Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: Volume Seventy-Six 7 страница

Then on Friday afternoon, Alana called and invited Nancy, her father, and Helen Haggler to dinner at the Steele mansion. “But first come to the gallery,” she told Nancy. “The exhibit is finally ready and I want you three to be the first to see it.”

As they walked up the steps of the Steele Gallery, Nancy felt a sudden premonition of joy. When the doors were opened for them, she read the truth in Alana’s dancing grey eyes. “He’s come back, hasn’t he?” Nancy asked.

Alana said nothing, leading them into the main room, which was in darkness. As they stood in the doorway, she touched a switch and suddenly hundreds of carvings were lit to glowing ivory life. Every creature of the north was there, every spirit close to the Eskimo heart. The Eskimo people were there in loving detail, a whole record of a village and its inhabitants bloomed from every shelf and pedestal.

“Meet my people, Nancy,” Ben said.

“Your grandfather hid all this away?” Nancy gasped.

“He hid the treasures of the village, then added to them through the years. That’s why he never showed anything. I think he was punishing himself, too, yet he couldn’t stop creating his carvings. So he just took his treasures to be with those of his friends and ancestors.”

“It’s the most magnificent collection I’ve ever seen,” Helen breathed. “I’m so glad you found them and are returning them to your people, Ben. The world will be richer for this inheritance.”

“So will Ben’s people,” Alana said. “The fees from the shows will start to rebuild all that Franklin Cole destroyed.”

“Thank Nancy, too,” Ben said, “and Alana. They helped me discover the Eskimo’s secret.” Hearing Ben’s words made Nancy wonder if her next mystery would lead to such an exotic discovery. She would find out very soon.

“You are all honored guests at dinner tonight,” Clement Steele announced, interrupting Nancy’s thoughts. “The dinner is a celebration and a thank you from me and from the art world for this richness.”

“We have a lot to be grateful for,” Mr. Drew chimed in. He put his arm around his daughter’s shoulders and smiled at her. “This is a happy occasion for more than one reason.”

“You’re so right, Dad,” Nancy said, beaming back at him. “We recovered our own family treasure!”

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