passed away and Hannah had become like a second mother to Nancy. There was a deep affection between the two, and Nancy confided all her secrets to the understanding housekeeper.

      Mrs. Gruen opened the door and instantly a man stepped into the hall. He was short, thin, and rather stooped. Nancy guessed his age to be about forty.

      "Is Mr. Drew at home?" he asked brusquely. "My name is Comber — Nathan Comber."

      "No, he's not here just now," the housekeeper replied.

      The caller looked over Hannah Gruen's shoulder and stared at Nancy. "Are you Nancy Drew?"

      "Yes, I am.  Is there anything I can do for you?"

      The man's shifty gaze moved from Nancy to Hannah. "I've come out of the goodness of my heart to warn you and your father," he said pompously.

      "Warn us? About what?" Nancy asked quickly.

      Nathan Comber straightened up importantly and said, "Your father is in great danger, Miss. Drew!"

      Both Nancy and Hannah Gruen gasped. “You mean this very minute?" the housekeeper questioned.

      "All the time," was the startling answer. "I understand you're a pretty bright girl, Miss Drew—that you even solve mysteries. Well, right now I advise you to stick close to your father. Don't leave him for a minute."