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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/34369-8.txt b/34369-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..723e5d4 --- /dev/null +++ b/34369-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6013 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost +Key, by Joan Clark + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key + +Author: Joan Clark + +Release Date: November 19, 2010 [EBook #34369] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PENNY NICHOLS--MYSTERY OF LOST KEY *** + + + + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + PENNY NICHOLS + MYSTERY STORIES + + Penny Nichols Finds a Clue (1936) + Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key (1936) + Penny Nichols and the Black Imp (1936) + Penny Nichols and the Knob Hill Mystery (1939) + + _by_ + "Joan Clark" + (Mildred A. Wirt, 1905-2002) + + + + + Penny Nichols + and the + Mystery of the + Lost Key + + + _By_ + Joan Clark + + * + + The + Goldsmith Publishing Company + + CHICAGO + + COPYRIGHT 1936, BY + THE GOLDSMITH PUBLISHING COMPANY + + MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA + + + + + _CONTENTS_ + + + + + CHAPTER PAGE + I. A Valuable Letter 11 + II. A Mysterious Key 25 + III. An Arrogant Guest 38 + IV. A Face at the Window 51 + V. The Lost Key 67 + VI. Midnight Visitors 76 + VII. "Ghost" Music 93 + VIII. The Ivory Collection 102 + IX. A Scrap of Paper 115 + X. The Wall Safe 131 + XI. A Night Adventure 140 + XII. A Suspicious Act 150 + XIII. The Secret Stairs 164 + XIV. A Diamond Ring 175 + XV. Penny's Evidence 186 + XVI. Mrs. Leeds' Strategy 199 + XVII. The Man in the Boat 209 + XVIII. A Daring Theft 220 + XIX. The Tables Turn 225 + XX. A Break for Freedom 239 + + + + + CHAPTER I + A Valuable Letter + + +"Hurry, Susan! We have only ten minutes before the store closes!" + +Penelope Nichols, the slender girl in blue, urged her companion into the +revolving doors at the entrance of the Bresham Department Store. A +vigorous push sent the barriers spinning at such a rate that other +shoppers turned to stare at the two girls. + +"You nearly took off my heels that time, Penny," Susan Altman protested +with a laugh as they emerged into the crowded store. + +"Sorry, but we've no time to waste if I get that pair of white earrings. +The clerks are starting to put things away already." + +Threading their way through the outgoing stream of shoppers, the girls +went directly to the jewelry counter. Penny peered anxiously into one of +the glass cases to see if the coveted ivory ornaments were still on +display. They had not been sold. + +"Do you think they'll look all right with my red party frock?" she asked +her chum as they stood impatiently waiting for a clerk. In matters of +dress she valued Susan's opinion more highly than her own. + +"Stunning. With your coloring you can wear anything. Now if you had a +skin like mine and a snub nose--" + +Penny did not hear the remainder of her chum's oft-repeated complaint for +she was trying vainly to attract the attention of a clerk. The only +available girl at the counter was occupied in showing a tray of fine +rings to a tall man in gray tweeds. + +"We'll never be waited on," Penny murmured in annoyance. "You can tell +it's going to take until closing time before he makes up his mind which +ring he wants." + +Susan turned to survey the customer. He was expensively dressed and upon +a casual inspection appeared to be a gentleman of considerable means. +Although the clerk offered several diamond rings for his approval none of +them satisfied him. + +"Haven't you anything better than this?" he questioned. "Show me that +large diamond, please." He tapped the glass case lightly with his cane. + +The clerk obligingly placed the ring before him. The man examined the +diamond closely, comparing it with another ring previously shown him. For +the first time he appeared aware of Penny and Susan. + +"Wait on these young ladies while I make up my mind which ring I prefer," +he urged the clerk. "I am in no hurry and I can see that they are." + +The clerk hesitated. The rings in which the customer was interested were +valuable ones. It was a rule of the store to keep them always in the +locked case. Yet it would take her only a minute to wait upon the girls, +and obviously the man was a gentleman. She turned to serve Penny. + +"I'll take that pair of earrings," Penny announced, indicating the ivory +pieces. "They're three dollars, aren't they?" + +"Yes, that is correct. I'll have them wrapped for you." + +Penny offered the girl a five dollar bill in payment. She could not +restrain a little sigh as she saw it deposited in the store's cash +drawer. Perhaps she had been foolish to buy the earrings. It meant that +she must do without a great many little things in order to keep within +her allowance. Penny sighed again. At times it was trying to have a +father who believed in maintaining his daughter strictly upon a budget +plan. + +Her eyes roved aimlessly toward the man at the ring counter. She saw him +cast a quick glance about. Then he walked rapidly away, making for the +nearest exit. + +Penny's keen blue eyes riveted upon the ring tray. The large diamond was +missing. + +She had not seen the customer actually take it--his movements had been +too deft for that--yet she knew for a certainty that while the clerk's +back had been turned he had secreted it somewhere upon his person. + +Penny did not hesitate. She darted after him. + +"Stop!" she cried. And then to the surprised shoppers who turned at the +sound of her voice: "Don't let that thief get away!" + +The man wheeled sharply, his face convulsed in anger. With his cane he +struck viciously at a stout woman who clutched him by the coat. + +A store detective blocked the main exit. + +Recognizing that he could not hope to escape that way, the thief turned +and bolted up a moving escalator which was carrying a capacity load of +passengers to the second floor. + +Penny, the detective, and a few of the more energetic customers took up +the pursuit. + +In a desperate attempt to escape, the thief elbowed women roughly aside +as he darted up the stairway. Upon the uncertain footing of the moving +treads, several stumbled and fell. In an instant hysterical women were +screaming and clutching at one another for support. + +A slender girl in a shabby business suit was rudely jostled. Penny, half +way up the moving stairway, tried to save her from a hard fall. She was +not quick enough. Down the girl went, and as she fell, the contents of +her pocketbook spilled out upon the moving stairway. The thief took +advantage of the resulting confusion to melt into the throng of shoppers +at the top of the escalator. While store detectives carried on the +pursuit, Penny tried to help the terrified women to alight from the +stairway. + +"Are you hurt?" she asked the girl who had fallen, trying to assist her +to her feet. + +"Never mind me! Save my pocketbook!" the other cried, frantically +beginning to gather up the scattered objects. + +The other passengers upon the stairway were more of a hindrance than a +help. Yet by working fast Penny managed to accumulate nearly all of the +lost articles before the brief ride approached its end. + +"My letter!" + +At the other girl's shrill cry, Penny saw a white envelope riding +serenely on the uppermost step. With a bound she covered the distance +which separated her from it, pouncing upon the letter an instant before +the moving belt disappeared into the flooring. + +Clutching it triumphantly in her hand, she turned to assist the girl who +had lost it. + +"Why, you're limping," she observed. "Here, lean on me." + +"It's nothing," the girl maintained staunchly. "I twisted my ankle when I +fell." + +Penny helped her to a nearby chair. Despite the girl's brave words, her +lips quivered when she spoke and her attractive face had taken on an +ashen hue. Yet, strangely, her interest centered not in her injury but in +the letter which she had nearly lost. + +"Thank you for saving it," she told Penny gratefully. "I don't know what +I should have done if I'd lost that letter. It means everything to me." + +Penny stared at the envelope a trifle curiously but she was too well bred +to ask personal questions. Before she could make any response store +officials hurried up to take charge of the situation. The girl's name was +Rosanna Winters, Penny learned, by listening. She lived at a rooming +house on Sixty-fifth Street, not a great distance from Penny's own home. + +Rosanna firmly turned down the suggestion of store officials that she be +sent to a nearby hospital for first-aid treatment. + +"It isn't necessary. I merely twisted my ankle. I'll soon be able to walk +on it." + +"Let me take you home," Penny offered. "My roadster is parked just +outside the store. We live close to each other." + +The girl hesitated, then smiled as she said: "That's very kind of you, +I'm sure. You don't really mind?" + +"Of course not. Here, let me help you downstairs." + +"Not by way of the escalator," Rosanna said hastily. "Hereafter I'll ride +on the elevator. It's safer." + +Although the store's gong had announced the closing hour some minutes +previously, shoppers were slow to leave the building. As the girls +returned to the street floor they were embarrassed to find themselves the +target for many curious stares. Penny readily was recognized as the girl +who had observed the theft of the ring. + +"What became of that man who knocked me down?" Rosanna questioned. "I +suppose he escaped." + +"I'm afraid so," Penny admitted, looking about for Susan. "The last I saw +of him he was running toward the kitchenware department with the store +detective after him." + +Sighting Susan near the outside door, Penny steered her new friend in +that direction. Quickly she introduced the girls, mentioning Rosanna's +unfortunate accident. + +"I saw it all," Susan declared. "Penny, you certainly did stir up things +when you set the store detective on that thief." + +"And the worst of it was that he escaped," Penny acknowledged. "Of +course, he may be caught here in the building but I doubt it." + +In the excitement, she had completely forgotten her package at the +jewelry counter. The girls would have left the store without it had not +the clerk come running after them with the purchase. + +"Thank you so much for calling out the alarm," she told Penny gratefully. +"If the thief isn't caught I may lose my job." + +"Oh, I hope not." + +"So do I, but I shouldn't have broken a store rule. I was completely +taken in by the man's appearance." + +"I don't wonder at that," Penny said. "He certainly looked anything but a +crook. Was the ring a valuable one?" + +"It was priced to sell at eight hundred dollars. I don't see how I could +have been so stupid." + +Penny felt sorry for the salesgirl, particularly so when the floorwalker +came up and began to question her sharply. + +"It really wasn't the clerk's fault," Penny insisted. "I feel certain +that man was a professional jewel thief." + +"Did you notice his appearance?" the floorwalker asked. + +"Yes, he was dressed in a gray tweed suit. I'd say he was approximately +six feet in height, dark hair and eyes. His face was long and angular." + +The store official noted down the description and took Penny's address in +case she might be needed later on to identify the crook if he were +captured. + +"We're watching all the lower floor exits," the floorwalker informed, +"but the chances are the man got away by means of one of the fire +escapes." + +The store rapidly was clearing of shoppers. Penny and her companions +lingered a few minutes longer and then they too were politely requested +to leave. + +"I'd like to know if the store detective caught that man," Penny declared +as they paused for an instant on the street. "I suppose now we'll have to +find out by reading our newspapers." + +Rosanna Winters turned as if to leave the girls. + +"Thank you again for saving my pocketbook," she said to Penny. "My ankle +is much better now so I'll just take a streetcar home." + +Penny caught her by the elbow. + +"You'll do no such thing. Why, I can see that it hurts you every step you +take. It isn't more than a block or two out of my way to drive you home." + +Despite Rosanna's protests, she urged the girl into the roadster which +was parked at the curbing. Penny was very proud of her car. Although it +was not a new model it ran very well and she spent most of her spare time +keeping it washed and polished. + +Since the Altman residence was close by, Penny dropped her chum off +before taking Rosanna home. During the ride to Sixty-fifth Street, the +Winters girl spoke scarcely a word. Several times Penny cast a curious +glance in her direction. + +Rosanna was the quiet type, she decided. A striking brunette with a +thoughtful, almost sad face. + +"I live at the next house," the girl said as they turned a corner. "The +one on the right." + +It was a modest but not unattractive boarding house. The porch was clean +and the yard more orderly than the majority in the neighborhood. + +"I'm only staying here a few days until I can find another place," +Rosanna mentioned, feeling that some explanation was due her companion. + +"You are a stranger in Belton City?" Penny guessed. + +"Yes, I came here looking for work. But now that won't be necessary." +Rosanna hesitated, and then, because Penny had seemed so very friendly, +decided to offer additional information. "I am an orphan, Miss Nichols. +Until this week I had begun to think that fortune had turned against me." + +"And now you've had a piece of good luck?" + +"Yes," Rosanna's face glowed as she opened her purse and took out the +letter which Penny had picked up from the escalator. "If you hadn't saved +this for me, I should have lost everything." + +"Then I'm glad I snatched it up in time," Penny smiled. + +She could not imagine the contents of the mysterious letter. It was all +she could do to keep from asking questions. + +"I'd like to have you read it if you care to," Rosanna said a trifle +timidly. "I'm anxious to learn the opinion of another person." + +"Why, I'll be glad to look at it if you wish," Penny returned, a little +surprised at the request. "And as far as advice is concerned, I love to +offer it." + +She accepted the envelope which Rosanna proffered. As she took out the +folded letter a key dropped out into her lap. + +"What's this?" Penny demanded. + +Rosanna laughed nervously. "If what the letter says is true, it seems to +be the key to my inheritance! But read the letter for yourself." + + + + + CHAPTER II + A Mysterious Key + + +Unfolding the paper, Penny noticed that the message had been written +under the letterhead: "J.C. Elfhedge, attorney, Brookport." The +communication stated briefly that Rosanna Winters was the sole heiress of +the late Jacob Winters, her uncle, and that she had inherited his +mountainside estate at Raven Ridge. A key to the property was enclosed. +She was urged to inspect the estate at her earliest convenience. + +"Well, what do you think of it?" Rosanna questioned as Penny studied the +letter in silence. + +"Why, it's fine," Penny returned after a slight hesitation. "Did you know +Jacob Winters well?" + +"I didn't know him at all. In fact I never even met him." + +"Oh! Then the inheritance must have come as a surprise." + +"It did. Even now I can't help thinking there must be some mistake. Did +you ever hear of Raven Ridge?" + +"Yes, indeed," Penny told her. "It is a lovely spot near Snow Mountain." + +"I must go there as soon as I can," Rosanna said. "Will the car fare be +very much do you think?" + +"Probably not more than ten dollars." + +"That's a large sum for me," Rosanna smiled ruefully. "Of course, now +that I've actually inherited Uncle Jacob's estate, I suppose I shouldn't +worry about money." + +"Well, I shouldn't spend lavishly until I was certain there would be no +slip-up about getting the property," Penny advised bluntly. "Perhaps I +shouldn't say it, but there's a certain tone to this letter that I don't +like." + +"What do you mean?" Rosanna questioned. + +Penny found it difficult to explain. + +"Brookport is only a few miles from here and yet I've never heard of a +lawyer by the name of Elfhedge. It seems a trifle strange too that he +should enclose a key to the property." + +"It struck me that way too at first," Rosanna admitted unwillingly. "Of +course, I do have an uncle named Jacob Winters--my mother often spoke of +him. He was always considered queer." + +"It may be all right. No doubt you have inherited a fortune. Only I think +I'd be a trifle cautious until I was certain it wasn't a hoax." + +"But what can I do except to obey the letter and visit the property?" + +Penny glanced again at the letterhead. "Why not visit this lawyer and +have a talk with him? Brookport isn't far from here and it might save you +a trip to Raven Ridge." + +"Can I reach Brookport by train or bus?" + +"I'm afraid not," Penny said. "It's off the main line of travel. You +haven't a car of your own or one you could borrow?" + +"No." + +"I'll take you to Brookport if you like," Penny offered generously. "We +might go tomorrow." + +"Oh, I shouldn't like to trouble you, Miss Nichols. I can probably rent a +car." + +"There's no need of it for I would enjoy the ride. Besides, I am curious +to learn if there is an attorney by the name of Elfhedge living in +Brookport. Suppose I call here for you around ten o'clock tomorrow +morning." + +"All right," Rosanna smiled. "It's good of you to offer. Perhaps I can +repay you someday." + +The girls parted, Penny driving directly to her own home. Entering the +house by the back door she found Mrs. Gallup, the housekeeper, cooking +dinner. The kitchen was permeated with the delightful aroma of frying +chicken. + +"Is Dad home yet?" Penny inquired, pausing to sniff the air. + +"He's in the study," the housekeeper informed. + +Penny found Christopher Nichols occupied at his desk. Sometimes it was +difficult for her to realize that she was the daughter of a detective who +had gained state-wide recognition for his ability in solving baffling +cases. Mr. Nichols had served an apprenticeship on the police force, had +risen from the ranks, and later had started his own private detective +agency. Yet, despite his success, he was quiet and unaffected. + +Mr. Nichols had no real hobbies and only two absorbing interests in +life--his work and his daughter. Penny had been left motherless at an +early age. Because there had been only a slight feminine influence in her +life her outlook upon the world was somewhat different from that of the +average high school girl. She thought clearly and frankly spoke her mind. +Yet if she enjoyed an unusual amount of freedom for one so young, she +never abused the trust which her father placed in her. + +Penny loved adventure. Recently, somewhat to her father's chagrin, she +had involved herself with a daring gang of automobile thieves. The story +of her exciting encounter with underworld characters has been recounted +in the first volume of the series, entitled, "Penny Nichols Finds A +Clue." + +"Now what?" Mr. Nichols demanded gruffly as his daughter perched herself +on the corner of his desk. "Has that car of yours broken down again?" + +Penny laughed as she shook her head. + +"No, believe it or not, I still have a few dollars of my allowance left. +I'm after information this time." + +"What sort of information?" + +"Preferably accurate," Penny smiled. "Tell me, did you ever hear of a +lawyer by the name of Elfhedge with an office at Brookport?" + +"No, I never did," Mr. Nichols returned instantly. "There is an attorney +in the Stover building by the name of Hedgel. Perhaps you're mixed up." + +"I have the name right," Penny insisted. She then related the contents of +Rosanna Winters' letter. + +"It sounds like someone's idea of a practical joke," Mr. Nichols +declared. "I'd advise the girl not to spend any money until she's done a +little investigating." + +"That's what I did tell her." + +"I'll look this man Elfhedge up in a day or two if you like," Mr. Nichols +promised. "It sounds like a fictitious name to me but of course the +letter may be _bona fide_." + +Mrs. Gallup interrupted the discussion to announce that dinner was ready. +Immediately after the meal had been served, Mr. Nichols left for his +office and Penny saw him no more that evening. He left the house before +she was up the next morning so she had no opportunity to explain that she +was driving Rosanna Winters to Brookport that day. + +At ten o'clock she rang the doorbell of the rooming house on Sixty-fifth +Street. Rosanna already was waiting. + +"I thought you might have changed your mind about wishing to make the +trip," she declared, following Penny to the car. + +"No, I'm more curious than ever to talk with your lawyer. It will be +wonderful, Rosanna, if the estate turns out to be a valuable one." + +Rosanna smiled a trifle ruefully. "Yes, I will have plenty of use for the +money. I can't believe yet that Uncle Jacob left everything to me." + +Penny refrained from saying anything which might disturb Rosanna. +Actually, she had not the slightest reason for doubting that the girl had +come into an inheritance, save that the letter from Mr. Elfhedge did not +have a genuine tone. It occurred to her that a scheme might be under way +to induce the orphan to part with her own savings. + +During the ride to Brookport, Rosanna mentioned a few of the hard +experiences she had undergone in the past year. First her mother had +died, then an aunt with whom she made her home, likewise had been taken +from her. She found work of a sort in a grocery store, but long hours and +trying conditions had worn her down. She had taken sick. Hospital bills +claimed the greater part of the money which her mother had left her. She +could not secure her old job back, nor could she find a new one. In +desperation she had decided to come to Belton City, hoping that she might +secure a position there. + +"You can imagine that I was pretty well discouraged when the letter +arrived from Mr. Elfhedge," Rosanna ended. "You don't know what a fright +you gave me by suggesting that it might be a hoax." + +"I'm sorry if I caused you worry. I had no reason for thinking that +someone wrote the letter for a joke." + +"Uncle Jacob was noted for doing queer things," Rosanna informed. "I +never met him but Mother often mentioned his name. He was quite a +traveler, I believe, and collecting was his hobby." + +"What did he collect?" + +"Oh, things from the Orient and antiques from all over the world." + +"Then if you've come into his property, you may have inherited some real +treasures," Penny commented. "It would be fun to visit that house at +Raven Ridge." + +"Yes, but I dread going there alone. Penny, I wish you could go with me." + +"I wish I could too, but I guess I'll have to stay at Belton City this +summer." + +It was only a little after eleven o'clock when the girls reached +Brookport. The town was less than a hundred thousand population and Penny +had no trouble in finding the main business section. After cruising about +for some minutes, they located the street where Mr. Elfhedge had his +office. The number which they sought brought them to an imposing +seven-story brick building. + +Penny parked the roadster and they went inside, searching the directory +for Mr. Elfhedge's name. It was not listed. + +"That's odd," Rosanna remarked with a troubled frown. "His office must be +here somewhere in the building." + +Penny went over to make inquiry of the elevator boy. + +"There's no one in this building by that name," he insisted. + +Thinking that the boy might be misinformed, Penny and Rosanna sought the +building superintendent. To satisfy them, the man looked carefully +through his list of tenants. No one by the name of Elfhedge occupied an +office in the building. + +"There is an attorney in Room 309 but his name is Rogers," the +superintendent told the girls. "You might talk with him. He may know this +man Elfhedge." + +They went up to Room 309 and after a brief wait were ushered into the +lawyer's private office. Rosanna was too shy to state the purpose of her +visit, so Penny explained why they had come. The lawyer had never heard +of a colleague by the name of Elfhedge. + +"He's never been in this building and I doubt that he's even located in +the city," they were told. "You must have made a mistake in the address." + +The girls had made no mistake, that they knew. The address was plainly +written on the outside of the envelope which Rosanna had in her purse. +She showed it to the lawyer. + +"Yes, that seems to be this building," he admitted. "It looks as if +someone used a fake address." + +They left the office completely discouraged. Penny felt sorry for her +companion. Rosanna had counted so heavily upon the inheritance. Now it +appeared that someone had played a cruel joke upon her. + +"You were right," Rosanna acknowledged as they walked slowly back to the +car. "You were suspicious of that letter from the first." + +"It struck me as peculiar that it was written in longhand instead of on a +typewriter," Penny explained. + +"I suppose it is nothing but a joke," Rosanna acknowledged, "and yet why +should a key be enclosed in the letter?" + +"It's beyond me, Rosanna. Even if the trip is wasted, you might feel +better about it if you went to Raven Ridge and investigated." + +"I'd go in an instant if I had the money to spare." + +"I'll loan it to you." + +Rosanna shook her head. + +"No, I can't take it although it's kind of you to offer." + +"I wish I could help you, Rosanna." + +"You've helped me a great deal already. Perhaps a little later on I'll +find some way of getting to Raven Ridge." + +Penny tried to urge the loan, but Rosanna, who was unusually proud, would +not hear of it. The girls parted at the latter's boarding house on +Sixty-fifth Street. + +"I'll see you within a day or two," Penny promised as she drove away. +"Perhaps by that time Father will learn something about Mr. Elfhedge." + +She did not really believe that Mr. Nichols could find anything to +report. Doubtless, the name had been a fictitious one. Yet who had played +the joke upon Rosanna and for what purpose? + +"There's more to the affair than what appears on the surface," she +reflected. "If only I had the chance, I'd do a little investigating." + +Penny smiled at the thought, little dreaming that such an opportunity was +to present itself very shortly. + + + + + CHAPTER III + An Arrogant Guest + + +That evening at the dinner table Penny told her father about the +unsuccessful trip to Brookport. + +"It looks like someone played a practical joke on your friend," he +commented. + +"But who could be so mean, Dad? Rosanna has had such a desperately hard +time to get along. Now if she wastes money going to Raven Ridge on a +fruitless visit, it won't seem fair." + +"Well, it's likely to amount to just that," Mr. Nichols returned. "I +tried to locate that attorney, Elfhedge today." + +"Any luck?" + +"No, I doubt if such a person exists." + +"So do I," Penny agreed. "By the way, what became of the newspaper today? +I wanted to read up about the department store theft." + +"To see if your name was mentioned?" her father teased. + +"No, I was just curious to learn if the thief was captured." + +"I can set your mind at rest on that point," Mr. Nichols informed. "He +wasn't. If you're interested in the details, you'll find the paper on the +front porch." + +Penny helped Mrs. Gallup clear the table of dishes, then went outside to +get the paper. The story appeared on the front page. It was a slightly +distorted version of what had happened and Penny was just as well pleased +that her name was not mentioned. According to the account, the thief had +escaped by means of a rear fire escape. The ring, valued at approximately +nine hundred dollars, was fully covered by insurance. + +While Penny was reading the story, Mr. Nichols came out and sat on the +porch steps. + +"How would you like to take a little trip?" he asked casually. + +Penny dropped the newspaper. "With you?" she questioned eagerly. + +"Yes, I've been working hard lately and I feel like taking a rest over +the week end." + +"Where will we go?" + +"I thought of Mt. Ashland. It will be cool in the mountains and at this +time of year the hotels will not be too crowded." + +"Why, Mt. Ashland isn't very far from Snow Mountain, is it?" Penny +demanded with interest. "I'm going to look it up on the map." + +She ran into the house for the big red atlas. A moment later she +returned, her eyes dancing with excitement. + +"Mt. Ashland isn't more than a two hours' drive from Snow Mountain," she +told her father. + +"And just what difference does it make?" + +"Why, Raven Ridge is located on Snow Mountain, you know." + +"Oh! So that's what you have in your mind!" + +Penny perched herself on her father's knee, smiling her most beguiling +smile. + +"Never mind, you little tease," he said hastily. "I give in." + +"You don't even know what I want," she laughed. + +"Yes, I do. You want to take this new friend of yours along with us." + +"I think it would be nice, don't you?" Penny beamed. "Then while you're +having a good rest at Mt. Ashland we could drive on to Raven Ridge. +Rosanna could investigate her property there, if she has any, and it +wouldn't cost her much of anything to make the trip." + +"You seem to have it well planned," the detective marveled. + +"Well, what's wrong with the idea?" + +"Nothing. We'll take her along if she wants to go. She may help keep you +out of mischief." + +"When do we start?" Penny demanded gaily. + +"Tomorrow afternoon as soon as I can get away from the office." + +"Then I'll dash over to see Rosanna now and ask if she can go with us," +Penny announced. + +Without giving her father an opportunity to change his mind, she hurried +to the garage for her roadster. At the rooming house on Sixty-fifth +Street, the landlady, a stout woman with a tired, lined face, admitted +her. + +"Miss Winters has the attic room," she informed. "Five flights up." + +At the top of the last flight Penny paused to catch her breath before +rapping on Rosanna's door. The orphan was a trifle startled at seeing +her. + +"Do come in," she said cordially. + +The room was oppressive and warm, although the tiny windows were open +wide. A bed, a chest of drawers, two chairs and a cracked mirror composed +the entire furniture. + +"I don't expect to stay here long," Rosanna said apologetically. "I +thought it would do until I found work." + +"Why, of course," Penny agreed instantly. "Did you have any luck today?" + +Rosanna shook her head and sank wearily down upon the bed. + +"No, everywhere I went it was the same old story. I'm beginning to think +I'll never find employment." + +"Perhaps you'll not need it if you come into an inheritance," Penny +smiled. "Rosanna, I've found a way for you to get to Raven Ridge." + +The orphan's face brightened but for a full minute after Penny had +explained the plan, she sat silent. + +"Don't you want to go?" Penny asked, perplexed. + +"Yes, of course I do. It isn't that. You've been so good and kind to me. +I'll never be able to repay you for your trouble and expense." + +"Nonsense! The trip will be more fun if you go along, Rosanna. Besides, I +have an overwhelming curiosity to see Raven Ridge and your uncle's +estate. Please say you'll go." + +"All right, I will," Rosanna gave in. + +"Good. Father and I will stop for you tomorrow. I must get back home now +and start packing." + +Penny clattered down the creaking, narrow stairway and disappeared into +the night. + +Although the trip was only a short one, and at the longest would occupy +less than a week's time, Penny spent many hours planning her wardrobe. +She packed an evening gown, several afternoon frocks, and sports clothes. +Then, reflecting that Rosanna would not be so well fixed, she hung the +garments back in the closet, substituting her plainest dresses. + +"There, that will be much better," she decided. "A wise traveler goes +light anyway." + +At three o'clock the following afternoon, Penny and her father stopped at +Rosanna's rooming house to pick up the orphan. She was waiting on the +porch, and as Penny had thought, confined her luggage to one overnight +bag. + +At first the road to Mt. Ashland wound through fertile valleys and low +hills. Gradually, they climbed. The curves became more frequent. Tall +pines bordered the roadside. + +Six o'clock found the party well into the mountains, although still some +miles from their destination. Noticing a pleasant little inn at the top +of a ridge, they stopped for dinner which was served on the veranda +overlooking a beautiful valley. + +"I wonder if Raven Ridge will be as pretty as this?" Rosanna mused. + +"It's even more beautiful," Mr. Nichols told her. "The scenery is very +impressive." + +Before they arose from the table it was growing dusk for they had +lingered to watch the sunset. + +"It's just as well that I wired ahead for hotel reservations," Mr. +Nichols remarked as they hurried to the parked car. "Getting in after +dark it wouldn't be so pleasant to find all the rooms taken." + +At exactly nine o'clock the twinkling lights of the Mt. Ashland Hotel +were sighted, and a few minutes later the automobile drew up in front of +the large white rambling building. An attendant took the car and they all +went inside. + +"I doubt if you'll get rooms here tonight, sir," a bellboy told the +detective as he carried the luggage to the main desk. "There's been a big +rush of guests this week-end." + +Mr. Nichols was not disturbed. At the desk he merely gave the clerk his +name, claiming the two rooms which he had reserved by wire. + +"We saved two very fine rooms for you," the clerk returned politely. +"Both overlook the valley." + +While Mr. Nichols signed the register, Penny and Rosanna sat down nearby. +Their attention was drawn to the main entrance. A large touring car had +pulled up to the door. A pompous looking woman of middle age and a +younger woman, evidently her daughter, had alighted. Both were elegantly +if somewhat conspicuously dressed. Several suitcases, hat boxes and +miscellaneous packages were unloaded. The older woman carried a fat +lapdog in her arms. + +"They seem to have brought everything but the bird cage," Penny said in +an undertone. + +The two women walked up to the desk. + +"I am Mrs. Everett Leeds," the one with the dog announced a trifle too +loudly. "I have a reservation." + +"Just a minute please," the clerk requested. + +It seemed to Penny that he looked disturbed as he thumbed through his +cards. + +"There is no occasion for delay," Mrs. Leeds declared blandly. "My +daughter and I always engage the same room--305." + +"Why, that was the number of one of the rooms assigned to my party," Mr. +Nichols observed. + +"There's been some mix-up," the clerk said in distress. He turned again +to the two women. "Your reservation isn't on file, Mrs. Leeds. When did +you send the wire?" + +"I reserved the room by letter," the woman informed him coldly. + +"It was never received here I am sure." + +"No doubt the letter was lost." + +"You are certain it was sent?" + +"Of course I am," Mrs. Leeds declared icily. "My daughter mailed it. +Didn't you, Alicia, my dear?" + +A queer expression passed over the girl's face. It struck Penny that she +probably had forgotten to post the letter. However, Alicia staunchly +maintained that she had. + +"It's most provoking that you have misplaced the reservation," Mrs. Leeds +said irritably to the clerk. "But of course we can have the room?" + +"I am afraid that is impossible, Mrs. Leeds. The room you wanted was +reserved for two young ladies." With a nod of his head the clerk +indicated Penny and Rosanna. + +Mrs. Leeds and her daughter turned to stare somewhat haughtily. + +"What other room can you give us then?" the woman demanded angrily. + +The clerk cast Mr. Nichols a despairing glance. He knew he was in for +trouble. + +"Practically everything is taken, Mrs. Leeds. In fact the only available +room is on the top floor." + +"And you expect us to take that?" Mrs. Leeds cried, her voice rising +until everyone in the lobby could hear. "I never heard of such outrageous +treatment. Call the manager!" + +Penny had risen to her feet. She moved quickly forward. + +"There's no need to do that," she said pleasantly. "If Rosanna doesn't +mind, I am perfectly willing to exchange rooms with Mrs. Leeds." + +"Why, of course," Rosanna agreed. "It doesn't matter to me where I +sleep." + +Satisfied at having her own way, Mrs. Leeds quieted down. She even +thanked the girls graciously for the sacrifice they had made. The clerk +gave out the keys. + +"Why did you do that?" Mr. Nichols asked gruffly as he and the girls +followed a bellboy to the elevator. "Your room up by the roof will be hot +as blazes." + +"I know, but I didn't see any sense in making such a fuss over a room, +Dad. Besides, it's only for one night." + +"I'd insist that you girls take my room if it had a double bed." + +Penny shook her head. + +"No, you came here for a rest. Rosanna and I really won't mind." + +The three entered the elevator and a minute later Mrs. Leeds and her +daughter likewise stepped into the lift. + +"I hope you girls will not find it uncomfortable on the top floor," Mrs. +Leeds remarked, trying to make pleasant conversation. + +"It isn't very warm tonight," Penny returned politely. "Besides, it will +only be for one night. We're going on to Raven Ridge in the morning." + +The elevator was whizzing them upward. + +"Did you say Raven Ridge?" Mrs. Leeds questioned sharply. + +"Yes." + +A queer expression had come into Mrs. Leeds sharp, blue eyes. She seemed +on the verge of speaking, then apparently changed her mind. + +The elevator stopped at the third floor. Without a word, the woman urged +her daughter out the door, following her down the hall. + + + + + CHAPTER IV + A Face at the Window + + +The little room on the top floor of the hotel was as hot and unpleasant +as Mr. Nichols had predicted. Even with all the windows open wide the air +still seemed close. + +"Rosanna, I shouldn't have forced you into this," Penny said +apologetically. + +"I've slept in far worse places than this," Rosanna laughed. "We have a +comfortable bed and a private bath. I didn't fare half so well at Mrs. +Bridges." + +"You're a good sport anyway, Rosanna. That's more than could be said for +Mrs. Leeds or her daughter." + +"I wonder how old the girl is? She looked about our age." + +"I'd guess she was two or three years older," Penny returned. "She had so +much paint on it was hard to tell." + +Both girls were tired from the long day's drive. Rosanna immediately +began to undress. Penny sat on the edge of the bed, thoughtfully staring +into space. + +"Did it strike you as queer the way Mrs. Leeds acted when I mentioned we +were going to Raven Ridge tomorrow?" she questioned her companion. + +Rosanna kicked off her slippers before replying. + +"Well, come to think of it, she did look a little startled. She put on +such a scene downstairs that I didn't pay much attention." + +"We'll probably never see her again." With a shrug of her slim shoulders +Penny arose and began to unpack her overnight bag. + +According to the plan which they had worked out with Mr. Nichols, the +girls expected to leave for Raven Ridge the next morning directly after +breakfast. It was their intention to motor to the mountain resort, +inspect the Winters' property and see if they could learn anything +concerning Rosanna's uncle. They intended to return either the next night +or the one following. + +Few guests were abroad when the detective joined the girls at breakfast. +It was only a little after seven o'clock. + +"Sleep well?" he inquired, looking over the menu. + +"Not very," Penny admitted truthfully. She might have added more had not +Mrs. Leeds and her daughter entered the dining room at that moment. The +two bowed slightly and selected a table in the opposite corner of the +room. + +"Social climbers," Mr. Nichols said in an undertone. "I can tell their +type a mile away." + +Breakfast finished, the girls prepared to leave for Raven Ridge. Their +bags were already packed and downstairs. + +"Now drive cautiously over the mountain roads," the detective warned as +he accompanied the girls to the waiting car. "If you can't get back by +evening send me a wire." + +As Penny took her place at the steering wheel she observed that Mrs. +Leeds' automobile had been brought to the hotel entrance by an attendant. +Apparently, she too was making an early morning departure. + +"You're not listening to a word I am saying!" Mr. Nichols said severely. + +"Yes, I am." Penny's attention came back to the conversation. "I'll drive +carefully and deliver your precious car back to you without a scratch." + +"I wasn't exactly worried about the car." + +"Well, there's no need to be uneasy about Rosanna or me. We'll have no +trouble." + +With a laugh of careless confidence, Penny started the car and drove +slowly away. It was not the first time she had driven over mountainous +roads. She handled the wheel exceptionally well and used due caution on +all of the sharp curves. The brakes were good but she dared not apply +them too steadily on the steep inclines. + +"We'll have to rush if we get back to Mt. Ashland this evening," Penny +announced, slowing down to read a signpost. "I declare, a mountain mile +seems to be three times the length of an ordinary mile." + +They had gone only a short distance farther when a tire went down. Penny +knew it instantly by the feel of the steering wheel. She pulled off at +the side of the road. + +"Now we are in it," she said in deep disgust. "At least ten miles from a +garage. I can change wheels on my own car, but I doubt if I can on Dad's +automobile." + +The girls waited for a few minutes hoping that someone would come along +to help. When no one did, Penny dragged out the tools, and after +considerable trouble succeeded in jacking up the rear axle. + +"I see a car coming," Rosanna reported hopefully. + +"Let's flag it," Penny suggested. "I could do with a little masculine +help." + +In response to her signal of distress, the approaching automobile slowed +down. The driver was a man and there were no passengers. + +"He's stopping," Penny said in relief. + +There was a screech of brakes as the automobile came almost to a +standstill. Then surprisingly, it speeded up again. But not before Penny +had caught a fleeting glimpse of the driver's face. + +"Well, of all things!" Rosanna exclaimed indignantly. "I call that a mean +trick." + +"I believe he was afraid to stop," Penny announced excitedly. "I think I +recognized him. It was the same man who stole the ring from Bresham's +Department Store!" + +"Are you sure?" Rosanna demanded incredulously. + +"I couldn't be absolutely certain, of course. He was traveling too fast +for me to catch more than a passing glimpse of his face. But if he didn't +recognize us, why did he slow down and then speed up?" + +"He did act suspiciously. But what can we do about it?" + +"Nothing, I'm afraid. We may as well devote our energies to this wheel." + +Rosanna was more than eager to help but she had never even seen a tire +changed and had no idea how to go about it. After a little annoying +experimentation, Penny got the wheel in place and tightened the lugs. + +"There, it's done," she said in relief, "but my dress is a mess. I'm +afraid we'll have to stop at the first garage and have the old wheel +fixed, for I don't carry another spare." + +A signpost at the next bend in the road advised them that Simpson's +Garage was located only six miles away. They made it in a few minutes. +There was no town, only a post office, one general store, and the garage +which obviously was a remodeled blacksmith shop. + +"I'm glad it's nothing more than a tire which needs repairing," Penny +commented as the garageman came to learn what they wanted. + +He promised that the tire would be ready in half an hour. Glancing at her +wrist watch, Penny saw that it was already past lunch time. She inquired +if there was a cafe nearby. + +"Not in Hamilton, there ain't," the garageman told her. "Ma Stevens, +across the street in the big white house, serves meals to tourists now +and then." + +Rather than spend an unpleasant half hour in the garage, the girls walked +over to the rambling white house. They were reassured to see that the +yard was well kept and that everything appeared orderly and clean. + +"Let's take a chance on the food," Penny decided. "I'm hungry enough to +eat a fried board!" + +Mrs. Stevens, a motherly looking woman in a blue checked gingham dress, +opened the door. She looked slightly troubled at their request for food. + +"It's later than I usually serve," she explained. Then noticing their +disappointed faces, she added hastily: "But if you're not too particular, +I can find you something." + +The "something" consisted of a generous platter of mountain trout, fresh +from the stream and fried to a golden brown, French fried potatoes, a +salad, and cherry pie. + +"Dear me, after such a meal, we may not be able to get to Raven Ridge," +Penny remarked, finishing her second piece of pie. "I never ate so much +in my life." + +"Did you say you were going to Raven Ridge?" Mrs. Stevens inquired. + +"Yes, we're waiting now to have a tire patched." + +"You're the second party through here today that's heading for Raven +Ridge," Mrs. Stevens informed. "A man stopped for lunch about an hour +ago. Only he thought it wasn't cooked well enough for him." + +"He must have been particular," Penny commented. "What did he look like?" + +"He was tall and dark and he had a sharp way of watching one." + +"I wonder if it could have been that man who passed us on the road?" +Penny mused. "Was he driving a gray coupé?" + +"Yes, I believe he was." + +Penny was convinced that the man Mrs. Stevens described was the same +person who had declined to help her on the road. She wondered what +business took him to Raven Ridge. Could she have been mistaken in +believing him to be the thief who had stolen the diamond ring? + +Paying for the luncheon, the girls went back to the garage. The tire was +ready for them. Soon they were on their way again. + +They had driven for perhaps an hour when Penny observed that the road +seemed to be leading them out of the mountains. She began to wonder if +they had taken a wrong turn. She stopped at the next filling station to +inquire. To her dismay, she was told that she had traveled nearly twenty +miles out of her way. + +"I thought this didn't seem like the right road," Penny declared ruefully +to her companion. "Now we'll be lucky to get to Raven Ridge by dinner +time, to say nothing of returning to Mt. Ashland tonight." + +"I've put you to a great deal of trouble," Rosanna said regretfully. + +"Not at all. This trip to Raven Ridge is an adventure, and I like it. It +will be more fun to stay over night anyway." + +An occasional road marker reassured the girls that at last they were on +the right highway. The mountain curves were sharp, and Penny did not make +as good time as she had anticipated. She became a little alarmed to see +that storm clouds were rapidly gathering. + +"It looks as if we may have rain," Rosanna commented. + +"A great deal of it, I'd judge. Those clouds are black as ink." + +In less than half an hour the storm struck them in full force. A great +gust of wind dashed huge drops of water against the windshield, there was +a vivid flash of lightning, then the rain came down in steady sheets. + +Even with the wiper going Penny could see only a few feet ahead of the +windshield. She pulled up under a huge oak tree at the side of the road. +The girls waited a quarter of an hour and still the rain fell in +torrents. At length, however, it slackened slightly, and not wishing to +lose any more time, Penny cautiously drove on. + +"It can't last much longer," Rosanna said optimistically. + +Despite her hopeful words, the rain showed no sign of stopping. Penny +reconciled herself to a slow pace for the remainder of the journey. She +was beginning to grow tired. Her back and arms ached and it was a strain +to keep such close watch of the road. + +With the sun hidden from view, night came on early. Nervous at the +thought of driving over unfamiliar mountain roads after dark, the girls +did not stop for dinner. Nine o'clock, in a pouring rain, found them +drawn up at a filling station to inquire how much farther it was to Raven +Ridge. + +"Why, you're practically there now," the attendant informed. "What place +are you looking for?" + +"The Jacob Winters' estate," Penny replied. + +"Then keep on this road for about two miles more. When you come to the +top of the ridge, take the gravel road to the left. It will lead you to +the house. There's no one there though, unless maybe a caretaker." + +"Oh," Penny murmured, "then perhaps you can direct us to a place where we +can spend the night." + +"The nearest is at the town of Andover, five miles beyond the Winters' +place." + +The girls thanked the man for his assistance, and once more followed the +winding road up the mountainside. + +"Shall we go on to Andover or stop at the Winters' house?" Penny asked +her companion. + +"I don't know what to do," Rosanna faltered. "We're both so tired." + +"The place surely must have a caretaker, Rosanna. Let's take a chance and +stop." + +At the top of the ridge they watched for the gravel road and were elated +to find it. The entrance was barred by a white gate. Rosanna stepped out +in the rain to open it. + +"This may have been a foolish thing to do," Penny admitted as they drove +between tall rows of whispering pines. "We could have gone on to Andover +only I dreaded driving down the mountainside with slippery roads." + +Rosanna huddled closer to her friend. The road was dark and the rustling +of the wind in the pine needles made her uneasy. + +Soon they came within view of the house. It was built of native stone, +half hidden by the luxuriant growth of shrubbery and trees which +surrounded it. No lights gleamed in the windows. + +"There's no one here," Rosanna declared. + +"Let's knock anyway. The caretaker may be at the rear somewhere." + +They parked the car as close to the front door as possible and made a +dash for the porch. Penny knocked several times on the massive door but +there was no response. + +"We might try your key, Rosanna," she proposed. "If it fits I'll begin to +think there's something to that mysterious letter you received." + +Rosanna groped in her pocketbook for the key. Impatient for action, Penny +turned the handle of the door. To her astonishment the latch clicked. + +"Why, the door is already unlocked, Rosanna!" + +"But of course we won't dare go in." + +"Why not?" + +"Well, it doesn't seem right. The people may not be at home." + +"Someone must be around or the door wouldn't be unlocked. Besides, you +have a key, Rosanna. And according to the letter, this is your +inheritance." + +Penny swung wide the door. She peered inside but could see nothing. Her +hand groped for the electric switch. She found the button by the door and +pressed it. Instantly everything was flooded with light. + +The girls found themselves in a long, narrow living room. The ceiling was +beamed, the furniture was rustic, and a great fireplace occupied one end +of the wall. + +Penny crossed over to the hearth. There was no fire but logs were in +readiness to make one. + +"I don't feel right about coming in here," Rosanna said nervously. + +"Nonsense, if it's your property you're not trespassing," Penny insisted. +"Besides, it looks to me as if you were expected, for everything seems in +readiness for guests. I'm going to build a fire and see if I can't thaw +out my chilled bones." + +Reluctantly, Rosanna went to help her. Soon they had a roaring fire in +the hearth. As they grew more comfortable they took more interest in +their surroundings. The room was plainly but expensively furnished. +Curious objects from many lands occupied the tables and bric-a-brac +shelves. + +"Your uncle must have lived an interesting life," Penny commented, +picking up a tiny ivory box from a nearby stand. + +"Yes, Mother often told me----" + +Rosanna's voice broke in the midst of the sentence. Turning, Penny saw +that her friend's eyes were fastened upon the window. All color had +drained from Rosanna's face. Her eyes were dilated with fear. + +"What is it?" Penny demanded. + +Rosanna clutched her hand. + +"I saw someone just then," she whispered. "A man's face at the window!" + + + + + CHAPTER V + The Lost Key + + +Penny turned quickly toward the window. She saw nothing save the rain +trickling down the panes. + +"You must have imagined it, Rosanna." + +"No, I didn't. I know I saw a face." + +Rosanna huddled close to Penny. She was afraid. + +"I'll go and look out," Penny proposed daringly. + +Before Rosanna could stop her she moved to the door and flung it open. A +man in oilskins confronted her. His face was half hidden by the felt hat +which he wore low over his eyes. + +"What do you want?" Penny asked nervously. + +Without answering, the man stepped into the room. Under the electric +light he did not look as terrifying as he had at first glance. Penny saw +when he swept off his dripping hat that he was an elderly man although +spry for his years. She felt slightly reassured. + +"I came to find out what you mean by entering Mr. Winters' house when +he's away?" the man demanded curtly. "Don't stand there staring like a +blind owl! Answer." + +Rosanna had completely lost her power of speech, so Penny tried to +explain the situation. She told how they had been caught by the storm and +mentioned Rosanna's key and letter which gave her right to investigate +the property. + +"So you're old Jacob Winters' niece?" the man questioned gruffly, peering +intently at Rosanna. "At least that's what you say." + +"Of course he's my uncle, although I never saw him," Rosanna defended. "I +can prove it by my letter." + +"Probably wrote it yourself," the man snapped. "But let's see it anyway." + +"Just a minute," Penny interposed, feeling that it was time the newcomer +answered a few questions of his own. "Are you the caretaker of this +house?" + +"Yes, and no. I'm a neighbor of Mr. Winters and he asked me to keep an +eye on his house while he was away. I saw the light in the windows and +came to see what was wrong." + +"My uncle is dead," Rosanna said quietly. "I have inherited the estate." + +"Jacob Winters dead!" the man exploded. "Why, I had a card from him last +week. Mailed from some place down in Africa. Let me see that letter you +claim to have." + +Rosanna opened her pocketbook and searched for it. A troubled look came +over her face. She was certain she had placed both the letter and the key +in the inside compartment. Now she could find neither. + +"So you haven't got it?" the man said suspiciously. + +"I must have it somewhere. I can't imagine how I misplaced it. You +remember the letter don't you, Penny?" + +"Of course. You had it in your pocketbook the last time I saw it. We're +telling you the absolute truth Mr.----" + +"Caleb Eckert," he supplied. "If you didn't have a key how did you get +into the house?" + +"Why, the door was open--that is, it was unlocked," Penny explained. + +Caleb Eckert peered at her sharply as if trying to make up his mind if +she were speaking the truth. Rosanna, who by this time had emptied her +purse out upon the table, was growing more upset every minute. + +"Oh, let's leave this house, Penny," she burst out. "I've lost the letter +and the key and so we've no right to be here at all. I didn't mean to +trespass. I wish we'd never have come at all. That letter has caused me +so much grief." + +Rosanna looked as if she might cry at any moment. Caleb Eckert softened. + +"Now, I wouldn't want you to go out into this storm. As far as I'm +concerned you may stay here for the night." + +"We don't care to intrude," Rosanna said stiffly. + +"It isn't safe to go down the mountain in this rain," the man declared, +adopting a more friendly tone. "Now don't be offended by the way I acted. +My bark is worse than my bite." + +"We can't blame you for being suspicious," Penny admitted. "It may be +that someone played a joke on Rosanna in sending her the letter and key. +We were afraid of that from the first." + +Caleb Eckert's eyes roved to the crackling fire, then to the splattered +windows. + +"Tell you what," he proposed gruffly. "You girls stay here for the night. +In the morning we'll see if we can't straighten things out." + +"But if Mr. Winters is alive we have no right to use this house," Rosanna +protested weakly. + +"You're his niece, aren't you?" Caleb demanded. "Jacob Winters wouldn't +turn anyone out in a storm, much less one of his own kin folks. Have you +had supper?" + +The girls admitted that they had not had any food since lunch time. Caleb +led them to the kitchen, showing them where canned goods were stored. + +"If you're handy with a can opener there's no need to starve," he +declared. + +The girls thanked him for his trouble. Rosanna timidly ventured a few +questions concerning her uncle. + +"Did you never see him?" Caleb asked. + +"No, once I wrote him a letter but he never answered. I've heard Uncle +Jacob was very eccentric." + +"Some might call him that. He liked to live alone and mind his own +business which is more than most folks do. He traveled a lot too. I guess +he must have visited every country in the world." He added slyly: "If +Jacob _is_ dead, you'll come into possession of some valuable things." + +"I hope that nothing has happened to him," Rosanna said sincerely. "I +don't really care for riches. All I want is a home." + +"Jacob Winters never liked girls." + +"I know," Rosanna sighed. "I guess that's why he never answered my +letter." + +"You counted a lot on the inheritance, didn't you?" Caleb questioned +shrewdly. + +Rosanna flushed but did not deny the accusation. + +"I thought that it might make my future more secure," she acknowledged. +"Since Mother died I've battered around from one rooming house to +another. But even if I don't come into the inheritance, I'll be glad that +my uncle is still alive." + +"I don't know that he is," Caleb Eckert said hastily. "He was alive when +he sent that postcard from Africa. Since then we've had no word from him +here at Raven Ridge." + +While the girls prepared food for themselves, Caleb sat by the kitchen +stove watching. He showed them how to start a fire in the range but would +not partake of supper when it was cooked. + +"Had mine four hours ago. I'll show you where you can sleep and be +getting on home." + +"Do you live near here?" Penny asked curiously. + +"Not far. If the rain would let up you could see my cabin through the +dining room window. It's perched on the edge of the cliff, overlooking +Lake Chippewa." + +Rosanna remarked that the scenery around Raven Ridge must be beautiful. + +"'Tis," Caleb agreed enthusiastically. "You'll have to walk down to the +lake in the morning. There are some mighty pretty trails to follow too." + +"If we have time before we go, we'll surely explore," Penny promised. + +Caleb conducted them upstairs, opening the door of one of the bedrooms. +It was stuffy and dusty but otherwise ready for occupancy. Penny turned +back the coverlet of the bed and found that it was equipped with clean +sheets and blankets. The furniture was massive and all hand carved. + +"I guess you can make out here for one night," Caleb said. + +"We'll be very comfortable," Penny assured him. + +Returning to the lower floor, Caleb lighted his lantern and prepared to +leave. With his hand on the door knob he turned to face the girls again. + +"Oh, yes, there was something I forgot to mention. If you hear queer +noises in the night don't be upset." + +"Queer noises?" Penny echoed. + +Caleb nodded soberly. + +"Folks around here claim the house is haunted but I never took stock in +such stories myself. I just thought I'd warn you." + +And before the girls could recover from their astonishment, he firmly +closed the door, disappearing into the rain. + + + + + CHAPTER VI + Midnight Visitors + + +"I wish," Rosanna commented emphatically, "that I had never brought you +to this queer old house." + +Penny laughed as she went over to the fireplace and dropped on another +stick of wood. She stood watching the sparks fly up the chimney. + +"I think Caleb Eckert was only trying to be funny when he warned us of +ghosts," she declared. "At any rate, I'm too tired and sleepy to care +much whether the place is haunted or not." + +"It's a good night to sleep," Rosanna admitted, going to the window. "I +believe the storm is getting worse." + +Rain pounded steadily upon the roof and the wind was rising. It whistled +weirdly around the corners of the house. The tall maple trees which +shaded the front porch bent and twisted and snapped. + +For a time the girls sat before the fire. Presently Penny suggested that +they retire. + +"I don't believe I can sleep a wink tonight," Rosanna protested. "Even +though Caleb Eckert said it was all right for us to stay here, I don't +feel entirely easy about it." + +"I don't see why not," Penny protested as they mounted the creaking +stairs to their bedroom. "According to the letter, you've inherited the +house. And you have a key." + +"I had a key you mean. I can't understand how or where I lost it." + +In thinking back over the activities of the day, Rosanna could not recall +taking either the key or the letter from her purse. However, several +times for one purpose or another she had opened her pocketbook, and it +was quite likely that the articles had fallen out unobserved. She thought +possibly she might find them on the floor of Penny's car. She intended to +search in the morning. + +The upstairs room was damp and chilly. The girls hurriedly prepared to +retire. Penny put up the window, snapped out the light and made a great +running leap which landed her in bed. + +"Listen to the wind howl," she murmured, snuggling drowsily into her +pillow. "Just the night for ghosts to be abroad." + +"Don't!" Rosanna shivered, gripping her friend's hand. "I can almost +imagine that someone is coming up the stairway now! I'm afraid of this +lonely old house." + +"I won't let any mean old ghost get you," Penny chuckled teasingly. "I +love stormy nights." + +Rosanna lay awake long after her companion had fallen asleep. She +listened restlessly to the crash of the tree branches against the roof, +the creaking of old timbers and boards. But the steady beat of rain on +the windowpanes had a soothing effect upon tense nerves. Presently she +dozed. + +Suddenly she found herself wide awake. She sat upright in bed, straining +to hear. She was convinced that some unusual sound had aroused her. + +Then she heard it again. A peculiar pounding noise downstairs. + +She clutched Penny by the arm. + +"What is it?" the latter muttered drowsily. + +"Wake up! I think someone is trying to break into the house!" + +As the words penetrated Penny's consciousness, she became instantly +alert. She too sat up, listening. Someone was pounding on the front door. + +"What shall we do?" Rosanna whispered in terror. + +Penny sprang from bed and snapped on the light. "I'm going to dress and +go down. It may be Caleb Eckert." + +"Or a ghost," Rosanna chattered. "If you're going down, so am I." + +With the appearance of a light in the bedroom, the clanging on the door +increased in violence. Penny, who was dressing as rapidly as she could, +began to grow irritated. + +"Are they trying to break down the door?" she grumbled. "I should think +whoever it is would know we're hurrying." + +Without delaying to lace up her shoes, she ran down the stairs, Rosanna +close at her elbow. Before snapping on the living room lights the girls +peered out the window. + +Slightly reassured by the appearance of the midnight visitors, they +cautiously unbolted the front door. + +Mrs. Everett Leeds and her daughter Alicia, swept into the room. Both +were bedraggled and obviously out of sorts. + +Mrs. Leeds shook the rain from her cape, flung her wet hat into the +nearest chair, and then coldly surveyed the two girls. + +"What are you doing here, may I ask?" she inquired. + +"We _were_ sleeping," Penny smiled. + +"I mean, what are you doing in this house?" + +"It seems to belong to Rosanna," Penny said evenly. "She inherited it +from her uncle, Jacob Winters." + +Mrs. Leeds' expression was difficult to interpret. For an instant she +looked stunned. But she quickly recovered her poise. + +"Nonsense!" she said shortly. "This house belongs to me. Jacob Winters +was my cousin. He died recently, leaving me everything. I have a letter +and key to prove it. Naturally I couldn't use my key to get into the +house for you had it bolted from the inside." + +Mrs. Leeds looked accusingly at the girls as she offered the letter to +Penny. A casual glance assured the girls that it was identical with the +one Rosanna had received and lost. + +"It's too late to go into this tonight," Penny protested. "Let's discuss +it in the morning." + +"Very well," Mrs. Leeds agreed coldly. "Where are we to sleep?" + +Penny informed her that there were several empty bedrooms upstairs. She +led the way to the upper floor. Opening the door of one of the rooms, she +was surprised to see that it was not as well furnished as the bedroom +which she and Rosanna shared. Mrs. Leeds uttered an exclamation of +disgust. + +"Surely you don't expect me to sleep here, Miss Nichols. The room is +dirty. Positively filthy." + +"Look at that long cobweb hanging from the ceiling!" Alicia added +indignantly. "I'd have hysterics if I slept here." + +"Perhaps the adjoining room is better," Penny commented. + +An inspection revealed that if anything it was even more neglected. + +"I'm afraid you'll just have to make the best of it for tonight," Penny +declared, "unless you care to drive on to the next town." + +"We'll stay," Mrs. Leeds decided instantly. "I'd prefer to sit up all +night, rather than brave those horrible mountain roads again." + +"We slipped into a ditch coming here," Alicia informed. "That's what made +us so late. We've had a terrible time." + +In a closet at the end of the hall, Penny and Rosanna found blankets and +linen. As they made up the beds, neither Mrs. Leeds nor her daughter +offered to assist. It was after one o'clock when the girls went back to +their own room. + +"Mrs. Leeds means to make trouble about the inheritance," Penny remarked +in an undertone as they snapped out the light once more. "I wonder if by +any chance she could have picked up your letter and key?" + +"Oh, I doubt it," Rosanna returned. "I remember when we were at Mt. +Ashland she dropped the hint that she was going to Raven Ridge. At least, +she acted strangely when we mentioned the place." + +"Yes, she did. I had forgotten for the moment. Oh well, in the morning +we'll learn exactly what she intends to do." + +Penny rolled over and soon was sleeping soundly. Toward morning she awoke +to hear a clock somewhere in the house chiming four. At first she thought +nothing of it, then it occurred to her that no one had wound any of the +timepieces the previous evening. While she was musing over such an odd +happening her keen ears detected the sound of soft footsteps in the long +hall outside. + +"It's probably Mrs. Leeds or her daughter," she reasoned. + +The sounds persisted. At length Penny quietly arose and tiptoed to the +door. She looked out into the dark hall. No one was within sight. Mrs. +Leeds' door was closed. + +Penny went back to bed, taking care not to awaken Rosanna. Scarcely had +she pulled the blankets up than the soft pad of footsteps could be heard +again. + +"I hope it isn't that ghost Caleb warned us about," she thought uneasily. +"Oh, bother! I know there aren't any ghosts!" + +Penny closed her eyes and tried to sleep but found it quite impossible. +Even after the noise in the hall ceased she caught herself listening for +the footsteps. At a quarter to seven she dressed and stole downstairs to +see what she could find for breakfast. + +At eight o'clock when Rosanna came into the kitchen, Penny had coffee, +cereal and crisp bacon ready. + +"The larder seems very well supplied," she informed cheerfully. "Someone +left milk on our doorstep too. I imagine it must have been Caleb." + +"I'm hungry enough to eat anything," Rosanna declared. "Shall I call Mrs. +Leeds and Alicia?" + +"Yes, do, although I don't know how they'll take to my cooking." + +Rosanna went upstairs to rap on Mrs. Leeds' door. She returned a minute +later, reporting that neither of the guests would be down for breakfast. + +"They were quite put out at being disturbed so early," she told Penny +ruefully. + +"We'll let them get their own breakfasts then. Come on, we'll have ours +anyway." + +Penny had learned to cook very well under the tutelage of Mrs. Gallup. +She had done remarkably well with the meager supplies at her disposal and +Rosanna declared that the breakfast was excellent. + +The girls had finished the dishes and were stacking them away when Alicia +came down the stairs. + +"Mother and I will take our breakfast now," she informed. + +Rosanna started toward the kitchen, but Penny neatly blocked the way. + +"Sorry," she said cheerfully, "but we've just finished ours. You'll find +supplies in the kitchen." + +Alicia started to reply but without waiting to hear what she might have +to say, Penny and Rosanna went out the back door. + +"While she cools off we may as well look over the grounds," Penny +laughed. "If Mrs. Leeds and Alicia expect to get along with me, they'll +have to learn that this household is going to operate on a cafeteria +basis." + +From the rear door a sandstone path led down a steep incline to the brow +of a high cliff. A river wound its way directly below, emptying into a +crystal blue lake. Deep in the pine woods, some distance from the path, a +cabin could be seen. The girls decided that it must belong to Caleb +Eckert. + +While they were admiring the rugged scenery, someone came up behind them. +They wheeled about to face Caleb himself. + +"Well, well, you both look bright and gay this morning," he greeted +heartily. "Sleep well?" + +"Quite well," Rosanna told him shyly. "That is, we did until the visitors +arrived." + +"Visitors?" + +Rosanna explained about Mrs. Leeds and her daughter while Penny added +omitted details. For some reason they both were beginning to feel that +Caleb was their ally. + +"All this talk about letters and keys and inheritances certainly has me +puzzled," he proclaimed, shaking his head. "It's hard to believe that +Jacob Winters is dead. I think I'll walk back to the house with you and +have a little talk with Mrs. Leeds." + +"Did you leave milk at our doorstep this morning?" Penny questioned as +they returned together. + +Caleb admitted that he had placed it there. + +"You've been very kind," Rosanna said gratefully. "I want to thank you +before we leave." + +"You're not aiming to leave today?" Caleb asked quickly. + +"Well, yes, I imagine we will. I don't feel right about staying here." + +Caleb lowered his voice. "Take my advice, Miss Winters, and don't leave +while that other woman and her daughter are here. From what you've told +me, I think they mean to grab the property." + +"But what can I do?" Rosanna asked helplessly. "I've lost my letter and +the key. I haven't any proof that the property was left to me." + +"Maybe this Leeds woman hasn't any proof that it was left to her either," +Caleb said sagely. "Anyway, we'll find out what she has to say." + +At first, Mrs. Leeds, accosted in the living room of the old house, had +little comment to make. She was out of sorts from lack of sleep the +previous night, and the breakfast which she and Alicia had endeavored to +cook had not been a success. Nor was she impressed with Caleb who wore +high boots, an old pair of dirty trousers and a crumpled felt hat. + +"I don't see why I should discuss my business affairs with you," she said +aloofly. "I have inherited this property from my cousin and I mean to +remain here in possession of it indefinitely if necessary." + +"May I see the letter which you say you received?" Caleb inquired. + +Mrs. Leeds hesitated, then reluctantly handed it over. Caleb studied it +briefly and returned it. + +"You will require more than this as evidence of Mr. Winters' death," he +said quietly. "For all I know, you may have forged this letter." + +"Preposterous!" Mrs. Leeds snapped. "I refuse to discuss the matter with +you further. I shall send for my attorney and he will straighten out +everything." + +"Not without the will, he can't," Caleb returned grimly. "And there's no +telling what became of it." + +"The will?" Mrs. Leeds caught him up. "Are you sure there was a will?" + +"Mr. Winters told me once that he had made one and hidden it somewhere in +the house." + +"Then of course it can be found." + +"Mr. Winters wouldn't want anyone prying around in his private papers," +Caleb insisted. "Until I have definite word that he is dead, I can't let +anyone hunt for it." + +"I shouldn't call searching for the will exactly prying!" Mrs. Leeds +retorted indignantly. "What right have you to say what is to be done +here? Are you the caretaker?" + +"Well, not exactly, but Mr. Winters asked me to look after things until +he got back." + +"That will must be found." + +Caleb's face tightened. "Mrs. Leeds," he said severely, "I repeat, things +in this house must not be disturbed." + +Mrs. Leeds drew herself up proudly. "Unquestionably, the will leaves +everything to me." + +"That may be," Caleb acknowledged, "but this girl here has a claim too." +He indicated Rosanna. + +Mrs. Leeds froze her with a glance. Her eyes snapped like brands of fire +as she listened to Rosanna's account of the letter and key. But a look of +relief, which was not lost upon either of the girls, came over her face +as she learned that they had been misplaced. + +"The story sounds ridiculous to me," Mrs. Leeds declared coldly. "If you +can't produce the letter or the key, what proof have you that you +actually are Jacob Winters' niece?" + +"I could get evidence within a few days," Rosanna declared. "The letter +and key may show up too." + +"I think perhaps you dropped them in the car," Penny interrupted. "Let's +look now." + +Leaving Mrs. Leeds and Caleb embroiled in another argument, they went +outside where the automobile had been parked near the house. A careful +search of the flooring and pockets of the car did not reveal the missing +letter or key. Rosanna was completely discouraged. + +"Do you think Mrs. Leeds could have picked it up?" she asked gloomily. + +"I don't see how," Penny returned thoughtfully. "But there's one thing +certain. She intends to make trouble. You surely don't intend to go away +from here while she and her daughter are camped in the house?" + +"What else can we do?" + +"Send a wire to Dad that we're staying on a day or two," Penny answered +instantly. + +"But won't that inconvenience both of you?" + +"No, I suspect Dad will be grateful for the rest and as for myself, I'd +enjoy seeing this thing through." + +It required little urging to convince Rosanna of the wisdom of remaining +on the scene. She had taken an immediate dislike to Mrs. Leeds and her +daughter, and agreed with Penny that they were determined to claim more +than a rightful share of the inheritance. + +Once the girls arrived at a decision they lost no time in driving to the +nearest town where Penny dispatched a message to her father. Noticing an +inviting looking restaurant, they ate lunch before motoring back to the +Winters' mansion. It was nearly two o'clock when they reached the Ridge +again. + +An unfamiliar car stood on the driveway. Penny was certain it did not +belong to Mrs. Leeds for her mud-splattered sedan was parked some +distance away. + +"It looks like more visitors," she commented as they crossed the veranda +together. + +At the doorway both girls involuntarily paused. Mrs. Leeds was engaged in +conversation with a stranger. + +For an instant Penny and Rosanna stood and stared. It was the same man +who had refused them help on the road. + + + + + CHAPTER VII + "Ghost" Music + + +As Penny and Rosanna entered the living room, the stranger turned to face +them. For a long moment Penny was convinced that he was the shoplifter +who had stolen the diamond ring from the Belton City department store. +His build was the same and the general lines of his face were similar. +Then the man spoke and she was not certain at all. The tone of his voice +was entirely different as was his abrupt manner of speaking. + +A trifle nervously, or so it seemed to Penny, Caleb Eckert introduced the +stranger. + +"Max Laponi," he said. "He represents himself as a nephew of Jacob +Winters." + +"Not only do I represent myself as such, but I have proof that I am Uncle +Jacob's nephew," the stranger retorted. "You'll find my credentials in +order. I've come to take over the estate." + +The girls were not greatly surprised when he took from his pocket a +letter similar to the one which Mrs. Leeds had produced. They were more +impressed with the other papers which he offered for Caleb's +inspection--a birth certificate, a letter of identification from a well +known Chicago banker and various legal documents. + +"It looks to me as if someone has played a joke on all you folks," Caleb +said slowly. "We don't know that Mr. Winters is even dead." + +"Oh, yes, we do," Max Laponi insisted, producing another letter. "This +came from my attorney this morning. It definitely states that Mr. +Winters--Uncle Jacob--was buried at sea." + +Caleb sank down in a chair. He scarcely read the letter although his face +had turned an ashen hue. + +"I can't believe it even now," he murmured. "There must be some mistake." + +"There's no mistake," Max cut in sharply. "It's clear enough that I am +the heir too. By the way, didn't the old man have a valuable collection +of ivories?" + +Caleb stiffened visibly. "Ivories?" he asked blankly. + +"Sure, some pieces he collected years ago on his tours. Read about it in +the paper." + +"Oh, so you read about it?" Caleb echoed significantly. + +"Uncle Jacob told me about the collection too. He always intended me to +have it." + +"Then you should know where to find it," Caleb retorted bluntly. "I'm +sure I don't." + +With that he turned and walked to the door. There he paused to fling over +his shoulder: + +"I wash my hands of the whole matter. You folks will have to fight it out +among you." + +Mrs. Leeds had managed to hold her tongue very well, but the moment that +the door closed behind Caleb, she began an angry attack upon Rosanna and +the newcomer, accusing both of being impostors. Unwilling to listen to +such an unreasonable tirade, Penny and Rosanna fled out of doors. + +"Such a mad house!" Penny exclaimed, taking a deep breath. "I have to +keep pinching myself to believe it's real!" + +"I never saw such a hopeless muddle," Rosanna added. "Everyone is so +eager for the property no one gives the slightest thought to the tragedy +which befell poor Mr. Winters." + +"Perhaps he isn't dead," Penny suggested. + +Rosanna stared. "What makes you think that? Didn't Mr. Laponi have proof +of it?" + +"He seemed to have proof of everything," Penny admitted with a rueful +laugh. "That's what makes me suspicious. There's something strange about +this entire affair." + +"I agree with you there." + +"I'm convinced of one thing, Rosanna. Either Mrs. Leeds or this man +Laponi is an impostor. At first I thought Laponi was the same person who +stole the ring. Now I can't be sure." + +Rosanna did not believe that the two were identical although she admitted +there was a close resemblance. However, she was quite willing to agree +that the man seemed like an impostor despite his credentials. + +"He may have picked up that letter and key you lost," Penny went on, +thinking aloud. "And there was something rather sinister in the way he +mentioned the collection of ivories." + +"I noticed that. Caleb seemed disturbed." + +"It wouldn't surprise me if he knows where Mr. Winters kept the +collection," Penny continued. "At any rate, he's wise to pretend +ignorance. With such a mad lot of people in the house, anything might +happen." + +Noticing a nearby path which led to a spring house, the girls followed +it, drinking of the cool mountain water. They sat down on a bench which +afforded a view of the tall chalk-like cliffs. After a time they felt +soothed and tranquil again. They presently walked back to the house. + +Max Laponi was nowhere to be seen although Alicia told them that he was +busy moving his things into one of the upstairs bedrooms. + +"Mother's worried since he came," the girl confided, growing more +friendly. "They had a dreadful quarrel. Now she's hunting for the will." + +"But Caleb Eckert warned her not to do that," Penny protested. + +"That old meddler has nothing to do with this place," Alicia declared +with a toss of her head. "I hope he minds his own business and stays +away." + +The girls found Mrs. Leeds in the library. She was going through the +drawers of the desk in systematic fashion, tossing papers carelessly on +the floor. One drawer was locked. She shook it viciously. + +"Like as not Jacob Winters' will is locked up in there," she said +irritably. "I'm half a notion to break into it." + +"Oh, you mustn't do that," Rosanna cried indignantly, before she could +check herself. + +"And why shouldn't I?" Mrs. Leeds demanded tartly. "Jacob Winters is dead +isn't he? And his will must be found. I suppose you're afraid to have the +document come to light for fear you'll be cut off completely." + +Rosanna's cheeks flushed. + +"I never thought of such a thing, Mrs. Leeds. I think it's disgraceful +the way everyone is acting about the property!" + +Before Mrs. Leeds could reply, she ran from the room. Penny loyally +followed, joining Rosanna in the bedroom which they shared. She found the +orphan in tears. + +"Forget it," Penny advised kindly. "Mrs. Leeds is so intent on getting +the money that she doesn't realize what she says." + +"I'm sorry I ever came here. I want no part in this disgraceful grab for +Uncle Jacob's money." + +"I know how you feel," Penny agreed, "but let's stay a day or two. I'm +curious to learn just what is going on here." + +In truth, she was completely baffled. It was difficult for her to make up +her mind whether or not the entire arrangement was a hoax. Somehow she +had distrusted Laponi's credentials. She distrusted him too. + +"I don't believe he could be a nephew of Jacob Winters," she thought. "I +wish there was some way to trace down his past." + +It was clear to Penny that Rosanna would never defend her claim to the +inheritance. Unless she personally took a hand in the affair, Mrs. Leeds +and Max Laponi would ignore the orphan completely. + +"I'll let them make the first move," she decided shrewdly. "For the time +being I'll play a waiting game." + +For the greater part of the afternoon, Penny and Rosanna remained in +their own room. Toward nightfall they walked about the grounds and later +motored to a nearby inn for dinner. At nine o'clock when they returned to +the big empty house, the downstairs was dark. They judged that Mrs. Leeds +and Max Laponi had already gone to their rooms. + +"We may as well turn in too," Penny suggested. "The mountain air makes +one drowsy." + +Both girls were soon sound asleep. However, sometime later Penny was +awakened by the sound of footsteps in the hall. She thought little of it, +and rolling over, tried to go to sleep again. Suddenly she heard soft +music from above. + +She sat up in bed, listening. A strain of a famous opera resounded +through the room, rising in volume, then falling away. Penny knew that +she was not imagining it. She nudged her companion who quickly awakened. + +"Do you hear the same thing I do?" + +Rosanna clutched the sheets more tightly about her. + +"Ghost music," she whispered in awe. + +"It sounds like pipe organ music coming from a long distance away," Penny +whispered. "I'm going to find out!" + +Before Rosanna could prevent it, she stole from bed and swiftly tiptoed +to the door. