Suddenly Tristam’s eyes blazed and he became virtually a madman. He shoved Nancy aside and punched Ned. Then he started for the door to the hall. Before he could even reach the policeman, Millie Francine planted herself in his path.
“Oh, no, you don’t, Mr. Tristam,” she cried. “You don’t go another step without telling these people I’m innocent!”
At that moment there was a tap on the door. The policeman recognized it as a signal from more of Captain Smith’s men. He opened the door. The officer and two other men walked in.
Tristam, seeing that the game was up, quietly surrendered. He told the story much as Nancy had pieced it together from time to time. He added that it was Kroon’s idea when Lola Flanders, then a widow, was discharged from the hospital, to keep her under the influence of drugs so that she would appear to be an amnesia victim, and to place her in a cheap nursing home. It was Mrs. Kroon who had literally abducted Lolita, partly because she had loved the little girl and partly because she knew that the aerialist had great talent and would bring a small fortune to them.
Nancy was fearful that the excitement might prove disastrous to Lola Flanders’ mind, but she seemed to have recovered completely. When she reached Aunt Eloise’s apartment, she asked how soon they might start for Melville and see Lolita.
“If you feel well enough, we’ll take the first plane,” Nancy promised her.
“I’m ready to go now,” she insisted.
Ned obtained the reservations and within two hours they were all saying good-by to Aunt Eloise and setting off for the town of Melville.
As they climbed into the plane, the first person they saw was young Pietro! He explained that he had just arrived from England.
“I just couldn’t stay away,” he said. “Nancy, I had a hunch you would fix everything up, and that it won’t be long before Lolita and I will be married.”
“I think you’re right,” Nancy said, smiling at Ned, “and Lolita will have her wish—that her mother will be present at the wedding.”
The plane reached Melville just before midnight. The group went to the hotel. Nancy suggested that Lola Flanders remain there until Lolita could be brought to her.
“I don’t know whether Mr. Kroon has been apprehended yet or not,” Nancy said. Turning to Ned and Pietro, she added, “Suppose we three go over to the circus at five o’clock tomorrow morning and mingle with the crowd that will be watching the workmen set up the tents. In that way, we won’t be noticed by Mr. or Mrs. Kroon or any of their spies. We’ll get Lolita and bring her back here.”
This plan was agreed upon. Nancy was up at four thirty the next morning, and at five set off with the young men. Upon reaching the circus grounds, the three separated, Nancy going ahead. She made her way carefully to Lolita’s trailer and knocked.
“Lolita, wake up!”
Sleepily the young aerialist tumbled out of bed and opened the door. Seeing Nancy, she started to cry out.
“Sh-h-h!” Nancy warned her. “Your mother is in a hotel downtown. Dress quietly and follow me.”
Lolita dressed quickly, and throwing caution to the winds, stepped out of her trailer.
“Oh, Nancy, this is marvelous! Let’s hurry.”
The two girls made their way along, hurrying past the wild-animal cages to avoid detection by Kroon, should he happen to be around. But they did not see him, and hastened on happily.
They had just reached King Kat’s cage when a strong hand was suddenly laid on Nancy’s shoulder. The person gripped her tightly and swung her about.
Kroon!
“So you’re still trying to thwart me!” the man cried. “Well, this is the last time!”
With his free hand, he unfastened the lion’s cage and thrust Nancy forward!
CHAPTER XXV
Last Links in the Mystery
With a great leap the huge lion sprang toward the door of the cage. Nancy Drew fought with every ounce of strength to get away from the insane ringmaster who was pushing her into the cage. Lolita screamed and tried to pull her foster father away.