THE HIDDEN VALLEY MYSTERY

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

Silver Wings for Vicki

Vicki Finds the Answer

The Hidden Valley Mystery

The Secret of Magnolia Manor

The Clue of the Broken Blossom

Behind the White Veil

The Mystery at Hartwood House

Peril Over the Airport

The Mystery of the Vanishing Lady

The Search for the Missing Twin

The Ghost at the Waterfall

The Clue of the Gold Coin

The Silver Ring Mystery

The Clue of the Carved Ruby

The Mystery of Flight 908

The Brass Idol Mystery

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

________________________________________________________

THE HIDDEN VALLEY MYSTERY

BY HELEN WELLS

________________________________________________________

GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS

New York

BY GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC., 1948

All Rights Reserved

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CONTENTS ________________________________________________________

CHAPTER PAGE

I PASSPORT TO MEXICO 1

II HOME BASE 18

III CROSSING THE BORDER 42

IV COUSIN CISSY 62

V VICKI GETS TO WORK 84

VI THE INDIAN VILLAGE 95

VII NEW FRIENDS 111

VIII WARNING 124

IX IN DANGER 140

X GROUNDS FOR SUSPICION 156

XI THE WEB TIGHTENS 171

XII ANTIGUA CASTLE 178

XIII TWO MANTILLAS AND A LETTER 188

XIV THE ROAD TO AYUTLA 207

XV ESCAPE BY PLANE 214

XVI THE DOUBLE-RABBIT 228

XVII ADIS! GOOD-BYE! 240

1

CHAPTER I

Passport to Mexico

The Christmas tree in the Barrs living room at the Castle was slightly the worse for wear. Even more

battered was the telegram which Vicki, curled up on

the gray velvet couch with the spaniel, opened and

read for the twentieth time: A LITTLE TARDY RUT HERES YOUR CHRISTMAS

PRESENT, VICKI. YOURE GOING TO MEXICO. CONGRATULATIONS!

The telegram was signed Ruth Benson, assistant superintendent of flight stewardesses for

Federal Airlines, and Vickis boss. Whenever Vicki read that message, her blue eyes grew softer and

bigger than ever.

A second telegram read: START TAKING INOCULATIONS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL

AND SEND BIRTH CERTIFICATE SO WE CAN GET YOUR

PASSPORT.

Vicki had complied. Her photograph was already

on file with the airline.

2

Vicki dreamily folded both telegrams and put

them back in the pocket of her new blue dress (a

Christmas present from her parents). The only

question was, when was she to leave for Mexico?

Miss Benson had told Vicki to go home, rest over

Christmas, and await instructions. Vicki was waiting

in a state of excitement; every ring of doorbell or

phone made her heart leap. She might leave any day,

any minute, now.

Vicki roused herself enough to break into three

pieces the last candy cane off the shedding

Christmas tree. She gave one piece to Freckles, the

whimpering little brown-and-white spaniel.

No, you cant have it all, she told him. Ginny and I get a piece, too.

Freckless stubby tail thumped against the carpet as he gnawed and battled his candy. Vickis heart was thumping as happily, as she wandered around

the long living room, daydreaming. Being chosen to

go to Mexico, as a flight stewardess on Federals affiliated airline down there, was a dream about to

come true!

Vicki went out to the small entrance hall, and

climbed the flight of tower stairs, leading to the

second floor and the bedrooms. Halfway up, she

stood beside a window looking out into dense trees.

This window was Vickis favorite spot for daydreaming, and the tower which enclosed the

3

stairs was her favorite part of the Barr house.

Dreaming there, her sensitive little face framed by

soft ash-blonde hair, she seemed more like the lady

of the castle than a modern young career woman.

She knew it, uncomfortably.

Better start being practical. Better dig out my Spanish dictionary.

Vicki turned and went downstairs again, passing

the hall mirror. The reflection of her figure, small

and frail-seeming, halted her. She stood up as

straight as possible, trying to look more capable,

bigger, older.

It doesnt help, remarked a candid voice. You look as though you were cut out for a life of

bonbons and fancy embroidery, and hadnt the strength or sense of a kitten.

Ginny! Vickis small face flushed. Please show some respect for your elders!

Well, its true, thats how you look. Me, I know youre not what you look, sweetie.

Her younger sister skipped the rest of the way

down the tower stairs. Ginny was a practical-looking

adolescent, with her flaxen hair in tight braids, her

sturdy bare legs ending in orthopedic Oxfords,

braces on her teeth, and temporary glasses. She

glared pleasantly at Vicki, who had recently lived

through this same chrysalis stage and emerged

healthy, wiry, and exceedingly pretty.

4

You know, Vic, I have to needle you when you come home on your rest periods. Why, probly youre so spoiled by your passengers, somebody has to turn your head back in place again.

I am not spoiled by my passengers! A flight stewardess works hard! Vicki retorted indignantly. If you think being in charge of a planeful of passengers is a glamour job

Mexico isnt glamour, huh? Ginny grinned behind her glasses. but you wouldnt trade jobs with anybody in the world, and besides youre so excited about going to Mjico you cant talk straight. Truce?

Vicki laughed, and put her arm around Ginnys plump shoulders. The two sisters were on their way

to dismantle the Christmas treesomething they had planned daily for the past three days, but hadnt had the heart to dowhen Mrs. Barr called.

Victoria! Will you come here, please? Yes, Mother! Vicki called back. Where are

you? Here! There was a pause. Vicki and Ginny exchanged

glances.

Family life, Ginny mumbled. Youll miss this in Mexico. Ginny sang out, Wheres here?

In my room. Writing letters to Mexico, their mothers voice drifted back.

5

Although only Vicki was summoned, Ginny

bounced along too, and the little spaniel came

running. They all trooped upstairs into the big

bedroom where Betty Barr sat at her desk. She was

curly-haired, athletic, and at the moment, scowling.

How much postage from Fairview, Illinois, to Mexico City? she asked. Someone will have to take this down to the post office and inquire.

Send Freckles, suggested Ginny. She and Vicki sat down on the fragrant cedar chest, with the pup

sprawled across both their laps.

Mexico Vicki quavered. WhosI mean, whomwhoms the letter to?

Mrs. Barr held up the envelope for her to see. To Cousin Cissy. Im writing to ask her to chaperon you while youre down there.

Vicki let out a shriek. Chaperon me! Why, Im a career woman, Ill be working most of the time, how can anyone chaperon I never heard of anything so silly, she finished, crestfallen.

Ginny blinked indignantly. Who is this old cousin, anyhow? Shell spoil all Vickis fun!

Their mother turned around in her chair so

emphatically that her short brown curls quivered.

Cissy isnt an old cousin, Betty Barr said. Shes quite young

about forty, I spose, Vicki put in glumly. and though Dad and I rarely see Cissy since

6

her marriage, their mother continued, she is the only person we have in Mexico to keep an eye on

you. You dont remember her, Vic, because Cissys family moved to California when you were about

three. Dad and I made a trip out there when you

were about twelve, but you went to camp that

summer. Ginny was a two-year-old; she went with

us but she cant remember Cissy, can you? Mrs. Barr grinned. She fell to musing. We never were in constant touch with that branch of the Barrsits one of those families where you dont see each other for years, but you can pick up ties as if youd seen each other yesterday.

Anyhow, Mrs. Barr said firmly, Im asking Cissy to chaperon you. Dont moan and groan so, Vicki! In Latin-American countries, very

conservative manners are still the custom. Very few

girls earn their own livings. Manners are rather like

those of your grandmothers daychiefly because those countries are still agricultural, while we have

become a manufacturing country, and thats changed our way of living. Anyhow, Vicki, she concluded, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you dont, its a grave discourtesyand youll make a donkey of yourself.

All right, all right, Vicki muttered. A chaperon. How do you think this Cissy person will

like it?

7

Maybe she wouldnt touch you with a ten-foot pole, Ginny suggested flatteringly.

Maybe well lose Cissys letter on the way to the post office, Vicki said hopefully.

Oh, no, you dont! Mrs. Barr grinned. Now go ask Dad if he has scared up any letters of

introduction to take with you. They crossed the upstairs hall, knocked on a door

and poked their heads into Professor Barrs study. It was empty, except for piles of books and mail.

Well try the kitchen, Ginny said. Dads probably cooking again.

Amateur cookery was the hobby of Professor

Lewis Marvell Barr of the Economics Department at

the near-by state university. Vicki had been a

student there herself for two years, until she had

(with her fathers reluctant and her mothers enthusiastic permission) started out on her career in

the sky.

Professor Barr, tall, blond, and handsome, and

made still taller by a starchy chefs cap, was found peering solemnly into the oven.

Ssh! Walk on tiptoe! he admonished his two daughters. I am baking my first cakeand if anyone refuses a slice, I shall be deeply wounded.

I get to lick the icing bowl, Ginny announced. Professor Barr looked embarrassed. I havent

learned yet how to make icing, he admitted.

8

Good, Vicki said quickly. Then we can put chocolate syrup over the cake, instead.

Her father smiled. My little diplomat, hey? Shes a pirate, thats what she is! Ginny burst

out. Next, shell suggest ice cream to go with the chocolate syrup.