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + The Ivory Collection + + +Penny quietly opened the bedroom door, peering out into the long dark +hall. She could hear the music distinctly. It seemed to be coming from +almost directly overhead. + +By this time, Rosanna, overcoming her fear, crept beside her friend. They +huddled together, listening. + +"It's an organ. I'm sure of it," Penny whispered. "But where can it be +hidden?" + +"I'm afraid of this place," Rosanna chattered. "Let's lock the bedroom +door and leave in the morning." + +Penny made no response. For that matter she did not even hear for she was +intent upon trying to localize the sound of the music. Never inclined to +be superstitious, she had no thought that the old house was haunted. She +felt certain that the ghost-like music was man made. + +"This house must have a third floor or an attic," she declared softly. +"Let's see if we can find our way up." + +"Never!" + +"Then I'm going alone." + +Penny started off down the hall. Rosanna hesitated, and then, unable to +watch her friend walk into danger alone, hurriedly followed. Halfway down +the hall she reached for the electric switch but Penny caught her hand +before she could turn on the light. + +"Don't! It would give warning that we're coming." + +Groping about in the dark the girls went past Mrs. Leeds' bedroom and the +one occupied by the stranger. Penny noted that the doors of both were +tightly closed. At the end of the hall she found still another door. +Gently she turned the handle and opened it. A steep flight of stairs led +upward. + +"Oh, please, let's not go up," Rosanna pleaded, trembling. + +"You stay here," Penny said in a whisper. "If anything goes wrong, let +out a cry for help." + +The mysterious music had ceased for the moment. Penny waited until it +began again, and then, following the sound, crept noiselessly up the +stairs leaving Rosanna on guard below. + +At the top of the last step Penny paused to listen again. Actually, she +was not as courageous as she had pretended. She could hear her own heart +pounding. + +It was so dark on the third floor that at first she could distinguish +nothing. The music had increased in volume and Penny was more sure than +ever that it came from a hidden pipe organ. + +As her eyes focused better she found herself standing upon a small +landing from which branched two closed doors. After a slight hesitation +she tiptoed to the nearest one and opened it a tiny crack. + +Although no sound had betrayed her, the music from within ended with a +discordant crash. Startled, Penny allowed the door to swing wide. She +started forward, and suddenly tripped. Until that moment her nerve had +held steady. But as she stumbled and fell she uttered a shrill cry of +terror. + +Rosanna, fearing the worst, came running up the stairs. + +"Penny! Penny! Are you hurt?" + +Reassured by her friend's voice, Penny scrambled to her feet and met +Rosanna at the door. + +"I'm all right," she said shakily. "But I've done enough investigating +for one night!" + +"What frightened you so?" + +"I'll tell you later." + +They lost no time in returning to the lower floor. Down the hall, Mrs. +Leeds' door had opened. A light flashed on. + +"What is going on here?" Mrs. Leeds demanded, emerging into the hallway. +"Such a house I never saw! First it's music--then a scream! It's enough +to send one into hysterics." + +Penny and Rosanna could not refrain from smiling, for Mrs. Leeds looked +ridiculous in her curlers which were sticking out from her head at all +angles. Before they could answer, Alicia joined her mother. + +"I should think you could go to your room and let folks sleep!" she said +irritably. "You've been running up and down the hall all night." + +"You're wrong there," Penny returned. "This is the first time Rosanna or +I have stirred from our room. We got up to investigate the mysterious +music." + +"Then you heard it too?" Mrs. Leeds breathed in awe. "I thought perhaps I +had imagined that part of it." + +"No, you heard music all right," Penny told her grimly. + +"It isn't--you don't think the house is haunted?" Alicia stammered +nervously. "That old man--what's his name--was trying to tell us about +someone having died in a room on the upper floor!" + +"Well, the music seemed to come from the third floor," Penny informed, +relishing the effect which her words produced. "As for the scream, I can +account for that. I tripped and fell. Now I think we may as well all go +back to bed. There's been so much commotion that I rather judge our +'ghost' has been frightened away for the time being." + +"I can't sleep a wink after all this has happened," Mrs. Leeds declared. +"I shall sit up until morning." + +"As you wish," Penny said indifferently. "I'm going to bed." + +As she walked down the hall to her own room she glanced rather sharply at +the door of Max Laponi's room. It was still tightly closed. + +"Our friend appears to be a sound sleeper," she remarked to Rosanna. + +In the privacy of their bedroom, Rosanna demanded to know exactly what +had happened. + +"Well, I didn't see much," Penny admitted. "But I did learn one +interesting thing. There's a pipe organ installed in this house. I might +have discovered who was playing it too only I tripped over a rope which +had been strung up in front of the door." + +"Placed there deliberately, you think?" + +"Of course. It startled me so that I let out that wild yell. I don't care +to do any more investigating tonight, but in the morning I mean to have a +good look at that room upstairs." + +"You have more nerve than I," Rosanna declared admiringly. + +Penny carefully locked the outside door before turning out the light. It +was twenty minutes after twelve by her wrist watch. + +"I shouldn't call it nerve exactly," she replied thoughtfully, climbing +into bed. "The truth is, I'm a little afraid, Rosanna." + +"Then why do you go up there again?" + +"Oh, I don't mean that. It isn't the music that has me frightened." + +"But what else is there to be afraid of?" Rosanna persisted. + +"It's just a feeling, I guess," Penny admitted. "I can't explain--only it +seems to me that some sinister plot is brewing in this old house." + +"I have the same sensation," Rosanna confessed. "Let's leave in the +morning." + +Penny laughed softly and settled herself more comfortably in the pillows. + +"Never!" she retorted. "I'm the daughter of a detective you know! This is +our own special mystery case, and unless that ghost gets me first, I +intend to get him!" + +With that threat, Penny rolled over and lost herself in sleep. + +The warm sun was streaming in at the windows when the girls aroused +themselves. They dressed and went downstairs, finding the house quite +deserted. Apparently Mrs. Leeds, her daughter and Max Laponi had gone to +the village for breakfast. + +"I wish they had vanished for good but there's no use hoping that," Penny +commented. "I doubt if even a ghost could keep Mrs. Leeds from remaining +until the estate is settled." + +The girls cooked their own breakfast, utilizing supplies which they had +purchased at the nearby town. As they washed the dishes and stacked them +away, Rosanna mentioned again that she did not feel comfortable about +making such free use of her unknown uncle's property. + +"Perhaps it isn't just the thing to do," Penny acknowledged, "but the +situation isn't a normal one either. If Mr. Eckert says it is all right +for us to stay on, I don't think we should worry." + +"Will it do us any good to remain?" Rosanna pondered in a troubled tone. +"If Mr. Eckert can't tell us what became of my uncle, who could?" + +"That's just the point, Rosanna. I believe he knows more than he lets +on." + +Penny's gaze wandered to the tiny log cabin set back in the pine woods. +Wisps of thin smoke curled from the chimney. That meant that Caleb must +be at home. + +"Let's walk down there and talk with him," she proposed impulsively. +"It's time he answers a few of our questions." + +Caleb did not come to the door to answer their timid knock. Instead he +called out a hearty, "Come in," which they instantly obeyed. + +Caleb was the picture of comfort, sitting propped back in his chair by +the window, puffing at an old pipe. He arose reluctantly and dusted off +two camp stools for the visitors. + +"We thought perhaps you might furnish us with a little information," +Penny began pleasantly. + +Her eyes roved swiftly about the room. She noticed the open bookcase with +four rows of well-thumbed volumes. The titles were impressive. Caleb +Eckert, despite his rough appearance, seemingly had a liking for +intellectual books. + +"Well, what is it you want to know?" Caleb demanded, not unkindly. "I've +told you before that I'll have nothing to do with this muddle over Mr. +Winters' property." + +"I've given up all hope of inheriting any of the estate," Rosanna said. +"But I should like to hear about my uncle. What was he like?" + +"Some folks said he was the queerest man on Snow Mountain. I liked him +because he attended to his own business. He was considered a remarkable +sportsman by some." + +Penny's eyes traveled to a huge bear skin which hung on the cabin wall. +Caleb followed her gaze. + +"Mr. Winters gave me that skin last year when he came back from his trip +north. A mighty nice specimen." + +"Do you have a picture of Mr. Winters?" Penny asked, abruptly changing +the subject. + +Caleb shook his head. He began to talk about the bear skin again. Rosanna +listened eagerly, but Penny sensed that the old man was trying to +monopolize the conversation and thus keep her from asking questions which +he did not care to answer. + +When she succeeded in breaking in it was to bring up the subject of Mr. +Winters' ivory collection. Caleb seemed reluctant to offer definite +information. + +"All I know is that Mr. Winters was supposed to have one," he answered. +"Folks said it was worth a fortune and that he had spent years gathering +it." + +"What became of the collection?" Penny inquired curiously. + +"How should I know?" Caleb retorted crossly. "Seems to me you girls ask a +lot of silly questions." + +"We didn't mean to be inquisitive," Penny apologized. "Only it struck me +that Max Laponi has an unusual interest in that collection of ivory." + +Caleb eyed her strangely. "So you noticed it too?" he asked. + +Penny nodded. "Perhaps I shouldn't say it, but I don't trust that man, +Mr. Eckert. If Mr. Winters' collection of ivory is still in the house, +don't you think it should be removed to a safer place?" + +"That's what I'd like to do," Caleb muttered, looking out the window. + +"Then you do know where the ivory collection is," Penny tripped him. + +Caleb glared at her. "I didn't say so, did I? Why should Mr. Winters tell +me where he kept his valuables? Bosh! I tell you I won't be mixed up in +the muddle. Now go away and let me sleep!" + +Caleb stretched himself out on the couch and closed his eyes. Thus +dismissed, the girls hastily departed. + +"Such a cross old man!" Rosanna exclaimed when they were out of earshot. +"But even though he is irritable, I rather like him." + +"So do I," Penny admitted with a laugh. "You know, I think our questions +about the ivory collection disturbed him more than he cared to show." + +"He did seem reluctant to tell us anything about it." + +"We'll nail him down yet," Penny declared grimly as they walked slowly +toward the house on the cliff. "Unless I'm sadly mistaken, that ivory +collection is hidden somewhere on the premises and he's scared silly for +fear someone will find it!" + + + + + CHAPTER IX + A Scrap of Paper + + +Penny and Rosanna entered the house by the side door. Hearing a murmur of +voices from the direction of the library, they involuntarily paused to +listen. + +"If we go into this thing as partners we're both bound to profit," they +heard a man say in an insistent tone. "Think it over and I know you'll +see how easily it can be accomplished. Those two girls are nit-wits. +They'll make no trouble." + +Penny and Rosanna exchanged a startled glance. They recognized Max +Laponi's voice. So he was plotting against them! Undoubtedly, planning to +secure complete control of the Winters' estate. + +"I'm going to find out with whom he is talking," Penny whispered. + +Before Rosanna could protest, she walked to the library door and opened +it. Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi were sitting at the desk, examining some +document which was spread out before them. As Penny came in, Laponi +whisked it into his pocket. + +"Oh, I beg your pardon," Penny said casually. "I didn't mean to +interrupt." + +"You aren't at all, my dear," Mrs. Leeds said more graciously than was +her custom. "Mr. Laponi was just showing me a letter from his sister." + +"Yes, from my sister," Laponi echoed with a slight smirk. "She lives in +Naples and writes such interesting letters." + +Penny found it difficult to refrain from smiling. She pretended to search +in the bookcase for a volume. + +"I thought possibly you had discovered the will," she remarked +mischievously. + +"The will! Oh, no!" Mrs. Leeds assured her. + +"That is a good joke," Laponi echoed. "Ha! Ha! Even a ferret couldn't +find old Jacob Winters' will in this house!" + +Penny was aware that both Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi were watching her +shrewdly, trying to make up their minds if she had overheard anything. +She dared say no more lest she betray herself. Picking up a book she +quietly withdrew. + +"It's just as I thought," she told Rosanna when they were together in +their bedroom. "Laponi is trying to get Mrs. Leeds involved in some +scheme to steal the property. Unless we watch out, Rosanna, they'll get +everything away from you." + +"I don't much care," Rosanna returned in disgust. "I never saw such +disgraceful actions in all my life. As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather +leave this place tomorrow and let the lawyers settle everything." + +"There will be nothing left to settle when Mrs. Leeds and Laponi get +through. It's pretty evident that one or the other is an impostor." + +"But we can't prove that, Penny. If only I hadn't lost my key and the +credentials!" + +"We're only starting to work on this case," Penny said cheerfully. "Let's +keep our eyes and ears open. We may discover something of value." + +Since their arrival at the old house, the girls had awaited an +opportunity to inspect the third floor, hoping to discover the cause of +the mysterious music which had disturbed the household. Penny suggested +that while Mrs. Leeds and Laponi were occupied in the library they might +make their tour of investigation. Rosanna agreed but without enthusiasm. +She was not as venturesome as her companion. + +Penny led the way to the third floor landing. The hall was dark and +dusty; cobwebs hung from the corners of the ceiling. + +Penny cast an appraising glance about her. The doors leading from the +hall were all closed. She was certain that upon her previous visit one +had been slightly ajar. + +She reached for the knob and turned it. The door did not give. It was +locked. + +"That's funny," Penny murmured. + +"What is?" + +"I'm sure this door was unlocked before." + +"Perhaps it was the other one," Rosanna suggested. + +They moved on down the hall to try the second door. It too was securely +fastened. + +"I distinctly recall opening that other door," Penny maintained. "I +started to go in and tripped over something. I suspect it was a rope +stretched just inside the door." + +"Well, if we can't get in I guess we can't learn anything," Rosanna said, +somewhat in relief. + +Penny made no response. She bent down to peer through the keyhole. + +"See anything?" Rosanna asked. + +"Just a big empty room. But there is something up against the far wall! +Rosanna, it's a pipe organ!" + +After a minute she stepped away that her friend might see for herself. +Rosanna agreed that the shadowy outline was an organ and a magnificent +one. + +"The music came from this room all right," Penny said excitedly. "I wish +we could get in." + +After trying the door again, the girls returned to the second floor. As +Penny closed the stairway door she noticed that it had a key. Upon +impulse she turned it in the lock and pocketed the key with a smile of +satisfaction. + +"That should put a stop to the music for a few nights," she remarked. +"I'll show that ghost I can lock a few doors myself!" + +As they reached their own bedroom, Rosanna said that she believed she +would lie down for a half hour. The events of the past few days had worn +her down, both physically and mentally. + +"Do," Penny urged: "A sleep will refresh you. I think I'll go downstairs +and see if I can discover what plot is brewing." + +She descended the spiral stairway and paused at the library. It was +empty. The house was strangely silent. Penny crossed the hall to the +living room. Heavy draperies screened the arched doorway. As Penny pulled +them aside to enter, she saw Mrs. Leeds standing at the fireplace, her +back to the door. Something about her manner aroused Penny's suspicions. +She waited and watched. + +Mrs. Leeds had built up a roaring fire on the hearth. She held a paper in +her hand. Deliberately, she tore it into a dozen pieces and dropped them +into the flames. + +Penny hastily entered the room. + +Mrs. Leeds wheeled, her cheeks flushing. "How you startled me, Miss +Nichols! You surely have a way of coming in quietly." + +"Sorry," Penny said, walking over to the hearth. "How nice to have a +fire, although it is a little warm today." + +"The room seemed damp," Mrs. Leeds said nervously. "I was cold. I think +I'll go to my room and get a sweater." + +The instant Mrs. Leeds had disappeared, Penny snatched a charred piece of +paper from the hearth. It was the only scrap which had not been +completely consumed by the flames. + +Only a few scattered lines with many words missing were visible. The +others were blackened or torn away. + +Penny distinguished a part of the writing: "Last will and testam-- --do +bequeath to my niece, Ro--" + +"This must be a portion of Jacob Winters' will!" she thought. "Mrs. Leeds +probably found it somewhere in the house and decided to destroy it +because she or her daughter weren't mentioned!" + +She stared at the word which began Ro----. The remaining letters had been +torn away. Had Mr. Winters written Rosanna's name? If only she had +entered the living room a minute earlier she might have prevented the +document from being destroyed! + +In reviewing Mrs. Leeds' actions during the past two days, Penny could +not doubt that the woman had actually found the missing will. Since her +arrival at Raven Ridge she had spent most of her time poking about into +odd corners of the house. The locked drawer of the desk had annoyed her +exceedingly. + +"I'll just take a look and see if it's still locked," Penny thought. + +She opened the desk and tried the drawer. It readily opened. + +"Empty," Penny commented grimly. "Just as I suspected." + +She examined the lock. It was evident at a glance that it had been broken +by a sharp instrument and not unlocked with a key. + +"The will was hidden in this drawer," she mused. "I feel confident of it. +And it must have been drawn up in Rosanna's favor or Mrs. Leeds never +would have destroyed it." + +Penny closed the desk and carefully placed the charred bit of paper in +her dress pocket. She was deeply disturbed over the discovery, realizing +that Mrs. Leeds, by destroying the document, had gained a great +advantage. However, she had no intention of abandoning the fight. + +"I'll keep this strictly to myself," she decided. "For the present I'll +not even tell Rosanna. It would only disappoint her to learn that the +will has been burned." + +Since Mrs. Leeds' arrival at Raven Ridge, Penny had done everything in +her power to avoid a break with the arrogant society woman. She had +ignored snubs and many unkind remarks. Now she felt that if Rosanna's +interests were to be safeguarded, she no longer could afford to play a +waiting game. + +"Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi have shown their hand," she reflected. "They +mean to gain their ends by any possible means. But since they're stooping +to underhanded tricks, I may have a few little schemes of my own!" + +Penny was unusually silent that evening. Rosanna noticed it at once but +thinking that her friend was absorbed in her own thoughts, refrained from +questioning her. + +At six o'clock the girls motored to Andover for dinner. To their chagrin, +Mrs. Leeds and her daughter Alicia chanced to select the same cafe. All +during the meal, Penny noticed the woman's eyes upon her. As she and +Rosanna arose to leave, Mrs. Leeds hastily followed them. + +"Miss Winters, may I speak with you a moment?" she began coldly. + +"Why, yes, of course," Rosanna responded. + +"I mean alone." + +Rosanna hesitated and glanced at Penny. The latter started to move away. + +"No, don't go," Rosanna said quickly. "I am sure that anything Mrs. Leeds +may wish to say to me can be said in front of you." + +"Very well," Mrs. Leeds returned icily. "Evidence has reached me today +which proves conclusively that I am Jacob Winters' sole heir." + +Rosanna took the blow without the quiver of an eyelash. + +"What evidence, may I ask, Mrs. Leeds?" + +"I don't feel compelled to go into that, Miss Winters. Certainly not in +the presence of strangers or on the street." + +"Penny isn't exactly a stranger," Rosanna smiled. + +"From the first I have been very tolerant, I think," Mrs. Leeds went on, +ignoring the orphan's remark. "By your own admission you have no +credentials--we have only your word that you are even related to Jacob +Winters." + +"I had a letter and key--the same as you," Rosanna faltered. "Either I +lost them or they were stolen." + +"And Rosanna happens to be a niece of Mr. Winters," Penny added +significantly. "I believe you are only a cousin, Mrs. Leeds?" + +The woman eyed her furiously. + +"Just what is it that you want me to do?" Rosanna asked. + +"I think you both should leave immediately." + +"And allow you to have everything your way," Penny interposed sweetly. +"Now wouldn't that be nice--for you!" + +She took Rosanna by the arm and urged her toward the car. + +"Don't allow Miss Nichols to poison your mind!" Mrs. Leeds pleaded, +following Rosanna to the curbing. "Unless you leave immediately you will +receive no part of the fortune. If you go without making any further +trouble, I might agree to some small settlement. After all, I mean to be +generous." + +"Thanks for telling us," Penny smiled. + +She closed the car door and they drove away. + +"Perhaps we shouldn't have been so short with her," Rosanna said uneasily +as they returned to the house on Snow Mountain. "If it's true that the +property has been left to her, then she was being generous to offer to +give me anything." + +"Don't worry, she'd forget her promise soon enough if she succeeded in +getting you away from here, Rosanna. I detest that woman. She thinks she +is so subtle and she's as transparent as glass!" + +"I wonder what evidence she referred to?" Rosanna mused. + +Penny started to speak, then changed her mind. Although Mrs. Leeds had no +suspicion that she guessed the truth, she was well aware of the nature of +the new evidence. However, she refrained from mentioning the burned will, +realizing that Rosanna, in her present depressed state of mind, would be +greatly disturbed by the information. If the orphan believed that she no +longer had a definite claim to the fortune, she would insist upon leaving +Raven Ridge without further delay. + +Penny did not intend to quit the scene until she had answered several +questions to her satisfaction. + +The entire case seemed a trifle fantastic as she reviewed it. First, +Rosanna had received the strange letter signed by a fictitious name. +Then, although the orphan had lost the key, they had found the door of +the Winters' mansion unlocked. Close upon the heels of their arrival, +Mrs. Leeds, her daughter, and Max Laponi appeared. Since then, the house +had been disturbed by haunting organ music and one baffling event had +crowded upon another. + +"It's all very bewildering," Penny reflected. "But I believe that +everything can be fitted together if only I am able to learn the identity +of the mysterious ghost." + +The night closed in dark and windy. Penny and Rosanna sat by the fire, +trying to read. They were relieved when Mrs. Leeds and her daughter +retired to their rooms shortly after eight o'clock for it gave them an +opportunity to talk. At ten o'clock the girls went to their own room. Max +Laponi had not yet returned from Andover where he took his meals. + +Penny was tired and fell asleep almost as soon as her head touched the +pillow. Hours later she was awakened by Rosanna who was sitting upright +in bed. + +"What is it?" Penny mumbled drowsily. + +Then she knew. The house reverberated with the soft chords of a pipe +organ. + +Without switching on the electric lights, Penny drew on her dressing +gown. She started toward the door, then returned to grope in the drawer +of the dresser where she found the key which locked the door leading to +the attic floor. + +"What are you going to do?" Rosanna asked anxiously, drawing the +bedclothes closer about her. + +Penny already had gone. Stealing quietly down the dark hall she reached +the end of it and stood listening. The door leading to the third floor +was closed. She could hear the music more distinctly than before and knew +for a certainty that it came from above. + +She gently tried the door. It was still locked. + +Penny was momentarily baffled. She had half expected to find the door +unlocked. She had been so confident that by taking the key she could put +a stop to the ghost music. + +"How did the organist reach the third floor if he didn't pass through +this door?" she debated. "That ghost must be quite a clever fellow if he +can enter without keys." + +The entire house had been carefully locked up for the night. Penny and +Rosanna had attended to it the last thing before retiring, knowing that +Max Laponi could come in later by using his own pass key. They had +secured every door and window. + +"Well, I won't learn anything by standing here," Penny thought +uncomfortably. "I'll have to go up there." Her usual courage was at low +ebb. She dreaded the ordeal. + +However, before she could open the stairway door, a shrill scream echoed +down the hall. + +Terrified, Penny crouched back against the wall and waited. + + + + + CHAPTER X + The Wall Safe + + +Recovering from her fright, Penny reached up and snapped on the light. +She heard a door open down the hall. Mrs. Leeds, a dressing gown clutched +about her unshapely figure, stumbled toward the girl. + +"There's something in my room! It struck my face while I was sleeping! +Oh, oh, such a horrible house!" + +"Control yourself," Penny advised, taking her by the arm. "We'll see what +it is." + +Mrs. Leeds jerked away, assuming an attitude of tense listening. For the +first time she had paid heed to the organ music from above. + +"There it is again!" she whispered in awe. "This house is haunted." + +Rosanna came down the hall, joining the two at Mrs. Leeds' door. Alicia +huddled nearby, too frightened to speak a word. + +Penny opened the door and groped for the electric switch. As the room was +flooded with light, she looked quickly about. Everything was in disorder +but that was because Mrs. Leeds had done no straightening or cleaning +since her arrival. + +Suddenly Penny began to laugh. + +"Pray what do you find that is so humorous?" Mrs. Leeds demanded +indignantly. + +"Bats!" Penny answered, laughing again. + +There were four of them blinded by the light, cowering in the corners of +the room. Penny opened a window and with Rosanna's help drove them out +into the night. + +"They must have come in through an open window," she said to Mrs. Leeds. + +"I didn't have a window open," the woman retorted. "I can't bear to sleep +in this room again. Tomorrow I shall move into another. Come Alicia, +we'll sit up until morning in the living room." + +Returning to her own room, Penny listened for the organ music. It had +ceased as mysteriously as it had begun. She glanced curiously toward the +room occupied by Max Laponi. The door was closed. He alone of the entire +household seemed undisturbed by the strange things which went on about +him. + +"I'd like to know if he really is in his room," Penny thought. + +She hesitated by the door but did not have the courage to try the knob. +After a moment she followed Rosanna to their bedroom at the other end of +the hall. + +Morning found Mrs. Leeds even more upset than upon the previous night. +Her eyes were bloodshot, her face sallow, her clothes unpressed. She +quarreled with her daughter and ignored Penny and Rosanna. However, when +Max Laponi came down the stairs looking as dapper as ever, her attitude +instantly changed. She spoke to him in a softer tone. + +"We were beginning to wonder if the ghost made off with you last night," +she said archly. + +"What ghost?" + +"You mean to say you didn't hear the music?" + +"Not a sound," Laponi told her. "I am a very hard sleeper." + +He seemed disinclined to listen to Mrs. Leeds' account of all that had +transpired, and very shortly drove away in his automobile, ostensibly to +have breakfast in a nearby town. + +After straightening their room and making the bed, Rosanna and Penny went +for a short walk. They sat down by the cliff where they could see the +river below, discussing the situation. + +"I don't see that it's doing a particle of good to stay here," Rosanna +insisted. "I don't feel right about letting you waste so much time and +money." + +Rosanna was thinking of the expensive meals which they bought at Andover. +Because her own supply of cash had run so low, Penny paid for everything. +Rosanna meant to settle the debt and it steadily grew larger. + +"Now don't worry," Penny advised kindly. "I'm staying on here largely +because I've determined to discover the identity of our ghost. Then, too, +I can't bear to see Mrs. Leeds gain what doesn't belong to her." + +"I'd be glad to stay if I thought it would do the slightest good--" + +"I think it will Rosanna. I have a scheme which I intend to try. It will +take a few days before we can work things out." + +Penny then explained a part of what was in her mind. She was not certain +as to all the details of her plan, but little by little it was taking +shape. + +After a time the girls walked down to Caleb Eckert's cabin. He was not at +home. They sauntered leisurely back to the house on the cliff. + +Neither Mrs. Leeds' car nor the one belonging to Max Laponi was on the +driveway. + +"I guess we're the only ones here this morning," Penny commented. + +They entered by the front door. From the direction of the living room +they heard a muffled exclamation of impatience. Signaling for silence, +Penny tiptoed toward the velvet curtains which hid the living room from +view. She parted them. + +Caleb Eckert was working at the dials of a wall safe which had been +concealed in a secret panel behind a large oil painting. + +Although the girls had made no sound, Caleb sensed their presence. He +turned and faced them. + +"Why, Mr. Eckert, doesn't this call for some explanation?" Penny asked in +bewilderment. "Surely you have no right to tamper with Mr. Winters' +safe." + +The old man plainly was embarrassed. He moistened his lips, looked away, +then said gruffly: + +"I didn't come here to steal. I came because I wanted to protect Mr. +Winters' valuables. There's folks in this house that I don't trust." + +"But how does it happen you know the combination of the safe?" Rosanna +inquired. + +"Mr. Winters gave it to me before he left. You see, he was my best +friend. Jacob trusted me." + +"He must have," cut in a sneering voice from directly behind. + +Everyone turned to see Max Laponi standing in the doorway. His sharp +little eyes moved swiftly about the room taking in everything. They came +to rest upon the wall safe. + +Caleb spun the dials. He hastily pressed a concealed button and the +picture swung back into place, hiding the safe. + +"Neat little device," Laponi commented dryly. His eyes narrowed. "Trying +to steal the Winters' booty, were you?" + +"Certainly not," Caleb retorted angrily. + +Laponi caught him roughly by the shoulder, forcing him back against the +wall. + +"You know a lot more than you let on," he accused. "Tell me, is that +where old Winters hid his ivory collection?" + +"I'll tell you nothing," Caleb snapped. + +"You'll tell or I'll--" + +"Mr. Laponi, you're hurting him!" Rosanna cried. + +"Perhaps we should call the police if there's to be trouble," Penny added +cunningly. + +At the mention of police, Laponi instantly released his grip on Caleb. He +laughed harshly. + +"We'll let it go this time," he said, "but I'm warning you, Eckert, stay +away from this house and this safe if you know what's good for you." + +"You might take that advice to yourself, too," the old man retorted, +edging toward the door. + +From the window the girls watched him hurry down the path to his own +cabin. His departure was almost flight. Obviously, Caleb was afraid. + +Penny did not know what to believe. An hour before she would have taken +oath that he was strictly honest, devoted to the interests of Jacob +Winters. Now she could not be sure. + +Max Laponi lingered in the living room. Suspecting that he intended to +investigate the wall safe the instant he was alone, Penny and Rosanna +settled themselves for a long stay. They pretended to read. + +After an hour, Laponi grew tired of the game, and went off, grumbling to +himself. + +"We outlasted him that time," Penny chuckled. "However, we'll have to be +on the lookout or he'll sneak back sometime when we're gone. I wonder if +Mr. Winters did leave his ivory collection in the safe?" + +"Laponi seems to think so," Rosanna commented. "I'm glad he doesn't know +the combination. I distrust him even more than I do Caleb." + +"So do I, but I intend to watch them both," Penny responded thoughtfully. +"I'm convinced there's a deep plot brewing--something far more sinister +than we've suspected." + + + + + CHAPTER XI + A Night Adventure + + +Since taking leave of Mr. Nichols at Mt. Ashland, Penny had received no +word from her father. She did not worry actively, yet it was a great +relief when later in the afternoon a uniformed messenger boy delivered a +telegram into her hand. + +"Remain as long as you wish," her father wired. "Am enjoying good rest +here." + +From an upstairs window Mrs. Leeds had noted the arrival of the messenger +boy. She came hurrying down to see if the message was for her. While +Penny read the communication, the woman eyed her suspiciously. + +At last her curiosity could no longer be restrained. She asked +carelessly: "I don't suppose your wire has anything to do with Jacob +Winters or the estate?" + +"Only indirectly," Penny responded mischievously. + +To avoid further questioning, the girls went outdoors. + +"Let's see if Caleb is at home," Penny proposed. + +They rapped several times upon the door of the cabin and were about to +turn away, when the old man opened it. + +"Sorry to bother you," Penny apologized. "I wanted to ask a few more +questions about Mr. Winters." + +Caleb looked ill at ease. "Questions!" he fumed. "Well, what is it you +want to know this time?" + +"Tell me, isn't there a pipe organ on the third floor of Mr. Winters' +house?" + +"Certainly. Jacob was a talented musician. He installed the organ nearly +fifteen years ago. But what of it may I ask?" + +"We'd like very much to see the organ." + +"Well, why don't you look at it then?" + +"We can't because the door is locked." + +"Locked?" Caleb seemed surprised. "That's funny. I didn't know Mr. +Winters ever locked up his conservatory." + +"Then you haven't a key?" Penny asked. + +"Why should I have a key?" Caleb snorted. "You act as if I'm the +caretaker of that house. It's nothing to me what goes on there, except +that I don't like to see folks overrun the place and steal Mr. Winters' +fine things." + +"You needn't look at us so accusingly," Rosanna said with surprising +spirit. "We wouldn't take or damage one single thing in that house." + +Caleb's face softened. + +"I didn't mean to suggest that you would. I believe you two girls aren't +like those others. But you were speaking of the organ. Why are you so +interested in it?" + +"Because we've been hearing music at night," Penny informed. "It seems to +come from that room on the third floor." + +Caleb regarded her in awe. "Then it's true, the things they say." + +"What things?" Rosanna asked impatiently. + +"That the house is haunted. If Mr. Winters really is dead it may be----" + +"Nonsense!" Penny cut in. "Rosanna and I don't believe in ghosts. And +what's more, I doubt if you do, Caleb Eckert! That so-called ghost is a +very live one. If you won't help me, I'll solve the mystery alone!" + +And with this declaration, Penny stalked from the cabin, followed by the +faithful Rosanna. + +"Perhaps you've antagonized him now," the latter said as they went back +to the house on the cliff. + +"I don't care if I have! Caleb knows a great deal more than he pretends. +He could help us if he wanted to!" + +No one was stirring on the lower floor of the Winters' house when the +girls entered. To Penny it seemed an admirable time to institute a search +of the premises. + +"We'll let Mrs. Leeds hunt for the will," Penny declared, "but we'll look +for something which may prove equally valuable." + +"What?" Rosanna asked curiously. + +"A picture of Jacob Winters." + +"I can't see what good it will do to find one except that I'd like to +have a photo of my uncle as a keepsake." + +"If my plans work out I'll have a more important use for it," Penny +smiled mysteriously. + +"I should think we could find one somewhere in the house," Rosanna +declared. "Most people have old photographs stuck around in odd places." + +For nearly an hour the girls poked about in drawers and clothes closets +until Rosanna protested that she felt as prying and sneaking as Mrs. +Leeds. + +"This is in a better cause," Penny laughed. + +"It looks that way to us because it's my cause," Rosanna smiled. "Still, +I'd never examine private papers or locked drawers." + +Penny made no response for in a lower table drawer she had come upon an +old album. She displayed her discovery and page by page the girls went +through it, laughing a little at the strange old-fashioned costumes and +the stiff poses of the subjects. Names were written under a few of the +photographs but Rosanna recognized only one or two as relatives. + +"I never knew many of my relation," she admitted. "If Mrs. Leeds and her +daughter are samples, perhaps it's just as well." + +"The people in this album look nice, Rosanna. I suppose most of them are +dead by this time." + +Penny turned a page and stared blankly down at an empty folder. + +"Why, here is your uncle's name," she cried, indicating a signature at +the bottom of the page. "But the photo is gone!" + +"Oh, how disappointing." + +"Someone removed the photo, Rosanna. Perhaps deliberately too." + +"What makes you think that?" + +"I only said it. I have no evidence of course. Oh, all my plans will be +upset if I don't find the photograph!" + +The arrival of Mrs. Leeds cut short the conversation. The girls hastily +returned the album to the table drawer but not quickly enough to avoid +being detected. Mrs. Leeds triumphantly pounced on the leather bound +book. + +"Only an old-fashioned album," she said in disappointment, tossing it +aside. + +"Did you think it was the will?" Penny chuckled as she and Rosanna +departed. + +The girls impatiently awaited the coming of night. Penny had determined +to make a supreme effort to discover the cause of the mysterious organ +music. At first Rosanna had been enthusiastic over the plan but as +nightfall approached she tried to dissuade her friend. + +"It's too dangerous," she insisted. "Please give up the scheme." + +Penny shook her head. She had made up her mind to spend the night on the +third floor. Soon after the household retired she intended to steal +upstairs and establish herself by the door of the conservatory. + +Evening came. At nine Mrs. Leeds and her daughter shut themselves into +the bedroom which they had selected since their upsetting experience with +bats. At eleven Penny heard Max Laponi's door close. + +She looked out into the hall. It was dark and deserted. + +"Please don't attempt it," Rosanna shivered. "What if something should +happen?" + +"I hope it does," Penny said grimly. "It won't be any fun to sit up half +the night without any purpose. I'll be disappointed if our ghost fails to +provide his usual midnight concert." + +"If anything goes wrong scream for help," Rosanna urged. "I'll run for +assistance." + +Penny promised. While Rosanna stood at the bedroom door watching, she +tiptoed down the hall, past Mrs. Leeds' room, past Laponi's chamber to +the third floor stairs. + +There she hesitated. Without a light the region above looked even more +dark and awe-inspiring than she had remembered it. + +"Coward!" she accused herself, and quietly went up, leaving the door +unlocked behind her. + +All was quiet on the third floor. Penny tried the door to the +conservatory expecting to find it locked. To her astonishment it opened. +The discovery disconcerted her for an instant. A minute later she +mustered her courage and stepped inside the room. + +In the darkness she could make out objects only vaguely. The organ with +its huge pipes occupied one end of the room. Sheet-draped chairs gave +everything a ghostly atmosphere not at all conducive to a peaceful state +of mind. + +After making a brief inspection of her quarters Penny sat down on the +floor with her back against the outside door. She riveted her eyes upon +the organ. + +Time dragged slowly. When it seemed to Penny that several hours must have +passed, she heard a clock downstairs striking eleven-thirty. + +"At least another half hour to wait," Penny thought, shifting into a more +comfortable position. + +She grew drowsy. Several times she caught herself on the verge of +napping. She aroused herself only to find her eyes growing heavy again. +It became increasingly difficult to watch the organ. + +"I wish that ghost would hurry up and come," she mused impatiently. +"Perhaps after all my trouble this won't be one of his working nights!" + +That was the last thought of which she was aware. Suddenly she heard soft +organ music rolling and swelling about her. With a start she aroused +herself. She had been sleeping. + +It took an instant for Penny to gather her wits. She was still sitting +with her back to the conservatory door. Yet at the far end of the great +room, she distinctly could see a shadowy figure seated at the organ. + +Penny scrambled to her feet, starting forward. The floor creaked +alarmingly. + +Penny halted, but too late. She had given warning of her presence. + +The shadowy figure at the organ jerked into alert attention. There was a +discordant crash of chords, then silence. + +Penny blinked. She thought she had heard a sharp click as if a secret +panel had opened and closed. That was all. + +And the organist had disappeared. + + + + + CHAPTER XII + A Suspicious Act + + +Penny caught herself shivering. She decided that she had seen quite +enough for one night. + +She turned toward the door, but with her hand on the brass knob, stood +tensely listening. Someone was tiptoeing along the hall. It occurred to +her that the mysterious organist might have escaped from the music room +by means of a secret panel which opened directly into the adjoining +corridor. Even now he could be effecting his escape to the lower floor. + +Crouching against the wall, Penny waited. She was startled to hear the +footsteps coming closer. Then the door opened a tiny crack and the beam +of a flashlight slowly circled the room. + +"Penny!" an anxious voice whispered. "Where are you?" + +Penny laughed in relief as she reached out to grip Rosanna's hand. + +"Oh! How you startled me!" the girl gasped. "I'm so glad you're safe, +Penny. You stayed up here so long that I was frightened." + +"I had to wait for the ghost." + +"I heard the music," Rosanna said in awe. "It broke off so suddenly." + +"That was because I frightened the ghost away. At first I thought perhaps +I had dreamed it all, but if you heard the music too then it must have +been real." + +"It was real enough. But it lasted only a minute or two." + +"When the organist saw me I suspect he slipped out of the room by means +of a secret panel," Penny reported. "But where he went is a mystery. You +didn't see anyone as you came up the stairs to find me?" + +"No, I'm sure no one was in the hall, Penny." + +"I'm as certain as anything that this room has a secret entrance. Give me +your flashlight and we'll see what we can discover." + +"Not tonight," Rosanna shivered, pulling her friend toward the door. "We +can come back in the morning." + +"The room may be locked again then." + +"That's so." + +"Let's take advantage of the opportunity while we have it." + +Rosanna handed over the flashlight and together they crossed the room to +the big organ. They inspected it with interest and Penny ran her fingers +lightly over the keys. However, no sound came forth. + +"That's queer," Rosanna whispered. + +"I think someone has to pump air," Penny said. "It's probably shut off." + +She next turned her attention to the walls in the immediate vicinity of +the organ. She could locate no hidden panel although in one place it +seemed to her that when she rapped on a certain sector it emitted a +hollow sound. + +"It's too dark to see anything tonight," Rosanna protested nervously. + +"I guess we may as well give it up until morning," Penny agreed. + +The girls stole quietly down the stairs to the lower floor. However, an +unpleasant surprise awaited them. As they opened the door into the main +passageway they found themselves face to face with Mrs. Leeds and Alicia. + +"So I find you here again!" the woman exclaimed. "I suspected before that +you girls were at the bottom of these nightly disturbances. Now I have +the proof." + +Penny was too annoyed to even try to explain why she had visited the +third floor. She would have ignored the woman and passed on to her own +room had not Rosanna been so distressed by the ridiculous accusation. + +"We've had absolutely nothing to do with the queer things which have been +going on in this house," the orphan maintained indignantly. + +"Then why were you upstairs at this time of night? Only a minute or two +ago Alicia and I heard music." + +"We were trying to learn what caused it, Mrs. Leeds." + +"A likely story!" Alicia said with a toss of her head. + +"You may believe it or not, just as you wish," Penny returned coldly. + +"It seems to me, Miss Nichols, that you are taking it upon yourself to do +entirely too much investigating," Mrs. Leeds said cuttingly. "This isn't +your home and you're not a relative of Jacob Winters." + +"And unless I'm sadly mistaken there are others here who are similarly +situated!" Penny retorted. + +"Do you mean to suggest that Alicia and I are not related to Jacob +Winters?" + +"I'm not suggesting anything," Penny replied evenly. "However, since you +brought up the matter of an investigation, I might ask you about that +paper which I saw you burn in the living room fireplace." + +Mrs. Leeds' face changed color and she grew confused. + +"Why, I don't know what you're talking about." + +"You know well enough, but we'll let it pass for the time being. Come on, +Rosanna." + +The two girls walked down the hall and entered their own room, closing +the door firmly behind them. + +"You held your own with her that time," Rosanna chuckled. "My, I wish I +could talk up to people the way you can." + +"I talk entirely too much. But she made me provoked when she accused us +of causing all the disturbance in this house." + +"What did you mean by asking about a paper she had burned?" Rosanna asked +curiously. + +"Oh, I just wanted to throw a scare into her," Penny responded evasively +as she snapped out the light and crept into bed. "I really have no proof +of anything." + +Long after Rosanna had fallen asleep she lay awake thinking. Proof! The +word seared itself into her brain. If only she could secure some evidence +which would aid Rosanna! + +"The entire affair seems unreal," she mused. "Almost like a movie. It's +obvious that someone is playing at being a ghost, trying to frighten the +occupants of this house. But what can be the purpose behind it all?" + +Although Penny had been careful to make no such admission to Rosanna, she +was becoming increasingly troubled. Nor were her worries confined solely +to the hide-and-seek organist. She feared that the time was fast +approaching when Mrs. Leeds or Max Laponi would make a legal claim to the +Winters' property. + +"The chances are that Mrs. Leeds destroyed the will," she reasoned. "In +that event, Rosanna may lose everything." + +Penny felt baffled, yet she was unwilling to admit defeat. Certainly not +until Mrs. Leeds had thrown all her cards on the table. Events were fast +approaching a crisis. Penny sensed that from the woman's attitude of +increasing hostility and assurance. + +"I'm not defeated yet," she thought grimly as she closed her eyes and +tried to sleep. "I still have a few tricks up my sleeve!" + +When Rosanna and Penny descended the stairs the next morning they heard a +murmur of voices in the library. The door was closed. + +"I imagine Laponi and Mrs. Leeds are having another one of their secret +conferences," Penny commented. "They're up to some mischief." + +"Why not leave this place today?" Rosanna demanded, "I don't care about +the fortune any more. I'm so tired of all this plotting and scheming. I'd +rather just go away and let them have it." + +"Now don't look so distressed," Penny smiled. "The battle of wits has +only begun." + +"But I don't like to battle. It isn't my nature." + +"I'm your appointed gladiator, Rosanna. You have no idea how much +pleasure it would give me to see these grasping imposters exposed." + +"We haven't any proof they're imposters," Rosanna said soberly. "After +all, they had letters and keys to the house. I haven't even that much." + +"It's too bad they were lost, but you mustn't let it worry you," Penny +chided. "Right now I'm more concerned over another matter." + +"The mysterious ghost?" + +"Yes, although I wasn't thinking of that at the moment. It's Mr. Winters' +photograph. Who tore it out of the album?" + +"For all we know it may have been removed years ago." + +"Yes, that's so, but somehow I have a hunch it disappeared at a far more +recent date. If I don't find a picture of Jacob Winters, I'm afraid my +little plan will fall through." + +"You haven't told me much about this secret plan of yours, Penny." + +"That's because I haven't worked it out clearly in my own mind yet. But +unless I find the photograph there simply won't be any." + +"We might search the house again." + +"I intend to do that if we can ever find a time when Mrs. Leeds and Max +Laponi are both gone. Just now I'm eager to make another inspection of +the organ room upstairs. This is our chance while those two are closeted +in the library." + +Rosanna was not especially anxious to visit the third floor again, but +she offered no objection to the suggestion. Penny led the way up the +creaking stairs. + +The door of the music room was unlocked as they had left it the previous +evening. However, the window shades were all drawn and the room was dark. +Penny raised the blinds to admit light. + +Curiously, the girls gazed about them. Everything was covered with a +thick coating of dust and cobwebs hung in misty veils from the corners of +the room. Penny crossed over to the organ. She indicated the bench in +front of it. + +"I guess that proves whether or not our ghost was real." + +"You mean the imprint on the dusty surface of the organ bench?" Rosanna +asked doubtfully. + +"Yes, you can see where the organist sat." + +"Perhaps one of us brushed off the dust without realizing it. You tried +to play a few notes on the organ, you know." + +"Yes, but I didn't sit down on the bench, Rosanna." + +Losing interest in the organ, Penny began to search for the secret panel +through which she was firmly convinced that the "ghost" had disappeared. +As her eyes moved swiftly over the smooth wall, she suddenly uttered a +low exclamation. + +"See, Rosanna! The imprint of a man's hand!" + +The marking upon the wall was so faint that at first the other girl did +not see it. But she too became excited as Penny pointed it out. + +"How do you suppose it came to be there?" she asked in awe. + +"I suspect our friend the organist was groping about in the dark +searching for the secret panel. No doubt his hand was dusty and when he +pressed it against the wall it left a faint imprint." + +"If you're right, we have a valuable clue as to the location of the +panel!" + +Penny nodded eagerly. Already she was exploring the wall with her hand. + +"It's funny," she murmured impatiently. "I'm as sure as anything that the +panel is here----" + +She broke off suddenly as her fingers touched a tiny round object which +was hidden under the wall paper. + +"I believe I've found it!" she exclaimed gleefully pressing the button. + +The girls heard a faint click. But the panel did not open. + +"The stubborn thing!" Penny cried impatiently. "Why doesn't it open?" + +She pushed with both hands against the section of wall where she felt +convinced the panel was located. To her own surprise and the horror of +her companion, it suddenly gave way. + +Penny plunged headlong through the opening. And before Rosanna could +recover from the shock of seeing her friend disappear, the panel fell +back into place. + +"Penny, Penny," she cried anxiously, pounding upon the wall. "Are you +hurt?" + +For several minutes there was no answer. Then Rosanna heard a smothered +little giggle. + +"All my bones are still together I guess. But I seem to have tumbled down +a flight of stairs. Come on in." + +"I don't know how to get in. The panel slammed shut when you fell +through." + +"It's hinged at the top I think. Find the little button and press on it. +Then when you hear a click push on the panel. Only push easy or you'll +take a tumble the way I did." + +In a minute Rosanna had located the button. She pressed upon it as she +had seen Penny do. Then as the lock clicked, she cautiously pushed +against the panel. Light as was her touch the sector of wall swung +instantly back and she stepped through the opening. So concerned was she +over Penny that she failed to hear the panel close behind her. + +At first Rosanna could see nothing. Then as her eyes became accustomed to +the gloomy interior she made out a long flight of stone steps leading +downward into inky blackness. + +She felt reassured when Penny grasped her hand. + +"Come on, Rosanna! Isn't it exciting? Let's explore!" + +"Oh, it's too dark!" Rosanna whispered nervously. "What if we should run +into that dreadful man--the organist?" + +"Well, perhaps it would be wiser to go back for a flashlight," Penny +conceded. "Only we mustn't let Mrs. Leeds or Max Laponi suspect what +we're up to. We must keep this discovery strictly to ourselves." + +She returned to the head of the stairs but although she groped her hand +carefully along the wall she could find no hidden button or spring which +controlled the panel. By this time Rosanna had grown frightened. + +"Don't tell me we're locked in!" + +Penny forced herself to speak calmly. She knew that it would never do to +let Rosanna realize that she too was alarmed. + +"For the moment I'm afraid we are," she admitted quietly. "But don't give +up hope. We'll get out of here somehow." + + + + + CHAPTER XIII + The Secret Stairs + + +Ten minutes of unrewarded search convinced Penny that they were only +wasting their time in attempting to locate the hidden spring without a +light. + +"Let's follow the steps down and see where they lead," she suggested. +"Surely there must be another exit." + +Rosanna permitted Penny to lead her down the steep flight of stairs. They +presently reached the bottom. It was too dark to see very much but by +feeling along the damp stone wall they discovered that they were in a +narrow passageway. As they moved cautiously forward a breath of cold air +struck Penny's face. + +"This must be the way to the exit," she declared cheerfully. "We'll soon +be out of here now." + +"It can't be too soon for me," Rosanna chattered. + +Hand in hand they groped their way along the subterranean passage. Soon +they came to the end of it but instead of an exit they found another +flight of steps leading downward at a steep angle. + +"Careful or you'll fall," Penny warned as they began the treacherous +descent. "Some of the stones are loose." + +"I wish we had a light," Rosanna complained. "Where do you suppose we're +going anyway?" + +"Maybe to the center of the earth," Penny chuckled. "It seems like it +anyway." + +"Unless I'm mixed up in my directions we're moving toward the lake." + +"It seems that way to me too," Penny readily agreed. "But we've twisted +and turned so many times I couldn't be sure of anything." + +By this time the girls were convinced that they were underground for they +had made a long, straight descent. The walls were moist and damp; the air +chilly. Yet one thing puzzled them. If they actually were traveling +toward the lake that meant that the tunnel had been bored into the side +of the cliff. But such a feat obviously was nothing less than an +engineering enterprise. + +At length the girls reached the bottom of the second flight of stairs +only to find themselves in another passageway. It was much larger than +the other and lighter. + +"Do you think we could be in an abandoned ore mine?" Penny suddenly +demanded, pausing to inspect the walls. + +"It does look a little like it. Only I never heard of stone steps in a +mine." + +"No, they have shafts. But it strikes me that the steps may have been +added later, if you noticed, the upper passage was much smaller than this +one." + +"As if it had been dug out to join with this one," Rosanna added eagerly. + +"Exactly. It's my theory that some person knew about this old mine and +decided to connect it with a smaller tunnel which would lead up into the +house." + +"But who do you suppose conceived such a plan?" + +"I can't answer that one," Penny laughed. "But come on, let's see if we +aren't approaching the exit." + +Eagerly they moved forward, guided by the streak of light. A minute later +Penny who was in the lead, gave a joyous shout. + +"We've come to the end of it! I can see trees!" + +"Thank goodness," Rosanna sighed in relief. "I was afraid we'd never get +out alive." + +Penny parted the bushes which barred the exit and they peered out. + +"You were right, Rosanna. We did travel toward the lake. We're almost in +it for that matter!" + +The water came within a few yards of the entrance and during a storm the +girls imagined that it must flood the lower passageway. Penny noticed a +rowboat tied up in a clump of bushes. + +"I suppose that's how our ghost makes his quick get-away," Penny remarked +dryly. + +"We might take a ride on the lake," Rosanna proposed. + +"Don't you think it might advertise that we've discovered this tunnel? +Especially if the ghost should happen to see us using his boat." + +"Of course, I didn't stop to think. Oh, Penny if only we knew the +identity of this person who annoys the household!" + +"It shouldn't be so hard to learn it now," Penny declared in +satisfaction. "At night we'll station ourselves here by the mouth of the +tunnel and watch." + +"It wouldn't surprise me if it should turn out to be Max Laponi," Rosanna +remarked. "He never seems to be in his room at night." + +Penny offered no response. + +Fearing that their long absence from the house might have aroused +suspicion, the girls hurriedly left the scene. They found a trail which +wound along the base of the cliff and which presently took them toward +the house on the hill. + +As they passed the Eckert cabin they saw the old man cleaning fish by the +back door. They greeted him perfunctorily and would have walked on had he +not seemed in a mood to talk. + +"Out early this morning, aren't you?" he questioned. + +"Yes, we were down by the lake," Penny answered. + +"You must have crawled out of bed before the sun was up. I've been +cleaning fish here all morning and I didn't see you go past." + +"We went around a different way," Penny answered, and then before he +could ask another question, interposed one of her own. "By the way, do +you know where I could get a picture of Jacob Winters?" + +Old Caleb dropped his fish knife. It took him a long time to recover it +from the ground. + +"What do you want of a picture?" he questioned gruffly. + +"Oh, I just need it," Penny said evasively. + +"I'd like to have one myself," Rosanna added sincerely. "I never had a +photo of my uncle." + +"If you find he's cut you out of all his property I guess you probably +won't be so anxious to have a picture of the old cod," Caleb observed. + +Rosanna drew herself up proudly. + +"It wouldn't make the slightest difference, Mr. Eckert. After all, my +uncle never saw me so why should he have left me any of his money? You +say such disagreeable things!" + +"I'm a disagreeable old man," Caleb admitted cheerfully, "but my bark is +worse than my bite." + +"Well, please don't call my uncle names," Rosanna went on with spirit. + +"Names?" + +"You spoke of Uncle Jacob as an old cod. I don't like it a bit." + +Old Caleb was startled by the outburst. But his eyes twinkled as he +replied soberly: + +"Well, now, Miss Rosanna, I didn't mean to offend you or to speak +disrespectfully of Jacob either. It was just my way of talking." + +"Then I'll forgive you," Rosanna smiled. + +The girls were on the verge of moving off when Caleb checked them with a +question. + +"You haven't heard Mrs. Leeds or that Laponi fellow say anything about +leaving have you?" + +"I don't believe they intend to go unless they're put out," Penny +responded. "I heard Mrs. Leeds say the other day that she had sent for +her lawyer." + +"They stick tighter than cockle burs," Caleb commented. "If only I had +the right, I would send them both packing. Especially that Max Laponi. I +don't trust him." + +"Neither do I," Penny agreed promptly. "That's why I think you should try +to help me clear up this dreadful muddle." + +"What can I do? I have no authority." + +"It will help if you can find me a photograph of Mr. Winters." + +Caleb's face puckered into troubled wrinkles. + +"It's too late," he muttered under his breath. "It wouldn't do any good." + +"What was that you said?" Penny questioned sharply. + +"Nothing. I was just talking to myself. About the picture. I'll see what +I can do. Don't count much on getting it though because I doubt if I can +locate one for you." + +The girls chatted a few minutes longer but Caleb was not very good +company. He responded briefly if at all to their conversational sallies +and for the most part seemed lost in thought. They soon left him to his +fish cleaning and went on toward the house. + +"I wonder what got into him all at once?" Rosanna mused. "Perhaps he was +offended at the way I spoke to him." + +"I don't think he gave it a second thought," Penny responded. "I suspect +Caleb rather likes to have folks talk up to him. No, I'm sure it wasn't +anything you said that annoyed him. Likely enough it was my request for +Mr. Winters' photograph." + +"Why should that bother him?" + +"That's what I'd like to know. Caleb is a queer one to say the least." + +"Do you think he'll ever produce the photo?" + +Penny laughed shortly. + +"It would be a great surprise to me if he did. And yet from the way he +acted, I'm convinced he could get me one if he chose. Like as not he has +one in his cabin now." + +Penny lapsed into a moody silence. From the day of her arrival at Raven +Ridge she had sensed old Caleb's reluctance to help her. While she could +not say that he was exactly unfriendly he had made no positive move of +assistance. She had believed for a long time that he knew a great deal +more than he would tell regarding Jacob Winters' absence. + +The girls entered the house by a side door. They noticed that Mrs. Leeds' +car no longer stood on the driveway and took it for granted that she and +her daughter had driven to Andover as was their daily custom. + +They glanced casually into the library and noticed that it was empty. +However, Penny's keen eyes traveled to the desk. She observed that the +ink bottle had been left uncorked and that a pen had been removed from +its holder. + +"I wonder what Mrs. Leeds and Laponi were up to?" she speculated. "Oh, +well, I'll probably find out soon enough." + +"I believe I'll go upstairs for a few minutes," Rosanna excused herself. +"I haven't straightened my things yet this morning." + +Left alone, Penny crossed over to the desk and examined the paper in the +wastebasket. She looked closely at the blotter, even holding it to the +mirror, but it had been used so many times that the words which appeared +upon it could not be read. There was not a scrap of evidence to show what +Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi had been writing. + +In disappointment Penny picked up a book and sat down to read. Presently +she heard soft steps in the hallway but paid slight attention thinking +that it was Rosanna. + +She was on the verge of calling her friend's name when she thought better +of it. The sound of the footsteps told her that the person had gone into +the living room. And by this time she was convinced that it was not +Rosanna. + +She waited, listening. She heard a faint metallic click which caused her +to lay aside her book and quietly steal to the doorway of the living +room. + +Max Laponi stood with his back toward her, so absorbed in what he was +about that he had not the slightest suspicion that he was being observed. + +Penny saw him carefully remove the oil painting from the wall. He deftly +opened the panel, exposing the safe. Then, with a sureness of touch which +amazed Penny, he began to spin the dials. + + + + + CHAPTER XIV + A Diamond Ring + + +"Mr. Laponi, kindly move away from that safe!" + +Penny spoke sharply as she quietly stepped into the living room. The man +whirled and saw her. Taken by surprise, his hand fell away from the dials +and he looked confused. + +"You seem to be very much interested in Mr. Winters' valuables," Penny +said sternly. + +By this time Max Laponi had recovered his composure. + +"Why shouldn't I be?" he retorted. "After all, I am Mr. Winters' heir." + +"That remains to be seen, Mr. Laponi. You appear to be very handy at +opening safes, I notice." Penny crossed the room and after turning the +handle to make certain that Laponi had not succeeded in his purpose, +closed the panel and returned the oil painting to its former position. + +"I suppose you think I was trying to steal," Laponi began after a minute +of dead silence. "Nothing was further from my intention." + +"No?" + +"Ever since I caught Caleb Eckert trying to break into this safe I've +been worried. Last night I saw him prowling around the house after dark +and it made me uneasy. I was afraid he would make another attempt to +steal Mr. Winters' valuables." + +"So you thought you would just beat him to it!" Penny retorted +sarcastically. + +"Certainly not. When you entered the room I was merely inspecting the +safe to make certain that it was securely locked." + +Penny could not refrain from smiling. She did not believe a word of what +Max Laponi was telling her. + +"That safe seems to be the real attraction of this house," she remarked. +"I've suspected for some time that it contains Mr. Winters' ivory +collection." + +If Max Laponi were taken aback he did not disclose it. But he eyed Penny +shrewdly. + +"You're a smart little girl. Too smart to go around making trouble for +yourself. Now if you're wise you'll team up with me and I'll promise you +that you'll come out at the top of the heap." + +"Just what is your proposition?" Penny asked quickly. + +Max Laponi was too alert to place himself in any trap. + +"If you're willing to follow my orders I'll promise you that when I come +into my fortune you'll be well paid." + +"And what are your orders?" + +"I'll tell you after you give me your promise." + +Penny regarded him coldly. + +"I'll promise nothing, Mr. Laponi, except that I intend to see justice +done to Rosanna Winters! You and Mrs. Leeds are trying to cheat her out +of her rightful inheritance." + +"She'll never get a cent. If you had an ounce of sense you'd ditch her +and come in with us. It's all fixed--" + +"Fixed!" Penny tripped him. "And by 'us' I imagine you mean Mrs. Leeds. +You're both hatching some scheme to defraud Rosanna." + +Laponi smiled impudently. + +"Well, don't say I didn't give you your choice, Miss Nichols. It is your +decision to have no share in the spoils?" + +"It is." + +Laponi's face darkened slightly. "As you wish, Miss Nichols. But let me +give you a little warning. Keep your nose out of my affairs or it will be +the worse for you!" + +He turned and walked from the room. A minute later Penny saw him leave +the house by the side door. + +"If he thinks he can frighten me with a threat he has another guess +coming!" she thought indignantly. "For two cents I'd call in the police." + +Upon second consideration she decided that such a move would not be wise. +After all she had no real evidence against Laponi. While she was +convinced in her own mind that his motives were dishonest the police +might take a more conservative attitude. Then too, she would be forced to +offer a satisfactory explanation for her own presence in the house. + +"Laponi is after something more valuable than a will," Penny mused as she +stood at the window watching his car vanish down the driveway. + +Her eye wandered to the oil painting on the wall. She felt certain that +the safe which was screened beneath it guarded Mr. Winters' collection of +ivory. And from the expression of Laponi's face when she had mentioned +her belief, she was sure that he shared the same conviction. + +"He practically admitted he was involved in some scheme to defraud +Rosanna," she thought. "I can't help feeling he's a crook even if he is a +relative of Mr. Winters. I wish I dared search his room for evidence!" + +The more she considered the idea, the greater became its appeal. Probably +Laponi would not return to the house for at least an hour. She would have +ample time. Still, the undertaking would be a risky one and not at all to +her liking. + +"I suppose a professional detective wouldn't feel squeamish about +entering another person's room if the case demanded it," she encouraged +herself. "Laponi practically admitted his guilt--that was because he +thought I couldn't do anything about it. Maybe I'll show him!" + +By this time Penny's mind was made up. Quietly she stole up the stairway. +In the upper corridor she paused to listen for a minute. Everything was +still. + +Penny tiptoed down the hall to Max Laponi's room. She tried the door. It +was locked. + +"That's funny," she thought. "He must keep something inside that he's +afraid to have folks see." + +She was more eager than before to search the room. But with the key gone +it seemed out of the question. Then Penny's face lighted as she recalled +the empty bedroom adjoining the one occupied by Laponi. It was possible +that they might have a connecting door. + +Looking carefully about to make certain that she was not under +observation, she moved on down the hall and tried the next door. To her +delight it opened. She entered the dusty chamber, gazing quickly about. +She was disappointed to see that the two bedrooms had no connecting door. + +However, when she walked to the window and raised it, she noted a wide +ledge which ran the length of the building. + +"If only I dared lower myself to it I could reach Max Laponi's room, for +the ledge is only a few feet below from his window!" she reasoned. + +Penny decided that the chance was worth taking. She naturally was +athletic and had confidence that she could maintain a foothold. Lowering +herself to the ledge she flattened herself to the wall of the house and +moved an inch at a time toward the next window. It was a long fall to the +ground. Penny did not dare glance downward. Although the distance between +the two windows was not more than twelve feet it seemed an age until her +hands clutched the sill. + +As she pried at the window a sudden fear assailed her. What if it too +were locked? + +The window had only stuck a little. A quick jerk brought it up. By sheer +strength of muscle, Penny raised herself to the level of the sill, +swinging her feet through the opening. + +"I must work fast," she told herself, glancing appraisingly about. "I'd +not care to be caught here." + +Her attention was drawn to Max Laponi's open suitcase which had been left +carelessly on the bed. Crossing over to it she began to explore the +contents systematically. + +"My hunch about Laponi may have been wrong," she thought uncomfortably as +the search revealed nothing of interest. + +Just then her hand touched something hard and cold. Penny knew instantly +that it was a revolver. She was not afraid of firearms for her father had +taught her to shoot. Carefully she inspected the weapon. + +"All this heavy artillery must have been brought here for a purpose," she +reflected grimly. "It's clear Laponi is out to get what he wants by one +means or another." + +After an instant's hesitation Penny placed the revolver on the table. She +had decided to take it with her when she left. + +"Things in this house are fast approaching a crisis," she reasoned. +"Before I get through I may need that weapon myself." + +Save for an inner pocket in the suitcase, Penny had completed her +inspection. She ran her hand into the cloth pouch and brought to light +several papers. Rapidly she went through them. + +Suddenly she uttered a cry of delight. She had discovered the letter +which Max Laponi claimed had been sent him by the same lawyer who had +notified Rosanna of her newly inherited fortune. + +Although Laponi, upon his arrival at Raven Ridge, had flourished the +document, he had permitted no one to inspect it closely. + +Now as Penny read the letter carefully she recalled that the wording was +identical with the message which Rosanna had received. Closely she +studied the salutation, holding the paper to the light. + +"I believe the name has been changed!" she exclaimed. "Max Laponi has +cleverly removed Rosanna's name and substituted his own. This must be the +letter which Rosanna lost!" + +It occurred to her that the man doubtlessly had found the missing key as +well. She again ran her hand into the cloth pocket and triumphantly +brought it forth. + +"He's nothing but a rank impostor!" she told herself. "I'll keep this +letter as evidence against him and the key will come in handy too!" + +Penny hastily rearranged the suitcase as she had found it and prepared to +depart. The search had well repaid her for her efforts, but it had taken +longer than she had intended. + +However, as she crossed the room toward the window she noticed a number +of small objects spread out over the dresser and could not resist pausing +to inspect them. They held her interest only briefly. + +She turned away again but as she moved off a button on her sleeve caught +in the lace work of the runner which covered the dresser top. It pulled +awry and Penny paused to straighten it. + +As she rearranged the piece, her fingers touched a small hard object on +the under side. Her curiosity aroused she turned back the runner and +looked beneath it. + +There lay a diamond ring. + +"A diamond!" she exclaimed. "As big as a house too. It's evidently been +hidden here by Max Laponi!" + +She picked it up and examined it, reflecting that somewhere she had seen +a similar piece of jewelry. She was certain the diamond was not an +imitation for it sparkled brightly. However, she had no opportunity to +give it more than a hasty glance for she was startled to hear footsteps +coming down the hall. + +"Max Laponi may be coming back," she thought nervously. + +Leaving the diamond ring where she had discovered it she hastily +rearranged the dresser cover. With her newly acquired evidence, she +darted to the window and lowered herself to the outside ledge. + + + + + CHAPTER XV + Penny's Evidence + + +The bedroom door opened and Max Laponi entered. + +Penny Nichols had lowered herself to the narrow ledge not an instant too +soon. There had been no time to pull the window down after her. + +As she heard the man walk across the room she huddled fearfully against +the wall, feeling certain that he would notice the open window +immediately. Her position was a precarious one. She dared not move lest +even a slight sound betray her to the man inside. On the other hand, it +was doubtful how long she could remain where she was without losing her +footing. She knew that if she once glanced downward her courage would +fail her. + +Penny could hear Laponi muttering to himself. + +"I thought I left that window down," she heard him say. "If anyone has +been in here--" + +He crossed to the bed and ran his hand under the pillow. Penny peeped +through the window just as he removed a shiny object. + +"Another revolver!" she gasped. "That's one I missed." + +The sight of the weapon seemed to reassure Laponi for he appeared +relieved. He next crossed over to the bureau and searched for the diamond +ring. Penny was very glad that she had not touched it. + +"I guess everything is the same as I left it," the man muttered to +himself. "Still, I'd have sworn I left that window down." + +As Penny huddled flat against the wall, he moved over toward it. She held +her breath, waiting. Would he look out? If he did, then all was lost. + +Laponi stood for some minutes at the open window, seemingly absorbed in +his thoughts. Then he abruptly slammed it down and turned away. + +"That was a narrow escape!" Penny congratulated herself. "If I ever get +out of this mess I'll take care not to get myself into another position +like it!" + +She cautiously crept along the ledge until at last she was able to +stretch out her hand and grasp the sill of the next window. After pulling +herself through she quietly closed it behind her. Then she tiptoed to the +bedroom door and looked out. No one was in sight. + +Carefully secreting the articles which she had taken from Laponi's room, +she darted past his door and safely on to the bedroom which she shared +with Rosanna. The latter arose as she burst in upon her. + +"How you startled me, Penny." + +She was due for another shock as Penny dropped the revolver upon the +dresser. + +"Penny, where did you get that thing?" she demanded nervously. + +"Not so loud or someone may hear you," Penny warned. "It came from +Laponi's room, and that's not all I found either." + +She drew forth the letter and the missing key. Rosanna stared +incredulously. + +"Surely they can't be mine, Penny." + +"I suspect they are. Take a look at this letter and tell me if you notice +anything wrong." + +Rosanna studied the letter briefly, then shook her head. + +"It reads just like the one I received." + +"That's the point. Notice the name at the top." + +"Why, it looks as if it might have been changed!" Rosanna cried. + +"And I think it has been. It's my opinion that Max Laponi found your +letter and the missing key. He's a rank impostor." + +"Then you believe he is the one who has been frightening the household by +playing on the pipe organ?" + +"I haven't made up my mind about that yet," Penny returned thoughtfully. +"But one thing I'm certain about. Laponi is a dangerous man." + +"Let's get away from here right away." + +Penny laughed shortly. "I should say not! This mystery is growing more +exciting every minute. I mean to discover Max Laponi's little game!" + +"But he may harm us," Rosanna protested. "Especially if he suspects +you've searched his room." + +"Laponi is armed," Penny admitted with a frown. "But for that matter so +are we." + +"You wouldn't dare to carry that revolver!" + +"I most certainly would. Not that I'd care to use it, but it might serve +as protection." + +"It seems to me we should call in the police." + +Penny shook her head. "Not yet. But I do intend to wire my father. I'm +going to ask him to learn all he can about Laponi. It may turn out that +the man has a prison record." + +"You suspect that because you found the revolver in his room?" + +"Well, honest citizens don't carry weapons without permits." + +"You're thinking of doing it," Rosanna challenged. + +Penny laughed. "This is an extra special emergency. But I have another +reason for believing that Laponi is a crook. I suspect he has a stolen +ring in his possession." + +She then told of finding the diamond ring under the dresser scarf. + +"All diamonds look somewhat alike," she acknowledged, "but I'm sure I've +seen that ring before." + +"Where?" + +"In Bresham's Department Store. I think it's the same ring that was +stolen the afternoon I met you there." + +"Laponi does bear a slight resemblance to the shoplifter," Rosanna +admitted thoughtfully. "Only the store thief was a much older man." + +"Disguised perhaps. Oh, I may be wrong, but at least it will do no harm +to have Father look into the matter." + +"When he gets your wire, Penny, he'll probably be so alarmed that he'll +send word for you to start back to Mt. Ashland at once." + +"Not Dad. He'd rather catch a crook than eat. I'm sure he'll help me." + +"When will you send the wire?" + +"Right away. I'd like to leave the house before Laponi sees me." + +However, as the girls stepped out into the hall a few minutes later they +heard loud voices coming up from the living room. Penny instantly +recognized Laponi's sharp tones and paused at the top of the stairs to +peer down. + +"It's Max and Caleb Eckert," she reported in a whisper. "My, what a +quarrel they're having!" + +The girls listened for a minute but the voices of the two men died to a +low murmur and they could distinguish only an occasional word. + +"Unless you want Laponi to see you we'd better slip down the back way," +Rosanna suggested. + +Using the rear stairs the girls were able to leave the house without +being observed. They drove directly to Andover where Penny dispatched a +lengthy wire to her father. She requested him to learn all he could +concerning Max Laponi and if possible to send her a complete description +of the diamond ring which had been stolen from the department store. + +"I wonder why Caleb and Max Laponi were going at each other in such +dreadful fashion?" Rosanna mused as they drove back toward the Winters' +mansion. + +Penny had been pondering over the same question. + +"I suppose Caleb may be suspicious of him," Rosanna went on when Penny +did not answer. + +"Possibly. Old Caleb hasn't acted too honestly himself, Rosanna." + +"I know he hasn't. He doesn't like to answer questions and his interest +in Mr. Winters' safe is rather puzzling. It seems to me that everyone at +Raven Ridge acts queerly." + +"Including me?" Penny teased. + +Rosanna laughed and squeezed her arm affectionately. "Of course I don't +mean you. You've been wonderful and I'll never never be able to repay you +for all you've done." + +"Nonsense, so far I've accomplished exactly nothing. But I have a feeling +that before another twenty-four hours elapse things are going to start +breaking for us." + +"I hope so," Rosanna sighed. + +Neither Max Laponi nor Caleb Eckert were in the living room when the +girls returned to the house. Alicia was reading a book by the fireplace +but at sight of Penny and Rosanna she coldly withdrew. + +"I'm glad she's gone," Penny smiled. "It clears the atmosphere." + +"Must we stay here tonight?" Rosanna asked. "Couldn't we go to a hotel +and come back in the morning? Since I know that Max Laponi----" + +She broke off as Penny shot her a warning glance. + +"Even the walls seem to have ears in this house, Rosanna. Come outside +and we'll do our planning there." + +They went out into the yard and sat down on a stone bench. + +"I know I'm a dreadful coward," Rosanna acknowledged. "Only I'm so afraid +something terrible is about to happen." + +"Now don't let your nerves get the best of you," Penny advised kindly. "I +shouldn't have shown you that revolver I found in Laponi's room. You +haven't been the same since." + +"It wasn't just the revolver. It's everything." + +Penny was silent for a moment. Then she said quietly: + +"I don't blame you for feeling the way you do. Perhaps we are taking a +chance to remain here tonight. I shouldn't do it only I feel that it will +give me an opportunity to clear up the mystery." + +"But if you suspect Max----" + +"I do suspect him of a great many things, but I'm not certain of his game +yet, Rosanna. Besides, I must have absolute proof before I dare notify +the police. Tonight I intend to watch the mouth of the tunnel." + +"I can't permit you to do it by yourself. If you insist on taking such a +chance I'll go with you!" + +Penny remonstrated but at length it was agreed that shortly after +nightfall the two would steal down to the lake's edge and lie in wait at +the mouth of the tunnel for the mysterious ghost to appear. + +For a long time the two girls sat staring out across the lake, each +absorbed with her own thoughts. What would the night bring forth? + +"I believe I'll walk down to Caleb Eckert's cabin and chat with him for a +few minutes," Penny remarked a little later as her companion arose from +the bench. "Want to come along?" + +"No, I think I'll go inside. The air is growing chilly and my sweater is +upstairs." + +"I'll be glad to wait for you." + +"If you don't mind, I believe I'll just rest. You go on alone." + +"You really don't mind?" + +"Of course not. But I doubt if you'll find Caleb at home. He usually goes +fishing about this time of day." + +"Well, I may as well see