It was Thursday evening early in November and the Hardy family was sitting at the table eating. Fenton Hardy had two letters on the table in front of him.

"It’s just a shame the investigators conference is being held during the same week your sister invited us all to visit her place," Fenton said gazing at his young-looking wife, Laura.

"Aren’t you supposed to give a speech at the conference?" asked their 18-year-old son, Frank as he reached for some bread.

"That was the plan," Fenton said looking at the envelope containing the details of the conference. "This was set up months ago. I can’t cancel now."

"Then, I guess we’ll have to decline Maggie’s offer," Laura said disappointedly.

"Why not have the boys go?" Gertrude Hardy suggested. Gertrude was Fenton’s unwed sister who lived with them. "They could represent the family and would be under adult supervision while we’re away."

"But we don’t need adult supervision," 17-year-old Joe protested. "We’ve gotten along quite well when we’re alone."

"I know you have," Fenton said picking up the letter from Maggie. "But, if you went to Maggie’s you could probably get some skiing in."

"That’s right," Laura said. "According to the news reports, it’s been snowing for days in Colorado. There should be plenty of snow by Thanksgiving."

Joe’s eyes began to sparkle at the thought of skiing over the Thanksgiving break. He knew he would be able to practice before the snow started falling in Bayport. Joe was about to agree when Frank spoke up.

"I wouldn’t mind spending the holiday with Aunt Maggie, but she might not want the two of us there without you."

"Why do you say that?" Fenton asked.

"Well, I’m just not sure she’d want us hanging around. She never liked the idea of us doing detective work." Frank looked at their aunt. "She’s more against it than Aunt Gertrude."

"Why don’t we let her decide?" Laura suggested. "Besides, your cousin Jeremy is just a year younger than Joe."

"I forgot about Jeremy," Frank said.

"I’ll call Maggie tonight and see what she thinks," Laura said.

* * * * *

Later that evening, Laura called Maggie. While Maggie was disappointed Laura and Fenton were unable to come for the holidays, she insisted Frank and Joe join her. She also suggested they bring some friends along for company. Maggie assured Laura there was plenty of room for everyone.

After Laura got off the phone, she related the news to Frank and Joe. They liked the idea of inviting some friends to join them and readily agreed to spend the holiday in Colorado. Since Frank and Joe knew their friends in Bayport already had plans for the holiday, they decided to check with their friends in River Heights.

Frank made the call while Joe sat on Frank’s desk. Frank put the phone to his ear. After two rings, he heard a click and a familiar voice said, "Hello?"

"Hi, Nancy," Frank said. "Guess who?"

"Hi, Frank," Nancy said, cheerfully. Nancy Drew was an old friend of the Hardy’s. They met on a case five years earlier in Florida. After that, she helped Frank and Joe on several cases when they ran into one another. "How have you been?"

"Can’t complain. How about you?"

"Pretty busy making arrangement for the wedding."

"Then you could probably use a break," Frank said, suggestively.

"It would be nice." Nancy sighed. "But there’s too much going on." She paused. Frank is up to something, she thought. "Frank, for some reason I don’t think you called to chat. What’s up?"

"Well, Joe and I were wondering if you would like to join us for Thanksgiving in Colorado." There was silence on the other end of the phone. "Ned, Bess and George are also invited," Frank said quickly. "Our aunt has a place and invited us along with our friends to join her for the holidays."

"That sounds like a lot of fun, but is your aunt sure she wants a house full of guests over the holiday?"

"My parents are attending a conference so our aunt suggested we bring some friends." Frank glanced at Joe and saw him smiling. "But we’ll also be able to do some skiing. There should be plenty of snow."

"It sounds like fun," Nancy said. "I’ll have to check with the others and get back to you."

"That’s fine."

"When do you need to know?" Nancy asked.

"As soon as possible," Frank replied. "I’ll need to let our aunt know."

"Then I’ll call you tomorrow."

"Sounds good."

"Bye, Frank, and thanks for the invitation."

"Bye," Frank said and hung up the phone.

Once the phone was back in its cradle, Joe asked, "Well, are they coming or what?"

"Won’t know until tomorrow," Frank said getting to his feet. "Either way, you and I are still going to Colorado."

"A skiing vacation is just what we need."

"We’re not on vacation yet," Frank said pulling his desk chair out. "Now, if you don’t mind, please get off my desk. I have homework to do."

"Fine," Joe said sliding off the desk. "But it’s a good thing we’re going skiing. You definitely need a break."

"Thanks," Frank said opening his history book. "And close the door on your way out."

"Fine," Joe said and closed the door as he left.

* * * * *

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Frank piloted the small plane his father owned to River heights shortly after dawn to pick up Nancy and her best friends, Bess Marvin and George Fayne, and Nancy’s fiance’, Ned Nickerson.

After loading their luggage and skis, Frank taxied the plane down the runway. He took off and headed for Colorado. Once they were in the air, Nancy moved up to the cockpit to sit with Frank and catch up on what they both had been doing in the past two months.

Nancy told Frank about the plans she and Ned decided for the wedding. Frank related the quiet time he and Joe had since returning from the cruise.

Nancy asked, "Where’s Callie?"

"On her way to Maine for the holiday with her parents," Frank said glancing at the instrument panel. "When she found out Joe and I were going skiing, she was a little upset. But she got over it knowing we’d be together at Christmas."

"That’s nice," Nancy said glancing back at the others who were taking.

"I’m glad your dad let you come," Frank said. "We’ll have a lot of fun."

"He thought it was a good idea," Nancy said. "He promised we’d have Christmas together. He has a big murder trial he needs to prepare for and planned to focus on that all week."

"It’s always tough to work over the holidays."

Frank began his approach to land the plane when the engine sputtered and died. Frank checked the control panel and saw there was no oil pressure. Frank checked to make sure his seatbelt was secure and yelled, "Everyone! Fasten your seatbelts!"

"What’s going on?" Joe called from the back.

"We’ve got engine trouble," Frank said. He glanced at Nancy. He lowered his voice. "Get in back and fasten your seatbelt."

"No," Nancy said. She grabbed her seatbelt and took hold of the controls. She also had a license for small planes. "You’ll need my help if something else goes wrong."

"Then radio the tower," Frank said flipping switches hoping the engine would start.

"Mayday, mayday. This is whiskey papa master zero three six niner. We have engine failure. Requesting emergency landing."

"We read you whiskey papa master. This is control tower. Where are you?"

"We are approximately three miles from the runway approaching from the east. Do you read?"

"Copy whiskey. You are cleared for approach on runway four. Emergency vehicles are on the way to meet your arrival."

Nancy pulled on her seatbelt to make sure it was secure. "Go for it, Frank."

Nancy watched Frank tighten his grip on the controls. Frank could feel the perspiration beading across his forehead. He kept glancing at the control panel then back out the window toward the runway. As the plane headed for the runway, Frank tightened his grip on the controls until knuckles turned white. He knew he had to set the plane down carefully. His friends were counting on him.