today's readings." He turned and headed down the path.

            Alicia gave Nancy an apologetic smile and said, "You'll have to forgive us. We're all pretty tense these days, what with the marmots missing and the grant extension hanging in the balance."

            The ranger patted her on the back and said,   "Don't worry, Alicia. You'll make it."

            "Thanks, Jack," Alicia replied.

            Ned shook his head despondently. "I just wish Trainey had given me a chance to explain why I invited Nancy. She's a well-known detective and is going to track down the poachers."

            Nancy would have preferred to keep her role a secret for a little while longer. Oh, well, too late now, she thought.

            Jack gave Nancy a big smile. "A private eye," he said. "Well, I'll be. And a pretty one, too."

            Nancy tried to keep from blushing, but it was no use. She thought that Jack was amazingly handsome-rugged and intelligent looking, too. She turned to Alicia and asked, "What did you mean about the grant extension?"

            "Our study is being paid for by a federal grant," Alicia said. "But there were cost overruns, so Professor Trainey applied for an extension, but in the meantime he's been paying some of the expenses out of his own pocket."

            Nancy whistled. "That's pretty daring of him," she said. "Is he wealthy?"

            "I doubt it," Ned said. "He lives in a small cottage off campus and drives a beat-up truck. His work is about the only thing that seems to matter to him."

            Nancy turned to Jack. "I met a couple of park maintenance men today named Richard and Piker. Do you know them?"

            Jack hitched his thumbs in his belt and said, "Yes, I do. Why?"

            "They weren't exactly friendly when I met them at the campsite a little while ago," Nancy replied.