anyhow. I want to ask him about that picture of +Jacob Winters. I intend to keep annoying him until he gives me a +satisfactory answer." + +As Rosanna returned to the house, Penny walked swiftly in the direction +of the cabin. + +"I'm only wasting my time," she thought. "Caleb has no intention of ever +producing that photograph." + +Penny rapped on the door, noticing that it was partly ajar. There was no +response. She knocked a second time. + +Far out on the lake she could see a small rowboat with one lone +fisherman. No doubt it was Caleb, she decided. + +She started away from the cabin, then abruptly halted as she was struck +with a sudden thought. With Caleb out on the lake she would have an +excellent opportunity to search his shack for the photograph of Jacob +Winters. She felt convinced she would find it there. + +"Entering people's private quarters seems to be a bad habit of mine," she +chuckled. "Still, it's all in a good cause." + +Penny surveyed the lake again. The rowboat was nearly out of sight. + +After a moment of indecision, she pushed open the cabin door and entered. +Caleb had left everything in a clutter and she scarcely knew where to +begin her search. + +She looked in the desk and in several table drawers. She searched in the +magazine rack and even in the kitchen cupboard. She was growing +discouraged when she finally opened a closet and peered up at the high +shelves. Far above her head was a stack of old papers. + +Although Penny had given up hope of finding the picture, she brought a +chair and climbing up on it, took down the papers. + +As she lifted the stack, an object which had been lying on the shelf was +brushed to the floor. She bent down to pick it up. To her amazement and +delight it was a photograph. + +She stared in disbelief at the man's face and then turned the photo over +to read what had been written on the back. + +"_Jacob Winters._" + +"And Caleb told me he didn't know where he could get a photograph!" Penny +thought indignantly. "All the time he had this one hidden here on the +shelf. Why, I'm positive this picture came out of the album Rosanna and I +found. Very likely Caleb tore it out himself!" + +Hastily replacing the papers on the shelf, Penny tucked the photograph +into her pocket and prepared to leave the cabin. She was highly elated +over her discovery. + +"This will prove quite a valuable addition to my collection of evidence," +she chuckled. "No wonder Caleb was afraid to have me see it." + + + + + CHAPTER XVI + Mrs. Leeds' Strategy + + +Penny was highly jubilant as she walked rapidly toward the house on the +hill. The day had been an unusually successful one for her and with the +photograph of Jacob Winters in her possession she felt that it would only +be a matter of time until the mystery was solved. + +"But I must act quickly or it may be too late," she thought. + +Drawing near the house she saw Rosanna hurrying to meet her. Penny +quickened her step as she observed that the girl appeared greatly +agitated. + +"Oh, Penny," Rosanna gasped, "Mrs. Leeds has locked me out of the house!" + +"What?" + +"When I tried to get in after leaving you a few minutes ago she met me at +the front door. She said I couldn't come in because the house and +everything surrounding it belongs to her now." + +Penny laughed shortly. "She's been saying that ever since she came here." + +"I know, but this is different, Penny. She has the will to prove it." + +"The will?" + +"Yes, she showed it to me. And it's true. My uncle left all his property +to her." + +"And where did she claim to have found this document?" Penny asked. + +"Why, somewhere in the house. I was so upset I didn't think to inquire. +Now that I know Uncle Jacob left everything to her, I shall leave at +once." + +Penny caught Rosanna by the arm. "Don't be in too much of a hurry to get +away," she advised. "It may be that Mrs. Leeds' claims are false." + +"But I saw the will for myself." + +"Perhaps it was forged." + +"I never thought of that," Rosanna gasped. "Do you think she would resort +to such a trick?" + +"I believe she'd do almost anything to gain a fortune." + +Penny had been thinking swiftly. She recalled the secretive actions of +Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi when they were closeted together in the +library. They had been engrossed in writing a document of some sort. +Doubtless it was the will which Mrs. Leeds now claimed to have found. + +Penny's face puckered into a worried frown. Mrs. Leeds' unexpected action +might complicate the entire situation and ruin her own plans. She feared +too that the woman actually had destroyed Jacob Winters' true will. + +"She was burning it in the fireplace that day when I came upon her," +Penny thought. "That's why she feels so safe about forging another one in +her own favor." + +"What were you saying?" Rosanna inquired. + +Penny had not realized that she was speaking aloud. + +"Only thinking," she responded. "We'll go in and talk with Mrs. Leeds." + +"But we can't get in for she has locked all the doors. Our luggage is +sitting out on the porch." + +"Very considerate of her I must say," Penny grinned. "But we can get in +all right." She produced the key which she had found in Max Laponi's +room. + +"Weren't you smart to keep it!" Rosanna cried. + +"That remains to be seen. But come on, let's beard Mrs. Leeds in her +den." + +Penny boldly walked up to the front door. It was locked as Rosanna had +said, so inserting her key she opened it. + +As the girls entered, they heard Alicia calling shrilly to her mother and +an instant later Mrs. Leeds came storming into the hall. + +"What is the meaning of this outrage?" she demanded furiously. + +"That is what we should like to know," Penny retorted. "Why did you lock +us out?" + +"Because this is my house. Jacob Winters left everything to me and I have +the will to prove it." + +"May I ask where you found it?" Penny inquired. + +The question confused Mrs. Leeds. She began to stammer. + +"Why, I--that is, it's none of your affair, Miss Nichols!" + +"I disagree with you there. I am interested in seeing Rosanna treated +fairly. May I examine the will?" + +Mrs. Leeds hesitated and the girls thought that she would refuse the +request. However, the woman said: + +"I will permit you to read it if you promise not to destroy it." + +"Destroying wills isn't in my line," Penny returned pointedly. + +Mrs. Leeds tossed her head angrily. An expression of bitter hatred which +she made no attempt to hide, came into her eyes. She went to the living +room desk and from a pigeon hole removed a document which she offered +Penny. + +"There, read it for yourself." + +Penny inspected the will briefly. Since neither she nor Rosanna had ever +seen Jacob Winters' handwriting it was impossible to tell if the document +had been forged. + +To Rosanna's astonishment, she suddenly seemed to experience a change of +attitude regarding Mrs. Leeds' claim to the property. + +"I may have made a mistake," Penny acknowledged. "This paper seems to +give everything to you, Mrs. Leeds." + +"I am glad you are coming to your senses at last, Miss Nichols." + +"I suppose Rosanna and I may as well take our things and leave," she went +on. + +"Your luggage is ready," the woman said with satisfaction. "Alicia and I +packed for you." + +"Very thoughtful," Penny murmured ironically. "However, I think I'll just +run upstairs and see if anything was missed." + +"Why, yes, you may do that if you like." Now that she was assured of +victory, Mrs. Leeds felt that she could afford to make slight +concessions. + +No sooner had the bedroom door closed behind the two girls than Rosanna +faced Penny with a puzzled look. + +"Did you really think the will was genuine, Penny?" + +"No, of course not, but I decided that probably we could gain our ends +best by appearing to give in to Mrs. Leeds." + +As she spoke, Penny ran her hand under the pillow of the bed and brought +forth the revolver which she had taken from Max Laponi's room. + +"Penny, what do you intend to do with that weapon?" Rosanna demanded +anxiously. + +"Don't worry, I'm not planning on committing any murders. But it may come +in handy tonight." + +"You just told Mrs. Leeds that we would leave the house immediately," +Rosanna reminded her in bewilderment. + +"I know, but that doesn't mean we'll leave the grounds. We'll appear to +go away, but after dark we'll sneak back to the entrance of the tunnel." + +"To watch for the ghost?" + +"Yes, that's my plan. You'll not be afraid to go with me, will you?" + +"No," Rosanna returned quietly. "Only I can't see what good it will do +now. Mrs. Leeds definitely has the property and anything we learn about +the ghost can't alter the situation." + +"I'm not so sure of that," Penny smiled. + +She was so jubilant as they prepared to take their luggage and leave the +house that Mrs. Leeds regarded her slightly with suspicion. However, the +woman was reassured to see the girls drive away in their car. + +Rosanna and Penny dined early at Andover but the former ate little. +Although she made every effort to carry on a cheerful conversation it was +obvious to her companion that she was completely discouraged. + +"Cheer up," Penny advised optimistically. "I tell you everything will +come out right yet. Even if my own plan fails, there are still lawyers to +be hired. Mrs. Leeds can't take over the property legally until the court +approves." + +"She'll have things fixed up her way," Rosanna maintained gloomily. "I'll +have no money to hire a lawyer. I must try to find myself a job." + +"Father will help you get one if you need it." + +"I've accepted so many favors from you already," Rosanna protested. + +"You have not!" Penny cut in. "This trip to Raven Ridge has been sheer +fun for me. And unless I'm mistaken tonight will prove the most exciting +of all." + +"I'm afraid so," Rosanna shuddered. + +She glanced curiously at her companion. She could not understand Penny's +eagerness to return to the mouth of the tunnel. In her own opinion the +mysterious ghost was none other than Max Laponi and she had no desire to +encounter him again. + +"Do you still want to go through with the plan?" she inquired doubtfully. + +"I certainly do. I'd never feel satisfied if I left Raven Ridge without +solving the mystery. It's about time we start for the tunnel too." + +They left the restaurant, returning to Penny's car which had been parked +outside. + +"Probably our friend the ghost won't put in an appearance much before +midnight," Penny remarked as they drove slowly toward Raven Ridge, "but +it will be wise I think to allow ourselves plenty of time to find a good +hiding place." + +It had grown dark and the girls were pleased to note that heavy clouds +would hide the moon and stars. + +Some distance from the Winters' house they parked in a dense thicket near +the road. Before alighting, Penny removed a small package from the side +pocket of the car. + +"What's that?" Rosanna asked curiously. + +"Dynamite," Penny chuckled. + +"Dynamite!" + +"In the form of evidence. Unless I'm mistaken, this little package will +produce some startling results!" + +"You're talking in absolute riddles." + +"Just be patient and you'll soon know what I mean," Penny declared +teasingly. "I'd tell you now only it would ruin the surprise." + +She locked the automobile and afoot they quietly stole down a steep +winding trail which led to the entrance of the old mine. + + + + + CHAPTER XVII + The Man in the Boat + + +Penny and Rosanna approached the mine entrance cautiously, fearing that +someone in the vicinity might observe their movements. However, the place +seemed deserted. + +"The rowboat is gone," Penny commented as she pulled aside a clump of +bushes to survey the spot where it had been hidden. + +"Why, it is! Perhaps the ghost has come and left." + +"I certainly hope not. That would ruin everything. Anyway, we'll wait and +see. It's early yet." + +After investigating the shore line thoroughly, they found an excellent +hiding place in a dense thicket not far from the entrance to the mine. +Then they settled themselves to wait. + +"What time is it?" Rosanna yawned. + +"Only a little after nine. We'll have a long siege of it." + +The night was cold and damp. Although both girls had worn sweaters they +soon grew uncomfortable and huddled close together for warmth. Rosanna +tried not to show her nervousness but even the screech of an owl startled +her. She was aware of every sound and any unusual movement caused her to +grow tense. + +"You'll be a wreck long before midnight," Penny declared. "We're armed +and there's nothing to fear." + +Rosanna made a supreme effort to relax but it was not until several hours +had elapsed that she began to grow accustomed to her surroundings. Penny, +on the other hand, found it difficult to remain awake. + +At first she riveted her attention upon the lake but as there was no +evidence of a boat, soon lost interest. For a time she watched the +twinkling lights at Raven Ridge but one by one they disappeared until the +old mansion on the hill was cloaked in darkness. + +"Now that the household has gone to bed our ghost should be starting in +on his night's work," she remarked hopefully to Rosanna. + +Another half hour dragged by. Still no one came. Even Rosanna found it +increasingly difficult to fight off drowsiness. + +"I don't believe the ghost is coming tonight," she declared. + +"It begins to look that way. But perhaps it's still too early. Surely it +can't be any more than midnight." + +"It seems later than that," Rosanna sighed. "My back is nearly broken." + +A few minutes later, from far over the hills, the girls heard the faint +chiming of a town clock. They counted twelve strokes. + +Minutes passed and still there was no sign of any visitor. At length, +Penny arose to stretch her cramped limbs. + +"I thought I heard something just then!" Rosanna whispered tensely. + +Penny stood listening. + +"You're right. I can hear oars dipping in and out of the water. It must +be a boat coming this way." + +Peering out through the bushes, the girls surveyed the lake. It was too +dark to distinguish objects but they distinctly could hear the rhythmical +splash made by the moving oars. + +"See anything?" Penny demanded. + +"Not yet--oh, yes, now I do. It is a boat, Penny." + +"And it's heading right for this spot! Let's creep a little closer to the +opening of the tunnel." + +Stealthily they changed positions but remained well hidden by a screen of +bushes. + +The boat by this time had drawn into the tiny cove. However, the night +was so dark that neither of the girls was able to distinguish the +features of the man who crouched in the stern. + +He beached the boat and carefully drew it up into the bushes. Next he +lighted a lantern, but his back was toward the girls and they did not see +his face. + +"Who can it be?" Rosanna whispered. + +Penny gripped her companion's hand as a warning to remain silent. + +The man with the lantern looked quickly about and then moved swiftly into +the mouth of the tunnel. + +"We must follow him," Penny urged. + +They waited a minute, then noiselessly stole from their hiding place. As +they peered into the dark mine tunnel they could see a moving light far +ahead. + +Fearing that they might lose sight of the man, the girls hastened their +steps. They did not walk as quietly as they imagined, for soon the man +ahead paused. + +With one accord Penny and Rosanna froze against the tunnel wall. + +As the man turned to look back, the light from the lantern shone full +upon his face. + +It was Caleb Eckert. + +Rosanna and Penny remained flat against the wall scarcely daring to +breathe. Would they be seen? + +Apparently satisfied that no one was behind him in the tunnel, Caleb +turned and walked slowly on. + +"That was a narrow escape," Penny whispered. "He nearly saw us." + +Rosanna was a trifle shaken. She had not expected to see Caleb Eckert. + +"I suspected it several days ago but I wasn't absolutely certain," Penny +told her. + +"But what purpose can he have in playing such pranks?" Rosanna asked in +bewilderment. "Caleb seemed rather nice even if he was gruff and +outspoken. I never dreamed he'd resort to anything like this." + +"Don't take it so hard," Penny advised. "He may have a reason for what he +is doing." + +The light had disappeared. The girls hurriedly moved on, fearing that +they might lose sight of the old man entirely. With nothing to guide them +it was difficult to find their way. + +"It's lucky we explored in the daytime or we'd have trouble following," +Rosanna declared. "The ground is so rough." + +Even as she spoke she stubbed her toe on a rock and would have fallen had +not Penny caught her by the arm. + +They came presently to the first flight of stairs and were relieved to +glimpse the lantern far above them. Taking care to keep out of range of +the beam, they followed through the narrower passage to the second flight +of steps. + +By this time the girls were positive that Caleb intended to enter the +house by means of the secret panel. At the risk of detection they drew a +little closer. + +Caleb paused at the head of the stairs to listen for a moment. Then he +blew out his lantern. + +Sensing that the old man would unlock the panel, Penny stole forward. She +was just in time to see a section of the wall drop down. Caleb passed +through the opening and with a click the panel closed behind him. + +"Now what shall we do?" Rosanna demanded. "We're locked in here the same +as we were before." + +"I think I saw the place where he pressed the wall," Penny whispered. "I +was watching closely." + +For several minutes she groped about in the dark. At last her fingers +touched a small knob. + +"I believe I've found it," she proclaimed triumphantly. + +As she was on the verge of turning the knob, she stayed her hand. With +Caleb in the organ room he would be certain to see the panel open. There +was danger too that he might return at any instant to find them crouching +at the head of the stairs. + +"Shouldn't we turn back?" Rosanna whispered nervously. + +"Let's wait until he begins to play the organ." + +They listened expectantly. Minutes passed but not a strain of music did +they hear. + +"That's queer," Penny murmured. "I'm sure Caleb is the one who has been +disturbing the household with his ghost music. Why doesn't he play as +he's always done before?" + +They both knew that the wall was not soundproof. For that matter they +could hear old Caleb walking about in the room. + +"He must be up to new tricks tonight," Penny whispered. + +"He'll be coming back here any minute. Let's get away before he catches +us." + +Penny was reluctant to leave, for it struck her that Caleb Eckert had +come to the Winters' house for a different purpose than that of his usual +nightly visit. She was curious to learn what it was. + +"Listen!" she warned, as they heard a strange noise from within. + +"It sounded like a door closing," Rosanna declared. + +"That's exactly what I think it was. Caleb must have gone out of the +room. We'll be safe in entering now." + +To make certain she listened for a few minutes but there was no sound of +movement from within. Convinced that the coast was clear, she groped +about for the knob which opened the panel. + +It turned in her hand. She heard a sharp metallic click, and almost +before she was prepared for it, the panel swung open. It closed again +before either of the girls could recover from their surprise. + +However, Penny turned the knob a second time and as the section of wall +swung back, both girls stepped through into the room. + +As they had expected, it was deserted. + +"Where do you suppose he went?" Rosanna murmured. + +They tiptoed to the outside door and softly opened it. The hall was dark. +At first they could distinguish nothing. Then Penny noticed that the door +opening upon the second floor corridor was ajar. + +"He went downstairs," she whispered. "Let's find out what he's up to." + +The stairs creaked alarmingly as they crept down to the second floor. On +the landing they hesitated an instant and were relieved to hear no +unusual sound. + +They peered into the long corridor and saw that it was empty. Caleb was +nowhere to be seen. + +"Perhaps he brought another bat for Mrs. Leeds' room," Rosanna suggested, +glancing toward the chamber which the woman shared with her daughter. + +The door, however, was tightly closed. The one at the other end of the +hall which opened into Max Laponi's room was slightly ajar. Rosanna and +Penny failed to notice. + +Somewhere on the lower floor a board creaked. The two girls moved +noiselessly to the stairway and looked down over the banister. + +Even Penny was unprepared for the sight which greeted her eyes. Caleb +Eckert was working at the dials of the living room safe! + + + + + CHAPTER XVIII + A Daring Theft + + +Old Caleb had relighted his lantern and in its dim yellow glow the girls +could make out every detail of the center hall and living room. In +astonishment they watched the man spin the tiny dials of the safe. He +manipulated them with a speed and skill which was amazing. + +"Why, I do believe the scoundrel intends to steal Mr. Winters' +valuables," Rosanna whispered with growing anger. "We can't let him do +that." + +With one accord they tiptoed down the long spiral stairway to the center +hall. For a minute they were exposed to view but Caleb was so absorbed in +what he was doing that he did not even glance up. + +Hiding behind a heavy velvet curtain which partially screened the arched +door of the living room, the girls watched. + +Twice Caleb tried without success to open the safe. Although his +movements were deft and sure it was obvious that he had made some slight +mistake in the combination. Each time he failed he grew more impatient. +They could see his hand shake. + +"Drat it all!" they heard him mutter to himself. "That's the right +combination. It ought to open." + +At length the old man's efforts were rewarded. As he manipulated the +dials for the third time there was a significant click from within the +safe. + +Chuckling to himself, Caleb turned the handle and swung open the steel +door. + +Save for a long metal box, the safe was empty. In the act of reaching for +the container, Caleb suddenly wheeled. + +The girls were startled at the action for they had heard nothing. + +After looking searchingly about the room the old man apparently was +satisfied that he was alone. With an uneasy laugh he again turned his +attention to the safe. + +"Guess I'm getting a mite jittery," he muttered. "I was positive I heard +someone behind me just then." + +He thrust his hand into the safe and drew out the box. With fumbling +fingers he unfastened the lid. A smile illuminated his wrinkled face as +he regarded the contents. + +"Still here, safe and sound. I was a little afraid----" + +Without finishing, he lifted an object from the box and held it in the +light. It was a tiny figure made of purest ivory. + +Penny and Rosanna exchanged a swift glance. They knew now that the box +contained Jacob Winters' priceless collection of ivory pieces! + +After staring at the little figure for a minute Caleb carefully replaced +it and closed the box. He then locked the safe and returned the oil +painting to its former position on the wall. + +"Stop him now or it will be too late," Rosanna whispered tensely. + +Before Penny could act, there was a slight movement at the opposite end +of the living room. The girls were horrified to see a closet door slowly +open. + +Caleb's back was turned. Oblivious of danger he bent down to pick up his +lantern. + +From within the closet a man was regarding Caleb with cold intensity. He +held a revolver in his hand. + +Rosanna, terrified at the sight, would have cried out a warning, had not +Penny suddenly placed her hand over the girl's mouth. + +Max Laponi, a cynical, cruel smile upon his angular face, stepped out +into the living room, his revolver trained upon Caleb. + +"Much obliged to you for opening the safe, Mr. Eckert," he said coolly. +"You saved me the trouble." + +Caleb wheeled and instinctively thrust the metal box behind his back. The +gesture amused Laponi. He laughed harshly. + +"I guess you weren't quite as clever as you thought you were, Caleb! Hand +over the ivories and be quick about it." + +"You're nothing but a crook!" the old man cried furiously. + +"Hand over the ivories if you value your life." + +Instead of obeying the order, Caleb slowly retreated toward the door. Max +Laponi's eyes narrowed dangerously. + +"I don't want to shoot an old man but if you force me----" + +"Don't shoot," Caleb quavered. "I'll give up the ivory." + +"Good. Now you're acting sensibly. Drop the box on the table and raise +your hands above your head." + +Slowly, Caleb complied with the order. + +Laponi moved with cat-like tread across the floor and snatched up the +box. With his revolver still trained on the old man, he backed toward the +door. + +"Thank you for a very profitable evening," he smirked. "And when you +locate your friend Mr. Winters----" + +His words ended in a surprised gasp. Something had struck his right hand +a stunning blow. The weapon fell from his bruised fingers, clattering to +the floor. He felt a cold, hard object in the small of his back. + +"It's your turn now," said Penny Nichols. "I'll trouble you to hand over +the little box!" + + + + + CHAPTER XIX + The Tables Turn + + +Max Laponi whirled about and looked directly into the muzzle of Penny's +revolver. + +"Drop that box and put up your hands," she ordered crisply. + +Laponi gazed at her jeeringly. + +"The gun isn't loaded," he sneered. + +"You should know," Penny retorted. "It's your own revolver. I took it +from your room." + +The expression of the crook's face altered for he well remembered that +the weapon had been left in readiness for instant use. + +While keeping Laponi covered, Penny kicked the other revolver across the +floor in Caleb Eckert's direction. The old man hastily snatched it up. + +Laponi knew then that he did not have a chance. With a shrug of his +shoulders he admitted defeat. He dropped the metal box on the table. +Rosanna darted forward and snatched it up. + +"I might have known you'd be the one to ruin things," Laponi said +bitterly to Penny. "I was afraid of you from the first." + +"Thank you for the compliment," Penny smiled. "Kindly keep your hands up, +Mr. Laponi--if that's your true name." + +"He's nothing but an impostor," Caleb Eckert broke in angrily. "I knew +from the moment I set eyes on him that he was no relative of Jacob +Winters." + +"I can imagine that," Penny returned quietly. "But when explanations are +in order, I think you'll need to clear up a few points yourself." + +The old man looked confused. However, before he could answer, footsteps +were heard on the stairs. Mrs. Leeds, wrapped in her bath-robe, came +hurrying into the room. She had been disturbed by the sound of voices. + +"Penny Nichols!" she cried furiously. "What are you doing in my house?" + +Then she noticed the revolver and recoiled a step. + +"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded. "Mr. Laponi, has this girl +lost her senses?" + +"Apparently, she has," the man sneered. "She claims I came here to steal +that box while I was only trying to keep Caleb from making off with it." + +"Release Mr. Laponi at once," Mrs. Leeds ordered haughtily. She glared at +Caleb. "I always did distrust that man." + +"Our dislike was mutual," Caleb retorted. "You are a grasping, selfish +woman and your daughter is a chip of the old block!" + +"How dare you!" Mrs. Leeds choked in fury. "Get out of this house, you +meddlesome old man, or I'll have you arrested!" + +Penny was actually enjoying the scene but now she decided to put an end +to it. + +"This little farce has gone far enough," she announced, turning to Caleb. +"Tell them who you are, Mr. Eckert." + +The old man nodded. Eyeing Mrs. Leeds with keen satisfaction, he exploded +his bomb shell. + +"I am Jacob Winters!" + +Mrs. Leeds gasped in astonishment and even Max Laponi looked dazed. Of +the entire group only Rosanna appeared pleased. Yet she too recalled that +at times she had spoken with embarrassing frankness to the old man. + +"I don't believe it!" Mrs. Leeds snapped when she had recovered from the +first shock. "It's another one of your trumped up stories." + +"He has no proof," Max Laponi added. + +"If he hasn't, I have," Penny interposed. She took the small package from +her dress pocket, giving it to Rosanna to unwrap for her. + +"Why, it's a photograph!" the girl exclaimed. "It's of you, Mr. Eckert, +taken many years ago." + +"Look on the back," Penny directed. + +Rosanna turned the picture over and read the bold scrawl: + +"Jacob Winters--on the occasion of his fiftieth birthday." + +"That's all the proof I need," Rosanna cried, her eyes shining. "You are +my uncle, aren't you, Mr. Eckert? This isn't another of your jokes?" + +"No, it isn't a joke this time, Rosanna, although for a time it looked as +if the joke would be on me. And if it hadn't been for Penny Nichols this +scoundrel certainly would have made off with my ivory collection." + +"I didn't mean to pry into your private affairs," Penny apologized. "I +shouldn't have taken the photograph only I suspected the truth and needed +proof of it." + +"It's just as well that you did take matters into your own hands. I guess +I botched things up." + +The little package of evidence which Penny had produced contained not +only the photograph but the letter and key which she had found in Max +Laponi's room. + +Penny now directed attention to the signature appearing at the bottom of +the letter. + +"Compare it with the writing on the back of the photograph." + +"They're identical," Rosanna declared. + +"Then Caleb Eckert wrote those letters himself!" Mrs. Leeds cried +furiously. + +"Guilty," Caleb acknowledged with a grin. + +"You ought to be arrested!" Mrs. Leeds fairly screamed. "It was a cruel +joke to play. You led us all to believe that we had inherited a fortune." + +"Tell me, why did you write the letters?" Penny inquired. "That's one +thing I've not been able to figure out although I think I might make an +excellent guess." + +Caleb sank down in the nearest chair. + +"I may as well tell the entire story," he said. "Since my wife died some +years ago I have been a very lonely man. I longed for an agreeable +companion in my old age, someone who would enjoy traveling with me. My +friends were few for I had spent most of my time abroad. My only living +relatives were unknown to me. I felt ashamed because I had never looked +them up." + +"So you decided to become better acquainted," Penny prompted as Caleb +hesitated. + +"Yes, but I wanted to be liked for myself and not my fortune. I conceived +the plan of sending out letters inviting my relatives here. I thought I +would subject them to a series of tests and all the while I could be +studying their characters." + +"An insane plan!" Mrs. Leeds interposed. + +"The idea didn't work the way I expected," Caleb continued ruefully. "I +sent out four letters but two of them were returned unopened as the +individuals to whom they were addressed were no longer living. However, +as you know, three persons came to Raven Ridge claiming to have received +one of the communications." + +"Max Laponi must have found the letter and key which Rosanna lost," Penny +declared. "He was the impostor." + +"You have it all figured out very nicely," the crook sneered. + +"I suspected right off that he was the one," Caleb went on with his +story. "I knew I had no relative answering to his name." + +"Why didn't you send him away at once?" Rosanna questioned. + +"I couldn't very well do that without exposing my hand. If I admitted my +identity then my little plan would be ruined." + +"You were caught in an awkward position," Penny smiled. + +"It kept getting worse all the time. I soon suspected that Laponi was +nothing less than a crook. When I discovered that he knew the ivory +collection was in the house I decided to remove it from the safe." + +"That was the day I came upon you when you were trying to open it," Penny +recalled. + +"Yes, but Laponi was prowling about the house and it was my bad luck that +he happened in upon me at exactly the wrong time. Of course he guessed +instantly that the ivories were locked in the safe. + +"After that, I decided to get rid of him at any cost. I had a talk with +him but even threats did no good." + +"Why didn't you call in the police?" Penny asked. "Surely they would have +provided you with protection." + +"I thought I would make one more effort to get the ivories from the safe. +Then if I failed I intended to admit my identity and send for help. I +might have done it sooner only the police commissioner and I once had a +little trouble--nothing serious. It was an argument over a tract of land. +Still, I knew he'd enjoy making me look ridiculous if ever he learned +what I had done." + +"Your pride very nearly cost you a fortune," Penny commented. She +directed her gaze upon Max Laponi as she questioned: "How did you learn +that Mr. Winters kept the ivory collection in this house?" + +"That's for you to find out," the man jeered. "You'll have a hard time +proving anything against me." + +"This letter will be evidence enough," Penny retorted. "It's a plain case +of forgery with intent to defraud. And then there's the matter of the +will." + +"The will wasn't forged," Mrs. Leeds cut in although Penny had not made +such a claim. + +"There never was a will," Caleb informed. + +Mrs. Leeds stared at him. "What of the document I found in the drawer of +the desk?" she demanded. + +"You mean the one you discovered in the _locked_ drawer," Caleb corrected +with a chuckle. "The one that was made out in Rosanna's favor. That was +just another of my little jokes. If you had examined the will closely you +would have noticed that the signature was never witnessed. It was a +fake." + +"That was the document which I saw you burn in the fireplace," Penny +accused. + +Mrs. Leeds flushed angrily. She realized that she had trapped herself. + +"By the way, how do you explain the will made out in your favor?" Penny +probed maliciously. + +Mrs. Leeds turned her gaze upon Laponi for an instant. Then she said +glibly: + +"I found the will just as I said." + +"You didn't find one made out in your favor," Caleb contradicted. +"Because I never wrote such a document." + +"Let's take a look at it," Penny suggested. "Where is the will, Mrs. +Leeds?" + +"I don't know what became of it. I misplaced it." + +"You're afraid to produce it," Penny challenged. + +Rosanna had been looking through the desk. She now triumphantly brought +to light the paper which Mrs. Leeds had claimed to be Jacob Winters' last +will and testament. + +"I never wrote a line of it," Caleb declared as he examined the document. +"It's a forgery." + +"Forgery is a serious offense, Mrs. Leeds," Penny remarked significantly. + +"I didn't do it!" the woman cried nervously. + +"I expect we'll have to send you to jail along with Laponi here," Caleb +cackled. + +Mrs. Leeds did not realize that he was only baiting her. She began to +tremble with fright. + +"Don't send me to jail," she pleaded. "I'll tell everything." + +"Hold your tongue," Laponi cut in sharply. + +Mrs. Leeds whirled upon him. + +"You say that because you want me to take all the blame! Well, I won't do +it. You forged that will yourself." + +"At your suggestion, Mrs. Leeds." + +"It wasn't my suggestion. I'd never have considered such a thing if you +hadn't put the idea into my head." + +"You burned the first will which you believed to be genuine." + +"Perhaps I did. But I never forged anything in my life." + +"That was because you were afraid you'd be caught," Laponi sneered. "You +wanted someone else to take the rap for you." + +"You tricked me," Mrs. Leeds accused. "If I had known you intended to rob +Mr. Winters of his ivories I should have had nothing to do with you." + +"I suppose you thought it wasn't robbery when you decided to cheat +Rosanna Winters out of her inheritance?" + +"She had no inheritance." + +"But you thought she did. No, Mrs. Leeds you paid me well to forge the +will in your favor. You're involved every bit as deeply as I." + +Mrs. Leeds collapsed into a chair and burying her face in her hands began +to sob. + +Penny felt a little sorry for her, realizing that at heart the woman was +not a criminal. She had been goaded on by an overpowering ambition to +improve her social position by gaining Jacob Winters' fortune. + +"We may as well call the police," Penny said after a slight hesitation. +She had noticed that Laponi was casting cunning glances about the room +and guessed that he was hoping for an opportunity to escape. + +Mrs. Leeds sprang to her feet. She darted over to Jacob Winters, grasping +him by the arm. + +"Oh, please, please don't have me arrested. I didn't mean to do wrong. +For the sake of my daughter let me go free. After all, we are relatives." + +"Unfortunately, we are," he agreed. Turning to Rosanna, he said quietly: +"It is for you to decide, my dear." + +"Let her go free," Rosanna urged instantly. + +"I think that is best," he nodded. "But as far as Max Laponi is concerned +we can't get him to the lock-up soon enough to please me." + +"If you'll guard him I'll telephone for the police," Penny offered. + +Leaving the old man with both revolvers she went into an adjoining room +to place the call. + +No sooner had she disappeared than Max Laponi saw his opportunity to +escape. For an instant Jacob Winters' attention wavered. + +That instant was enough for Laponi. Seizing the metal box which Rosanna +had replaced upon the table, he darted out through the doorway. + + + + + CHAPTER XX + A Break for Freedom + + +Max Laponi bolted across the center hall, flinging open the outside door. +He looked directly into the face of Christopher Nichols. + +"Hello, what's the big hurry?" the detective demanded, grasping him +firmly by the arm. + +Laponi tried to jerk free but he was no match for the detective. + +By this time Penny and the others had come streaming into the hall. + +"Don't let him get away!" Penny cried. + +As the crook struggled to escape, Mr. Nichols slipped a pair of handcuffs +over the man's wrists. Recovering the metal box he handed it to his +daughter. + +"Dad, how did you get here?" she asked eagerly. + +The detective did not hear for he was regarding Laponi with keen +interest. + +"Well, well, if it isn't my old friend Leo Corley. Or possibly you have a +new alias by this time." + +"He calls himself Max Laponi," Penny informed. "Is he a known criminal?" + +"Very well known, Penny. He's wanted in three states for forgery, +blackmail and robbery. His latest escapade was to steal a diamond ring +from the Bresham Department Store." + +"Then you did get my wire?" Penny cried. + +"Yes, that's what brought me here. After I received it I got busy right +off and with the information you furnished it was easy to look up this +man's record. The police have been after him for months." + +"You didn't waste any time coming here," Penny smiled. + +"I was afraid you girls might be in more danger than you realized. Max +here isn't such a nice companion. By the way what's in the box?" + +Penny opened it to reveal Mr. Winters' fine collection of ivory. The +detective whistled in awe. + +"That would have been a nice haul, Max," he said. "Too bad we had to +spoil your little game." + +"If it hadn't been for that kid of yours I'd have gotten away with it," +the crook growled. "I was dumb not to suspect she was the daughter of a +detective." + +"You may as well cough up the diamond ring," Mr. Nichols advised. "It +will save an unpleasant search." + +With a shrug of his shoulders, Laponi took the gem from an inner pocket +and gave it to the detective. + +"When do we start for the station?" he asked. "We may as well get going." + +"I've already called the police," Penny told her father. + +"Then we won't have long to wait." He shoved Laponi toward a chair. "May +as well make yourself comfortable until the wagon gets here." + +"Your kindness overwhelms me," the crook returned with exaggerated +politeness. + +"How did you get wind that Mr. Winters' ivories were kept in the house?" +the detective inquired curiously. + +Although the crook had refused to answer the same questions a few minutes +before, he was now willing to talk, knowing that his last chance for +escape had been cut off. + +"I read an item in the paper some months ago," he confessed. "It was a +little news story to the effect that Jacob Winters had recently purchased +several new pieces for his collection and that he intended to build +special exhibit cases in his house as a means of displaying them. I +clipped the item and forgot about it. + +"Then one day I chanced to pick up a letter which someone had dropped. It +contained a key to this house. I decided it was too good an opportunity +to miss. Posing as Jacob Winters' nephew I came here to look over the +situation." + +"I never had a nephew," Mr. Winters declared. + +"That was the first mistake I made. The second was in underestimating the +ability of Penny Nichols. I thought she was only a school girl." + +Penny smiled broadly as she inquired: "Didn't you enter into an agreement +with Mrs. Leeds to defraud Rosanna?" + +"I forged the will for her if that's what you mean. I wasn't interested +in getting any of the money myself." + +"That was because you knew it couldn't be done," the detective +interposed. "You considered the ivory collection more profitable." + +"Of course you forged the letter stating that Jacob Winters had been +buried at sea," Penny mentioned. + +With a nod of his head, the man acknowledged the charge. It was +Christopher Nichols' turn to ask a question. Penny's letters had +mentioned the mysterious mansion ghost and he was deeply interested in +the subject. + +"I suppose you were the ghost, Max?" + +Jacob Winters answered for him. + +"I was the ghost. It was part of my joke to frighten the occupants of +this house. Not a very good joke, I'll admit." + +"And you were the one who put bats in my room," Mrs. Leeds accused. + +"Yes, and a garter snake in your bed which you never found." + +"Oh!" + +"Of course, Mr. Eckert, your ghostly pranks included playing the organ," +Penny smiled. "I suspected it when I learned Jacob Winters had been a +talented musician." + +"I built the pipe organ into the house before my wife died," Mr. Winters +explained. "I haven't used it a great deal in recent years." + +"You haven't told us about the tunnel," Rosanna reminded him. "How did +you happen to construct it?" + +"I didn't. The lower branch of the passage was an old mine tunnel. The +mine closed down forty years or so ago. The upper passage which connects +with the house was built by my grandfather. This house, you know, has +been in the Winters' family for generations. And I hope, upon my death, +that it will pass on to another by the same name." + +He looked significantly at Rosanna as he spoke. + +Before the conversation could be continued, the police car drove up to +the door. Max Laponi was loaded in and taken away. Mr. Nichols went with +the police, promising to return to the Winters' house as soon as he +could. + +After the commotion had subsided, Jacob Winters turned severely to Mrs. +Leeds. + +"As for you, madam, kindly pack your things and leave this house at once. +I never want to see you again." + +"But it isn't even daylight yet. Alicia, poor child, is sleeping----" + +"Wake her up. I'll give you just an hour to get out of the house." + +"You're a hard, cruel, old man!" Mrs. Leeds cried bitterly, but she +hurried up the stairs to obey his command. + +After the woman had disappeared, Rosanna picked up her sweater which she +had dropped on a chair. She turned toward the door. + +"Hold on there," Jacob called. "Where are you going?" + +"I was just leaving. You told Mrs. Leeds----" + +"Well, you're not Mrs. Leeds, are you?" the old man snapped. "If you're +willing, I want you to stay here." + +"You mean--indefinitely?" + +"Yes, if you think you could stand to live with me. I'm cross and I like +things done my own way, but if you could put up with me----" + +"If I could put up with you!" Rosanna ran to him and flung her arms about +him. "Why, I think you're a darling! I was afraid to tell you so for fear +you'd believe I was after your money." + +"Money! Fiddlesticks!" Jacob sniffed. He wiped a tear from his eye. "I'm +going to try to make up to you for all that you've missed." + +The two had a great deal to say to each other, but presently they +remembered Penny. She had been watching the little scene with eager +delight. + +"I'll never be able to thank you," Rosanna declared happily. "You're +responsible for everything, Penny." + +"I wish you'd permit me to reward you in a substantial way," Mr. Winters +added. + +Penny smilingly shook her head. "It was fun coming here to Raven Ridge. +But it would ruin everything if I accepted pay for it." + +"At least you'll stay a few days longer," Mr. Winters urged. + +"If Father will agree to it." + +When Mr. Nichols returned from police headquarters another pleasant +surprise was in store for Penny. + +"It looks as if you've won the reward which the Bresham Store offered for +the capture of Laponi," he told her. "Five hundred dollars." + +"Don't turn it down," Rosanna urged. + +"I won't," Penny laughed. "In fact, I know just how I'll use that money +when I get it." + +"How?" her father inquired. + +"I'll buy myself a new car." + +"I thought perhaps you'd use it to go into business in competition with +me," he teased. + +"Some day I'll solve a mystery which will be so big and important that +you'll not be able to twit me about it," Penny announced. + +"I wasn't really teasing, my dear. I think you did a fine bit of work +this time and I'm proud of you." + +"Honestly?" + +"Honestly," Mr. Nichols repeated, smiling broadly. "And I predict that +you're only starting on this career of crime detection which you find so +very thrilling." + +"I wish I could be sure of that," Penny sighed. + +With all her heart she longed for another adventure as exciting as the +one she had experienced. Although she had no way of knowing what the +future held, she was destined soon to have her wish gratified. In the +third volume of the Penny Nichols' series, entitled, "The Secret of the +Black Imp," she encounters a mystery more baffling than any she has +previously solved. + +After Mrs. Leeds and her daughter left the house, the others took Mr. +Nichols for a tour of the secret passageway. Jacob Winters explained in +detail how the panel operated and entertained them by playing several +selections on the pipe organ. + +"I love music," Rosanna remarked wistfully. "I've never even had an +opportunity to learn to play the piano." + +"You'll have it now," he assured her. + +Mr. Nichols remained during the day but late in the afternoon he was +forced to start for home as his work had been neglected. He was very +willing, however, that Penny should remain as long as she wished at the +old mansion. + +The days were all too short for the two girls who enjoyed rambling +through the woods, rowing and swimming in the lake, and exploring every +nook and cranny of the interesting old house. But at length the time came +when Penny too was obliged to depart. + +"Come back and see us often, won't you?" Rosanna urged as they parted. + +"Whenever I can," Penny promised. "I've had a glorious time." + +She drove away, but at the bend in the road halted the car to glance +back. The house, cloaked in the shadows of evening, looked nearly as +mysterious as upon the occasion of her first visit. However, to her it +would never again have a fearful aspect. + +Jacob Winters and his niece stood framed in the doorway. They waved. + +Penny returned the salute. Then regretfully she turned her back upon +Raven Ridge and drove slowly down the mountain road which led home. + + M. W. + + THE END + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the +Lost Key, by Joan Clark + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PENNY NICHOLS--MYSTERY OF LOST KEY *** + +***** This file should be named 34369-8.txt or 34369-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/3/6/34369/ + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key + +Author: Joan Clark + +Release Date: November 19, 2010 [EBook #34369] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PENNY NICHOLS--MYSTERY OF LOST KEY *** + + + + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + +<div class="box"> +<p class="center"><span class="large">PENNY NICHOLS</span> +<br />MYSTERY STORIES</p> +<p class="center">Penny Nichols Finds a Clue (1936) +<br />Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key (1936) +<br />Penny Nichols and the Black Imp (1936) +<br />Penny Nichols and the Knob Hill Mystery (1939)</p> +<p class="center"><i>by</i> +<br />“Joan Clark” +<br />(Mildred A. Wirt, 1905-2002)</p> +</div> +<div class="box"> +<h1>Penny Nichols +<br />and the +<br />Mystery of the +<br />Lost Key</h1> +<p class="center"><i>By</i> +<br /><span class="sc">Joan Clark</span></p> +<p class="center"><span class="large">★</span></p> +<p class="center">The +<br />Goldsmith Publishing Company</p> +<p class="center"><span class="smaller">CHICAGO</span></p> +<p class="center"><span class="smaller">COPYRIGHT 1936, BY +<br />THE GOLDSMITH PUBLISHING COMPANY</span></p> +<p class="center"><span class="smaller">MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</span></p> +</div> +<h2><i>CONTENTS</i></h2> +<dl class="toc"> +<dt class="smaller"><span class="lj">CHAPTER</span> PAGE</dt> +<dt><a href="#c1">I. <span class="sc">A Valuable Letter</span></a> 11</dt> +<dt><a href="#c2">II. <span class="sc">A Mysterious Key</span></a> 25</dt> +<dt><a href="#c3">III. <span class="sc">An Arrogant Guest</span></a> 38</dt> +<dt><a href="#c4">IV. <span class="sc">A Face at the Window</span></a> 51</dt> +<dt><a href="#c5">V. <span class="sc">The Lost Key</span></a> 67</dt> +<dt><a href="#c6">VI. <span class="sc">Midnight Visitors</span></a> 76</dt> +<dt><a href="#c7">VII. <span class="sc">“Ghost” Music</span></a> 93</dt> +<dt><a href="#c8">VIII. <span class="sc">The Ivory Collection</span></a> 102</dt> +<dt><a href="#c9">IX. <span class="sc">A Scrap of Paper</span></a> 115</dt> +<dt><a href="#c10">X. <span class="sc">The Wall Safe</span></a> 131</dt> +<dt><a href="#c11">XI. <span class="sc">A Night Adventure</span></a> 140</dt> +<dt><a href="#c12">XII. <span class="sc">A Suspicious Act</span></a> 150</dt> +<dt><a href="#c13">XIII. <span class="sc">The Secret Stairs</span></a> 164</dt> +<dt><a href="#c14">XIV. <span class="sc">A Diamond Ring</span></a> 175</dt> +<dt><a href="#c15">XV. <span class="sc">Penny’s Evidence</span></a> 186</dt> +<dt><a href="#c16">XVI. <span class="sc">Mrs. Leeds’ Strategy</span></a> 199</dt> +<dt><a href="#c17">XVII. <span class="sc">The Man in the Boat</span></a> 209</dt> +<dt><a href="#c18">XVIII. <span class="sc">A Daring Theft</span></a> 220</dt> +<dt><a href="#c19">XIX. <span class="sc">The Tables Turn</span></a> 225</dt> +<dt><a href="#c20">XX. <span class="sc">A Break for Freedom</span></a> 239</dt> +</dl> +<div class="pb" id="Page_1">[1]</div> +<h2 id="c1"><span class="small">CHAPTER I</span> +<br />A Valuable Letter</h2> +<p>“Hurry, Susan! We have only ten minutes +before the store closes!”</p> +<p>Penelope Nichols, the slender girl +in blue, urged her companion into the revolving +doors at the entrance of the Bresham Department +Store. A vigorous push sent the barriers +spinning at such a rate that other shoppers +turned to stare at the two girls.</p> +<p>“You nearly took off my heels that time, +Penny,” Susan Altman protested with a laugh as +they emerged into the crowded store.</p> +<p>“Sorry, but we’ve no time to waste if I get that +pair of white earrings. The clerks are starting +to put things away already.”</p> +<p>Threading their way through the outgoing +stream of shoppers, the girls went directly to the +<span class="pb" id="Page_2">[2]</span> +jewelry counter. Penny peered anxiously into +one of the glass cases to see if the coveted ivory +ornaments were still on display. They had not +been sold.</p> +<p>“Do you think they’ll look all right with my +red party frock?” she asked her chum as they +stood impatiently waiting for a clerk. In matters +of dress she valued Susan’s opinion more +highly than her own.</p> +<p>“Stunning. With your coloring you can wear +anything. Now if you had a skin like mine and +a snub nose—”</p> +<p>Penny did not hear the remainder of her +chum’s oft-repeated complaint for she was trying +vainly to attract the attention of a clerk. +The only available girl at the counter was occupied +in showing a tray of fine rings to a tall +man in gray tweeds.</p> +<p>“We’ll never be waited on,” Penny murmured +in annoyance. “You can tell it’s going +to take until closing time before he makes up his +mind which ring he wants.”</p> +<p>Susan turned to survey the customer. He was +expensively dressed and upon a casual inspection +<span class="pb" id="Page_3">[3]</span> +appeared to be a gentleman of considerable +means. Although the clerk offered several +diamond rings for his approval none of them +satisfied him.</p> +<p>“Haven’t you anything better than this?” he +questioned. “Show me that large diamond, +please.” He tapped the glass case lightly with +his cane.</p> +<p>The clerk obligingly placed the ring before +him. The man examined the diamond closely, +comparing it with another ring previously +shown him. For the first time he appeared +aware of Penny and Susan.</p> +<p>“Wait on these young ladies while I make up +my mind which ring I prefer,” he urged the +clerk. “I am in no hurry and I can see that +they are.”</p> +<p>The clerk hesitated. The rings in which the +customer was interested were valuable ones. It +was a rule of the store to keep them always in +the locked case. Yet it would take her only a +minute to wait upon the girls, and obviously +the man was a gentleman. She turned to serve +Penny.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_4">[4]</div> +<p>“I’ll take that pair of earrings,” Penny announced, +indicating the ivory pieces. “They’re +three dollars, aren’t they?”</p> +<p>“Yes, that is correct. I’ll have them wrapped +for you.”</p> +<p>Penny offered the girl a five dollar bill in +payment. She could not restrain a little sigh +as she saw it deposited in the store’s cash drawer. +Perhaps she had been foolish to buy the earrings. +It meant that she must do without a +great many little things in order to keep within +her allowance. Penny sighed again. At times +it was trying to have a father who believed in +maintaining his daughter strictly upon a +budget plan.</p> +<p>Her eyes roved aimlessly toward the man at +the ring counter. She saw him cast a quick +glance about. Then he walked rapidly away, +making for the nearest exit.</p> +<p>Penny’s keen blue eyes riveted upon the ring +tray. The large diamond was missing.</p> +<p>She had not seen the customer actually take +it—his movements had been too deft for that—yet +she knew for a certainty that while the +<span class="pb" id="Page_5">[5]</span> +clerk’s back had been turned he had secreted it +somewhere upon his person.</p> +<p>Penny did not hesitate. She darted after him.</p> +<p>“Stop!” she cried. And then to the surprised +shoppers who turned at the sound of her voice: +“Don’t let that thief get away!”</p> +<p>The man wheeled sharply, his face convulsed +in anger. With his cane he struck viciously at +a stout woman who clutched him by the coat.</p> +<p>A store detective blocked the main exit.</p> +<p>Recognizing that he could not hope to escape +that way, the thief turned and bolted up a moving +escalator which was carrying a capacity load +of passengers to the second floor.</p> +<p>Penny, the detective, and a few of the more +energetic customers took up the pursuit.</p> +<p>In a desperate attempt to escape, the thief +elbowed women roughly aside as he darted up +the stairway. Upon the uncertain footing of +the moving treads, several stumbled and fell. +In an instant hysterical women were screaming +and clutching at one another for support.</p> +<p>A slender girl in a shabby business suit was +rudely jostled. Penny, half way up the moving +<span class="pb" id="Page_6">[6]</span> +stairway, tried to save her from a hard fall. She +was not quick enough. Down the girl went, +and as she fell, the contents of her pocketbook +spilled out upon the moving stairway. The +thief took advantage of the resulting confusion +to melt into the throng of shoppers at the top of +the escalator. While store detectives carried on +the pursuit, Penny tried to help the terrified +women to alight from the stairway.</p> +<p>“Are you hurt?” she asked the girl who had +fallen, trying to assist her to her feet.</p> +<p>“Never mind me! Save my pocketbook!” the +other cried, frantically beginning to gather up +the scattered objects.</p> +<p>The other passengers upon the stairway were +more of a hindrance than a help. Yet by working +fast Penny managed to accumulate nearly +all of the lost articles before the brief ride approached +its end.</p> +<p>“My letter!”</p> +<p>At the other girl’s shrill cry, Penny saw a +white envelope riding serenely on the uppermost +step. With a bound she covered the distance +which separated her from it, pouncing +<span class="pb" id="Page_7">[7]</span> +upon the letter an instant before the moving +belt disappeared into the flooring.</p> +<p>Clutching it triumphantly in her hand, she +turned to assist the girl who had lost it.</p> +<p>“Why, you’re limping,” she observed. “Here, +lean on me.”</p> +<p>“It’s nothing,” the girl maintained staunchly. +“I twisted my ankle when I fell.”</p> +<p>Penny helped her to a nearby chair. Despite +the girl’s brave words, her lips quivered when +she spoke and her attractive face had taken on +an ashen hue. Yet, strangely, her interest +centered not in her injury but in the letter +which she had nearly lost.</p> +<p>“Thank you for saving it,” she told Penny +gratefully. “I don’t know what I should have +done if I’d lost that letter. It means everything +to me.”</p> +<p>Penny stared at the envelope a trifle curiously +but she was too well bred to ask personal questions. +Before she could make any response +store officials hurried up to take charge of the +situation. The girl’s name was Rosanna Winters, +Penny learned, by listening. She lived at a +<span class="pb" id="Page_8">[8]</span> +rooming house on Sixty-fifth Street, not a great +distance from Penny’s own home.</p> +<p>Rosanna firmly turned down the suggestion +of store officials that she be sent to a nearby hospital +for first-aid treatment.</p> +<p>“It isn’t necessary. I merely twisted my ankle. +I’ll soon be able to walk on it.”</p> +<p>“Let me take you home,” Penny offered. +“My roadster is parked just outside the store. +We live close to each other.”</p> +<p>The girl hesitated, then smiled as she said: +“That’s very kind of you, I’m sure. You don’t +really mind?”</p> +<p>“Of course not. Here, let me help you downstairs.”</p> +<p>“Not by way of the escalator,” Rosanna said +hastily. “Hereafter I’ll ride on the elevator. +It’s safer.”</p> +<p>Although the store’s gong had announced the +closing hour some minutes previously, shoppers +were slow to leave the building. As the girls +returned to the street floor they were embarrassed +to find themselves the target for many +curious stares. Penny readily was recognized +<span class="pb" id="Page_9">[9]</span> +as the girl who had observed the theft of the +ring.</p> +<p>“What became of that man who knocked me +down?” Rosanna questioned. “I suppose he +escaped.”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid so,” Penny admitted, looking +about for Susan. “The last I saw of him he was +running toward the kitchenware department +with the store detective after him.”</p> +<p>Sighting Susan near the outside door, Penny +steered her new friend in that direction. +Quickly she introduced the girls, mentioning +Rosanna’s unfortunate accident.</p> +<p>“I saw it all,” Susan declared. “Penny, you +certainly did stir up things when you set the +store detective on that thief.”</p> +<p>“And the worst of it was that he escaped,” +Penny acknowledged. “Of course, he may be +caught here in the building but I doubt it.”</p> +<p>In the excitement, she had completely forgotten +her package at the jewelry counter. The +girls would have left the store without it had +not the clerk come running after them with the +purchase.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_10">[10]</div> +<p>“Thank you so much for calling out the +alarm,” she told Penny gratefully. “If the thief +isn’t caught I may lose my job.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I hope not.”</p> +<p>“So do I, but I shouldn’t have broken a store +rule. I was completely taken in by the man’s +appearance.”</p> +<p>“I don’t wonder at that,” Penny said. “He +certainly looked anything but a crook. Was the +ring a valuable one?”</p> +<p>“It was priced to sell at eight hundred dollars. +I don’t see how I could have been so stupid.”</p> +<p>Penny felt sorry for the salesgirl, particularly +so when the floorwalker came up and began to +question her sharply.</p> +<p>“It really wasn’t the clerk’s fault,” Penny +insisted. “I feel certain that man was a professional +jewel thief.”</p> +<p>“Did you notice his appearance?” the floorwalker +asked.</p> +<p>“Yes, he was dressed in a gray tweed suit. I’d +say he was approximately six feet in height, +dark hair and eyes. His face was long and +angular.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_11">[11]</div> +<p>The store official noted down the description +and took Penny’s address in case she might be +needed later on to identify the crook if he were +captured.</p> +<p>“We’re watching all the lower floor exits,” +the floorwalker informed, “but the chances are +the man got away by means of one of the fire +escapes.”</p> +<p>The store rapidly was clearing of shoppers. +Penny and her companions lingered a few minutes +longer and then they too were politely requested +to leave.</p> +<p>“I’d like to know if the store detective caught +that man,” Penny declared as they paused for +an instant on the street. “I suppose now we’ll +have to find out by reading our newspapers.”</p> +<p>Rosanna Winters turned as if to leave the +girls.</p> +<p>“Thank you again for saving my pocketbook,” +she said to Penny. “My ankle is much better +now so I’ll just take a streetcar home.”</p> +<p>Penny caught her by the elbow.</p> +<p>“You’ll do no such thing. Why, I can see +that it hurts you every step you take. It isn’t +<span class="pb" id="Page_12">[12]</span> +more than a block or two out of my way to drive +you home.”</p> +<p>Despite Rosanna’s protests, she urged the girl +into the roadster which was parked at the curbing. +Penny was very proud of her car. Although +it was not a new model it ran very well and +she spent most of her spare time keeping it +washed and polished.</p> +<p>Since the Altman residence was close by, +Penny dropped her chum off before taking +Rosanna home. During the ride to Sixty-fifth +Street, the Winters girl spoke scarcely a word. +Several times Penny cast a curious glance in her +direction.</p> +<p>Rosanna was the quiet type, she decided. A +striking brunette with a thoughtful, almost sad +face.</p> +<p>“I live at the next house,” the girl said as they +turned a corner. “The one on the right.”</p> +<p>It was a modest but not unattractive boarding +house. The porch was clean and the yard +more orderly than the majority in the neighborhood.</p> +<p>“I’m only staying here a few days until I can +<span class="pb" id="Page_13">[13]</span> +find another place,” Rosanna mentioned, feeling +that some explanation was due her companion.</p> +<p>“You are a stranger in Belton City?” Penny +guessed.</p> +<p>“Yes, I came here looking for work. But now +that won’t be necessary.” Rosanna hesitated, +and then, because Penny had seemed so very +friendly, decided to offer additional information. +“I am an orphan, Miss Nichols. Until +this week I had begun to think that fortune had +turned against me.”</p> +<p>“And now you’ve had a piece of good luck?”</p> +<p>“Yes,” Rosanna’s face glowed as she opened +her purse and took out the letter which Penny +had picked up from the escalator. “If you +hadn’t saved this for me, I should have lost +everything.”</p> +<p>“Then I’m glad I snatched it up in time,” +Penny smiled.</p> +<p>She could not imagine the contents of the +mysterious letter. It was all she could do to +keep from asking questions.</p> +<p>“I’d like to have you read it if you care to,” +<span class="pb" id="Page_14">[14]</span> +Rosanna said a trifle timidly. “I’m anxious to +learn the opinion of another person.”</p> +<p>“Why, I’ll be glad to look at it if you wish,” +Penny returned, a little surprised at the request. +“And as far as advice is concerned, I love to +offer it.”</p> +<p>She accepted the envelope which Rosanna +proffered. As she took out the folded letter a +key dropped out into her lap.</p> +<p>“What’s this?” Penny demanded.</p> +<p>Rosanna laughed nervously. “If what the +letter says is true, it seems to be the key to my +inheritance! But read the letter for yourself.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_15">[15]</div> +<h2 id="c2"><span class="small">CHAPTER II</span> +<br />A Mysterious Key</h2> +<p>Unfolding the paper, Penny noticed +that the message had been written +under the letterhead: “J.C. Elfhedge, +attorney, Brookport.” The communication +stated briefly that Rosanna Winters was the sole +heiress of the late Jacob Winters, her uncle, and +that she had inherited his mountainside estate +at Raven Ridge. A key to the property was enclosed. +She was urged to inspect the estate at +her earliest convenience.</p> +<p>“Well, what do you think of it?” Rosanna +questioned as Penny studied the letter in silence.</p> +<p>“Why, it’s fine,” Penny returned after a slight +hesitation. “Did you know Jacob Winters +well?”</p> +<p>“I didn’t know him at all. In fact I never +even met him.”</p> +<p>“Oh! Then the inheritance must have come +as a surprise.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_16">[16]</div> +<p>“It did. Even now I can’t help thinking there +must be some mistake. Did you ever hear of +Raven Ridge?”</p> +<p>“Yes, indeed,” Penny told her. “It is a lovely +spot near Snow Mountain.”</p> +<p>“I must go there as soon as I can,” Rosanna +said. “Will the car fare be very much do you +think?”</p> +<p>“Probably not more than ten dollars.”</p> +<p>“That’s a large sum for me,” Rosanna smiled +ruefully. “Of course, now that I’ve actually inherited +Uncle Jacob’s estate, I suppose I +shouldn’t worry about money.”</p> +<p>“Well, I shouldn’t spend lavishly until I was +certain there would be no slip-up about getting +the property,” Penny advised bluntly. “Perhaps +I shouldn’t say it, but there’s a certain tone +to this letter that I don’t like.”</p> +<p>“What do you mean?” Rosanna questioned.</p> +<p>Penny found it difficult to explain.</p> +<p>“Brookport is only a few miles from here and +yet I’ve never heard of a lawyer by the name of +Elfhedge. It seems a trifle strange too that he +should enclose a key to the property.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_17">[17]</div> +<p>“It struck me that way too at first,” Rosanna +admitted unwillingly. “Of course, I do have an +uncle named Jacob Winters—my mother often +spoke of him. He was always considered +queer.”</p> +<p>“It may be all right. No doubt you have inherited +a fortune. Only I think I’d be a trifle +cautious until I was certain it wasn’t a hoax.”</p> +<p>“But what can I do except to obey the letter +and visit the property?”</p> +<p>Penny glanced again at the letterhead. “Why +not visit this lawyer and have a talk with him? +Brookport isn’t far from here and it might save +you a trip to Raven Ridge.”</p> +<p>“Can I reach Brookport by train or bus?”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid not,” Penny said. “It’s off the +main line of travel. You haven’t a car of your +own or one you could borrow?”</p> +<p>“No.”</p> +<p>“I’ll take you to Brookport if you like,” +Penny offered generously. “We might go tomorrow.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I shouldn’t like to trouble you, Miss +Nichols. I can probably rent a car.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_18">[18]</div> +<p>“There’s no need of it for I would enjoy the +ride. Besides, I am curious to learn if there is +an attorney by the name of Elfhedge living in +Brookport. Suppose I call here for you around +ten o’clock tomorrow morning.”</p> +<p>“All right,” Rosanna smiled. “It’s good of +you to offer. Perhaps I can repay you someday.”</p> +<p>The girls parted, Penny driving directly to +her own home. Entering the house by the back +door she found Mrs. Gallup, the housekeeper, +cooking dinner. The kitchen was permeated +with the delightful aroma of frying chicken.</p> +<p>“Is Dad home yet?” Penny inquired, pausing +to sniff the air.</p> +<p>“He’s in the study,” the housekeeper informed.</p> +<p>Penny found Christopher Nichols occupied +at his desk. Sometimes it was difficult for her to +realize that she was the daughter of a detective +who had gained state-wide recognition for his +ability in solving baffling cases. Mr. Nichols +had served an apprenticeship on the police +force, had risen from the ranks, and later had +<span class="pb" id="Page_19">[19]</span> +started his own private detective agency. Yet, +despite his success, he was quiet and unaffected.</p> +<p>Mr. Nichols had no real hobbies and only two +absorbing interests in life—his work and his +daughter. Penny had been left motherless at +an early age. Because there had been only a +slight feminine influence in her life her outlook +upon the world was somewhat different from +that of the average high school girl. She thought +clearly and frankly spoke her mind. Yet if she +enjoyed an unusual amount of freedom for one +so young, she never abused the trust which her +father placed in her.</p> +<p>Penny loved adventure. Recently, somewhat +to her father’s chagrin, she had involved herself +with a daring gang of automobile thieves. The +story of her exciting encounter with underworld +characters has been recounted in the first +volume of the series, entitled, “Penny Nichols +Finds A Clue.”</p> +<p>“Now what?” Mr. Nichols demanded gruffly +as his daughter perched herself on the corner +of his desk. “Has that car of yours broken down +again?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_20">[20]</div> +<p>Penny laughed as she shook her head.</p> +<p>“No, believe it or not, I still have a few dollars +of my allowance left. I’m after information +this time.”</p> +<p>“What sort of information?”</p> +<p>“Preferably accurate,” Penny smiled. “Tell +me, did you ever hear of a lawyer by the name of +Elfhedge with an office at Brookport?”</p> +<p>“No, I never did,” Mr. Nichols returned instantly. +“There is an attorney in the Stover +building by the name of Hedgel. Perhaps +you’re mixed up.”</p> +<p>“I have the name right,” Penny insisted. She +then related the contents of Rosanna Winters’ +letter.</p> +<p>“It sounds like someone’s idea of a practical +joke,” Mr. Nichols declared. “I’d advise the +girl not to spend any money until she’s done a +little investigating.”</p> +<p>“That’s what I did tell her.”</p> +<p>“I’ll look this man Elfhedge up in a day or two +if you like,” Mr. Nichols promised. “It sounds +like a fictitious name to me but of course the +letter may be <i>bona fide</i>.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_21">[21]</div> +<p>Mrs. Gallup interrupted the discussion to +announce that dinner was ready. Immediately +after the meal had been served, Mr. Nichols left +for his office and Penny saw him no more that +evening. He left the house before she was up +the next morning so she had no opportunity to +explain that she was driving Rosanna Winters +to Brookport that day.</p> +<p>At ten o’clock she rang the doorbell of the +rooming house on Sixty-fifth Street. Rosanna +already was waiting.</p> +<p>“I thought you might have changed your +mind about wishing to make the trip,” she declared, +following Penny to the car.</p> +<p>“No, I’m more curious than ever to talk with +your lawyer. It will be wonderful, Rosanna, if +the estate turns out to be a valuable one.”</p> +<p>Rosanna smiled a trifle ruefully. “Yes, I will +have plenty of use for the money. I can’t believe +yet that Uncle Jacob left everything to +me.”</p> +<p>Penny refrained from saying anything which +might disturb Rosanna. Actually, she had not +the slightest reason for doubting that the girl +<span class="pb" id="Page_22">[22]</span> +had come into an inheritance, save that the letter +from Mr. Elfhedge did not have a genuine +tone. It occurred to her that a scheme might +be under way to induce the orphan to part with +her own savings.</p> +<p>During the ride to Brookport, Rosanna mentioned +a few of the hard experiences she had +undergone in the past year. First her mother +had died, then an aunt with whom she made her +home, likewise had been taken from her. She +found work of a sort in a grocery store, but long +hours and trying conditions had worn her down. +She had taken sick. Hospital bills claimed the +greater part of the money which her mother had +left her. She could not secure her old job back, +nor could she find a new one. In desperation +she had decided to come to Belton City, hoping +that she might secure a position there.</p> +<p>“You can imagine that I was pretty well discouraged +when the letter arrived from Mr. Elfhedge,” +Rosanna ended. “You don’t know +what a fright you gave me by suggesting that it +might be a hoax.”</p> +<p>“I’m sorry if I caused you worry. I had no +<span class="pb" id="Page_23">[23]</span> +reason for thinking that someone wrote the letter +for a joke.”</p> +<p>“Uncle Jacob was noted for doing queer +things,” Rosanna informed. “I never met him +but Mother often mentioned his name. He +was quite a traveler, I believe, and collecting +was his hobby.”</p> +<p>“What did he collect?”</p> +<p>“Oh, things from the Orient and antiques +from all over the world.”</p> +<p>“Then if you’ve come into his property, you +may have inherited some real treasures,” Penny +commented. “It would be fun to visit that +house at Raven Ridge.”</p> +<p>“Yes, but I dread going there alone. Penny, +I wish you could go with me.”</p> +<p>“I wish I could too, but I guess I’ll have to +stay at Belton City this summer.”</p> +<p>It was only a little after eleven o’clock when +the girls reached Brookport. The town was +less than a hundred thousand population and +Penny had no trouble in finding the main business +section. After cruising about for some +minutes, they located the street where Mr. Elfhedge +<span class="pb" id="Page_24">[24]</span> +had his office. The number which they +sought brought them to an imposing seven-story +brick building.</p> +<p>Penny parked the roadster and they went inside, +searching the directory for Mr. Elfhedge’s +name. It was not listed.</p> +<p>“That’s odd,” Rosanna remarked with a +troubled frown. “His office must be here somewhere +in the building.”</p> +<p>Penny went over to make inquiry of the elevator +boy.</p> +<p>“There’s no one in this building by that +name,” he insisted.</p> +<p>Thinking that the boy might be misinformed, +Penny and Rosanna sought the building superintendent. +To satisfy them, the man looked +carefully through his list of tenants. No one by +the name of Elfhedge occupied an office in the +building.</p> +<p>“There is an attorney in Room 309 but his +name is Rogers,” the superintendent told the +girls. “You might talk with him. He may +know this man Elfhedge.”</p> +<p>They went up to Room 309 and after a brief +<span class="pb" id="Page_25">[25]</span> +wait were ushered into the lawyer’s private office. +Rosanna was too shy to state the purpose +of her visit, so Penny explained why they had +come. The lawyer had never heard of a colleague +by the name of Elfhedge.</p> +<p>“He’s never been in this building and I doubt +that he’s even located in the city,” they were +told. “You must have made a mistake in the +address.”</p> +<p>The girls had made no mistake, that they +knew. The address was plainly written on the +outside of the envelope which Rosanna had in +her purse. She showed it to the lawyer.</p> +<p>“Yes, that seems to be this building,” he admitted. +“It looks as if someone used a fake +address.”</p> +<p>They left the office completely discouraged. +Penny felt sorry for her companion. Rosanna +had counted so heavily upon the inheritance. +Now it appeared that someone had played a +cruel joke upon her.</p> +<p>“You were right,” Rosanna acknowledged as +they walked slowly back to the car. “You were +suspicious of that letter from the first.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_26">[26]</div> +<p>“It struck me as peculiar that it was written in +longhand instead of on a typewriter,” Penny +explained.</p> +<p>“I suppose it is nothing but a joke,” Rosanna +acknowledged, “and yet why should a key be +enclosed in the letter?”</p> +<p>“It’s beyond me, Rosanna. Even if the trip +is wasted, you might feel better about it if you +went to Raven Ridge and investigated.”</p> +<p>“I’d go in an instant if I had the money to +spare.”</p> +<p>“I’ll loan it to you.”</p> +<p>Rosanna shook her head.</p> +<p>“No, I can’t take it although it’s kind of you +to offer.”</p> +<p>“I wish I could help you, Rosanna.”</p> +<p>“You’ve helped me a great deal already. Perhaps +a little later on I’ll find some way of getting +to Raven Ridge.”</p> +<p>Penny tried to urge the loan, but Rosanna, +who was unusually proud, would not hear of it. +The girls parted at the latter’s boarding house +on Sixty-fifth Street.</p> +<p>“I’ll see you within a day or two,” Penny +<span class="pb" id="Page_27">[27]</span> +promised as she drove away. “Perhaps by that +time Father will learn something about Mr. +Elfhedge.”</p> +<p>She did not really believe that Mr. Nichols +could find anything to report. Doubtless, the +name had been a fictitious one. Yet who had +played the joke upon Rosanna and for what +purpose?</p> +<p>“There’s more to the affair than what appears +on the surface,” she reflected. “If only I had the +chance, I’d do a little investigating.”</p> +<p>Penny smiled at the thought, little dreaming +that such an opportunity was to present itself +very shortly.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_28">[28]</div> +<h2 id="c3"><span class="small">CHAPTER III</span> +<br />An Arrogant Guest</h2> +<p>That evening at the dinner table Penny +told her father about the unsuccessful +trip to Brookport.</p> +<p>“It looks like someone played a practical joke +on your friend,” he commented.</p> +<p>“But who could be so mean, Dad? Rosanna +has had such a desperately hard time to get +along. Now if she wastes money going to Raven +Ridge on a fruitless visit, it won’t seem fair.”</p> +<p>“Well, it’s likely to amount to just that,” +Mr. Nichols returned. “I tried to locate that +attorney, Elfhedge today.”</p> +<p>“Any luck?”</p> +<p>“No, I doubt if such a person exists.”</p> +<p>“So do I,” Penny agreed. “By the way, what +became of the newspaper today? I wanted to +read up about the department store theft.”</p> +<p>“To see if your name was mentioned?” her +father teased.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_29">[29]</div> +<p>“No, I was just curious to learn if the thief +was captured.”</p> +<p>“I can set your mind at rest on that point,” +Mr. Nichols informed. “He wasn’t. If you’re +interested in the details, you’ll find the paper on +the front porch.”</p> +<p>Penny helped Mrs. Gallup clear the table of +dishes, then went outside to get the paper. The +story appeared on the front page. It was a +slightly distorted version of what had happened +and Penny was just as well pleased that her +name was not mentioned. According to the account, +the thief had escaped by means of a rear +fire escape. The ring, valued at approximately +nine hundred dollars, was fully covered by insurance.</p> +<p>While Penny was reading the story, Mr. +Nichols came out and sat on the porch steps.</p> +<p>“How would you like to take a little trip?” he +asked casually.</p> +<p>Penny dropped the newspaper. “With you?” +she questioned eagerly.</p> +<p>“Yes, I’ve been working hard lately and I feel +like taking a rest over the week end.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_30">[30]</div> +<p>“Where will we go?”</p> +<p>“I thought of Mt. Ashland. It will be cool +in the mountains and at this time of year the +hotels will not be too crowded.”</p> +<p>“Why, Mt. Ashland isn’t very far from Snow +Mountain, is it?” Penny demanded with interest. +“I’m going to look it up on the map.”</p> +<p>She ran into the house for the big red atlas. +A moment later she returned, her eyes dancing +with excitement.</p> +<p>“Mt. Ashland isn’t more than a two hours’ +drive from Snow Mountain,” she told her father.</p> +<p>“And just what difference does it make?”</p> +<p>“Why, Raven Ridge is located on Snow +Mountain, you know.”</p> +<p>“Oh! So that’s what you have in your mind!”</p> +<p>Penny perched herself on her father’s knee, +smiling her most beguiling smile.</p> +<p>“Never mind, you little tease,” he said hastily. +“I give in.”</p> +<p>“You don’t even know what I want,” she +laughed.</p> +<p>“Yes, I do. You want to take this new friend +of yours along with us.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_31">[31]</div> +<p>“I think it would be nice, don’t you?” Penny +beamed. “Then while you’re having a good +rest at Mt. Ashland we could drive on to Raven +Ridge. Rosanna could investigate her property +there, if she has any, and it wouldn’t cost her +much of anything to make the trip.”</p> +<p>“You seem to have it well planned,” the detective +marveled.</p> +<p>“Well, what’s wrong with the idea?”</p> +<p>“Nothing. We’ll take her along if she wants +to go. She may help keep you out of mischief.”</p> +<p>“When do we start?” Penny demanded gaily.</p> +<p>“Tomorrow afternoon as soon as I can get +away from the office.”</p> +<p>“Then I’ll dash over to see Rosanna now and +ask if she can go with us,” Penny announced.</p> +<p>Without giving her father an opportunity to +change his mind, she hurried to the garage for +her roadster. At the rooming house on Sixty-fifth +Street, the landlady, a stout woman with +a tired, lined face, admitted her.</p> +<p>“Miss Winters has the attic room,” she informed. +“Five flights up.”</p> +<p>At the top of the last flight Penny paused to +<span class="pb" id="Page_32">[32]</span> +catch her breath before rapping on Rosanna’s +door. The orphan was a trifle startled at seeing +her.</p> +<p>“Do come in,” she said cordially.</p> +<p>The room was oppressive and warm, although +the tiny windows were open wide. A bed, a +chest of drawers, two chairs and a cracked +mirror composed the entire furniture.</p> +<p>“I don’t expect to stay here long,” Rosanna +said apologetically. “I thought it would do +until I found work.”</p> +<p>“Why, of course,” Penny agreed instantly. +“Did you have any luck today?”</p> +<p>Rosanna shook her head and sank wearily +down upon the bed.</p> +<p>“No, everywhere I went it was the same old +story. I’m beginning to think I’ll never find +employment.”</p> +<p>“Perhaps you’ll not need it if you come into +an inheritance,” Penny smiled. “Rosanna, I’ve +found a way for you to get to Raven Ridge.”</p> +<p>The orphan’s face brightened but for a full +minute after Penny had explained the plan, she +sat silent.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_33">[33]</div> +<p>“Don’t you want to go?” Penny asked, perplexed.</p> +<p>“Yes, of course I do. It isn’t that. You’ve +been so good and kind to me. I’ll never be able +to repay you for your trouble and expense.”</p> +<p>“Nonsense! The trip will be more fun if you +go along, Rosanna. Besides, I have an overwhelming +curiosity to see Raven Ridge and +your uncle’s estate. Please say you’ll go.”</p> +<p>“All right, I will,” Rosanna gave in.</p> +<p>“Good. Father and I will stop for you tomorrow. +I must get back home now and start +packing.”</p> +<p>Penny clattered down the creaking, narrow +stairway and disappeared into the night.</p> +<p>Although the trip was only a short one, and +at the longest would occupy less than a week’s +time, Penny spent many hours planning her +wardrobe. She packed an evening gown, several +afternoon frocks, and sports clothes. Then, +reflecting that Rosanna would not be so well +fixed, she hung the garments back in the closet, +substituting her plainest dresses.</p> +<p>“There, that will be much better,” she +<span class="pb" id="Page_34">[34]</span> +decided. “A wise traveler goes light anyway.”</p> +<p>At three o’clock the following afternoon, +Penny and her father stopped at Rosanna’s +rooming house to pick up the orphan. She was +waiting on the porch, and as Penny had thought, +confined her luggage to one overnight bag.</p> +<p>At first the road to Mt. Ashland wound +through fertile valleys and low hills. Gradually, +they climbed. The curves became more frequent. +Tall pines bordered the roadside.