"From Hannah Gruen," George replied. "She's worried about you and this trick riding, Nancy."

"I know Hannah is concerned," the pretty sleuth answered. "But I've promised not to break any bones."

Nancy introduced her friends to Señor Roberto. Then she told them about the bracelet she had received from Aunt Eloise. Nancy asked the riding master if he had ever seen or heard about a horse-charm bracelet which had been presented to some circus performer by a queen.

"Why do you ask?" Señor Roberto wrinkled his brow, as if trying to remember something.

Nancy related the mysterious story connected with the bracelet. Señor Roberto said, upon reflection, that he had heard such a tale but could not recall who had told it.

"I seem to recollect, though," he added slowly, "that the story involved a strange disappearance. Whether it was the bracelet or the owner or the giver I don't know."

He called to Hitch and asked him whether he had ever heard about a horse-charm bracelet. The riding master briefly recounted what Nancy had told him. The stableman looked first at Nancy and then at his employer. Finally, in a gruff tone, he replied:

"Yes, I heard about a bracelet like that pony one when I was workin' for Sims' Circus."

"Do you remember who told you?" Nancy asked.

The groom thought for several seconds, then said he could not recall. Shrugging, he added, "You know how it is in the circus. All kinds o' stories get around."

Although Nancy was disappointed not to learn more, she was hopeful of being able to question various members of Sims' Circus the next day. By the following evening she might have the answer to the riddle of the bracelet!

For this reason getting up at four thirty the next morning did not seem like such a chore. Teddy was sitting on the doorstep when Nancy arrived at the Browns'. The two set off for the circus grounds in Nancy's convertible.