"Do you suppose the circus performer was a European?" Nancy asked, "or an American who was acting over there?"

"Now, Nancy," said Mrs. Gruen, "you know I wouldn't have the least idea."

The girl's blue eyes suddenly sparkled and she snapped her fingers. "I can start sleuthing right away by asking Señor Roberto some questions. You know, he used to be with Sims' Circus."

"Yes, and I wish he'd never left it and opened that riding academy here in River Heights," Hannah declared. "Then you wouldn't have learned how to ride without a saddle and jump onto a moving horse and—"

Nancy laughed. "It's fun. And by the way, did you know Sims' Circus is coming to town tomorrow?"

"You bet it is," said a young voice from the back of the hall.

The others turned to see six-year-old Teddy Brown, a neighbor, who had come in the back way. The red-haired, freckle-faced boy was grinning broadly.

"And don't forget, Nancy," he went on, "you promised to take me to see the circus men put up the tents and everything."

"That's right, Teddy. We'll leave your house at five o'clock tomorrow morning." Nancy tweaked his nose affectionately. "That's very early. Sure you'll be up?"

"You bet! I'll be seeing you at five tomorrow morning."

The youngster ran off as quickly as he had appeared. As the back screen door slammed behind him, Nancy removed the bracelet and handed it to Hannah Gruen.

"Please put this away for me," she requested. "I shan't be gone long."

"And promise me you'll be careful," the housekeeper pleaded. "I wouldn't want your father to come home from his trip and find that you—"