</p> +<p>Six o’clock found the party well into the +mountains, although still some miles from their +destination. Noticing a pleasant little inn at the +top of a ridge, they stopped for dinner which +was served on the veranda overlooking a beautiful +valley.</p> +<p>“I wonder if Raven Ridge will be as pretty +as this?” Rosanna mused.</p> +<p>“It’s even more beautiful,” Mr. Nichols told +her. “The scenery is very impressive.”</p> +<p>Before they arose from the table it was growing +dusk for they had lingered to watch the +sunset.</p> +<p>“It’s just as well that I wired ahead for hotel +<span class="pb" id="Page_35">[35]</span> +reservations,” Mr. Nichols remarked as they +hurried to the parked car. “Getting in after +dark it wouldn’t be so pleasant to find all the +rooms taken.”</p> +<p>At exactly nine o’clock the twinkling lights +of the Mt. Ashland Hotel were sighted, and a +few minutes later the automobile drew up in +front of the large white rambling building. An +attendant took the car and they all went inside.</p> +<p>“I doubt if you’ll get rooms here tonight, +sir,” a bellboy told the detective as he carried +the luggage to the main desk. “There’s been a +big rush of guests this week-end.”</p> +<p>Mr. Nichols was not disturbed. At the desk +he merely gave the clerk his name, claiming the +two rooms which he had reserved by wire.</p> +<p>“We saved two very fine rooms for you,” the +clerk returned politely. “Both overlook the +valley.”</p> +<p>While Mr. Nichols signed the register, Penny +and Rosanna sat down nearby. Their attention +was drawn to the main entrance. A large touring +car had pulled up to the door. A pompous +looking woman of middle age and a younger +<span class="pb" id="Page_36">[36]</span> +woman, evidently her daughter, had alighted. +Both were elegantly if somewhat conspicuously +dressed. Several suitcases, hat boxes and miscellaneous +packages were unloaded. The older +woman carried a fat lapdog in her arms.</p> +<p>“They seem to have brought everything but +the bird cage,” Penny said in an undertone.</p> +<p>The two women walked up to the desk.</p> +<p>“I am Mrs. Everett Leeds,” the one with the +dog announced a trifle too loudly. “I have a +reservation.”</p> +<p>“Just a minute please,” the clerk requested.</p> +<p>It seemed to Penny that he looked disturbed +as he thumbed through his cards.</p> +<p>“There is no occasion for delay,” Mrs. Leeds +declared blandly. “My daughter and I always +engage the same room—305.”</p> +<p>“Why, that was the number of one of the +rooms assigned to my party,” Mr. Nichols observed.</p> +<p>“There’s been some mix-up,” the clerk said +in distress. He turned again to the two women. +“Your reservation isn’t on file, Mrs. Leeds. +When did you send the wire?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_37">[37]</div> +<p>“I reserved the room by letter,” the woman +informed him coldly.</p> +<p>“It was never received here I am sure.”</p> +<p>“No doubt the letter was lost.”</p> +<p>“You are certain it was sent?”</p> +<p>“Of course I am,” Mrs. Leeds declared icily. +“My daughter mailed it. Didn’t you, Alicia, +my dear?”</p> +<p>A queer expression passed over the girl’s face. +It struck Penny that she probably had forgotten +to post the letter. However, Alicia staunchly +maintained that she had.</p> +<p>“It’s most provoking that you have misplaced +the reservation,” Mrs. Leeds said irritably to +the clerk. “But of course we can have the +room?”</p> +<p>“I am afraid that is impossible, Mrs. Leeds. +The room you wanted was reserved for two +young ladies.” With a nod of his head the clerk +indicated Penny and Rosanna.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds and her daughter turned to stare +somewhat haughtily.</p> +<p>“What other room can you give us then?” the +woman demanded angrily.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_38">[38]</div> +<p>The clerk cast Mr. Nichols a despairing +glance. He knew he was in for trouble.</p> +<p>“Practically everything is taken, Mrs. Leeds. +In fact the only available room is on the top +floor.”</p> +<p>“And you expect us to take that?” Mrs. Leeds +cried, her voice rising until everyone in the +lobby could hear. “I never heard of such outrageous +treatment. Call the manager!”</p> +<p>Penny had risen to her feet. She moved +quickly forward.</p> +<p>“There’s no need to do that,” she said pleasantly. +“If Rosanna doesn’t mind, I am perfectly +willing to exchange rooms with Mrs. Leeds.”</p> +<p>“Why, of course,” Rosanna agreed. “It +doesn’t matter to me where I sleep.”</p> +<p>Satisfied at having her own way, Mrs. Leeds +quieted down. She even thanked the girls +graciously for the sacrifice they had made. The +clerk gave out the keys.</p> +<p>“Why did you do that?” Mr. Nichols asked +gruffly as he and the girls followed a bellboy +to the elevator. “Your room up by the roof will +be hot as blazes.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_39">[39]</div> +<p>“I know, but I didn’t see any sense in making +such a fuss over a room, Dad. Besides, it’s only +for one night.”</p> +<p>“I’d insist that you girls take my room if it had +a double bed.”</p> +<p>Penny shook her head.</p> +<p>“No, you came here for a rest. Rosanna and +I really won’t mind.”</p> +<p>The three entered the elevator and a minute +later Mrs. Leeds and her daughter likewise +stepped into the lift.</p> +<p>“I hope you girls will not find it uncomfortable +on the top floor,” Mrs. Leeds remarked, +trying to make pleasant conversation.</p> +<p>“It isn’t very warm tonight,” Penny returned +politely. “Besides, it will only be for one night. +We’re going on to Raven Ridge in the morning.”</p> +<p>The elevator was whizzing them upward.</p> +<p>“Did you say Raven Ridge?” Mrs. Leeds questioned +sharply.</p> +<p>“Yes.”</p> +<p>A queer expression had come into Mrs. Leeds +sharp, blue eyes. She seemed on the verge of +<span class="pb" id="Page_40">[40]</span> +speaking, then apparently changed her mind.</p> +<p>The elevator stopped at the third floor. +Without a word, the woman urged her daughter +out the door, following her down the hall.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_41">[41]</div> +<h2 id="c4"><span class="small">CHAPTER IV</span> +<br />A Face at the Window</h2> +<p>The little room on the top floor of the +hotel was as hot and unpleasant as Mr. +Nichols had predicted. Even with all +the windows open wide the air still seemed +close.</p> +<p>“Rosanna, I shouldn’t have forced you into +this,” Penny said apologetically.</p> +<p>“I’ve slept in far worse places than this,” +Rosanna laughed. “We have a comfortable +bed and a private bath. I didn’t fare half so +well at Mrs. Bridges.”</p> +<p>“You’re a good sport anyway, Rosanna. +That’s more than could be said for Mrs. Leeds +or her daughter.”</p> +<p>“I wonder how old the girl is? She looked +about our age.”</p> +<p>“I’d guess she was two or three years older,” +Penny returned. “She had so much paint on it +was hard to tell.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_42">[42]</div> +<p>Both girls were tired from the long day’s drive. +Rosanna immediately began to undress. Penny +sat on the edge of the bed, thoughtfully staring +into space.</p> +<p>“Did it strike you as queer the way Mrs. Leeds +acted when I mentioned we were going to Raven +Ridge tomorrow?” she questioned her companion.</p> +<p>Rosanna kicked off her slippers before replying.</p> +<p>“Well, come to think of it, she did look a little +startled. She put on such a scene downstairs +that I didn’t pay much attention.”</p> +<p>“We’ll probably never see her again.” With +a shrug of her slim shoulders Penny arose and +began to unpack her overnight bag.</p> +<p>According to the plan which they had worked +out with Mr. Nichols, the girls expected to leave +for Raven Ridge the next morning directly after +breakfast. It was their intention to motor to +the mountain resort, inspect the Winters’ property +and see if they could learn anything concerning +Rosanna’s uncle. They intended to return +either the next night or the one following.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_43">[43]</div> +<p>Few guests were abroad when the detective +joined the girls at breakfast. It was only a little +after seven o’clock.</p> +<p>“Sleep well?” he inquired, looking over the +menu.</p> +<p>“Not very,” Penny admitted truthfully. She +might have added more had not Mrs. Leeds and +her daughter entered the dining room at that +moment. The two bowed slightly and selected +a table in the opposite corner of the room.</p> +<p>“Social climbers,” Mr. Nichols said in an +undertone. “I can tell their type a mile away.”</p> +<p>Breakfast finished, the girls prepared to leave +for Raven Ridge. Their bags were already +packed and downstairs.</p> +<p>“Now drive cautiously over the mountain +roads,” the detective warned as he accompanied +the girls to the waiting car. “If you can’t get +back by evening send me a wire.”</p> +<p>As Penny took her place at the steering +wheel she observed that Mrs. Leeds’ automobile +had been brought to the hotel entrance by an +attendant. Apparently, she too was making an +early morning departure.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_44">[44]</div> +<p>“You’re not listening to a word I am saying!” +Mr. Nichols said severely.</p> +<p>“Yes, I am.” Penny’s attention came back +to the conversation. “I’ll drive carefully and +deliver your precious car back to you without +a scratch.”</p> +<p>“I wasn’t exactly worried about the car.”</p> +<p>“Well, there’s no need to be uneasy about +Rosanna or me. We’ll have no trouble.”</p> +<p>With a laugh of careless confidence, Penny +started the car and drove slowly away. It was +not the first time she had driven over mountainous +roads. She handled the wheel exceptionally +well and used due caution on all of the +sharp curves. The brakes were good but she +dared not apply them too steadily on the steep +inclines.</p> +<p>“We’ll have to rush if we get back to Mt. +Ashland this evening,” Penny announced, slowing +down to read a signpost. “I declare, a mountain +mile seems to be three times the length of +an ordinary mile.”</p> +<p>They had gone only a short distance farther +when a tire went down. Penny knew it instantly +<span class="pb" id="Page_45">[45]</span> +by the feel of the steering wheel. She +pulled off at the side of the road.</p> +<p>“Now we are in it,” she said in deep disgust. +“At least ten miles from a garage. I can change +wheels on my own car, but I doubt if I can on +Dad’s automobile.”</p> +<p>The girls waited for a few minutes hoping +that someone would come along to help. When +no one did, Penny dragged out the tools, and +after considerable trouble succeeded in jacking +up the rear axle.</p> +<p>“I see a car coming,” Rosanna reported hopefully.</p> +<p>“Let’s flag it,” Penny suggested. “I could do +with a little masculine help.”</p> +<p>In response to her signal of distress, the approaching +automobile slowed down. The +driver was a man and there were no passengers.</p> +<p>“He’s stopping,” Penny said in relief.</p> +<p>There was a screech of brakes as the automobile +came almost to a standstill. Then surprisingly, +it speeded up again. But not before +Penny had caught a fleeting glimpse of the +driver’s face.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_46">[46]</div> +<p>“Well, of all things!” Rosanna exclaimed indignantly. +“I call that a mean trick.”</p> +<p>“I believe he was afraid to stop,” Penny announced +excitedly. “I think I recognized him. +It was the same man who stole the ring from +Bresham’s Department Store!”</p> +<p>“Are you sure?” Rosanna demanded incredulously.</p> +<p>“I couldn’t be absolutely certain, of course. +He was traveling too fast for me to catch more +than a passing glimpse of his face. But if he +didn’t recognize us, why did he slow down and +then speed up?”</p> +<p>“He did act suspiciously. But what can we +do about it?”</p> +<p>“Nothing, I’m afraid. We may as well devote +our energies to this wheel.”</p> +<p>Rosanna was more than eager to help but she +had never even seen a tire changed and had no +idea how to go about it. After a little annoying +experimentation, Penny got the wheel in place +and tightened the lugs.</p> +<p>“There, it’s done,” she said in relief, “but +my dress is a mess. I’m afraid we’ll have to stop +<span class="pb" id="Page_47">[47]</span> +at the first garage and have the old wheel fixed, +for I don’t carry another spare.”</p> +<p>A signpost at the next bend in the road advised +them that Simpson’s Garage was located +only six miles away. They made it in a few +minutes. There was no town, only a post office, +one general store, and the garage which obviously +was a remodeled blacksmith shop.</p> +<p>“I’m glad it’s nothing more than a tire which +needs repairing,” Penny commented as the garageman +came to learn what they wanted.</p> +<p>He promised that the tire would be ready in +half an hour. Glancing at her wrist watch, +Penny saw that it was already past lunch time. +She inquired if there was a cafe nearby.</p> +<p>“Not in Hamilton, there ain’t,” the garageman +told her. “Ma Stevens, across the street in +the big white house, serves meals to tourists now +and then.”</p> +<p>Rather than spend an unpleasant half hour +in the garage, the girls walked over to the rambling +white house. They were reassured to see +that the yard was well kept and that everything +appeared orderly and clean.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_48">[48]</div> +<p>“Let’s take a chance on the food,” Penny decided. +“I’m hungry enough to eat a fried +board!”</p> +<p>Mrs. Stevens, a motherly looking woman in +a blue checked gingham dress, opened the door. +She looked slightly troubled at their request for +food.</p> +<p>“It’s later than I usually serve,” she explained. +Then noticing their disappointed faces, she +added hastily: “But if you’re not too particular, +I can find you something.”</p> +<p>The “something” consisted of a generous +platter of mountain trout, fresh from the stream +and fried to a golden brown, French fried potatoes, +a salad, and cherry pie.</p> +<p>“Dear me, after such a meal, we may not be +able to get to Raven Ridge,” Penny remarked, +finishing her second piece of pie. “I never ate +so much in my life.”</p> +<p>“Did you say you were going to Raven +Ridge?” Mrs. Stevens inquired.</p> +<p>“Yes, we’re waiting now to have a tire +patched.”</p> +<p>“You’re the second party through here today +<span class="pb" id="Page_49">[49]</span> +that’s heading for Raven Ridge,” Mrs. Stevens +informed. “A man stopped for lunch about an +hour ago. Only he thought it wasn’t cooked +well enough for him.”</p> +<p>“He must have been particular,” Penny commented. +“What did he look like?”</p> +<p>“He was tall and dark and he had a sharp way +of watching one.”</p> +<p>“I wonder if it could have been that man who +passed us on the road?” Penny mused. “Was +he driving a gray coupé?”</p> +<p>“Yes, I believe he was.”</p> +<p>Penny was convinced that the man Mrs. +Stevens described was the same person who had +declined to help her on the road. She wondered +what business took him to Raven Ridge. Could +she have been mistaken in believing him to be +the thief who had stolen the diamond ring?</p> +<p>Paying for the luncheon, the girls went back +to the garage. The tire was ready for them. +Soon they were on their way again.</p> +<p>They had driven for perhaps an hour when +Penny observed that the road seemed to be leading +them out of the mountains. She began to +<span class="pb" id="Page_50">[50]</span> +wonder if they had taken a wrong turn. She +stopped at the next filling station to inquire. +To her dismay, she was told that she had traveled +nearly twenty miles out of her way.</p> +<p>“I thought this didn’t seem like the right +road,” Penny declared ruefully to her companion. +“Now we’ll be lucky to get to Raven Ridge +by dinner time, to say nothing of returning to +Mt. Ashland tonight.”</p> +<p>“I’ve put you to a great deal of trouble,” Rosanna +said regretfully.</p> +<p>“Not at all. This trip to Raven Ridge is an +adventure, and I like it. It will be more fun to +stay over night anyway.”</p> +<p>An occasional road marker reassured the girls +that at last they were on the right highway. The +mountain curves were sharp, and Penny did not +make as good time as she had anticipated. She +became a little alarmed to see that storm clouds +were rapidly gathering.</p> +<p>“It looks as if we may have rain,” Rosanna +commented.</p> +<p>“A great deal of it, I’d judge. Those clouds +are black as ink.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_51">[51]</div> +<p>In less than half an hour the storm struck +them in full force. A great gust of wind dashed +huge drops of water against the windshield, +there was a vivid flash of lightning, then the rain +came down in steady sheets.</p> +<p>Even with the wiper going Penny could see +only a few feet ahead of the windshield. She +pulled up under a huge oak tree at the side of +the road. The girls waited a quarter of an hour +and still the rain fell in torrents. At length, +however, it slackened slightly, and not wishing +to lose any more time, Penny cautiously drove +on.</p> +<p>“It can’t last much longer,” Rosanna said +optimistically.</p> +<p>Despite her hopeful words, the rain showed +no sign of stopping. Penny reconciled herself +to a slow pace for the remainder of the journey. +She was beginning to grow tired. Her back and +arms ached and it was a strain to keep such close +watch of the road.</p> +<p>With the sun hidden from view, night came +on early. Nervous at the thought of driving +over unfamiliar mountain roads after dark, the +<span class="pb" id="Page_52">[52]</span> +girls did not stop for dinner. Nine o’clock, in +a pouring rain, found them drawn up at a filling +station to inquire how much farther it was +to Raven Ridge.</p> +<p>“Why, you’re practically there now,” the attendant +informed. “What place are you looking +for?”</p> +<p>“The Jacob Winters’ estate,” Penny replied.</p> +<p>“Then keep on this road for about two miles +more. When you come to the top of the ridge, +take the gravel road to the left. It will lead you +to the house. There’s no one there though, unless +maybe a caretaker.”</p> +<p>“Oh,” Penny murmured, “then perhaps you +can direct us to a place where we can spend the +night.”</p> +<p>“The nearest is at the town of Andover, five +miles beyond the Winters’ place.”</p> +<p>The girls thanked the man for his assistance, +and once more followed the winding road up +the mountainside.</p> +<p>“Shall we go on to Andover or stop at +the Winters’ house?” Penny asked her companion.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_53">[53]</div> +<p>“I don’t know what to do,” Rosanna faltered. +“We’re both so tired.”</p> +<p>“The place surely must have a caretaker, +Rosanna. Let’s take a chance and stop.”</p> +<p>At the top of the ridge they watched for the +gravel road and were elated to find it. The entrance +was barred by a white gate. Rosanna +stepped out in the rain to open it.</p> +<p>“This may have been a foolish thing to do,” +Penny admitted as they drove between tall rows +of whispering pines. “We could have gone on +to Andover only I dreaded driving down the +mountainside with slippery roads.”</p> +<p>Rosanna huddled closer to her friend. The +road was dark and the rustling of the wind in +the pine needles made her uneasy.</p> +<p>Soon they came within view of the house. +It was built of native stone, half hidden by the +luxuriant growth of shrubbery and trees which +surrounded it. No lights gleamed in the windows.</p> +<p>“There’s no one here,” Rosanna declared.</p> +<p>“Let’s knock anyway. The caretaker may be +at the rear somewhere.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_54">[54]</div> +<p>They parked the car as close to the front door +as possible and made a dash for the porch. +Penny knocked several times on the massive +door but there was no response.</p> +<p>“We might try your key, Rosanna,” she proposed. +“If it fits I’ll begin to think there’s something +to that mysterious letter you received.”</p> +<p>Rosanna groped in her pocketbook for the +key. Impatient for action, Penny turned the +handle of the door. To her astonishment the +latch clicked.</p> +<p>“Why, the door is already unlocked, Rosanna!”</p> +<p>“But of course we won’t dare go in.”</p> +<p>“Why not?”</p> +<p>“Well, it doesn’t seem right. The people may +not be at home.”</p> +<p>“Someone must be around or the door +wouldn’t be unlocked. Besides, you have a key, +Rosanna. And according to the letter, this is +your inheritance.”</p> +<p>Penny swung wide the door. She peered inside +but could see nothing. Her hand groped +for the electric switch. She found the button +<span class="pb" id="Page_55">[55]</span> +by the door and pressed it. Instantly everything +was flooded with light.</p> +<p>The girls found themselves in a long, narrow +living room. The ceiling was beamed, the +furniture was rustic, and a great fireplace occupied +one end of the wall.</p> +<p>Penny crossed over to the hearth. There was +no fire but logs were in readiness to make one.</p> +<p>“I don’t feel right about coming in here,” +Rosanna said nervously.</p> +<p>“Nonsense, if it’s your property you’re not +trespassing,” Penny insisted. “Besides, it looks +to me as if you were expected, for everything +seems in readiness for guests. I’m going to +build a fire and see if I can’t thaw out my chilled +bones.”</p> +<p>Reluctantly, Rosanna went to help her. Soon +they had a roaring fire in the hearth. As they +grew more comfortable they took more interest +in their surroundings. The room was plainly +but expensively furnished. Curious objects +from many lands occupied the tables and bric-a-brac +shelves.</p> +<p>“Your uncle must have lived an interesting +<span class="pb" id="Page_56">[56]</span> +life,” Penny commented, picking up a tiny ivory +box from a nearby stand.</p> +<p>“Yes, Mother often told me——”</p> +<p>Rosanna’s voice broke in the midst of the +sentence. Turning, Penny saw that her friend’s +eyes were fastened upon the window. All color +had drained from Rosanna’s face. Her eyes +were dilated with fear.</p> +<p>“What is it?” Penny demanded.</p> +<p>Rosanna clutched her hand.</p> +<p>“I saw someone just then,” she whispered. +“A man’s face at the window!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_57">[57]</div> +<h2 id="c5"><span class="small">CHAPTER V</span> +<br />The Lost Key</h2> +<p>Penny turned quickly toward the window. +She saw nothing save the rain trickling +down the panes.</p> +<p>“You must have imagined it, Rosanna.”</p> +<p>“No, I didn’t. I know I saw a face.”</p> +<p>Rosanna huddled close to Penny. She was +afraid.</p> +<p>“I’ll go and look out,” Penny proposed daringly.</p> +<p>Before Rosanna could stop her she moved to +the door and flung it open. A man in oilskins +confronted her. His face was half hidden +by the felt hat which he wore low over his +eyes.</p> +<p>“What do you want?” Penny asked nervously.</p> +<p>Without answering, the man stepped into the +room. Under the electric light he did not look +as terrifying as he had at first glance. Penny +saw when he swept off his dripping hat that he +<span class="pb" id="Page_58">[58]</span> +was an elderly man although spry for his years. +She felt slightly reassured.</p> +<p>“I came to find out what you mean by entering +Mr. Winters’ house when he’s away?” the +man demanded curtly. “Don’t stand there staring +like a blind owl! Answer.”</p> +<p>Rosanna had completely lost her power of +speech, so Penny tried to explain the situation. +She told how they had been caught by the storm +and mentioned Rosanna’s key and letter which +gave her right to investigate the property.</p> +<p>“So you’re old Jacob Winters’ niece?” the man +questioned gruffly, peering intently at Rosanna. +“At least that’s what you say.”</p> +<p>“Of course he’s my uncle, although I never +saw him,” Rosanna defended. “I can prove it +by my letter.”</p> +<p>“Probably wrote it yourself,” the man +snapped. “But let’s see it anyway.”</p> +<p>“Just a minute,” Penny interposed, feeling +that it was time the newcomer answered a few +questions of his own. “Are you the caretaker +of this house?”</p> +<p>“Yes, and no. I’m a neighbor of Mr. Winters +<span class="pb" id="Page_59">[59]</span> +and he asked me to keep an eye on his house +while he was away. I saw the light in the windows +and came to see what was wrong.”</p> +<p>“My uncle is dead,” Rosanna said quietly. +“I have inherited the estate.”</p> +<p>“Jacob Winters dead!” the man exploded. +“Why, I had a card from him last week. Mailed +from some place down in Africa. Let me see +that letter you claim to have.”</p> +<p>Rosanna opened her pocketbook and searched +for it. A troubled look came over her face. She +was certain she had placed both the letter and +the key in the inside compartment. Now she +could find neither.</p> +<p>“So you haven’t got it?” the man said suspiciously.</p> +<p>“I must have it somewhere. I can’t imagine +how I misplaced it. You remember the letter +don’t you, Penny?”</p> +<p>“Of course. You had it in your pocketbook +the last time I saw it. We’re telling you the +absolute truth Mr.——”</p> +<p>“Caleb Eckert,” he supplied. “If you didn’t +have a key how did you get into the house?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_60">[60]</div> +<p>“Why, the door was open—that is, it was unlocked,” +Penny explained.</p> +<p>Caleb Eckert peered at her sharply as if trying +to make up his mind if she were speaking the +truth. Rosanna, who by this time had emptied +her purse out upon the table, was growing more +upset every minute.</p> +<p>“Oh, let’s leave this house, Penny,” she burst +out. “I’ve lost the letter and the key and so +we’ve no right to be here at all. I didn’t mean +to trespass. I wish we’d never have come at all. +That letter has caused me so much grief.”</p> +<p>Rosanna looked as if she might cry at any moment. +Caleb Eckert softened.</p> +<p>“Now, I wouldn’t want you to go out into +this storm. As far as I’m concerned you may stay +here for the night.”</p> +<p>“We don’t care to intrude,” Rosanna said +stiffly.</p> +<p>“It isn’t safe to go down the mountain in this +rain,” the man declared, adopting a more +friendly tone. “Now don’t be offended by the +way I acted. My bark is worse than my bite.”</p> +<p>“We can’t blame you for being suspicious,” +<span class="pb" id="Page_61">[61]</span> +Penny admitted. “It may be that someone +played a joke on Rosanna in sending her the +letter and key. We were afraid of that from +the first.”</p> +<p>Caleb Eckert’s eyes roved to the crackling fire, +then to the splattered windows.</p> +<p>“Tell you what,” he proposed gruffly. “You +girls stay here for the night. In the morning +we’ll see if we can’t straighten things out.”</p> +<p>“But if Mr. Winters is alive we have no right +to use this house,” Rosanna protested weakly.</p> +<p>“You’re his niece, aren’t you?” Caleb demanded. +“Jacob Winters wouldn’t turn anyone +out in a storm, much less one of his own kin +folks. Have you had supper?”</p> +<p>The girls admitted that they had not had any +food since lunch time. Caleb led them to the +kitchen, showing them where canned goods were +stored.</p> +<p>“If you’re handy with a can opener there’s +no need to starve,” he declared.</p> +<p>The girls thanked him for his trouble. Rosanna +timidly ventured a few questions concerning +her uncle.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_62">[62]</div> +<p>“Did you never see him?” Caleb asked.</p> +<p>“No, once I wrote him a letter but he never +answered. I’ve heard Uncle Jacob was very eccentric.”</p> +<p>“Some might call him that. He liked to live +alone and mind his own business which is more +than most folks do. He traveled a lot too. I +guess he must have visited every country in the +world.” He added slyly: “If Jacob <i>is</i> dead, +you’ll come into possession of some valuable +things.”</p> +<p>“I hope that nothing has happened to him,” +Rosanna said sincerely. “I don’t really care for +riches. All I want is a home.”</p> +<p>“Jacob Winters never liked girls.”</p> +<p>“I know,” Rosanna sighed. “I guess that’s +why he never answered my letter.”</p> +<p>“You counted a lot on the inheritance, didn’t +you?” Caleb questioned shrewdly.</p> +<p>Rosanna flushed but did not deny the accusation.</p> +<p>“I thought that it might make my future more +secure,” she acknowledged. “Since Mother died +I’ve battered around from one rooming house +<span class="pb" id="Page_63">[63]</span> +to another. But even if I don’t come into the +inheritance, I’ll be glad that my uncle is still +alive.”</p> +<p>“I don’t know that he is,” Caleb Eckert said +hastily. “He was alive when he sent that postcard +from Africa. Since then we’ve had no +word from him here at Raven Ridge.”</p> +<p>While the girls prepared food for themselves, +Caleb sat by the kitchen stove watching. He +showed them how to start a fire in the range +but would not partake of supper when it was +cooked.</p> +<p>“Had mine four hours ago. I’ll show you +where you can sleep and be getting on home.”</p> +<p>“Do you live near here?” Penny asked +curiously.</p> +<p>“Not far. If the rain would let up you could +see my cabin through the dining room window. +It’s perched on the edge of the cliff, overlooking +Lake Chippewa.”</p> +<p>Rosanna remarked that the scenery around +Raven Ridge must be beautiful.</p> +<p>“’Tis,” Caleb agreed enthusiastically. +“You’ll have to walk down to the lake in the +<span class="pb" id="Page_64">[64]</span> +morning. There are some mighty pretty trails +to follow too.”</p> +<p>“If we have time before we go, we’ll surely +explore,” Penny promised.</p> +<p>Caleb conducted them upstairs, opening the +door of one of the bedrooms. It was stuffy and +dusty but otherwise ready for occupancy. +Penny turned back the coverlet of the bed and +found that it was equipped with clean sheets +and blankets. The furniture was massive and +all hand carved.</p> +<p>“I guess you can make out here for one night,” +Caleb said.</p> +<p>“We’ll be very comfortable,” Penny assured +him.</p> +<p>Returning to the lower floor, Caleb lighted +his lantern and prepared to leave. With his +hand on the door knob he turned to face the girls +again.</p> +<p>“Oh, yes, there was something I forgot to +mention. If you hear queer noises in the night +don’t be upset.”</p> +<p>“Queer noises?” Penny echoed.</p> +<p>Caleb nodded soberly.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_65">[65]</div> +<p>“Folks around here claim the house is haunted +but I never took stock in such stories myself. I +just thought I’d warn you.”</p> +<p>And before the girls could recover from their +astonishment, he firmly closed the door, disappearing +into the rain.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_66">[66]</div> +<h2 id="c6"><span class="small">CHAPTER VI</span> +<br />Midnight Visitors</h2> +<p>“I wish,” Rosanna commented emphatically, +“that I had never brought you to this +queer old house.”</p> +<p>Penny laughed as she went over to the fireplace +and dropped on another stick of wood. +She stood watching the sparks fly up the +chimney.</p> +<p>“I think Caleb Eckert was only trying to be +funny when he warned us of ghosts,” she declared. +“At any rate, I’m too tired and sleepy to +care much whether the place is haunted or not.”</p> +<p>“It’s a good night to sleep,” Rosanna admitted, +going to the window. “I believe the +storm is getting worse.”</p> +<p>Rain pounded steadily upon the roof and the +wind was rising. It whistled weirdly around the +corners of the house. The tall maple trees +which shaded the front porch bent and twisted +and snapped.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_67">[67]</div> +<p>For a time the girls sat before the fire. Presently +Penny suggested that they retire.</p> +<p>“I don’t believe I can sleep a wink tonight,” +Rosanna protested. “Even though Caleb Eckert +said it was all right for us to stay here, I don’t +feel entirely easy about it.”</p> +<p>“I don’t see why not,” Penny protested as +they mounted the creaking stairs to their bedroom. +“According to the letter, you’ve inherited +the house. And you have a key.”</p> +<p>“I had a key you mean. I can’t understand +how or where I lost it.”</p> +<p>In thinking back over the activities of the +day, Rosanna could not recall taking either the +key or the letter from her purse. However, +several times for one purpose or another she had +opened her pocketbook, and it was quite likely +that the articles had fallen out unobserved. She +thought possibly she might find them on the floor +of Penny’s car. She intended to search in the +morning.</p> +<p>The upstairs room was damp and chilly. The +girls hurriedly prepared to retire. Penny put +up the window, snapped out the light and made +<span class="pb" id="Page_68">[68]</span> +a great running leap which landed her in bed.</p> +<p>“Listen to the wind howl,” she murmured, +snuggling drowsily into her pillow. “Just the +night for ghosts to be abroad.”</p> +<p>“Don’t!” Rosanna shivered, gripping her +friend’s hand. “I can almost imagine that someone +is coming up the stairway now! I’m afraid +of this lonely old house.”</p> +<p>“I won’t let any mean old ghost get you,” +Penny chuckled teasingly. “I love stormy +nights.”</p> +<p>Rosanna lay awake long after her companion +had fallen asleep. She listened restlessly to the +crash of the tree branches against the roof, the +creaking of old timbers and boards. But the +steady beat of rain on the windowpanes had a +soothing effect upon tense nerves. Presently +she dozed.</p> +<p>Suddenly she found herself wide awake. She +sat upright in bed, straining to hear. She was +convinced that some unusual sound had aroused +her.</p> +<p>Then she heard it again. A peculiar pounding +noise downstairs.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_69">[69]</div> +<p>She clutched Penny by the arm.</p> +<p>“What is it?” the latter muttered drowsily.</p> +<p>“Wake up! I think someone is trying to +break into the house!”</p> +<p>As the words penetrated Penny’s consciousness, +she became instantly alert. She too sat up, +listening. Someone was pounding on the front +door.</p> +<p>“What shall we do?” Rosanna whispered in +terror.</p> +<p>Penny sprang from bed and snapped on the +light. “I’m going to dress and go down. It may +be Caleb Eckert.”</p> +<p>“Or a ghost,” Rosanna chattered. “If you’re +going down, so am I.”</p> +<p>With the appearance of a light in the bedroom, +the clanging on the door increased in +violence. Penny, who was dressing as rapidly +as she could, began to grow irritated.</p> +<p>“Are they trying to break down the door?” +she grumbled. “I should think whoever it is +would know we’re hurrying.”</p> +<p>Without delaying to lace up her shoes, she +ran down the stairs, Rosanna close at her elbow. +<span class="pb" id="Page_70">[70]</span> +Before snapping on the living room lights the +girls peered out the window.</p> +<p>Slightly reassured by the appearance of the +midnight visitors, they cautiously unbolted the +front door.</p> +<p>Mrs. Everett Leeds and her daughter Alicia, +swept into the room. Both were bedraggled and +obviously out of sorts.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds shook the rain from her cape, +flung her wet hat into the nearest chair, and then +coldly surveyed the two girls.</p> +<p>“What are you doing here, may I ask?” she +inquired.</p> +<p>“We <i>were</i> sleeping,” Penny smiled.</p> +<p>“I mean, what are you doing in this house?”</p> +<p>“It seems to belong to Rosanna,” Penny said +evenly. “She inherited it from her uncle, Jacob +Winters.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds’ expression was difficult to interpret. +For an instant she looked stunned. But +she quickly recovered her poise.</p> +<p>“Nonsense!” she said shortly. “This house +belongs to me. Jacob Winters was my cousin. +He died recently, leaving me everything. I have +<span class="pb" id="Page_71">[71]</span> +a letter and key to prove it. Naturally I couldn’t +use my key to get into the house for you had it +bolted from the inside.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds looked accusingly at the girls as +she offered the letter to Penny. A casual glance +assured the girls that it was identical with the +one Rosanna had received and lost.</p> +<p>“It’s too late to go into this tonight,” Penny +protested. “Let’s discuss it in the morning.”</p> +<p>“Very well,” Mrs. Leeds agreed coldly. +“Where are we to sleep?”</p> +<p>Penny informed her that there were several +empty bedrooms upstairs. She led the way to +the upper floor. Opening the door of one of +the rooms, she was surprised to see that it was +not as well furnished as the bedroom which she +and Rosanna shared. Mrs. Leeds uttered an +exclamation of disgust.</p> +<p>“Surely you don’t expect me to sleep here, +Miss Nichols. The room is dirty. Positively +filthy.”</p> +<p>“Look at that long cobweb hanging from the +ceiling!” Alicia added indignantly. “I’d have +hysterics if I slept here.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_72">[72]</div> +<p>“Perhaps the adjoining room is better,” +Penny commented.</p> +<p>An inspection revealed that if anything it was +even more neglected.</p> +<p>“I’m afraid you’ll just have to make the best +of it for tonight,” Penny declared, “unless you +care to drive on to the next town.”</p> +<p>“We’ll stay,” Mrs. Leeds decided instantly. +“I’d prefer to sit up all night, rather than brave +those horrible mountain roads again.”</p> +<p>“We slipped into a ditch coming here,” Alicia +informed. “That’s what made us so late. We’ve +had a terrible time.”</p> +<p>In a closet at the end of the hall, Penny and +Rosanna found blankets and linen. As they +made up the beds, neither Mrs. Leeds nor her +daughter offered to assist. It was after one +o’clock when the girls went back to their own +room.</p> +<p>“Mrs. Leeds means to make trouble about the +inheritance,” Penny remarked in an undertone +as they snapped out the light once more. “I +wonder if by any chance she could have picked +up your letter and key?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_73">[73]</div> +<p>“Oh, I doubt it,” Rosanna returned. “I remember +when we were at Mt. Ashland she +dropped the hint that she was going to Raven +Ridge. At least, she acted strangely when we +mentioned the place.”</p> +<p>“Yes, she did. I had forgotten for the moment. +Oh well, in the morning we’ll learn +exactly what she intends to do.”</p> +<p>Penny rolled over and soon was sleeping +soundly. Toward morning she awoke to hear a +clock somewhere in the house chiming four. +At first she thought nothing of it, then it occurred +to her that no one had wound any of the +timepieces the previous evening. While she +was musing over such an odd happening her +keen ears detected the sound of soft footsteps +in the long hall outside.</p> +<p>“It’s probably Mrs. Leeds or her daughter,” +she reasoned.</p> +<p>The sounds persisted. At length Penny +quietly arose and tiptoed to the door. She +looked out into the dark hall. No one was +within sight. Mrs. Leeds’ door was closed.</p> +<p>Penny went back to bed, taking care not to +<span class="pb" id="Page_74">[74]</span> +awaken Rosanna. Scarcely had she pulled the +blankets up than the soft pad of footsteps could +be heard again.</p> +<p>“I hope it isn’t that ghost Caleb warned us +about,” she thought uneasily. “Oh, bother! I +know there aren’t any ghosts!”</p> +<p>Penny closed her eyes and tried to sleep but +found it quite impossible. Even after the noise +in the hall ceased she caught herself listening for +the footsteps. At a quarter to seven she dressed +and stole downstairs to see what she could find +for breakfast.</p> +<p>At eight o’clock when Rosanna came into the +kitchen, Penny had coffee, cereal and crisp bacon +ready.</p> +<p>“The larder seems very well supplied,” she +informed cheerfully. “Someone left milk on +our doorstep too. I imagine it must have been +Caleb.”</p> +<p>“I’m hungry enough to eat anything,” Rosanna +declared. “Shall I call Mrs. Leeds and +Alicia?”</p> +<p>“Yes, do, although I don’t know how they’ll +take to my cooking.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_75">[75]</div> +<p>Rosanna went upstairs to rap on Mrs. Leeds’ +door. She returned a minute later, reporting +that neither of the guests would be down for +breakfast.</p> +<p>“They were quite put out at being disturbed +so early,” she told Penny ruefully.</p> +<p>“We’ll let them get their own breakfasts then. +Come on, we’ll have ours anyway.”</p> +<p>Penny had learned to cook very well under +the tutelage of Mrs. Gallup. She had done remarkably +well with the meager supplies at her +disposal and Rosanna declared that the breakfast +was excellent.</p> +<p>The girls had finished the dishes and were +stacking them away when Alicia came down +the stairs.</p> +<p>“Mother and I will take our breakfast now,” +she informed.</p> +<p>Rosanna started toward the kitchen, but +Penny neatly blocked the way.</p> +<p>“Sorry,” she said cheerfully, “but we’ve just +finished ours. You’ll find supplies in the +kitchen.”</p> +<p>Alicia started to reply but without waiting +<span class="pb" id="Page_76">[76]</span> +to hear what she might have to say, Penny and +Rosanna went out the back door.</p> +<p>“While she cools off we may as well look over +the grounds,” Penny laughed. “If Mrs. Leeds +and Alicia expect to get along with me, they’ll +have to learn that this household is going to +operate on a cafeteria basis.”</p> +<p>From the rear door a sandstone path led down +a steep incline to the brow of a high cliff. A +river wound its way directly below, emptying +into a crystal blue lake. Deep in the pine woods, +some distance from the path, a cabin could be +seen. The girls decided that it must belong +to Caleb Eckert.</p> +<p>While they were admiring the rugged scenery, +someone came up behind them. They wheeled +about to face Caleb himself.</p> +<p>“Well, well, you both look bright and gay this +morning,” he greeted heartily. “Sleep well?”</p> +<p>“Quite well,” Rosanna told him shyly. “That +is, we did until the visitors arrived.”</p> +<p>“Visitors?”</p> +<p>Rosanna explained about Mrs. Leeds and +her daughter while Penny added omitted details. +<span class="pb" id="Page_77">[77]</span> +For some reason they both were beginning +to feel that Caleb was their ally.</p> +<p>“All this talk about letters and keys and inheritances +certainly has me puzzled,” he proclaimed, +shaking his head. “It’s hard to believe +that Jacob Winters is dead. I think I’ll walk +back to the house with you and have a little talk +with Mrs. Leeds.”</p> +<p>“Did you leave milk at our doorstep this +morning?” Penny questioned as they returned +together.</p> +<p>Caleb admitted that he had placed it there.</p> +<p>“You’ve been very kind,” Rosanna said gratefully. +“I want to thank you before we leave.”</p> +<p>“You’re not aiming to leave today?” Caleb +asked quickly.</p> +<p>“Well, yes, I imagine we will. I don’t feel +right about staying here.”</p> +<p>Caleb lowered his voice. “Take my advice, +Miss Winters, and don’t leave while that other +woman and her daughter are here. From what +you’ve told me, I think they mean to grab the +property.”</p> +<p>“But what can I do?” Rosanna asked helplessly. +<span class="pb" id="Page_78">[78]</span> +“I’ve lost my letter and the key. I +haven’t any proof that the property was left to +me.”</p> +<p>“Maybe this Leeds woman hasn’t any proof +that it was left to her either,” Caleb said sagely. +“Anyway, we’ll find out what she has to say.”</p> +<p>At first, Mrs. Leeds, accosted in the living +room of the old house, had little comment to +make. She was out of sorts from lack of sleep +the previous night, and the breakfast which she +and Alicia had endeavored to cook had not been +a success. Nor was she impressed with Caleb +who wore high boots, an old pair of dirty +trousers and a crumpled felt hat.</p> +<p>“I don’t see why I should discuss my business +affairs with you,” she said aloofly. “I have inherited +this property from my cousin and I +mean to remain here in possession of it indefinitely +if necessary.”</p> +<p>“May I see the letter which you say you received?” +Caleb inquired.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds hesitated, then reluctantly handed +it over. Caleb studied it briefly and returned it.</p> +<p>“You will require more than this as evidence +<span class="pb" id="Page_79">[79]</span> +of Mr. Winters’ death,” he said quietly. “For +all I know, you may have forged this letter.”</p> +<p>“Preposterous!” Mrs. Leeds snapped. “I refuse +to discuss the matter with you further. I +shall send for my attorney and he will straighten +out everything.”</p> +<p>“Not without the will, he can’t,” Caleb returned +grimly. “And there’s no telling what +became of it.”</p> +<p>“The will?” Mrs. Leeds caught him up. “Are +you sure there was a will?”</p> +<p>“Mr. Winters told me once that he had made +one and hidden it somewhere in the house.”</p> +<p>“Then of course it can be found.”</p> +<p>“Mr. Winters wouldn’t want anyone prying +around in his private papers,” Caleb insisted. +“Until I have definite word that he is dead, I +can’t let anyone hunt for it.”</p> +<p>“I shouldn’t call searching for the will exactly +prying!” Mrs. Leeds retorted indignantly. +“What right have you to say what is to be done +here? Are you the caretaker?”</p> +<p>“Well, not exactly, but Mr. Winters asked me +to look after things until he got back.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_80">[80]</div> +<p>“That will must be found.”</p> +<p>Caleb’s face tightened. “Mrs. Leeds,” he +said severely, “I repeat, things in this house must +not be disturbed.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds drew herself up proudly. “Unquestionably, +the will leaves everything to me.”</p> +<p>“That may be,” Caleb acknowledged, “but +this girl here has a claim too.” He indicated +Rosanna.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds froze her with a glance. Her eyes +snapped like brands of fire as she listened to +Rosanna’s account of the letter and key. But +a look of relief, which was not lost upon either +of the girls, came over her face as she learned +that they had been misplaced.</p> +<p>“The story sounds ridiculous to me,” Mrs. +Leeds declared coldly. “If you can’t produce +the letter or the key, what proof have you that +you actually are Jacob Winters’ niece?”</p> +<p>“I could get evidence within a few days,” +Rosanna declared. “The letter and key may +show up too.”</p> +<p>“I think perhaps you dropped them in the +car,” Penny interrupted. “Let’s look now.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_81">[81]</div> +<p>Leaving Mrs. Leeds and Caleb embroiled in +another argument, they went outside where the +automobile had been parked near the house. +A careful search of the flooring and pockets of +the car did not reveal the missing letter or key. +Rosanna was completely discouraged.</p> +<p>“Do you think Mrs. Leeds could have picked +it up?” she asked gloomily.</p> +<p>“I don’t see how,” Penny returned thoughtfully. +“But there’s one thing certain. She intends +to make trouble. You surely don’t intend +to go away from here while she and her daughter +are camped in the house?”</p> +<p>“What else can we do?”</p> +<p>“Send a wire to Dad that we’re staying on a +day or two,” Penny answered instantly.</p> +<p>“But won’t that inconvenience both of you?”</p> +<p>“No, I suspect Dad will be grateful for the +rest and as for myself, I’d enjoy seeing this thing +through.”</p> +<p>It required little urging to convince Rosanna +of the wisdom of remaining on the scene. She +had taken an immediate dislike to Mrs. Leeds +and her daughter, and agreed with Penny that +<span class="pb" id="Page_82">[82]</span> +they were determined to claim more than a +rightful share of the inheritance.</p> +<p>Once the girls arrived at a decision they lost +no time in driving to the nearest town where +Penny dispatched a message to her father. +Noticing an inviting looking restaurant, they ate +lunch before motoring back to the Winters’ +mansion. It was nearly two o’clock when they +reached the Ridge again.</p> +<p>An unfamiliar car stood on the driveway. +Penny was certain it did not belong to Mrs. +Leeds for her mud-splattered sedan was parked +some distance away.</p> +<p>“It looks like more visitors,” she commented +as they crossed the veranda together.</p> +<p>At the doorway both girls involuntarily +paused. Mrs. Leeds was engaged in conversation +with a stranger.</p> +<p>For an instant Penny and Rosanna stood and +stared. It was the same man who had refused +them help on the road.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_83">[83]</div> +<h2 id="c7"><span class="small">CHAPTER VII</span> +<br />“Ghost” Music</h2> +<p>As Penny and Rosanna entered the living +room, the stranger turned to face them. +For a long moment Penny was convinced +that he was the shoplifter who had stolen +the diamond ring from the Belton City department +store. His build was the same and the +general lines of his face were similar. Then the +man spoke and she was not certain at all. The +tone of his voice was entirely different as was +his abrupt manner of speaking.</p> +<p>A trifle nervously, or so it seemed to Penny, +Caleb Eckert introduced the stranger.</p> +<p>“Max Laponi,” he said. “He represents himself +as a nephew of Jacob Winters.”</p> +<p>“Not only do I represent myself as such, but I +have proof that I am Uncle Jacob’s nephew,” +the stranger retorted. “You’ll find my credentials +in order. I’ve come to take over the +estate.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_84">[84]</div> +<p>The girls were not greatly surprised when he +took from his pocket a letter similar to the one +which Mrs. Leeds had produced. They were +more impressed with the other papers which he +offered for Caleb’s inspection—a birth certificate, +a letter of identification from a well +known Chicago banker and various legal documents.</p> +<p>“It looks to me as if someone has played a +joke on all you folks,” Caleb said slowly. “We +don’t know that Mr. Winters is even dead.”</p> +<p>“Oh, yes, we do,” Max Laponi insisted, producing +another letter. “This came from my +attorney this morning. It definitely states that +Mr. Winters—Uncle Jacob—was buried at sea.”</p> +<p>Caleb sank down in a chair. He scarcely +read the letter although his face had turned an +ashen hue.</p> +<p>“I can’t believe it even now,” he murmured. +“There must be some mistake.”</p> +<p>“There’s no mistake,” Max cut in sharply. +“It’s clear enough that I am the heir too. By +the way, didn’t the old man have a valuable collection +of ivories?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_85">[85]</div> +<p>Caleb stiffened visibly. “Ivories?” he asked +blankly.</p> +<p>“Sure, some pieces he collected years ago on +his tours. Read about it in the paper.”</p> +<p>“Oh, so you read about it?” Caleb echoed +significantly.</p> +<p>“Uncle Jacob told me about the collection +too. He always intended me to have it.”</p> +<p>“Then you should know where to find it,” +Caleb retorted bluntly. “I’m sure I don’t.”</p> +<p>With that he turned and walked to the door. +There he paused to fling over his shoulder:</p> +<p>“I wash my hands of the whole matter. You +folks will have to fight it out among you.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds had managed to hold her tongue +very well, but the moment that the door closed +behind Caleb, she began an angry attack upon +Rosanna and the newcomer, accusing both of +being impostors. Unwilling to listen to such +an unreasonable tirade, Penny and Rosanna fled +out of doors.</p> +<p>“Such a mad house!” Penny exclaimed, taking +a deep breath. “I have to keep pinching +myself to believe it’s real!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_86">[86]</div> +<p>“I never saw such a hopeless muddle,” Rosanna +added. “Everyone is so eager for the +property no one gives the slightest thought to +the tragedy which befell poor Mr. Winters.”</p> +<p>“Perhaps he isn’t dead,” Penny suggested.</p> +<p>Rosanna stared. “What makes you think +that? Didn’t Mr. Laponi have proof of it?”</p> +<p>“He seemed to have proof of everything,” +Penny admitted with a rueful laugh. “That’s +what makes me suspicious. There’s something +strange about this entire affair.”</p> +<p>“I agree with you there.”</p> +<p>“I’m convinced of one thing, Rosanna. +Either Mrs. Leeds or this man Laponi is an impostor. +At first I thought Laponi was the same +person who stole the ring. Now I can’t be +sure.”</p> +<p>Rosanna did not believe that the two were +identical although she admitted there was a close +resemblance. However, she was quite willing +to agree that the man seemed like an impostor +despite his credentials.</p> +<p>“He may have picked up that letter and key +you lost,” Penny went on, thinking aloud. “And +<span class="pb" id="Page_87">[87]</span> +there was something rather sinister in the way +he mentioned the collection of ivories.”</p> +<p>“I noticed that. Caleb seemed disturbed.”</p> +<p>“It wouldn’t surprise me if he knows where +Mr. Winters kept the collection,” Penny continued. +“At any rate, he’s wise to pretend +ignorance. With such a mad lot of people in +the house, anything might happen.”</p> +<p>Noticing a nearby path which led to a spring +house, the girls followed it, drinking of the cool +mountain water. They sat down on a bench +which afforded a view of the tall chalk-like cliffs. +After a time they felt soothed and tranquil again. +They presently walked back to the house.</p> +<p>Max Laponi was nowhere to be seen although +Alicia told them that he was busy moving his +things into one of the upstairs bedrooms.</p> +<p>“Mother’s worried since he came,” the girl +confided, growing more friendly. “They had a +dreadful quarrel. Now she’s hunting for the +will.”</p> +<p>“But Caleb Eckert warned her not to do +that,” Penny protested.</p> +<p>“That old meddler has nothing to do with +<span class="pb" id="Page_88">[88]</span> +this place,” Alicia declared with a toss of her +head. “I hope he minds his own business and +stays away.”</p> +<p>The girls found Mrs. Leeds in the library. +She was going through the drawers of the desk +in systematic fashion, tossing papers carelessly +on the floor. One drawer was locked. She +shook it viciously.</p> +<p>“Like as not Jacob Winters’ will is locked up +in there,” she said irritably. “I’m half a notion +to break into it.”</p> +<p>“Oh, you mustn’t do that,” Rosanna cried indignantly, +before she could check herself.</p> +<p>“And why shouldn’t I?” Mrs. Leeds demanded +tartly. “Jacob Winters is dead isn’t he? And +his will must be found. I suppose you’re afraid +to have the document come to light for fear +you’ll be cut off completely.”</p> +<p>Rosanna’s cheeks flushed.</p> +<p>“I never thought of such a thing, Mrs. Leeds. +I think it’s disgraceful the way everyone is acting +about the property!”</p> +<p>Before Mrs. Leeds could reply, she ran from +the room. Penny loyally followed, joining Rosanna +<span class="pb" id="Page_89">[89]</span> +in the bedroom which they shared. She +found the orphan in tears.</p> +<p>“Forget it,” Penny advised kindly. “Mrs. +Leeds is so intent on getting the money that she +doesn’t realize what she says.”</p> +<p>“I’m sorry I ever came here. I want no part +in this disgraceful grab for Uncle Jacob’s +money.”</p> +<p>“I know how you feel,” Penny agreed, “but +let’s stay a day or two. I’m curious to learn just +what is going on here.”</p> +<p>In truth, she was completely baffled. It was +difficult for her to make up her mind whether +or not the entire arrangement was a hoax. +Somehow she had distrusted Laponi’s credentials. +She distrusted him too.</p> +<p>“I don’t believe he could be a nephew of Jacob +Winters,” she thought. “I wish there was some +way to trace down his past.”</p> +<p>It was clear to Penny that Rosanna would +never defend her claim to the inheritance. Unless +she personally took a hand in the affair, Mrs. +Leeds and Max Laponi would ignore the orphan +completely.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_90">[90]</div> +<p>“I’ll let them make the first move,” she decided +shrewdly. “For the time being I’ll play +a waiting game.”</p> +<p>For the greater part of the afternoon, Penny +and Rosanna remained in their own room. Toward +nightfall they walked about the grounds +and later motored to a nearby inn for dinner. +At nine o’clock when they returned to the big +empty house, the downstairs was dark. They +judged that Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi had +already gone to their rooms.</p> +<p>“We may as well turn in too,” Penny suggested. +“The mountain air makes one drowsy.”</p> +<p>Both girls were soon sound asleep. However, +sometime later Penny was awakened by the +sound of footsteps in the hall. She thought little +of it, and rolling over, tried to go to sleep again. +Suddenly she heard soft music from above.</p> +<p>She sat up in bed, listening. A strain of a +famous opera resounded through the room, rising +in volume, then falling away. Penny knew +that she was not imagining it. She nudged her +companion who quickly awakened.</p> +<p>“Do you hear the same thing I do?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_91">[91]</div> +<p>Rosanna clutched the sheets more tightly +about her.</p> +<p>“Ghost music,” she whispered in awe.</p> +<p>“It sounds like pipe organ music coming from +a long distance away,” Penny whispered. “I’m +going to find out!”</p> +<p>Before Rosanna could prevent it, she stole +from bed and swiftly tiptoed to the door.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_92">[92]</div> +<h2 id="c8"><span class="small">CHAPTER VIII</span> +<br />The Ivory Collection</h2> +<p>Penny quietly opened the bedroom door, +peering out into the long dark hall. She +could hear the music distinctly. It seemed +to be coming from almost directly overhead.</p> +<p>By this time, Rosanna, overcoming her fear, +crept beside her friend. They huddled together, +listening.</p> +<p>“It’s an organ. I’m sure of it,” Penny whispered. +“But where can it be hidden?”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid of this place,” Rosanna chattered. +“Let’s lock the bedroom door and leave in the +morning.”</p> +<p>Penny made no response. For that matter +she did not even hear for she was intent upon +trying to localize the sound of the music. Never +inclined to be superstitious, she had no thought +that the old house was haunted. She felt certain +that the ghost-like music was man made.</p> +<p>“This house must have a third floor or an +<span class="pb" id="Page_93">[93]</span> +attic,” she declared softly. “Let’s see if we can +find our way up.”</p> +<p>“Never!”</p> +<p>“Then I’m going alone.”</p> +<p>Penny started off down the hall. Rosanna +hesitated, and then, unable to watch her friend +walk into danger alone, hurriedly followed. +Halfway down the hall she reached for the electric +switch but Penny caught her hand before +she could turn on the light.</p> +<p>“Don’t! It would give warning that we’re +coming.”</p> +<p>Groping about in the dark the girls went +past Mrs. Leeds’ bedroom and the one occupied +by the stranger. Penny noted that the doors of +both were tightly closed. At the end of the hall +she found still another door. Gently she turned +the handle and opened it. A steep flight of +stairs led upward.</p> +<p>“Oh, please, let’s not go up,” Rosanna +pleaded, trembling.</p> +<p>“You stay here,” Penny said in a whisper. “If +anything goes wrong, let out a cry for help.”</p> +<p>The mysterious music had ceased for the moment. +<span class="pb" id="Page_94">[94]</span> +Penny waited until it began again, and +then, following the sound, crept noiselessly up +the stairs leaving Rosanna on guard below.</p> +<p>At the top of the last step Penny paused to +listen again. Actually, she was not as courageous +as she had pretended. She could hear her own +heart pounding.</p> +<p>It was so dark on the third floor that at first +she could distinguish nothing. The music had +increased in volume and Penny was more sure +than ever that it came from a hidden pipe +organ.</p> +<p>As her eyes focused better she found herself +standing upon a small landing from which +branched two closed doors. After a slight hesitation +she tiptoed to the nearest one and opened +it a tiny crack.</p> +<p>Although no sound had betrayed her, the +music from within ended with a discordant +crash. Startled, Penny allowed the door to swing +wide. She started forward, and suddenly +tripped. Until that moment her nerve had held +steady. But as she stumbled and fell she uttered +a shrill cry of terror.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_95">[95]</div> +<p>Rosanna, fearing the worst, came running up +the stairs.</p> +<p>“Penny! Penny! Are you hurt?”</p> +<p>Reassured by her friend’s voice, Penny +scrambled to her feet and met Rosanna at the +door.</p> +<p>“I’m all right,” she said shakily. “But I’ve +done enough investigating for one night!”</p> +<p>“What frightened you so?”</p> +<p>“I’ll tell you later.”</p> +<p>They lost no time in returning to the lower +floor. Down the hall, Mrs. Leeds’ door had +opened. A light flashed on.</p> +<p>“What is going on here?” Mrs. Leeds demanded, +emerging into the hallway. “Such a +house I never saw! First it’s music—then a +scream! It’s enough to send one into hysterics.”</p> +<p>Penny and Rosanna could not refrain from +smiling, for Mrs. Leeds looked ridiculous in her +curlers which were sticking out from her head +at all angles. Before they could answer, Alicia +joined her mother.</p> +<p>“I should think you could go to your room +and let folks sleep!” she said irritably. “You’ve +<span class="pb" id="Page_96">[96]</span> +been running up and down the hall all night.”</p> +<p>“You’re wrong there,” Penny returned. +“This is the first time Rosanna or I have stirred +from our room. We got up to investigate the +mysterious music.”</p> +<p>“Then you heard it too?” Mrs. Leeds breathed +in awe. “I thought perhaps I had imagined that +part of it.”</p> +<p>“No, you heard music all right,” Penny told +her grimly.</p> +<p>“It isn’t—you don’t think the house is +haunted?” Alicia stammered nervously. “That +old man—what’s his name—was trying to tell us +about someone having died in a room on the +upper floor!”</p> +<p>“Well, the music seemed to come from the +third floor,” Penny informed, relishing the effect +which her words produced. “As for the scream, +I can account for that. I tripped and fell. Now +I think we may as well all go back to bed. +There’s been so much commotion that I rather +judge our ‘ghost’ has been frightened away for +the time being.”</p> +<p>“I can’t sleep a wink after all this has happened,” +<span class="pb" id="Page_97">[97]</span> +Mrs. Leeds declared. “I shall sit up +until morning.”</p> +<p>“As you wish,” Penny said indifferently. “I’m +going to bed.”</p> +<p>As she walked down the hall to her own room +she glanced rather sharply at the door of Max +Laponi’s room. It was still tightly closed.</p> +<p>“Our friend appears to be a sound sleeper,” +she remarked to Rosanna.</p> +<p>In the privacy of their bedroom, Rosanna demanded +to know exactly what had happened.</p> +<p>“Well, I didn’t see much,” Penny admitted. +“But I did learn one interesting thing. There’s +a pipe organ installed in this house. I might +have discovered who was playing it too only I +tripped over a rope which had been strung up +in front of the door.”</p> +<p>“Placed there deliberately, you think?”</p> +<p>“Of course. It startled me so that I let out +that wild yell. I don’t care to do any more investigating +tonight, but in the morning I mean +to have a good look at that room upstairs.”</p> +<p>“You have more nerve than I,” Rosanna declared +admiringly.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_98">[98]</div> +<p>Penny carefully locked the outside door before +turning out the light. It was twenty +minutes after twelve by her wrist watch.</p> +<p>“I shouldn’t call it nerve exactly,” she replied +thoughtfully, climbing into bed. “The truth +is, I’m a little afraid, Rosanna.”</p> +<p>“Then why do you go up there again?”</p> +<p>“Oh, I don’t mean that. It isn’t the music +that has me frightened.”</p> +<p>“But what else is there to be afraid of?” Rosanna +persisted.</p> +<p>“It’s just a feeling, I guess,” Penny admitted. +“I can’t explain—only it seems to me that some +sinister plot is brewing in this old house.”</p> +<p>“I have the same sensation,” Rosanna confessed. +“Let’s leave in the morning.”</p> +<p>Penny laughed softly and settled herself more +comfortably in the pillows.</p> +<p>“Never!” she retorted. “I’m the daughter of +a detective you know! This is our own special +mystery case, and unless that ghost gets me first, +I intend to get him!”</p> +<p>With that threat, Penny rolled over and lost +herself in sleep.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_99">[99]</div> +<p>The warm sun was streaming in at the windows +when the girls aroused themselves. They +dressed and went downstairs, finding the house +quite deserted. Apparently Mrs. Leeds, her +daughter and Max Laponi had gone to the village +for breakfast.</p> +<p>“I wish they had vanished for good but there’s +no use hoping that,” Penny commented. “I +doubt if even a ghost could keep Mrs. Leeds +from remaining until the estate is settled.”</p> +<p>The girls cooked their own breakfast, utilizing +supplies which they had purchased at the +nearby town. As they washed the dishes and +stacked them away, Rosanna mentioned again +that she did not feel comfortable about making +such free use of her unknown uncle’s property.</p> +<p>“Perhaps it isn’t just the thing to do,” Penny +acknowledged, “but the situation isn’t a normal +one either. If Mr. Eckert says it is all right +for us to stay on, I don’t think we should +worry.”</p> +<p>“Will it do us any good to remain?” Rosanna +pondered in a troubled tone. “If Mr. Eckert +<span class="pb" id="Page_100">[100]</span> +can’t tell us what became of my uncle, who +could?”</p> +<p>“That’s just the point, Rosanna. I believe he +knows more than he lets on.”</p> +<p>Penny’s gaze wandered to the tiny log cabin +set back in the pine woods. Wisps of thin smoke +curled from the chimney. That meant that +Caleb must be at home.</p> +<p>“Let’s walk down there and talk with him,” +she proposed impulsively. “It’s time he answers +a few of our questions.”</p> +<p>Caleb did not come to the door to answer their +timid knock. Instead he called out a hearty, +“Come in,” which they instantly obeyed.</p> +<p>Caleb was the picture of comfort, sitting +propped back in his chair by the window, puffing +at an old pipe. He arose reluctantly and dusted +off two camp stools for the visitors.</p> +<p>“We thought perhaps you might furnish us +with a little information,” Penny began +pleasantly.</p> +<p>Her eyes roved swiftly about the room. She +noticed the open bookcase with four rows of +well-thumbed volumes. The titles were impressive. +<span class="pb" id="Page_101">[101]</span> +Caleb Eckert, despite his rough appearance, +seemingly had a liking for intellectual +books.</p> +<p>“Well, what is it you want to know?” Caleb +demanded, not unkindly. “I’ve told you before +that I’ll have nothing to do with this muddle +over Mr. Winters’ property.”</p> +<p>“I’ve given up all hope of inheriting any of +the estate,” Rosanna said. “But I should +like to hear about my uncle. What was he +like?”</p> +<p>“Some folks said he was the queerest man on +Snow Mountain. I liked him because he attended +to his own business. He was considered +a remarkable sportsman by some.”</p> +<p>Penny’s eyes traveled to a huge bear skin +which hung on the cabin wall. Caleb followed +her gaze.</p> +<p>“Mr. Winters gave me that skin last year when +he came back from his trip north. A mighty +nice specimen.”</p> +<p>“Do you have a picture of Mr. Winters?” +Penny asked, abruptly changing the subject.</p> +<p>Caleb shook his head. He began to talk about +<span class="pb" id="Page_102">[102]</span> +the bear skin again. Rosanna listened eagerly, +but Penny sensed that the old man was trying +to monopolize the conversation and thus keep +her from asking questions which he did not care +to answer.</p> +<p>When she succeeded in breaking in it was to +bring up the subject of Mr. Winters’ ivory collection. +Caleb seemed reluctant to offer definite +information.</p> +<p>“All I know is that Mr. Winters was supposed +to have one,” he answered. “Folks said it was +worth a fortune and that he had spent years +gathering it.”</p> +<p>“What became of the collection?” Penny inquired +curiously.</p> +<p>“How should I know?” Caleb retorted crossly. +“Seems to me you girls ask a lot of silly questions.”</p> +<p>“We didn’t mean to be inquisitive,” Penny +apologized. “Only it struck me that Max +Laponi has an unusual interest in that collection +of ivory.”</p> +<p>Caleb eyed her strangely. “So you noticed it +too?” he asked.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_103">[103]</div> +<p>Penny nodded. “Perhaps I shouldn’t say it, +but I don’t trust that man, Mr. Eckert. If Mr. +Winters’ collection of ivory is still in the house, +don’t you think it should be removed to a safer +place?”</p> +<p>“That’s what I’d like to do,” Caleb muttered, +looking out the window.</p> +<p>“Then you do know where the ivory collection +is,” Penny tripped him.</p> +<p>Caleb glared at her. “I didn’t say so, did I? +Why should Mr. Winters tell me where he kept +his valuables? Bosh! I tell you I won’t be +mixed up in the muddle. Now go away and +let me sleep!”</p> +<p>Caleb stretched himself out on the couch and +closed his eyes. Thus dismissed, the girls hastily +departed.</p> +<p>“Such a cross old man!” Rosanna exclaimed +when they were out of earshot. “But even +though he is irritable, I rather like him.”</p> +<p>“So do I,” Penny admitted with a laugh. +“You know, I think our questions about the +ivory collection disturbed him more than he +cared to show.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_104">[104]</div> +<p>“He did seem reluctant to tell us anything +about it.”</p> +<p>“We’ll nail him down yet,” Penny declared +grimly as they walked slowly toward the house +on the cliff. “Unless I’m sadly mistaken, that +ivory collection is hidden somewhere on the +premises and he’s scared silly for fear someone +will find it!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_105">[105]</div> +<h2 id="c9"><span class="small">CHAPTER IX</span> +<br />A Scrap of Paper</h2> +<p>Penny and Rosanna entered the house by +the side door. Hearing a murmur of +voices from the direction of the library, +they involuntarily paused to listen.</p> +<p>“If we go into this thing as partners we’re +both bound to profit,” they heard a man say +in an insistent tone. “Think it over and I know +you’ll see how easily it can be accomplished. +Those two girls are nit-wits. They’ll make no +trouble.”</p> +<p>Penny and Rosanna exchanged a startled +glance. They recognized Max Laponi’s voice. +So he was plotting against them! Undoubtedly, +planning to secure complete control of the Winters’ +estate.</p> +<p>“I’m going to find out with whom he is talking,” +Penny whispered.</p> +<p>Before Rosanna could protest, she walked to +the library door and opened it. Mrs. Leeds and +<span class="pb" id="Page_106">[106]</span> +Max Laponi were sitting at the desk, examining +some document which was spread out before +them. As Penny came in, Laponi whisked it +into his pocket.</p> +<p>“Oh, I beg your pardon,” Penny said casually. +“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”</p> +<p>“You aren’t at all, my dear,” Mrs. Leeds said +more graciously than was her custom. “Mr. +Laponi was just showing me a letter from his +sister.”</p> +<p>“Yes, from my sister,” Laponi echoed with a +slight smirk. “She lives in Naples and writes +such interesting letters.”</p> +<p>Penny found it difficult to refrain from smiling. +She pretended to search in the bookcase +for a volume.</p> +<p>“I thought possibly you had discovered the +will,” she remarked mischievously.</p> +<p>“The will! Oh, no!” Mrs. Leeds assured her.</p> +<p>“That is a good joke,” Laponi echoed. “Ha! +Ha! Even a ferret couldn’t find old Jacob Winters’ +will in this house!”</p> +<p>Penny was aware that both Mrs. Leeds and +Max Laponi were watching her shrewdly, trying +<span class="pb" id="Page_107">[107]</span> +to make up their minds if she had overheard +anything. She dared say no more lest she +betray herself. Picking up a book she quietly +withdrew.</p> +<p>“It’s just as I thought,” she told Rosanna when +they were together in their bedroom. “Laponi +is trying to get Mrs. Leeds involved in some +scheme to steal the property. Unless we watch +out, Rosanna, they’ll get everything away from +you.”</p> +<p>“I don’t much care,” Rosanna returned in +disgust. “I never saw such disgraceful actions +in all my life. As far as I’m concerned, I’d +rather leave this place tomorrow and let the +lawyers settle everything.”</p> +<p>“There will be nothing left to settle when +Mrs. Leeds and Laponi get through. It’s pretty +evident that one or the other is an impostor.”</p> +<p>“But we can’t prove that, Penny. If only I +hadn’t lost my key and the credentials!”</p> +<p>“We’re only starting to work on this case,” +Penny said cheerfully. “Let’s keep our eyes +and ears open. We may discover something of +value.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_108">[108]</div> +<p>Since their arrival at the old house, the girls +had awaited an opportunity to inspect the third +floor, hoping to discover the cause of the mysterious +music which had disturbed the household. +Penny suggested that while Mrs. Leeds +and Laponi were occupied in the library they +might make their tour of investigation. Rosanna +agreed but without enthusiasm. She was +not as venturesome as her companion.</p> +<p>Penny led the way to the third floor landing. +The hall was dark and dusty; cobwebs hung +from the corners of the ceiling.</p> +<p>Penny cast an appraising glance about her. +The doors leading from the hall were all closed. +She was certain that upon her previous visit +one had been slightly ajar.</p> +<p>She reached for the knob and turned it. The +door did not give. It was locked.</p> +<p>“That’s funny,” Penny murmured.</p> +<p>“What is?”</p> +<p>“I’m sure this door was unlocked before.”</p> +<p>“Perhaps it was the other one,” Rosanna suggested.</p> +<p>They moved on down the hall to try the +<span class="pb" id="Page_109">[109]</span> +second door. It too was securely fastened.</p> +<p>“I distinctly recall opening that other door,” +Penny maintained. “I started to go in and +tripped over something. I suspect it was a rope +stretched just inside the door.”</p> +<p>“Well, if we can’t get in I guess we can’t learn +anything,” Rosanna said, somewhat in relief.</p> +<p>Penny made no response. She bent down to +peer through the keyhole.</p> +<p>“See anything?” Rosanna asked.</p> +<p>“Just a big empty room. But there is something +up against the far wall! Rosanna, it’s a +pipe organ!”</p> +<p>After a minute she stepped away that her +friend might see for herself. Rosanna agreed +that the shadowy outline was an organ and a +magnificent one.</p> +<p>“The music came from this room all right,” +Penny said excitedly. “I wish we could get in.”</p> +<p>After trying the door again, the girls returned +to the second floor. As Penny closed the stairway +door she noticed that it had a key. Upon +impulse she turned it in the lock and pocketed +the key with a smile of satisfaction.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_110">[110]</div> +<p>“That should put a stop to the music for a +few nights,” she remarked. “I’ll show that +ghost I can lock a few doors myself!”</p> +<p>As they reached their own bedroom, Rosanna +said that she believed she would lie down for a +half hour. The events of the past few days had +worn her down, both physically and mentally.</p> +<p>“Do,” Penny urged: “A sleep will refresh +you. I think I’ll go downstairs and see if I can +discover what plot is brewing.”</p> +<p>She descended the spiral stairway and paused +at the library. It was empty. The house was +strangely silent. Penny crossed the hall to the +living room. Heavy draperies screened the +arched doorway. As Penny pulled them aside +to enter, she saw Mrs. Leeds standing at the +fireplace, her back to the door. Something +about her manner aroused Penny’s suspicions. +She waited and watched.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds had built up a roaring fire on the +hearth. She held a paper in her hand. Deliberately, +she tore it into a dozen pieces and +dropped them into the flames.</p> +<p>Penny hastily entered the room.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_111">[111]</div> +<p>Mrs. Leeds wheeled, her cheeks flushing. +“How you startled me, Miss Nichols! You +surely have a way of coming in quietly.”</p> +<p>“Sorry,” Penny said, walking over to the +hearth. “How nice to have a fire, although it +is a little warm today.”</p> +<p>“The room seemed damp,” Mrs. Leeds said +nervously. “I was cold. I think I’ll go to my +room and get a sweater.”</p> +<p>The instant Mrs. Leeds had disappeared, +Penny snatched a charred piece of paper from +the hearth. It was the only scrap which had not +been completely consumed by the flames.</p> +<p>Only a few scattered lines with many words +missing were visible. The others were blackened +or torn away.</p> +<p>Penny distinguished a part of the writing: +“Last will and testam— —do bequeath to my +niece, Ro—”</p> +<p>“This must be a portion of Jacob Winters’ +will!” she thought. “Mrs. Leeds probably +found it somewhere in the house and decided to +destroy it because she or her daughter weren’t +mentioned!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_112">[112]</div> +<p>She stared at the word which began Ro——. +The remaining letters had been torn away. Had +Mr. Winters written Rosanna’s name? If only +she had entered the living room a minute earlier +she might have prevented the document from +being destroyed!</p> +<p>In reviewing Mrs. Leeds’ actions during the +past two days, Penny could not doubt that the +woman had actually found the missing will. +Since her arrival at Raven Ridge she had spent +most of her time poking about into odd corners +of the house. The locked drawer of the desk +had annoyed her exceedingly.</p> +<p>“I’ll just take a look and see if it’s still locked,” +Penny thought.</p> +<p>She opened the desk and tried the drawer. +It readily opened.</p> +<p>“Empty,” Penny commented grimly. “Just +as I suspected.”</p> +<p>She examined the lock. It was evident at a +glance that it had been broken by a sharp instrument +and not unlocked with a key.</p> +<p>“The will was hidden in this drawer,” she +mused. “I feel confident of it. And it must +<span class="pb" id="Page_113">[113]</span> +have been drawn up in Rosanna’s favor or Mrs. +Leeds never would have destroyed it.”</p> +<p>Penny closed the desk and carefully placed +the charred bit of paper in her dress pocket. +She was deeply disturbed over the discovery, +realizing that Mrs. Leeds, by destroying the document, +had gained a great advantage. However, +she had no intention of abandoning the fight.</p> +<p>“I’ll keep this strictly to myself,” she decided. +“For the present I’ll not even tell Rosanna. It +would only disappoint her to learn that the will +has been burned.”</p> +<p>Since Mrs. Leeds’ arrival at Raven Ridge, +Penny had done everything in her power to +avoid a break with the arrogant society woman. +She had ignored snubs and many unkind remarks. +Now she felt that if Rosanna’s interests +were to be safeguarded, she no longer could afford +to play a waiting game.</p> +<p>“Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi have shown +their hand,” she reflected. “They mean to gain +their ends by any possible means. But since +they’re stooping to underhanded tricks, I may +have a few little schemes of my own!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_114">[114]</div> +<p>Penny was unusually silent that evening. +Rosanna noticed it at once but thinking that her +friend was absorbed in her own thoughts, refrained +from questioning her.</p> +<p>At six o’clock the girls motored to Andover +for dinner. To their chagrin, Mrs. Leeds and +her daughter Alicia chanced to select the same +cafe. All during the meal, Penny noticed the +woman’s eyes upon her. As she and Rosanna +arose to leave, Mrs. Leeds hastily followed them.</p> +<p>“Miss Winters, may I speak with you a moment?” +she began coldly.</p> +<p>“Why, yes, of course,” Rosanna responded.</p> +<p>“I mean alone.”</p> +<p>Rosanna hesitated and glanced at Penny. +The latter started to move away.</p> +<p>“No, don’t go,” Rosanna said quickly. “I +am sure that anything Mrs. Leeds may wish to +say to me can be said in front of you.”</p> +<p>“Very well,” Mrs. Leeds returned icily. +“Evidence has reached me today which proves +conclusively that I am Jacob Winters’ sole heir.”</p> +<p>Rosanna took the blow without the quiver +of an eyelash.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_115">[115]</div> +<p>“What evidence, may I ask, Mrs. Leeds?”</p> +<p>“I don’t feel compelled to go into that, Miss +Winters. Certainly not in the presence of +strangers or on the street.”</p> +<p>“Penny isn’t exactly a stranger,” Rosanna +smiled.</p> +<p>“From the first I have been very tolerant, I +think,” Mrs. Leeds went on, ignoring the orphan’s +remark. “By your own admission you +have no credentials—we have only your word +that you are even related to Jacob Winters.”</p> +<p>“I had a letter and key—the same as you,” +Rosanna faltered. “Either I lost them or they +were stolen.”</p> +<p>“And Rosanna happens to be a niece of Mr. +Winters,” Penny added significantly. “I believe +you are only a cousin, Mrs. Leeds?”</p> +<p>The woman eyed her furiously.</p> +<p>“Just what is it that you want me to do?” +Rosanna asked.</p> +<p>“I think you both should leave immediately.”</p> +<p>“And allow you to have everything your +way,” Penny interposed sweetly. “Now +wouldn’t that be nice—for you!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_116">[116]</div> +<p>She took Rosanna by the arm and urged her +toward the car.</p> +<p>“Don’t allow Miss Nichols to poison your +mind!” Mrs. Leeds pleaded, following Rosanna +to the curbing. “Unless you leave immediately +you will receive no part of the fortune. If you +go without making any further trouble, I might +agree to some small settlement. After all, I +mean to be generous.”</p> +<p>“Thanks for telling us,” Penny smiled.</p> +<p>She closed the car door and they drove away.</p> +<p>“Perhaps we shouldn’t have been so short +with her,” Rosanna said uneasily as they returned +to the house on Snow Mountain. “If +it’s true that the property has been left to her, +then she was being generous to offer to give me +anything.”</p> +<p>“Don’t worry, she’d forget her promise soon +enough if she succeeded in getting you away +from here, Rosanna. I detest that woman. She +thinks she is so subtle and she’s as transparent as +glass!”</p> +<p>“I wonder what evidence she referred to?” +Rosanna mused.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_117">[117]</div> +<p>Penny started to speak, then changed her +mind. Although Mrs. Leeds had no suspicion +that she guessed the truth, she was well aware +of the nature of the new evidence. However, +she refrained from mentioning the burned will, +realizing that Rosanna, in her present depressed +state of mind, would be greatly disturbed by +the information. If the orphan believed that +she no longer had a definite claim to the fortune, +she would insist upon leaving Raven Ridge +without further delay.</p> +<p>Penny did not intend to quit the scene until +she had answered several questions to her satisfaction.</p> +<p>The entire case seemed a trifle fantastic as +she reviewed it. First, Rosanna had received +the strange letter signed by a fictitious name. +Then, although the orphan had lost the key, +they had found the door of the Winters’ mansion +unlocked. Close upon the heels of their +arrival, Mrs. Leeds, her daughter, and Max +Laponi appeared. Since then, the house had +been disturbed by haunting organ music and +one baffling event had crowded upon another.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_118">[118]</div> +<p>“It’s all very bewildering,” Penny reflected. +“But I believe that everything can be fitted together +if only I am able to learn the identity +of the mysterious ghost.”</p> +<p>The night closed in dark and windy. Penny +and Rosanna sat by the fire, trying to read. +They were relieved when Mrs. Leeds and her +daughter retired to their rooms shortly after +eight o’clock for it gave them an opportunity +to talk. At ten o’clock the girls went to their +own room. Max Laponi had not yet returned +from Andover where he took his meals.</p> +<p>Penny was tired and fell asleep almost as +soon as her head touched the pillow. Hours +later she was awakened by Rosanna who was +sitting upright in bed.</p> +<p>“What is it?” Penny mumbled drowsily.