In the Sunken Garden

By Frances K. Judd

As Kay Tracey walks into the flower shop, a smiling young stranger hails her with, "Hello there. Grand party last night, wasn't it?" Kay has never seen him before! Neither does she know any of several other people who greet her that morning as an old friend. Mistaken identity? More than that! Double trouble!

This time Kay is in collision with a deep and intriguing mystery which threatens to land her in a tight spot. Even Betty and Wilma, the Worth twins, cannot uncover the slightest hint as to who looks so much like their best friend. When Kay finally picks up the faint thread of a clue, it leads to the sunken garden of an old mansion where a ghostly figure wheels and pirouettes in the dim light.

How Brantwood's teen-age detective extricates herself in this exciting case provides an unforgettable story of courage, adventure and mystery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alien Ebooks
• Release date: Sep 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781667629551

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Table of Contents

IN THE SUNKEN GARDEN, by Frances K. Judd

FRONTISPIECE

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

THE KAY TRACEY MYSTERY SERIES

INTRODUCTION, by Eileen Hammond

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

IN THE SUNKEN GARDEN,

by Frances K. Judd

FRONTISPIECE

Kay’s position was precarious...

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Originally published in 1939, revised 1951.

New elements copyright © 2023 by Alien Ebooks.

THE KAY TRACEY MYSTERY SERIES

The Secret of the Red Scarf (1934)

The Strange Echo (1934)

The Mystery of the Swaying Curtains (1935)

The Shadow on the Door (1935)

The Six-Fingered Glove Mystery (1936)

The Green Cameo Mystery (1936)

The Secret at the Windmill (1937)

Beneath the Crimson Briar Bush (1937)

The Message in the Sand Dunes (1938)

The Murmuring Portrait (1938)

When the Key Turned (1939)

In the Sunken Garden (1939)

The Forbidden Tower (1940)

The Sacred Feather (1940)

The Lone Footprint (1941)

The Double Disguise (1941)

The Mansion of Secrets (1942_

The Mysterious Neighbors (1942)

INTRODUCTION,

by Eileen Hammond

In an era when mysteries and adventures were avidly consumed by young readers, the Stratemeyer Syndicate emerged as a powerhouse, producing numerous series that would eventually become beloved classics. The brainchild of Edward Stratemeyer (himself a popular children’s author), the Syndicate was renowned for fostering many popular series, including Tom Swift, the Bobbsey Twins, and the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries, among many others—sparking a revolution in the way children's literature was created and distributed during the early to mid-20th century. Yet, amid this burgeoning world of literary adventures, the Kay Tracey series stood out, particularly for girls of the era, inviting them to envision themselves as the daring and resourceful heroines in mystery stories.

The Kay Tracey series was penned by multiple authors, including Harriet Stratemeyer Adams (Edward Stratemeyer’s daughter) and the gifted Mildred Wirt Benson, who wrote more volumes of the series than any other author. All titles were published under the pseudonym Frances K. Judd. Mildred Wirt, a seasoned writer, made significant contributions to many children's mystery series during this period, from Nancy Drew to the Dana Girls. She even created her own rival to Nancy Drew, Penny Parker, whose book series ran for more than a dozen volumes. Her stories were not only thrilling to readers of the period, but were instrumental in shaping the genre for decades to come. Her knack for creating strong female protagonists echoed the rising tide of women seeking to break free from societal norms, subtly hinting at a future where girls could take the lead and tackle any problem with intelligence and courage.

Set against the backdrop of the 1930s, a period witnessing significant changes and advancements, the Kay Tracey series offered young readers a glimpse into a world where they could envision themselves as detectives, solving cases with acumen and grace. These stories, rich in plot and character development, served as a bridge connecting the bygone era to a future that promised equality and empowerment for women. The series encouraged readers to imagine a world where their voices mattered, and their contributions were vital in navigating the complex landscapes of society.

The Kay Tracey series has experienced several revivals over the years, the most significant being in the 1950s, when a number of volumes were updated (this is noted on our copyright pages). The updates seem to have been minor in most cases—textual analysis shows some minor changes to character names in some books, while others weren't touched at all—but a few (most notably the first book) were completely rewritten, though they followed the same plotlines.

