"And also keep Mrs. Byrd from selling the place," Nancy thought. "I hope Dad agrees to my making the trip."

That evening at dinner Mr. Drew said, "I'll be out of town for a week or so. Nancy. Do you think you can get some of your friends to stay with you?"

"I have an even better idea," Nancy replied, and smiled.

She outlined her plan to help Joanne Byrd. Her father consented enthusiastically, proud as always of Nancy's desire to assist others.

It was not so easy to convince Bess and George, when Nancy telephoned them. They both wanted to help Joanne and agreed that a week or two in the country would be very pleasant, but there were complications. If George went, it meant she would lose out on a camping trip. Bess had planned to visit an aunt in Chicago, but admitted that the trip could be postponed.

"There's one thing about it," George said laughingly as she finally agreed to give up the camping trip. "I've never been with you yet that we didn't run into an adventure or mystery! Maybe a trip to Red Gate will be exciting."

Bess and George had no trouble in getting their parents' consent. It was decided that Nancy would pick up Joanne first, then come back for the cousins, since River Heights was on the way to Round Valley.

Nancy packed her clothes that night after telephoning the plans to Joanne. As she was closing the suitcase, her eyes fell upon the copy of the coded message which lay on the dressing table.

"I'd better take it along and work on it whenever I have the chance," she decided.

Nancy got up early the next morning and had breakfast with her father. After exchanging fond good-byes with him and Hannah, she hurried to her car.