</p> +<p>Then she knew. The house reverberated +with the soft chords of a pipe organ.</p> +<p>Without switching on the electric lights, +Penny drew on her dressing gown. She started +toward the door, then returned to grope in the +drawer of the dresser where she found the key +which locked the door leading to the attic floor.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_119">[119]</div> +<p>“What are you going to do?” Rosanna asked +anxiously, drawing the bedclothes closer about +her.</p> +<p>Penny already had gone. Stealing quietly +down the dark hall she reached the end of it +and stood listening. The door leading to the +third floor was closed. She could hear the music +more distinctly than before and knew for a certainty +that it came from above.</p> +<p>She gently tried the door. It was still locked.</p> +<p>Penny was momentarily baffled. She had +half expected to find the door unlocked. She +had been so confident that by taking the key +she could put a stop to the ghost music.</p> +<p>“How did the organist reach the third floor +if he didn’t pass through this door?” she debated. +“That ghost must be quite a clever fellow +if he can enter without keys.”</p> +<p>The entire house had been carefully locked +up for the night. Penny and Rosanna had attended +to it the last thing before retiring, knowing +that Max Laponi could come in later by +using his own pass key. They had secured every +door and window.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_120">[120]</div> +<p>“Well, I won’t learn anything by standing +here,” Penny thought uncomfortably. “I’ll +have to go up there.” Her usual courage was +at low ebb. She dreaded the ordeal.</p> +<p>However, before she could open the stairway +door, a shrill scream echoed down the hall.</p> +<p>Terrified, Penny crouched back against the +wall and waited.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_121">[121]</div> +<h2 id="c10"><span class="small">CHAPTER X</span> +<br />The Wall Safe</h2> +<p>Recovering from her fright, Penny +reached up and snapped on the light. +She heard a door open down the hall. +Mrs. Leeds, a dressing gown clutched about her +unshapely figure, stumbled toward the girl.</p> +<p>“There’s something in my room! It struck +my face while I was sleeping! Oh, oh, such a +horrible house!”</p> +<p>“Control yourself,” Penny advised, taking +her by the arm. “We’ll see what it is.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds jerked away, assuming an attitude +of tense listening. For the first time she had +paid heed to the organ music from above.</p> +<p>“There it is again!” she whispered in awe. +“This house is haunted.”</p> +<p>Rosanna came down the hall, joining the +two at Mrs. Leeds’ door. Alicia huddled nearby, +too frightened to speak a word.</p> +<p>Penny opened the door and groped for the +<span class="pb" id="Page_122">[122]</span> +electric switch. As the room was flooded with +light, she looked quickly about. Everything +was in disorder but that was because Mrs. Leeds +had done no straightening or cleaning since her +arrival.</p> +<p>Suddenly Penny began to laugh.</p> +<p>“Pray what do you find that is so humorous?” +Mrs. Leeds demanded indignantly.</p> +<p>“Bats!” Penny answered, laughing again.</p> +<p>There were four of them blinded by the light, +cowering in the corners of the room. Penny +opened a window and with Rosanna’s help +drove them out into the night.</p> +<p>“They must have come in through an open +window,” she said to Mrs. Leeds.</p> +<p>“I didn’t have a window open,” the woman +retorted. “I can’t bear to sleep in this room +again. Tomorrow I shall move into another. +Come Alicia, we’ll sit up until morning in the +living room.”</p> +<p>Returning to her own room, Penny listened +for the organ music. It had ceased as mysteriously +as it had begun. She glanced curiously +toward the room occupied by Max Laponi. +<span class="pb" id="Page_123">[123]</span> +The door was closed. He alone of the entire +household seemed undisturbed by the strange +things which went on about him.</p> +<p>“I’d like to know if he really is in his room,” +Penny thought.</p> +<p>She hesitated by the door but did not have +the courage to try the knob. After a moment +she followed Rosanna to their bedroom at the +other end of the hall.</p> +<p>Morning found Mrs. Leeds even more upset +than upon the previous night. Her eyes were +bloodshot, her face sallow, her clothes unpressed. +She quarreled with her daughter and +ignored Penny and Rosanna. However, when +Max Laponi came down the stairs looking as +dapper as ever, her attitude instantly changed. +She spoke to him in a softer tone.</p> +<p>“We were beginning to wonder if the ghost +made off with you last night,” she said archly.</p> +<p>“What ghost?”</p> +<p>“You mean to say you didn’t hear the music?”</p> +<p>“Not a sound,” Laponi told her. “I am a +very hard sleeper.”</p> +<p>He seemed disinclined to listen to Mrs. +<span class="pb" id="Page_124">[124]</span> +Leeds’ account of all that had transpired, and +very shortly drove away in his automobile, ostensibly +to have breakfast in a nearby town.</p> +<p>After straightening their room and making +the bed, Rosanna and Penny went for a short +walk. They sat down by the cliff where they +could see the river below, discussing the situation.</p> +<p>“I don’t see that it’s doing a particle of good +to stay here,” Rosanna insisted. “I don’t feel +right about letting you waste so much time and +money.”</p> +<p>Rosanna was thinking of the expensive meals +which they bought at Andover. Because her +own supply of cash had run so low, Penny paid +for everything. Rosanna meant to settle the +debt and it steadily grew larger.</p> +<p>“Now don’t worry,” Penny advised kindly. +“I’m staying on here largely because I’ve determined +to discover the identity of our ghost. +Then, too, I can’t bear to see Mrs. Leeds gain +what doesn’t belong to her.”</p> +<p>“I’d be glad to stay if I thought it would do +the slightest good—”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_125">[125]</div> +<p>“I think it will Rosanna. I have a scheme +which I intend to try. It will take a few days +before we can work things out.”</p> +<p>Penny then explained a part of what was in +her mind. She was not certain as to all the details +of her plan, but little by little it was taking +shape.</p> +<p>After a time the girls walked down to Caleb +Eckert’s cabin. He was not at home. They +sauntered leisurely back to the house on the +cliff.</p> +<p>Neither Mrs. Leeds’ car nor the one belonging +to Max Laponi was on the driveway.</p> +<p>“I guess we’re the only ones here this morning,” +Penny commented.</p> +<p>They entered by the front door. From the +direction of the living room they heard a muffled +exclamation of impatience. Signaling for +silence, Penny tiptoed toward the velvet curtains +which hid the living room from view. She +parted them.</p> +<p>Caleb Eckert was working at the dials of a +wall safe which had been concealed in a secret +panel behind a large oil painting.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_126">[126]</div> +<p>Although the girls had made no sound, Caleb +sensed their presence. He turned and faced +them.</p> +<p>“Why, Mr. Eckert, doesn’t this call for some +explanation?” Penny asked in bewilderment. +“Surely you have no right to tamper with Mr. +Winters’ safe.”</p> +<p>The old man plainly was embarrassed. He +moistened his lips, looked away, then said +gruffly:</p> +<p>“I didn’t come here to steal. I came because +I wanted to protect Mr. Winters’ valuables. +There’s folks in this house that I don’t trust.”</p> +<p>“But how does it happen you know the combination +of the safe?” Rosanna inquired.</p> +<p>“Mr. Winters gave it to me before he left. +You see, he was my best friend. Jacob trusted +me.”</p> +<p>“He must have,” cut in a sneering voice from +directly behind.</p> +<p>Everyone turned to see Max Laponi standing +in the doorway. His sharp little eyes moved +swiftly about the room taking in everything. +They came to rest upon the wall safe.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_127">[127]</div> +<p>Caleb spun the dials. He hastily pressed a +concealed button and the picture swung back +into place, hiding the safe.</p> +<p>“Neat little device,” Laponi commented +dryly. His eyes narrowed. “Trying to steal +the Winters’ booty, were you?”</p> +<p>“Certainly not,” Caleb retorted angrily.</p> +<p>Laponi caught him roughly by the shoulder, +forcing him back against the wall.</p> +<p>“You know a lot more than you let on,” he +accused. “Tell me, is that where old Winters +hid his ivory collection?”</p> +<p>“I’ll tell you nothing,” Caleb snapped.</p> +<p>“You’ll tell or I’ll—”</p> +<p>“Mr. Laponi, you’re hurting him!” Rosanna +cried.</p> +<p>“Perhaps we should call the police if there’s +to be trouble,” Penny added cunningly.</p> +<p>At the mention of police, Laponi instantly +released his grip on Caleb. He laughed +harshly.</p> +<p>“We’ll let it go this time,” he said, “but I’m +warning you, Eckert, stay away from this house +and this safe if you know what’s good for you.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_128">[128]</div> +<p>“You might take that advice to yourself, too,” +the old man retorted, edging toward the door.</p> +<p>From the window the girls watched him hurry +down the path to his own cabin. His departure +was almost flight. Obviously, Caleb was afraid.</p> +<p>Penny did not know what to believe. An +hour before she would have taken oath that he +was strictly honest, devoted to the interests +of Jacob Winters. Now she could not be +sure.</p> +<p>Max Laponi lingered in the living room. +Suspecting that he intended to investigate the +wall safe the instant he was alone, Penny and +Rosanna settled themselves for a long stay. +They pretended to read.</p> +<p>After an hour, Laponi grew tired of the game, +and went off, grumbling to himself.</p> +<p>“We outlasted him that time,” Penny +chuckled. “However, we’ll have to be on the +lookout or he’ll sneak back sometime when +we’re gone. I wonder if Mr. Winters did leave +his ivory collection in the safe?”</p> +<p>“Laponi seems to think so,” Rosanna commented. +“I’m glad he doesn’t know the combination. +<span class="pb" id="Page_129">[129]</span> +I distrust him even more than I do +Caleb.”</p> +<p>“So do I, but I intend to watch them both,” +Penny responded thoughtfully. “I’m convinced +there’s a deep plot brewing—something far +more sinister than we’ve suspected.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_130">[130]</div> +<h2 id="c11"><span class="small">CHAPTER XI</span> +<br />A Night Adventure</h2> +<p>Since taking leave of Mr. Nichols at Mt. +Ashland, Penny had received no word +from her father. She did not worry actively, +yet it was a great relief when later in +the afternoon a uniformed messenger boy delivered +a telegram into her hand.</p> +<p>“Remain as long as you wish,” her father +wired. “Am enjoying good rest here.”</p> +<p>From an upstairs window Mrs. Leeds had +noted the arrival of the messenger boy. She +came hurrying down to see if the message was +for her. While Penny read the communication, +the woman eyed her suspiciously.</p> +<p>At last her curiosity could no longer be restrained. +She asked carelessly: “I don’t suppose +your wire has anything to do with Jacob Winters +or the estate?”</p> +<p>“Only indirectly,” Penny responded mischievously.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_131">[131]</div> +<p>To avoid further questioning, the girls went +outdoors.</p> +<p>“Let’s see if Caleb is at home,” Penny proposed.</p> +<p>They rapped several times upon the door of +the cabin and were about to turn away, when +the old man opened it.</p> +<p>“Sorry to bother you,” Penny apologized. “I +wanted to ask a few more questions about Mr. +Winters.”</p> +<p>Caleb looked ill at ease. “Questions!” he +fumed. “Well, what is it you want to know this +time?”</p> +<p>“Tell me, isn’t there a pipe organ on the third +floor of Mr. Winters’ house?”</p> +<p>“Certainly. Jacob was a talented musician. +He installed the organ nearly fifteen years ago. +But what of it may I ask?”</p> +<p>“We’d like very much to see the organ.”</p> +<p>“Well, why don’t you look at it then?”</p> +<p>“We can’t because the door is locked.”</p> +<p>“Locked?” Caleb seemed surprised. “That’s +funny. I didn’t know Mr. Winters ever locked +up his conservatory.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_132">[132]</div> +<p>“Then you haven’t a key?” Penny asked.</p> +<p>“Why should I have a key?” Caleb snorted. +“You act as if I’m the caretaker of that house. +It’s nothing to me what goes on there, except +that I don’t like to see folks overrun the place +and steal Mr. Winters’ fine things.”</p> +<p>“You needn’t look at us so accusingly,” Rosanna +said with surprising spirit. “We wouldn’t +take or damage one single thing in that house.”</p> +<p>Caleb’s face softened.</p> +<p>“I didn’t mean to suggest that you would. +I believe you two girls aren’t like those others. +But you were speaking of the organ. Why are +you so interested in it?”</p> +<p>“Because we’ve been hearing music at night,” +Penny informed. “It seems to come from that +room on the third floor.”</p> +<p>Caleb regarded her in awe. “Then it’s true, +the things they say.”</p> +<p>“What things?” Rosanna asked impatiently.</p> +<p>“That the house is haunted. If Mr. Winters +really is dead it may be——”</p> +<p>“Nonsense!” Penny cut in. “Rosanna and I +don’t believe in ghosts. And what’s more, I +<span class="pb" id="Page_133">[133]</span> +doubt if you do, Caleb Eckert! That so-called +ghost is a very live one. If you won’t help me, +I’ll solve the mystery alone!”</p> +<p>And with this declaration, Penny stalked +from the cabin, followed by the faithful Rosanna.</p> +<p>“Perhaps you’ve antagonized him now,” the +latter said as they went back to the house on the +cliff.</p> +<p>“I don’t care if I have! Caleb knows a great +deal more than he pretends. He could help +us if he wanted to!”</p> +<p>No one was stirring on the lower floor of the +Winters’ house when the girls entered. To +Penny it seemed an admirable time to institute +a search of the premises.</p> +<p>“We’ll let Mrs. Leeds hunt for the will,” +Penny declared, “but we’ll look for something +which may prove equally valuable.”</p> +<p>“What?” Rosanna asked curiously.</p> +<p>“A picture of Jacob Winters.”</p> +<p>“I can’t see what good it will do to find one +except that I’d like to have a photo of my uncle +as a keepsake.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_134">[134]</div> +<p>“If my plans work out I’ll have a more important +use for it,” Penny smiled mysteriously.</p> +<p>“I should think we could find one somewhere +in the house,” Rosanna declared. “Most people +have old photographs stuck around in odd +places.”</p> +<p>For nearly an hour the girls poked about +in drawers and clothes closets until Rosanna +protested that she felt as prying and sneaking +as Mrs. Leeds.</p> +<p>“This is in a better cause,” Penny laughed.</p> +<p>“It looks that way to us because it’s my cause,” +Rosanna smiled. “Still, I’d never examine private +papers or locked drawers.”</p> +<p>Penny made no response for in a lower table +drawer she had come upon an old album. She +displayed her discovery and page by page the +girls went through it, laughing a little at the +strange old-fashioned costumes and the stiff +poses of the subjects. Names were written under +a few of the photographs but Rosanna +recognized only one or two as relatives.</p> +<p>“I never knew many of my relation,” she admitted. +<span class="pb" id="Page_135">[135]</span> +“If Mrs. Leeds and her daughter are +samples, perhaps it’s just as well.”</p> +<p>“The people in this album look nice, Rosanna. +I suppose most of them are dead by this +time.”</p> +<p>Penny turned a page and stared blankly +down at an empty folder.</p> +<p>“Why, here is your uncle’s name,” she cried, +indicating a signature at the bottom of the page. +“But the photo is gone!”</p> +<p>“Oh, how disappointing.”</p> +<p>“Someone removed the photo, Rosanna. Perhaps +deliberately too.”</p> +<p>“What makes you think that?”</p> +<p>“I only said it. I have no evidence of course. +Oh, all my plans will be upset if I don’t find the +photograph!”</p> +<p>The arrival of Mrs. Leeds cut short the conversation. +The girls hastily returned the album +to the table drawer but not quickly enough +to avoid being detected. Mrs. Leeds triumphantly +pounced on the leather bound book.</p> +<p>“Only an old-fashioned album,” she said in +disappointment, tossing it aside.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_136">[136]</div> +<p>“Did you think it was the will?” Penny +chuckled as she and Rosanna departed.</p> +<p>The girls impatiently awaited the coming of +night. Penny had determined to make a supreme +effort to discover the cause of the mysterious +organ music. At first Rosanna had been +enthusiastic over the plan but as nightfall approached +she tried to dissuade her friend.</p> +<p>“It’s too dangerous,” she insisted. “Please +give up the scheme.”</p> +<p>Penny shook her head. She had made up her +mind to spend the night on the third floor. +Soon after the household retired she intended +to steal upstairs and establish herself by the door +of the conservatory.</p> +<p>Evening came. At nine Mrs. Leeds and her +daughter shut themselves into the bedroom +which they had selected since their upsetting +experience with bats. At eleven Penny heard +Max Laponi’s door close.</p> +<p>She looked out into the hall. It was dark and +deserted.</p> +<p>“Please don’t attempt it,” Rosanna shivered. +“What if something should happen?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_137">[137]</div> +<p>“I hope it does,” Penny said grimly. “It +won’t be any fun to sit up half the night without +any purpose. I’ll be disappointed if our +ghost fails to provide his usual midnight concert.”</p> +<p>“If anything goes wrong scream for help,” +Rosanna urged. “I’ll run for assistance.”</p> +<p>Penny promised. While Rosanna stood at +the bedroom door watching, she tiptoed down +the hall, past Mrs. Leeds’ room, past Laponi’s +chamber to the third floor stairs.</p> +<p>There she hesitated. Without a light the +region above looked even more dark and awe-inspiring +than she had remembered it.</p> +<p>“Coward!” she accused herself, and quietly +went up, leaving the door unlocked behind her.</p> +<p>All was quiet on the third floor. Penny tried +the door to the conservatory expecting to find +it locked. To her astonishment it opened. The +discovery disconcerted her for an instant. A +minute later she mustered her courage and +stepped inside the room.</p> +<p>In the darkness she could make out objects +only vaguely. The organ with its huge pipes +<span class="pb" id="Page_138">[138]</span> +occupied one end of the room. Sheet-draped +chairs gave everything a ghostly atmosphere not +at all conducive to a peaceful state of mind.</p> +<p>After making a brief inspection of her quarters +Penny sat down on the floor with her back +against the outside door. She riveted her eyes +upon the organ.</p> +<p>Time dragged slowly. When it seemed to +Penny that several hours must have passed, she +heard a clock downstairs striking eleven-thirty.</p> +<p>“At least another half hour to wait,” Penny +thought, shifting into a more comfortable position.</p> +<p>She grew drowsy. Several times she caught +herself on the verge of napping. She aroused +herself only to find her eyes growing heavy +again. It became increasingly difficult to watch +the organ.</p> +<p>“I wish that ghost would hurry up and come,” +she mused impatiently. “Perhaps after all my +trouble this won’t be one of his working nights!”</p> +<p>That was the last thought of which she was +aware. Suddenly she heard soft organ music +rolling and swelling about her. With a start +<span class="pb" id="Page_139">[139]</span> +she aroused herself. She had been sleeping.</p> +<p>It took an instant for Penny to gather her +wits. She was still sitting with her back to the +conservatory door. Yet at the far end of the +great room, she distinctly could see a shadowy +figure seated at the organ.</p> +<p>Penny scrambled to her feet, starting forward. +The floor creaked alarmingly.</p> +<p>Penny halted, but too late. She had given +warning of her presence.</p> +<p>The shadowy figure at the organ jerked into +alert attention. There was a discordant crash +of chords, then silence.</p> +<p>Penny blinked. She thought she had heard +a sharp click as if a secret panel had opened and +closed. That was all.</p> +<p>And the organist had disappeared.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_140">[140]</div> +<h2 id="c12"><span class="small">CHAPTER XII</span> +<br />A Suspicious Act</h2> +<p>Penny caught herself shivering. She decided +that she had seen quite enough for +one night.</p> +<p>She turned toward the door, but with her +hand on the brass knob, stood tensely listening. +Someone was tiptoeing along the hall. It occurred +to her that the mysterious organist +might have escaped from the music room by +means of a secret panel which opened directly +into the adjoining corridor. Even now he could +be effecting his escape to the lower floor.</p> +<p>Crouching against the wall, Penny waited. +She was startled to hear the footsteps coming +closer. Then the door opened a tiny crack and +the beam of a flashlight slowly circled the room.</p> +<p>“Penny!” an anxious voice whispered. +“Where are you?”</p> +<p>Penny laughed in relief as she reached out +to grip Rosanna’s hand.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_141">[141]</div> +<p>“Oh! How you startled me!” the girl gasped. +“I’m so glad you’re safe, Penny. You stayed up +here so long that I was frightened.”</p> +<p>“I had to wait for the ghost.”</p> +<p>“I heard the music,” Rosanna said in awe. +“It broke off so suddenly.”</p> +<p>“That was because I frightened the ghost +away. At first I thought perhaps I had dreamed +it all, but if you heard the music too then it +must have been real.”</p> +<p>“It was real enough. But it lasted only a +minute or two.”</p> +<p>“When the organist saw me I suspect he +slipped out of the room by means of a secret +panel,” Penny reported. “But where he went +is a mystery. You didn’t see anyone as you +came up the stairs to find me?”</p> +<p>“No, I’m sure no one was in the hall, Penny.”</p> +<p>“I’m as certain as anything that this room has +a secret entrance. Give me your flashlight and +we’ll see what we can discover.”</p> +<p>“Not tonight,” Rosanna shivered, pulling her +friend toward the door. “We can come back +in the morning.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_142">[142]</div> +<p>“The room may be locked again then.”</p> +<p>“That’s so.”</p> +<p>“Let’s take advantage of the opportunity +while we have it.”</p> +<p>Rosanna handed over the flashlight and together +they crossed the room to the big organ. +They inspected it with interest and Penny ran +her fingers lightly over the keys. However, no +sound came forth.</p> +<p>“That’s queer,” Rosanna whispered.</p> +<p>“I think someone has to pump air,” Penny +said. “It’s probably shut off.”</p> +<p>She next turned her attention to the walls in +the immediate vicinity of the organ. She could +locate no hidden panel although in one place +it seemed to her that when she rapped on a certain +sector it emitted a hollow sound.</p> +<p>“It’s too dark to see anything tonight,” Rosanna +protested nervously.</p> +<p>“I guess we may as well give it up until morning,” +Penny agreed.</p> +<p>The girls stole quietly down the stairs to the +lower floor. However, an unpleasant surprise +awaited them. As they opened the door into +<span class="pb" id="Page_143">[143]</span> +the main passageway they found themselves +face to face with Mrs. Leeds and Alicia.</p> +<p>“So I find you here again!” the woman exclaimed. +“I suspected before that you girls +were at the bottom of these nightly disturbances. +Now I have the proof.”</p> +<p>Penny was too annoyed to even try to explain +why she had visited the third floor. She would +have ignored the woman and passed on to her +own room had not Rosanna been so distressed +by the ridiculous accusation.</p> +<p>“We’ve had absolutely nothing to do with +the queer things which have been going on in +this house,” the orphan maintained indignantly.</p> +<p>“Then why were you upstairs at this time of +night? Only a minute or two ago Alicia and +I heard music.”</p> +<p>“We were trying to learn what caused it, +Mrs. Leeds.”</p> +<p>“A likely story!” Alicia said with a toss of her +head.</p> +<p>“You may believe it or not, just as you wish,” +Penny returned coldly.</p> +<p>“It seems to me, Miss Nichols, that you are +<span class="pb" id="Page_144">[144]</span> +taking it upon yourself to do entirely too much +investigating,” Mrs. Leeds said cuttingly. +“This isn’t your home and you’re not a relative +of Jacob Winters.”</p> +<p>“And unless I’m sadly mistaken there are +others here who are similarly situated!” Penny +retorted.</p> +<p>“Do you mean to suggest that Alicia and I +are not related to Jacob Winters?”</p> +<p>“I’m not suggesting anything,” Penny replied +evenly. “However, since you brought up the +matter of an investigation, I might ask you about +that paper which I saw you burn in the living +room fireplace.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds’ face changed color and she grew +confused.</p> +<p>“Why, I don’t know what you’re talking +about.”</p> +<p>“You know well enough, but we’ll let it pass +for the time being. Come on, Rosanna.”</p> +<p>The two girls walked down the hall and entered +their own room, closing the door firmly +behind them.</p> +<p>“You held your own with her that time,” Rosanna +<span class="pb" id="Page_145">[145]</span> +chuckled. “My, I wish I could talk up to +people the way you can.”</p> +<p>“I talk entirely too much. But she made me +provoked when she accused us of causing all +the disturbance in this house.”</p> +<p>“What did you mean by asking about a paper +she had burned?” Rosanna asked curiously.</p> +<p>“Oh, I just wanted to throw a scare into her,” +Penny responded evasively as she snapped out +the light and crept into bed. “I really have no +proof of anything.”</p> +<p>Long after Rosanna had fallen asleep she lay +awake thinking. Proof! The word seared itself +into her brain. If only she could secure +some evidence which would aid Rosanna!</p> +<p>“The entire affair seems unreal,” she mused. +“Almost like a movie. It’s obvious that someone +is playing at being a ghost, trying to frighten +the occupants of this house. But what can be +the purpose behind it all?”</p> +<p>Although Penny had been careful to make +no such admission to Rosanna, she was becoming +increasingly troubled. Nor were her worries +confined solely to the hide-and-seek organist. +<span class="pb" id="Page_146">[146]</span> +She feared that the time was fast approaching +when Mrs. Leeds or Max Laponi would make +a legal claim to the Winters’ property.</p> +<p>“The chances are that Mrs. Leeds destroyed +the will,” she reasoned. “In that event, Rosanna +may lose everything.”</p> +<p>Penny felt baffled, yet she was unwilling to +admit defeat. Certainly not until Mrs. Leeds +had thrown all her cards on the table. Events +were fast approaching a crisis. Penny sensed +that from the woman’s attitude of increasing +hostility and assurance.</p> +<p>“I’m not defeated yet,” she thought grimly +as she closed her eyes and tried to sleep. “I still +have a few tricks up my sleeve!”</p> +<p>When Rosanna and Penny descended the +stairs the next morning they heard a murmur +of voices in the library. The door was closed.</p> +<p>“I imagine Laponi and Mrs. Leeds are having +another one of their secret conferences,” Penny +commented. “They’re up to some mischief.”</p> +<p>“Why not leave this place today?” Rosanna +demanded, “I don’t care about the fortune any +more. I’m so tired of all this plotting and +<span class="pb" id="Page_147">[147]</span> +scheming. I’d rather just go away and let them +have it.”</p> +<p>“Now don’t look so distressed,” Penny smiled. +“The battle of wits has only begun.”</p> +<p>“But I don’t like to battle. It isn’t my nature.”</p> +<p>“I’m your appointed gladiator, Rosanna. +You have no idea how much pleasure it would +give me to see these grasping imposters exposed.”</p> +<p>“We haven’t any proof they’re imposters,” +Rosanna said soberly. “After all, they had letters +and keys to the house. I haven’t even that +much.”</p> +<p>“It’s too bad they were lost, but you mustn’t +let it worry you,” Penny chided. “Right now +I’m more concerned over another matter.”</p> +<p>“The mysterious ghost?”</p> +<p>“Yes, although I wasn’t thinking of that at +the moment. It’s Mr. Winters’ photograph. +Who tore it out of the album?”</p> +<p>“For all we know it may have been removed +years ago.”</p> +<p>“Yes, that’s so, but somehow I have a hunch +<span class="pb" id="Page_148">[148]</span> +it disappeared at a far more recent date. If I +don’t find a picture of Jacob Winters, I’m afraid +my little plan will fall through.”</p> +<p>“You haven’t told me much about this secret +plan of yours, Penny.”</p> +<p>“That’s because I haven’t worked it out clearly +in my own mind yet. But unless I find the +photograph there simply won’t be any.”</p> +<p>“We might search the house again.”</p> +<p>“I intend to do that if we can ever find a time +when Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi are both +gone. Just now I’m eager to make another inspection +of the organ room upstairs. This is +our chance while those two are closeted in the +library.”</p> +<p>Rosanna was not especially anxious to visit +the third floor again, but she offered no objection +to the suggestion. Penny led the way up +the creaking stairs.</p> +<p>The door of the music room was unlocked +as they had left it the previous evening. However, +the window shades were all drawn and the +room was dark. Penny raised the blinds to admit +light.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_149">[149]</div> +<p>Curiously, the girls gazed about them. Everything +was covered with a thick coating of dust +and cobwebs hung in misty veils from the corners +of the room. Penny crossed over to the +organ. She indicated the bench in front of it.</p> +<p>“I guess that proves whether or not our ghost +was real.”</p> +<p>“You mean the imprint on the dusty surface +of the organ bench?” Rosanna asked doubtfully.</p> +<p>“Yes, you can see where the organist sat.”</p> +<p>“Perhaps one of us brushed off the dust without +realizing it. You tried to play a few notes +on the organ, you know.”</p> +<p>“Yes, but I didn’t sit down on the bench, +Rosanna.”</p> +<p>Losing interest in the organ, Penny began to +search for the secret panel through which she +was firmly convinced that the “ghost” had disappeared. +As her eyes moved swiftly over the +smooth wall, she suddenly uttered a low exclamation.</p> +<p>“See, Rosanna! The imprint of a man’s +hand!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_150">[150]</div> +<p>The marking upon the wall was so faint that +at first the other girl did not see it. But she +too became excited as Penny pointed it out.</p> +<p>“How do you suppose it came to be there?” +she asked in awe.</p> +<p>“I suspect our friend the organist was groping +about in the dark searching for the secret +panel. No doubt his hand was dusty and when +he pressed it against the wall it left a faint imprint.”</p> +<p>“If you’re right, we have a valuable clue as +to the location of the panel!”</p> +<p>Penny nodded eagerly. Already she was exploring +the wall with her hand.</p> +<p>“It’s funny,” she murmured impatiently. +“I’m as sure as anything that the panel is +here——”</p> +<p>She broke off suddenly as her fingers touched +a tiny round object which was hidden under the +wall paper.</p> +<p>“I believe I’ve found it!” she exclaimed gleefully +pressing the button.</p> +<p>The girls heard a faint click. But the panel +did not open.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_151">[151]</div> +<p>“The stubborn thing!” Penny cried impatiently. +“Why doesn’t it open?”</p> +<p>She pushed with both hands against the section +of wall where she felt convinced the panel +was located. To her own surprise and the horror +of her companion, it suddenly gave way.</p> +<p>Penny plunged headlong through the opening. +And before Rosanna could recover from +the shock of seeing her friend disappear, the +panel fell back into place.</p> +<p>“Penny, Penny,” she cried anxiously, pounding +upon the wall. “Are you hurt?”</p> +<p>For several minutes there was no answer. +Then Rosanna heard a smothered little giggle.</p> +<p>“All my bones are still together I guess. But +I seem to have tumbled down a flight of stairs. +Come on in.”</p> +<p>“I don’t know how to get in. The panel +slammed shut when you fell through.”</p> +<p>“It’s hinged at the top I think. Find the +little button and press on it. Then when you +hear a click push on the panel. Only push easy +or you’ll take a tumble the way I did.”</p> +<p>In a minute Rosanna had located the button. +<span class="pb" id="Page_152">[152]</span> +She pressed upon it as she had seen Penny do. +Then as the lock clicked, she cautiously pushed +against the panel. Light as was her touch the +sector of wall swung instantly back and she +stepped through the opening. So concerned +was she over Penny that she failed to hear the +panel close behind her.</p> +<p>At first Rosanna could see nothing. Then +as her eyes became accustomed to the gloomy +interior she made out a long flight of stone steps +leading downward into inky blackness.</p> +<p>She felt reassured when Penny grasped her +hand.</p> +<p>“Come on, Rosanna! Isn’t it exciting? Let’s +explore!”</p> +<p>“Oh, it’s too dark!” Rosanna whispered +nervously. “What if we should run into that +dreadful man—the organist?”</p> +<p>“Well, perhaps it would be wiser to go back +for a flashlight,” Penny conceded. “Only we +mustn’t let Mrs. Leeds or Max Laponi suspect +what we’re up to. We must keep this discovery +strictly to ourselves.”</p> +<p>She returned to the head of the stairs but +<span class="pb" id="Page_153">[153]</span> +although she groped her hand carefully along +the wall she could find no hidden button or +spring which controlled the panel. By this time +Rosanna had grown frightened.</p> +<p>“Don’t tell me we’re locked in!”</p> +<p>Penny forced herself to speak calmly. She +knew that it would never do to let Rosanna +realize that she too was alarmed.</p> +<p>“For the moment I’m afraid we are,” she admitted +quietly. “But don’t give up hope. +We’ll get out of here somehow.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_154">[154]</div> +<h2 id="c13"><span class="small">CHAPTER XIII</span> +<br />The Secret Stairs</h2> +<p>Ten minutes of unrewarded search convinced +Penny that they were only wasting +their time in attempting to locate the +hidden spring without a light.</p> +<p>“Let’s follow the steps down and see where +they lead,” she suggested. “Surely there must +be another exit.”</p> +<p>Rosanna permitted Penny to lead her down +the steep flight of stairs. They presently +reached the bottom. It was too dark to see very +much but by feeling along the damp stone wall +they discovered that they were in a narrow passageway. +As they moved cautiously forward a +breath of cold air struck Penny’s face.</p> +<p>“This must be the way to the exit,” she declared +cheerfully. “We’ll soon be out of here +now.”</p> +<p>“It can’t be too soon for me,” Rosanna chattered.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_155">[155]</div> +<p>Hand in hand they groped their way along +the subterranean passage. Soon they came to +the end of it but instead of an exit they found +another flight of steps leading downward at a +steep angle.</p> +<p>“Careful or you’ll fall,” Penny warned as they +began the treacherous descent. “Some of the +stones are loose.”</p> +<p>“I wish we had a light,” Rosanna complained. +“Where do you suppose we’re going anyway?”</p> +<p>“Maybe to the center of the earth,” Penny +chuckled. “It seems like it anyway.”</p> +<p>“Unless I’m mixed up in my directions we’re +moving toward the lake.”</p> +<p>“It seems that way to me too,” Penny readily +agreed. “But we’ve twisted and turned so many +times I couldn’t be sure of anything.”</p> +<p>By this time the girls were convinced that they +were underground for they had made a long, +straight descent. The walls were moist and +damp; the air chilly. Yet one thing puzzled +them. If they actually were traveling toward +the lake that meant that the tunnel had been +bored into the side of the cliff. But such a feat +<span class="pb" id="Page_156">[156]</span> +obviously was nothing less than an engineering +enterprise.</p> +<p>At length the girls reached the bottom of the +second flight of stairs only to find themselves in +another passageway. It was much larger than +the other and lighter.</p> +<p>“Do you think we could be in an abandoned +ore mine?” Penny suddenly demanded, pausing +to inspect the walls.</p> +<p>“It does look a little like it. Only I never +heard of stone steps in a mine.”</p> +<p>“No, they have shafts. But it strikes me that +the steps may have been added later, if you +noticed, the upper passage was much smaller +than this one.”</p> +<p>“As if it had been dug out to join with this +one,” Rosanna added eagerly.</p> +<p>“Exactly. It’s my theory that some person +knew about this old mine and decided to connect +it with a smaller tunnel which would lead +up into the house.”</p> +<p>“But who do you suppose conceived such a +plan?”</p> +<p>“I can’t answer that one,” Penny laughed. +<span class="pb" id="Page_157">[157]</span> +“But come on, let’s see if we aren’t approaching +the exit.”</p> +<p>Eagerly they moved forward, guided by the +streak of light. A minute later Penny who was +in the lead, gave a joyous shout.</p> +<p>“We’ve come to the end of it! I can see +trees!”</p> +<p>“Thank goodness,” Rosanna sighed in relief. +“I was afraid we’d never get out alive.”</p> +<p>Penny parted the bushes which barred the +exit and they peered out.</p> +<p>“You were right, Rosanna. We did travel +toward the lake. We’re almost in it for that +matter!”</p> +<p>The water came within a few yards of the +entrance and during a storm the girls imagined +that it must flood the lower passageway. Penny +noticed a rowboat tied up in a clump of bushes.</p> +<p>“I suppose that’s how our ghost makes his +quick get-away,” Penny remarked dryly.</p> +<p>“We might take a ride on the lake,” Rosanna +proposed.</p> +<p>“Don’t you think it might advertise that +we’ve discovered this tunnel? Especially if the +<span class="pb" id="Page_158">[158]</span> +ghost should happen to see us using his boat.”</p> +<p>“Of course, I didn’t stop to think. Oh, Penny +if only we knew the identity of this person who +annoys the household!”</p> +<p>“It shouldn’t be so hard to learn it now,” +Penny declared in satisfaction. “At night we’ll +station ourselves here by the mouth of the +tunnel and watch.”</p> +<p>“It wouldn’t surprise me if it should turn out +to be Max Laponi,” Rosanna remarked. “He +never seems to be in his room at night.”</p> +<p>Penny offered no response.</p> +<p>Fearing that their long absence from the +house might have aroused suspicion, the girls +hurriedly left the scene. They found a trail +which wound along the base of the cliff and +which presently took them toward the house on +the hill.</p> +<p>As they passed the Eckert cabin they saw the +old man cleaning fish by the back door. They +greeted him perfunctorily and would have +walked on had he not seemed in a mood to talk.</p> +<p>“Out early this morning, aren’t you?” he +questioned.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_159">[159]</div> +<p>“Yes, we were down by the lake,” Penny +answered.</p> +<p>“You must have crawled out of bed before +the sun was up. I’ve been cleaning fish here all +morning and I didn’t see you go past.”</p> +<p>“We went around a different way,” Penny +answered, and then before he could ask another +question, interposed one of her own. “By the +way, do you know where I could get a picture +of Jacob Winters?”</p> +<p>Old Caleb dropped his fish knife. It took +him a long time to recover it from the ground.</p> +<p>“What do you want of a picture?” he questioned +gruffly.</p> +<p>“Oh, I just need it,” Penny said evasively.</p> +<p>“I’d like to have one myself,” Rosanna added +sincerely. “I never had a photo of my uncle.”</p> +<p>“If you find he’s cut you out of all his property +I guess you probably won’t be so anxious +to have a picture of the old cod,” Caleb observed.</p> +<p>Rosanna drew herself up proudly.</p> +<p>“It wouldn’t make the slightest difference, +Mr. Eckert. After all, my uncle never saw me +<span class="pb" id="Page_160">[160]</span> +so why should he have left me any of his money? +You say such disagreeable things!”</p> +<p>“I’m a disagreeable old man,” Caleb admitted +cheerfully, “but my bark is worse than my bite.”</p> +<p>“Well, please don’t call my uncle names,” +Rosanna went on with spirit.</p> +<p>“Names?”</p> +<p>“You spoke of Uncle Jacob as an old cod. I +don’t like it a bit.”</p> +<p>Old Caleb was startled by the outburst. But +his eyes twinkled as he replied soberly:</p> +<p>“Well, now, Miss Rosanna, I didn’t mean to +offend you or to speak disrespectfully of Jacob +either. It was just my way of talking.”</p> +<p>“Then I’ll forgive you,” Rosanna smiled.</p> +<p>The girls were on the verge of moving off +when Caleb checked them with a question.</p> +<p>“You haven’t heard Mrs. Leeds or that Laponi +fellow say anything about leaving have you?”</p> +<p>“I don’t believe they intend to go unless +they’re put out,” Penny responded. “I heard +Mrs. Leeds say the other day that she had sent +for her lawyer.”</p> +<p>“They stick tighter than cockle burs,” Caleb +<span class="pb" id="Page_161">[161]</span> +commented. “If only I had the right, I would +send them both packing. Especially that Max +Laponi. I don’t trust him.”</p> +<p>“Neither do I,” Penny agreed promptly. +“That’s why I think you should try to help me +clear up this dreadful muddle.”</p> +<p>“What can I do? I have no authority.”</p> +<p>“It will help if you can find me a photograph +of Mr. Winters.”</p> +<p>Caleb’s face puckered into troubled wrinkles.</p> +<p>“It’s too late,” he muttered under his breath. +“It wouldn’t do any good.”</p> +<p>“What was that you said?” Penny questioned +sharply.</p> +<p>“Nothing. I was just talking to myself. +About the picture. I’ll see what I can do. Don’t +count much on getting it though because I +doubt if I can locate one for you.”</p> +<p>The girls chatted a few minutes longer but +Caleb was not very good company. He responded +briefly if at all to their conversational +sallies and for the most part seemed lost in +thought. They soon left him to his fish cleaning +and went on toward the house.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_162">[162]</div> +<p>“I wonder what got into him all at once?” +Rosanna mused. “Perhaps he was offended at +the way I spoke to him.”</p> +<p>“I don’t think he gave it a second thought,” +Penny responded. “I suspect Caleb rather likes +to have folks talk up to him. No, I’m sure it +wasn’t anything you said that annoyed him. +Likely enough it was my request for Mr. Winters’ +photograph.”</p> +<p>“Why should that bother him?”</p> +<p>“That’s what I’d like to know. Caleb is a +queer one to say the least.”</p> +<p>“Do you think he’ll ever produce the photo?”</p> +<p>Penny laughed shortly.</p> +<p>“It would be a great surprise to me if he did. +And yet from the way he acted, I’m convinced +he could get me one if he chose. Like as not he +has one in his cabin now.”</p> +<p>Penny lapsed into a moody silence. From +the day of her arrival at Raven Ridge she had +sensed old Caleb’s reluctance to help her. +While she could not say that he was exactly unfriendly +he had made no positive move of assistance. +She had believed for a long time that he +<span class="pb" id="Page_163">[163]</span> +knew a great deal more than he would tell regarding +Jacob Winters’ absence.</p> +<p>The girls entered the house by a side door. +They noticed that Mrs. Leeds’ car no longer +stood on the driveway and took it for granted +that she and her daughter had driven to Andover +as was their daily custom.</p> +<p>They glanced casually into the library and +noticed that it was empty. However, Penny’s +keen eyes traveled to the desk. She observed +that the ink bottle had been left uncorked and +that a pen had been removed from its holder.</p> +<p>“I wonder what Mrs. Leeds and Laponi were +up to?” she speculated. “Oh, well, I’ll probably +find out soon enough.”</p> +<p>“I believe I’ll go upstairs for a few minutes,” +Rosanna excused herself. “I haven’t straightened +my things yet this morning.”</p> +<p>Left alone, Penny crossed over to the desk +and examined the paper in the wastebasket. +She looked closely at the blotter, even holding it +to the mirror, but it had been used so many +times that the words which appeared upon it +could not be read. There was not a scrap of +<span class="pb" id="Page_164">[164]</span> +evidence to show what Mrs. Leeds and Max +Laponi had been writing.</p> +<p>In disappointment Penny picked up a book +and sat down to read. Presently she heard soft +steps in the hallway but paid slight attention +thinking that it was Rosanna.</p> +<p>She was on the verge of calling her friend’s +name when she thought better of it. The sound +of the footsteps told her that the person had +gone into the living room. And by this time +she was convinced that it was not Rosanna.</p> +<p>She waited, listening. She heard a faint +metallic click which caused her to lay aside her +book and quietly steal to the doorway of the +living room.</p> +<p>Max Laponi stood with his back toward her, +so absorbed in what he was about that he had +not the slightest suspicion that he was being +observed.</p> +<p>Penny saw him carefully remove the oil painting +from the wall. He deftly opened the panel, +exposing the safe. Then, with a sureness of +touch which amazed Penny, he began to spin the +dials.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_165">[165]</div> +<h2 id="c14"><span class="small">CHAPTER XIV</span> +<br />A Diamond Ring</h2> +<p>“Mr. Laponi, kindly move away from +that safe!”</p> +<p>Penny spoke sharply as she quietly +stepped into the living room. The man whirled +and saw her. Taken by surprise, his hand fell +away from the dials and he looked confused.</p> +<p>“You seem to be very much interested in Mr. +Winters’ valuables,” Penny said sternly.</p> +<p>By this time Max Laponi had recovered his +composure.</p> +<p>“Why shouldn’t I be?” he retorted. “After +all, I am Mr. Winters’ heir.”</p> +<p>“That remains to be seen, Mr. Laponi. You +appear to be very handy at opening safes, I +notice.” Penny crossed the room and after +turning the handle to make certain that Laponi +had not succeeded in his purpose, closed the +panel and returned the oil painting to its +former position.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_166">[166]</div> +<p>“I suppose you think I was trying to steal,” +Laponi began after a minute of dead silence. +“Nothing was further from my intention.”</p> +<p>“No?”</p> +<p>“Ever since I caught Caleb Eckert trying to +break into this safe I’ve been worried. Last +night I saw him prowling around the house +after dark and it made me uneasy. I was afraid +he would make another attempt to steal Mr. +Winters’ valuables.”</p> +<p>“So you thought you would just beat him to +it!” Penny retorted sarcastically.</p> +<p>“Certainly not. When you entered the room +I was merely inspecting the safe to make certain +that it was securely locked.”</p> +<p>Penny could not refrain from smiling. She +did not believe a word of what Max Laponi was +telling her.</p> +<p>“That safe seems to be the real attraction of +this house,” she remarked. “I’ve suspected for +some time that it contains Mr. Winters’ ivory +collection.”</p> +<p>If Max Laponi were taken aback he did not +disclose it. But he eyed Penny shrewdly.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_167">[167]</div> +<p>“You’re a smart little girl. Too smart to go +around making trouble for yourself. Now if +you’re wise you’ll team up with me and I’ll +promise you that you’ll come out at the top of +the heap.”</p> +<p>“Just what is your proposition?” Penny asked +quickly.</p> +<p>Max Laponi was too alert to place himself in +any trap.</p> +<p>“If you’re willing to follow my orders I’ll +promise you that when I come into my fortune +you’ll be well paid.”</p> +<p>“And what are your orders?”</p> +<p>“I’ll tell you after you give me your promise.”</p> +<p>Penny regarded him coldly.</p> +<p>“I’ll promise nothing, Mr. Laponi, except +that I intend to see justice done to Rosanna +Winters! You and Mrs. Leeds are trying to +cheat her out of her rightful inheritance.”</p> +<p>“She’ll never get a cent. If you had an ounce +of sense you’d ditch her and come in with us. +It’s all fixed—”</p> +<p>“Fixed!” Penny tripped him. “And by ‘us’ I +imagine you mean Mrs. Leeds. You’re both +<span class="pb" id="Page_168">[168]</span> +hatching some scheme to defraud Rosanna.”</p> +<p>Laponi smiled impudently.</p> +<p>“Well, don’t say I didn’t give you your choice, +Miss Nichols. It is your decision to have no +share in the spoils?”</p> +<p>“It is.”</p> +<p>Laponi’s face darkened slightly. “As you +wish, Miss Nichols. But let me give you a little +warning. Keep your nose out of my affairs or it +will be the worse for you!”</p> +<p>He turned and walked from the room. A +minute later Penny saw him leave the house by +the side door.</p> +<p>“If he thinks he can frighten me with a threat +he has another guess coming!” she thought indignantly. +“For two cents I’d call in the police.”</p> +<p>Upon second consideration she decided that +such a move would not be wise. After all she +had no real evidence against Laponi. While +she was convinced in her own mind that his +motives were dishonest the police might take a +more conservative attitude. Then too, she +would be forced to offer a satisfactory explanation +for her own presence in the house.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_169">[169]</div> +<p>“Laponi is after something more valuable +than a will,” Penny mused as she stood at the +window watching his car vanish down the driveway.</p> +<p>Her eye wandered to the oil painting on the +wall. She felt certain that the safe which was +screened beneath it guarded Mr. Winters’ collection +of ivory. And from the expression of +Laponi’s face when she had mentioned her belief, +she was sure that he shared the same conviction.</p> +<p>“He practically admitted he was involved +in some scheme to defraud Rosanna,” she +thought. “I can’t help feeling he’s a crook even +if he is a relative of Mr. Winters. I wish I +dared search his room for evidence!”</p> +<p>The more she considered the idea, the greater +became its appeal. Probably Laponi would not +return to the house for at least an hour. She +would have ample time. Still, the undertaking +would be a risky one and not at all to her +liking.</p> +<p>“I suppose a professional detective wouldn’t +feel squeamish about entering another person’s +<span class="pb" id="Page_170">[170]</span> +room if the case demanded it,” she encouraged +herself. “Laponi practically admitted his guilt—that +was because he thought I couldn’t do anything +about it. Maybe I’ll show him!”</p> +<p>By this time Penny’s mind was made up. +Quietly she stole up the stairway. In the upper +corridor she paused to listen for a minute. +Everything was still.</p> +<p>Penny tiptoed down the hall to Max Laponi’s +room. She tried the door. It was locked.</p> +<p>“That’s funny,” she thought. “He must keep +something inside that he’s afraid to have folks +see.”</p> +<p>She was more eager than before to search the +room. But with the key gone it seemed out +of the question. Then Penny’s face lighted as +she recalled the empty bedroom adjoining the +one occupied by Laponi. It was possible that +they might have a connecting door.</p> +<p>Looking carefully about to make certain that +she was not under observation, she moved on +down the hall and tried the next door. To her +delight it opened. She entered the dusty +chamber, gazing quickly about. She was disappointed +<span class="pb" id="Page_171">[171]</span> +to see that the two bedrooms had no +connecting door.</p> +<p>However, when she walked to the window +and raised it, she noted a wide ledge which ran +the length of the building.</p> +<p>“If only I dared lower myself to it I could +reach Max Laponi’s room, for the ledge is only +a few feet below from his window!” she reasoned.</p> +<p>Penny decided that the chance was worth +taking. She naturally was athletic and had +confidence that she could maintain a foothold. +Lowering herself to the ledge she flattened herself +to the wall of the house and moved an inch +at a time toward the next window. +It was a long fall to the ground. Penny did +not dare glance downward. Although the distance +between the two windows was not more +than twelve feet it seemed an age until her hands +clutched the sill.</p> +<p>As she pried at the window a sudden fear +assailed her. What if it too were locked?</p> +<p>The window had only stuck a little. A quick +jerk brought it up. By sheer strength of muscle, +<span class="pb" id="Page_172">[172]</span> +Penny raised herself to the level of the sill, +swinging her feet through the opening.</p> +<p>“I must work fast,” she told herself, glancing +appraisingly about. “I’d not care to be caught +here.”</p> +<p>Her attention was drawn to Max Laponi’s +open suitcase which had been left carelessly on +the bed. Crossing over to it she began to explore +the contents systematically.</p> +<p>“My hunch about Laponi may have been +wrong,” she thought uncomfortably as the +search revealed nothing of interest.</p> +<p>Just then her hand touched something hard +and cold. Penny knew instantly that it was a +revolver. She was not afraid of firearms for her +father had taught her to shoot. Carefully she +inspected the weapon.</p> +<p>“All this heavy artillery must have been +brought here for a purpose,” she reflected +grimly. “It’s clear Laponi is out to get what he +wants by one means or another.”</p> +<p>After an instant’s hesitation Penny placed the +revolver on the table. She had decided to take +it with her when she left.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_173">[173]</div> +<p>“Things in this house are fast approaching a +crisis,” she reasoned. “Before I get through I +may need that weapon myself.”</p> +<p>Save for an inner pocket in the suitcase, Penny +had completed her inspection. She ran her +hand into the cloth pouch and brought to light +several papers. Rapidly she went through them.</p> +<p>Suddenly she uttered a cry of delight. She +had discovered the letter which Max Laponi +claimed had been sent him by the same lawyer +who had notified Rosanna of her newly inherited +fortune.</p> +<p>Although Laponi, upon his arrival at Raven +Ridge, had flourished the document, he had permitted +no one to inspect it closely.</p> +<p>Now as Penny read the letter carefully she recalled +that the wording was identical with the +message which Rosanna had received. Closely +she studied the salutation, holding the paper to +the light.</p> +<p>“I believe the name has been changed!” she +exclaimed. “Max Laponi has cleverly removed +Rosanna’s name and substituted his own. This +must be the letter which Rosanna lost!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_174">[174]</div> +<p>It occurred to her that the man doubtlessly +had found the missing key as well. She again +ran her hand into the cloth pocket and triumphantly +brought it forth.</p> +<p>“He’s nothing but a rank impostor!” she told +herself. “I’ll keep this letter as evidence against +him and the key will come in handy too!”</p> +<p>Penny hastily rearranged the suitcase as she +had found it and prepared to depart. The +search had well repaid her for her efforts, but +it had taken longer than she had intended.</p> +<p>However, as she crossed the room toward the +window she noticed a number of small objects +spread out over the dresser and could not resist +pausing to inspect them. They held her interest +only briefly.</p> +<p>She turned away again but as she moved off +a button on her sleeve caught in the lace work +of the runner which covered the dresser top. It +pulled awry and Penny paused to straighten it.</p> +<p>As she rearranged the piece, her fingers +touched a small hard object on the under side. +Her curiosity aroused she turned back the runner +and looked beneath it.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_175">[175]</div> +<p>There lay a diamond ring.</p> +<p>“A diamond!” she exclaimed. “As big as a +house too. It’s evidently been hidden here by +Max Laponi!”</p> +<p>She picked it up and examined it, reflecting +that somewhere she had seen a similar piece of +jewelry. She was certain the diamond was not +an imitation for it sparkled brightly. However, +she had no opportunity to give it more than a +hasty glance for she was startled to hear footsteps +coming down the hall.</p> +<p>“Max Laponi may be coming back,” she +thought nervously.</p> +<p>Leaving the diamond ring where she had discovered +it she hastily rearranged the dresser +cover. With her newly acquired evidence, she +darted to the window and lowered herself to the +outside ledge.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_176">[176]</div> +<h2 id="c15"><span class="small">CHAPTER XV</span> +<br />Penny’s Evidence</h2> +<p>The bedroom door opened and Max Laponi +entered.</p> +<p>Penny Nichols had lowered herself to +the narrow ledge not an instant too soon. There +had been no time to pull the window down after +her.</p> +<p>As she heard the man walk across the room +she huddled fearfully against the wall, feeling +certain that he would notice the open window +immediately. Her position was a precarious +one. She dared not move lest even a slight +sound betray her to the man inside. On the +other hand, it was doubtful how long she could +remain where she was without losing her footing. +She knew that if she once glanced downward +her courage would fail her.</p> +<p>Penny could hear Laponi muttering to himself.</p> +<p>“I thought I left that window down,” she +<span class="pb" id="Page_177">[177]</span> +heard him say. “If anyone has been in here—”</p> +<p>He crossed to the bed and ran his hand under +the pillow. Penny peeped through the window +just as he removed a shiny object.</p> +<p>“Another revolver!” she gasped. “That’s one +I missed.”</p> +<p>The sight of the weapon seemed to reassure +Laponi for he appeared relieved. He next +crossed over to the bureau and searched for the +diamond ring. Penny was very glad that she +had not touched it.</p> +<p>“I guess everything is the same as I left it,” +the man muttered to himself. “Still, I’d have +sworn I left that window down.”</p> +<p>As Penny huddled flat against the wall, he +moved over toward it. She held her breath, +waiting. Would he look out? If he did, then +all was lost.</p> +<p>Laponi stood for some minutes at the open +window, seemingly absorbed in his thoughts. +Then he abruptly slammed it down and turned +away.</p> +<p>“That was a narrow escape!” Penny congratulated +herself. “If I ever get out of this mess I’ll +<span class="pb" id="Page_178">[178]</span> +take care not to get myself into another position +like it!”</p> +<p>She cautiously crept along the ledge until at +last she was able to stretch out her hand and +grasp the sill of the next window. After pulling +herself through she quietly closed it behind her. +Then she tiptoed to the bedroom door and +looked out. No one was in sight.</p> +<p>Carefully secreting the articles which she had +taken from Laponi’s room, she darted past his +door and safely on to the bedroom which she +shared with Rosanna. The latter arose as she +burst in upon her.</p> +<p>“How you startled me, Penny.”</p> +<p>She was due for another shock as Penny +dropped the revolver upon the dresser.</p> +<p>“Penny, where did you get that thing?” she +demanded nervously.</p> +<p>“Not so loud or someone may hear you,” +Penny warned. “It came from Laponi’s room, +and that’s not all I found either.”</p> +<p>She drew forth the letter and the missing key. +Rosanna stared incredulously.</p> +<p>“Surely they can’t be mine, Penny.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_179">[179]</div> +<p>“I suspect they are. Take a look at this letter +and tell me if you notice anything wrong.”</p> +<p>Rosanna studied the letter briefly, then shook +her head.</p> +<p>“It reads just like the one I received.”</p> +<p>“That’s the point. Notice the name at the +top.”</p> +<p>“Why, it looks as if it might have been +changed!” Rosanna cried.</p> +<p>“And I think it has been. It’s my opinion +that Max Laponi found your letter and the missing +key. He’s a rank impostor.”</p> +<p>“Then you believe he is the one who has been +frightening the household by playing on the +pipe organ?”</p> +<p>“I haven’t made up my mind about that yet,” +Penny returned thoughtfully. “But one thing +I’m certain about. Laponi is a dangerous man.”</p> +<p>“Let’s get away from here right away.”</p> +<p>Penny laughed shortly. “I should say not! +This mystery is growing more exciting every +minute. I mean to discover Max Laponi’s little +game!”</p> +<p>“But he may harm us,” Rosanna protested. +<span class="pb" id="Page_180">[180]</span> +“Especially if he suspects you’ve searched his +room.”</p> +<p>“Laponi is armed,” Penny admitted with a +frown. “But for that matter so are we.”</p> +<p>“You wouldn’t dare to carry that revolver!”</p> +<p>“I most certainly would. Not that I’d care +to use it, but it might serve as protection.”</p> +<p>“It seems to me we should call in the police.”</p> +<p>Penny shook her head. “Not yet. But I do +intend to wire my father. I’m going to ask him +to learn all he can about Laponi. It may turn +out that the man has a prison record.”</p> +<p>“You suspect that because you found the revolver +in his room?”</p> +<p>“Well, honest citizens don’t carry weapons +without permits.”</p> +<p>“You’re thinking of doing it,” Rosanna challenged.</p> +<p>Penny laughed. “This is an extra special +emergency. But I have another reason for believing +that Laponi is a crook. I suspect he has +a stolen ring in his possession.”</p> +<p>She then told of finding the diamond ring +under the dresser scarf.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_181">[181]</div> +<p>“All diamonds look somewhat alike,” she acknowledged, +“but I’m sure I’ve seen that ring +before.”</p> +<p>“Where?”</p> +<p>“In Bresham’s Department Store. I think +it’s the same ring that was stolen the afternoon +I met you there.”</p> +<p>“Laponi does bear a slight resemblance to the +shoplifter,” Rosanna admitted thoughtfully. +“Only the store thief was a much older man.”</p> +<p>“Disguised perhaps. Oh, I may be wrong, +but at least it will do no harm to have Father +look into the matter.”</p> +<p>“When he gets your wire, Penny, he’ll probably +be so alarmed that he’ll send word for you +to start back to Mt. Ashland at once.”</p> +<p>“Not Dad. He’d rather catch a crook than +eat. I’m sure he’ll help me.”</p> +<p>“When will you send the wire?”</p> +<p>“Right away. I’d like to leave the house before +Laponi sees me.”</p> +<p>However, as the girls stepped out into the +hall a few minutes later they heard loud voices +coming up from the living room. Penny instantly +<span class="pb" id="Page_182">[182]</span> +recognized Laponi’s sharp tones and +paused at the top of the stairs to peer down.</p> +<p>“It’s Max and Caleb Eckert,” she reported in +a whisper. “My, what a quarrel they’re having!”</p> +<p>The girls listened for a minute but the voices +of the two men died to a low murmur and they +could distinguish only an occasional word.</p> +<p>“Unless you want Laponi to see you we’d +better slip down the back way,” Rosanna suggested.</p> +<p>Using the rear stairs the girls were able to +leave the house without being observed. They +drove directly to Andover where Penny dispatched +a lengthy wire to her father. She requested +him to learn all he could concerning +Max Laponi and if possible to send her +a complete description of the diamond ring +which had been stolen from the department +store.</p> +<p>“I wonder why Caleb and Max Laponi were +going at each other in such dreadful fashion?” +Rosanna mused as they drove back toward the +Winters’ mansion.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_183">[183]</div> +<p>Penny had been pondering over the same +question.</p> +<p>“I suppose Caleb may be suspicious of +him,” Rosanna went on when Penny did not +answer.</p> +<p>“Possibly. Old Caleb hasn’t acted too honestly +himself, Rosanna.”</p> +<p>“I know he hasn’t. He doesn’t like to answer +questions and his interest in Mr. Winters’ safe +is rather puzzling. It seems to me that everyone +at Raven Ridge acts queerly.”</p> +<p>“Including me?” Penny teased.</p> +<p>Rosanna laughed and squeezed her arm affectionately. +“Of course I don’t mean you. +You’ve been wonderful and I’ll never never be +able to repay you for all you’ve done.”</p> +<p>“Nonsense, so far I’ve accomplished exactly +nothing. But I have a feeling that before another +twenty-four hours elapse things are going +to start breaking for us.”</p> +<p>“I hope so,” Rosanna sighed.</p> +<p>Neither Max Laponi nor Caleb Eckert were +in the living room when the girls returned to +the house. Alicia was reading a book by the +<span class="pb" id="Page_184">[184]</span> +fireplace but at sight of Penny and Rosanna she +coldly withdrew.</p> +<p>“I’m glad she’s gone,” Penny smiled. “It +clears the atmosphere.”</p> +<p>“Must we stay here tonight?” Rosanna asked. +“Couldn’t we go to a hotel and come back in the +morning? Since I know that Max Laponi——”</p> +<p>She broke off as Penny shot her a warning +glance.</p> +<p>“Even the walls seem to have ears in this +house, Rosanna. Come outside and we’ll do +our planning there.”</p> +<p>They went out into the yard and sat down on +a stone bench.</p> +<p>“I know I’m a dreadful coward,” Rosanna +acknowledged. “Only I’m so afraid something +terrible is about to happen.”</p> +<p>“Now don’t let your nerves get the best of +you,” Penny advised kindly. “I shouldn’t have +shown you that revolver I found in Laponi’s +room. You haven’t been the same since.”</p> +<p>“It wasn’t just the revolver. It’s everything.”</p> +<p>Penny was silent for a moment. Then she +said quietly:</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_185">[185]</div> +<p>“I don’t blame you for feeling the way you +do. Perhaps we are taking a chance to remain +here tonight. I shouldn’t do it only I feel that +it will give me an opportunity to clear up the +mystery.”</p> +<p>“But if you suspect Max——”</p> +<p>“I do suspect him of a great many things, but +I’m not certain of his game yet, Rosanna. Besides, +I must have absolute proof before I dare +notify the police. Tonight I intend to watch +the mouth of the tunnel.”</p> +<p>“I can’t permit you to do it by yourself. If +you insist on taking such a chance I’ll go with +you!”</p> +<p>Penny remonstrated but at length it was +agreed that shortly after nightfall the two would +steal down to the lake’s edge and lie in wait at +the mouth of the tunnel for the mysterious +ghost to appear.</p> +<p>For a long time the two girls sat staring out +across the lake, each absorbed with her own +thoughts. What would the night bring forth?</p> +<p>“I believe I’ll walk down to Caleb Eckert’s +cabin and chat with him for a few minutes,” +<span class="pb" id="Page_186">[186]</span> +Penny remarked a little later as her companion +arose from the bench. “Want to come along?”</p> +<p>“No, I think I’ll go inside. The air is growing +chilly and my sweater is upstairs.”</p> +<p>“I’ll be glad to wait for you.”</p> +<p>“If you don’t mind, I believe I’ll just rest. +You go on alone.”</p> +<p>“You really don’t mind?”</p> +<p>“Of course not. But I doubt if you’ll find +Caleb at home. He usually goes fishing about +this time of day.”</p> +<p>“Well, I may as well see anyhow. I want to +ask him about that picture of Jacob Winters. I +intend to keep annoying him until he gives +me a satisfactory answer.”</p> +<p>As Rosanna returned to the house, Penny +walked swiftly in the direction of the cabin.</p> +<p>“I’m only wasting my time,” she thought. +“Caleb has no intention of ever producing that +photograph.”</p> +<p>Penny rapped on the door, noticing that it +was partly ajar. There was no response. She +knocked a second time.</p> +<p>Far out on the lake she could see a small rowboat +<span class="pb" id="Page_187">[187]</span> +with one lone fisherman. No doubt it was +Caleb, she decided.</p> +<p>She started away from the cabin, then abruptly +halted as she was struck with a sudden +thought. With Caleb out on the lake she would +have an excellent opportunity to search his shack +for the photograph of Jacob Winters. She felt +convinced she would find it there.</p> +<p>“Entering people’s private quarters seems to +be a bad habit of mine,” she chuckled. “Still, +it’s all in a good cause.”</p> +<p>Penny surveyed the lake again. The rowboat +was nearly out of sight.</p> +<p>After a moment of indecision, she pushed +open the cabin door and entered. Caleb had +left everything in a clutter and she scarcely knew +where to begin her search.</p> +<p>She looked in the desk and in several table +drawers. She searched in the magazine rack and +even in the kitchen cupboard. She was growing +discouraged when she finally opened a closet +and peered up at the high shelves. Far above +her head was a stack of old papers.</p> +<p>Although Penny had given up hope of finding +<span class="pb" id="Page_188">[188]</span> +the picture, she brought a chair and climbing +up on it, took down the papers.</p> +<p>As she lifted the stack, an object which had +been lying on the shelf was brushed to the floor. +She bent down to pick it up. To her amazement +and delight it was a photograph.</p> +<p>She stared in disbelief at the man’s face and +then turned the photo over to read what had +been written on the back.</p> +<p>“<i>Jacob Winters.</i>”</p> +<p>“And Caleb told me he didn’t know where +he could get a photograph!” Penny thought indignantly. +“All the time he had this one hidden +here on the shelf. Why, I’m positive this picture +came out of the album Rosanna and I +found. Very likely Caleb tore it out himself!”</p> +<p>Hastily replacing the papers on the shelf, +Penny tucked the photograph into her pocket +and prepared to leave the cabin. She was highly +elated over her discovery.</p> +<p>“This will prove quite a valuable addition to +my collection of evidence,” she chuckled. “No +wonder Caleb was afraid to have me see it.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_189">[189]</div> +<h2 id="c16"><span class="small">CHAPTER XVI</span> +<br />Mrs. Leeds’ Strategy</h2> +<p>Penny was highly jubilant as she walked +rapidly toward the house on the hill. The +day had been an unusually successful one +for her and with the photograph of Jacob Winters +in her possession she felt that it would only +be a matter of time until the mystery was +solved.</p> +<p>“But I must act quickly or it may be too late,” +she thought.</p> +<p>Drawing near the house she saw Rosanna +hurrying to meet her. Penny quickened her +step as she observed that the girl appeared +greatly agitated.</p> +<p>“Oh, Penny,” Rosanna gasped, “Mrs. Leeds +has locked me out of the house!”</p> +<p>“What?”</p> +<p>“When I tried to get in after leaving you a +few minutes ago she met me at the front door. +She said I couldn’t come in because the house +<span class="pb" id="Page_190">[190]</span> +and everything surrounding it belongs to her +now.”</p> +<p>Penny laughed shortly. “She’s been saying +that ever since she came here.”</p> +<p>“I know, but this is different, Penny. She +has the will to prove it.”</p> +<p>“The will?”</p> +<p>“Yes, she showed it to me. And it’s true. My +uncle left all his property to her.”</p> +<p>“And where did she claim to have found this +document?” Penny asked.</p> +<p>“Why, somewhere in the house. I was so +upset I didn’t think to inquire. Now that I +know Uncle Jacob left everything to her, I shall +leave at once.”</p> +<p>Penny caught Rosanna by the arm. “Don’t +be in too much of a hurry to get away,” she advised. +“It may be that Mrs. Leeds’ claims are +false.”</p> +<p>“But I saw the will for myself.”</p> +<p>“Perhaps it was forged.”</p> +<p>“I never thought of that,” Rosanna gasped. +“Do you think she would resort to such a +trick?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_191">[191]</div> +<p>“I believe she’d do almost anything to gain a +fortune.”</p> +<p>Penny had been thinking swiftly. She recalled +the secretive actions of Mrs. Leeds and +Max Laponi when they were closeted together +in the library. They had been engrossed in +writing a document of some sort. Doubtless +it was the will which Mrs. Leeds now claimed to +have found.</p> +<p>Penny’s face puckered into a worried frown. +Mrs. Leeds’ unexpected action might complicate +the entire situation and ruin her own plans. +She feared too that the woman actually had +destroyed Jacob Winters’ true will.</p> +<p>“She was burning it in the fireplace that day +when I came upon her,” Penny thought. +“That’s why she feels so safe about forging +another one in her own favor.”</p> +<p>“What were you saying?” Rosanna inquired.</p> +<p>Penny had not realized that she was speaking +aloud.</p> +<p>“Only thinking,” she responded. “We’ll go +in and talk with Mrs. Leeds.”</p> +<p>“But we can’t get in for she has locked all the +<span class="pb" id="Page_192">[192]</span> +doors. Our luggage is sitting out on the porch.”</p> +<p>“Very considerate of her I must say,” Penny +grinned. “But we can get in all right.” She +produced the key which she had found in Max +Laponi’s room.</p> +<p>“Weren’t you smart to keep it!” Rosanna +cried.</p> +<p>“That remains to be seen. But come on, let’s +beard Mrs. Leeds in her den.”</p> +<p>Penny boldly walked up to the front door. It +was locked as Rosanna had said, so inserting her +key she opened it.</p> +<p>As the girls entered, they heard Alicia calling +shrilly to her mother and an instant later Mrs. +Leeds came storming into the hall.</p> +<p>“What is the meaning of this outrage?” she +demanded furiously.</p> +<p>“That is what we should like to know,” Penny +retorted. “Why did you lock us out?”</p> +<p>“Because this is my house. Jacob Winters +left everything to me and I have the will to +prove it.”</p> +<p>“May I ask where you found it?” Penny inquired.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_193">[193]</div> +<p>The question confused Mrs. Leeds. She began +to stammer.</p> +<p>“Why, I—that is, it’s none of your affair, Miss +Nichols!”</p> +<p>“I disagree with you there. I am interested +in seeing Rosanna treated fairly. May I examine +the will?”</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds hesitated and the girls thought +that she would refuse the request. However, +the woman said:</p> +<p>“I will permit you to read it if you promise +not to destroy it.”</p> +<p>“Destroying wills isn’t in my line,” Penny +returned pointedly.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds tossed her head angrily. An expression +of bitter hatred which she made no +attempt to hide, came into her eyes. She went +to the living room desk and from a pigeon hole +removed a document which she offered Penny.</p> +<p>“There, read it for yourself.”</p> +<p>Penny inspected the will briefly. Since +neither she nor Rosanna had ever seen Jacob +Winters’ handwriting it was impossible to tell +if the document had been forged.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_194">[194]</div> +<p>To Rosanna’s astonishment, she suddenly +seemed to experience a change of attitude regarding +Mrs. Leeds’ claim to the property.</p> +<p>“I may have made a mistake,” Penny acknowledged. +“This paper seems to give everything to +you, Mrs. Leeds.”</p> +<p>“I am glad you are coming to your senses at +last, Miss Nichols.”</p> +<p>“I suppose Rosanna and I may as well take +our things and leave,” she went on.</p> +<p>“Your luggage is ready,” the woman said with +satisfaction. “Alicia and I packed for you.”</p> +<p>“Very thoughtful,” Penny murmured ironically. +“However, I think I’ll just run upstairs +and see if anything was missed.”</p> +<p>“Why, yes, you may do that if you like.” Now +that she was assured of victory, Mrs. Leeds felt +that she could afford to make slight concessions.</p> +<p>No sooner had the bedroom door closed behind +the two girls than Rosanna faced Penny +with a puzzled look.</p> +<p>“Did you really think the will was genuine, +Penny?”</p> +<p>“No, of course not, but I decided that probably +<span class="pb" id="Page_195">[195]</span> +we could gain our ends best by appearing +to give in to Mrs. Leeds.”</p> +<p>As she spoke, Penny ran her hand under the +pillow of the bed and brought forth the revolver +which she had taken from Max Laponi’s +room.</p> +<p>“Penny, what do you intend to do with that +weapon?” Rosanna demanded anxiously.</p> +<p>“Don’t worry, I’m not planning on committing +any murders. But it may come in handy +tonight.”</p> +<p>“You just told Mrs. Leeds that we would +leave the house immediately,” Rosanna reminded +her in bewilderment.</p> +<p>“I know, but that doesn’t mean we’ll leave the +grounds. We’ll appear to go away, but after +dark we’ll sneak back to the entrance of the +tunnel.”</p> +<p>“To watch for the ghost?”</p> +<p>“Yes, that’s my plan. You’ll not be afraid to +go with me, will you?”</p> +<p>“No,” Rosanna returned quietly. “Only I +can’t see what good it will do now. Mrs. Leeds +definitely has the property and anything we +<span class="pb" id="Page_196">[196]</span> +learn about the ghost can’t alter the situation.”</p> +<p>“I’m not so sure of that,” Penny smiled.</p> +<p>She was so jubilant as they prepared to take +their luggage and leave the house that Mrs. +Leeds regarded her slightly with suspicion. +However, the woman was reassured to see the +girls drive away in their car.</p> +<p>Rosanna and Penny dined early at Andover +but the former ate little. Although she made +every effort to carry on a cheerful conversation +it was obvious to her companion that she was +completely discouraged.</p> +<p>“Cheer up,” Penny advised optimistically. +“I tell you everything will come out right yet. +Even if my own plan fails, there are still lawyers +to be hired. Mrs. Leeds can’t take over the +property legally until the court approves.”</p> +<p>“She’ll have things fixed up her way,” Rosanna +maintained gloomily. “I’ll have no +money to hire a lawyer. I must try to find myself +a job.”</p> +<p>“Father will help you get one if you need it.”</p> +<p>“I’ve accepted so many favors from you already,” +Rosanna protested.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_197">[197]</div> +<p>“You have not!” Penny cut in. “This trip +to Raven Ridge has been sheer fun for me. +And unless I’m mistaken tonight will prove the +most exciting of all.”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid so,” Rosanna shuddered.</p> +<p>She glanced curiously at her companion. She +could not understand Penny’s eagerness to return +to the mouth of the tunnel. In her own +opinion the mysterious ghost was none other +than Max Laponi and she had no desire to encounter +him again.</p> +<p>“Do you still want to go through with the +plan?” she inquired doubtfully.</p> +<p>“I certainly do. I’d never feel satisfied if I +left Raven Ridge without solving the mystery. +It’s about time we start for the tunnel too.”</p> +<p>They left the restaurant, returning to Penny’s +car which had been parked outside.</p> +<p>“Probably our friend the ghost won’t put in +an appearance much before midnight,” Penny +remarked as they drove slowly toward Raven +Ridge, “but it will be wise I think to allow ourselves +plenty of time to find a good hiding place.”</p> +<p>It had grown dark and the girls were pleased +<span class="pb" id="Page_198">[198]</span> +to note that heavy clouds would hide the moon +and stars.</p> +<p>Some distance from the Winters’ house they +parked in a dense thicket near the road. Before +alighting, Penny removed a small package +from the side pocket of the car.</p> +<p>“What’s that?” Rosanna asked curiously.</p> +<p>“Dynamite,” Penny chuckled.</p> +<p>“Dynamite!”</p> +<p>“In the form of evidence. Unless I’m mistaken, +this little package will produce some +startling results!”</p> +<p>“You’re talking in absolute riddles.”</p> +<p>“Just be patient and you’ll soon know what +I mean,” Penny declared teasingly. “I’d tell +you now only it would ruin the surprise.”</p> +<p>She locked the automobile and afoot they +quietly stole down a steep winding trail which +led to the entrance of the old mine.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_199">[199]</div> +<h2 id="c17"><span class="small">CHAPTER XVII</span> +<br />The Man in the Boat</h2> +<p>Penny and Rosanna approached the mine +entrance cautiously, fearing that someone +in the vicinity might observe their movements. +However, the place seemed deserted.</p> +<p>“The rowboat is gone,” Penny commented as +she pulled aside a clump of bushes to survey the +spot where it had been hidden.</p> +<p>“Why, it is! Perhaps the ghost has come and +left.”</p> +<p>“I certainly hope not. That would ruin +everything. Anyway, we’ll wait and see. It’s +early yet.”</p> +<p>After investigating the shore line thoroughly, +they found an excellent hiding place in a dense +thicket not far from the entrance to the mine. +Then they settled themselves to wait.</p> +<p>“What time is it?” Rosanna yawned.</p> +<p>“Only a little after nine. We’ll have a long +siege of it.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_200">[200]</div> +<p>The night was cold and damp. Although +both girls had worn sweaters they soon grew uncomfortable +and huddled close together for +warmth. Rosanna tried not to show her nervousness +but even the screech of an owl startled +her. She was aware of every sound and any unusual +movement caused her to grow tense.</p> +<p>“You’ll be a wreck long before midnight,” +Penny declared. “We’re armed and there’s +nothing to fear.”</p> +<p>Rosanna made a supreme effort to relax but +it was not until several hours had elapsed that +she began to grow accustomed to her surroundings. +Penny, on the other hand, found it difficult +to remain awake.</p> +<p>At first she riveted her attention upon the lake +but as there was no evidence of a boat, soon lost +interest. For a time she watched the twinkling +lights at Raven Ridge but one by one they disappeared +until the old mansion on the hill was +cloaked in darkness.</p> +<p>“Now that the household has gone to bed our +ghost should be starting in on his night’s work,” +she remarked hopefully to Rosanna.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_201">[201]</div> +<p>Another half hour dragged by. Still no one +came. Even Rosanna found it increasingly difficult +to fight off drowsiness.</p> +<p>“I don’t believe the ghost is coming tonight,” +she declared.</p> +<p>“It begins to look that way. But perhaps it’s +still too early. Surely it can’t be any more than +midnight.”</p> +<p>“It seems later than that,” Rosanna sighed. +“My back is nearly broken.”</p> +<p>A few minutes later, from far over the hills, +the girls heard the faint chiming of a town clock. +They counted twelve strokes.</p> +<p>Minutes passed and still there was no sign of +any visitor. At length, Penny arose to stretch +her cramped limbs.</p> +<p>“I thought I heard something just then!” +Rosanna whispered tensely.</p> +<p>Penny stood listening.</p> +<p>“You’re right. I can hear oars dipping in and +out of the water. It must be a boat coming this +way.”</p> +<p>Peering out through the bushes, the girls surveyed +the lake. It was too dark to distinguish +<span class="pb" id="Page_202">[202]</span> +objects but they distinctly could hear the rhythmical +splash made by the moving oars.</p> +<p>“See anything?” Penny demanded.</p> +<p>“Not yet—oh, yes, now I do. It is a boat, +Penny.”</p> +<p>“And it’s heading right for this spot! Let’s +creep a little closer to the opening of the tunnel.”</p> +<p>Stealthily they changed positions but remained +well hidden by a screen of bushes.</p> +<p>The boat by this time had drawn into the +tiny cove. However, the night was so dark that +neither of the girls was able to distinguish the +features of the man who crouched in the stern.</p> +<p>He beached the boat and carefully drew it up +into the bushes. Next he lighted a lantern, but +his back was toward the girls and they did not +see his face.</p> +<p>“Who can it be?” Rosanna whispered.</p> +<p>Penny gripped her companion’s hand as a +warning to remain silent.</p> +<p>The man with the lantern looked quickly +about and then moved swiftly into the mouth +of the tunnel.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_203">[203]</div> +<p>“We must follow him,” Penny urged.</p> +<p>They waited a minute, then noiselessly stole +from their hiding place. As they peered into +the dark mine tunnel they could see a moving +light far ahead.