I was leading up to that, Vicki admitted. Ice-cream cake. Of course. Why didnt I think of

that? Professor Barr dug under his long white apron and handed the girls some change. If you dont mind going downtown to buy ice cream, he said dryly. You may take the car.

They assured their father that they considered

such an errand eminently worth while, and inquired

about the Mexican letters of introduction.

Oh, yes. I have three letters for you to present, Vic, to friends of friends of mine. Two are to

Mexican people, one is to a Chicagoan living there.

Those letters will assure you of hospitality and

friends, until you can make some friends of your

own, as well. Of course were writing those three people on your behalf, before you arrive.

Nice, Vicki said. I wont be going as a complete stranger, then. Just think, friends in other

countries. But, you knowshe cocked her fair headexcited as I am, waiting for Ruth Benson to give me the go-ahead, and with these letters and

packing and allit still doesnt feel as if Im going

9

away. Youre going to leave the United States, Ginny

said soberly.

If youd rather not go, her father said promptly, you can always return to the university. You didnt finish

Have to mail Cissys letter now, Dadscuse us, please.

Vicki frankly fled. She had had a hard enough

time originally to get Professor Barrs permission to become a flight stewardess. Some hair-raising

adventures had not increased his approval. Ginny,

who had her own battle at school, stanchly fled with

her. They seized hats, coats and overshoes, struggled

into them, shoved Freckles into his leash and

sweater, and raced each other out on the frozen

lawn.

Wait a minute! Vicki panted. Ginny, headed toward the garage, stopped. Lets see if the Christmas rose is still there.

They found the single perfect rose still abloom in

the snow. Only this, and the dwarf fir trees banking

The Castle, were green. Beneath the snow slept the

rock garden and the rose-and-peony garden, the fruit

trees and the little wood which led downhill to the

lake. Vicki looked around and tried to realize she

was leaving these dear things for a while. The

Castle, with its miniature tower, and this frosty

10

white garden, made the hot lands south of the border

seem hard to believe in, and very far away.

For a moment Vicki choked up. Im homesick in advance, she giggled at herself. Yet she felt forlorn.

Ginny seemed to sense what Vicki was feeling,

and let her alone. But at last the little girl grew tired

of waiting.

Are you through daydreaming? Yes. Sorry. But its an odd sensation, Ginny, to

be leaving home for a place so new and strange. If I

were leaving The Castle to go back to New York

and my crowd of stewardesses and our New York

apartment Vickis blue eyes sparkled as she thought of the

frolics, tiffs, parties, and gay hubbub that went on in

that apartment. Six girls, and Mrs. Duff their

housekeeper, with sometimes Dean Fletcher the

young copilot, or newspaperman Pete Carmody, or

The Three Bears dropping in to danceand then suddenly the phone would summon them and the

girls would be off on flights. What a life it was!

Mexico, or no Mexico, Im going to miss my New York crowd, Vicki confided to Ginny. She backed the car out of the garage into the curving

driveway, then stopped to let Freckles and Ginny

hop in.

Maybe some of your crowd will be sent to Mexico, too, Ginny consoled her. Maybe this

11

Cissy person wont turn out to be so bad. Or youll find a mysteryyou always do. Maybeoops, watch where youre going!

Vicki dismissed her daydreams long enough to

drive safely downtown. At the Fairview post office,

she handed the postmaster the letter addressed to

Mexico City. With some misgivings she stamped it,

then watched it go into the mailbag marked Foreign Air Mail. In a matter of days or hours, she herself would be flying to where that letter was addressed.

And Vicki felt torn between love of home, right here

in Fairview, and the thrill of exploring Mexico.

That feeling was intensified by a visit to the

candy shop, for the ice cream. Vickis old high school crowd was there, lingering over cokes and

listening to the juke box.

Hi, Vicki! Tootsie Miller hailed her. She was fat and jolly. Is it the truth youre going to leave the good old U.S.A.?

Handsome Dickie Brown and his pleasant sister,

Lynn, came over too. Hi, Vic. Guess youre the first of our class to go abroad.

It isnt really abroad, Vicki said, her heart sinking as if she were off to Siberia. Its still the Western Hemisphereand a neighboring countryand, uh

Freckles! Ginny protested. The little spaniel was challenging Guy Englishs

12

setter pup. Freckles barked, reared and glared

fearlessly. Guy had the setter on a leash. Guy

grinned and said: Call off your ferocious dog, maam. Have a coke, Vic, Ginny?

The two Kramer boys came into the candy shop,

too, and Vicki found herself holding court as a

world traveler. When she protested that she had not

traveled much yet, Lynn Brown countered:

But you will. Youll go all over the world, eventually, Ill bet!

Besides, Vic, you drew flying and thats the most exciting job of all.

Dont forget us gringos when youre in Mexico.

Ill never forget you kids, Vicki said in a warm rush of feeling. That premature homesickness welled

up in her throat. Driving home with Ginny and

Freckles, she nearly considered calling the whole

thing off.

But at home a telegram had just arrived for Miss

Victoria Barr. REPORT NEW YORK TOMORROW. FREE FLIGHT ON ANY

FEDERAL PLANE OUT OF CHICAGO THAT HAS ROOM FOR

YOU. HAVE SECURED YOUR MEXICAN PASSPORT AND

BUSINESS TRAVELERS PERMIT. REGARDS, RUTH BENSON.

Vicki clutched her blonde head to keep it from

whirling. Leave tomorrowthat meant finish packing tonight. The Castle, even her family,

suddenly lost their look of permanence for Vicki.

13

Racing up to the blue room, which she shared with

Ginny, she hastily began folding garments into her

lightweight suitcase.

Shoes, plenty of em for sight-seeing Suntan lotion and my bathing suit The bathing suit, since this was Christmas week, had to be unearthed

from the storage closet. Camera and films, or will the customs agents at the border say no? Oh, yes,

my Spanish-English dictionary. Thank goodness,

its pocket size. Hmm, American tooth powder might be a good idea. And sunglasses! What else?

Vicki suspected she was packing entirely too

many garments and gadgets. Inexperienced travelers

usually did. Ruth Benson declared that a suit, two

blouses, two hats, one dress, one coat, plus plenty of

shoes and stockings and gloves and underthings,

would take anybody quite decently around the

world.

Besides, I have my flight uniform, waiting for me at the apartment in New York! Vicki thought with shining eyes of the trim blue cap and uniform,

and the proud silver wings pinned on its breast

pocket. But its warm in Mexico, even in winter. Ruth Benson said that the airline will want me to

wear summer uniform. Mrs. Barr came to the door of the blue bedroom

and gave Vicki two brightly wrapped packages.

Gifts for Cousin Cissy. Some new books and

14

American stockings. I hope they fit her, at least

approximately. You might buy her some candy in

New York, too, Vicki. Doggone this Cissy person, Vicki said half

seriously. The fly in the ointment. Off to the land of romanceshackled by a relative.

I understand Cissy has a very pleasant husband. Betty Barr grinned and moved off. That makes two flies in the ointment.

Ginny trotted in, Freckles at her heels, bearing a

remedy for upset stomach.

Thats a cheerful note! Vicki protested. Ginny doggedly tucked the remedy in Vickis

suitcase. Dad says, quote, foreign cooking can be quite a surprise to American stomachs. Oh, Vicki, I

squirtenly wish I was going with you! Even if we

had stomachaches together! I squirtenly wish you were, too, baby. The two sisters hugged each other. Freckles took

advantage of the moment to climb into the open

suitcase and start digging up Vickis neat packing. It was not until late that evening, after dinner was

over and her family had given her advice and

admonishments, and all her phone calls to Fairview

friends had been made, and all but the very last

packing was done, that Vicki began to think

seriously. Until now, Mexico had been a bright-hued

dream, a lighthearted, unreal lark. But with

15

departure slated for tomorrow morning, Vicki

realized that the thought of leaving the United States

brought a surprisingly painful wrench.

Well, I hope the Mexicans will like me, she mused half aloud, itll be part of my job to make them like me.

Huh? inquired Ginny from the other twin bed. What are you mumbling about?

I was just wondering, Vicki said softly, how Im going to reconcile When in Rome, do as the Romans do with To thine own self be true. Foreign travel can be a problem!

Why dont you just go to sleep? Vicki did. But the widening puzzles in her mind

were not solved.

Early the next morning the whole Barr household

rose and, in an uproar, got their traveler off.

You didnt touch your breakfast, her mother fumed, rushing into the living room. Here, at least swallow this glass of milk!

Vicki obediently gulped the milk, and with her

other hand she buckled her overshoes. Ginny was

kneeling on the lid of the stuffed suitcase, while

Professor Barr locked and strapped it shut. Freckles

raced around in circles, delightedly believing he was

going along on this trip, too.

Dont get too sunburned, Mrs. Barr warned. You know your hair always dries out to the color of

16

straw. If you get any free samples of anything, Ginny

begged, send em to me for my collection. And please buy me some Mexican silver jewelry and a

pair of huaraches and one of those ruffly blouses and

a parrot if you can find a tame one and Vic isnt going on a vacation, shes going to

work, Professor Barr reminded Ginny. We mustnt ask her to spend her free time doing errands for us. Although, Vicki, youll see some interesting books and magazines down there, and Id appreciate

Absolutely. Vicki grinned. Mother, you havent said what you want.