CHAPTER 1

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

Now let me see. Have I everything Mother told me to bring home?

Kay Tracey, a slender school girl with brown eyes set in an attractive face, spoke the words aloud as she thoughtfully studied her shopping list. As her mother was planning to give a luncheon to a small group of friends that Saturday afternoon, the girl had driven to Carmont at an early hour to do the necessary buying.

No, I knew I had forgotten something! she exclaimed, checking the list. Place cards and flowers.

Directly across the street Kay noticed a florist’s shop which had an attractive display in the window. After locking the car she went over to look at it, and then entered the store.

Good morning, she said to the man in charge. I should like some flowers that will carry out a pink and white color scheme.

Our roses are beautiful, he suggested. They came only ten minutes ago from the greenhouse. Let me show them to you.

Quickly he went to a rear room where many of the flowers were kept. Scarcely had he disappeared when the shop door opened and a tall young man in a gray suit came hurrying into the building. He glanced toward Kay, halted abruptly, and doffed his hat.

Well, hello, he greeted her jovially. I certainly didn’t expect to see you up so bright and early! Grand party last night, wasn’t it?

Kay was taken completely by surprise, for to her knowledge she had never seen the man before. Nor had she attended a party the previous evening. She had remained at home in nearby Brantwood with her mother and Cousin Bill Tracey, a young lawyer who had lived with the Traceys since the death of Kay’s father.

Before she could say that she thought the man must have mistaken her for another person, he glanced impatiently about the shop.

The proprietor isn’t around? Well, I can’t wait. I’m in a big hurry. See you again soon.

Waving to Kay, he went out the door and started across the street. Before he had vanished, the florist returned with a large bouquet of pink and white roses.

Didn’t I hear someone enter the shop? the proprietor asked Kay.

Yes, it was that man who is crossing the street now. Moving to the plate glass window, she indicated the stranger. Do you know him?

The florist shook his head. He isn’t one of my regular customers. I don’t recall ever having seen him before.

It was peculiar, Kay remarked, half to herself. The young man evidently mistook me for a person he knew well. I didn’t suppose anyone in the world looked like me, certainly not in Brantwood!

She turned her attention to the roses, finally bought a dozen and a half, and left the shop.

Now I’ll get the place cards and then my shopping will be finished, she thought as she carried the box to the car.

As the nearest store where cards and favors could be bought was two blocks away, Kay decided it would be quicker to drive there than to walk. At the first corner the auto was held up by a red traffic light. While waiting for it to change, she noticed two girls on the sidewalk. They were dressed in the latest fashion, somewhat conspicuously. Catching a glimpse of Kay, they began to wave and call to her.

Say, where did you borrow that good-looking car? cried one gaily. Give us a lift!

Kay glanced over her shoulder, half expecting to see that another automobile had drawn up behind her own. Her car was the only one for some distance down the street. Obviously the two girls were calling to her, under the impression that they were acquaintances.

I never saw either of them before in my life, thought Kay in dismay. Goodness, this makes the second time in fifteen minutes that I’ve been mistaken for another person!

The traffic light changed to green so she drove on before the two girls could reach her. A moment later she thought regretfully: I wish I had waited and asked them the name of my double. Well, the chance is gone now.

While she shopped for attractive place cards, Kay continued to reflect upon the incident. So deeply absorbed was she that she did not observe a girl named Ethel Eaton enter the shop. The two attended the same high school at Carmont, commuting each day from their homes in Brantwood. Ethel was not a popular student, and although Kay tried to be friendly, she was regarded with jealousy and envy by the Eaton girl.

Oh, hello, Kay, Ethel sang out, what are you doing here?

Good morning, Ethel. I’m just buying a few place cards for Mother. She’s giving a little luncheon this afternoon.

Really? Ethel’s tone became bragging. "My mother doesn’t bother about little luncheons. I suppose you heard that she is giving a grand dinner party this week for Monsieur and Madame Le Blanc."