</p> +<p>Fearing that they might lose sight of the man, +the girls hastened their steps. They did not +walk as quietly as they imagined, for soon the +man ahead paused.</p> +<p>With one accord Penny and Rosanna froze +against the tunnel wall.</p> +<p>As the man turned to look back, the light +from the lantern shone full upon his face.</p> +<p>It was Caleb Eckert.</p> +<p>Rosanna and Penny remained flat against the +wall scarcely daring to breathe. Would they +be seen?</p> +<p>Apparently satisfied that no one was behind +him in the tunnel, Caleb turned and walked +slowly on.</p> +<p>“That was a narrow escape,” Penny whispered. +“He nearly saw us.”</p> +<p>Rosanna was a trifle shaken. She had not expected +to see Caleb Eckert.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_204">[204]</div> +<p>“I suspected it several days ago but I wasn’t +absolutely certain,” Penny told her.</p> +<p>“But what purpose can he have in playing +such pranks?” Rosanna asked in bewilderment. +“Caleb seemed rather nice even if he was gruff +and outspoken. I never dreamed he’d resort to +anything like this.”</p> +<p>“Don’t take it so hard,” Penny advised. “He +may have a reason for what he is doing.”</p> +<p>The light had disappeared. The girls hurriedly +moved on, fearing that they might lose +sight of the old man entirely. With nothing to +guide them it was difficult to find their way.</p> +<p>“It’s lucky we explored in the daytime or we’d +have trouble following,” Rosanna declared. +“The ground is so rough.”</p> +<p>Even as she spoke she stubbed her toe on a +rock and would have fallen had not Penny +caught her by the arm.</p> +<p>They came presently to the first flight of stairs +and were relieved to glimpse the lantern far +above them. Taking care to keep out of range +of the beam, they followed through the narrower +passage to the second flight of steps.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_205">[205]</div> +<p>By this time the girls were positive that Caleb +intended to enter the house by means of the +secret panel. At the risk of detection they drew +a little closer.</p> +<p>Caleb paused at the head of the stairs to listen +for a moment. Then he blew out his lantern.</p> +<p>Sensing that the old man would unlock the +panel, Penny stole forward. She was just in +time to see a section of the wall drop down. +Caleb passed through the opening and with a +click the panel closed behind him.</p> +<p>“Now what shall we do?” Rosanna demanded. +“We’re locked in here the same as we were before.”</p> +<p>“I think I saw the place where he pressed the +wall,” Penny whispered. “I was watching +closely.”</p> +<p>For several minutes she groped about in the +dark. At last her fingers touched a small knob.</p> +<p>“I believe I’ve found it,” she proclaimed +triumphantly.</p> +<p>As she was on the verge of turning the knob, +she stayed her hand. With Caleb in the organ +room he would be certain to see the panel open. +<span class="pb" id="Page_206">[206]</span> +There was danger too that he might return at +any instant to find them crouching at the head +of the stairs.</p> +<p>“Shouldn’t we turn back?” Rosanna whispered +nervously.</p> +<p>“Let’s wait until he begins to play the organ.”</p> +<p>They listened expectantly. Minutes passed +but not a strain of music did they hear.</p> +<p>“That’s queer,” Penny murmured. “I’m +sure Caleb is the one who has been disturbing +the household with his ghost music. Why +doesn’t he play as he’s always done before?”</p> +<p>They both knew that the wall was not soundproof. +For that matter they could hear old +Caleb walking about in the room.</p> +<p>“He must be up to new tricks tonight,” +Penny whispered.</p> +<p>“He’ll be coming back here any minute. +Let’s get away before he catches us.”</p> +<p>Penny was reluctant to leave, for it struck her +that Caleb Eckert had come to the Winters’ +house for a different purpose than that of his +usual nightly visit. She was curious to learn +what it was.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_207">[207]</div> +<p>“Listen!” she warned, as they heard a strange +noise from within.</p> +<p>“It sounded like a door closing,” Rosanna +declared.</p> +<p>“That’s exactly what I think it was. Caleb +must have gone out of the room. We’ll be safe +in entering now.”</p> +<p>To make certain she listened for a few +minutes but there was no sound of movement +from within. Convinced that the coast was +clear, she groped about for the knob which +opened the panel.</p> +<p>It turned in her hand. She heard a sharp +metallic click, and almost before she was prepared +for it, the panel swung open. It closed +again before either of the girls could recover +from their surprise.</p> +<p>However, Penny turned the knob a second +time and as the section of wall swung back, both +girls stepped through into the room.</p> +<p>As they had expected, it was deserted.</p> +<p>“Where do you suppose he went?” Rosanna +murmured.</p> +<p>They tiptoed to the outside door and softly +<span class="pb" id="Page_208">[208]</span> +opened it. The hall was dark. At first they +could distinguish nothing. Then Penny +noticed that the door opening upon the second +floor corridor was ajar.</p> +<p>“He went downstairs,” she whispered. “Let’s +find out what he’s up to.”</p> +<p>The stairs creaked alarmingly as they crept +down to the second floor. On the landing they +hesitated an instant and were relieved to hear +no unusual sound.</p> +<p>They peered into the long corridor and saw +that it was empty. Caleb was nowhere to be +seen.</p> +<p>“Perhaps he brought another bat for Mrs. +Leeds’ room,” Rosanna suggested, glancing toward +the chamber which the woman shared with +her daughter.</p> +<p>The door, however, was tightly closed. The +one at the other end of the hall which opened +into Max Laponi’s room was slightly ajar. +Rosanna and Penny failed to notice.</p> +<p>Somewhere on the lower floor a board +creaked. The two girls moved noiselessly to the +stairway and looked down over the banister.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_209">[209]</div> +<p>Even Penny was unprepared for the sight +which greeted her eyes. Caleb Eckert was working +at the dials of the living room safe!</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_210">[210]</div> +<h2 id="c18"><span class="small">CHAPTER XVIII</span> +<br />A Daring Theft</h2> +<p>Old Caleb had relighted his lantern +and in its dim yellow glow the girls +could make out every detail of the +center hall and living room. In astonishment +they watched the man spin the tiny dials of the +safe. He manipulated them with a speed and +skill which was amazing.</p> +<p>“Why, I do believe the scoundrel intends to +steal Mr. Winters’ valuables,” Rosanna whispered +with growing anger. “We can’t let him +do that.”</p> +<p>With one accord they tiptoed down the long +spiral stairway to the center hall. For a minute +they were exposed to view but Caleb was so absorbed +in what he was doing that he did not even +glance up.</p> +<p>Hiding behind a heavy velvet curtain which +partially screened the arched door of the living +room, the girls watched.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_211">[211]</div> +<p>Twice Caleb tried without success to open +the safe. Although his movements were deft +and sure it was obvious that he had made some +slight mistake in the combination. Each time +he failed he grew more impatient. They could +see his hand shake.</p> +<p>“Drat it all!” they heard him mutter to himself. +“That’s the right combination. It ought +to open.”</p> +<p>At length the old man’s efforts were rewarded. +As he manipulated the dials for the third time +there was a significant click from within the safe.</p> +<p>Chuckling to himself, Caleb turned the +handle and swung open the steel door.</p> +<p>Save for a long metal box, the safe was empty. +In the act of reaching for the container, Caleb +suddenly wheeled.</p> +<p>The girls were startled at the action for they +had heard nothing.</p> +<p>After looking searchingly about the room the +old man apparently was satisfied that he was +alone. With an uneasy laugh he again turned +his attention to the safe.</p> +<p>“Guess I’m getting a mite jittery,” he +<span class="pb" id="Page_212">[212]</span> +muttered. “I was positive I heard someone behind +me just then.”</p> +<p>He thrust his hand into the safe and drew out +the box. With fumbling fingers he unfastened +the lid. A smile illuminated his wrinkled face +as he regarded the contents.</p> +<p>“Still here, safe and sound. I was a little +afraid——”</p> +<p>Without finishing, he lifted an object from +the box and held it in the light. It was a tiny +figure made of purest ivory.</p> +<p>Penny and Rosanna exchanged a swift glance. +They knew now that the box contained Jacob +Winters’ priceless collection of ivory pieces!</p> +<p>After staring at the little figure for a minute +Caleb carefully replaced it and closed the box. +He then locked the safe and returned the oil +painting to its former position on the wall.</p> +<p>“Stop him now or it will be too late,” Rosanna +whispered tensely.</p> +<p>Before Penny could act, there was a slight +movement at the opposite end of the living +room. The girls were horrified to see a closet +door slowly open.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_213">[213]</div> +<p>Caleb’s back was turned. Oblivious of danger +he bent down to pick up his lantern.</p> +<p>From within the closet a man was regarding +Caleb with cold intensity. He held a revolver +in his hand.</p> +<p>Rosanna, terrified at the sight, would have +cried out a warning, had not Penny suddenly +placed her hand over the girl’s mouth.</p> +<p>Max Laponi, a cynical, cruel smile upon his +angular face, stepped out into the living room, +his revolver trained upon Caleb.</p> +<p>“Much obliged to you for opening the safe, +Mr. Eckert,” he said coolly. “You saved me the +trouble.”</p> +<p>Caleb wheeled and instinctively thrust the +metal box behind his back. The gesture amused +Laponi. He laughed harshly.</p> +<p>“I guess you weren’t quite as clever as you +thought you were, Caleb! Hand over the ivories +and be quick about it.”</p> +<p>“You’re nothing but a crook!” the old man +cried furiously.</p> +<p>“Hand over the ivories if you value your life.”</p> +<p>Instead of obeying the order, Caleb slowly +<span class="pb" id="Page_214">[214]</span> +retreated toward the door. Max Laponi’s eyes +narrowed dangerously.</p> +<p>“I don’t want to shoot an old man but if you +force me——”</p> +<p>“Don’t shoot,” Caleb quavered. “I’ll give +up the ivory.”</p> +<p>“Good. Now you’re acting sensibly. Drop +the box on the table and raise your hands above +your head.”</p> +<p>Slowly, Caleb complied with the order.</p> +<p>Laponi moved with cat-like tread across the +floor and snatched up the box. With his revolver +still trained on the old man, he backed +toward the door.</p> +<p>“Thank you for a very profitable evening,” +he smirked. “And when you locate your friend +Mr. Winters——”</p> +<p>His words ended in a surprised gasp. Something +had struck his right hand a stunning blow. +The weapon fell from his bruised fingers, clattering +to the floor. He felt a cold, hard object +in the small of his back.</p> +<p>“It’s your turn now,” said Penny Nichols. +“I’ll trouble you to hand over the little box!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_215">[215]</div> +<h2 id="c19"><span class="small">CHAPTER XIX</span> +<br />The Tables Turn</h2> +<p>Max Laponi whirled about and +looked directly into the muzzle of +Penny’s revolver.</p> +<p>“Drop that box and put up your hands,” she +ordered crisply.</p> +<p>Laponi gazed at her jeeringly.</p> +<p>“The gun isn’t loaded,” he sneered.</p> +<p>“You should know,” Penny retorted. “It’s +your own revolver. I took it from your room.”</p> +<p>The expression of the crook’s face altered for +he well remembered that the weapon had been +left in readiness for instant use.</p> +<p>While keeping Laponi covered, Penny kicked +the other revolver across the floor in Caleb +Eckert’s direction. The old man hastily +snatched it up.</p> +<p>Laponi knew then that he did not have a +chance. With a shrug of his shoulders he admitted +defeat. He dropped the metal box on +<span class="pb" id="Page_216">[216]</span> +the table. Rosanna darted forward and snatched +it up.</p> +<p>“I might have known you’d be the one to +ruin things,” Laponi said bitterly to Penny. “I +was afraid of you from the first.”</p> +<p>“Thank you for the compliment,” Penny +smiled. “Kindly keep your hands up, Mr. +Laponi—if that’s your true name.”</p> +<p>“He’s nothing but an impostor,” Caleb Eckert +broke in angrily. “I knew from the moment I +set eyes on him that he was no relative of Jacob +Winters.”</p> +<p>“I can imagine that,” Penny returned quietly. +“But when explanations are in order, I think +you’ll need to clear up a few points yourself.”</p> +<p>The old man looked confused. However, +before he could answer, footsteps were heard +on the stairs. Mrs. Leeds, wrapped in her bath-robe, +came hurrying into the room. She had +been disturbed by the sound of voices.</p> +<p>“Penny Nichols!” she cried furiously. “What +are you doing in my house?”</p> +<p>Then she noticed the revolver and recoiled +a step.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_217">[217]</div> +<p>“What is the meaning of this?” she demanded. +“Mr. Laponi, has this girl lost her senses?”</p> +<p>“Apparently, she has,” the man sneered. +“She claims I came here to steal that box while +I was only trying to keep Caleb from making +off with it.”</p> +<p>“Release Mr. Laponi at once,” Mrs. Leeds +ordered haughtily. She glared at Caleb. “I +always did distrust that man.”</p> +<p>“Our dislike was mutual,” Caleb retorted. +“You are a grasping, selfish woman and your +daughter is a chip of the old block!”</p> +<p>“How dare you!” Mrs. Leeds choked in fury. +“Get out of this house, you meddlesome old +man, or I’ll have you arrested!”</p> +<p>Penny was actually enjoying the scene but +now she decided to put an end to it.</p> +<p>“This little farce has gone far enough,” she +announced, turning to Caleb. “Tell them who +you are, Mr. Eckert.”</p> +<p>The old man nodded. Eyeing Mrs. Leeds +with keen satisfaction, he exploded his bomb +shell.</p> +<p>“I am Jacob Winters!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_218">[218]</div> +<p>Mrs. Leeds gasped in astonishment and even +Max Laponi looked dazed. Of the entire group +only Rosanna appeared pleased. Yet she too recalled +that at times she had spoken with embarrassing +frankness to the old man.</p> +<p>“I don’t believe it!” Mrs. Leeds snapped when +she had recovered from the first shock. “It’s +another one of your trumped up stories.”</p> +<p>“He has no proof,” Max Laponi added.</p> +<p>“If he hasn’t, I have,” Penny interposed. She +took the small package from her dress pocket, +giving it to Rosanna to unwrap for her.</p> +<p>“Why, it’s a photograph!” the girl exclaimed. +“It’s of you, Mr. Eckert, taken many years ago.”</p> +<p>“Look on the back,” Penny directed.</p> +<p>Rosanna turned the picture over and read the +bold scrawl:</p> +<p>“Jacob Winters—on the occasion of his fiftieth +birthday.”</p> +<p>“That’s all the proof I need,” Rosanna cried, +her eyes shining. “You are my uncle, aren’t +you, Mr. Eckert? This isn’t another of your +jokes?”</p> +<p>“No, it isn’t a joke this time, Rosanna, although +<span class="pb" id="Page_219">[219]</span> +for a time it looked as if the joke would +be on me. And if it hadn’t been for Penny +Nichols this scoundrel certainly would have +made off with my ivory collection.”</p> +<p>“I didn’t mean to pry into your private +affairs,” Penny apologized. “I shouldn’t have +taken the photograph only I suspected the truth +and needed proof of it.”</p> +<p>“It’s just as well that you did take matters into +your own hands. I guess I botched things up.”</p> +<p>The little package of evidence which Penny +had produced contained not only the photograph +but the letter and key which she had found in +Max Laponi’s room.</p> +<p>Penny now directed attention to the signature +appearing at the bottom of the letter.</p> +<p>“Compare it with the writing on the back of +the photograph.”</p> +<p>“They’re identical,” Rosanna declared.</p> +<p>“Then Caleb Eckert wrote those letters himself!” +Mrs. Leeds cried furiously.</p> +<p>“Guilty,” Caleb acknowledged with a grin.</p> +<p>“You ought to be arrested!” Mrs. Leeds fairly +screamed. “It was a cruel joke to play. You +<span class="pb" id="Page_220">[220]</span> +led us all to believe that we had inherited a +fortune.”</p> +<p>“Tell me, why did you write the letters?” +Penny inquired. “That’s one thing I’ve not +been able to figure out although I think I might +make an excellent guess.”</p> +<p>Caleb sank down in the nearest chair.</p> +<p>“I may as well tell the entire story,” he said. +“Since my wife died some years ago I have been +a very lonely man. I longed for an agreeable +companion in my old age, someone who would +enjoy traveling with me. My friends were few +for I had spent most of my time abroad. My +only living relatives were unknown to me. I +felt ashamed because I had never looked them +up.”</p> +<p>“So you decided to become better acquainted,” +Penny prompted as Caleb hesitated.</p> +<p>“Yes, but I wanted to be liked for myself and +not my fortune. I conceived the plan of sending +out letters inviting my relatives here. I +thought I would subject them to a series of tests +and all the while I could be studying their characters.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_221">[221]</div> +<p>“An insane plan!” Mrs. Leeds interposed.</p> +<p>“The idea didn’t work the way I expected,” +Caleb continued ruefully. “I sent out four +letters but two of them were returned unopened +as the individuals to whom they were addressed +were no longer living. However, as you know, +three persons came to Raven Ridge claiming +to have received one of the communications.”</p> +<p>“Max Laponi must have found the letter and +key which Rosanna lost,” Penny declared. “He +was the impostor.”</p> +<p>“You have it all figured out very nicely,” the +crook sneered.</p> +<p>“I suspected right off that he was the one,” +Caleb went on with his story. “I knew I had +no relative answering to his name.”</p> +<p>“Why didn’t you send him away at once?” +Rosanna questioned.</p> +<p>“I couldn’t very well do that without exposing +my hand. If I admitted my identity then my +little plan would be ruined.”</p> +<p>“You were caught in an awkward position,” +Penny smiled.</p> +<p>“It kept getting worse all the time. I soon +<span class="pb" id="Page_222">[222]</span> +suspected that Laponi was nothing less than a +crook. When I discovered that he knew the +ivory collection was in the house I decided to +remove it from the safe.”</p> +<p>“That was the day I came upon you when you +were trying to open it,” Penny recalled.</p> +<p>“Yes, but Laponi was prowling about the +house and it was my bad luck that he happened +in upon me at exactly the wrong time. Of +course he guessed instantly that the ivories were +locked in the safe.</p> +<p>“After that, I decided to get rid of him at any +cost. I had a talk with him but even threats +did no good.”</p> +<p>“Why didn’t you call in the police?” Penny +asked. “Surely they would have provided you +with protection.”</p> +<p>“I thought I would make one more effort to +get the ivories from the safe. Then if I failed +I intended to admit my identity and send for +help. I might have done it sooner only the +police commissioner and I once had a little +trouble—nothing serious. It was an argument +over a tract of land. Still, I knew he’d enjoy +<span class="pb" id="Page_223">[223]</span> +making me look ridiculous if ever he learned +what I had done.”</p> +<p>“Your pride very nearly cost you a fortune,” +Penny commented. She directed her gaze upon +Max Laponi as she questioned: “How did you +learn that Mr. Winters kept the ivory collection +in this house?”</p> +<p>“That’s for you to find out,” the man jeered. +“You’ll have a hard time proving anything +against me.”</p> +<p>“This letter will be evidence enough,” Penny +retorted. “It’s a plain case of forgery with intent +to defraud. And then there’s the matter of +the will.”</p> +<p>“The will wasn’t forged,” Mrs. Leeds cut in +although Penny had not made such a claim.</p> +<p>“There never was a will,” Caleb informed.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds stared at him. “What of the document +I found in the drawer of the desk?” she +demanded.</p> +<p>“You mean the one you discovered in the +<i>locked</i> drawer,” Caleb corrected with a chuckle. +“The one that was made out in Rosanna’s favor. +That was just another of my little jokes. If you +<span class="pb" id="Page_224">[224]</span> +had examined the will closely you would have +noticed that the signature was never witnessed. +It was a fake.”</p> +<p>“That was the document which I saw you +burn in the fireplace,” Penny accused.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds flushed angrily. She realized that +she had trapped herself.</p> +<p>“By the way, how do you explain the will +made out in your favor?” Penny probed maliciously.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds turned her gaze upon Laponi for +an instant. Then she said glibly:</p> +<p>“I found the will just as I said.”</p> +<p>“You didn’t find one made out in your favor,” +Caleb contradicted. “Because I never wrote +such a document.”</p> +<p>“Let’s take a look at it,” Penny suggested. +“Where is the will, Mrs. Leeds?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know what became of it. I misplaced +it.”</p> +<p>“You’re afraid to produce it,” Penny challenged.</p> +<p>Rosanna had been looking through the desk. +She now triumphantly brought to light the +<span class="pb" id="Page_225">[225]</span> +paper which Mrs. Leeds had claimed to be Jacob +Winters’ last will and testament.</p> +<p>“I never wrote a line of it,” Caleb declared as +he examined the document. “It’s a forgery.”</p> +<p>“Forgery is a serious offense, Mrs. Leeds,” +Penny remarked significantly.</p> +<p>“I didn’t do it!” the woman cried nervously.</p> +<p>“I expect we’ll have to send you to jail along +with Laponi here,” Caleb cackled.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds did not realize that he was only +baiting her. She began to tremble with fright.</p> +<p>“Don’t send me to jail,” she pleaded. “I’ll +tell everything.”</p> +<p>“Hold your tongue,” Laponi cut in sharply.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds whirled upon him.</p> +<p>“You say that because you want me to take +all the blame! Well, I won’t do it. You forged +that will yourself.”</p> +<p>“At your suggestion, Mrs. Leeds.”</p> +<p>“It wasn’t my suggestion. I’d never have considered +such a thing if you hadn’t put the idea +into my head.”</p> +<p>“You burned the first will which you believed +to be genuine.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_226">[226]</div> +<p>“Perhaps I did. But I never forged anything +in my life.”</p> +<p>“That was because you were afraid you’d be +caught,” Laponi sneered. “You wanted someone +else to take the rap for you.”</p> +<p>“You tricked me,” Mrs. Leeds accused. “If +I had known you intended to rob Mr. Winters +of his ivories I should have had nothing to do +with you.”</p> +<p>“I suppose you thought it wasn’t robbery +when you decided to cheat Rosanna Winters out +of her inheritance?”</p> +<p>“She had no inheritance.”</p> +<p>“But you thought she did. No, Mrs. Leeds +you paid me well to forge the will in your favor. +You’re involved every bit as deeply as I.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds collapsed into a chair and burying +her face in her hands began to sob.</p> +<p>Penny felt a little sorry for her, realizing that +at heart the woman was not a criminal. She had +been goaded on by an overpowering ambition +to improve her social position by gaining Jacob +Winters’ fortune.</p> +<p>“We may as well call the police,” Penny said +<span class="pb" id="Page_227">[227]</span> +after a slight hesitation. She had noticed that +Laponi was casting cunning glances about the +room and guessed that he was hoping for an opportunity +to escape.</p> +<p>Mrs. Leeds sprang to her feet. She darted +over to Jacob Winters, grasping him by the arm.</p> +<p>“Oh, please, please don’t have me arrested. I +didn’t mean to do wrong. For the sake of my +daughter let me go free. After all, we are relatives.”</p> +<p>“Unfortunately, we are,” he agreed. Turning +to Rosanna, he said quietly: “It is for you +to decide, my dear.”</p> +<p>“Let her go free,” Rosanna urged instantly.</p> +<p>“I think that is best,” he nodded. “But as +far as Max Laponi is concerned we can’t get +him to the lock-up soon enough to please me.”</p> +<p>“If you’ll guard him I’ll telephone for the +police,” Penny offered.</p> +<p>Leaving the old man with both revolvers she +went into an adjoining room to place the call.</p> +<p>No sooner had she disappeared than Max +Laponi saw his opportunity to escape. For an +instant Jacob Winters’ attention wavered.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_228">[228]</div> +<p>That instant was enough for Laponi. Seizing +the metal box which Rosanna had replaced upon +the table, he darted out through the doorway.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_229">[229]</div> +<h2 id="c20"><span class="small">CHAPTER XX</span> +<br />A Break for Freedom</h2> +<p>Max Laponi bolted across the center +hall, flinging open the outside door. +He looked directly into the face of +Christopher Nichols.</p> +<p>“Hello, what’s the big hurry?” the detective +demanded, grasping him firmly by the arm.</p> +<p>Laponi tried to jerk free but he was no match +for the detective.</p> +<p>By this time Penny and the others had come +streaming into the hall.</p> +<p>“Don’t let him get away!” Penny cried.</p> +<p>As the crook struggled to escape, Mr. Nichols +slipped a pair of handcuffs over the man’s wrists. +Recovering the metal box he handed it to his +daughter.</p> +<p>“Dad, how did you get here?” she asked +eagerly.</p> +<p>The detective did not hear for he was regarding +Laponi with keen interest.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_230">[230]</div> +<p>“Well, well, if it isn’t my old friend Leo Corley. +Or possibly you have a new alias by this +time.”</p> +<p>“He calls himself Max Laponi,” Penny informed. +“Is he a known criminal?”</p> +<p>“Very well known, Penny. He’s wanted in +three states for forgery, blackmail and robbery. +His latest escapade was to steal a diamond ring +from the Bresham Department Store.”</p> +<p>“Then you did get my wire?” Penny cried.</p> +<p>“Yes, that’s what brought me here. After I +received it I got busy right off and with the information +you furnished it was easy to look up +this man’s record. The police have been after +him for months.”</p> +<p>“You didn’t waste any time coming here,” +Penny smiled.</p> +<p>“I was afraid you girls might be in more +danger than you realized. Max here isn’t such +a nice companion. By the way what’s in the +box?”</p> +<p>Penny opened it to reveal Mr. Winters’ fine +collection of ivory. The detective whistled in +awe.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_231">[231]</div> +<p>“That would have been a nice haul, Max,” he +said. “Too bad we had to spoil your little +game.”</p> +<p>“If it hadn’t been for that kid of yours I’d have +gotten away with it,” the crook growled. “I was +dumb not to suspect she was the daughter of +a detective.”</p> +<p>“You may as well cough up the diamond +ring,” Mr. Nichols advised. “It will save an +unpleasant search.”</p> +<p>With a shrug of his shoulders, Laponi took +the gem from an inner pocket and gave it to the +detective.</p> +<p>“When do we start for the station?” he asked. +“We may as well get going.”</p> +<p>“I’ve already called the police,” Penny told +her father.</p> +<p>“Then we won’t have long to wait.” He +shoved Laponi toward a chair. “May as well +make yourself comfortable until the wagon gets +here.”</p> +<p>“Your kindness overwhelms me,” the crook +returned with exaggerated politeness.</p> +<p>“How did you get wind that Mr. Winters’ +<span class="pb" id="Page_232">[232]</span> +ivories were kept in the house?” the detective +inquired curiously.</p> +<p>Although the crook had refused to answer +the same questions a few minutes before, he +was now willing to talk, knowing that his last +chance for escape had been cut off.</p> +<p>“I read an item in the paper some months +ago,” he confessed. “It was a little news story +to the effect that Jacob Winters had recently +purchased several new pieces for his collection +and that he intended to build special exhibit +cases in his house as a means of displaying them. +I clipped the item and forgot about it.</p> +<p>“Then one day I chanced to pick up a letter +which someone had dropped. It contained a +key to this house. I decided it was too good an +opportunity to miss. Posing as Jacob Winters’ +nephew I came here to look over the situation.”</p> +<p>“I never had a nephew,” Mr. Winters declared.</p> +<p>“That was the first mistake I made. The +second was in underestimating the ability of +Penny Nichols. I thought she was only a school +girl.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_233">[233]</div> +<p>Penny smiled broadly as she inquired: +“Didn’t you enter into an agreement with Mrs. +Leeds to defraud Rosanna?”</p> +<p>“I forged the will for her if that’s what you +mean. I wasn’t interested in getting any of the +money myself.”</p> +<p>“That was because you knew it couldn’t be +done,” the detective interposed. “You considered +the ivory collection more profitable.”</p> +<p>“Of course you forged the letter stating that +Jacob Winters had been buried at sea,” Penny +mentioned.</p> +<p>With a nod of his head, the man acknowledged +the charge. It was Christopher Nichols’ +turn to ask a question. Penny’s letters had +mentioned the mysterious mansion ghost and +he was deeply interested in the subject.</p> +<p>“I suppose you were the ghost, Max?”</p> +<p>Jacob Winters answered for him.</p> +<p>“I was the ghost. It was part of my joke to +frighten the occupants of this house. Not a +very good joke, I’ll admit.”</p> +<p>“And you were the one who put bats in my +room,” Mrs. Leeds accused.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_234">[234]</div> +<p>“Yes, and a garter snake in your bed which +you never found.”</p> +<p>“Oh!”</p> +<p>“Of course, Mr. Eckert, your ghostly pranks +included playing the organ,” Penny smiled. “I +suspected it when I learned Jacob Winters had +been a talented musician.”</p> +<p>“I built the pipe organ into the house before +my wife died,” Mr. Winters explained. “I +haven’t used it a great deal in recent years.”</p> +<p>“You haven’t told us about the tunnel,” +Rosanna reminded him. “How did you happen +to construct it?”</p> +<p>“I didn’t. The lower branch of the passage +was an old mine tunnel. The mine closed down +forty years or so ago. The upper passage which +connects with the house was built by my grandfather. +This house, you know, has been in the +Winters’ family for generations. And I hope, +upon my death, that it will pass on to another +by the same name.”</p> +<p>He looked significantly at Rosanna as he +spoke.</p> +<p>Before the conversation could be continued, +<span class="pb" id="Page_235">[235]</span> +the police car drove up to the door. Max +Laponi was loaded in and taken away. Mr. +Nichols went with the police, promising to +return to the Winters’ house as soon as he +could.</p> +<p>After the commotion had subsided, Jacob +Winters turned severely to Mrs. Leeds.</p> +<p>“As for you, madam, kindly pack your things +and leave this house at once. I never want to +see you again.”</p> +<p>“But it isn’t even daylight yet. Alicia, poor +child, is sleeping——”</p> +<p>“Wake her up. I’ll give you just an hour to +get out of the house.”</p> +<p>“You’re a hard, cruel, old man!” Mrs. Leeds +cried bitterly, but she hurried up the stairs to +obey his command.</p> +<p>After the woman had disappeared, Rosanna +picked up her sweater which she had dropped +on a chair. She turned toward the door.</p> +<p>“Hold on there,” Jacob called. “Where are +you going?”</p> +<p>“I was just leaving. You told Mrs. Leeds——”</p> +<p>“Well, you’re not Mrs. Leeds, are you?” the +<span class="pb" id="Page_236">[236]</span> +old man snapped. “If you’re willing, I want you +to stay here.”</p> +<p>“You mean—indefinitely?”</p> +<p>“Yes, if you think you could stand to live +with me. I’m cross and I like things done my +own way, but if you could put up with me——”</p> +<p>“If I could put up with you!” Rosanna ran to +him and flung her arms about him. “Why, I +think you’re a darling! I was afraid to tell +you so for fear you’d believe I was after your +money.”</p> +<p>“Money! Fiddlesticks!” Jacob sniffed. He +wiped a tear from his eye. “I’m going to try +to make up to you for all that you’ve missed.”</p> +<p>The two had a great deal to say to each other, +but presently they remembered Penny. She +had been watching the little scene with eager +delight.</p> +<p>“I’ll never be able to thank you,” Rosanna +declared happily. “You’re responsible for +everything, Penny.”</p> +<p>“I wish you’d permit me to reward you in a +substantial way,” Mr. Winters added.</p> +<p>Penny smilingly shook her head. “It was fun +<span class="pb" id="Page_237">[237]</span> +coming here to Raven Ridge. But it would ruin +everything if I accepted pay for it.”</p> +<p>“At least you’ll stay a few days longer,” Mr. +Winters urged.</p> +<p>“If Father will agree to it.”</p> +<p>When Mr. Nichols returned from police +headquarters another pleasant surprise was in +store for Penny.</p> +<p>“It looks as if you’ve won the reward which +the Bresham Store offered for the capture of +Laponi,” he told her. “Five hundred dollars.”</p> +<p>“Don’t turn it down,” Rosanna urged.</p> +<p>“I won’t,” Penny laughed. “In fact, I know +just how I’ll use that money when I get it.”</p> +<p>“How?” her father inquired.</p> +<p>“I’ll buy myself a new car.”</p> +<p>“I thought perhaps you’d use it to go into +business in competition with me,” he teased.</p> +<p>“Some day I’ll solve a mystery which will be +so big and important that you’ll not be able to +twit me about it,” Penny announced.</p> +<p>“I wasn’t really teasing, my dear. I think you +did a fine bit of work this time and I’m proud +of you.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_238">[238]</div> +<p>“Honestly?”</p> +<p>“Honestly,” Mr. Nichols repeated, smiling +broadly. “And I predict that you’re only starting +on this career of crime detection which you +find so very thrilling.”</p> +<p>“I wish I could be sure of that,” Penny sighed.</p> +<p>With all her heart she longed for another adventure +as exciting as the one she had experienced. +Although she had no way of knowing +what the future held, she was destined soon +to have her wish gratified. In the third volume +of the Penny Nichols’ series, entitled, “The +Secret of the Black Imp,” she encounters a +mystery more baffling than any she has previously +solved.</p> +<p>After Mrs. Leeds and her daughter left the +house, the others took Mr. Nichols for a tour of +the secret passageway. Jacob Winters explained +in detail how the panel operated and entertained +them by playing several selections on the pipe +organ.</p> +<p>“I love music,” Rosanna remarked wistfully. +“I’ve never even had an opportunity to learn +to play the piano.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_239">[239]</div> +<p>“You’ll have it now,” he assured her.</p> +<p>Mr. Nichols remained during the day but +late in the afternoon he was forced to start for +home as his work had been neglected. He was +very willing, however, that Penny should remain +as long as she wished at the old mansion.</p> +<p>The days were all too short for the two girls +who enjoyed rambling through the woods, rowing +and swimming in the lake, and exploring +every nook and cranny of the interesting old +house. But at length the time came when +Penny too was obliged to depart.</p> +<p>“Come back and see us often, won’t you?” +Rosanna urged as they parted.</p> +<p>“Whenever I can,” Penny promised. “I’ve +had a glorious time.”</p> +<p>She drove away, but at the bend in the road +halted the car to glance back. The house, +cloaked in the shadows of evening, looked nearly +as mysterious as upon the occasion of her first +visit. However, to her it would never again +have a fearful aspect.</p> +<p>Jacob Winters and his niece stood framed in +the doorway. They waved.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_240">[240]</div> +<p>Penny returned the salute. Then regretfully +she turned her back upon Raven Ridge and +drove slowly down the mountain road which +led home.</p> +<p class="jr1">M. W.</p> +<p class="center">THE END</p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the +Lost Key, by Joan Clark + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PENNY NICHOLS--MYSTERY OF LOST KEY *** + +***** This file should be named 34369-h.htm or 34369-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/3/6/34369/ + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key + +Author: Joan Clark + +Release Date: November 19, 2010 [EBook #34369] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PENNY NICHOLS--MYSTERY OF LOST KEY *** + + + + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + PENNY NICHOLS + MYSTERY STORIES + + Penny Nichols Finds a Clue (1936) + Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key (1936) + Penny Nichols and the Black Imp (1936) + Penny Nichols and the Knob Hill Mystery (1939) + + _by_ + "Joan Clark" + (Mildred A. Wirt, 1905-2002) + + + + + Penny Nichols + and the + Mystery of the + Lost Key + + + _By_ + Joan Clark + + * + + The + Goldsmith Publishing Company + + CHICAGO + + COPYRIGHT 1936, BY + THE GOLDSMITH PUBLISHING COMPANY + + MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA + + + + + _CONTENTS_ + + + + + CHAPTER PAGE + I. A Valuable Letter 11 + II. A Mysterious Key 25 + III. An Arrogant Guest 38 + IV. A Face at the Window 51 + V. The Lost Key 67 + VI. Midnight Visitors 76 + VII. "Ghost" Music 93 + VIII. The Ivory Collection 102 + IX. A Scrap of Paper 115 + X. The Wall Safe 131 + XI. A Night Adventure 140 + XII. A Suspicious Act 150 + XIII. The Secret Stairs 164 + XIV. A Diamond Ring 175 + XV. Penny's Evidence 186 + XVI. Mrs. Leeds' Strategy 199 + XVII. The Man in the Boat 209 + XVIII. A Daring Theft 220 + XIX. The Tables Turn 225 + XX. A Break for Freedom 239 + + + + + CHAPTER I + A Valuable Letter + + +"Hurry, Susan! We have only ten minutes before the store closes!" + +Penelope Nichols, the slender girl in blue, urged her companion into the +revolving doors at the entrance of the Bresham Department Store. A +vigorous push sent the barriers spinning at such a rate that other +shoppers turned to stare at the two girls. + +"You nearly took off my heels that time, Penny," Susan Altman protested +with a laugh as they emerged into the crowded store. + +"Sorry, but we've no time to waste if I get that pair of white earrings. +The clerks are starting to put things away already." + +Threading their way through the outgoing stream of shoppers, the girls +went directly to the jewelry counter. Penny peered anxiously into one of +the glass cases to see if the coveted ivory ornaments were still on +display. They had not been sold. + +"Do you think they'll look all right with my red party frock?" she asked +her chum as they stood impatiently waiting for a clerk. In matters of +dress she valued Susan's opinion more highly than her own. + +"Stunning. With your coloring you can wear anything. Now if you had a +skin like mine and a snub nose--" + +Penny did not hear the remainder of her chum's oft-repeated complaint for +she was trying vainly to attract the attention of a clerk. The only +available girl at the counter was occupied in showing a tray of fine +rings to a tall man in gray tweeds. + +"We'll never be waited on," Penny murmured in annoyance. "You can tell +it's going to take until closing time before he makes up his mind which +ring he wants." + +Susan turned to survey the customer. He was expensively dressed and upon +a casual inspection appeared to be a gentleman of considerable means. +Although the clerk offered several diamond rings for his approval none of +them satisfied him. + +"Haven't you anything better than this?" he questioned. "Show me that +large diamond, please." He tapped the glass case lightly with his cane. + +The clerk obligingly placed the ring before him. The man examined the +diamond closely, comparing it with another ring previously shown him. For +the first time he appeared aware of Penny and Susan. + +"Wait on these young ladies while I make up my mind which ring I prefer," +he urged the clerk. "I am in no hurry and I can see that they are." + +The clerk hesitated. The rings in which the customer was interested were +valuable ones. It was a rule of the store to keep them always in the +locked case. Yet it would take her only a minute to wait upon the girls, +and obviously the man was a gentleman. She turned to serve Penny. + +"I'll take that pair of earrings," Penny announced, indicating the ivory +pieces. "They're three dollars, aren't they?" + +"Yes, that is correct. I'll have them wrapped for you." + +Penny offered the girl a five dollar bill in payment. She could not +restrain a little sigh as she saw it deposited in the store's cash +drawer. Perhaps she had been foolish to buy the earrings. It meant that +she must do without a great many little things in order to keep within +her allowance. Penny sighed again. At times it was trying to have a +father who believed in maintaining his daughter strictly upon a budget +plan. + +Her eyes roved aimlessly toward the man at the ring counter. She saw him +cast a quick glance about. Then he walked rapidly away, making for the +nearest exit. + +Penny's keen blue eyes riveted upon the ring tray. The large diamond was +missing. + +She had not seen the customer actually take it--his movements had been +too deft for that--yet she knew for a certainty that while the clerk's +back had been turned he had secreted it somewhere upon his person. + +Penny did not hesitate. She darted after him. + +"Stop!" she cried. And then to the surprised shoppers who turned at the +sound of her voice: "Don't let that thief get away!" + +The man wheeled sharply, his face convulsed in anger. With his cane he +struck viciously at a stout woman who clutched him by the coat. + +A store detective blocked the main exit. + +Recognizing that he could not hope to escape that way, the thief turned +and bolted up a moving escalator which was carrying a capacity load of +passengers to the second floor. + +Penny, the detective, and a few of the more energetic customers took up +the pursuit. + +In a desperate attempt to escape, the thief elbowed women roughly aside +as he darted up the stairway. Upon the uncertain footing of the moving +treads, several stumbled and fell. In an instant hysterical women were +screaming and clutching at one another for support. + +A slender girl in a shabby business suit was rudely jostled. Penny, half +way up the moving stairway, tried to save her from a hard fall. She was +not quick enough. Down the girl went, and as she fell, the contents of +her pocketbook spilled out upon the moving stairway. The thief took +advantage of the resulting confusion to melt into the throng of shoppers +at the top of the escalator. While store detectives carried on the +pursuit, Penny tried to help the terrified women to alight from the +stairway. + +"Are you hurt?" she asked the girl who had fallen, trying to assist her +to her feet. + +"Never mind me! Save my pocketbook!" the other cried, frantically +beginning to gather up the scattered objects. + +The other passengers upon the stairway were more of a hindrance than a +help. Yet by working fast Penny managed to accumulate nearly all of the +lost articles before the brief ride approached its end. + +"My letter!" + +At the other girl's shrill cry, Penny saw a white envelope riding +serenely on the uppermost step. With a bound she covered the distance +which separated her from it, pouncing upon the letter an instant before +the moving belt disappeared into the flooring. + +Clutching it triumphantly in her hand, she turned to assist the girl who +had lost it. + +"Why, you're limping," she observed. "Here, lean on me." + +"It's nothing," the girl maintained staunchly. "I twisted my ankle when I +fell." + +Penny helped her to a nearby chair. Despite the girl's brave words, her +lips quivered when she spoke and her attractive face had taken on an +ashen hue. Yet, strangely, her interest centered not in her injury but in +the letter which she had nearly lost. + +"Thank you for saving it," she told Penny gratefully. "I don't know what +I should have done if I'd lost that letter. It means everything to me." + +Penny stared at the envelope a trifle curiously but she was too well bred +to ask personal questions. Before she could make any response store +officials hurried up to take charge of the situation. The girl's name was +Rosanna Winters, Penny learned, by listening. She lived at a rooming +house on Sixty-fifth Street, not a great distance from Penny's own home. + +Rosanna firmly turned down the suggestion of store officials that she be +sent to a nearby hospital for first-aid treatment. + +"It isn't necessary. I merely twisted my ankle. I'll soon be able to walk +on it." + +"Let me take you home," Penny offered. "My roadster is parked just +outside the store. We live close to each other." + +The girl hesitated, then smiled as she said: "That's very kind of you, +I'm sure. You don't really mind?" + +"Of course not. Here, let me help you downstairs." + +"Not by way of the escalator," Rosanna said hastily. "Hereafter I'll ride +on the elevator. It's safer." + +Although the store's gong had announced the closing hour some minutes +previously, shoppers were slow to leave the building. As the girls +returned to the street floor they were embarrassed to find themselves the +target for many curious stares. Penny readily was recognized as the girl +who had observed the theft of the ring. + +"What became of that man who knocked me down?" Rosanna questioned. "I +suppose he escaped." + +"I'm afraid so," Penny admitted, looking about for Susan. "The last I saw +of him he was running toward the kitchenware department with the store +detective after him." + +Sighting Susan near the outside door, Penny steered her new friend in +that direction. Quickly she introduced the girls, mentioning Rosanna's +unfortunate accident. + +"I saw it all," Susan declared. "Penny, you certainly did stir up things +when you set the store detective on that thief." + +"And the worst of it was that he escaped," Penny acknowledged. "Of +course, he may be caught here in the building but I doubt it." + +In the excitement, she had completely forgotten her package at the +jewelry counter. The girls would have left the store without it had not +the clerk come running after them with the purchase. + +"Thank you so much for calling out the alarm," she told Penny gratefully. +"If the thief isn't caught I may lose my job." + +"Oh, I hope not." + +"So do I, but I shouldn't have broken a store rule. I was completely +taken in by the man's appearance." + +"I don't wonder at that," Penny said. "He certainly looked anything but a +crook. Was the ring a valuable one?" + +"It was priced to sell at eight hundred dollars. I don't see how I could +have been so stupid." + +Penny felt sorry for the salesgirl, particularly so when the floorwalker +came up and began to question her sharply. + +"It really wasn't the clerk's fault," Penny insisted. "I feel certain +that man was a professional jewel thief." + +"Did you notice his appearance?" the floorwalker asked. + +"Yes, he was dressed in a gray tweed suit. I'd say he was approximately +six feet in height, dark hair and eyes. His face was long and angular." + +The store official noted down the description and took Penny's address in +case she might be needed later on to identify the crook if he were +captured. + +"We're watching all the lower floor exits," the floorwalker informed, +"but the chances are the man got away by means of one of the fire +escapes." + +The store rapidly was clearing of shoppers. Penny and her companions +lingered a few minutes longer and then they too were politely requested +to leave. + +"I'd like to know if the store detective caught that man," Penny declared +as they paused for an instant on the street. "I suppose now we'll have to +find out by reading our newspapers." + +Rosanna Winters turned as if to leave the girls. + +"Thank you again for saving my pocketbook," she said to Penny. "My ankle +is much better now so I'll just take a streetcar home." + +Penny caught her by the elbow. + +"You'll do no such thing. Why, I can see that it hurts you every step you +take. It isn't more than a block or two out of my way to drive you home." + +Despite Rosanna's protests, she urged the girl into the roadster which +was parked at the curbing. Penny was very proud of her car. Although it +was not a new model it ran very well and she spent most of her spare time +keeping it washed and polished. + +Since the Altman residence was close by, Penny dropped her chum off +before taking Rosanna home. During the ride to Sixty-fifth Street, the +Winters girl spoke scarcely a word. Several times Penny cast a curious +glance in her direction. + +Rosanna was the quiet type, she decided. A striking brunette with a +thoughtful, almost sad face. + +"I live at the next house," the girl said as they turned a corner. "The +one on the right." + +It was a modest but not unattractive boarding house. The porch was clean +and the yard more orderly than the majority in the neighborhood. + +"I'm only staying here a few days until I can find another place," +Rosanna mentioned, feeling that some explanation was due her companion. + +"You are a stranger in Belton City?" Penny guessed. + +"Yes, I came here looking for work. But now that won't be necessary." +Rosanna hesitated, and then, because Penny had seemed so very friendly, +decided to offer additional information. "I am an orphan, Miss Nichols. +Until this week I had begun to think that fortune had turned against me." + +"And now you've had a piece of good luck?" + +"Yes," Rosanna's face glowed as she opened her purse and took out the +letter which Penny had picked up from the escalator. "If you hadn't saved +this for me, I should have lost everything." + +"Then I'm glad I snatched it up in time," Penny smiled. + +She could not imagine the contents of the mysterious letter. It was all +she could do to keep from asking questions. + +"I'd like to have you read it if you care to," Rosanna said a trifle +timidly. "I'm anxious to learn the opinion of another person." + +"Why, I'll be glad to look at it if you wish," Penny returned, a little +surprised at the request. "And as far as advice is concerned, I love to +offer it." + +She accepted the envelope which Rosanna proffered. As she took out the +folded letter a key dropped out into her lap. + +"What's this?" Penny demanded. + +Rosanna laughed nervously. "If what the letter says is true, it seems to +be the key to my inheritance! But read the letter for yourself." + + + + + CHAPTER II + A Mysterious Key + + +Unfolding the paper, Penny noticed that the message had been written +under the letterhead: "J.C. Elfhedge, attorney, Brookport." The +communication stated briefly that Rosanna Winters was the sole heiress of +the late Jacob Winters, her uncle, and that she had inherited his +mountainside estate at Raven Ridge. A key to the property was enclosed. +She was urged to inspect the estate at her earliest convenience. + +"Well, what do you think of it?" Rosanna questioned as Penny studied the +letter in silence. + +"Why, it's fine," Penny returned after a slight hesitation. "Did you know +Jacob Winters well?" + +"I didn't know him at all. In fact I never even met him." + +"Oh! Then the inheritance must have come as a surprise." + +"It did. Even now I can't help thinking there must be some mistake. Did +you ever hear of Raven Ridge?" + +"Yes, indeed," Penny told her. "It is a lovely spot near Snow Mountain." + +"I must go there as soon as I can," Rosanna said. "Will the car fare be +very much do you think?" + +"Probably not more than ten dollars." + +"That's a large sum for me," Rosanna smiled ruefully. "Of course, now +that I've actually inherited Uncle Jacob's estate, I suppose I shouldn't +worry about money." + +"Well, I shouldn't spend lavishly until I was certain there would be no +slip-up about getting the property," Penny advised bluntly. "Perhaps I +shouldn't say it, but there's a certain tone to this letter that I don't +like." + +"What do you mean?" Rosanna questioned. + +Penny found it difficult to explain. + +"Brookport is only a few miles from here and yet I've never heard of a +lawyer by the name of Elfhedge. It seems a trifle strange too that he +should enclose a key to the property." + +"It struck me that way too at first," Rosanna admitted unwillingly. "Of +course, I do have an uncle named Jacob Winters--my mother often spoke of +him. He was always considered queer." + +"It may be all right. No doubt you have inherited a fortune. Only I think +I'd be a trifle cautious until I was certain it wasn't a hoax." + +"But what can I do except to obey the letter and visit the property?" + +Penny glanced again at the letterhead. "Why not visit this lawyer and +have a talk with him? Brookport isn't far from here and it might save you +a trip to Raven Ridge." + +"Can I reach Brookport by train or bus?" + +"I'm afraid not," Penny said. "It's off the main line of travel. You +haven't a car of your own or one you could borrow?" + +"No." + +"I'll take you to Brookport if you like," Penny offered generously. "We +might go tomorrow." + +"Oh, I shouldn't like to trouble you, Miss Nichols. I can probably rent a +car." + +"There's no need of it for I would enjoy the ride. Besides, I am curious +to learn if there is an attorney by the name of Elfhedge living in +Brookport. Suppose I call here for you around ten o'clock tomorrow +morning." + +"All right," Rosanna smiled. "It's good of you to offer. Perhaps I can +repay you someday." + +The girls parted, Penny driving directly to her own home. Entering the +house by the back door she found Mrs. Gallup, the housekeeper, cooking +dinner. The kitchen was permeated with the delightful aroma of frying +chicken. + +"Is Dad home yet?" Penny inquired, pausing to sniff the air. + +"He's in the study," the housekeeper informed. + +Penny found Christopher Nichols occupied at his desk. Sometimes it was +difficult for her to realize that she was the daughter of a detective who +had gained state-wide recognition for his ability in solving baffling +cases. Mr. Nichols had served an apprenticeship on the police force, had +risen from the ranks, and later had started his own private detective +agency. Yet, despite his success, he was quiet and unaffected. + +Mr. Nichols had no real hobbies and only two absorbing interests in +life--his work and his daughter. Penny had been left motherless at an +early age. Because there had been only a slight feminine influence in her +life her outlook upon the world was somewhat different from that of the +average high school girl. She thought clearly and frankly spoke her mind. +Yet if she enjoyed an unusual amount of freedom for one so young, she +never abused the trust which her father placed in her. + +Penny loved adventure. Recently, somewhat to her father's chagrin, she +had involved herself with a daring gang of automobile thieves. The story +of her exciting encounter with underworld characters has been recounted +in the first volume of the series, entitled, "Penny Nichols Finds A +Clue." + +"Now what?" Mr. Nichols demanded gruffly as his daughter perched herself +on the corner of his desk. "Has that car of yours broken down again?" + +Penny laughed as she shook her head. + +"No, believe it or not, I still have a few dollars of my allowance left. +I'm after information this time." + +"What sort of information?" + +"Preferably accurate," Penny smiled. "Tell me, did you ever hear of a +lawyer by the name of Elfhedge with an office at Brookport?" + +"No, I never did," Mr. Nichols returned instantly. "There is an attorney +in the Stover building by the name of Hedgel. Perhaps you're mixed up." + +"I have the name right," Penny insisted. She then related the contents of +Rosanna Winters' letter. + +"It sounds like someone's idea of a practical joke," Mr. Nichols +declared. "I'd advise the girl not to spend any money until she's done a +little investigating." + +"That's what I did tell her." + +"I'll look this man Elfhedge up in a day or two if you like," Mr. Nichols +promised. "It sounds like a fictitious name to me but of course the +letter may be _bona fide_." + +Mrs. Gallup interrupted the discussion to announce that dinner was ready. +Immediately after the meal had been served, Mr. Nichols left for his +office and Penny saw him no more that evening. He left the house before +she was up the next morning so she had no opportunity to explain that she +was driving Rosanna Winters to Brookport that day. + +At ten o'clock she rang the doorbell of the rooming house on Sixty-fifth +Street. Rosanna already was waiting. + +"I thought you might have changed your mind about wishing to make the +trip," she declared, following Penny to the car. + +"No, I'm more curious than ever to talk with your lawyer. It will be +wonderful, Rosanna, if the estate turns out to be a valuable one." + +Rosanna smiled a trifle ruefully. "Yes, I will have plenty of use for the +money. I can't believe yet that Uncle Jacob left everything to me." + +Penny refrained from saying anything which might disturb Rosanna. +Actually, she had not the slightest reason for doubting that the girl had +come into an inheritance, save that the letter from Mr. Elfhedge did not +have a genuine tone. It occurred to her that a scheme might be under way +to induce the orphan to part with her own savings. + +During the ride to Brookport, Rosanna mentioned a few of the hard +experiences she had undergone in the past year. First her mother had +died, then an aunt with whom she made her home, likewise had been taken +from her. She found work of a sort in a grocery store, but long hours and +trying conditions had worn her down. She had taken sick. Hospital bills +claimed the greater part of the money which her mother had left her. She +could not secure her old job back, nor could she find a new one. In +desperation she had decided to come to Belton City, hoping that she might +secure a position there. + +"You can imagine that I was pretty well discouraged when the letter +arrived from Mr. Elfhedge," Rosanna ended. "You don't know what a fright +you gave me by suggesting that it might be a hoax." + +"I'm sorry if I caused you worry. I had no reason for thinking that +someone wrote the letter for a joke." + +"Uncle Jacob was noted for doing queer things," Rosanna informed. "I +never met him but Mother often mentioned his name. He was quite a +traveler, I believe, and collecting was his hobby." + +"What did he collect?" + +"Oh, things from the Orient and antiques from all over the world." + +"Then if you've come into his property, you may have inherited some real +treasures," Penny commented. "It would be fun to visit that house at +Raven Ridge." + +"Yes, but I dread going there alone. Penny, I wish you could go with me." + +"I wish I could too, but I guess I'll have to stay at Belton City this +summer." + +It was only a little after eleven o'clock when the girls reached +Brookport. The town was less than a hundred thousand population and Penny +had no trouble in finding the main business section. After cruising about +for some minutes, they located the street where Mr. Elfhedge had his +office. The number which they sought brought them to an imposing +seven-story brick building. + +Penny parked the roadster and they went inside, searching the directory +for Mr. Elfhedge's name. It was not listed. + +"That's odd," Rosanna remarked with a troubled frown. "His office must be +here somewhere in the building." + +Penny went over to make inquiry of the elevator boy. + +"There's no one in this building by that name," he insisted. + +Thinking that the boy might be misinformed, Penny and Rosanna sought the +building superintendent. To satisfy them, the man looked carefully +through his list of tenants. No one by the name of Elfhedge occupied an +office in the building. + +"There is an attorney in Room 309 but his name is Rogers," the +superintendent told the girls. "You might talk with him. He may know this +man Elfhedge." + +They went up to Room 309 and after a brief wait were ushered into the +lawyer's private office. Rosanna was too shy to state the purpose of her +visit, so Penny explained why they had come. The lawyer had never heard +of a colleague by the name of Elfhedge. + +"He's never been in this building and I doubt that he's even located in +the city," they were told. "You must have made a mistake in the address." + +The girls had made no mistake, that they knew. The address was plainly +written on the outside of the envelope which Rosanna had in her purse. +She showed it to the lawyer. + +"Yes, that seems to be this building," he admitted. "It looks as if +someone used a fake address." + +They left the office completely discouraged. Penny felt sorry for her +companion. Rosanna had counted so heavily upon the inheritance. Now it +appeared that someone had played a cruel joke upon her. + +"You were right," Rosanna acknowledged as they walked slowly back to the +car. "You were suspicious of that letter from the first." + +"It struck me as peculiar that it was written in longhand instead of on a +typewriter," Penny explained. + +"I suppose it is nothing but a joke," Rosanna acknowledged, "and yet why +should a key be enclosed in the letter?" + +"It's beyond me, Rosanna. Even if the trip is wasted, you might feel +better about it if you went to Raven Ridge and investigated." + +"I'd go in an instant if I had the money to spare." + +"I'll loan it to you." + +Rosanna shook her head. + +"No, I can't take it although it's kind of you to offer." + +"I wish I could help you, Rosanna." + +"You've helped me a great deal already. Perhaps a little later on I'll +find some way of getting to Raven Ridge." + +Penny tried to urge the loan, but Rosanna, who was unusually proud, would +not hear of it. The girls parted at the latter's boarding house on +Sixty-fifth Street. + +"I'll see you within a day or two," Penny promised as she drove away. +"Perhaps by that time Father will learn something about Mr. Elfhedge." + +She did not really believe that Mr. Nichols could find anything to +report. Doubtless, the name had been a fictitious one. Yet who had played +the joke upon Rosanna and for what purpose? + +"There's more to the affair than what appears on the surface," she +reflected. "If only I had the chance, I'd do a little investigating." + +Penny smiled at the thought, little dreaming that such an opportunity was +to present itself very shortly. + + + + + CHAPTER III + An Arrogant Guest + + +That evening at the dinner table Penny told her father about the +unsuccessful trip to Brookport. + +"It looks like someone played a practical joke on your friend," he +commented. + +"But who could be so mean, Dad? Rosanna has had such a desperately hard +time to get along. Now if she wastes money going to Raven Ridge on a +fruitless visit, it won't seem fair." + +"Well, it's likely to amount to just that," Mr. Nichols returned. "I +tried to locate that attorney, Elfhedge today." + +"Any luck?" + +"No, I doubt if such a person exists." + +"So do I," Penny agreed. "By the way, what became of the newspaper today? +I wanted to read up about the department store theft." + +"To see if your name was mentioned?" her father teased. + +"No, I was just curious to learn if the thief was captured." + +"I can set your mind at rest on that point," Mr. Nichols informed. "He +wasn't. If you're interested in the details, you'll find the paper on the +front porch." + +Penny helped Mrs. Gallup clear the table of dishes, then went outside to +get the paper. The story appeared on the front page. It was a slightly +distorted version of what had happened and Penny was just as well pleased +that her name was not mentioned. According to the account, the thief had +escaped by means of a rear fire escape. The ring, valued at approximately +nine hundred dollars, was fully covered by insurance. + +While Penny was reading the story, Mr. Nichols came out and sat on the +porch steps. + +"How would you like to take a little trip?" he asked casually. + +Penny dropped the newspaper. "With you?" she questioned eagerly. + +"Yes, I've been working hard lately and I feel like taking a rest over +the week end." + +"Where will we go?" + +"I thought of Mt. Ashland. It will be cool in the mountains and at this +time of year the hotels will not be too crowded." + +"Why, Mt. Ashland isn't very far from Snow Mountain, is it?" Penny +demanded with interest. "I'm going to look it up on the map." + +She ran into the house for the big red atlas. A moment later she +returned, her eyes dancing with excitement. + +"Mt. Ashland isn't more than a two hours' drive from Snow Mountain," she +told her father. + +"And just what difference does it make?" + +"Why, Raven Ridge is located on Snow Mountain, you know." + +"Oh! So that's what you have in your mind!" + +Penny perched herself on her father's knee, smiling her most beguiling +smile. + +"Never mind, you little tease," he said hastily. "I give in." + +"You don't even know what I want," she laughed. + +"Yes, I do. You want to take this new friend of yours along with us." + +"I think it would be nice, don't you?" Penny beamed. "Then while you're +having a good rest at Mt. Ashland we could drive on to Raven Ridge. +Rosanna could investigate her property there, if she has any, and it +wouldn't cost her much of anything to make the trip." + +"You seem to have it well planned," the detective marveled. + +"Well, what's wrong with the idea?" + +"Nothing. We'll take her along if she wants to go. She may help keep you +out of mischief." + +"When do we start?" Penny demanded gaily. + +"Tomorrow afternoon as soon as I can get away from the office." + +"Then I'll dash over to see Rosanna now and ask if she can go with us," +Penny announced. + +Without giving her father an opportunity to change his mind, she hurried +to the garage for her roadster. At the rooming house on Sixty-fifth +Street, the landlady, a stout woman with a tired, lined face, admitted +her. + +"Miss Winters has the attic room," she informed. "Five flights up." + +At the top of the last flight Penny paused to catch her breath before +rapping on Rosanna's door. The orphan was a trifle startled at seeing +her. + +"Do come in," she said cordially. + +The room was oppressive and warm, although the tiny windows were open +wide. A bed, a chest of drawers, two chairs and a cracked mirror composed +the entire furniture. + +"I don't expect to stay here long," Rosanna said apologetically. "I +thought it would do until I found work." + +"Why, of course," Penny agreed instantly. "Did you have any luck today?" + +Rosanna shook her head and sank wearily down upon the bed. + +"No, everywhere I went it was the same old story. I'm beginning to think +I'll never find employment." + +"Perhaps you'll not need it if you come into an inheritance," Penny +smiled. "Rosanna, I've found a way for you to get to Raven Ridge." + +The orphan's face brightened but for a full minute after Penny had +explained the plan, she sat silent. + +"Don't you want to go?" Penny asked, perplexed. + +"Yes, of course I do. It isn't that. You've been so good and kind to me. +I'll never be able to repay you for your trouble and expense." + +"Nonsense! The trip will be more fun if you go along, Rosanna. Besides, I +have an overwhelming curiosity to see Raven Ridge and your uncle's +estate. Please say you'll go." + +"All right, I will," Rosanna gave in. + +"Good. Father and I will stop for you tomorrow. I must get back home now +and start packing." + +Penny clattered down the creaking, narrow stairway and disappeared into +the night. + +Although the trip was only a short one, and at the longest would occupy +less than a week's time, Penny spent many hours planning her wardrobe. +She packed an evening gown, several afternoon frocks, and sports clothes. +Then, reflecting that Rosanna would not be so well fixed, she hung the +garments back in the closet, substituting her plainest dresses. + +"There, that will be much better," she decided. "A wise traveler goes +light anyway." + +At three o'clock the following afternoon, Penny and her father stopped at +Rosanna's rooming house to pick up the orphan. She was waiting on the +porch, and as Penny had thought, confined her luggage to one overnight +bag. + +At first the road to Mt. Ashland wound through fertile valleys and low +hills. Gradually, they climbed. The curves became more frequent. Tall +pines bordered the roadside. + +Six o'clock found the party well into the mountains, although still some +miles from their destination. Noticing a pleasant little inn at the top +of a ridge, they stopped for dinner which was served on the veranda +overlooking a beautiful valley. + +"I wonder if Raven Ridge will be as pretty as this?" Rosanna mused. + +"It's even more beautiful," Mr. Nichols told her. "The scenery is very +impressive." + +Before they arose from the table it was growing dusk for they had +lingered to watch the sunset. + +"It's just as well that I wired ahead for hotel reservations," Mr. +Nichols remarked as they hurried to the parked car. "Getting in after +dark it wouldn't be so pleasant to find all the rooms taken." + +At exactly nine o'clock the twinkling lights of the Mt. Ashland Hotel +were sighted, and a few minutes later the automobile drew up in front of +the large white rambling building. An attendant took the car and they all +went inside. + +"I doubt if you'll get rooms here tonight, sir," a bellboy told the +detective as he carried the luggage to the main desk. "There's been a big +rush of guests this week-end." + +Mr. Nichols was not disturbed. At the desk he merely gave the clerk his +name, claiming the two rooms which he had reserved by wire. + +"We saved two very fine rooms for you," the clerk returned politely. +"Both overlook the valley." + +While Mr. Nichols signed the register, Penny and Rosanna sat down nearby. +Their attention was drawn to the main entrance. A large touring car had +pulled up to the door. A pompous looking woman of middle age and a +younger woman, evidently her daughter, had alighted. Both were elegantly +if somewhat conspicuously dressed. Several suitcases, hat boxes and +miscellaneous packages were unloaded. The older woman carried a fat +lapdog in her arms. + +"They seem to have brought everything but the bird cage," Penny said in +an undertone. + +The two women walked up to the desk. + +"I am Mrs. Everett Leeds," the one with the dog announced a trifle too +loudly. "I have a reservation." + +"Just a minute please," the clerk requested. + +It seemed to Penny that he looked disturbed as he thumbed through his +cards. + +"There is no occasion for delay," Mrs. Leeds declared blandly. "My +daughter and I always engage the same room--305." + +"Why, that was the number of one of the rooms assigned to my party," Mr. +Nichols observed. + +"There's been some mix-up," the clerk said in distress. He turned again +to the two women. "Your reservation isn't on file, Mrs. Leeds. When did +you send the wire?" + +"I reserved the room by letter," the woman informed him coldly. + +"It was never received here I am sure." + +"No doubt the letter was lost." + +"You are certain it was sent?" + +"Of course I am," Mrs. Leeds declared icily. "My daughter mailed it. +Didn't you, Alicia, my dear?" + +A queer expression passed over the girl's face. It struck Penny that she +probably had forgotten to post the letter. However, Alicia staunchly +maintained that she had. + +"It's most provoking that you have misplaced the reservation," Mrs. Leeds +said irritably to the clerk. "But of course we can have the room?" + +"I am afraid that is impossible, Mrs. Leeds. The room you wanted was +reserved for two young ladies." With a nod of his head the clerk +indicated Penny and Rosanna. + +Mrs. Leeds and her daughter turned to stare somewhat haughtily. + +"What other room can you give us then?" the woman demanded angrily. + +The clerk cast Mr. Nichols a despairing glance. He knew he was in for +trouble. + +"Practically everything is taken, Mrs. Leeds. In fact the only available +room is on the top floor." + +"And you expect us to take that?" Mrs. Leeds cried, her voice rising +until everyone in the lobby could hear. "I never heard of such outrageous +treatment. Call the manager!" + +Penny had risen to her feet. She moved quickly forward. + +"There's no need to do that," she said pleasantly. "If Rosanna doesn't +mind, I am perfectly willing to exchange rooms with Mrs. Leeds." + +"Why, of course," Rosanna agreed. "It doesn't matter to me where I +sleep." + +Satisfied at having her own way, Mrs. Leeds quieted down. She even +thanked the girls graciously for the sacrifice they had made. The clerk +gave out the keys. + +"Why did you do that?" Mr. Nichols asked gruffly as he and the girls +followed a bellboy to the elevator. "Your room up by the roof will be hot +as blazes." + +"I know, but I didn't see any sense in making such a fuss over a room, +Dad. Besides, it's only for one night." + +"I'd insist that you girls take my room if it had a double bed." + +Penny shook her head. + +"No, you came here for a rest. Rosanna and I really won't mind." + +The three entered the elevator and a minute later Mrs. Leeds and her +daughter likewise stepped into the lift. + +"I hope you girls will not find it uncomfortable on the top floor," Mrs. +Leeds remarked, trying to make pleasant conversation. + +"It isn't very warm tonight," Penny returned politely. "Besides, it will +only be for one night. We're going on to Raven Ridge in the morning." + +The elevator was whizzing them upward. + +"Did you say Raven Ridge?" Mrs. Leeds questioned sharply. + +"Yes." + +A queer expression had come into Mrs. Leeds sharp, blue eyes. She seemed +on the verge of speaking, then apparently changed her mind. + +The elevator stopped at the third floor. Without a word, the woman urged +her daughter out the door, following her down the hall. + + + + + CHAPTER IV + A Face at the Window + + +The little room on the top floor of the hotel was as hot and unpleasant +as Mr. Nichols had predicted. Even with all the windows open wide the air +still seemed close. + +"Rosanna, I shouldn't have forced you into this," Penny said +apologetically. + +"I've slept in far worse places than this," Rosanna laughed. "We have a +comfortable bed and a private bath. I didn't fare half so well at Mrs. +Bridges." + +"You're a good sport anyway, Rosanna. That's more than could be said for +Mrs. Leeds or her daughter." + +"I wonder how old the girl is? She looked about our age." + +"I'd guess she was two or three years older," Penny returned. "She had so +much paint on it was hard to tell." + +Both girls were tired from the long day's drive. Rosanna immediately +began to undress. Penny sat on the edge of the bed, thoughtfully staring +into space. + +"Did it strike you as queer the way Mrs. Leeds acted when I mentioned we +were going to Raven Ridge tomorrow?" she questioned her companion. + +Rosanna kicked off her slippers before replying. + +"Well, come to think of it, she did look a little startled. She put on +such a scene downstairs that I didn't pay much attention." + +"We'll probably never see her again." With a shrug of her slim shoulders +Penny arose and began to unpack her overnight bag. + +According to the plan which they had worked out with Mr. Nichols, the +girls expected to leave for Raven Ridge the next morning directly after +breakfast. It was their intention to motor to the mountain resort, +inspect the Winters' property and see if they could learn anything +concerning Rosanna's uncle. They intended to return either the next night +or the one following. + +Few guests were abroad when the detective joined the girls at breakfast. +It was only a little after seven o'clock. + +"Sleep well?" he inquired, looking over the menu. + +"Not very," Penny admitted truthfully. She might have added more had not +Mrs. Leeds and her daughter entered the dining room at that moment. The +two bowed slightly and selected a table in the opposite corner of the +room. + +"Social climbers," Mr. Nichols said in an undertone. "I can tell their +type a mile away." + +Breakfast finished, the girls prepared to leave for Raven Ridge. Their +bags were already packed and downstairs. + +"Now drive cautiously over the mountain roads," the detective warned as +he accompanied the girls to the waiting car. "If you can't get back by +evening send me a wire." + +As Penny took her place at the steering wheel she observed that Mrs. +Leeds' automobile had been brought to the hotel entrance by an attendant. +Apparently, she too was making an early morning departure. + +"You're not listening to a word I am saying!" Mr. Nichols said severely. + +"Yes, I am." Penny's attention came back to the conversation. "I'll drive +carefully and deliver your precious car back to you without a scratch." + +"I wasn't exactly worried about the car." + +"Well, there's no need to be uneasy about Rosanna or me. We'll have no +trouble." + +With a laugh of careless confidence, Penny started the car and drove +slowly away. It was not the first time she had driven over mountainous +roads. She handled the wheel exceptionally well and used due caution on +all of the sharp curves. The brakes were good but she dared not apply +them too steadily on the steep inclines. + +"We'll have to rush if we get back to Mt. Ashland this evening," Penny +announced, slowing down to read a signpost. "I declare, a mountain mile +seems to be three times the length of an ordinary mile." + +They had gone only a short distance farther when a tire went down. Penny +knew it instantly by the feel of the steering wheel. She pulled off at +the side of the road. + +"Now we are in it," she said in deep disgust. "At least ten miles from a +garage. I can change wheels on my own car, but I doubt if I can on Dad's +automobile." + +The girls waited for a few minutes hoping that someone would come along +to help. When no one did, Penny dragged out the tools, and after +considerable trouble succeeded in jacking up the rear axle. + +"I see a car coming," Rosanna reported hopefully. + +"Let's flag it," Penny suggested. "I could do with a little masculine +help." + +In response to her signal of distress, the approaching automobile slowed +down. The driver was a man and there were no passengers. + +"He's stopping," Penny said in relief. + +There was a screech of brakes as the automobile came almost to a +standstill. Then surprisingly, it speeded up again. But not before Penny +had caught a fleeting glimpse of the driver's face. + +"Well, of all things!" Rosanna exclaimed indignantly. "I call that a mean +trick." + +"I believe he was afraid to stop," Penny announced excitedly. "I think I +recognized him. It was the same man who stole the ring from Bresham's +Department Store!" + +"Are you sure?" Rosanna demanded incredulously. + +"I couldn't be absolutely certain, of course. He was traveling too fast +for me to catch more than a passing glimpse of his face. But if he didn't +recognize us, why did he slow down and then speed up?" + +"He did act suspiciously. But what can we do about it?" + +"Nothing, I'm afraid. We may as well devote our energies to this wheel." + +Rosanna was more than eager to help but she had never even seen a tire +changed and had no idea how to go about it. After a little annoying +experimentation, Penny got the wheel in place and tightened the lugs. + +"There, it's done," she said in relief, "but my dress is a mess. I'm +afraid we'll have to stop at the first garage and have the old wheel +fixed, for I don't carry another spare." + +A signpost at the next bend in the road advised them that Simpson's +Garage was located only six miles away. They made it in a few minutes. +There was no town, only a post office, one general store, and the garage +which obviously was a remodeled blacksmith shop. + +"I'm glad it's nothing more than a tire which needs repairing," Penny +commented as the garageman came to learn what they wanted. + +He promised that the tire would be ready in half an hour. Glancing at her +wrist watch, Penny saw that it was already past lunch time. She inquired +if there was a cafe nearby. + +"Not in Hamilton, there ain't," the garageman told her. "Ma Stevens, +across the street in the big white house, serves meals to tourists now +and then." + +Rather than spend an unpleasant half hour in the garage, the girls walked +over to the rambling white house. They were reassured to see that the +yard was well kept and that everything appeared orderly and clean. + +"Let's take a chance on the food," Penny decided. "I'm hungry enough to +eat a fried board!" + +Mrs. Stevens, a motherly looking woman in a blue checked gingham dress, +opened the door. She looked slightly troubled at their request for food. + +"It's later than I usually serve," she explained. Then noticing their +disappointed faces, she added hastily: "But if you're not too particular, +I can find you something." + +The "something" consisted of a generous platter of mountain trout, fresh +from the stream and fried to a golden brown, French fried potatoes, a +salad, and cherry pie. + +"Dear me, after such a meal, we may not be able to get to Raven Ridge," +Penny remarked, finishing her second piece of pie. "I never ate so much +in my life." + +"Did you say you were going to Raven Ridge?" Mrs. Stevens inquired. + +"Yes, we're waiting now to have a tire patched." + +"You're the second party through here today that's heading for Raven +Ridge," Mrs. Stevens informed. "A man stopped for lunch about an hour +ago. Only he thought it wasn't cooked well enough for him." + +"He must have been particular," Penny commented. "What did he look like?" + +"He was tall and dark and he had a sharp way of watching one." + +"I wonder if it could have been that man who passed us on the road?" +Penny mused. "Was he driving a gray coupe?" + +"Yes, I believe he was." + +Penny was convinced that the man Mrs. Stevens described was the same +person who had declined to help her on the road. She wondered what +business took him to Raven Ridge. Could she have been mistaken in +believing him to be the thief who had stolen the diamond ring? + +Paying for the luncheon, the girls went back to the garage. The tire was +ready for them. Soon they were on their way again. + +They had driven for perhaps an hour when Penny observed that the road +seemed to be leading them out of the mountains. She began to wonder if +they had taken a wrong turn. She stopped at the next filling station to +inquire. To her dismay, she was told that she had traveled nearly twenty +miles out of her way. + +"I thought this didn't seem like the right road," Penny declared ruefully +to her companion. "Now we'll be lucky to get to Raven Ridge by dinner +time, to say nothing of returning to Mt. Ashland tonight." + +"I've put you to a great deal of trouble," Rosanna said regretfully. + +"Not at all. This trip to Raven Ridge is an adventure, and I like it. It +will be more fun to stay over night anyway." + +An occasional road marker reassured the girls that at last they were on +the right highway. The mountain curves were sharp, and Penny did not make +as good time as she had anticipated. She became a little alarmed to see +that storm clouds were rapidly gathering. + +"It looks as if we may have rain," Rosanna commented. + +"A great deal of it, I'd judge. Those clouds are black as ink." + +In less than half an hour the storm struck them in full force. A great +gust of wind dashed huge drops of water against the windshield, there was +a vivid flash of lightning, then the rain came down in steady sheets. + +Even with the wiper going Penny could see only a few feet ahead of the +windshield. She pulled up under a huge oak tree at the side of the road. +The girls waited a quarter of an hour and still the rain fell in +torrents. At length, however, it slackened slightly, and not wishing to +lose any more time, Penny cautiously drove on. + +"It can't last much longer," Rosanna said optimistically. + +Despite her hopeful words, the rain showed no sign of stopping. Penny +reconciled herself to a slow pace for the remainder of the journey. She +was beginning to grow tired. Her back and arms ached and it was a strain +to keep such close watch of the road. + +With the sun hidden from view, night came on early. Nervous at the +thought of driving over unfamiliar mountain roads after dark, the girls +did not stop for dinner. Nine o'clock, in a pouring rain, found them +drawn up at a filling station to inquire how much farther it was to Raven +Ridge. + +"Why, you're practically there now," the attendant informed. "What place +are you looking for?" + +"The Jacob Winters' estate," Penny replied. + +"Then keep on this road for about two miles more. When you come to the +top of the ridge, take the gravel road to the left. It will lead you to +the house. There's no one there though, unless maybe a caretaker." + +"Oh," Penny murmured, "then perhaps you can direct us to a place where we +can spend the night." + +"The nearest is at the town of Andover, five miles beyond the Winters' +place." + +The girls thanked the man for his assistance, and once more followed the +winding road up the mountainside. + +"Shall we go on to Andover or stop at the Winters' house?" Penny asked +her companion. + +"I don't know what to do," Rosanna faltered. "We're both so tired." + +"The place surely must have a caretaker, Rosanna. Let's take a chance and +stop." + +At the top of the ridge they watched for the gravel road and were elated +to find it. The entrance was barred by a white gate. Rosanna stepped out +in the rain to open it. + +"This may have been a foolish thing to do," Penny admitted as they drove +between tall rows of whispering pines. "We could have gone on to Andover +only I dreaded driving down the mountainside with slippery roads." + +Rosanna huddled closer to her friend. The road was dark and the rustling +of the wind in the pine needles made her uneasy. + +Soon they came within view of the house. It was built of native stone, +half hidden by the luxuriant growth of shrubbery and trees which +surrounded it. No lights gleamed in the windows. + +"There's no one here," Rosanna declared. + +"Let's knock anyway. The caretaker may be at the rear somewhere." + +They parked the car as close to the front door as possible and made a +dash for the porch. Penny knocked several times on the massive door but +there was no response. + +"We might try your key, Rosanna," she proposed. "If it fits I'll begin to +think there's something to that mysterious letter you received." + +Rosanna groped in her pocketbook for the key. Impatient for action, Penny +turned the handle of the door. To her astonishment the latch clicked. + +"Why, the door is already unlocked, Rosanna!" + +"But of course we won't dare go in." + +"Why not?" + +"Well, it doesn't seem right. The people may not be at home." + +"Someone must be around or the door wouldn't be unlocked. Besides, you +have a key, Rosanna. And according to the letter, this is your +inheritance." + +Penny swung wide the door. She peered inside but could see nothing. Her +hand groped for the electric switch. She found the button by the door and +pressed it. Instantly everything was flooded with light. + +The girls found themselves in a long, narrow living room. The ceiling was +beamed, the furniture was rustic, and a great fireplace occupied one end +of the wall. + +Penny crossed over to the hearth. There was no fire but logs were in +readiness to make one. + +"I don't feel right about coming in here," Rosanna said nervously. + +"Nonsense, if it's your property you're not trespassing," Penny insisted. +"Besides, it looks to me as if you were expected, for everything seems in +readiness for guests. I'm going to build a fire and see if I can't thaw +out my chilled bones." + +Reluctantly, Rosanna went to help her. Soon they had a roaring fire in +the hearth. As they grew more comfortable they took more interest in +their surroundings. The room was plainly but expensively furnished. +Curious objects from many lands occupied the tables and bric-a-brac +shelves. + +"Your uncle must have lived an interesting life," Penny commented, +picking up a tiny ivory box from a nearby stand. + +"Yes, Mother often told me----" + +Rosanna's voice broke in the midst of the sentence. Turning, Penny saw +that her friend's eyes were fastened upon the window. All color had +drained from Rosanna's face. Her eyes were dilated with fear. + +"What is it?" Penny demanded. + +Rosanna clutched her hand. + +"I saw someone just then," she whispered. "A man's face at the window!" + + + + + CHAPTER V + The Lost Key + + +Penny turned quickly toward the window. She saw nothing save the rain +trickling down the panes. + +"You must have imagined it, Rosanna." + +"No, I didn't. I know I saw a face." + +Rosanna huddled close to Penny. She was afraid. + +"I'll go and look out," Penny proposed daringly. + +Before Rosanna could stop her she moved to the door and flung it open. A +man in oilskins confronted her. His face was half hidden by the felt hat +which he wore low over his eyes. + +"What do you want?" Penny asked nervously. + +Without answering, the man stepped into the room. Under the electric +light he did not look as terrifying as he had at first glance. Penny saw +when he swept off his dripping hat that he was an elderly man although +spry for his years. She felt slightly reassured. + +"I came to find out what you mean by entering Mr. Winters' house when +he's away?" the man demanded curtly. "Don't stand there staring like a +blind owl! Answer." + +Rosanna had completely lost her power of speech, so Penny tried to +explain the situation. She told how they had been caught by the storm and +mentioned Rosanna's key and letter which gave her right to investigate +the property. + +"So you're old Jacob Winters' niece?" the man questioned gruffly, peering +intently at Rosanna. "At least that's what you say." + +"Of course he's my uncle, although I never saw him," Rosanna defended. "I +can prove it by my letter." + +"Probably wrote it yourself," the man snapped. "But let's see it anyway." + +"Just a minute," Penny interposed, feeling that it was time the newcomer +answered a few questions of his own. "Are you the caretaker of this +house?" + +"Yes, and no. I'm a neighbor of Mr. Winters and he asked me to keep an +eye on his house while he was away. I saw the light in the windows and +came to see what was wrong." + +"My uncle is dead," Rosanna said quietly. "I have inherited the estate." + +"Jacob Winters dead!" the man exploded. "Why, I had a card from him last +week. Mailed from some place down in Africa. Let me see that letter you +claim to have." + +Rosanna opened her pocketbook and searched for it. A troubled look came +over her face. She was certain she had placed both the letter and the key +in the inside compartment. Now she could find neither. + +"So you haven't got it?" the man said suspiciously. + +"I must have it somewhere. I can't imagine how I misplaced it. You +remember the letter don't you, Penny?" + +"Of course. You had it in your pocketbook the last time I saw it. We're +telling you the absolute truth Mr.