Betty Barr, getting into her hat and coat, replied,

I only want you to take care of yourself and use good judgment in all things. And write us often,

dear, so we wont worry. Vicki promised, and the entire family went out to

the car. Professor Barr drove to the railroad station

amid a babel of last-minute reminders.

And dont dislike Cousin Cissy in advance! As they stood in the wind on the wooden

platform, hearing the train whistle shrill nearer and

closer along the flat prairie land, Vicki shrank into

her heavy coat. From this small town in the snow to

a land of purple volcanoesshe only hoped she could jump that gap with her understanding as well

17

as with her two feet and her suitcase!

The train, furiously snorting and puffing, as if

pretending to be more than a small engine, a milk

car, and two rattle-bang coaches, slowed to a stop.

The ancient conductor, Mr. Stark, swung Vicki

aboard.

She hung down off the train step to kiss her

family last good-byes. I willdont worry, nowyou write me, toobye, Freckles!

The train jerked and pulled away. Vicki went into

the coach and dazedly sat down on a dusty seat. She

was not crying but her nose was suspiciously pink.

As the small town and then the farms slid by her

window, they seemed gradually, confusingly, to turn

into tropic beaches and groves of palm trees.

At the Chicago airport two hours later, Vicki was

in luck. She caught a New York-bound plane

without delay. The crowded, busy field, the

gleaming planes, travelers leaving and arriving, set

Vicki atingle.

She climbed aboard and relaxed against her

comfortable plane chair. She was on her way, not

only to New York, but to a new land.

18

CHAPTER II

Home Base

Vicki would have thoroughly enjoyed her flight had

not the stewardessMarion Delbeau, whom Vicki knew slightlybrought her a newspaper.

Unsuspecting, Vicki let it lie in her lap for a

while, as she gazed out at the sky scenery beyond

the planes wing. Then she turned and looked professionally at the various passengers, watching

the way Marion handled the dubious woman who

was a first rider. Then she opened the newspaper

and glanced casually at the headlines.

Vicki did not remain casual for long. Her face

changed as the headline glared up balefully at her:

MEXICAN DOCTORS EXPERIMENT

SEEK TREATMENT FOR TROPICAL SCOURGE

The story was marked AP: an Associated Press

release. That meant practically every newspaper in

the country was carrying the story today. That meant

19

Professor Barr would see it!

Vicki was a great deal less concerned about

tropical diseases than about her fathers reaction. He had recently been working on a scholarly article on

the relation between economics and disease, and

was much concerned, at present, with public health

matters. This dire-sounding headline might give him

the impression I hat public health was bad in

Mexico.

Dads never really approved of my flyinghe wasnt eager for me to go awayhes been hinting to get me back to college. And now this!

Vicki hunched up in her seat. Being too young

might wreck her plans. As the youngest stewardess

on Federal Airlines, she had been accepted under the

age limit. Keeping her job depended on her parents permission. If her father read this news item, he

would begin to worry.

Hell think it just isnt safe for me to go. Vicki tried to bolster herself with hope of support

from her mother. Betty Barr had been for Vickis flying from the first. If necessary, she would put up

a plea now.

Besides, the news story itself was not very dire,

as Vicki read it through. It reported that Mexican

doctors were working to find better ways of treating

amoebic dysentery. They had been working, too, on

several of the different scourges which afflict people

20

in tropical lands, and felt sure they were well on the

way to finding methods to combat some, but not all

of them.

Amoebic dysentery . . . sure they are making progress . . . hmm, that doesnt sound too alarming. Still, Vicki felt mildly apprehensive. When Marion

Delbeau brought her a tempting tray of lunchthe sort Vicki herself so often prepared and served to

passengersVicki dropped the newspaper on the plane floor and planted her feet on it.

Stop worrying! she told herself. But she was still worrying as the skyscrapers of

New York lifted in steep, jagged outline against the

sky. Her plane flew over the city, skimmed on to

Long Island. They circled over the airport, and came

down softly as a feather.

Vicki clambered out of the plane. New York was

home base for her flights, and the airport buildings

she hurried toward were her official headquarters.

Ruth Benson was just coming out of her office, a

sleek, stunning young woman.

Vicki Barr! Hello! I was expecting you about now. Youre just in time to have lunch with me.

Vicki smiled back at her adored boss. Ive had lunch on the plane, thanks, but Id like to come along with you.

Ill give you my dessert and well talk about Mexico. They started out of the small building and

21

across the windy airfield. By the way, Vicki, Ive just had the oddest telegram from your father.

Vicki gulped. What did he say? He wired Has Federal any statistics on the

incidence of amoebic disorders and parasites among

its employees who have worked in Mexico? Isnt that a weird idea! Miss Benson laughed.

Vicki could not laugh with her. She explained

that the professor was doing research on health

matters. She did not mention what else was probably

going on in her fathers head. She asked anxiously, Did you wire back?

Yes, of course. I thought his request odd, but supposed your father must be thinking of that news

item. And I realized professors often ask for

research information. They dodged a truck dragging an airliner to the

hangar. Vicki was seething with apprehension but

tried to appear calm.

Wh-what did you wire back, Miss Benson? Miss Benson shouted something over the sudden

roar of a plane overhead but it was lost in the noise.

What? Vicki wailed as the plane vanished, leaving windy stillness. Oh, please!

Why, Vicki. I wired back that Federal has no such statistics. I hope your father will be able to get

his information elsewhere. Im sure he will, Vicki replied miserably as

22

they went into the big and beautiful Administration

Building. It was awful. Professor Barr had an idea

fixed in his mind now, and the professor with an

idea was like Freckles worrying a bone. He did not

give it up until he had exhausted every possibility.

Vicki knew what she was in for.

Miss Benson led the way into the coffee shop.

She was happily oblivious of Vickis misery, and waved to a group of young pilots. Vicki exchanged

hellos with boys and girls in uniform and in overalls,

all across the big airy room. It felt good to be back

among these youthful, lively comrades. In her

pocket, Vicki crossed her fingers.

Ruth Benson found a vacant table beside the

wall-length window and they sat down.

Ill have one of your jumbo hamburgers, Miss Benson said to the waitress. Vicki? Nothing? Something must be wrong with you.

Vicki dared not answer. If the airline believed

Vickis father objected to her going to Mexico, they might schedule another girl in her place at once.

Vicki kept a poker face and wished Ruth Benson

would stop studying her so suspiciously.

Well, youre flying down on New Years Day, day after tomorrow. Get out your summer

uniformsthe ones of Palm Beach cloth. Go to the beauty salon.

She reeled off instructions, and Vicki listened

23

torn between exultation and quaking. Had Ruth

Benson, when she was a flight stewardess and

before she had worked her way up to this executive

post, ever been in a jam like this? Vicki looked into

Miss Bensons brilliant, intelligent gray eyes and wished she could blurt out the truth.

because not only will you be Federals envoy. Youll represent the United States to every Mexican who lays eyes on you.

Vicki gave in to her desire to believe Mexico

would come true for her. Thats quite a responsibility, she replied, meaning it.

Ah, here comes my hamburger! Here, before I forget Ruth Benson took a small, fat book from her purse. A present for you from the airline. Its an almanac about Latin America, tells about the

history, economics, customs. Read it so youll understand what youre seeing. Its just a waste of time, its stupid, to travel without reading up first.

Vicki thanked her and tentatively took the

volume, hoping she would not have to surrender it.

Miss Benson called hello to teams of mechanics

and researchers, took a bite of her lunch, and went

on coaching her squirming stewardess.

Dont squawk or make fun if the coffee doesnt taste like the coffee back home. It isnt meant to. For goodness sake, dont wear slacks in Mexico, Mexican girls dont wear them. Dont spend like a

24

show-off. Speak their language, not yours.

Incidentally, Vicki, its rude down there to say youre an American. Youre a North American. Remember, the South and Central Americans are

Americans too. The point is to be friends. Vicki blinked her blue eyes, trying to absorb all

this, and keep the longing out of her poker face at

the same time.

Some North Americans have gone to other countries, Ruth Benson continued, and have been intolerant or boastful or greedy or bad-mannered,

and left an unfortunate impression of us all. Vicki,

international good willwhat we nationalities think of one anothercan tip the scales between peace or war! We just have to understand and get along with

one another. I see. Vicki was thoughtful. Her personal

worries suddenly grew small beside this universal

human problem. So she, just one person, must stand

trial for the entire United States, in the minds of the

Mexicans who might meet her.

In fact, Miss Benson explained, were sending down your North American flight crew as a means

of getting better acquainted. Federal employs

Mexican pilots and stewardesses on our affiliated

Mexican line, as is only fair. And theyre grand. You and your crew, she twinkled at Vicki, will be a novelty.

25

Oh! A great light burst on Vicki. She even glimpsed a hope of convincing her father. You mean Federal is sending not only me, but a pilot and

copilot as well? I thoughtyou had said you were looking for one or two stewardesses to send to

Mexico and I assumedI thought Miss Benson smiled. You didnt stop to think. Then Im supposed to be going withI mean, I

will be going with a pilot and copilot. Oh, Miss

Benson, which ones? Ruth Benson looked amused. Captain Tom

Jordan and Copilot Dean Fletcher. Do you

approve? Vicki sighed deeply and rested her chin in her

hand. It couldnt be nicer. Then why so woebegone about it? Vicki had groaned at what she might be missing.

