The Mystery on the Mississippi

bones. When I feel anything in my bones, I can’t help the way I act.”
    “I’ll say this much, then. I’m pretty good at guessing what people are like, too, and I’d trust Mrs. Aguilera anyplace. You’re not acting like yourself.”
    “Maybe I’m not,” Trixie said doubtfully. “Maybe she’s all right. Maybe she’s won all the medals there are for being trustworthy. But I don’t like the look on her face when she’s talking to us.”
    “Go ahead, then. Think what you want to think. As far as I’m concerned, I think they’re both awfully nice people, though Mr. Aguilera never has much to say. I don’t know many people who can write books or take pictures to illustrate them. Maybe they’ll put us in their book.”
    “Oh, Honey, let’s quit talking about the Aguileras. When we don’t agree on something, we usually agree to disagree. Let’s turn on your transistor radio. We can get some music to make us sleepy.”
    “I don’t need anything to make me sleepy. I shouldn’t think that you would, either, after all you’ve been through today.” Honey yawned.
    Trixie took the hint. She crept into her twin bed and turned off the light. The transistor on the table between them was turned low; it was playing dreamy music. Soon Trixie was aware of Honey’s rhythmic breathing and knew her friend had fallen sound asleep. She listened a little longer, then snapped off the radio and turned on her side.
    A soft light from the pool area filtered through the Venetian blinds at the window. It was past closing time at the pool. There was not much sound from anywhere, except the occasional noise of an automobile as it passed far out in front of the motel area.
    Trixie couldn’t sleep. All the events of their stay in St. Louis and their trip down the river went through her mind. She tried to fit the pieces of the puzzle together, but she couldn’t. I've never been so mixed up , she thought. Anybody would know that something terrible is going on , but I can't figure out what it is.
    A shadowy figure crossed in front of the curtained window. Then another. No, the same one going back again, trying hard to be soundless.
    Trixie, instantly alert, sat up in bed, her eyes turned toward the window. From somewhere nearby, she heard whispering. Then came a knock at the door.
    She slipped into her skirt, blouse, and loafers, then aroused Honey. She waited till Honey was dressed before opening the door and discovering their caller. Mr. and Mrs. Aguilera stood there.
    “We’re sorry to awaken you,” Mrs. Aguilera apologized, “especially since you need rest so badly, Trixie.”
    “What is it? Has something happened? Is anything wrong with the boys?” Trixie’s words fell over one another.
    “No, it isn’t that,” Mrs. Aguilera said hastily. “I must hurry to tell you, for we haven’t a minute to lose. Someone has been lurking outside your window, and my husband and I have waited for a chance to knock at your door without being seen.”
    “Yes? What has happened now?” Trixie asked. “Don’t keep us in suspense.”
    Mrs. Aguilera smiled and handed Trixie a folded note. “It’s from the authorities.”
    “The authorities?” Trixie asked, completely dum-founded.
    “Yes. Didn’t you guess? I was sure you knew by this time that my husband and I have been working with the federal investigators. Read it quickly!” Trixie held the paper under the floor lamp and read out loud:

“Trixie: Since I talked with you earlier this evening, things have happened pretty fast. Our agents, Mr. and Mrs. Aguilera, will explain to you what I mean. Please obey without hesitation what they ask you to do. Your life may depend upon it. Trust Mr. and Mrs. Aguilera. They are protecting you.”

    The message was signed “Leighton N. Ogilvie, Chief, Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Louis District.”

A New Development ● 14

    A STRANGE LOOK of unbelief crossed Trixie’s face as she read the note. Without a word, she passed it on to Honey.
    “Then you really are on the federal staff?” Trixie asked slowly.
    “There! See?” Honey said, thrusting the note back into Trixie’s hand. “I told you so. I always knew she was someone special.”
    Mrs. Aguilera laughed indulgently. “I wanted to tell you many times, Trixie, but I didn’t feel free to do so till the chief said I could reveal who we are. You must trust us now,” she added hurriedly, “and go with us. We must hurry. We’re pretty sure the men who’ve been