NANCY DREW AND THE SECRET OF MERMAID COVE

Chapter Thirty-Two

As the teens continued their journey , the compass's needle steered them in a northward direction. "Do you think we can investigate?", Nancy asked the group. 

Chase plopped down on the ground, "We all need a short rest, however, if you want to go take a quick look around, I do not see any harm in it.  "

"Mind if I go along to keep you company?" asked Ryan.

"Please do come along, I will enjoy the company." she replied. 

The two teens followed the compass's arrow for about half of a mile. It led them to an oak tree.

"I do not see how it can be pointing to this tree. What we are looking for should be hundreds of years old." Ryan explained. 

"What if it is under this tree?" Nancy replied as she got down on her knees to search along the ground.

A few minutes later, she cried out, "Ouch, something cut me!"  Upon closer inspection, the item looked to be a piece of metal. She dug around it to unearth an  rusted knife that was resting on a large flat stone. Carved into the stone was the words ,"Deep within the darkness it shall be safe."

"What does that mean?"  asked Ryan.

"What kind of places do you automatically think of as dark?"  

"The deep ocean or a cave."  he answered. 

"How many caves are on the island?" Nancy asked.

Ryan looked lost in thought for a moment, "There are two. One that connects to the ocean. The other I have never explored." he explained. 

"I believe, we got onto the island through the first cave. Where is the second located?'

"The entrance is hidden in some rocky cliffs near where the criminals headquarters are."

"I think we should go explore the cave." Nancy said while wearing a look of deterioration. 

Ryan took a step back in shock, "That is a terrible idea!  We are in danger here and going down into a cave is even more dangerous."

"Do not worry. I'm not planning on claiming down in to a deep dark cave." 

"That is what cave exploring is. You have to go with cave equipment and a team of people." 

Nancy rolled her eyes, " I won't be doing any of that. I just want to take a look. In all honesty, that could prove to be a great place to hide out if need be."

"Why do I get the feeling you are going to do this no mater what I say?" he asked. 

Nancy just smiled in response.

"Fine, I will help." Ryan said as he threw is hands up in frustration. 

They carefully retraced their steps to rejoin their friends. They found Bess and Chase leaning up against a tree fast asleep.

"A short nap sounds like a good idea." Chase suggested. 

Nancy agreed, and the two teens chose to rest up against a old willow tree that was just a few feet away from their friends. 

A few hours later, the teens were startled awake when  an eerie call rang  out through the night. 

"Chase what do you think that was? "Bess asked.

He turned to face Bess before saying, "How am I supposed to know."

"Sounded like a wolf call. Most likely from across the cove." Ryan added.

Bess sighed, "Well, I am not going to be falling about asleep anytime soon after hearing whatever it was." 

"Agreed, we should working on getting back to the main land." said Chase.

Thankfully, this time Ryan led them to a new trail beside the river. He was hoping the sound of the running water would help hide their presence.  As they walked, the moonlight lite their way, at the same time casting strange shadows in the background. 

They traveled on foot for a few miles until , they could hear the sounds of men talking in this distance.

"I want to take a look and see what we are up against." said Ryan. To his surprise, Nancy insisted on coming along on the scouting mission. 

"It would have been safer to wait with the others. I can do for myself." Ryan explained as they traveled. 

"Do not give me that line. I am tougher than I look." she replied. 

Soon the two teens found them selves hiding behind a few bushes as they watched the men in front of them. "They must be having another meeting with the boss man." Ryan said under his breath. "That is his tent over there." he said then pointed at a deep red large tent that was set up in the middle of a small clearing. 

"I wonder what this meeting is about?"

"I have no idea. Perhaps, it has something to do with the boss's newest obsession. I have overheard the man talking about his search for with some kind of ancient missing treasure." Ryan replied.

"That is interesting information." 

"What is that?" he asked while  pointing to the an old storage building that looked like it was about to collapse. Its front door had been open, which allowed the  wooden crates inside to be seen.

Nancy stained her eyes for a better look, "I think it is fireworks."

"Why would they have fire works?"

"If I had to guess, they might be counting on the sounds from them sounding like bombs or explosives. They have that fake ghost set up near shore, maybe this is part of their plan to keep locals way."

Ryan was lost in thought for a moment before adding, "Follow me I may have an idea." 

Nancy grinned mischievously at Ryan, as she imagined the kind of trouble he had planned.