The Flying Saucer Mystery (14 page)

“I also asked permission to try out this new American version of a flying saucer.”

Nancy asked, “How did you know when the mystery ship was coming back?”

The colonel smiled. “I guess I have to let you all in on a secret—a government secret, actually. This wounded vehicle belongs to the U.S. It was built and launched ten years ago as an experiment, but disappeared shortly after. At the time not much was known about programming this particular type of spaceship. Of course, since then we’ve learned a great deal. The flying saucer suddenly reappeared at our experimental grounds but gave no clues as to where it had been, and so far as I know no sightings were ever reported.”

When Colonel Aken paused, Nancy spoke. “I believe your flying saucer landed here in Dismal Swamp.” She told him about the letter written by Old Joe’s father.

The Air Force group was astounded. One of the young men, Major Tanner, remarked, “Mr. Austin must have been psychic to prophesy that our saucer would return to the same spot ten years later.”

“Is this the identical ship?” Nancy asked.

“Yes,” Colonel Aken replied. “It was worked on, reprogrammed, and sent out on a test flight. For a while it beamed back messages that all was going well. Then, as before, all communication ceased. We feared some rival country had captured our saucer.

Bess cried out, “That would have been a—a catastrophe!”

“I agree,” the colonel replied.

“Where did you pick up the saucer?” Mr. Drew asked.

“About thirty thousand feet almost straight up. Our radar finally detected it. We felt sure the ship would return here, but its flight pattern was so erratic, it was hard to follow.”

“I’d like to ask a question,” George interrupted.

“I’ll answer it if it’s not classified,” Colonel Aken replied, his eyes twinkling.

“Before the flying saucer arrived, the wind blew like a cyclone. Everything that wasn’t tied down scattered.”

“Yes,” Bess added, “it actually blew away our picnic, even the fish cooking over an outdoor fire.”

The Air Force men laughed. Colonel Aken said, “Young lady, you did hit upon classified information. Yes, the flying saucer caused the windstorm. Sometimes rain follows. How and why, I’m obliged to tell you, must remain a government secret. Sorry to disappoint you.”

“But your new ship, the Optimum, didn’t cause a windstorm,” Nancy remarked.

Colonel Aken looked at her searchingly. “You have a very keen mind. It’s true. This newer ship was built from totally different plans and will accomplish more than the earlier model. Again, however, I am not at liberty to give you additional information.”

Ned admitted he was puzzled about why the old flying saucer whirled as it flew.

The colonel said with a knowing grin, “After you graduate from college, enroll in our technical training school. We’ll be happy to teach you some of our trade secrets.”

Suddenly Nancy realized the mystery had been completed. The girl detective felt sad to think her work was over. In a short time, however, she would become involved in solving the mystery of
The Secret in the Old Lace.

She snapped out of her reverie and asked the officer, “Will the old saucer ever be able to fly again?”

“We’ll try to find out very soon,” Colonel Aken answered, “but first, in honor of your helping us find her, I think we should reward you with a little trip in our
identified
flying object.” He smiled. “Tomorrow all of you will have a chance to ride in the
Optimum.
You’ll be the first civilians to do so.”

Nancy and her friends as well as the scientists were thrilled by the prospect and applauded Colonel Aken for his invitation.

He in turn held up his hand for silence. “Don’t give me any credit for recovering the mystery ship. I believe it all belongs to Nancy Drew, her father, and her friends. What do the rest of you say?”

Professor Hendricks called out, “We say yes!”

A great cheer rang through the forest.