Carolyn Keene_Nancy Drew Mysteries 050 by The Double Jinx Mystery Page B

daughter’s shoulder and shook his head. “We don’t know what the trouble is yet and it may be contagious. What you can do is telephone Dr. Black and ask him if he can come over at once.”
    She disliked the idea of waking the physician so early, but realized her father would not have made the request unless it was an emergency. In a few seconds Nancy was speaking with Dr. Black.
    “This is Nancy Drew, Dr. Black. My friend Ned Nickerson is visiting us. He has suddenly become very ill. Would it be possible for you to come right over so that we’ll know what to do?”
    “I’ll be there in a little while,” the physician replied.
    After he arrived, Nancy and Hannah waited downstairs. The housekeeper said suddenly, “Ned might have food poisoning. I’ve tried to serve only wholesome meals. But maybe my—”
    Nancy interrupted to assure her that her cooking was not the cause of Ned’s illness. All of them had eaten the same food and none of the others had become ill. She wondered, however, if some of the supper she had prepared at the Thurstons had been spoiled. Nancy dismissed the thought upon recalling that she had shared the identical meal.
    When she told this to Hannah, the housekeeper said, “Then all I can conclude is that, even though I’m not superstitious, Ned must have been jinxed at the Thurston farm.”
    Her remark startled Nancy. She went to the telephone to find out how Oscar was feeling after the attack upon him and Ned. He answered the phone at once and assured Nancy that he felt quite well. “Evidently I suffered no ill effects from what happened yesterday. I’m about to go out and work with the birds.”
    Nancy said good-by. “What can be the matter with Ned?” she asked herself.
    Just then the door to Ned’s room opened. Mr. Drew came out, followed by Dr. Black. As they reached the foot of the stairs, Nancy asked, “Please tell me about Ned. How is he?”
    While patting her on the shoulder, the physician answered, “He’s a pretty sick boy, Nancy, but I believe I know what’s causing the trouble and with correct treatment he’ll improve quickly.”
    Dr. Black went on to say that he suspected Ned was suffering from an attack of ornithosis, a disease which is carried by sick birds. “I understand from your father that Ned’s been in contact with some at the Thurston farm. I’m having tests made at the lab and I’ll let you know.”
    Instantly Nancy offered to play nurse for Ned. The doctor shook his head. “If it is ornithosis, it’s quite contagious. All of you might easily catch it. I shall see about having Ned removed to a hospital.”
    Hannah Gruen stepped forward. “Please don’t do that. I’ll put on a surgeon’s mask and take care of Ned myself.”
    “Where are Ned’s parents?” Dr. Black asked. “In Europe,” Nancy replied. “Oh, Dad, please let Ned stay here.”
    Mr. Drew smiled but said emphatically, “We’ll have Dr. Black decide that.”
    “I’ll let you know,” the physician replied.
    He left the house, carrying his doctor’s kit. Nancy turned to her father. “Dad, you’ve been exposed to Ned. I hope you don’t get sick!”
    The tall, handsome lawyer grinned. “I’m in tiptop shape, Nancy,” he said, thumping his chest. He put an arm around his daughter. “Please stop worrying.”
    This was not easy for Nancy to do. She said nothing more, however, and went into the kitchen to help Hannah prepare breakfast.
    During the meal, Mr. Drew and Hannah took turns going upstairs to peek at Ned. They reported that he was asleep.
    When the telephone rang, Nancy hastened to answer it. Dr. Black was calling with his report.
    “Your friend Ned definitely has ornithosis,” he stated. “I will have medication sent over at once. It’s an antibiotic which should alleviate the virus immediately. Nancy, I think you should inform the Thurstons about Ned’s symptoms.”
    “I’ll give him a ring at once and tell him,” Nancy promised.
    She put in a second call to