But quickly she assumed a bright smile. Its perfect, Miss Benson. Dean Fletcher and I are very

good friends. And as for Captain Jordan, hes my favorite of all the older pilots Ive flown with. My father would approve.

She could almost see before her Deans tall rangy figure and his serious fliers eyescould almost sense Captain Jordans capable, big-brother presence. These three had worked together so often,

they had become very like a family. If she got left

behind, because her father said no, she would feel

26

exactly like an orphan.

Couldnt be nicer, Vicki was ironically repeating, as she and Ruth Benson crossed the busy

airfield back to the offices. Miss Benson wanted her

to see Federals Pan-American supervisor, Mr. Robles. He had tested the stewardesses in Spanish.

Now this amiable, dark-eyed man talked to Vicki

of Latin courtesies, flying red bananas and

flamingos as cargo, the different constellations of

stars south of the border by which to locate

direction. She listened, eagerly and painfully.

Vicki rode the subway back from Long Island to

Manhattan in a daze. So much tantalizing adviceit doubled her desire to go! She dreaded arriving at the

apartment because almost surely a telegram from her

father would be waiting for her.

Vicki climbed up out of the subway. For once she

did not exult at being back in New York. She rushed

down the beautiful, long, busy streets and past

stately Central Park etched in snow and ice. She

raced into her apartment building and into the

elevator.

Since stewardesses slept at any hours they were

not flying, Vicki did not ring but let herself in with

her key. Halfway down the hall, she paused at the

kitchen. Their housekeeper, Mrs. Duff, roly-poly,

white-haired, and pink-cheeked, was beating eggs in

a bowl with all her might.

27

Hello, Mrs. Duff. How are you? Is there a telegram for me? Vicki asked all in one breath.

Vicki! Ye gave me a turn! So yere back, child, an looking rosy as an apple.

Not back for long, though, Mrs. Duffone way or another. Hows everyone? Is there a telegram for me?

My girls are flourishing, thanks be. I have a heap o messages for yemostly Christmas wishes from your passengers. That Mr. Dean Fletcher has

telephoned and telephoned. He seems a mite happy

about some matter. Ah, yes, there is a wire for you.

Twas delivered early this morning. Vicki nodded dolefully and marched off. At the

living-room door, she saw the top of a fair head

above the easy chair. It belonged to Charmion

Wilson, the young widow. Jean Cox sat cross-legged

on the floor, a tomboy with cropped brown head and

merry face. She was sorting newspaper clippings, so

absorbed that Vicki did not have the heart to

interrupt.

This one says by Peter Carmody. And this one has a by-line by Peter Carmody, special feature writer. You know, Charmion, I think Petes pretty terrific!

So I see, Charmion gently teased. Vicki called out, Glad to hear the Cox-Carmody

romance is progressing so favorably.

28

Vicki! Both Charmion and Jean sprang to their feet. You wretch! Back from Fairviewthis means youre leaving for Mexico pronto!

Oh, does it? Vicki said gloomily. Hello, you two.

Arent you glad to see us? Jean demanded. Were glad to see you.

Charmion smilingly drew her into the room.

You look fine, dear. But why such a long face? Wheres that telegram? Oh, I see iton the

bulletin board. Vicki took it and stammered out, Forgive me for being abrupt. Did you read about the Mexican research on tropical diseases? Well, my

dad has already wired Ruth Benson about it. She ripped open the telegram and read it unbelievingly.

Just look at this. The telegram said: HAVE YOU TAKEN ALL

NECESSARY INOCULATIONS? PLEASE CHECK WITH A

SPECIALIST TO MAKE SURE YOUR HEALTH IS THOROUGHLY

GUARDED. AM WIRING COUSIN CISSY. MAY TELEPHONE

YOU LATER. And it was signed, not Dad but Father, a bad sign.

Vicki said apprehensively, What on earth is he wiring Cissy about?

Jean grunted. This sounds like trouble. Whos Cousin Cissy? Charmion inquired. She

linked arms with the other two and led them to the

couch. Perhaps we can think of a way around this. Three heads are better than one.

29

Vicki, squeezed on the couch between her pals,

related the lugubrious details. She had not wanted to

be involved with Cousin Cissy in the first place, and

now this unknown relatives reply to Professor Barr could decide Vickis whole fate.

Whats Cissy like? Charmion ruminated. If we knew that, wed know how to figure.

Vicki shrugged. Cissy is an unknown quantity. She grasped a handful of ash-blonde hair

despairingly.

Jean got up and paced the living room. Never mind Cissy! Its your dads opinion that counts.

Vicki grinned wanly. If I dont go, Jean, then youd get to go. You and I made the two highest marks on the Spanish exam.

I dont want to go to Mexico in your shoes! Jean exploded. Anyhow, Federal may send a second team and they promised Id be the stewardess. Oh, Vic, I was figuring what fun wed have together, down there

Vicki turned to Charmion. Will you please study Spanish, too? Now wait a minute, Jean. Im not giving up without a fight.

Charmion nodded. Your father isnt an ogre, after all. He isnt objecting simply to make you unhappy. Hes worried about your welfare and, I must admit, with some degree of reason. Now, if

you think it out calmly, Vicki, Im sure you can

30

convince him. Unless Cissy Vicki started and then shook

her head at Charmion. All right, Ill calm down and wait for Dad and Cissys next move. How are Celia and Dot and Tessa?

The other three tenants of the apartment were out

on flights today. Charmion reported that they hoped

to be back for New Years Eve and its crop of parties. Vicki wondered where she would be on New

Years Day. In the middle of the afternoon, a long-distance

telephone call came through for Vicki. It was her

father.

Hello? Vicki? Listen closely! Early this morning, right after you boarded the train, I saw a

most alarming news item about about Mexican medical research. Yes, Dad. I at once wired Miss Benson Yes, she told me. And I also wired Cousin Cissy. I now have her

reply. Vicki heard her fathers voice grow puzzled. Cissy wired back: Yes, we always have amoeba down here. Be sure Vicki is inoculated.

There was an ominous pause.

Vicki, I will not have you going into the midst of a possible epidemic.

But there is no epidemic down there! Vicki cried into the telephone.

31

Ha! Cissys wire doesnt deny it. It just hasnt appeared in our news items yet. I was talking to Dr.

Snyder Dad, no! I talked to Mr. Robles this morning and

he surely would have said Dad, that wire of Cissys just isnt clearits just misleading you After all, up North here we always have cold

germs, she pleaded. Vicki, her father said very firmly over the

phone, will you consider with the utmost care whether you want to run the risk of going to Mexico

at this time? Lets check up on this situation before you decide.

Vicki was somewhat shaken by her fathers serious tone. Though she wanted so badly to see

Mexico, she did promise her father to think it over

carefully, and not to leave New York until they had

talked it over again.

Ill be in constant touch with you. Professor Barr hung up.

Vicki dejectedly hung up, too, and pushed back

her ash-blonde hair. Turning, she found Charmion

and Jean hovering behind her with horror-struck

faces.

We heard, they said mournfully. Vicki told them what they had not heard. Cissy

wired be sure to get inoculated. I think that is what

alarmed my dad.

32

Vicki sadly pointed out that she had started taking

inoculations in Illinois, planning to complete them

here. Professor Barr, in one of his absent-minded

moods, had paid no attention.

Why, inoculations are merely routine for travelers! Charmion exclaimed. Just a routine precaution against change of climate and water and

food. An inoculation means nothing! Your dad doesnt really think, Jean asked

incredulously, that inoculations mean epidemic? Vicki held her head. Course not. Dad is a very

thorough thinker, thats all. Hes asking a million questions in case there might be a hint of a suspicion

of a trace of an epidemic. She stared forlornly at his telegram, lying on the table.

The three girls sighed in unison. Go get yourself the final inoculation, Vicki, groaned Charmion.

Tomorrow, first thing, Vicki muttered. That Cissy is a dangerous woman. Ouch, what a day!

The three girls sat in deep gloom. After a long

silence, Jean suggested:

Hows about your wiring Cissy? What, and practically invite her to plant another

dangerous idea in my fathers head? No, thank you! Charmion had a suggestion. Dont just sit and

wait. Dig up all the facts and confront your dad with

them. The voice of wisdom! Vicki cried. She

33

immediately picked up this mornings newspaper and read it again, carefully, slowly, the story of the

medical fight. Until now, she had been too troubled

to digest it thoroughly. She read it aloud to Jean and

Charmion.

That doesnt sound too alarming, Charmion consoled. Point out to your father that

Jean said proudly, Why dont you call up Pete Carmody, since hes a newspaperman, and ask him?

Pete could not be located at his newspaper office.

But Vicki learned from the science editor that, to his

knowledge, there was no epidemic in Mexico. The

story in this mornings papers had to do with an ever-recurrent problem in the tropics. Had there

been an epidemic, menacing the health of travelers

from the United States, the public health authorities

would long ago have announced it and issued

instructions to travelers. Vicki thanked the science

editor of the newspaper and hung up, feeling better.

