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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/34552-8.txt b/34552-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2eae8ac --- /dev/null +++ b/34552-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6776 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Danger at the Drawbridge, by Mildred A. Wirt + +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: Danger at the Drawbridge + +Author: Mildred A. Wirt + +Release Date: December 3, 2010 [EBook #34552] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DANGER AT THE DRAWBRIDGE *** + + + + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + Danger + at the + Drawbridge + + + _By_ + MILDRED A. WIRT + + _Author of_ + MILDRED A. WIRT MYSTERY STORIES + TRAILER STORIES FOR GIRLS + + _Illustrated_ + + CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY + _Publishers_ + NEW YORK + + + + + _PENNY PARKER_ + MYSTERY STORIES + + _Large 12 mo. Cloth Illustrated_ + + + TALE OF THE WITCH DOLL + THE VANISHING HOUSEBOAT + DANGER AT THE DRAWBRIDGE + BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR + CLUE OF THE SILKEN LADDER + THE SECRET PACT + THE CLOCK STRIKES THIRTEEN + THE WISHING WELL + SABOTEURS ON THE RIVER + GHOST BEYOND THE GATE + HOOFBEATS ON THE TURNPIKE + VOICE FROM THE CAVE + GUILT OF THE BRASS THIEVES + SIGNAL IN THE DARK + WHISPERING WALLS + SWAMP ISLAND + THE CRY AT MIDNIGHT + + + COPYRIGHT, 1940, BY CUPPLES AND LEON CO. + + Danger at the Drawbridge + + PRINTED IN U. S. A. + + + + + CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER PAGE + 1 AN ASSIGNMENT FOR PENNY _1_ + 2 REPORTERS NOT WANTED _9_ + 3 GIFT TO THE BRIDE _19_ + 4 BEHIND THE BUSHES _28_ + 5 THE MISSING BRIDEGROOM _35_ + 6 A RING OF WHITE GOLD _45_ + 7 THE FORBIDDEN POOL _54_ + 8 PARENTAL PROTEST _63_ + 9 A SOCIETY BAZAAR _72_ + 10 A THROWN STONE _79_ + 11 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS _88_ + 12 FISHERMAN'S LUCK _96_ + 13 TWO MEN AND A BOAT _105_ + 14 THE STONE TOWER _113_ + 15 A CAMEO PIN _122_ + 16 GATHERING CLUES _129_ + 17 A SEARCH FOR JERRY _140_ + 18 OVER THE DRAWBRIDGE _149_ + 19 A DARING RESCUE _158_ + 20 AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW _164_ + 21 THE WHITE CRUISER _171_ + 22 TRAPPED IN THE CABIN _177_ + 23 AT THE HIDE-OUT _184_ + 24 SECRET OF THE LILY POOL _192_ + 25 VICTORY FOR PENNY _203_ + + + + + CHAPTER + 1 + _AN ASSIGNMENT FOR PENNY_ + + +Penny Parker, leaning indolently against the edge of the kitchen table, +watched Mrs. Weems stem strawberries into a bright green bowl. + +"Tempting bait for Dad's jaded appetite," she remarked, helping herself +to the largest berry in the dish. "If he can't eat them, I can." + +"I do wish you'd leave those berries alone," the housekeeper protested in +an exasperated tone. "They haven't been washed yet." + +"Oh, I don't mind a few germs," laughed Penny. "I just toss them off like +a duck shedding water. Shall I take the breakfast tray up to Dad?" + +"Yes, I wish you would, Penny," sighed Mrs. Weems. "I'm right tired on my +feet this morning. Hot weather always did wear me down." + +She washed the berries and then offered the tray of food to Penny who +started with it toward the kitchen vestibule. + +"Now where are you going, Penelope Parker?" Mrs. Weems demanded +suspiciously. + +"Oh, just to the automatic lift." Penny's blue eyes were round with +innocence. + +"Don't you dare try to ride in that contraption again!" scolded the +housekeeper. "It was never built to carry human freight." + +"I'm not exactly freight," Penny said with an injured sniff. "It's strong +enough to carry me. I know because I tried it last week." + +"You walk up the stairs like a lady or I'll take the tray myself," Mrs. +Weems threatened. "I declare, I don't know when you'll grow up." + +"Oh, all right," grumbled Penny good-naturedly. "But I do maintain it's a +shameful waste of energy." + +Balancing the tray precariously on the palm of her hand she tripped +lightly up the stairway and tapped