----" + +"Caleb Eckert," he supplied. "If you didn't have a key how did you get +into the house?" + +"Why, the door was open--that is, it was unlocked," Penny explained. + +Caleb Eckert peered at her sharply as if trying to make up his mind if +she were speaking the truth. Rosanna, who by this time had emptied her +purse out upon the table, was growing more upset every minute. + +"Oh, let's leave this house, Penny," she burst out. "I've lost the letter +and the key and so we've no right to be here at all. I didn't mean to +trespass. I wish we'd never have come at all. That letter has caused me +so much grief." + +Rosanna looked as if she might cry at any moment. Caleb Eckert softened. + +"Now, I wouldn't want you to go out into this storm. As far as I'm +concerned you may stay here for the night." + +"We don't care to intrude," Rosanna said stiffly. + +"It isn't safe to go down the mountain in this rain," the man declared, +adopting a more friendly tone. "Now don't be offended by the way I acted. +My bark is worse than my bite." + +"We can't blame you for being suspicious," Penny admitted. "It may be +that someone played a joke on Rosanna in sending her the letter and key. +We were afraid of that from the first." + +Caleb Eckert's eyes roved to the crackling fire, then to the splattered +windows. + +"Tell you what," he proposed gruffly. "You girls stay here for the night. +In the morning we'll see if we can't straighten things out." + +"But if Mr. Winters is alive we have no right to use this house," Rosanna +protested weakly. + +"You're his niece, aren't you?" Caleb demanded. "Jacob Winters wouldn't +turn anyone out in a storm, much less one of his own kin folks. Have you +had supper?" + +The girls admitted that they had not had any food since lunch time. Caleb +led them to the kitchen, showing them where canned goods were stored. + +"If you're handy with a can opener there's no need to starve," he +declared. + +The girls thanked him for his trouble. Rosanna timidly ventured a few +questions concerning her uncle. + +"Did you never see him?" Caleb asked. + +"No, once I wrote him a letter but he never answered. I've heard Uncle +Jacob was very eccentric." + +"Some might call him that. He liked to live alone and mind his own +business which is more than most folks do. He traveled a lot too. I guess +he must have visited every country in the world." He added slyly: "If +Jacob _is_ dead, you'll come into possession of some valuable things." + +"I hope that nothing has happened to him," Rosanna said sincerely. "I +don't really care for riches. All I want is a home." + +"Jacob Winters never liked girls." + +"I know," Rosanna sighed. "I guess that's why he never answered my +letter." + +"You counted a lot on the inheritance, didn't you?" Caleb questioned +shrewdly. + +Rosanna flushed but did not deny the accusation. + +"I thought that it might make my future more secure," she acknowledged. +"Since Mother died I've battered around from one rooming house to +another. But even if I don't come into the inheritance, I'll be glad that +my uncle is still alive." + +"I don't know that he is," Caleb Eckert said hastily. "He was alive when +he sent that postcard from Africa. Since then we've had no word from him +here at Raven Ridge." + +While the girls prepared food for themselves, Caleb sat by the kitchen +stove watching. He showed them how to start a fire in the range but would +not partake of supper when it was cooked. + +"Had mine four hours ago. I'll show you where you can sleep and be +getting on home." + +"Do you live near here?" Penny asked curiously. + +"Not far. If the rain would let up you could see my cabin through the +dining room window. It's perched on the edge of the cliff, overlooking +Lake Chippewa." + +Rosanna remarked that the scenery around Raven Ridge must be beautiful. + +"'Tis," Caleb agreed enthusiastically. "You'll have to walk down to the +lake in the morning. There are some mighty pretty trails to follow too." + +"If we have time before we go, we'll surely explore," Penny promised. + +Caleb conducted them upstairs, opening the door of one of the bedrooms. +It was stuffy and dusty but otherwise ready for occupancy. Penny turned +back the coverlet of the bed and found that it was equipped with clean +sheets and blankets. The furniture was massive and all hand carved. + +"I guess you can make out here for one night," Caleb said. + +"We'll be very comfortable," Penny assured him. + +Returning to the lower floor, Caleb lighted his lantern and prepared to +leave. With his hand on the door knob he turned to face the girls again. + +"Oh, yes, there was something I forgot to mention. If you hear queer +noises in the night don't be upset." + +"Queer noises?" Penny echoed. + +Caleb nodded soberly. + +"Folks around here claim the house is haunted but I never took stock in +such stories myself. I just thought I'd warn you." + +And before the girls could recover from their astonishment, he firmly +closed the door, disappearing into the rain. + + + + + CHAPTER VI + Midnight Visitors + + +"I wish," Rosanna commented emphatically, "that I had never brought you +to this queer old house." + +Penny laughed as she went over to the fireplace and dropped on another +stick of wood. She stood watching the sparks fly up the chimney. + +"I think Caleb Eckert was only trying to be funny when he warned us of +ghosts," she declared. "At any rate, I'm too tired and sleepy to care +much whether the place is haunted or not." + +"It's a good night to sleep," Rosanna admitted, going to the window. "I +believe the storm is getting worse." + +Rain pounded steadily upon the roof and the wind was rising. It whistled +weirdly around the corners of the house. The tall maple trees which +shaded the front porch bent and twisted and snapped. + +For a time the girls sat before the fire. Presently Penny suggested that +they retire. + +"I don't believe I can sleep a wink tonight," Rosanna protested. "Even +though Caleb Eckert said it was all right for us to stay here, I don't +feel entirely easy about it." + +"I don't see why not," Penny protested as they mounted the creaking +stairs to their bedroom. "According to the letter, you've inherited the +house. And you have a key." + +"I had a key you mean. I can't understand how or where I lost it." + +In thinking back over the activities of the day, Rosanna could not recall +taking either the key or the letter from her purse. However, several +times for one purpose or another she had opened her pocketbook, and it +was quite likely that the articles had fallen out unobserved. She thought +possibly she might find them on the floor of Penny's car. She intended to +search in the morning. + +The upstairs room was damp and chilly. The girls hurriedly prepared to +retire. Penny put up the window, snapped out the light and made a great +running leap which landed her in bed. + +"Listen to the wind howl," she murmured, snuggling drowsily into her +pillow. "Just the night for ghosts to be abroad." + +"Don't!" Rosanna shivered, gripping her friend's hand. "I can almost +imagine that someone is coming up the stairway now! I'm afraid of this +lonely old house." + +"I won't let any mean old ghost get you," Penny chuckled teasingly. "I +love stormy nights." + +Rosanna lay awake long after her companion had fallen asleep. She +listened restlessly to the crash of the tree branches against the roof, +the creaking of old timbers and boards. But the steady beat of rain on +the windowpanes had a soothing effect upon tense nerves. Presently she +dozed. + +Suddenly she found herself wide awake. She sat upright in bed, straining +to hear. She was convinced that some unusual sound had aroused her. + +Then she heard it again. A peculiar pounding noise downstairs. + +She clutched Penny by the arm. + +"What is it?" the latter muttered drowsily. + +"Wake up! I think someone is trying to break into the house!" + +As the words penetrated Penny's consciousness, she became instantly +alert. She too sat up, listening. Someone was pounding on the front door. + +"What shall we do?" Rosanna whispered in terror. + +Penny sprang from bed and snapped on the light. "I'm going to dress and +go down. It may be Caleb Eckert." + +"Or a ghost," Rosanna chattered. "If you're going down, so am I." + +With the appearance of a light in the bedroom, the clanging on the door +increased in violence. Penny, who was dressing as rapidly as she could, +began to grow irritated. + +"Are they trying to break down the door?" she grumbled. "I should think +whoever it is would know we're hurrying." + +Without delaying to lace up her shoes, she ran down the stairs, Rosanna +close at her elbow. Before snapping on the living room lights the girls +peered out the window. + +Slightly reassured by the appearance of the midnight visitors, they +cautiously unbolted the front door. + +Mrs. Everett Leeds and her daughter Alicia, swept into the room. Both +were bedraggled and obviously out of sorts. + +Mrs. Leeds shook the rain from her cape, flung her wet hat into the +nearest chair, and then coldly surveyed the two girls. + +"What are you doing here, may I ask?" she inquired. + +"We _were_ sleeping," Penny smiled. + +"I mean, what are you doing in this house?" + +"It seems to belong to Rosanna," Penny said evenly. "She inherited it +from her uncle, Jacob Winters." + +Mrs. Leeds' expression was difficult to interpret. For an instant she +looked stunned. But she quickly recovered her poise. + +"Nonsense!" she said shortly. "This house belongs to me. Jacob Winters +was my cousin. He died recently, leaving me everything. I have a letter +and key to prove it. Naturally I couldn't use my key to get into the +house for you had it bolted from the inside." + +Mrs. Leeds looked accusingly at the girls as she offered the letter to +Penny. A casual glance assured the girls that it was identical with the +one Rosanna had received and lost. + +"It's too late to go into this tonight," Penny protested. "Let's discuss +it in the morning." + +"Very well," Mrs. Leeds agreed coldly. "Where are we to sleep?" + +Penny informed her that there were several empty bedrooms upstairs. She +led the way to the upper floor. Opening the door of one of the rooms, she +was surprised to see that it was not as well furnished as the bedroom +which she and Rosanna shared. Mrs. Leeds uttered an exclamation of +disgust. + +"Surely you don't expect me to sleep here, Miss Nichols. The room is +dirty. Positively filthy." + +"Look at that long cobweb hanging from the ceiling!" Alicia added +indignantly. "I'd have hysterics if I slept here." + +"Perhaps the adjoining room is better," Penny commented. + +An inspection revealed that if anything it was even more neglected. + +"I'm afraid you'll just have to make the best of it for tonight," Penny +declared, "unless you care to drive on to the next town." + +"We'll stay," Mrs. Leeds decided instantly. "I'd prefer to sit up all +night, rather than brave those horrible mountain roads again." + +"We slipped into a ditch coming here," Alicia informed. "That's what made +us so late. We've had a terrible time." + +In a closet at the end of the hall, Penny and Rosanna found blankets and +linen. As they made up the beds, neither Mrs. Leeds nor her daughter +offered to assist. It was after one o'clock when the girls went back to +their own room. + +"Mrs. Leeds means to make trouble about the inheritance," Penny remarked +in an undertone as they snapped out the light once more. "I wonder if by +any chance she could have picked up your letter and key?" + +"Oh, I doubt it," Rosanna returned. "I remember when we were at Mt. +Ashland she dropped the hint that she was going to Raven Ridge. At least, +she acted strangely when we mentioned the place." + +"Yes, she did. I had forgotten for the moment. Oh well, in the morning +we'll learn exactly what she intends to do." + +Penny rolled over and soon was sleeping soundly. Toward morning she awoke +to hear a clock somewhere in the house chiming four. At first she thought +nothing of it, then it occurred to her that no one had wound any of the +timepieces the previous evening. While she was musing over such an odd +happening her keen ears detected the sound of soft footsteps in the long +hall outside. + +"It's probably Mrs. Leeds or her daughter," she reasoned. + +The sounds persisted. At length Penny quietly arose and tiptoed to the +door. She looked out into the dark hall. No one was within sight. Mrs. +Leeds' door was closed. + +Penny went back to bed, taking care not to awaken Rosanna. Scarcely had +she pulled the blankets up than the soft pad of footsteps could be heard +again. + +"I hope it isn't that ghost Caleb warned us about," she thought uneasily. +"Oh, bother! I know there aren't any ghosts!" + +Penny closed her eyes and tried to sleep but found it quite impossible. +Even after the noise in the hall ceased she caught herself listening for +the footsteps. At a quarter to seven she dressed and stole downstairs to +see what she could find for breakfast. + +At eight o'clock when Rosanna came into the kitchen, Penny had coffee, +cereal and crisp bacon ready. + +"The larder seems very well supplied," she informed cheerfully. "Someone +left milk on our doorstep too. I imagine it must have been Caleb." + +"I'm hungry enough to eat anything," Rosanna declared. "Shall I call Mrs. +Leeds and Alicia?" + +"Yes, do, although I don't know how they'll take to my cooking." + +Rosanna went upstairs to rap on Mrs. Leeds' door. She returned a minute +later, reporting that neither of the guests would be down for breakfast. + +"They were quite put out at being disturbed so early," she told Penny +ruefully. + +"We'll let them get their own breakfasts then. Come on, we'll have ours +anyway." + +Penny had learned to cook very well under the tutelage of Mrs. Gallup. +She had done remarkably well with the meager supplies at her disposal and +Rosanna declared that the breakfast was excellent. + +The girls had finished the dishes and were stacking them away when Alicia +came down the stairs. + +"Mother and I will take our breakfast now," she informed. + +Rosanna started toward the kitchen, but Penny neatly blocked the way. + +"Sorry," she said cheerfully, "but we've just finished ours. You'll find +supplies in the kitchen." + +Alicia started to reply but without waiting to hear what she might have +to say, Penny and Rosanna went out the back door. + +"While she cools off we may as well look over the grounds," Penny +laughed. "If Mrs. Leeds and Alicia expect to get along with me, they'll +have to learn that this household is going to operate on a cafeteria +basis." + +From the rear door a sandstone path led down a steep incline to the brow +of a high cliff. A river wound its way directly below, emptying into a +crystal blue lake. Deep in the pine woods, some distance from the path, a +cabin could be seen. The girls decided that it must belong to Caleb +Eckert. + +While they were admiring the rugged scenery, someone came up behind them. +They wheeled about to face Caleb himself. + +"Well, well, you both look bright and gay this morning," he greeted +heartily. "Sleep well?" + +"Quite well," Rosanna told him shyly. "That is, we did until the visitors +arrived." + +"Visitors?" + +Rosanna explained about Mrs. Leeds and her daughter while Penny added +omitted details. For some reason they both were beginning to feel that +Caleb was their ally. + +"All this talk about letters and keys and inheritances certainly has me +puzzled," he proclaimed, shaking his head. "It's hard to believe that +Jacob Winters is dead. I think I'll walk back to the house with you and +have a little talk with Mrs. Leeds." + +"Did you leave milk at our doorstep this morning?" Penny questioned as +they returned together. + +Caleb admitted that he had placed it there. + +"You've been very kind," Rosanna said gratefully. "I want to thank you +before we leave." + +"You're not aiming to leave today?" Caleb asked quickly. + +"Well, yes, I imagine we will. I don't feel right about staying here." + +Caleb lowered his voice. "Take my advice, Miss Winters, and don't leave +while that other woman and her daughter are here. From what you've told +me, I think they mean to grab the property." + +"But what can I do?" Rosanna asked helplessly. "I've lost my letter and +the key. I haven't any proof that the property was left to me." + +"Maybe this Leeds woman hasn't any proof that it was left to her either," +Caleb said sagely. "Anyway, we'll find out what she has to say." + +At first, Mrs. Leeds, accosted in the living room of the old house, had +little comment to make. She was out of sorts from lack of sleep the +previous night, and the breakfast which she and Alicia had endeavored to +cook had not been a success. Nor was she impressed with Caleb who wore +high boots, an old pair of dirty trousers and a crumpled felt hat. + +"I don't see why I should discuss my business affairs with you," she said +aloofly. "I have inherited this property from my cousin and I mean to +remain here in possession of it indefinitely if necessary." + +"May I see the letter which you say you received?" Caleb inquired. + +Mrs. Leeds hesitated, then reluctantly handed it over. Caleb studied it +briefly and returned it. + +"You will require more than this as evidence of Mr. Winters' death," he +said quietly. "For all I know, you may have forged this letter." + +"Preposterous!" Mrs. Leeds snapped. "I refuse to discuss the matter with +you further. I shall send for my attorney and he will straighten out +everything." + +"Not without the will, he can't," Caleb returned grimly. "And there's no +telling what became of it." + +"The will?" Mrs. Leeds caught him up. "Are you sure there was a will?" + +"Mr. Winters told me once that he had made one and hidden it somewhere in +the house." + +"Then of course it can be found." + +"Mr. Winters wouldn't want anyone prying around in his private papers," +Caleb insisted. "Until I have definite word that he is dead, I can't let +anyone hunt for it." + +"I shouldn't call searching for the will exactly prying!" Mrs. Leeds +retorted indignantly. "What right have you to say what is to be done +here? Are you the caretaker?" + +"Well, not exactly, but Mr. Winters asked me to look after things until +he got back." + +"That will must be found." + +Caleb's face tightened. "Mrs. Leeds," he said severely, "I repeat, things +in this house must not be disturbed." + +Mrs. Leeds drew herself up proudly. "Unquestionably, the will leaves +everything to me." + +"That may be," Caleb acknowledged, "but this girl here has a claim too." +He indicated Rosanna. + +Mrs. Leeds froze her with a glance. Her eyes snapped like brands of fire +as she listened to Rosanna's account of the letter and key. But a look of +relief, which was not lost upon either of the girls, came over her face +as she learned that they had been misplaced. + +"The story sounds ridiculous to me," Mrs. Leeds declared coldly. "If you +can't produce the letter or the key, what proof have you that you +actually are Jacob Winters' niece?" + +"I could get evidence within a few days," Rosanna declared. "The letter +and key may show up too." + +"I think perhaps you dropped them in the car," Penny interrupted. "Let's +look now." + +Leaving Mrs. Leeds and Caleb embroiled in another argument, they went +outside where the automobile had been parked near the house. A careful +search of the flooring and pockets of the car did not reveal the missing +letter or key. Rosanna was completely discouraged. + +"Do you think Mrs. Leeds could have picked it up?" she asked gloomily. + +"I don't see how," Penny returned thoughtfully. "But there's one thing +certain. She intends to make trouble. You surely don't intend to go away +from here while she and her daughter are camped in the house?" + +"What else can we do?" + +"Send a wire to Dad that we're staying on a day or two," Penny answered +instantly. + +"But won't that inconvenience both of you?" + +"No, I suspect Dad will be grateful for the rest and as for myself, I'd +enjoy seeing this thing through." + +It required little urging to convince Rosanna of the wisdom of remaining +on the scene. She had taken an immediate dislike to Mrs. Leeds and her +daughter, and agreed with Penny that they were determined to claim more +than a rightful share of the inheritance. + +Once the girls arrived at a decision they lost no time in driving to the +nearest town where Penny dispatched a message to her father. Noticing an +inviting looking restaurant, they ate lunch before motoring back to the +Winters' mansion. It was nearly two o'clock when they reached the Ridge +again. + +An unfamiliar car stood on the driveway. Penny was certain it did not +belong to Mrs. Leeds for her mud-splattered sedan was parked some +distance away. + +"It looks like more visitors," she commented as they crossed the veranda +together. + +At the doorway both girls involuntarily paused. Mrs. Leeds was engaged in +conversation with a stranger. + +For an instant Penny and Rosanna stood and stared. It was the same man +who had refused them help on the road. + + + + + CHAPTER VII + "Ghost" Music + + +As Penny and Rosanna entered the living room, the stranger turned to face +them. For a long moment Penny was convinced that he was the shoplifter +who had stolen the diamond ring from the Belton City department store. +His build was the same and the general lines of his face were similar. +Then the man spoke and she was not certain at all. The tone of his voice +was entirely different as was his abrupt manner of speaking. + +A trifle nervously, or so it seemed to Penny, Caleb Eckert introduced the +stranger. + +"Max Laponi," he said. "He represents himself as a nephew of Jacob +Winters." + +"Not only do I represent myself as such, but I have proof that I am Uncle +Jacob's nephew," the stranger retorted. "You'll find my credentials in +order. I've come to take over the estate." + +The girls were not greatly surprised when he took from his pocket a +letter similar to the one which Mrs. Leeds had produced. They were more +impressed with the other papers which he offered for Caleb's +inspection--a birth certificate, a letter of identification from a well +known Chicago banker and various legal documents. + +"It looks to me as if someone has played a joke on all you folks," Caleb +said slowly. "We don't know that Mr. Winters is even dead." + +"Oh, yes, we do," Max Laponi insisted, producing another letter. "This +came from my attorney this morning. It definitely states that Mr. +Winters--Uncle Jacob--was buried at sea." + +Caleb sank down in a chair. He scarcely read the letter although his face +had turned an ashen hue. + +"I can't believe it even now," he murmured. "There must be some mistake." + +"There's no mistake," Max cut in sharply. "It's clear enough that I am +the heir too. By the way, didn't the old man have a valuable collection +of ivories?" + +Caleb stiffened visibly. "Ivories?" he asked blankly. + +"Sure, some pieces he collected years ago on his tours. Read about it in +the paper." + +"Oh, so you read about it?" Caleb echoed significantly. + +"Uncle Jacob told me about the collection too. He always intended me to +have it." + +"Then you should know where to find it," Caleb retorted bluntly. "I'm +sure I don't." + +With that he turned and walked to the door. There he paused to fling over +his shoulder: + +"I wash my hands of the whole matter. You folks will have to fight it out +among you." + +Mrs. Leeds had managed to hold her tongue very well, but the moment that +the door closed behind Caleb, she began an angry attack upon Rosanna and +the newcomer, accusing both of being impostors. Unwilling to listen to +such an unreasonable tirade, Penny and Rosanna fled out of doors. + +"Such a mad house!" Penny exclaimed, taking a deep breath. "I have to +keep pinching myself to believe it's real!" + +"I never saw such a hopeless muddle," Rosanna added. "Everyone is so +eager for the property no one gives the slightest thought to the tragedy +which befell poor Mr. Winters." + +"Perhaps he isn't dead," Penny suggested. + +Rosanna stared. "What makes you think that? Didn't Mr. Laponi have proof +of it?" + +"He seemed to have proof of everything," Penny admitted with a rueful +laugh. "That's what makes me suspicious. There's something strange about +this entire affair." + +"I agree with you there." + +"I'm convinced of one thing, Rosanna. Either Mrs. Leeds or this man +Laponi is an impostor. At first I thought Laponi was the same person who +stole the ring. Now I can't be sure." + +Rosanna did not believe that the two were identical although she admitted +there was a close resemblance. However, she was quite willing to agree +that the man seemed like an impostor despite his credentials. + +"He may have picked up that letter and key you lost," Penny went on, +thinking aloud. "And there was something rather sinister in the way he +mentioned the collection of ivories." + +"I noticed that. Caleb seemed disturbed." + +"It wouldn't surprise me if he knows where Mr. Winters kept the +collection," Penny continued. "At any rate, he's wise to pretend +ignorance. With such a mad lot of people in the house, anything might +happen." + +Noticing a nearby path which led to a spring house, the girls followed +it, drinking of the cool mountain water. They sat down on a bench which +afforded a view of the tall chalk-like cliffs. After a time they felt +soothed and tranquil again. They presently walked back to the house. + +Max Laponi was nowhere to be seen although Alicia told them that he was +busy moving his things into one of the upstairs bedrooms. + +"Mother's worried since he came," the girl confided, growing more +friendly. "They had a dreadful quarrel. Now she's hunting for the will." + +"But Caleb Eckert warned her not to do that," Penny protested. + +"That old meddler has nothing to do with this place," Alicia declared +with a toss of her head. "I hope he minds his own business and stays +away." + +The girls found Mrs. Leeds in the library. She was going through the +drawers of the desk in systematic fashion, tossing papers carelessly on +the floor. One drawer was locked. She shook it viciously. + +"Like as not Jacob Winters' will is locked up in there," she said +irritably. "I'm half a notion to break into it." + +"Oh, you mustn't do that," Rosanna cried indignantly, before she could +check herself. + +"And why shouldn't I?" Mrs. Leeds demanded tartly. "Jacob Winters is dead +isn't he? And his will must be found. I suppose you're afraid to have the +document come to light for fear you'll be cut off completely." + +Rosanna's cheeks flushed. + +"I never thought of such a thing, Mrs. Leeds. I think it's disgraceful +the way everyone is acting about the property!" + +Before Mrs. Leeds could reply, she ran from the room. Penny loyally +followed, joining Rosanna in the bedroom which they shared. She found the +orphan in tears. + +"Forget it," Penny advised kindly. "Mrs. Leeds is so intent on getting +the money that she doesn't realize what she says." + +"I'm sorry I ever came here. I want no part in this disgraceful grab for +Uncle Jacob's money." + +"I know how you feel," Penny agreed, "but let's stay a day or two. I'm +curious to learn just what is going on here." + +In truth, she was completely baffled. It was difficult for her to make up +her mind whether or not the entire arrangement was a hoax. Somehow she +had distrusted Laponi's credentials. She distrusted him too. + +"I don't believe he could be a nephew of Jacob Winters," she thought. "I +wish there was some way to trace down his past." + +It was clear to Penny that Rosanna would never defend her claim to the +inheritance. Unless she personally took a hand in the affair, Mrs. Leeds +and Max Laponi would ignore the orphan completely. + +"I'll let them make the first move," she decided shrewdly. "For the time +being I'll play a waiting game." + +For the greater part of the afternoon, Penny and Rosanna remained in +their own room. Toward nightfall they walked about the grounds and later +motored to a nearby inn for dinner. At nine o'clock when they returned to +the big empty house, the downstairs was dark. They judged that Mrs. Leeds +and Max Laponi had already gone to their rooms. + +"We may as well turn in too," Penny suggested. "The mountain air makes +one drowsy." + +Both girls were soon sound asleep. However, sometime later Penny was +awakened by the sound of footsteps in the hall. She thought little of it, +and rolling over, tried to go to sleep again. Suddenly she heard soft +music from above. + +She sat up in bed, listening. A strain of a famous opera resounded +through the room, rising in volume, then falling away. Penny knew that +she was not imagining it. She nudged her companion who quickly awakened. + +"Do you hear the same thing I do?" + +Rosanna clutched the sheets more tightly about her. + +"Ghost music," she whispered in awe. + +"It sounds like pipe organ music coming from a long distance away," Penny +whispered. "I'm going to find out!" + +Before Rosanna could prevent it, she stole from bed and swiftly tiptoed +to the door. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + The Ivory Collection + + +Penny quietly opened the bedroom door, peering out into the long dark +hall. She could hear the music distinctly. It seemed to be coming from +almost directly overhead. + +By this time, Rosanna, overcoming her fear, crept beside her friend. They +huddled together, listening. + +"It's an organ. I'm sure of it," Penny whispered. "But where can it be +hidden?" + +"I'm afraid of this place," Rosanna chattered. "Let's lock the bedroom +door and leave in the morning." + +Penny made no response. For that matter she did not even hear for she was +intent upon trying to localize the sound of the music. Never inclined to +be superstitious, she had no thought that the old house was haunted. She +felt certain that the ghost-like music was man made. + +"This house must have a third floor or an attic," she declared softly. +"Let's see if we can find our way up." + +"Never!" + +"Then I'm going alone." + +Penny started off down the hall. Rosanna hesitated, and then, unable to +watch her friend walk into danger alone, hurriedly followed. Halfway down +the hall she reached for the electric switch but Penny caught her hand +before she could turn on the light. + +"Don't! It would give warning that we're coming." + +Groping about in the dark the girls went past Mrs. Leeds' bedroom and the +one occupied by the stranger. Penny noted that the doors of both were +tightly closed. At the end of the hall she found still another door. +Gently she turned the handle and opened it. A steep flight of stairs led +upward. + +"Oh, please, let's not go up," Rosanna pleaded, trembling. + +"You stay here," Penny said in a whisper. "If anything goes wrong, let +out a cry for help." + +The mysterious music had ceased for the moment. Penny waited until it +began again, and then, following the sound, crept noiselessly up the +stairs leaving Rosanna on guard below. + +At the top of the last step Penny paused to listen again. Actually, she +was not as courageous as she had pretended. She could hear her own heart +pounding. + +It was so dark on the third floor that at first she could distinguish +nothing. The music had increased in volume and Penny was more sure than +ever that it came from a hidden pipe organ. + +As her eyes focused better she found herself standing upon a small +landing from which branched two closed doors. After a slight hesitation +she tiptoed to the nearest one and opened it a tiny crack. + +Although no sound had betrayed her, the music from within ended with a +discordant crash. Startled, Penny allowed the door to swing wide. She +started forward, and suddenly tripped. Until that moment her nerve had +held steady. But as she stumbled and fell she uttered a shrill cry of +terror. + +Rosanna, fearing the worst, came running up the stairs. + +"Penny! Penny! Are you hurt?" + +Reassured by her friend's voice, Penny scrambled to her feet and met +Rosanna at the door. + +"I'm all right," she said shakily. "But I've done enough investigating +for one night!" + +"What frightened you so?" + +"I'll tell you later." + +They lost no time in returning to the lower floor. Down the hall, Mrs. +Leeds' door had opened. A light flashed on. + +"What is going on here?" Mrs. Leeds demanded, emerging into the hallway. +"Such a house I never saw! First it's music--then a scream! It's enough +to send one into hysterics." + +Penny and Rosanna could not refrain from smiling, for Mrs. Leeds looked +ridiculous in her curlers which were sticking out from her head at all +angles. Before they could answer, Alicia joined her mother. + +"I should think you could go to your room and let folks sleep!" she said +irritably. "You've been running up and down the hall all night." + +"You're wrong there," Penny returned. "This is the first time Rosanna or +I have stirred from our room. We got up to investigate the mysterious +music." + +"Then you heard it too?" Mrs. Leeds breathed in awe. "I thought perhaps I +had imagined that part of it." + +"No, you heard music all right," Penny told her grimly. + +"It isn't--you don't think the house is haunted?" Alicia stammered +nervously. "That old man--what's his name--was trying to tell us about +someone having died in a room on the upper floor!" + +"Well, the music seemed to come from the third floor," Penny informed, +relishing the effect which her words produced. "As for the scream, I can +account for that. I tripped and fell. Now I think we may as well all go +back to bed. There's been so much commotion that I rather judge our +'ghost' has been frightened away for the time being." + +"I can't sleep a wink after all this has happened," Mrs. Leeds declared. +"I shall sit up until morning." + +"As you wish," Penny said indifferently. "I'm going to bed." + +As she walked down the hall to her own room she glanced rather sharply at +the door of Max Laponi's room. It was still tightly closed. + +"Our friend appears to be a sound sleeper," she remarked to Rosanna. + +In the privacy of their bedroom, Rosanna demanded to know exactly what +had happened. + +"Well, I didn't see much," Penny admitted. "But I did learn one +interesting thing. There's a pipe organ installed in this house. I might +have discovered who was playing it too only I tripped over a rope which +had been strung up in front of the door." + +"Placed there deliberately, you think?" + +"Of course. It startled me so that I let out that wild yell. I don't care +to do any more investigating tonight, but in the morning I mean to have a +good look at that room upstairs." + +"You have more nerve than I," Rosanna declared admiringly. + +Penny carefully locked the outside door before turning out the light. It +was twenty minutes after twelve by her wrist watch. + +"I shouldn't call it nerve exactly," she replied thoughtfully, climbing +into bed. "The truth is, I'm a little afraid, Rosanna." + +"Then why do you go up there again?" + +"Oh, I don't mean that. It isn't the music that has me frightened." + +"But what else is there to be afraid of?" Rosanna persisted. + +"It's just a feeling, I guess," Penny admitted. "I can't explain--only it +seems to me that some sinister plot is brewing in this old house." + +"I have the same sensation," Rosanna confessed. "Let's leave in the +morning." + +Penny laughed softly and settled herself more comfortably in the pillows. + +"Never!" she retorted. "I'm the daughter of a detective you know! This is +our own special mystery case, and unless that ghost gets me first, I +intend to get him!" + +With that threat, Penny rolled over and lost herself in sleep. + +The warm sun was streaming in at the windows when the girls aroused +themselves. They dressed and went downstairs, finding the house quite +deserted. Apparently Mrs. Leeds, her daughter and Max Laponi had gone to +the village for breakfast. + +"I wish they had vanished for good but there's no use hoping that," Penny +commented. "I doubt if even a ghost could keep Mrs. Leeds from remaining +until the estate is settled." + +The girls cooked their own breakfast, utilizing supplies which they had +purchased at the nearby town. As they washed the dishes and stacked them +away, Rosanna mentioned again that she did not feel comfortable about +making such free use of her unknown uncle's property. + +"Perhaps it isn't just the thing to do," Penny acknowledged, "but the +situation isn't a normal one either. If Mr. Eckert says it is all right +for us to stay on, I don't think we should worry." + +"Will it do us any good to remain?" Rosanna pondered in a troubled tone. +"If Mr. Eckert can't tell us what became of my uncle, who could?" + +"That's just the point, Rosanna. I believe he knows more than he lets +on." + +Penny's gaze wandered to the tiny log cabin set back in the pine woods. +Wisps of thin smoke curled from the chimney. That meant that Caleb must +be at home. + +"Let's walk down there and talk with him," she proposed impulsively. +"It's time he answers a few of our questions." + +Caleb did not come to the door to answer their timid knock. Instead he +called out a hearty, "Come in," which they instantly obeyed. + +Caleb was the picture of comfort, sitting propped back in his chair by +the window, puffing at an old pipe. He arose reluctantly and dusted off +two camp stools for the visitors. + +"We thought perhaps you might furnish us with a little information," +Penny began pleasantly. + +Her eyes roved swiftly about the room. She noticed the open bookcase with +four rows of well-thumbed volumes. The titles were impressive. Caleb +Eckert, despite his rough appearance, seemingly had a liking for +intellectual books. + +"Well, what is it you want to know?" Caleb demanded, not unkindly. "I've +told you before that I'll have nothing to do with this muddle over Mr. +Winters' property." + +"I've given up all hope of inheriting any of the estate," Rosanna said. +"But I should like to hear about my uncle. What was he like?" + +"Some folks said he was the queerest man on Snow Mountain. I liked him +because he attended to his own business. He was considered a remarkable +sportsman by some." + +Penny's eyes traveled to a huge bear skin which hung on the cabin wall. +Caleb followed her gaze. + +"Mr. Winters gave me that skin last year when he came back from his trip +north. A mighty nice specimen." + +"Do you have a picture of Mr. Winters?" Penny asked, abruptly changing +the subject. + +Caleb shook his head. He began to talk about the bear skin again. Rosanna +listened eagerly, but Penny sensed that the old man was trying to +monopolize the conversation and thus keep her from asking questions which +he did not care to answer. + +When she succeeded in breaking in it was to bring up the subject of Mr. +Winters' ivory collection. Caleb seemed reluctant to offer definite +information. + +"All I know is that Mr. Winters was supposed to have one," he answered. +"Folks said it was worth a fortune and that he had spent years gathering +it." + +"What became of the collection?" Penny inquired curiously. + +"How should I know?" Caleb retorted crossly. "Seems to me you girls ask a +lot of silly questions." + +"We didn't mean to be inquisitive," Penny apologized. "Only it struck me +that Max Laponi has an unusual interest in that collection of ivory." + +Caleb eyed her strangely. "So you noticed it too?" he asked. + +Penny nodded. "Perhaps I shouldn't say it, but I don't trust that man, +Mr. Eckert. If Mr. Winters' collection of ivory is still in the house, +don't you think it should be removed to a safer place?" + +"That's what I'd like to do," Caleb muttered, looking out the window. + +"Then you do know where the ivory collection is," Penny tripped him. + +Caleb glared at her. "I didn't say so, did I? Why should Mr. Winters tell +me where he kept his valuables? Bosh! I tell you I won't be mixed up in +the muddle. Now go away and let me sleep!" + +Caleb stretched himself out on the couch and closed his eyes. Thus +dismissed, the girls hastily departed. + +"Such a cross old man!" Rosanna exclaimed when they were out of earshot. +"But even though he is irritable, I rather like him." + +"So do I," Penny admitted with a laugh. "You know, I think our questions +about the ivory collection disturbed him more than he cared to show." + +"He did seem reluctant to tell us anything about it." + +"We'll nail him down yet," Penny declared grimly as they walked slowly +toward the house on the cliff. "Unless I'm sadly mistaken, that ivory +collection is hidden somewhere on the premises and he's scared silly for +fear someone will find it!" + + + + + CHAPTER IX + A Scrap of Paper + + +Penny and Rosanna entered the house by the side door. Hearing a murmur of +voices from the direction of the library, they involuntarily paused to +listen. + +"If we go into this thing as partners we're both bound to profit," they +heard a man say in an insistent tone. "Think it over and I know you'll +see how easily it can be accomplished. Those two girls are nit-wits. +They'll make no trouble." + +Penny and Rosanna exchanged a startled glance. They recognized Max +Laponi's voice. So he was plotting against them! Undoubtedly, planning to +secure complete control of the Winters' estate. + +"I'm going to find out with whom he is talking," Penny whispered. + +Before Rosanna could protest, she walked to the library door and opened +it. Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi were sitting at the desk, examining some +document which was spread out before them. As Penny came in, Laponi +whisked it into his pocket. + +"Oh, I beg your pardon," Penny said casually. "I didn't mean to +interrupt." + +"You aren't at all, my dear," Mrs. Leeds said more graciously than was +her custom. "Mr. Laponi was just showing me a letter from his sister." + +"Yes, from my sister," Laponi echoed with a slight smirk. "She lives in +Naples and writes such interesting letters." + +Penny found it difficult to refrain from smiling. She pretended to search +in the bookcase for a volume. + +"I thought possibly you had discovered the will," she remarked +mischievously. + +"The will! Oh, no!" Mrs. Leeds assured her. + +"That is a good joke," Laponi echoed. "Ha! Ha! Even a ferret couldn't +find old Jacob Winters' will in this house!" + +Penny was aware that both Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi were watching her +shrewdly, trying to make up their minds if she had overheard anything. +She dared say no more lest she betray herself. Picking up a book she +quietly withdrew. + +"It's just as I thought," she told Rosanna when they were together in +their bedroom. "Laponi is trying to get Mrs. Leeds involved in some +scheme to steal the property. Unless we watch out, Rosanna, they'll get +everything away from you." + +"I don't much care," Rosanna returned in disgust. "I never saw such +disgraceful actions in all my life. As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather +leave this place tomorrow and let the lawyers settle everything." + +"There will be nothing left to settle when Mrs. Leeds and Laponi get +through. It's pretty evident that one or the other is an impostor." + +"But we can't prove that, Penny. If only I hadn't lost my key and the +credentials!" + +"We're only starting to work on this case," Penny said cheerfully. "Let's +keep our eyes and ears open. We may discover something of value." + +Since their arrival at the old house, the girls had awaited an +opportunity to inspect the third floor, hoping to discover the cause of +the mysterious music which had disturbed the household. Penny suggested +that while Mrs. Leeds and Laponi were occupied in the library they might +make their tour of investigation. Rosanna agreed but without enthusiasm. +She was not as venturesome as her companion. + +Penny led the way to the third floor landing. The hall was dark and +dusty; cobwebs hung from the corners of the ceiling. + +Penny cast an appraising glance about her. The doors leading from the +hall were all closed. She was certain that upon her previous visit one +had been slightly ajar. + +She reached for the knob and turned it. The door did not give. It was +locked. + +"That's funny," Penny murmured. + +"What is?" + +"I'm sure this door was unlocked before." + +"Perhaps it was the other one," Rosanna suggested. + +They moved on down the hall to try the second door. It too was securely +fastened. + +"I distinctly recall opening that other door," Penny maintained. "I +started to go in and tripped over something. I suspect it was a rope +stretched just inside the door." + +"Well, if we can't get in I guess we can't learn anything," Rosanna said, +somewhat in relief. + +Penny made no response. She bent down to peer through the keyhole. + +"See anything?" Rosanna asked. + +"Just a big empty room. But there is something up against the far wall! +Rosanna, it's a pipe organ!" + +After a minute she stepped away that her friend might see for herself. +Rosanna agreed that the shadowy outline was an organ and a magnificent +one. + +"The music came from this room all right," Penny said excitedly. "I wish +we could get in." + +After trying the door again, the girls returned to the second floor. As +Penny closed the stairway door she noticed that it had a key. Upon +impulse she turned it in the lock and pocketed the key with a smile of +satisfaction. + +"That should put a stop to the music for a few nights," she remarked. +"I'll show that ghost I can lock a few doors myself!" + +As they reached their own bedroom, Rosanna said that she believed she +would lie down for a half hour. The events of the past few days had worn +her down, both physically and mentally. + +"Do," Penny urged: "A sleep will refresh you. I think I'll go downstairs +and see if I can discover what plot is brewing." + +She descended the spiral stairway and paused at the library. It was +empty. The house was strangely silent. Penny crossed the hall to the +living room. Heavy draperies screened the arched doorway. As Penny pulled +them aside to enter, she saw Mrs. Leeds standing at the fireplace, her +back to the door. Something about her manner aroused Penny's suspicions. +She waited and watched. + +Mrs. Leeds had built up a roaring fire on the hearth. She held a paper in +her hand. Deliberately, she tore it into a dozen pieces and dropped them +into the flames. + +Penny hastily entered the room. + +Mrs. Leeds wheeled, her cheeks flushing. "How you startled me, Miss +Nichols! You surely have a way of coming in quietly." + +"Sorry," Penny said, walking over to the hearth. "How nice to have a +fire, although it is a little warm today." + +"The room seemed damp," Mrs. Leeds said nervously. "I was cold. I think +I'll go to my room and get a sweater." + +The instant Mrs. Leeds had disappeared, Penny snatched a charred piece of +paper from the hearth. It was the only scrap which had not been +completely consumed by the flames. + +Only a few scattered lines with many words missing were visible. The +others were blackened or torn away. + +Penny distinguished a part of the writing: "Last will and testam-- --do +bequeath to my niece, Ro--" + +"This must be a portion of Jacob Winters' will!" she thought. "Mrs. Leeds +probably found it somewhere in the house and decided to destroy it +because she or her daughter weren't mentioned!" + +She stared at the word which began Ro----. The remaining letters had been +torn away. Had Mr. Winters written Rosanna's name? If only she had +entered the living room a minute earlier she might have prevented the +document from being destroyed! + +In reviewing Mrs. Leeds' actions during the past two days, Penny could +not doubt that the woman had actually found the missing will. Since her +arrival at Raven Ridge she had spent most of her time poking about into +odd corners of the house. The locked drawer of the desk had annoyed her +exceedingly. + +"I'll just take a look and see if it's still locked," Penny thought. + +She opened the desk and tried the drawer. It readily opened. + +"Empty," Penny commented grimly. "Just as I suspected." + +She examined the lock. It was evident at a glance that it had been broken +by a sharp instrument and not unlocked with a key. + +"The will was hidden in this drawer," she mused. "I feel confident of it. +And it must have been drawn up in Rosanna's favor or Mrs. Leeds never +would have destroyed it." + +Penny closed the desk and carefully placed the charred bit of paper in +her dress pocket. She was deeply disturbed over the discovery, realizing +that Mrs. Leeds, by destroying the document, had gained a great +advantage. However, she had no intention of abandoning the fight. + +"I'll keep this strictly to myself," she decided. "For the present I'll +not even tell Rosanna. It would only disappoint her to learn that the +will has been burned." + +Since Mrs. Leeds' arrival at Raven Ridge, Penny had done everything in +her power to avoid a break with the arrogant society woman. She had +ignored snubs and many unkind remarks. Now she felt that if Rosanna's +interests were to be safeguarded, she no longer could afford to play a +waiting game. + +"Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi have shown their hand," she reflected. "They +mean to gain their ends by any possible means. But since they're stooping +to underhanded tricks, I may have a few little schemes of my own!" + +Penny was unusually silent that evening. Rosanna noticed it at once but +thinking that her friend was absorbed in her own thoughts, refrained from +questioning her. + +At six o'clock the girls motored to Andover for dinner. To their chagrin, +Mrs. Leeds and her daughter Alicia chanced to select the same cafe. All +during the meal, Penny noticed the woman's eyes upon her. As she and +Rosanna arose to leave, Mrs. Leeds hastily followed them. + +"Miss Winters, may I speak with you a moment?" she began coldly. + +"Why, yes, of course," Rosanna responded. + +"I mean alone." + +Rosanna hesitated and glanced at Penny. The latter started to move away. + +"No, don't go," Rosanna said quickly. "I am sure that anything Mrs. Leeds +may wish to say to me can be said in front of you." + +"Very well," Mrs. Leeds returned icily. "Evidence has reached me today +which proves conclusively that I am Jacob Winters' sole heir." + +Rosanna took the blow without the quiver of an eyelash. + +"What evidence, may I ask, Mrs. Leeds?" + +"I don't feel compelled to go into that, Miss Winters. Certainly not in +the presence of strangers or on the street." + +"Penny isn't exactly a stranger," Rosanna smiled. + +"From the first I have been very tolerant, I think," Mrs. Leeds went on, +ignoring the orphan's remark. "By your own admission you have no +credentials--we have only your word that you are even related to Jacob +Winters." + +"I had a letter and key--the same as you," Rosanna faltered. "Either I +lost them or they were stolen." + +"And Rosanna happens to be a niece of Mr. Winters," Penny added +significantly. "I believe you are only a cousin, Mrs. Leeds?" + +The woman eyed her furiously. + +"Just what is it that you want me to do?" Rosanna asked. + +"I think you both should leave immediately." + +"And allow you to have everything your way," Penny interposed sweetly. +"Now wouldn't that be nice--for you!" + +She took Rosanna by the arm and urged her toward the car. + +"Don't allow Miss Nichols to poison your mind!" Mrs. Leeds pleaded, +following Rosanna to the curbing. "Unless you leave immediately you will +receive no part of the fortune. If you go without making any further +trouble, I might agree to some small settlement. After all, I mean to be +generous." + +"Thanks for telling us," Penny smiled. + +She closed the car door and they drove away. + +"Perhaps we shouldn't have been so short with her," Rosanna said uneasily +as they returned to the house on Snow Mountain. "If it's true that the +property has been left to her, then she was being generous to offer to +give me anything." + +"Don't worry, she'd forget her promise soon enough if she succeeded in +getting you away from here, Rosanna. I detest that woman. She thinks she +is so subtle and she's as transparent as glass!" + +"I wonder what evidence she referred to?" Rosanna mused. + +Penny started to speak, then changed her mind. Although Mrs. Leeds had no +suspicion that she guessed the truth, she was well aware of the nature of +the new evidence. However, she refrained from mentioning the burned will, +realizing that Rosanna, in her present depressed state of mind, would be +greatly disturbed by the information. If the orphan believed that she no +longer had a definite claim to the fortune, she would insist upon leaving +Raven Ridge without further delay. + +Penny did not intend to quit the scene until she had answered several +questions to her satisfaction. + +The entire case seemed a trifle fantastic as she reviewed it. First, +Rosanna had received the strange letter signed by a fictitious name. +Then, although the orphan had lost the key, they had found the door of +the Winters' mansion unlocked. Close upon the heels of their arrival, +Mrs. Leeds, her daughter, and Max Laponi appeared. Since then, the house +had been disturbed by haunting organ music and one baffling event had +crowded upon another. + +"It's all very bewildering," Penny reflected. "But I believe that +everything can be fitted together if only I am able to learn the identity +of the mysterious ghost." + +The night closed in dark and windy. Penny and Rosanna sat by the fire, +trying to read. They were relieved when Mrs. Leeds and her daughter +retired to their rooms shortly after eight o'clock for it gave them an +opportunity to talk. At ten o'clock the girls went to their own room. Max +Laponi had not yet returned from Andover where he took his meals. + +Penny was tired and fell asleep almost as soon as her head touched the +pillow. Hours later she was awakened by Rosanna who was sitting upright +in bed. + +"What is it?" Penny mumbled drowsily. + +Then she knew. The house reverberated with the soft chords of a pipe +organ. + +Without switching on the electric lights, Penny drew on her dressing +gown. She started toward the door, then returned to grope in the drawer +of the dresser where she found the key which locked the door leading to +the attic floor. + +"What are you going to do?" Rosanna asked anxiously, drawing the +bedclothes closer about her. + +Penny already had gone. Stealing quietly down the dark hall she reached +the end of it and stood listening. The door leading to the third floor +was closed. She could hear the music more distinctly than before and knew +for a certainty that it came from above. + +She gently tried the door. It was still locked. + +Penny was momentarily baffled. She had half expected to find the door +unlocked. She had been so confident that by taking the key she could put +a stop to the ghost music. + +"How did the organist reach the third floor if he didn't pass through +this door?" she debated. "That ghost must be quite a clever fellow if he +can enter without keys." + +The entire house had been carefully locked up for the night. Penny and +Rosanna had attended to it the last thing before retiring, knowing that +Max Laponi could come in later by using his own pass key. They had +secured every door and window. + +"Well, I won't learn anything by standing here," Penny thought +uncomfortably. "I'll have to go up there." Her usual courage was at low +ebb. She dreaded the ordeal. + +However, before she could open the stairway door, a shrill scream echoed +down the hall. + +Terrified, Penny crouched back against the wall and waited. + + + + + CHAPTER X + The Wall Safe + + +Recovering from her fright, Penny reached up and snapped on the light. +She heard a door open down the hall. Mrs. Leeds, a dressing gown clutched +about her unshapely figure, stumbled toward the girl. + +"There's something in my room! It struck my face while I was sleeping! +Oh, oh, such a horrible house!" + +"Control yourself," Penny advised, taking her by the arm. "We'll see what +it is." + +Mrs. Leeds jerked away, assuming an attitude of tense listening. For the +first time she had paid heed to the organ music from above. + +"There it is again!" she whispered in awe. "This house is haunted." + +Rosanna came down the hall, joining the two at Mrs. Leeds' door. Alicia +huddled nearby, too frightened to speak a word. + +Penny opened the door and groped for the electric switch. As the room was +flooded with light, she looked quickly about. Everything was in disorder +but that was because Mrs. Leeds had done no straightening or cleaning +since her arrival. + +Suddenly Penny began to laugh. + +"Pray what do you find that is so humorous?" Mrs. Leeds demanded +indignantly. + +"Bats!" Penny answered, laughing again. + +There were four of them blinded by the light, cowering in the corners of +the room. Penny opened a window and with Rosanna's help drove them out +into the night. + +"They must have come in through an open window," she said to Mrs. Leeds. + +"I didn't have a window open," the woman retorted. "I can't bear to sleep +in this room again. Tomorrow I shall move into another. Come Alicia, +we'll sit up until morning in the living room." + +Returning to her own room, Penny listened for the organ music. It had +ceased as mysteriously as it had begun. She glanced curiously toward the +room occupied by Max Laponi. The door was closed. He alone of the entire +household seemed undisturbed by the strange things which went on about +him. + +"I'd like to know if he really is in his room," Penny thought. + +She hesitated by the door but did not have the courage to try the knob. +After a moment she followed Rosanna to their bedroom at the other end of +the hall. + +Morning found Mrs. Leeds even more upset than upon the previous night. +Her eyes were bloodshot, her face sallow, her clothes unpressed. She +quarreled with her daughter and ignored Penny and Rosanna. However, when +Max Laponi came down the stairs looking as dapper as ever, her attitude +instantly changed. She spoke to him in a softer tone. + +"We were beginning to wonder if the ghost made off with you last night," +she said archly. + +"What ghost?" + +"You mean to say you didn't hear the music?" + +"Not a sound," Laponi told her. "I am a very hard sleeper." + +He seemed disinclined to listen to Mrs. Leeds' account of all that had +transpired, and very shortly drove away in his automobile, ostensibly to +have breakfast in a nearby town. + +After straightening their room and making the bed, Rosanna and Penny went +for a short walk. They sat down by the cliff where they could see the +river below, discussing the situation. + +"I don't see that it's doing a particle of good to stay here," Rosanna +insisted. "I don't feel right about letting you waste so much time and +money." + +Rosanna was thinking of the expensive meals which they bought at Andover. +Because her own supply of cash had run so low, Penny paid for everything. +Rosanna meant to settle the debt and it steadily grew larger. + +"Now don't worry," Penny advised kindly. "I'm staying on here largely +because I've determined to discover the identity of our ghost. Then, too, +I can't bear to see Mrs. Leeds gain what doesn't belong to her." + +"I'd be glad to stay if I thought it would do the slightest good--" + +"I think it will Rosanna. I have a scheme which I intend to try. It will +take a few days before we can work things out." + +Penny then explained a part of what was in her mind. She was not certain +as to all the details of her plan, but little by little it was taking +shape. + +After a time the girls walked down to Caleb Eckert's cabin. He was not at +home. They sauntered leisurely back to the house on the cliff. + +Neither Mrs. Leeds' car nor the one belonging to Max Laponi was on the +driveway. + +"I guess we're the only ones here this morning," Penny commented. + +They entered by the front door. From the direction of the living room +they heard a muffled exclamation of impatience. Signaling for silence, +Penny tiptoed toward the velvet curtains which hid the living room from +view. She parted them. + +Caleb Eckert was working at the dials of a wall safe which had been +concealed in a secret panel behind a large oil painting. + +Although the girls had made no sound, Caleb sensed their presence. He +turned and faced them. + +"Why, Mr. Eckert, doesn't this call for some explanation?" Penny asked in +bewilderment. "Surely you have no right to tamper with Mr. Winters' +safe." + +The old man plainly was embarrassed. He moistened his lips, looked away, +then said gruffly: + +"I didn't come here to steal. I came because I wanted to protect Mr. +Winters' valuables. There's folks in this house that I don't trust." + +"But how does it happen you know the combination of the safe?" Rosanna +inquired. + +"Mr. Winters gave it to me before he left. You see, he was my best +friend. Jacob trusted me." + +"He must have," cut in a sneering voice from directly behind. + +Everyone turned to see Max Laponi standing in the doorway. His sharp +little eyes moved swiftly about the room taking in everything. They came +to rest upon the wall safe. + +Caleb spun the dials. He hastily pressed a concealed button and the +picture swung back into place, hiding the safe. + +"Neat little device," Laponi commented dryly. His eyes narrowed. "Trying +to steal the Winters' booty, were you?" + +"Certainly not," Caleb retorted angrily. + +Laponi caught him roughly by the shoulder, forcing him back against the +wall. + +"You know a lot more than you let on," he accused. "Tell me, is that +where old Winters hid his ivory collection?" + +"I'll tell you nothing," Caleb snapped. + +"You'll tell or I'll--" + +"Mr. Laponi, you're hurting him!" Rosanna cried. + +"Perhaps we should call the police if there's to be trouble," Penny added +cunningly. + +At the mention of police, Laponi instantly released his grip on Caleb. He +laughed harshly. + +"We'll let it go this time," he said, "but I'm warning you, Eckert, stay +away from this house and this safe if you know what's good for you." + +"You might take that advice to yourself, too," the old man retorted, +edging toward the door. + +From the window the girls watched him hurry down the path to his own +cabin. His departure was almost flight. Obviously, Caleb was afraid. + +Penny did not know what to believe. An hour before she would have taken +oath that he was strictly honest, devoted to the interests of Jacob +Winters. Now she could not be sure. + +Max Laponi lingered in the living room. Suspecting that he intended to +investigate the wall safe the instant he was alone, Penny and Rosanna +settled themselves for a long stay. They pretended to read. + +After an hour, Laponi grew tired of the game, and went off, grumbling to +himself. + +"We outlasted him that time," Penny chuckled. "However, we'll have to be +on the lookout or he'll sneak back sometime when we're gone. I wonder if +Mr. Winters did leave his ivory collection in the safe?" + +"Laponi seems to think so," Rosanna commented. "I'm glad he doesn't know +the combination. I distrust him even more than I do Caleb." + +"So do I, but I intend to watch them both," Penny responded thoughtfully. +"I'm convinced there's a deep plot brewing--something far more sinister +than we've suspected." + + + + + CHAPTER XI + A Night Adventure + + +Since taking leave of Mr. Nichols at Mt. Ashland, Penny had received no +word from her father. She did not worry actively, yet it was a great +relief when later in the afternoon a uniformed messenger boy delivered a +telegram into her hand. + +"Remain as long as you wish," her father wired. "Am enjoying good rest +here." + +From an upstairs window Mrs. Leeds had noted the arrival of the messenger +boy. She came hurrying down to see if the message was for her. While +Penny read the communication, the woman eyed her suspiciously. + +At last her curiosity could no longer be restrained. She asked +carelessly: "I don't suppose your wire has anything to do with Jacob +Winters or the estate?" + +"Only indirectly," Penny responded mischievously. + +To avoid further questioning, the girls went outdoors. + +"Let's see if Caleb is at home," Penny proposed. + +They rapped several times upon the door of the cabin and were about to +turn away, when the old man opened it. + +"Sorry to bother you," Penny apologized. "I wanted to ask a few more +questions about Mr. Winters." + +Caleb looked ill at ease. "Questions!" he fumed. "Well, what is it you +want to know this time?" + +"Tell me, isn't there a pipe organ on the third floor of Mr. Winters' +house?" + +"Certainly. Jacob was a talented musician. He installed the organ nearly +fifteen years ago. But what of it may I ask?" + +"We'd like very much to see the organ." + +"Well, why don't you look at it then?" + +"We can't because the door is locked." + +"Locked?" Caleb seemed surprised. "That's funny. I didn't know Mr. +Winters ever locked up his conservatory." + +"Then you haven't a key?" Penny asked. + +"Why should I have a key?" Caleb snorted. "You act as if I'm the +caretaker of that house. It's nothing to me what goes on there, except +that I don't like to see folks overrun the place and steal Mr. Winters' +fine things." + +"You needn't look at us so accusingly," Rosanna said with surprising +spirit. "We wouldn't take or damage one single thing in that house." + +Caleb's face softened. + +"I didn't mean to suggest that you would. I believe you two girls aren't +like those others. But you were speaking of the organ. Why are you so +interested in it?" + +"Because we've been hearing music at night," Penny informed. "It seems to +come from that room on the third floor." + +Caleb regarded her in awe. "Then it's true, the things they say." + +"What things?" Rosanna asked impatiently. + +"That the house is haunted. If Mr. Winters really is dead it may be----" + +"Nonsense!" Penny cut in. "Rosanna and I don't believe in ghosts. And +what's more, I doubt if you do, Caleb Eckert! That so-called ghost is a +very live one. If you won't help me, I'll solve the mystery alone!" + +And with this declaration, Penny stalked from the cabin, followed by the +faithful Rosanna. + +"Perhaps you've antagonized him now," the latter said as they went back +to the house on the cliff. + +"I don't care if I have! Caleb knows a great deal more than he pretends. +He could help us if he wanted to!" + +No one was stirring on the lower floor of the Winters' house when the +girls entered. To Penny it seemed an admirable time to institute a search +of the premises. + +"We'll let Mrs. Leeds hunt for the will," Penny declared, "but we'll look +for something which may prove equally valuable." + +"What?" Rosanna asked curiously. + +"A picture of Jacob Winters." + +"I can't see what good it will do to find one except that I'd like to +have a photo of my uncle as a keepsake." + +"If my plans work out I'll have a more important use for it," Penny +smiled mysteriously. + +"I should think we could find one somewhere in the house," Rosanna +declared. "Most people have old photographs stuck around in odd places." + +For nearly an hour the girls poked about in drawers and clothes closets +until Rosanna protested that she felt as prying and sneaking as Mrs. +Leeds. + +"This is in a better cause," Penny laughed. + +"It looks that way to us because it's my cause," Rosanna smiled. "Still, +I'd never examine private papers or locked drawers." + +Penny made no response for in a lower table drawer she had come upon an +old album. She displayed her discovery and page by page the girls went +through it, laughing a little at the strange old-fashioned costumes and +the stiff poses of the subjects. Names were written under a few of the +photographs but Rosanna recognized only one or two as relatives. + +"I never knew many of my relation," she admitted. "If Mrs. Leeds and her +daughter are samples, perhaps it's just as well." + +"The people in this album look nice, Rosanna. I suppose most of them are +dead by this time." + +Penny turned a page and stared blankly down at an empty folder. + +"Why, here is your uncle's name," she cried, indicating a signature at +the bottom of the page. "But the photo is gone!" + +"Oh, how disappointing." + +"Someone removed the photo, Rosanna. Perhaps deliberately too." + +"What makes you think that?" + +"I only said it. I have no evidence of course. Oh, all my plans will be +upset if I don't find the photograph!" + +The arrival of Mrs. Leeds cut short the conversation. The girls hastily +returned the album to the table drawer but not quickly enough to avoid +being detected. Mrs. Leeds triumphantly pounced on the leather bound +book. + +"Only an old-fashioned album," she said in disappointment, tossing it +aside. + +"Did you think it was the will?" Penny chuckled as she and Rosanna +departed. + +The girls impatiently awaited the coming of night. Penny had determined +to make a supreme effort to discover the cause of the mysterious organ +music. At first Rosanna had been enthusiastic over the plan but as +nightfall approached she tried to dissuade her friend. + +"It's too dangerous," she insisted. "Please give up the scheme." + +Penny shook her head. She had made up her mind to spend the night on the +third floor. Soon after the household retired she intended to steal +upstairs and establish herself by the door of the conservatory. + +Evening came. At nine Mrs. Leeds and her daughter shut themselves into +the bedroom which they had selected since their upsetting experience with +bats. At eleven Penny heard Max Laponi's door close. + +She looked out into the hall. It was dark and deserted. + +"Please don't attempt it," Rosanna shivered. "What if something should +happen?" + +"I hope it does," Penny said grimly. "It won't be any fun to sit up half +the night without any purpose. I'll be disappointed if our ghost fails to +provide his usual midnight concert." + +"If anything goes wrong scream for help," Rosanna urged. "I'll run for +assistance." + +Penny promised. While Rosanna stood at the bedroom door watching, she +tiptoed down the hall, past Mrs. Leeds' room, past Laponi's chamber to +the third floor stairs. + +There she hesitated. Without a light the region above looked even more +dark and awe-inspiring than she had remembered it. + +"Coward!" she accused herself, and quietly went up, leaving the door +unlocked behind her. + +All was quiet on the third floor. Penny tried the door to the +conservatory expecting to find it locked. To her astonishment it opened. +The discovery disconcerted her for an instant. A minute later she +mustered her courage and stepped inside the room. + +In the darkness she could make out objects only vaguely. The organ with +its huge pipes occupied one end of the room. Sheet-draped chairs gave +everything a ghostly atmosphere not at all conducive to a peaceful state +of mind. + +After making a brief inspection of her quarters Penny sat down on the +floor with her back against the outside door. She riveted her eyes upon +the organ. + +Time dragged slowly. When it seemed to Penny that several hours must have +passed, she heard a clock downstairs striking eleven-thirty. + +"At least another half hour to wait," Penny thought, shifting into a more +comfortable position. + +She grew drowsy. Several times she caught herself on the verge of +napping. She aroused herself only to find her eyes growing heavy again. +It became increasingly difficult to watch the organ. + +"I wish that ghost would hurry up and come," she mused impatiently. +"Perhaps after all my trouble this won't be one of his working nights!" + +That was the last thought of which she was aware. Suddenly she heard soft +organ music rolling and swelling about her. With a start she aroused +herself. She had been sleeping. + +It took an instant for Penny to gather her wits. She was still sitting +with her back to the conservatory door. Yet at the far end of the great +room, she distinctly could see a shadowy figure seated at the organ. + +Penny scrambled to her feet, starting forward. The floor creaked +alarmingly. + +Penny halted, but too late. She had given warning of her presence. + +The shadowy figure at the organ jerked into alert attention. There was a +discordant crash of chords, then silence. + +Penny blinked. She thought she had heard a sharp click as if a secret +panel had opened and closed. That was all. + +And the organist had disappeared. + + + + + CHAPTER XII + A Suspicious Act + + +Penny caught herself shivering. She decided that she had seen quite +enough for one night. + +She turned toward the door, but with her hand on the brass knob, stood +tensely listening. Someone was tiptoeing along the hall. It occurred to +her that the mysterious organist might have escaped from the music room +by means of a secret panel which opened directly into the adjoining +corridor. Even now he could be effecting his escape to the lower floor. + +Crouching against the wall, Penny waited. She was startled to hear the +footsteps coming closer. Then the door opened a tiny crack and the beam +of a flashlight slowly circled the room. + +"Penny!" an anxious voice whispered. "Where are you?" + +Penny laughed in relief as she reached out to grip Rosanna's hand. + +"Oh! How you startled me!" the girl gasped. "I'm so glad you're safe, +Penny. You stayed up here so long that I was frightened." + +"I had to wait for the ghost." + +"I heard the music," Rosanna said in awe. "It broke off so suddenly." + +"That was because I frightened the ghost away. At first I thought perhaps +I had dreamed it all, but if you heard the music too then it must have +been real." + +"It was real enough. But it lasted only a minute or two." + +"When the organist saw me I suspect he slipped out of the room by means +of a secret panel," Penny reported. "But where he went is a mystery. You +didn't see anyone as you came up the stairs to find me?" + +"No, I'm sure no one was in the hall, Penny." + +"I'm as certain as anything that this room has a secret entrance. Give me +your flashlight and we'll see what we can discover." + +"Not tonight," Rosanna shivered, pulling her friend toward the door. "We +can come back in the morning." + +"The room may be locked again then." + +"That's so." + +"Let's take advantage of the opportunity while we have it." + +Rosanna handed over the flashlight and together they crossed the room to +the big organ. They inspected it with interest and Penny ran her fingers +lightly over the keys. However, no sound came forth. + +"That's queer," Rosanna whispered. + +"I think someone has to pump air," Penny said. "It's probably shut off." + +She next turned her attention to the walls in the immediate vicinity of +the organ. She could locate no hidden panel although in one place it +seemed to her that when she rapped on a certain sector it emitted a +hollow sound. + +"It's too dark to see anything tonight," Rosanna protested nervously. + +"I guess we may as well give it up until morning," Penny agreed. + +The girls stole quietly down the stairs to the lower floor. However, an +unpleasant surprise awaited them. As they opened the door into the main +passageway they found themselves face to face with Mrs. Leeds and Alicia. + +"So I find you here again!" the woman exclaimed. "I suspected before that +you girls were at the bottom of these nightly disturbances. Now I have +the proof." + +Penny was too annoyed to even try to explain why she had visited the +third floor. She would have ignored the woman and passed on to her own +room had not Rosanna been so distressed by the ridiculous accusation. + +"We've had absolutely nothing to do with the queer things which have been +going on in this house," the orphan maintained indignantly. + +"Then why were you upstairs at this time of night? Only a minute or two +ago Alicia and I heard music." + +"We were trying to learn what caused it, Mrs. Leeds." + +"A likely story!" Alicia said with a toss of her head. + +"You may believe it or not, just as you wish," Penny returned coldly. + +"It seems to me, Miss Nichols, that you are taking it upon yourself to do +entirely too much investigating," Mrs. Leeds said cuttingly. "This isn't +your home and you're not a relative of Jacob Winters." + +"And unless I'm sadly mistaken there are others here who are similarly +situated!" Penny retorted. + +"Do you mean to suggest that Alicia and I are not related to Jacob +Winters?" + +"I'm not suggesting anything," Penny replied evenly. "However, since you +brought up the matter of an investigation, I might ask you about that +paper which I saw you burn in the living room fireplace." + +Mrs. Leeds' face changed color and she grew confused. + +"Why, I don't know what you're talking about." + +"You know well enough, but we'll let it pass for the time being. Come on, +Rosanna." + +The two girls walked down the hall and entered their own room, closing +the door firmly behind them. + +"You held your own with her that time," Rosanna chuckled. "My, I wish I +could talk up to people the way you can." + +"I talk entirely too much. But she made me provoked when she accused us +of causing all the disturbance in this house." + +"What did you mean by asking about a paper she had burned?" Rosanna asked +curiously. + +"Oh, I just wanted to throw a scare into her," Penny responded evasively +as she snapped out the light and crept into bed. "I really have no proof +of anything." + +Long after Rosanna had fallen asleep she lay awake thinking. Proof! The +word seared itself into her brain. If only she could secure some evidence +which would aid Rosanna! + +"The entire affair seems unreal," she mused. "Almost like a movie. It's +obvious that someone is playing at being a ghost, trying to frighten the +occupants of this house. But what can be the purpose behind it all?" + +Although Penny had been careful to make no such admission to Rosanna, she +was becoming increasingly troubled. Nor were her worries confined solely +to the hide-and-seek organist. She feared that the time was fast +approaching when Mrs. Leeds or Max Laponi would make a legal claim to the +Winters' property. + +"The chances are that Mrs. Leeds destroyed the will," she reasoned. "In +that event, Rosanna may lose everything." + +Penny felt baffled, yet she was unwilling to admit defeat. Certainly not +until Mrs. Leeds had thrown all her cards on the table. Events were fast +approaching a crisis. Penny sensed that from the woman's