A good talking point, Jean encouraged. Now Ill call up Mr. Robles. He was just leaving his office, and in a hurry. He

laughed at Vickis question about any tropical epidemic. You North Americans have a comic opera notion of Mexico. No, no, Miss Barr. If there

were any danger, Federal wouldnt send your flight crew down. You know that.

34

The three girls debated how Professor Barr would

evaluate Mr. Robless statement. Vicki was still worried. She felt the professor would demand some

genuinely official pronouncement.

Try the Mexican consulate. Again Vicki picked up the telephone and was

connected with accented voices. She was shuttled

through to some man in authority.

Wat? Well, you can read in the papers is not serious, is nothing new, and are making good

progress. Epidemic? No, absolutely no. Who told

you that bad story? Vicki described the special inoculations she had

taken and would take, and inquired if the consulate

recommended any others. The reply was that she

was getting the only ones they knew about. As for

parasites, the man on the telephone suggested that

Vicki avoid eating raw vegetables and drink only

boiled water.

Vicki thanked him and hung up. With Jean and

Charmions help, she composed a telegram relaying all this information to her father. She sent it off via

the telephone, with a sigh of relief.

They sat down to dinner in the windows

overlooking Central Park. Vicki cheered up a little,

with the aid of Mrs. Duffs good cooking and Charmions encouragement. Then doll-faced little Celia Trimble came hurrying in, home from a flight,

35

hungry, and burbling with enthusiasm.

Popovers! Mrs. Duff, I declare! And Vickis home! Hello, Vic! I had the most darlin babies ever on todays flighttwo sets of twins, and nobody over eighteen months oldCelia stuffed a popover in her mouth and pulled off her flight capexcept the babies mothers, I mean.

The others smiled and made room for her at the

table. The little southern girl prattled on about

formulas and baby hammocks, part of her Babies Plane equipment. Suddenly she caught the glum

mood.

Whats wrong? Her eyes grew round. Somebodys in trouble. Who?

Me, said Vicki. She related how Professor Barr and Cousin Cissy, between them, threatened to

thwart her assignment to Mexico.

Thats the meanest piece of luck I ever heard of! Celia said.

What is? called two more girls voices from the hall.

Dot Crowley strode in. A reddish-haired, square-

jawed, aggressive young woman, Vicki felt

suddenly relieved to see her. Dot would think of

something! Behind her came Tessa, dark and

dramatic, entering the living room with the studied

dash of an actress. Tessa forgot to act when she

glimpsed Vickis miserable face.

36

There was a flurry of greetings. Dot and Tessa

squeezed in at the dinner table. Vickis predicament was hastily explained to them.

Redheaded Dot Crowley bridled. This calls for action! A warlike gleam shot from her eyes. For once you wont laugh at me for acting like a Big Executivelisten to this for a plan of action! Dotty outlined a skillful counterattack against Professor

Barr.

Yes! Yes! The six flight stewardesses spent several minutes figuring out details. Dot thought up

what she called a plan of organization. But will he do it? Hed bettertheyd all betteror Vicki doesnt

fly to Mexico! It will take all day tomorrow, Vic, Dot summed

up.

I hope your plan works, Vicki wailed. Because tomorrows my last day before the Mexican take-offmy last chance!

Next morning the six girls went to work on the

plan. Celia and Tessa mumbled about tonight being

New Years Eve, but everyone abandoned primping to come to Vickis rescue. She was touched at their loyalty and sufficiently heartened to go to the beauty

salon, as per Miss Bensons instructions. While Vicki was there, and later getting a final inoculation,

her flying mates did some telephoning around town

37

and some persuasive talking. They also sent a

telegram to Mrs. Barr with a plea for her help.

Vicki returned to the apartment around noon. No

further word had been received from Professor Barr,

one way or the other. Mrs. Duff stopped Vicki at the

door.

Well, the girls have rounded em up. Ive concocted a grand buffet lunch to put em in a good mood. But, heavens to Betsy, what a phone bill we

shall have! Thank you, Mrs. Duff, Vicki whispered, and

squeezed the housekeepers plump hand. If all you people dont get me to Mexico, not even a band of angels could.

Waiting in the living room, a bit mystified but

pleased at being asked to this impromptu luncheon

party, were four people from Federal Airlines. Ruth

Benson was there, even more handsome than usual

in her new Christmas suit. Mr. Robles had

courteously made a long trip into town, when told

that this was an emergency. The third was Captain

Tom Jordan, pilot, a big comfortable man of about

forty.

Is this a bon voyage party for the Mexico team? Captain Jordan boomed. Hel-lo, Vicki! All ready to leave?

Vicki grinned weakly at her pilot and mumbled.

She turned to the fourth guest, the copilot and her

38

special friend, Dean Fletcher. Dean, never very

happy at parties, had doubled up his lean length into

a chair and was discussing plane engines with Jean

Cox.

He stood up to say hello to Vicki and beam at her.

Hi, Vic. Tomorrow at this time well be on our way. All set?

Vicki looked up into Deans clear, serious gray eyesfliers eyesand swallowed hard. Uhtomorrow at this timeyes.

The doorbell rang. Mrs. Duff ushered in the last

guest, newspaperman Peter Carmody. He rushed in,

gay and cocky, battered felt hat perched on the back

of his head.

Whats up? Hello, everybody! Say, I smell something special going on!

If youll all have some lunch, Charmion invited them to the laden buffet table, Dot Crowley will explain.

But first Dot, as per plan, gave the guests time to

enjoy Mrs. Duffs good food. Except that the six hostesses wore a distracted look, and Vicki kept

consulting her wrist watch, it was a very pleasant

little party. Then, when Vicki thought she could

stand waiting no longer, Dot importantly explained.

so because of the professors cautious, thorough, painstaking approach, and because of

Cousin Cissys ambiguous replies, Vicki may not

39

well, her father may not let her go to Mexico. What! Ruth Benson was aghast. Vicki, why

didnt you tell me? Ill have to get someone else at once

But you have only half a day, Miss Benson, Dean put in a quick argument.

Captain Jordan and Mr. Robles both were looking

sorry. The pilot asked if there was not something to

be done, even at this late stage.

Vicki shakily spoke up. Yes, there is. My father can be reached at the other end of this telephoneIm sure my mother has cooperated and kept him at home at this hour. Would it be too much to ask if

you would wouldwould They all laughed at Vickis excited stuttering. Of course well talk to your father! Ruth

Benson responded. Her gray eyes sparkled. I only wish I could talk to your Cousin Cissy, too.

So Vicki called her home, via long-distance, and

then Professor Barr was on the telephone. She knew

perfectly well that her mother and Ginny were

listening in anxiously on the extension phone.

Professor Barr? said Ruth Benson smoothly. This is the assistant superintendent of flight stewardesses of Federal Airlines, and I just want to

tell you Professor Barr? said Mr. Robles with authority.

May I introduce myself, sir, the Pan-American

40

Supervisor of Federal Airlines, calling to reassure

you, sir, that you are mistaken Professor Barr? Captain Thomas Jordan, senior

pilot, in charge of the Mexican flight, said the flier tersely into the phone. Professor, I am a pilot of many years experience and the father of three children myself

Professor Barr? said Dean a little shakily, but Tom Jordan poked him. Dean Fletcher calling, sir, copilot of the Mexican team, and I will particularly

look out for your daughter Professor Barr? Hello, sir, remember Pete

Carmody of the New York Chronicle? Pete fired into the phone. Professor, I have here in my hand the latest press report from the United States Public

Health Service, Border Information Bureau, stating

there is no epidemic, nor any danger of epidemic,

now going on in Mexico! Vickis knees were shaking by this time and her

palms were damp. Either her father was convinced

or he was furiously angry. The others drew her to

the phone. She gingerly picked up the receiver and

said weakly:

Hello, Dad. Professor Barr was laughing.

All right, all right, Vicki! You win! And please thank all your good friends for me!

That New Years celebration was unique. It

41

consisted of a spontaneous party right there in the

apartment, starting with the moment Vicki called

thanks and good-bye to her family, and hung up on

Fairview. Their celebration lasted hilariously until

Ruth Benson warned Vicki it was time to pack for

her flight to Mexico.

42

CHAPTER III

Crossing the Border

There were planes direct from New York to Mexico

City, but these planes were booked solid. Space was

found for Captain Jordans crew on one of Federals planes flying to Laredo, Texas. They would stay in

Laredo overnight, and cross the border into Nuevo

Laredo, Mexico, the following morning. From

Nuevo Laredo they would take a Mexican plane the

rest of the way.

The two pilots, Captain Jordan and Dean

Fletcher, fumed a little about this delay. Vicki

glanced at them across the aisle of the skimming,

roaring, swaying plane, and smiled to herself. Tom

Jordans lips moved as he pored over a large air map of Mexico. Dean was scowling and laboring with a

Spanish-English dictionary of technical terms. The

crew would fly not between Mexico and the United

States but only within Mexico Itself. Well, she had

better study, tooabout a stewardesss particular concern: people. The Latin-American almanac Ruth

43

Benson had given her lay ready in Der lap. She sat

in one of the single seats, beside a plane window, so

she could study without distraction.