No, Ethel, I hadn’t heard, Kay responded dryly.

Mother will have at least forty guests. Monsieur and Madame Le Blanc are such distinguished persons.

I don’t believe their names are familiar to me.

Probably not, Ethel returned, walking away. They came from abroad recently and we shall be the first to entertain them.

Kay made her selection of place cards and left the shop, not in the least disturbed by Ethel Eaton’s remarks. As she approached her car she noticed a beautiful shepherd dog sitting at the curb. He sprang up, barking joyously, and tried to get into the automobile as she opened the door.

No, you can’t come with me, Kay commanded sternly. Go back to your owner!

She drove away slowly. Glancing back, she was disturbed to see that the dog had followed the car. As she drove faster he was hard pressed to keep the automobile within view.

Poor thing, she thought. "I wonder if he is mistaking me for someone else, too."

Stopping the car, she again tried to send the dog away. Finally he trotted off down the street. Satisfied that she had seen the last of him, Kay continued toward home, making frequent stops for traffic lights.

Halfway to Brantwood she glanced into the side mirror and was dismayed to see that the friendly animal was once more directly behind her. His tongue was hanging out and he limped as he ran.

Why, the poor thing is exhausted, the girl thought, applying the foot brake. I can’t let this go on.

When she opened the car door the dog crawled in and licked her hand with his tongue. Lifting him to the seat beside her, she patted his head.

I’ll take you along home with me, she decided sympathetically. I guess you’ll be my pet until I can locate your owner.

At the Tracey house a few minutes later Kay began to unload packages from the rear of the car. To her astonishment the beautiful dog seized one of the parcels in his teeth and carried it proudly to the front porch. Carefully placing it on the steps he returned for a second package.

So I have a helper! laughed Kay, delighted by the trick. Someone must have trained you well.

As the animal started across the garden with a box of rolls which he held by the string, another dog, long a neighborhood pest, made a sudden dart at him. The attack was brief but vicious. As the two animals nipped at each other, the carton from the bakery was torn open. Before Kay could prevent it the rolls tumbled out on the ground. Seizing one in his mouth, the attacking dog retreated to his own front porch.

Oh, dear, all that food ruined, Kay murmured, picking up the remains from the dirt. It’s lucky I bought twice as many as Mother had on her list. She may be able to get along without sending me back to the shop.

Upon being introduced to the new dog, Mrs. Tracey regarded him dubiously. However, she was so occupied with plans for the coming luncheon that she quickly agreed Kay might keep the pet until the owner could be located.

It’s queer how he happened to follow me home—just as if he knew me, Kay remarked thoughtfully.

Yes, agreed her mother, but dogs are the least of my concern right now. I have about a hundred things to do before one o’clock!

I’ll take care of fifty of them for you, Kay laughed as she helped put away the various parcels. I noticed that the front porch needs sweeping. I’ll start in there.

While the girl was busy with her task, Ronald Earle, a young man who considered Kay by far the most attractive person in Brantwood, drove by in his car. He stopped to chat for a few minutes, pleading with her to go for a little ride.

Sorry, I can’t now, she declined with honest regret. I’ve promised to help Mother with a luncheon.

After he had gone, Kay went to the kitchen to assist in preparing a salad. In the midst of cutting up some fruit, she let the sharp knife with which she was working slip. The result was a deep gash on her hand from which blood spurted profusely.

Oh, dear, sighed the girl, as she let cold water run over the wound, which would not stop bleeding, I guess I’ll have to put on a bandage.

This she did, but it hampered her work so much that things were barely ready when the guests began to arrive for the luncheon.

Kay knew all of them well. Several of her mother’s friends asked about her injured hand. One wanted to know if she had been in an automobile accident! Another blamed it on a possible mishap in connection with the girl’s work as an amateur detective.

I seem to be involved in another mystery right now, Kay laughed good-naturedly. This morning two persons mistook me for another girl. And even a stray dog adopted me as his owner. I am sure I must have a double, although I haven’t seen her yet.

After luncheon Kay decided to take her newly acquired pet for a walk along the river. Both enjoyed it and Kay became more fond of the animal every