Carolyn Keene - The Clue in the Crumbling Wall

Tea was served on the terrace. Afterward, Juliana led her guests to the little garden where Nancy had discovered the spring. Children were playing on the shady walks.

"The water is helping to build strong bodies," Juliana said proudly. "Oh, it means so much to me to bring these boys and girls here! I'd never have forgiven myself if I had returned to a lonely life at Jardin des Fleurs. By the way, I sold it at a nice profit."

Mr. Drew had been waiting for this very moment. He took a tiny box from his pocket and slipped it into Juliana's hand.

"A little surprise," he explained, smiling. The woman slowly raised the lid. Nestled in purple velvet was a ring set with a huge pearl.

"Not the one Walt meant for me?" Juliana asked, dazed.

"Yes."

"But how did you recover it? I thought Mr. Hector had found the ring and sold it."

"He had, but Dad was able to trace it," Nancy spoke up. "Mr. Hector failed to notice the inscription inside."

Tears filled Juliana's eyes as she read, '" To my Cinderella.' I'll wear the ring always in memory of Walt," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"Oh, Nancy, my dear friend-and Mr. Drew, and Bess and George, and Lieutenant Masters, also my dear friends-you've made me very, very happy."

The young detective smiled, glad that everything had worked out so successfully. Her gaze wandered along the stately cloister of Heath Castle. With the afternoon sun sinking low, the shadowy passageway had never looked more beautiful.

It was peaceful and quiet, and nothing was further from Nancy's thoughts than a new mystery. Yet in a short time she would be working on another exciting case called, Mystery of the Tolling Bell.

"Don't thank me for helping you, Juliana," she said earnestly, taking the woman's hand. "Thank the crumbling walls. They contained the clues that brought you here. To me Heath Castle will always remain a symbol of mystery and romance."