But Vicki was too excited to study just yet. The

girls good-byes and congratulations and laughter still rang in her mind Here goes the baby of the class! Write us, Vicki, especially what Cousin Cissys like. Dont forget youre still one of Mrs. Duffs girls! Good luck, Vic! Happy landings! Good-bye, goodbye! It was afternoon now and the big ship was well on its way, somewhere over

Maryland.

Unconsciously Vicki drew a strand of silky ash-

blonde hair across her upper lip, mustache fashion.

She stroked it as she daydreamed. Stopping over in

Texas was not half bad. Even though it was to be

only a few hours layover, shed get a taste of a great state shed never seen before. What was it Miss Benson had laughingly said to her once? Ive never seen such a glutton for change as you are,

Vicki Barr! Its true, I do yearn for new places, Vicki

thought, and for travel and adventure. What sheer luck that Ive landed a job in the transportation business! Just hope I do a really good job in Mexico,

so that eventually Federal will send me all around

the world! But if she was going to turn in that superb

44

performance in Mexico, she had better understand

her passengers there, Mexican people. And a good

way to do that was to understand their past. Vicki

opened her book to the index, found: Mexico,

History of, and settled down to read.

As her blue eyes skimmed across the pages, Vicki

grew more and more fascinated. Centuries ago,

emerging out of the mists of early time, the Aztec

Indians had built up their empire in Mexico. For

more centuries the Aztec empire endured, growing

highly civilized in many ways: with free towns and

citizens who voted, although Aztec kings ruled; with

metropolitan cities having several hundred thousand

inhabitants; with flourishing agriculture, fine arts,

and a science of astronomy which has never been

surpassed.

Shortly after Columbus discovered that not India

but rich, new continents lay to Europes west, Spain sent more men to seize and claim some of these

riches. Corts landed on Mexican soil in 1519. He

was over-whelmed by the splendor of Montezumas court, and admitted that Aztec language,

architecture, and society were as developed as those

of sixteenth-century Spain.

Corts and his invaders had guns, the Indians had

none. For three hundred years Mexico was a colony

of the Spanish crown. Silver and gold from the

Mexican mountains helped make Spain wealthy and

45

powerful, and the once-free Aztecs worked their

mines and plantations as a slave people. Yet, to

Mexico, the Spaniards brought the civilization of

Europe, a new language and religion.

But the Spaniards did not, or could not, impose

their ways on the Indians. Both Spanish and Indian

ways of life continued in Mexico, sometimes

warring, sometimes existing side by side, sometimes

intermingling. Gradually, marriages between Indians

and Spanish descendants led to a new Mexican: the

mestizo, which is the Spanish word for mixed. Im beginning to understand. Vicki put down

her book and looked out the plane window. So Im going to meet three types of Mexicans: pure Indian,

pure Spanish or white, and the new breed, mestizo. Her book said that now, of every hundred Mexicans,

about twenty were of Spanish descent, forty were

Indian, and forty were mestizo.

Vicki read the rest quickly, for it told of stormy

times. Mexico won her independence from Spain in

1821 and became a republic. At once other foreign

nations and ambitious Mexicans tried to gain control

of the young nation and her wealth. Wild confusion

and violence followed. Then in 1858 an Indian,

Benito Juarez, became president. Now at last it

seemed as if the Indians, who, during three hundred

years of the Conquest, had remembered their ancient

freedom, would finally be free.

46

But Napoleon III coveted Mexico as a French

colony. He installed as puppet emperor of Mexico,

Archduke Maximilian of Austria and his wife,

Carlotta, for a brief and tragic reign. The Mexicans

revolted, shot Maximilian, and drove the French

invaders out of) Mexico.

Once more the young republic tried to patch up

its wounds. A dictator, Porfirio Daz, imposed law

and order, but only he and his friends and a few

foreign investors benefited. The Mexican people

once again were kept impoverished, uneducated, and

practically slaves. Resentment smoldered. Thirty

years of dictatorship were endured before Diaz was

overthrown.

Finally, by 1910, Mexico had driven out all

foreign invaders and domestic tyrants. Now she

became a democracy in reality, writing a

Constitution and a Bill of Rightsfreeing the towns and villagessubdividing large land holdings among the citizens. Good presidents, Crdenas,

Camacho, Aleman, hastened this program along and

introduced modern schools and Clinics and

machinery. The Mexican Army fought alongside the

other Allies in winning World War II. The most

ultramodern farming techniques, industries,

buildings, arts, and educational plans were now

under way, Aztec and Spanish suddenly catching up

with the twentieth century.

47

I wonder, Vicki mused, closing her book, how Id feel if I were a Mexican? I would have grown up poor and hungry and illiteratewith no rightsthen practically all of a sudden, Id be a free citizen. With a school and a hospital to go to, for the first time in

my life. MaybeVicki frowned, as an idea hit hermaybe Id be bewildered at first. Must be a colossal task to get over the effects of centuries of

slavery. Whaaat? Dean called across the aisle. Vicki flushed and grinned. I was busy imagining

I was a Mexican, she called back. Captain Jordan fortunately did not hear.

Dean stared at her, then announced resignedly,

Youre daft. I always suspected it. His cool gray eyes appraised Vicki. Besides, youre too fair to be a Mexican.

Apparently he was picturing her in a serape and

sombrero, with a rose between her teeth.

But, Dean, I was merely imaginingtrying to put myself in the other persons place

Dean was too matter-of-fact to understand this.

Youd better wait till we get down there. Then you wont have to imagine things. He stretched his lean length in the chair. Hummph! Still, I guess youre no sillier than other girls.

Vicki chuckled. She knew Dean had four

brothers, no sisters, more interest in aeronautics than

48

in girls, and a shy nature. So she cheerfully ignored

his remarks.

Captain Jordan leaned forward in his chair beside

the window, to smile at her and Dean, the two

youngsters in hi j crew.

Studying hard, Vicki? Getting tired? Well be there pretty soon now.

Afternoon shadows lengthened through the plane

cabin. The sun was away over on the side of their

ship now. Vicki saw that they were flying over miles

of prairie, herds of cattle and horses, villages, oil

towers, cactus, trees, and long highways.

Texas, Captain Jordan called above the roar of the motors. Were going to fly over Dallas and Fort Worth. Watch for em.

They flew over the skyscrapers and pleasant

residential areas of these two great cities, and on

over great stretches of Texas. At San Antonio their

plane landed. Vicki, Dean, and Captain Jordan left

the plane, and walked around for a few minutes to

un-limber their legs. Vicki stared at the men wearing

boots and ten-gallon hats with their business suits, at

the palm trees blowing in the mild January breeze, at

the enormity and brilliance of the first evening stars.

Were getting really south, she said. Boarding a local plane, they took off for Laredo.

Cabin lights went on. It was growing too dark to see

much down on the ground below. Vicki must have

49

dozed, for almost abruptly they were coming down

again. They had arrived in Laredo, last town within l

he United States border.

On the dark airfield Captain Jordan sought out the

passenger agent. He verified that their luggage was

being checked throughthey carried with them only small overnight bags with a few necessitiesand would catch up with them tomorrow at Mexico City.

This done, the three of them climbed into a cab and

drove into Laredo, to their hotel.

Vicki was tired and hungry by this time but so

interested she nearly fell out the taxi window.

It looks just like those rootin tootin wild West movies!

But it has a Mexican flavor, Tom Jordan said. Laredo, with its flat streets and low, balconied,

wooden buildings, still looked like a frontier town.

Vicki saw signs in English and Spanish, dark-

skinned boys in blue jeans, a purplish night sky. A

barbecue vendor hawked his wares in a palm-lined

square. But Vicki also noticed modern business

buildings of white stone, good-looking shops, and

tall municipal buildings, and pretty girls wearing the

latest Hollywood styles and hair-dos. Its Laredo, but it could just as well be Brooklynor Fairview!

In the lobby of the modest hotel, they registered.

Notice how much warmer it is here? Dean said, mopping his face. He folded up the overcoat he had

50

worn in New York this morning.

They had a makeshift supper, since it was late

and not many places were open on New Years Day. Vickis eyes grew heavy and her lids drooped. She said good night to the two pilots and went to her

room. The last thing she remembered was watching

the old-fashioned ceiling fan spinning lazily over her

hotel bed.

She awoke to a hot, brilliant morning. The sky

outside her window was turquoise. Downstairs, the

hotel dining room swarmed with men in boots and

ten-gallon hats. Did you find the cattle that got away, Bob? Not yet. Been over to the oil wells this morning. Vicki located her two pilots, looking strangely citified among these Texans.

Good morning, Vic! Ready to cross the border? All ready, she replied calmly. But her heart

rose in her throat. All three of them admitted to

being excited, yet full of vague misgivings.

Lets see, what terrible errors could we make? Captain Jordan joked as they breakfasted. Get lost in the Mexican air lanes?

Get lost in one of those uncharted valleys, Dean grunted.

or Vic here could get off on the wrong foot with her Cousin Cissy, Tom Jordan teased. Or Professor Barr could decide Cissy isnt a good chaperon and Vicki must come right home!

