Condition: VG+ as this sweet little book is near mint with literally very few flaws. It looks like it was just purchased. There is a stamp on the inside from the previous owner and normal wear from being stored over time.
About: 1931 version: Out on a leisurely shopping trip, Nancy, Bess and George encounter an odd French-Chinese perfume saleswoman, who is reluctant to sell a particular fragrance to Bess. On a return train trip to River Heights, they ponder her odd behavior and encounter the malnourished Millie (Joanne in the later versions of the book) Byrd, who is on her way to "the city" to seek employment. Millie becomes acquainted with the girls, and when Nancy accompanies her to a job interview, she uncovers a mysterious code in the office. Millie's grandmother, owner of Red Gate Farm, welcomes the trio and Millie to her farm where they plan to vacation as paid boarders, and assist with waiting on other boarders. Once on the farm, Nancy uncovers a strange group called The Black Snake Colony—a "nature cult"—who are tenants on an outlying portion of Mrs. Byrd's farm. Accused of passing counterfeit money, Nancy shares details of the odd colony and the codes obtained in the office building with Federal agents. Nancy, Bess, George, and Millie go undercover disguised in the white robes and hoods worn by the cult members, and join them in their cave hideaway. This volume also serves to further develop the Bess and George characters, and their affectionate yet sometimes antagonistic relationship.
1961 version: For the 1961 version of the book, the plot elements did not change much. Millie's name is now Joanne. George is bitten by a snake, and one of the federal agents is the son of a boarder at Red Gate Farm. Al Sniggs, gruff right-hand man of Maurice Hale, is now named Al Snead.
Condition: VG+
Grading System:
Mint (M): Looks like it was never used and preserved in the best environment.
Near Mint (NM): Looks like it just came from the retail store and recently opened.
Very Good Plus (VG+): Except for a couple of very minor things, this would be near mint.
Very Good (VG): Has minor wear but still works as its designed purpose.
Good (G): Has has significant wear but still works as its designed purpose.
Poor (P): Broken, cracked, heavily damaged, ripped in very bad condition.
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