attitude of +increasing hostility and assurance. + +"I'm not defeated yet," she thought grimly as she closed her eyes and +tried to sleep. "I still have a few tricks up my sleeve!" + +When Rosanna and Penny descended the stairs the next morning they heard a +murmur of voices in the library. The door was closed. + +"I imagine Laponi and Mrs. Leeds are having another one of their secret +conferences," Penny commented. "They're up to some mischief." + +"Why not leave this place today?" Rosanna demanded, "I don't care about +the fortune any more. I'm so tired of all this plotting and scheming. I'd +rather just go away and let them have it." + +"Now don't look so distressed," Penny smiled. "The battle of wits has +only begun." + +"But I don't like to battle. It isn't my nature." + +"I'm your appointed gladiator, Rosanna. You have no idea how much +pleasure it would give me to see these grasping imposters exposed." + +"We haven't any proof they're imposters," Rosanna said soberly. "After +all, they had letters and keys to the house. I haven't even that much." + +"It's too bad they were lost, but you mustn't let it worry you," Penny +chided. "Right now I'm more concerned over another matter." + +"The mysterious ghost?" + +"Yes, although I wasn't thinking of that at the moment. It's Mr. Winters' +photograph. Who tore it out of the album?" + +"For all we know it may have been removed years ago." + +"Yes, that's so, but somehow I have a hunch it disappeared at a far more +recent date. If I don't find a picture of Jacob Winters, I'm afraid my +little plan will fall through." + +"You haven't told me much about this secret plan of yours, Penny." + +"That's because I haven't worked it out clearly in my own mind yet. But +unless I find the photograph there simply won't be any." + +"We might search the house again." + +"I intend to do that if we can ever find a time when Mrs. Leeds and Max +Laponi are both gone. Just now I'm eager to make another inspection of +the organ room upstairs. This is our chance while those two are closeted +in the library." + +Rosanna was not especially anxious to visit the third floor again, but +she offered no objection to the suggestion. Penny led the way up the +creaking stairs. + +The door of the music room was unlocked as they had left it the previous +evening. However, the window shades were all drawn and the room was dark. +Penny raised the blinds to admit light. + +Curiously, the girls gazed about them. Everything was covered with a +thick coating of dust and cobwebs hung in misty veils from the corners of +the room. Penny crossed over to the organ. She indicated the bench in +front of it. + +"I guess that proves whether or not our ghost was real." + +"You mean the imprint on the dusty surface of the organ bench?" Rosanna +asked doubtfully. + +"Yes, you can see where the organist sat." + +"Perhaps one of us brushed off the dust without realizing it. You tried +to play a few notes on the organ, you know." + +"Yes, but I didn't sit down on the bench, Rosanna." + +Losing interest in the organ, Penny began to search for the secret panel +through which she was firmly convinced that the "ghost" had disappeared. +As her eyes moved swiftly over the smooth wall, she suddenly uttered a +low exclamation. + +"See, Rosanna! The imprint of a man's hand!" + +The marking upon the wall was so faint that at first the other girl did +not see it. But she too became excited as Penny pointed it out. + +"How do you suppose it came to be there?" she asked in awe. + +"I suspect our friend the organist was groping about in the dark +searching for the secret panel. No doubt his hand was dusty and when he +pressed it against the wall it left a faint imprint." + +"If you're right, we have a valuable clue as to the location of the +panel!" + +Penny nodded eagerly. Already she was exploring the wall with her hand. + +"It's funny," she murmured impatiently. "I'm as sure as anything that the +panel is here----" + +She broke off suddenly as her fingers touched a tiny round object which +was hidden under the wall paper. + +"I believe I've found it!" she exclaimed gleefully pressing the button. + +The girls heard a faint click. But the panel did not open. + +"The stubborn thing!" Penny cried impatiently. "Why doesn't it open?" + +She pushed with both hands against the section of wall where she felt +convinced the panel was located. To her own surprise and the horror of +her companion, it suddenly gave way. + +Penny plunged headlong through the opening. And before Rosanna could +recover from the shock of seeing her friend disappear, the panel fell +back into place. + +"Penny, Penny," she cried anxiously, pounding upon the wall. "Are you +hurt?" + +For several minutes there was no answer. Then Rosanna heard a smothered +little giggle. + +"All my bones are still together I guess. But I seem to have tumbled down +a flight of stairs. Come on in." + +"I don't know how to get in. The panel slammed shut when you fell +through." + +"It's hinged at the top I think. Find the little button and press on it. +Then when you hear a click push on the panel. Only push easy or you'll +take a tumble the way I did." + +In a minute Rosanna had located the button. She pressed upon it as she +had seen Penny do. Then as the lock clicked, she cautiously pushed +against the panel. Light as was her touch the sector of wall swung +instantly back and she stepped through the opening. So concerned was she +over Penny that she failed to hear the panel close behind her. + +At first Rosanna could see nothing. Then as her eyes became accustomed to +the gloomy interior she made out a long flight of stone steps leading +downward into inky blackness. + +She felt reassured when Penny grasped her hand. + +"Come on, Rosanna! Isn't it exciting? Let's explore!" + +"Oh, it's too dark!" Rosanna whispered nervously. "What if we should run +into that dreadful man--the organist?" + +"Well, perhaps it would be wiser to go back for a flashlight," Penny +conceded. "Only we mustn't let Mrs. Leeds or Max Laponi suspect what +we're up to. We must keep this discovery strictly to ourselves." + +She returned to the head of the stairs but although she groped her hand +carefully along the wall she could find no hidden button or spring which +controlled the panel. By this time Rosanna had grown frightened. + +"Don't tell me we're locked in!" + +Penny forced herself to speak calmly. She knew that it would never do to +let Rosanna realize that she too was alarmed. + +"For the moment I'm afraid we are," she admitted quietly. "But don't give +up hope. We'll get out of here somehow." + + + + + CHAPTER XIII + The Secret Stairs + + +Ten minutes of unrewarded search convinced Penny that they were only +wasting their time in attempting to locate the hidden spring without a +light. + +"Let's follow the steps down and see where they lead," she suggested. +"Surely there must be another exit." + +Rosanna permitted Penny to lead her down the steep flight of stairs. They +presently reached the bottom. It was too dark to see very much but by +feeling along the damp stone wall they discovered that they were in a +narrow passageway. As they moved cautiously forward a breath of cold air +struck Penny's face. + +"This must be the way to the exit," she declared cheerfully. "We'll soon +be out of here now." + +"It can't be too soon for me," Rosanna chattered. + +Hand in hand they groped their way along the subterranean passage. Soon +they came to the end of it but instead of an exit they found another +flight of steps leading downward at a steep angle. + +"Careful or you'll fall," Penny warned as they began the treacherous +descent. "Some of the stones are loose." + +"I wish we had a light," Rosanna complained. "Where do you suppose we're +going anyway?" + +"Maybe to the center of the earth," Penny chuckled. "It seems like it +anyway." + +"Unless I'm mixed up in my directions we're moving toward the lake." + +"It seems that way to me too," Penny readily agreed. "But we've twisted +and turned so many times I couldn't be sure of anything." + +By this time the girls were convinced that they were underground for they +had made a long, straight descent. The walls were moist and damp; the air +chilly. Yet one thing puzzled them. If they actually were traveling +toward the lake that meant that the tunnel had been bored into the side +of the cliff. But such a feat obviously was nothing less than an +engineering enterprise. + +At length the girls reached the bottom of the second flight of stairs +only to find themselves in another passageway. It was much larger than +the other and lighter. + +"Do you think we could be in an abandoned ore mine?" Penny suddenly +demanded, pausing to inspect the walls. + +"It does look a little like it. Only I never heard of stone steps in a +mine." + +"No, they have shafts. But it strikes me that the steps may have been +added later, if you noticed, the upper passage was much smaller than this +one." + +"As if it had been dug out to join with this one," Rosanna added eagerly. + +"Exactly. It's my theory that some person knew about this old mine and +decided to connect it with a smaller tunnel which would lead up into the +house." + +"But who do you suppose conceived such a plan?" + +"I can't answer that one," Penny laughed. "But come on, let's see if we +aren't approaching the exit." + +Eagerly they moved forward, guided by the streak of light. A minute later +Penny who was in the lead, gave a joyous shout. + +"We've come to the end of it! I can see trees!" + +"Thank goodness," Rosanna sighed in relief. "I was afraid we'd never get +out alive." + +Penny parted the bushes which barred the exit and they peered out. + +"You were right, Rosanna. We did travel toward the lake. We're almost in +it for that matter!" + +The water came within a few yards of the entrance and during a storm the +girls imagined that it must flood the lower passageway. Penny noticed a +rowboat tied up in a clump of bushes. + +"I suppose that's how our ghost makes his quick get-away," Penny remarked +dryly. + +"We might take a ride on the lake," Rosanna proposed. + +"Don't you think it might advertise that we've discovered this tunnel? +Especially if the ghost should happen to see us using his boat." + +"Of course, I didn't stop to think. Oh, Penny if only we knew the +identity of this person who annoys the household!" + +"It shouldn't be so hard to learn it now," Penny declared in +satisfaction. "At night we'll station ourselves here by the mouth of the +tunnel and watch." + +"It wouldn't surprise me if it should turn out to be Max Laponi," Rosanna +remarked. "He never seems to be in his room at night." + +Penny offered no response. + +Fearing that their long absence from the house might have aroused +suspicion, the girls hurriedly left the scene. They found a trail which +wound along the base of the cliff and which presently took them toward +the house on the hill. + +As they passed the Eckert cabin they saw the old man cleaning fish by the +back door. They greeted him perfunctorily and would have walked on had he +not seemed in a mood to talk. + +"Out early this morning, aren't you?" he questioned. + +"Yes, we were down by the lake," Penny answered. + +"You must have crawled out of bed before the sun was up. I've been +cleaning fish here all morning and I didn't see you go past." + +"We went around a different way," Penny answered, and then before he +could ask another question, interposed one of her own. "By the way, do +you know where I could get a picture of Jacob Winters?" + +Old Caleb dropped his fish knife. It took him a long time to recover it +from the ground. + +"What do you want of a picture?" he questioned gruffly. + +"Oh, I just need it," Penny said evasively. + +"I'd like to have one myself," Rosanna added sincerely. "I never had a +photo of my uncle." + +"If you find he's cut you out of all his property I guess you probably +won't be so anxious to have a picture of the old cod," Caleb observed. + +Rosanna drew herself up proudly. + +"It wouldn't make the slightest difference, Mr. Eckert. After all, my +uncle never saw me so why should he have left me any of his money? You +say such disagreeable things!" + +"I'm a disagreeable old man," Caleb admitted cheerfully, "but my bark is +worse than my bite." + +"Well, please don't call my uncle names," Rosanna went on with spirit. + +"Names?" + +"You spoke of Uncle Jacob as an old cod. I don't like it a bit." + +Old Caleb was startled by the outburst. But his eyes twinkled as he +replied soberly: + +"Well, now, Miss Rosanna, I didn't mean to offend you or to speak +disrespectfully of Jacob either. It was just my way of talking." + +"Then I'll forgive you," Rosanna smiled. + +The girls were on the verge of moving off when Caleb checked them with a +question. + +"You haven't heard Mrs. Leeds or that Laponi fellow say anything about +leaving have you?" + +"I don't believe they intend to go unless they're put out," Penny +responded. "I heard Mrs. Leeds say the other day that she had sent for +her lawyer." + +"They stick tighter than cockle burs," Caleb commented. "If only I had +the right, I would send them both packing. Especially that Max Laponi. I +don't trust him." + +"Neither do I," Penny agreed promptly. "That's why I think you should try +to help me clear up this dreadful muddle." + +"What can I do? I have no authority." + +"It will help if you can find me a photograph of Mr. Winters." + +Caleb's face puckered into troubled wrinkles. + +"It's too late," he muttered under his breath. "It wouldn't do any good." + +"What was that you said?" Penny questioned sharply. + +"Nothing. I was just talking to myself. About the picture. I'll see what +I can do. Don't count much on getting it though because I doubt if I can +locate one for you." + +The girls chatted a few minutes longer but Caleb was not very good +company. He responded briefly if at all to their conversational sallies +and for the most part seemed lost in thought. They soon left him to his +fish cleaning and went on toward the house. + +"I wonder what got into him all at once?" Rosanna mused. "Perhaps he was +offended at the way I spoke to him." + +"I don't think he gave it a second thought," Penny responded. "I suspect +Caleb rather likes to have folks talk up to him. No, I'm sure it wasn't +anything you said that annoyed him. Likely enough it was my request for +Mr. Winters' photograph." + +"Why should that bother him?" + +"That's what I'd like to know. Caleb is a queer one to say the least." + +"Do you think he'll ever produce the photo?" + +Penny laughed shortly. + +"It would be a great surprise to me if he did. And yet from the way he +acted, I'm convinced he could get me one if he chose. Like as not he has +one in his cabin now." + +Penny lapsed into a moody silence. From the day of her arrival at Raven +Ridge she had sensed old Caleb's reluctance to help her. While she could +not say that he was exactly unfriendly he had made no positive move of +assistance. She had believed for a long time that he knew a great deal +more than he would tell regarding Jacob Winters' absence. + +The girls entered the house by a side door. They noticed that Mrs. Leeds' +car no longer stood on the driveway and took it for granted that she and +her daughter had driven to Andover as was their daily custom. + +They glanced casually into the library and noticed that it was empty. +However, Penny's keen eyes traveled to the desk. She observed that the +ink bottle had been left uncorked and that a pen had been removed from +its holder. + +"I wonder what Mrs. Leeds and Laponi were up to?" she speculated. "Oh, +well, I'll probably find out soon enough." + +"I believe I'll go upstairs for a few minutes," Rosanna excused herself. +"I haven't straightened my things yet this morning." + +Left alone, Penny crossed over to the desk and examined the paper in the +wastebasket. She looked closely at the blotter, even holding it to the +mirror, but it had been used so many times that the words which appeared +upon it could not be read. There was not a scrap of evidence to show what +Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi had been writing. + +In disappointment Penny picked up a book and sat down to read. Presently +she heard soft steps in the hallway but paid slight attention thinking +that it was Rosanna. + +She was on the verge of calling her friend's name when she thought better +of it. The sound of the footsteps told her that the person had gone into +the living room. And by this time she was convinced that it was not +Rosanna. + +She waited, listening. She heard a faint metallic click which caused her +to lay aside her book and quietly steal to the doorway of the living +room. + +Max Laponi stood with his back toward her, so absorbed in what he was +about that he had not the slightest suspicion that he was being observed. + +Penny saw him carefully remove the oil painting from the wall. He deftly +opened the panel, exposing the safe. Then, with a sureness of touch which +amazed Penny, he began to spin the dials. + + + + + CHAPTER XIV + A Diamond Ring + + +"Mr. Laponi, kindly move away from that safe!" + +Penny spoke sharply as she quietly stepped into the living room. The man +whirled and saw her. Taken by surprise, his hand fell away from the dials +and he looked confused. + +"You seem to be very much interested in Mr. Winters' valuables," Penny +said sternly. + +By this time Max Laponi had recovered his composure. + +"Why shouldn't I be?" he retorted. "After all, I am Mr. Winters' heir." + +"That remains to be seen, Mr. Laponi. You appear to be very handy at +opening safes, I notice." Penny crossed the room and after turning the +handle to make certain that Laponi had not succeeded in his purpose, +closed the panel and returned the oil painting to its former position. + +"I suppose you think I was trying to steal," Laponi began after a minute +of dead silence. "Nothing was further from my intention." + +"No?" + +"Ever since I caught Caleb Eckert trying to break into this safe I've +been worried. Last night I saw him prowling around the house after dark +and it made me uneasy. I was afraid he would make another attempt to +steal Mr. Winters' valuables." + +"So you thought you would just beat him to it!" Penny retorted +sarcastically. + +"Certainly not. When you entered the room I was merely inspecting the +safe to make certain that it was securely locked." + +Penny could not refrain from smiling. She did not believe a word of what +Max Laponi was telling her. + +"That safe seems to be the real attraction of this house," she remarked. +"I've suspected for some time that it contains Mr. Winters' ivory +collection." + +If Max Laponi were taken aback he did not disclose it. But he eyed Penny +shrewdly. + +"You're a smart little girl. Too smart to go around making trouble for +yourself. Now if you're wise you'll team up with me and I'll promise you +that you'll come out at the top of the heap." + +"Just what is your proposition?" Penny asked quickly. + +Max Laponi was too alert to place himself in any trap. + +"If you're willing to follow my orders I'll promise you that when I come +into my fortune you'll be well paid." + +"And what are your orders?" + +"I'll tell you after you give me your promise." + +Penny regarded him coldly. + +"I'll promise nothing, Mr. Laponi, except that I intend to see justice +done to Rosanna Winters! You and Mrs. Leeds are trying to cheat her out +of her rightful inheritance." + +"She'll never get a cent. If you had an ounce of sense you'd ditch her +and come in with us. It's all fixed--" + +"Fixed!" Penny tripped him. "And by 'us' I imagine you mean Mrs. Leeds. +You're both hatching some scheme to defraud Rosanna." + +Laponi smiled impudently. + +"Well, don't say I didn't give you your choice, Miss Nichols. It is your +decision to have no share in the spoils?" + +"It is." + +Laponi's face darkened slightly. "As you wish, Miss Nichols. But let me +give you a little warning. Keep your nose out of my affairs or it will be +the worse for you!" + +He turned and walked from the room. A minute later Penny saw him leave +the house by the side door. + +"If he thinks he can frighten me with a threat he has another guess +coming!" she thought indignantly. "For two cents I'd call in the police." + +Upon second consideration she decided that such a move would not be wise. +After all she had no real evidence against Laponi. While she was +convinced in her own mind that his motives were dishonest the police +might take a more conservative attitude. Then too, she would be forced to +offer a satisfactory explanation for her own presence in the house. + +"Laponi is after something more valuable than a will," Penny mused as she +stood at the window watching his car vanish down the driveway. + +Her eye wandered to the oil painting on the wall. She felt certain that +the safe which was screened beneath it guarded Mr. Winters' collection of +ivory. And from the expression of Laponi's face when she had mentioned +her belief, she was sure that he shared the same conviction. + +"He practically admitted he was involved in some scheme to defraud +Rosanna," she thought. "I can't help feeling he's a crook even if he is a +relative of Mr. Winters. I wish I dared search his room for evidence!" + +The more she considered the idea, the greater became its appeal. Probably +Laponi would not return to the house for at least an hour. She would have +ample time. Still, the undertaking would be a risky one and not at all to +her liking. + +"I suppose a professional detective wouldn't feel squeamish about +entering another person's room if the case demanded it," she encouraged +herself. "Laponi practically admitted his guilt--that was because he +thought I couldn't do anything about it. Maybe I'll show him!" + +By this time Penny's mind was made up. Quietly she stole up the stairway. +In the upper corridor she paused to listen for a minute. Everything was +still. + +Penny tiptoed down the hall to Max Laponi's room. She tried the door. It +was locked. + +"That's funny," she thought. "He must keep something inside that he's +afraid to have folks see." + +She was more eager than before to search the room. But with the key gone +it seemed out of the question. Then Penny's face lighted as she recalled +the empty bedroom adjoining the one occupied by Laponi. It was possible +that they might have a connecting door. + +Looking carefully about to make certain that she was not under +observation, she moved on down the hall and tried the next door. To her +delight it opened. She entered the dusty chamber, gazing quickly about. +She was disappointed to see that the two bedrooms had no connecting door. + +However, when she walked to the window and raised it, she noted a wide +ledge which ran the length of the building. + +"If only I dared lower myself to it I could reach Max Laponi's room, for +the ledge is only a few feet below from his window!" she reasoned. + +Penny decided that the chance was worth taking. She naturally was +athletic and had confidence that she could maintain a foothold. Lowering +herself to the ledge she flattened herself to the wall of the house and +moved an inch at a time toward the next window. It was a long fall to the +ground. Penny did not dare glance downward. Although the distance between +the two windows was not more than twelve feet it seemed an age until her +hands clutched the sill. + +As she pried at the window a sudden fear assailed her. What if it too +were locked? + +The window had only stuck a little. A quick jerk brought it up. By sheer +strength of muscle, Penny raised herself to the level of the sill, +swinging her feet through the opening. + +"I must work fast," she told herself, glancing appraisingly about. "I'd +not care to be caught here." + +Her attention was drawn to Max Laponi's open suitcase which had been left +carelessly on the bed. Crossing over to it she began to explore the +contents systematically. + +"My hunch about Laponi may have been wrong," she thought uncomfortably as +the search revealed nothing of interest. + +Just then her hand touched something hard and cold. Penny knew instantly +that it was a revolver. She was not afraid of firearms for her father had +taught her to shoot. Carefully she inspected the weapon. + +"All this heavy artillery must have been brought here for a purpose," she +reflected grimly. "It's clear Laponi is out to get what he wants by one +means or another." + +After an instant's hesitation Penny placed the revolver on the table. She +had decided to take it with her when she left. + +"Things in this house are fast approaching a crisis," she reasoned. +"Before I get through I may need that weapon myself." + +Save for an inner pocket in the suitcase, Penny had completed her +inspection. She ran her hand into the cloth pouch and brought to light +several papers. Rapidly she went through them. + +Suddenly she uttered a cry of delight. She had discovered the letter +which Max Laponi claimed had been sent him by the same lawyer who had +notified Rosanna of her newly inherited fortune. + +Although Laponi, upon his arrival at Raven Ridge, had flourished the +document, he had permitted no one to inspect it closely. + +Now as Penny read the letter carefully she recalled that the wording was +identical with the message which Rosanna had received. Closely she +studied the salutation, holding the paper to the light. + +"I believe the name has been changed!" she exclaimed. "Max Laponi has +cleverly removed Rosanna's name and substituted his own. This must be the +letter which Rosanna lost!" + +It occurred to her that the man doubtlessly had found the missing key as +well. She again ran her hand into the cloth pocket and triumphantly +brought it forth. + +"He's nothing but a rank impostor!" she told herself. "I'll keep this +letter as evidence against him and the key will come in handy too!" + +Penny hastily rearranged the suitcase as she had found it and prepared to +depart. The search had well repaid her for her efforts, but it had taken +longer than she had intended. + +However, as she crossed the room toward the window she noticed a number +of small objects spread out over the dresser and could not resist pausing +to inspect them. They held her interest only briefly. + +She turned away again but as she moved off a button on her sleeve caught +in the lace work of the runner which covered the dresser top. It pulled +awry and Penny paused to straighten it. + +As she rearranged the piece, her fingers touched a small hard object on +the under side. Her curiosity aroused she turned back the runner and +looked beneath it. + +There lay a diamond ring. + +"A diamond!" she exclaimed. "As big as a house too. It's evidently been +hidden here by Max Laponi!" + +She picked it up and examined it, reflecting that somewhere she had seen +a similar piece of jewelry. She was certain the diamond was not an +imitation for it sparkled brightly. However, she had no opportunity to +give it more than a hasty glance for she was startled to hear footsteps +coming down the hall. + +"Max Laponi may be coming back," she thought nervously. + +Leaving the diamond ring where she had discovered it she hastily +rearranged the dresser cover. With her newly acquired evidence, she +darted to the window and lowered herself to the outside ledge. + + + + + CHAPTER XV + Penny's Evidence + + +The bedroom door opened and Max Laponi entered. + +Penny Nichols had lowered herself to the narrow ledge not an instant too +soon. There had been no time to pull the window down after her. + +As she heard the man walk across the room she huddled fearfully against +the wall, feeling certain that he would notice the open window +immediately. Her position was a precarious one. She dared not move lest +even a slight sound betray her to the man inside. On the other hand, it +was doubtful how long she could remain where she was without losing her +footing. She knew that if she once glanced downward her courage would +fail her. + +Penny could hear Laponi muttering to himself. + +"I thought I left that window down," she heard him say. "If anyone has +been in here--" + +He crossed to the bed and ran his hand under the pillow. Penny peeped +through the window just as he removed a shiny object. + +"Another revolver!" she gasped. "That's one I missed." + +The sight of the weapon seemed to reassure Laponi for he appeared +relieved. He next crossed over to the bureau and searched for the diamond +ring. Penny was very glad that she had not touched it. + +"I guess everything is the same as I left it," the man muttered to +himself. "Still, I'd have sworn I left that window down." + +As Penny huddled flat against the wall, he moved over toward it. She held +her breath, waiting. Would he look out? If he did, then all was lost. + +Laponi stood for some minutes at the open window, seemingly absorbed in +his thoughts. Then he abruptly slammed it down and turned away. + +"That was a narrow escape!" Penny congratulated herself. "If I ever get +out of this mess I'll take care not to get myself into another position +like it!" + +She cautiously crept along the ledge until at last she was able to +stretch out her hand and grasp the sill of the next window. After pulling +herself through she quietly closed it behind her. Then she tiptoed to the +bedroom door and looked out. No one was in sight. + +Carefully secreting the articles which she had taken from Laponi's room, +she darted past his door and safely on to the bedroom which she shared +with Rosanna. The latter arose as she burst in upon her. + +"How you startled me, Penny." + +She was due for another shock as Penny dropped the revolver upon the +dresser. + +"Penny, where did you get that thing?" she demanded nervously. + +"Not so loud or someone may hear you," Penny warned. "It came from +Laponi's room, and that's not all I found either." + +She drew forth the letter and the missing key. Rosanna stared +incredulously. + +"Surely they can't be mine, Penny." + +"I suspect they are. Take a look at this letter and tell me if you notice +anything wrong." + +Rosanna studied the letter briefly, then shook her head. + +"It reads just like the one I received." + +"That's the point. Notice the name at the top." + +"Why, it looks as if it might have been changed!" Rosanna cried. + +"And I think it has been. It's my opinion that Max Laponi found your +letter and the missing key. He's a rank impostor." + +"Then you believe he is the one who has been frightening the household by +playing on the pipe organ?" + +"I haven't made up my mind about that yet," Penny returned thoughtfully. +"But one thing I'm certain about. Laponi is a dangerous man." + +"Let's get away from here right away." + +Penny laughed shortly. "I should say not! This mystery is growing more +exciting every minute. I mean to discover Max Laponi's little game!" + +"But he may harm us," Rosanna protested. "Especially if he suspects +you've searched his room." + +"Laponi is armed," Penny admitted with a frown. "But for that matter so +are we." + +"You wouldn't dare to carry that revolver!" + +"I most certainly would. Not that I'd care to use it, but it might serve +as protection." + +"It seems to me we should call in the police." + +Penny shook her head. "Not yet. But I do intend to wire my father. I'm +going to ask him to learn all he can about Laponi. It may turn out that +the man has a prison record." + +"You suspect that because you found the revolver in his room?" + +"Well, honest citizens don't carry weapons without permits." + +"You're thinking of doing it," Rosanna challenged. + +Penny laughed. "This is an extra special emergency. But I have another +reason for believing that Laponi is a crook. I suspect he has a stolen +ring in his possession." + +She then told of finding the diamond ring under the dresser scarf. + +"All diamonds look somewhat alike," she acknowledged, "but I'm sure I've +seen that ring before." + +"Where?" + +"In Bresham's Department Store. I think it's the same ring that was +stolen the afternoon I met you there." + +"Laponi does bear a slight resemblance to the shoplifter," Rosanna +admitted thoughtfully. "Only the store thief was a much older man." + +"Disguised perhaps. Oh, I may be wrong, but at least it will do no harm +to have Father look into the matter." + +"When he gets your wire, Penny, he'll probably be so alarmed that he'll +send word for you to start back to Mt. Ashland at once." + +"Not Dad. He'd rather catch a crook than eat. I'm sure he'll help me." + +"When will you send the wire?" + +"Right away. I'd like to leave the house before Laponi sees me." + +However, as the girls stepped out into the hall a few minutes later they +heard loud voices coming up from the living room. Penny instantly +recognized Laponi's sharp tones and paused at the top of the stairs to +peer down. + +"It's Max and Caleb Eckert," she reported in a whisper. "My, what a +quarrel they're having!" + +The girls listened for a minute but the voices of the two men died to a +low murmur and they could distinguish only an occasional word. + +"Unless you want Laponi to see you we'd better slip down the back way," +Rosanna suggested. + +Using the rear stairs the girls were able to leave the house without +being observed. They drove directly to Andover where Penny dispatched a +lengthy wire to her father. She requested him to learn all he could +concerning Max Laponi and if possible to send her a complete description +of the diamond ring which had been stolen from the department store. + +"I wonder why Caleb and Max Laponi were going at each other in such +dreadful fashion?" Rosanna mused as they drove back toward the Winters' +mansion. + +Penny had been pondering over the same question. + +"I suppose Caleb may be suspicious of him," Rosanna went on when Penny +did not answer. + +"Possibly. Old Caleb hasn't acted too honestly himself, Rosanna." + +"I know he hasn't. He doesn't like to answer questions and his interest +in Mr. Winters' safe is rather puzzling. It seems to me that everyone at +Raven Ridge acts queerly." + +"Including me?" Penny teased. + +Rosanna laughed and squeezed her arm affectionately. "Of course I don't +mean you. You've been wonderful and I'll never never be able to repay you +for all you've done." + +"Nonsense, so far I've accomplished exactly nothing. But I have a feeling +that before another twenty-four hours elapse things are going to start +breaking for us." + +"I hope so," Rosanna sighed. + +Neither Max Laponi nor Caleb Eckert were in the living room when the +girls returned to the house. Alicia was reading a book by the fireplace +but at sight of Penny and Rosanna she coldly withdrew. + +"I'm glad she's gone," Penny smiled. "It clears the atmosphere." + +"Must we stay here tonight?" Rosanna asked. "Couldn't we go to a hotel +and come back in the morning? Since I know that Max Laponi----" + +She broke off as Penny shot her a warning glance. + +"Even the walls seem to have ears in this house, Rosanna. Come outside +and we'll do our planning there." + +They went out into the yard and sat down on a stone bench. + +"I know I'm a dreadful coward," Rosanna acknowledged. "Only I'm so afraid +something terrible is about to happen." + +"Now don't let your nerves get the best of you," Penny advised kindly. "I +shouldn't have shown you that revolver I found in Laponi's room. You +haven't been the same since." + +"It wasn't just the revolver. It's everything." + +Penny was silent for a moment. Then she said quietly: + +"I don't blame you for feeling the way you do. Perhaps we are taking a +chance to remain here tonight. I shouldn't do it only I feel that it will +give me an opportunity to clear up the mystery." + +"But if you suspect Max----" + +"I do suspect him of a great many things, but I'm not certain of his game +yet, Rosanna. Besides, I must have absolute proof before I dare notify +the police. Tonight I intend to watch the mouth of the tunnel." + +"I can't permit you to do it by yourself. If you insist on taking such a +chance I'll go with you!" + +Penny remonstrated but at length it was agreed that shortly after +nightfall the two would steal down to the lake's edge and lie in wait at +the mouth of the tunnel for the mysterious ghost to appear. + +For a long time the two girls sat staring out across the lake, each +absorbed with her own thoughts. What would the night bring forth? + +"I believe I'll walk down to Caleb Eckert's cabin and chat with him for a +few minutes," Penny remarked a little later as her companion arose from +the bench. "Want to come along?" + +"No, I think I'll go inside. The air is growing chilly and my sweater is +upstairs." + +"I'll be glad to wait for you." + +"If you don't mind, I believe I'll just rest. You go on alone." + +"You really don't mind?" + +"Of course not. But I doubt if you'll find Caleb at home. He usually goes +fishing about this time of day." + +"Well, I may as well see anyhow. I want to ask him about that picture of +Jacob Winters. I intend to keep annoying him until he gives me a +satisfactory answer." + +As Rosanna returned to the house, Penny walked swiftly in the direction +of the cabin. + +"I'm only wasting my time," she thought. "Caleb has no intention of ever +producing that photograph." + +Penny rapped on the door, noticing that it was partly ajar. There was no +response. She knocked a second time. + +Far out on the lake she could see a small rowboat with one lone +fisherman. No doubt it was Caleb, she decided. + +She started away from the cabin, then abruptly halted as she was struck +with a sudden thought. With Caleb out on the lake she would have an +excellent opportunity to search his shack for the photograph of Jacob +Winters. She felt convinced she would find it there. + +"Entering people's private quarters seems to be a bad habit of mine," she +chuckled. "Still, it's all in a good cause." + +Penny surveyed the lake again. The rowboat was nearly out of sight. + +After a moment of indecision, she pushed open the cabin door and entered. +Caleb had left everything in a clutter and she scarcely knew where to +begin her search. + +She looked in the desk and in several table drawers. She searched in the +magazine rack and even in the kitchen cupboard. She was growing +discouraged when she finally opened a closet and peered up at the high +shelves. Far above her head was a stack of old papers. + +Although Penny had given up hope of finding the picture, she brought a +chair and climbing up on it, took down the papers. + +As she lifted the stack, an object which had been lying on the shelf was +brushed to the floor. She bent down to pick it up. To her amazement and +delight it was a photograph. + +She stared in disbelief at the man's face and then turned the photo over +to read what had been written on the back. + +"_Jacob Winters._" + +"And Caleb told me he didn't know where he could get a photograph!" Penny +thought indignantly. "All the time he had this one hidden here on the +shelf. Why, I'm positive this picture came out of the album Rosanna and I +found. Very likely Caleb tore it out himself!" + +Hastily replacing the papers on the shelf, Penny tucked the photograph +into her pocket and prepared to leave the cabin. She was highly elated +over her discovery. + +"This will prove quite a valuable addition to my collection of evidence," +she chuckled. "No wonder Caleb was afraid to have me see it." + + + + + CHAPTER XVI + Mrs. Leeds' Strategy + + +Penny was highly jubilant as she walked rapidly toward the house on the +hill. The day had been an unusually successful one for her and with the +photograph of Jacob Winters in her possession she felt that it would only +be a matter of time until the mystery was solved. + +"But I must act quickly or it may be too late," she thought. + +Drawing near the house she saw Rosanna hurrying to meet her. Penny +quickened her step as she observed that the girl appeared greatly +agitated. + +"Oh, Penny," Rosanna gasped, "Mrs. Leeds has locked me out of the house!" + +"What?" + +"When I tried to get in after leaving you a few minutes ago she met me at +the front door. She said I couldn't come in because the house and +everything surrounding it belongs to her now." + +Penny laughed shortly. "She's been saying that ever since she came here." + +"I know, but this is different, Penny. She has the will to prove it." + +"The will?" + +"Yes, she showed it to me. And it's true. My uncle left all his property +to her." + +"And where did she claim to have found this document?" Penny asked. + +"Why, somewhere in the house. I was so upset I didn't think to inquire. +Now that I know Uncle Jacob left everything to her, I shall leave at +once." + +Penny caught Rosanna by the arm. "Don't be in too much of a hurry to get +away," she advised. "It may be that Mrs. Leeds' claims are false." + +"But I saw the will for myself." + +"Perhaps it was forged." + +"I never thought of that," Rosanna gasped. "Do you think she would resort +to such a trick?" + +"I believe she'd do almost anything to gain a fortune." + +Penny had been thinking swiftly. She recalled the secretive actions of +Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi when they were closeted together in the +library. They had been engrossed in writing a document of some sort. +Doubtless it was the will which Mrs. Leeds now claimed to have found. + +Penny's face puckered into a worried frown. Mrs. Leeds' unexpected action +might complicate the entire situation and ruin her own plans. She feared +too that the woman actually had destroyed Jacob Winters' true will. + +"She was burning it in the fireplace that day when I came upon her," +Penny thought. "That's why she feels so safe about forging another one in +her own favor." + +"What were you saying?" Rosanna inquired. + +Penny had not realized that she was speaking aloud. + +"Only thinking," she responded. "We'll go in and talk with Mrs. Leeds." + +"But we can't get in for she has locked all the doors. Our luggage is +sitting out on the porch." + +"Very considerate of her I must say," Penny grinned. "But we can get in +all right." She produced the key which she had found in Max Laponi's +room. + +"Weren't you smart to keep it!" Rosanna cried. + +"That remains to be seen. But come on, let's beard Mrs. Leeds in her +den." + +Penny boldly walked up to the front door. It was locked as Rosanna had +said, so inserting her key she opened it. + +As the girls entered, they heard Alicia calling shrilly to her mother and +an instant later Mrs. Leeds came storming into the hall. + +"What is the meaning of this outrage?" she demanded furiously. + +"That is what we should like to know," Penny retorted. "Why did you lock +us out?" + +"Because this is my house. Jacob Winters left everything to me and I have +the will to prove it." + +"May I ask where you found it?" Penny inquired. + +The question confused Mrs. Leeds. She began to stammer. + +"Why, I--that is, it's none of your affair, Miss Nichols!" + +"I disagree with you there. I am interested in seeing Rosanna treated +fairly. May I examine the will?" + +Mrs. Leeds hesitated and the girls thought that she would refuse the +request. However, the woman said: + +"I will permit you to read it if you promise not to destroy it." + +"Destroying wills isn't in my line," Penny returned pointedly. + +Mrs. Leeds tossed her head angrily. An expression of bitter hatred which +she made no attempt to hide, came into her eyes. She went to the living +room desk and from a pigeon hole removed a document which she offered +Penny. + +"There, read it for yourself." + +Penny inspected the will briefly. Since neither she nor Rosanna had ever +seen Jacob Winters' handwriting it was impossible to tell if the document +had been forged. + +To Rosanna's astonishment, she suddenly seemed to experience a change of +attitude regarding Mrs. Leeds' claim to the property. + +"I may have made a mistake," Penny acknowledged. "This paper seems to +give everything to you, Mrs. Leeds." + +"I am glad you are coming to your senses at last, Miss Nichols." + +"I suppose Rosanna and I may as well take our things and leave," she went +on. + +"Your luggage is ready," the woman said with satisfaction. "Alicia and I +packed for you." + +"Very thoughtful," Penny murmured ironically. "However, I think I'll just +run upstairs and see if anything was missed." + +"Why, yes, you may do that if you like." Now that she was assured of +victory, Mrs. Leeds felt that she could afford to make slight +concessions. + +No sooner had the bedroom door closed behind the two girls than Rosanna +faced Penny with a puzzled look. + +"Did you really think the will was genuine, Penny?" + +"No, of course not, but I decided that probably we could gain our ends +best by appearing to give in to Mrs. Leeds." + +As she spoke, Penny ran her hand under the pillow of the bed and brought +forth the revolver which she had taken from Max Laponi's room. + +"Penny, what do you intend to do with that weapon?" Rosanna demanded +anxiously. + +"Don't worry, I'm not planning on committing any murders. But it may come +in handy tonight." + +"You just told Mrs. Leeds that we would leave the house immediately," +Rosanna reminded her in bewilderment. + +"I know, but that doesn't mean we'll leave the grounds. We'll appear to +go away, but after dark we'll sneak back to the entrance of the tunnel." + +"To watch for the ghost?" + +"Yes, that's my plan. You'll not be afraid to go with me, will you?" + +"No," Rosanna returned quietly. "Only I can't see what good it will do +now. Mrs. Leeds definitely has the property and anything we learn about +the ghost can't alter the situation." + +"I'm not so sure of that," Penny smiled. + +She was so jubilant as they prepared to take their luggage and leave the +house that Mrs. Leeds regarded her slightly with suspicion. However, the +woman was reassured to see the girls drive away in their car. + +Rosanna and Penny dined early at Andover but the former ate little. +Although she made every effort to carry on a cheerful conversation it was +obvious to her companion that she was completely discouraged. + +"Cheer up," Penny advised optimistically. "I tell you everything will +come out right yet. Even if my own plan fails, there are still lawyers to +be hired. Mrs. Leeds can't take over the property legally until the court +approves." + +"She'll have things fixed up her way," Rosanna maintained gloomily. "I'll +have no money to hire a lawyer. I must try to find myself a job." + +"Father will help you get one if you need it." + +"I've accepted so many favors from you already," Rosanna protested. + +"You have not!" Penny cut in. "This trip to Raven Ridge has been sheer +fun for me. And unless I'm mistaken tonight will prove the most exciting +of all." + +"I'm afraid so," Rosanna shuddered. + +She glanced curiously at her companion. She could not understand Penny's +eagerness to return to the mouth of the tunnel. In her own opinion the +mysterious ghost was none other than Max Laponi and she had no desire to +encounter him again. + +"Do you still want to go through with the plan?" she inquired doubtfully. + +"I certainly do. I'd never feel satisfied if I left Raven Ridge without +solving the mystery. It's about time we start for the tunnel too." + +They left the restaurant, returning to Penny's car which had been parked +outside. + +"Probably our friend the ghost won't put in an appearance much before +midnight," Penny remarked as they drove slowly toward Raven Ridge, "but +it will be wise I think to allow ourselves plenty of time to find a good +hiding place." + +It had grown dark and the girls were pleased to note that heavy clouds +would hide the moon and stars. + +Some distance from the Winters' house they parked in a dense thicket near +the road. Before alighting, Penny removed a small package from the side +pocket of the car. + +"What's that?" Rosanna asked curiously. + +"Dynamite," Penny chuckled. + +"Dynamite!" + +"In the form of evidence. Unless I'm mistaken, this little package will +produce some startling results!" + +"You're talking in absolute riddles." + +"Just be patient and you'll soon know what I mean," Penny declared +teasingly. "I'd tell you now only it would ruin the surprise." + +She locked the automobile and afoot they quietly stole down a steep +winding trail which led to the entrance of the old mine. + + + + + CHAPTER XVII + The Man in the Boat + + +Penny and Rosanna approached the mine entrance cautiously, fearing that +someone in the vicinity might observe their movements. However, the place +seemed deserted. + +"The rowboat is gone," Penny commented as she pulled aside a clump of +bushes to survey the spot where it had been hidden. + +"Why, it is! Perhaps the ghost has come and left." + +"I certainly hope not. That would ruin everything. Anyway, we'll wait and +see. It's early yet." + +After investigating the shore line thoroughly, they found an excellent +hiding place in a dense thicket not far from the entrance to the mine. +Then they settled themselves to wait. + +"What time is it?" Rosanna yawned. + +"Only a little after nine. We'll have a long siege of it." + +The night was cold and damp. Although both girls had worn sweaters they +soon grew uncomfortable and huddled close together for warmth. Rosanna +tried not to show her nervousness but even the screech of an owl startled +her. She was aware of every sound and any unusual movement caused her to +grow tense. + +"You'll be a wreck long before midnight," Penny declared. "We're armed +and there's nothing to fear." + +Rosanna made a supreme effort to relax but it was not until several hours +had elapsed that she began to grow accustomed to her surroundings. Penny, +on the other hand, found it difficult to remain awake. + +At first she riveted her attention upon the lake but as there was no +evidence of a boat, soon lost interest. For a time she watched the +twinkling lights at Raven Ridge but one by one they disappeared until the +old mansion on the hill was cloaked in darkness. + +"Now that the household has gone to bed our ghost should be starting in +on his night's work," she remarked hopefully to Rosanna. + +Another half hour dragged by. Still no one came. Even Rosanna found it +increasingly difficult to fight off drowsiness. + +"I don't believe the ghost is coming tonight," she declared. + +"It begins to look that way. But perhaps it's still too early. Surely it +can't be any more than midnight." + +"It seems later than that," Rosanna sighed. "My back is nearly broken." + +A few minutes later, from far over the hills, the girls heard the faint +chiming of a town clock. They counted twelve strokes. + +Minutes passed and still there was no sign of any visitor. At length, +Penny arose to stretch her cramped limbs. + +"I thought I heard something just then!" Rosanna whispered tensely. + +Penny stood listening. + +"You're right. I can hear oars dipping in and out of the water. It must +be a boat coming this way." + +Peering out through the bushes, the girls surveyed the lake. It was too +dark to distinguish objects but they distinctly could hear the rhythmical +splash made by the moving oars. + +"See anything?" Penny demanded. + +"Not yet--oh, yes, now I do. It is a boat, Penny." + +"And it's heading right for this spot! Let's creep a little closer to the +opening of the tunnel." + +Stealthily they changed positions but remained well hidden by a screen of +bushes. + +The boat by this time had drawn into the tiny cove. However, the night +was so dark that neither of the girls was able to distinguish the +features of the man who crouched in the stern. + +He beached the boat and carefully drew it up into the bushes. Next he +lighted a lantern, but his back was toward the girls and they did not see +his face. + +"Who can it be?" Rosanna whispered. + +Penny gripped her companion's hand as a warning to remain silent. + +The man with the lantern looked quickly about and then moved swiftly into +the mouth of the tunnel. + +"We must follow him," Penny urged. + +They waited a minute, then noiselessly stole from their hiding place. As +they peered into the dark mine tunnel they could see a moving light far +ahead. + +Fearing that they might lose sight of the man, the girls hastened their +steps. They did not walk as quietly as they imagined, for soon the man +ahead paused. + +With one accord Penny and Rosanna froze against the tunnel wall. + +As the man turned to look back, the light from the lantern shone full +upon his face. + +It was Caleb Eckert. + +Rosanna and Penny remained flat against the wall scarcely daring to +breathe. Would they be seen? + +Apparently satisfied that no one was behind him in the tunnel, Caleb +turned and walked slowly on. + +"That was a narrow escape," Penny whispered. "He nearly saw us." + +Rosanna was a trifle shaken. She had not expected to see Caleb Eckert. + +"I suspected it several days ago but I wasn't absolutely certain," Penny +told her. + +"But what purpose can he have in playing such pranks?" Rosanna asked in +bewilderment. "Caleb seemed rather nice even if he was gruff and +outspoken. I never dreamed he'd resort to anything like this." + +"Don't take it so hard," Penny advised. "He may have a reason for what he +is doing." + +The light had disappeared. The girls hurriedly moved on, fearing that +they might lose sight of the old man entirely. With nothing to guide them +it was difficult to find their way. + +"It's lucky we explored in the daytime or we'd have trouble following," +Rosanna declared. "The ground is so rough." + +Even as she spoke she stubbed her toe on a rock and would have fallen had +not Penny caught her by the arm. + +They came presently to the first flight of stairs and were relieved to +glimpse the lantern far above them. Taking care to keep out of range of +the beam, they followed through the narrower passage to the second flight +of steps. + +By this time the girls were positive that Caleb intended to enter the +house by means of the secret panel. At the risk of detection they drew a +little closer. + +Caleb paused at the head of the stairs to listen for a moment. Then he +blew out his lantern. + +Sensing that the old man would unlock the panel, Penny stole forward. She +was just in time to see a section of the wall drop down. Caleb passed +through the opening and with a click the panel closed behind him. + +"Now what shall we do?" Rosanna demanded. "We're locked in here the same +as we were before." + +"I think I saw the place where he pressed the wall," Penny whispered. "I +was watching closely." + +For several minutes she groped about in the dark. At last her fingers +touched a small knob. + +"I believe I've found it," she proclaimed triumphantly. + +As she was on the verge of turning the knob, she stayed her hand. With +Caleb in the organ room he would be certain to see the panel open. There +was danger too that he might return at any instant to find them crouching +at the head of the stairs. + +"Shouldn't we turn back?" Rosanna whispered nervously. + +"Let's wait until he begins to play the organ." + +They listened expectantly. Minutes passed but not a strain of music did +they hear. + +"That's queer," Penny murmured. "I'm sure Caleb is the one who has been +disturbing the household with his ghost music. Why doesn't he play as +he's always done before?" + +They both knew that the wall was not soundproof. For that matter they +could hear old Caleb walking about in the room. + +"He must be up to new tricks tonight," Penny whispered. + +"He'll be coming back here any minute. Let's get away before he catches +us." + +Penny was reluctant to leave, for it struck her that Caleb Eckert had +come to the Winters' house for a different purpose than that of his usual +nightly visit. She was curious to learn what it was. + +"Listen!" she warned, as they heard a strange noise from within. + +"It sounded like a door closing," Rosanna declared. + +"That's exactly what I think it was. Caleb must have gone out of the +room. We'll be safe in entering now." + +To make certain she listened for a few minutes but there was no sound of +movement from within. Convinced that the coast was clear, she groped +about for the knob which opened the panel. + +It turned in her hand. She heard a sharp metallic click, and almost +before she was prepared for it, the panel swung open. It closed again +before either of the girls could recover from their surprise. + +However, Penny turned the knob a second time and as the section of wall +swung back, both girls stepped through into the room. + +As they had expected, it was deserted. + +"Where do you suppose he went?" Rosanna murmured. + +They tiptoed to the outside door and softly opened it. The hall was dark. +At first they could distinguish nothing. Then Penny noticed that the door +opening upon the second floor corridor was ajar. + +"He went downstairs," she whispered. "Let's find out what he's up to." + +The stairs creaked alarmingly as they crept down to the second floor. On +the landing they hesitated an instant and were relieved to hear no +unusual sound. + +They peered into the long corridor and saw that it was empty. Caleb was +nowhere to be seen. + +"Perhaps he brought another bat for Mrs. Leeds' room," Rosanna suggested, +glancing toward the chamber which the woman shared with her daughter. + +The door, however, was tightly closed. The one at the other end of the +hall which opened into Max Laponi's room was slightly ajar. Rosanna and +Penny failed to notice. + +Somewhere on the lower floor a board creaked. The two girls moved +noiselessly to the stairway and looked down over the banister. + +Even Penny was unprepared for the sight which greeted her eyes. Caleb +Eckert was working at the dials of the living room safe! + + + + + CHAPTER XVIII + A Daring Theft + + +Old Caleb had relighted his lantern and in its dim yellow glow the girls +could make out every detail of the center hall and living room. In +astonishment they watched the man spin the tiny dials of the safe. He +manipulated them with a speed and skill which was amazing. + +"Why, I do believe the scoundrel intends to steal Mr. Winters' +valuables," Rosanna whispered with growing anger. "We can't let him do +that." + +With one accord they tiptoed down the long spiral stairway to the center +hall. For a minute they were exposed to view but Caleb was so absorbed in +what he was doing that he did not even glance up. + +Hiding behind a heavy velvet curtain which partially screened the arched +door of the living room, the girls watched. + +Twice Caleb tried without success to open the safe. Although his +movements were deft and sure it was obvious that he had made some slight +mistake in the combination. Each time he failed he grew more impatient. +They could see his hand shake. + +"Drat it all!" they heard him mutter to himself. "That's the right +combination. It ought to open." + +At length the old man's efforts were rewarded. As he manipulated the +dials for the third time there was a significant click from within the +safe. + +Chuckling to himself, Caleb turned the handle and swung open the steel +door. + +Save for a long metal box, the safe was empty. In the act of reaching for +the container, Caleb suddenly wheeled. + +The girls were startled at the action for they had heard nothing. + +After looking searchingly about the room the old man apparently was +satisfied that he was alone. With an uneasy laugh he again turned his +attention to the safe. + +"Guess I'm getting a mite jittery," he muttered. "I was positive I heard +someone behind me just then." + +He thrust his hand into the safe and drew out the box. With fumbling +fingers he unfastened the lid. A smile illuminated his wrinkled face as +he regarded the contents. + +"Still here, safe and sound. I was a little afraid----" + +Without finishing, he lifted an object from the box and held it in the +light. It was a tiny figure made of purest ivory. + +Penny and Rosanna exchanged a swift glance. They knew now that the box +contained Jacob Winters' priceless collection of ivory pieces! + +After staring at the little figure for a minute Caleb carefully replaced +it and closed the box. He then locked the safe and returned the oil +painting to its former position on the wall. + +"Stop him now or it will be too late," Rosanna whispered tensely. + +Before Penny could act, there was a slight movement at the opposite end +of the living room. The girls were horrified to see a closet door slowly +open. + +Caleb's back was turned. Oblivious of danger he bent down to pick up his +lantern. + +From within the closet a man was regarding Caleb with cold intensity. He +held a revolver in his hand. + +Rosanna, terrified at the sight, would have cried out a warning, had not +Penny suddenly placed her hand over the girl's mouth. + +Max Laponi, a cynical, cruel smile upon his angular face, stepped out +into the living room, his revolver trained upon Caleb. + +"Much obliged to you for opening the safe, Mr. Eckert," he said coolly. +"You saved me the trouble." + +Caleb wheeled and instinctively thrust the metal box behind his back. The +gesture amused Laponi. He laughed harshly. + +"I guess you weren't quite as clever as you thought you were, Caleb! Hand +over the ivories and be quick about it." + +"You're nothing but a crook!" the old man cried furiously. + +"Hand over the ivories if you value your life." + +Instead of obeying the order, Caleb slowly retreated toward the door. Max +Laponi's eyes narrowed dangerously. + +"I don't want to shoot an old man but if you force me----" + +"Don't shoot," Caleb quavered. "I'll give up the ivory." + +"Good. Now you're acting sensibly. Drop the box on the table and raise +your hands above your head." + +Slowly, Caleb complied with the order. + +Laponi moved with cat-like tread across the floor and snatched up the +box. With his revolver still trained on the old man, he backed toward the +door. + +"Thank you for a very profitable evening," he smirked. "And when you +locate your friend Mr. Winters----" + +His words ended in a surprised gasp. Something had struck his right hand +a stunning blow. The weapon fell from his bruised fingers, clattering to +the floor. He felt a cold, hard object in the small of his back. + +"It's your turn now," said Penny Nichols. "I'll trouble you to hand over +the little box!" + + + + + CHAPTER XIX + The Tables Turn + + +Max Laponi whirled about and looked directly into the muzzle of Penny's +revolver. + +"Drop that box and put up your hands," she ordered crisply. + +Laponi gazed at her jeeringly. + +"The gun isn't loaded," he sneered. + +"You should know," Penny retorted. "It's your own revolver. I took it +from your room." + +The expression of the crook's face altered for he well remembered that +the weapon had been left in readiness for instant use. + +While keeping Laponi covered, Penny kicked the other revolver across the +floor in Caleb Eckert's direction. The old man hastily snatched it up. + +Laponi knew then that he did not have a chance. With a shrug of his +shoulders he admitted defeat. He dropped the metal box on the table. +Rosanna darted forward and snatched it up. + +"I might have known you'd be the one to ruin things," Laponi said +bitterly to Penny. "I was afraid of you from the first." + +"Thank you for the compliment," Penny smiled. "Kindly keep your hands up, +Mr. Laponi--if that's your true name." + +"He's nothing but an impostor," Caleb Eckert broke in angrily. "I knew +from the moment I set eyes on him that he was no relative of Jacob +Winters." + +"I can imagine that," Penny returned quietly. "But when explanations are +in order, I think you'll need to clear up a few points yourself." + +The old man looked confused. However, before he could answer, footsteps +were heard on the stairs. Mrs. Leeds, wrapped in her bath-robe, came +hurrying into the room. She had been disturbed by the sound of voices. + +"Penny Nichols!" she cried furiously. "What are you doing in my house?" + +Then she noticed the revolver and recoiled a step. + +"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded. "Mr. Laponi, has this girl +lost her senses?" + +"Apparently, she has," the man sneered. "She claims I came here to steal +that box while I was only trying to keep Caleb from making off with it." + +"Release Mr. Laponi at once," Mrs. Leeds ordered haughtily. She glared at +Caleb. "I always did distrust that man." + +"Our dislike was mutual," Caleb retorted. "You are a grasping, selfish +woman and your daughter is a chip of the old block!" + +"How dare you!" Mrs. Leeds choked in fury. "Get out of this house, you +meddlesome old man, or I'll have you arrested!" + +Penny was actually enjoying the scene but now she decided to put an end +to it. + +"This little farce has gone far enough," she announced, turning to Caleb. +"Tell them who you are, Mr. Eckert." + +The old man nodded. Eyeing Mrs. Leeds with keen satisfaction, he exploded +his bomb shell. + +"I am Jacob Winters!" + +Mrs. Leeds gasped in astonishment and even Max Laponi looked dazed. Of +the entire group only Rosanna appeared pleased. Yet she too recalled that +at times she had spoken with embarrassing frankness to the old man. + +"I don't believe it!" Mrs. Leeds snapped when she had recovered from the +first shock. "It's another one of your trumped up stories." + +"He has no proof," Max Laponi added. + +"If he hasn't, I have," Penny interposed. She took the small package from +her dress pocket, giving it to Rosanna to unwrap for her. + +"Why, it's a photograph!" the girl exclaimed. "It's of you, Mr. Eckert, +taken many years ago." + +"Look on the back," Penny directed. + +Rosanna turned the picture over and read the bold scrawl: + +"Jacob Winters--on the occasion of his fiftieth birthday." + +"That's all the proof I need," Rosanna cried, her eyes shining. "You are +my uncle, aren't you, Mr. Eckert? This isn't another of your jokes?" + +"No, it isn't a joke this time, Rosanna, although for a time it looked as +if the joke would be on me. And if it hadn't been for Penny Nichols this +scoundrel certainly would have made off with my ivory collection." + +"I didn't mean to pry into your private affairs," Penny apologized. "I +shouldn't have taken the photograph only I suspected the truth and needed +proof of it." + +"It's just as well that you did take matters into your own hands. I guess +I botched things up." + +The little package of evidence which Penny had produced contained not +only the photograph but the letter and key which she had found in Max +Laponi's room. + +Penny now directed attention to the signature appearing at the bottom of +the letter. + +"Compare it with the writing on the back of the photograph." + +"They're identical," Rosanna declared. + +"Then Caleb Eckert wrote those letters himself!" Mrs. Leeds cried +furiously. + +"Guilty," Caleb acknowledged with a grin. + +"You ought to be arrested!" Mrs. Leeds fairly screamed. "It was a cruel +joke to play. You led us all to believe that we had inherited a fortune." + +"Tell me, why did you write the letters?" Penny inquired. "That's one +thing I've not been able to figure out although I think I might make an +excellent guess." + +Caleb sank down in the nearest chair. + +"I may as well tell the entire story," he said. "Since my wife died some +years ago I have been a very lonely man. I longed for an agreeable +companion in my old age, someone who would enjoy traveling with me. My +friends were few for I had spent most of my time abroad. My only living +relatives were unknown to me. I felt ashamed because I had never looked +them up." + +"So you decided to become better acquainted," Penny prompted as Caleb +hesitated. + +"Yes, but I wanted to be liked for myself and not my fortune. I conceived +the plan of sending out letters inviting my relatives here. I thought I +would subject them to a series of tests and all the while I could be +studying their characters." + +"An insane plan!" Mrs. Leeds interposed. + +"The idea didn't work the way I expected," Caleb continued ruefully. "I +sent out four letters but two of them were returned unopened as the +individuals to whom they were addressed were no longer living. However, +as you know, three persons came to Raven Ridge claiming to have received +one of the communications." + +"Max Laponi must have found the letter and key which Rosanna lost," Penny +declared. "He was the impostor." + +"You have it all figured out very nicely," the crook sneered. + +"I suspected right off that he was the one," Caleb went on with his +story. "I knew I had no relative answering to his name." + +"Why didn't you send him away at once?" Rosanna questioned. + +"I couldn't very well do that without exposing my hand. If I admitted my +identity then my little plan would be ruined." + +"You were caught in an awkward position," Penny smiled. + +"It kept getting worse all the time. I soon suspected that Laponi was +nothing less than a crook. When I discovered that he knew the ivory +collection was in the house I decided to remove it from the safe." + +"That was the day I came upon you when you were trying to open it," Penny +recalled. + +"Yes, but Laponi was prowling about the house and it was my bad luck that +he happened in upon me at exactly the wrong time. Of course he guessed +instantly that the ivories were locked in the safe. + +"After that, I decided to get rid of him at any cost. I had a talk with +him but even threats did no good." + +"Why didn't you call in the police?" Penny asked. "Surely they would have +provided you with protection." + +"I thought I would make one more effort to get the ivories from the safe. +Then if I failed I intended to admit my identity and send for help. I +might have done it sooner only the police commissioner and I once had a +little trouble--nothing serious. It was an argument over a tract of land. +Still, I knew he'd enjoy making me look ridiculous if ever he learned +what I had done." + +"Your pride very nearly cost you a fortune," Penny commented. She +directed her gaze upon Max Laponi as she questioned: "How did you learn +that Mr. Winters kept the ivory collection in this house?" + +"That's for you to find out," the man jeered. "You'll have a hard time +proving anything against me." + +"This letter will be evidence enough," Penny retorted. "It's a plain case +of forgery with intent to defraud. And then there's the matter of the +will." + +"The will wasn't forged," Mrs. Leeds cut in although Penny had not made +such a claim. + +"There never was a will," Caleb informed. + +Mrs. Leeds stared at him. "What of the document I found in the drawer of +the desk?" she demanded. + +"You mean the one you discovered in the _locked_ drawer," Caleb corrected +with a chuckle. "The one that was made out in Rosanna's favor. That was +just another of my little jokes. If you had examined the will closely you +would have noticed that the signature was never witnessed. It was a +fake." + +"That was the document which I saw you burn in the fireplace," Penny +accused. + +Mrs. Leeds flushed angrily. She realized that she had trapped herself. + +"By the way, how do you explain the will made out in your favor?" Penny +probed maliciously. + +Mrs. Leeds turned her gaze upon Laponi for an instant. Then she said +glibly: + +"I found the will just as I said." + +"You didn't find one made out in your favor," Caleb contradicted. +"Because I never wrote such a document." + +"Let's take a look at it," Penny suggested. "Where is the will, Mrs. +Leeds?" + +"I don't know what became of it. I misplaced it." + +"You're afraid to produce it," Penny challenged. + +Rosanna had been looking through the desk. She now triumphantly brought +to light the paper which Mrs. Leeds had claimed to be Jacob Winters' last +will and testament. + +"I never wrote a line of it," Caleb declared as he examined the document. +"It's a forgery." + +"Forgery is a serious offense, Mrs. Leeds," Penny remarked significantly. + +"I didn't do it!" the woman cried nervously. + +"I expect we'll have to send you to jail along with Laponi here," Caleb +cackled. + +Mrs. Leeds did not realize that he was only baiting her. She began to +tremble with fright. + +"Don't send me to jail," she pleaded. "I'll tell everything." + +"Hold your tongue," Laponi cut in sharply. + +Mrs. Leeds whirled upon him. + +"You say that because you want me to take all the blame! Well, I won't do +it. You forged that will yourself." + +"At your suggestion, Mrs. Leeds." + +"It wasn't my suggestion. I'd never have considered such a thing if you +hadn't put the idea into my head." + +"You burned the first will which you believed to be genuine." + +"Perhaps I did. But I never forged anything in my life." + +"That was because you were afraid you'd be caught," Laponi sneered. "You +wanted someone else to take the rap for you." + +"You tricked me," Mrs. Leeds accused. "If I had known you intended to rob +Mr. Winters of his ivories I should have had nothing to do with you." + +"I suppose you thought it wasn't robbery when you decided to cheat +Rosanna Winters out of her inheritance?" + +"She had no inheritance." + +"But you thought she did. No, Mrs. Leeds you paid me well to forge the +will in your favor. You're involved every bit as deeply as I." + +Mrs. Leeds collapsed into a chair and burying her face in her hands began +to sob. + +Penny felt a little sorry for her, realizing that at heart the woman was +not a criminal. She had been goaded on by an overpowering ambition to +improve her social position by gaining Jacob Winters' fortune. + +"We may as well call the police," Penny said after a slight hesitation. +She had noticed that Laponi was casting cunning glances about the room +and guessed that he was hoping for an opportunity to escape. + +Mrs. Leeds sprang to her feet. She darted over to Jacob Winters, grasping +him by the arm. + +"Oh, please, please don't have me arrested. I didn't mean to do wrong. +For the sake of my daughter let me go free. After all, we are relatives." + +"Unfortunately, we are," he agreed. Turning to Rosanna, he said quietly: +"It is for you to decide, my dear." + +"Let her go free," Rosanna urged instantly. + +"I think that is best," he nodded. "But as far as Max Laponi is concerned +we can't get him to the lock-up soon enough to please me." + +"If you'll guard him I'll telephone for the police," Penny offered. + +Leaving the old man with both revolvers she went into an adjoining room +to place the call. + +No sooner had she disappeared than Max Laponi saw his opportunity to +escape. For an instant Jacob Winters' attention wavered. + +That instant was enough for Laponi. Seizing the metal box which Rosanna +had replaced upon the table, he darted out through the doorway. + + + + + CHAPTER XX + A Break for Freedom + + +Max Laponi bolted across the center hall, flinging open the outside door. +He looked directly into the face of Christopher Nichols. + +"Hello, what's the big hurry?" the detective demanded, grasping him +firmly by the arm. + +Laponi tried to jerk free but he was no match for the detective. + +By this time Penny and the others had come streaming into the hall. + +"Don't let him get away!" Penny cried. + +As the crook struggled to escape, Mr. Nichols slipped a pair of handcuffs +over the man's wrists. Recovering the metal box he handed it to his +daughter. + +"Dad, how did you get here?" she asked eagerly. + +The detective did not hear for he was regarding Laponi with keen +interest. + +"Well, well, if it isn't my old friend Leo Corley. Or possibly you have a +new alias by this time." + +"He calls himself Max Laponi," Penny informed. "Is he a known criminal?" + +"Very well known, Penny. He's wanted in three states for forgery, +blackmail and robbery. His latest escapade was to steal a diamond ring +from the Bresham Department Store." + +"Then you did get my wire?" Penny cried. + +"Yes, that's what brought me here. After I received it I got busy right +off and with the information you furnished it was easy to look up this +man's record. The police have been after him for months." + +"You didn't waste any time coming here," Penny smiled. + +"I was afraid you girls might be in more danger than you realized. Max +here isn't such a nice companion. By the way what's in the box?" + +Penny opened it to reveal Mr. Winters' fine collection of ivory. The +detective whistled in awe. + +"That would have been a nice haul, Max," he said. "Too bad we had to +spoil your little game." + +"If it hadn't been for that kid of yours I'd have gotten away with it," +the crook growled. "I was dumb not to suspect she was the daughter of a +detective." + +"You may as well cough up the diamond ring," Mr. Nichols advised. "It +will save an unpleasant search." + +With a shrug of his shoulders, Laponi took the gem from an inner pocket +and gave it to the detective. + +"When do we start for the station?" he asked. "We may as well get going." + +"I've already called the police," Penny told her father. + +"Then we won't have long to wait." He shoved Laponi toward a chair. "May +as well make yourself comfortable until the wagon gets here." + +"Your kindness overwhelms me," the crook returned with exaggerated +politeness. + +"How did you get wind that Mr. Winters' ivories were kept in the house?" +the detective inquired curiously. + +Although the crook had refused to answer the same questions a few minutes +before, he was now willing to talk, knowing that his last chance for +escape had been cut off. + +"I read an item in the paper some months ago," he confessed. "It was a +little news story to the effect that Jacob Winters had recently purchased +several new pieces for his collection and that he intended to build +special exhibit cases in his house as a means of displaying them. I +clipped the item and forgot about it. + +"Then one day I chanced to pick up a letter which someone had dropped. It +contained a key to this house. I decided it was too good an opportunity +to miss. Posing as Jacob Winters' nephew I came here to look over the +situation." + +"I never had a nephew," Mr. Winters declared. + +"That was the first mistake I made. The second was in underestimating the +ability of Penny Nichols. I thought she was only a school girl." + +Penny smiled broadly as she inquired: "Didn't you enter into an agreement +with Mrs. Leeds to defraud Rosanna?" + +"I forged the will for her if that's what you mean. I wasn't interested +in getting any of the money myself." + +"That was because you knew it couldn't be done," the detective +interposed. "You considered the ivory collection more profitable." + +"Of course you forged the letter stating that Jacob Winters had been +buried at sea," Penny mentioned. + +With a nod of his head, the man acknowledged the charge. It was +Christopher Nichols' turn to ask a question. Penny's letters had +mentioned the mysterious mansion ghost and he was deeply interested in +the subject. + +"I suppose you were the ghost, Max?" + +Jacob Winters answered for him. + +"I was the ghost. It was part of my joke to frighten the occupants of +this house. Not a very good joke, I'll admit." + +"And you were the one who put bats in my room," Mrs. Leeds accused. + +"Yes, and a garter snake in your bed which you never found." + +"Oh!" + +"Of course, Mr. Eckert, your ghostly pranks included playing the organ," +Penny smiled. "I suspected it when I learned Jacob Winters had been a +talented musician." + +"I built the pipe organ into the house before my wife died," Mr. Winters +explained. "I haven't used it a great deal in recent years." + +"You haven't told us about the tunnel," Rosanna reminded him. "How did +you happen to construct it?" + +"I didn't. The lower branch of the passage was an old mine tunnel. The +mine closed down forty years or so ago. The upper passage which connects +with the house was built by my grandfather. This house, you know, has +been in the Winters' family for generations. And I hope, upon my death, +that it will pass on to another by the same name." + +He looked significantly at Rosanna as he spoke. + +Before the conversation could be continued, the police car drove up to +the door. Max Laponi was loaded in and taken away. Mr. Nichols went with +the police, promising to return to the Winters' house as soon as he +could. + +After the commotion had subsided, Jacob Winters turned severely to Mrs. +Leeds. + +"As for you, madam, kindly pack your things and leave this house at once. +I never want to see you again." + +"But it isn't even daylight yet. Alicia, poor child, is sleeping----" + +"Wake her up. I'll give you just an hour to get out of the house." + +"You're a hard, cruel, old man!" Mrs. Leeds cried bitterly, but she +hurried up the stairs to obey his command. + +After the woman had disappeared, Rosanna picked up her sweater which she +had dropped on a chair. She turned toward the door. + +"Hold on there," Jacob called. "Where are you going?" + +"I was just leaving. You told Mrs. Leeds----" + +"Well, you're not Mrs. Leeds, are you?" the old man snapped. "If you're +willing, I want you to stay here." + +"You mean--indefinitely?" + +"Yes, if you think you could stand to live with me. I'm cross and I like +things done my own way, but if you could put up with me----" + +"If I could put up with you!" Rosanna ran to him and flung her arms about +him. "Why, I think you're a darling! I was afraid to tell you so for fear +you'd believe I was after your money." + +"Money! Fiddlesticks!" Jacob sniffed. He wiped a tear from his eye. "I'm +going to try to make up to you for all that you've missed." + +The two had a great deal to say to each other, but presently they +remembered Penny. She had been watching the little scene with eager +delight. + +"I'll never be able to thank you," Rosanna declared happily. "You're +responsible for everything, Penny." + +"I wish you'd permit me to reward you in a substantial way," Mr. Winters +added. + +Penny smilingly shook her head. "It was fun coming here to Raven Ridge. +But it would ruin everything if I accepted pay for it." + +"At least you'll stay a few days longer," Mr. Winters urged. + +"If Father will agree to it." + +When Mr. Nichols returned from police headquarters another pleasant +surprise was in store for Penny. + +"It looks as if you've won the reward which the Bresham Store offered for +the capture of Laponi," he told her. "Five hundred dollars." + +"Don't turn it down," Rosanna urged. + +"I won't," Penny laughed. "In fact, I know just how I'll use that money +when I get it." + +"How?" her father inquired. + +"I'll buy myself a new car." + +"I thought perhaps you'd use it to go into business in competition with +me," he teased. + +"Some day I'll solve a mystery which will be so big and important that +you'll not be able to twit me about it," Penny announced. + +"I wasn't really teasing, my dear. I think you did a fine bit of work +this time and I'm proud of you." + +"Honestly?" + +"Honestly," Mr. Nichols repeated, smiling broadly. "And I predict that +you're only starting on this career of crime detection which you find so +very thrilling." + +"I wish I could be sure of that," Penny sighed. + +With all her heart she longed for another adventure as exciting as the +one she had experienced. Although she had no way of knowing what the +future held, she was destined soon to have her wish gratified. In the +third volume of the Penny Nichols' series, entitled, "The Secret of the +Black Imp," she encounters a mystery more baffling than any she has +previously solved. + +After Mrs. Leeds and her daughter left the house, the others took Mr. +Nichols for a tour of the secret passageway. Jacob Winters explained in +detail how the panel operated and entertained them by playing several +selections on the pipe organ. + +"I love music," Rosanna remarked wistfully. "I've never even had an +opportunity to learn to play the piano." + +"You'll have it now," he assured her. + +Mr. Nichols remained during the day but late in the afternoon he was +forced to start for home as his work had been neglected. He was very +willing, however, that Penny should remain as long as she wished at the +old mansion. + +The days were all too short for the two girls who enjoyed rambling +through the woods, rowing and swimming in the lake, and exploring every +nook and cranny of the interesting old house. But at length the time came +when Penny too was obliged to depart. + +"Come back and see us often, won't you?" Rosanna urged as they parted. + +"Whenever I can," Penny promised. "I've had a glorious time." + +She drove away, but at the bend in the road halted the car to glance +back. The house, cloaked in the shadows of evening, looked nearly as +mysterious as upon the occasion of her first visit. However, to her it +would never again have a fearful aspect. + +Jacob Winters and his niece stood framed in the doorway. They waved. + +Penny returned the salute. Then regretfully she turned her back upon +Raven Ridge and drove slowly down the mountain road which led home. + + M. W. + + THE END + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the +Lost Key, by Joan Clark + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PENNY NICHOLS--MYSTERY OF LOST KEY *** + +***** This file should be named 34369.txt or 34369.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/3/6/34369/ + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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