51

Dont, Vicki implored. Just because youre a parent yourself, Capn

Miss Barr, calling Miss Barr, Miss Victoria Barr, chanted the bellboy. Beckoned to their table, he came over with a telegram. Vicki was not

surprised, since she had given her family her

itinerary, but she was disquieted. Captain Jordan

tipped the boy while Vicki opened the envelope.

From your father, Captain Jordan predicted, teasing, saying Turn around and come right home.

From Ruth Benson, Dean said, grinning, saying theyve decided youre too young for this assignment.

The telegram read: COUSIN CISSY WIRES CAN YOU BUY HER A CANOE? DAD IS BEGINNING TO THINK SHE IS

WACKY. BUT DONT WORRY, MOTHER AND I ARE PROTECTING YOUR INTERESTS. LOVE, GINNY.

In consternation Vicki turned to Captain Jordan.

So you thought you were joking, did you? She handed him the telegram. Why does Cissy want me to get a canoe?

She probably cant buy one in Mexico City at the moment, Dean answered. There are lots of lakes around there. But he rubbed his head.

And I suppose Cissy thought her request would reach me in New York, where one can buy anything,

any time. Poor Ginny! Poor Mother! They must be

reassuring Dad like mad.

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Dean, too, read Ginnys telegram. Although Cousin Cissy clearly loomed up as possible trouble

for Vickie the request for a canoeof all thingsstruck them funny.

Cant you just see me? Vicki laughed. Getting off the plane at Mexico City with a nice new canoe

strapped to my back? Comfortable Captain Jordan glanced at his wrist

watch and rose from the table. Whos ready to cross the Rio Grande? No, Vic, no time now to go

hunting up a canoe. We have to pass through

customs, so lets get started. Vicki excitedly went back to her room to get her

coat and overnight bag. A middle-aged Mexican

woman in bright pink and green was vacuuming the

corridor carpet.

Buenos das, she smiled at Vicki. Uhgood morningbuenos das, Vicki got

out, and smiled back. She felt she was practically

over the border already.

A car took them and some other travelers down

Laredos main street, to a bridge which crossed the broad, yellow, muddy Rio Grande. Stalled on that

bridge in a long line of waiting cars, they were in

neither one country nor the other. At the Mexican

end of the bridge was Mexican customs: small

houses with their doors open, a few dark men behind

worn desks. Here Vicki unlocked her overnight bag

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and one of the customs agents searched its contents.

Their other luggage would be inspected routinely

when it arrived. The customs agent looked at Vickis passport, required of visitors staying in Mexico

more than six months, and waved her on. At other

tables Dean and Captain Jordan were submitting to

the same procedure.

Well, that was quick and easy! Yes. Well never get back in, through American

customs, that easily, Captain Jordan said. Vickis blue eyes flew open. You mean well

have trouble getting back into our own country? The pilot laughed, said no, and shooed her and

Dean back into the same car. The other travelers

piled in, too: everybody was going to the Nuevo

Laredo airport.

Nuevo Laredo, here on the Mexican side of the

Rio Grande, was a sun-baked village of wooden

shacks. Speeding along, the countryside suddenly

changed, and became cactus-strewn desert. Vicki

saw a bare-foot man in a white cotton suit astride a

little burro or donkey. She looked back at the

distant, white stone business buildings of Laredo

and blinked. So borders were sometimes natural

boundaries! Just a few miles across the river, but the

temperature had shot up, the roads were sun-baked

dust, and red, pink, and purple bougainvillea grew

on the roofs of the occasional white clay huts.

54

Bienvenido Mjico! their driver called proudly. Welcome to Mexico!

Strange, Vicki muttered to Dean as they drove up to the sun-drenched airport. The airport building

was small, handsome, ultramodern. But the airfield

was a stretch of reddish clay and some tall grass.

Their waiting silver plane bore the name of Federal-

Mexico Airlines. In the grass beside the plane, cows

grazed.

Cows and planes! Captain Jordan muttered. Guess this is just a local station.

Even when their shipload took off, in a blast of

wind and dust, the cows did not look up from their

chewing. Vicki suspected this was what Mexico, History of had meant by the old and the new, side by side. The nonchalance of those cows! she chuckled.

As the plane rose and leveled off, Vicki had

another surprise. Mountains appeared out of the sky

to meet thembut what strange mountains! They hunched themselves up in huge brown lumps,

bumps, and spines, like some prehistoric dinosaur.

Vicki thought the earth must have looked like this,

hot, bare, ungainly, at the beginning of creation.

Almost immediately the going over those

mountains got rough. The plane dropped, fell

sideways, righted itself with an effort. Vicki looked

with apprehension at Dean and Captain Jordan

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across the aisle. They shrugged, as baffled as she

was. But if her two pilots felt alarmed, they were not

going to show it. A few seconds of calm flying, then

the ship shook all over like a leaf in the wind, and

abruptly dropped down. Vicki heard the pretty

Mexican hostess say, in English, to someone back of

her:

But there are no such things as air pockets, sir. No, sir, there is no cause for alarm, no, sir.

Up their ship went once more, shuddering, just in

time to clear one of those rounded peaks that looked

so deceptively low. Passengers began to open the

small, round air vents in the plane wall above their

heads. Cold air whistled in but it steadied shaking

stomachs, Vickis included. In front of her, a baby started to cry. The pretty hostess fluttered up there

with half a lemon, apparently the Mexican seasick

remedy.

Dean! Vicki called across the wind and engine noise. Whatwhy?

He looked up from the air map which Captain

Jordan had unfolded. Dont know. Pretty rugged, isnt it?

Now the plane was being tossed around in

earnest, us the mountains grew higher, denser, and

even more strangely malformed. Vickis stomach seemed to bolt into her throat. She began to swallow

often and earnestly.

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Dean smiled wanly and beckoned to Vicki to lean

across the aisle. He shouted consolingly in her ear:

Oh Mister Captain, stop the ship, And let me get off and walk!

I feel so flipperty flopperty flip,

Well never reach New York!

Vicki tried to grin but the plane bucked, dropped,

veered up with the earth at a crazy angle, barely (it

seemed) missed mountains outside the skidding

silver wings.

Vicki looked around in alarm for the hostess, for

an explanation, for reassurance. The hostess was

pale and hanging on for dear life to a baggage shelf.

She caught Vickis urgent glance, staggered toward her, and said, Youll be all right once you are out in the air, seorita.

Out in the air? Vicki did not understand.

Suddenly the flying felt worse than before. They

were plummeting down to earth like an eagle

pouncing on its prey. Vicki felt her insides violently

protesting. Then all at once, the plane was rolling

smoothly to a stop, and her stomach abruptly calmed

right down to normal.

Whew! And I thought I knew something about flying!

This from Captain Jordan.

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Dean took Vickis elbow and steered her out of the plane and into the open air. Once in the reviving

air, they all felt fine again.

Where are we? Fuel stop. Middle of nowhere, it looks like. They were in a ring of mountains, on a bare,

cleared field. Sky, mountaintops, atmosphere, all

were very bluea deep, strong, tropical blueand the air so clear they could see for miles. They

strolled over to the Spanish-looking terminal house,

to wait out the fifteen-minute stop in the shade.

Theres our pilot! Tom Jordan seized Vickis arm. Lets go ask him if its always this rough over these mountains. You talk, Vic.

Obedient but scared, Vicki marched with him

over to the young Mexican pilot. He was small-

boned and of medium height, with small hands and

feet. He had regular features, smooth dark

complexion, and great, lustrous, black eyes framed

in lashes like fringe. His face crinkled into a grin, as

Vicki stammered:

Tenga la bondad de decirnos, Capitn, sses siempre, sobre estes montes? Please tell us, Captain, ififits always, over these mountains?

Thats okay, miss, I speak English. No, this run over these mountains isnt generally so hard. Of course, this is a very high range. Remember were

58

coming in to Mexico City, which is seven thousand

feet above sea level. But were riding the end of a severe dust storm.

No wonder its bumpy, Dean said. The Mexican pilot grinned again. The plane

scheduled after us was grounded. Were the last plane to be let through for two or three days to

come. You are fliers? Howd you guess? Wed like to congratulate you

on the way you handled that ship, Captain Jordan said. He introduced himself and Vicki and Dean,

explaining they were going to fly for Federal-

Mexico, too.

Glad to know you. Im Juan Arroyo. They all shook hands. Well be seeing one another around the Mexico City airport, then. To Vicki he said, with a merry look, Sera fcil encontrarle Vd., Seorita Barr. Vd. es probablemente la sla rubia en

Mjico.It will be easy to find you, Miss Barr. Youre probably the only blonde in Mexico.

Vicki flushed to the roots of her light hair, but

was consoled as she glanced at her own two pilots.

Here in this tropical sunshine, beside Juan Arroyo,

Dean and Tom Jordan looked as pale and pasty as

she felt.

The Mexican pilot went off with his copilot to

have a look at the engines. Dean muttered, He speaks my language, makes me ashamed I cant

59

speak his. Darn it, Ill learn yet to talk Spanish as well as understand it! Just because pilots dont have to converse with the passengers is no excuse.

Vicki made it her business, since the second half

of the flight was smoother, to study the Mexican

passengers and Mexican flight stewardess. These

were the people she soon would deal with, or people

like them. Vickis face grew thoughtful as she peered around the cabin, not able to see anything

startling in the other passengers. The hostess

appeared beside her with a tray of lunch.

Le gustara?Would you like this? Uhcreo que s.I think so, Vicki

answered, uncertain whether her stomach would

cooperate, but willing to try. Thanks. The lunch was excellent. Vicki explored the hot

and cold casseroles, knowing she was to serve this

same sort of menu. She found steak, with a curious

potpourri of vegetables she had never seen or heard

of before. Fruit juice, roll and butter, fruit salad and

cookies, were all recognizable but had a different

tang than at homeriper and sweeter. The tray linens, the silver knife and spoons and forks sealed

in cellophane, the complimentary guidebook to

Mexico, comprised superb service, second to none.

The hostess came by a little later and took Vickis tray with a smile. Vicki longed to talk, to ask

questions, but the hostess was too busy with lunch.

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She was an extremely pretty girl, dark-haired, very

white-skinned, slim and athletic in her cream-

colored Palm Beach uniform with white silk blouse.

Thats the same uniform Ill wear, Vicki thought. And that girl will be one of my fellow stewardesses. Maybe Ill get to know her one of these days.

Across the aisle, Captain Jordan was again

following their course on the air map. Dean glanced

up from the map to grin at Vicki, and point out the

plane window.

The mountain peaks had disappeared. They were

flying toward fertile, reddish-brown plains, dotted

with green trees. Here and there lay low, white,

spread-out villages. From the pressure in her ears,

Vicki knew they were still flying very high: this

level ground beneath them must be a high plateau

between higher mountains.

Almost there. Dean nudged her. Now they flew over miles and miles of a big,

cosmopolitan, Latin citytypically, a city of white buildings. But it was not, Vicki noticed, the bright

white of north, snow, and antiseptic cleanliness.

This was the creamy white of sun-baked clay

haciendas, of hazy heat and slow, ancient time. This

vast metropolis below her was the oldest city in the

western hemisphere, once Tenochtitlan, the Aztec

capital, Mexico City now.

61

Vicki jammed on her hat. I feel practically as excited as Corts!

They were circling, dropping lower and lower.

Vicki strapped in for the landing. She looked down

on fine, large hangars, terminal buildings, and

airstrips andgrassy fields, workers huts, and cows grazing!

The cows went right on chewing as the plane

zoomed past the huts and settled down lightly on the

ground.

62

CHAPTER IV

Cousin Cissy

A note from Cousin Cissy was waiting for Vicki at

their hotel. She took it as they registered in the

picturesque lobby.

Chaperoning me already! Vicki exclaimed. She read the small card gingerly, and could not quite

decide what to make of it:

Will you go lunching and boating with us tomorrow at one? So eager to meet you. Love,

Cousin Cissy. A telephone number was scribbled in. On the face of the calling card was engraved:

Mrs. Stephen Clayton.

Dean wanted to know if you could have lunch in

a canoe, short of disaster, and how Cissy had

achieved a canoe, without Vickis help. The note made it clear that Mrs. Barrs letterthe one Vicki mailed in Fairview herselfhad now arrived and that Cissy was manfully going to do her duty.

Anyway, Cissy was being cordial and hospitable.

Yes, I think well have plenty of free time for

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the next few days, Captain Jordan said in answer to Vickis question. Yes, go ahead and accept that invitation.

Dean looked so wistful that Vicki said shed ask Cissy to extend her invitation to include him, too.

Captain Jordan laughingly declined being included.

Im too big. Id sink any little boat. He had several professional acquaintances to look up here, anyway.

Vicki decided to telephone Cissy after dinner.

If Cissy turns out to be a stern, basso-voiced dowager, at least I want to be fortified with food, Vicki said. Ill wire the family of our safe arrival after dinner, too. See you in half an hour, Capn, Dean.

She was fascinated with this foreign hotel. To

show her to her room, the bellboy led her through

lobbies filled with American tourists (Vicki might as

well have been back in New York), then through a

long, wide corridor where guests were having

frosted drinks. This passageway was tiled in pink

and green, cooled by fountains, set with Spanish

tables and chairs of leather, wrought iron, and tile. It

was lit by lambent green windows, and over it all

wound great feathery palms, ferns, plants, orange

trees in pots. Vicki felt she was in a tropic forest or

under green, slightly moving water.

Ill ask Cousin Cissy to tea here, Vicki thought, mindful of her manners. What a setting for a

64

romance! I suppose chaperons dont approve of romance.

Soberly she trotted on after the bellboy. But when

she saw the room he unlocked for her, Vicki cheered

up. French windows opened onto a patio crowded

with green plants and misty with twilight sifting

down from the sky. The room held dark, carved,

Spanish furniture and had a gaily tiled bath. The

shower glittered with every American gadget plus

some extras.

Vicki rested for a few minutes in a deep chair

facing the patio. She was surprised at how fatiguing

travel could be. The balmy, dusky air soothed her.

Someones radio played an American jazz number. Voices came in from adjoining apartments. A man

in the next room was telephoning, a strong, clear,

businesslike voice.

Send this cable to my embassy in he named a South American country. Ready?report on suspects . . . have identified . . . operative . . .

antique smugglers . . . Acapulco . . . Vicki doubted that she was hearing right. She had

not caught everything he was saying, but how could

he be so careless! Or had he forgotten the open

doors and windows? Or was the message not so

confidential that he needed to be discreet?

appears questionable. Believe key man . . . smuggling . . . possibly in Acapulco . . . Letter

65

follows.Thats all, operator.Yes, sign my name.

Vicki heard a click as the man hung up. What was

it all about? Without the least intention of

eavesdropping, she had heard enough to rouse a

lively interest.

Well, Ill never know. People pass in and out of hotels by the thousands and are never heard of

again. But she thought of the overheard message as she

finished dressing. Acapulco . . . That was a city on I

he Pacific coast, she remembered.

Captain Jordan and Dean stood waiting for her in

the lobby, looking very scrubbed and very hungry.

Nevertheless, they had a gardenia for her and

presented it with a flourish. Dean blurted out:

We bought it from an Indian woman out on the sidewalk. She has baskets full. She says gardenias

and orchids grow wild here, imagine. To celebrate our arrival, Captain Jordan said as

Vicki thanked them and pinned the flower on her

shoulder. Too bad Dean and I cant wear gardenias, too.

In the high-ceilinged dining room, with its blue

and yellow tiles and lace curtains, the Indian

waitresses in neat, uniforms spoke no English and

very little Spanish. Pointing to items on the menu

did not help. Vicki and! her pilots simply ate what

66

was brought them. They were a little astonished at

eggs ranchero and papaya salad, but roast beef and

berry pie were familiar enough. The check said

$5.50 apiecea total of $16.50. No, no, thats pesos, not dollars, Tom Jordan

reminded them. Five Mexican pesos equal one American dollar. Five centavos equal one cent. Fifty

centavos equal ten cents. Same system, but they

count in fives, we count in ones. Lets go get our money changed into Mexican money.

They went to the exchange window in the lobby,

marked Cambio. Here they turned in most of their United States money and received smaller bills and

big, burnished coins in several sizes.

Ill never learn all these, Vicki sighed. Dean showed her how clearly they were marked. All she

had to remember was to divide all Mexican prices

by five. Captain Jordan said the exchange was now

at 4.8. That is, instead of a full five pesos for a

dollar, they received 4.8 pesos for a dollar, because

business conditions just now were a little more

favorable for Mexicans than for Americans. Seeing

Vickis inquiring look, Captain Jordan explained that foreign exchange always fluctuated a little

between all nations.

With their money changed, telegrams sent to their

three respective families, and an inquiry, far too

soon, for mail from home, their chores were done.

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Vicki was now free to telephone Cousin Cissy. She

dreaded approaching her involuntary chaperon.

Maybe Cissy is still at dinner, Vicki said hopefully. Maybe I shouldnt phone her yet. Besides, who wants to take a walk?

Captain Jordan said sternly, Young lady, you phone your aunt or cousin or whatever she is. And

were all going to our rooms. Weve been up and on the go since early this morning. Do you know what

time it is? Ten oclock! Just because it stays light here for so long, and dinner is at eight or nine

or ten, said Vicki. I read that in my almanac. It says people here dine at nine or ten, go

to the theater at eleven, and to bed at two. Because

the heat of midday All right, all right, Capn. I admit Im stalling. Im going to my room right now and, yes, phone Cissy.

Good luck. Dean grinned. Good night, Vic. In her room, Vicki gazed at the telephone, too a

deep breath, and asked for Cissys number. A ma answered in Spanish.

Seora Clayton, por favor, Vicki said. A womans voice came on the wire. Vicki? Why, yes! Vicki gasped. Is my Spanish accent

that bad? How do you do, Cousin Cissy. Hello, my dear, and Stevemy husbandthe

one who answered the phonesays hello, too, dont you, dear? No, Vicki, I knew it was you because

68

otherwise I would have been in bed asleep. I beg your pardon? Vicki faltered. I mean, my friends never call me after ten, they

think Im quite mad to keep American hours, of course, but you know I was brought up on a farm

and I just cant get used to these late Mexican hours, everyone gets up at five on a farm and is in bed by

nine, here t