on the door of her father's bedroom. + +"Come in," he called in a muffled voice. + +Anthony Parker, editor and owner of the _Riverview Star_ sat propped up +with pillows, reading a day-old edition of the newspaper. + +"'Morning, Dad," said Penny cheerfully. "How is our invalid today?" + +"I'm no more an invalid than you are," returned Mr. Parker testily. "If +that old quack, Doctor Horn, doesn't let me out of bed today--" + +"You'll simply explode, won't you, Dad?" Penny finished mischievously. +"Here, drink your coffee and you'll feel less like a stick of dynamite." + +Mr. Parker tossed the newspaper aside and made a place on his knees for +the breakfast tray. + +"Did I hear an argument between you and Mrs. Weems?" he asked curiously. + +"No argument, Dad. I just wanted to ride up in style on the lift. Mrs. +Weems thought it wasn't a civilized way to travel." + +"I should think not." The corners of Mr. Parker's mouth twitched slightly +as he poured coffee from the silver pot. "That lift was built to carry +breakfast trays, but not in combination with athletic young ladies." + +"What a bore, this business of growing up," sighed Penny. "You can't be +natural at all." + +"You seem to manage rather well with all the restrictions," her father +remarked dryly. + +Penny twisted her neck to gaze at her reflection in the dresser mirror +beyond the footboard of the big mahogany bed. + +"I won't mind growing up if only I'm able to develop plenty of glamour," +she said speculatively. "Am I getting any better looking, Dad?" + +"Not that I've noticed," replied Mr. Parker gruffly, but his gaze +lingered affectionately upon his daughter's golden hair. She really was +growing prettier each day and looked more like her mother who had died +when Penny was a little girl. He had spoiled her, of course, for she was +an only child, but he was proud because he had taught her to think +straight. She was deeply loyal and affectionate and those who loved her +overlooked her casual ways and flippant speech. + +"What happened to the paper boy this morning?" Mr. Parker asked between +bites of buttered toast. + +"It isn't time for him yet, Dad," said Penny demurely. "You always expect +him at least an hour early." + +"First edition's been off the press a good half hour," grumbled the +newspaper owner. "When I get back to the _Star_ office, I'll see that +deliveries are speeded up. Just wait until I talk with Roberts!" + +"Haven't you been doing a pretty strenuous job of running the paper right +from your bed?" inquired Penny as she refilled her father's cup. +"Sometimes when you talk with that poor circulation manager I think the +telephone wires will burn off." + +"So I'm a tyrant, am I?" + +"Oh, everyone knows your bark is worse than your bite, Dad. But you've +certainly not been at your best the last few days." + +Mr. Parker's eyes roved about the luxuriously furnished bedroom. Tinted +walls, chintz draperies, the rich, deep rug, were completely lost upon +him. "This place is a prison," he grumbled. + +For nearly a week the household had been thrown completely out of its +usual routine by the editor's illness. Overwork combined with an attack +of influenza had sent him to bed, there to remain until he should be +released by a doctor's order. With a telephone at his elbow, Mr. Parker +had kept in close touch with the staff of the _Riverview Star_ but he +fretted at confinement. + +"I can't half look after things," he complained. "And now Miss Hilderman, +the society editor, is sick. I don't know how we'll get a good story on +the Kippenberg wedding." + +Penny looked up quickly. "Miss Hilderman is ill?" + +"Yes, DeWitt, the city editor, telephoned me a few minutes ago. She +wasn't able to show up for work this morning." + +"I really don't see why he should bother you about that, Dad. Can't Miss +Hilderman's assistant take over the duties?" + +"The routine work, yes, but I don't care to trust her with the Kippenberg +story." + +"Is it something extra special, Dad?" + +"Surely, you've heard of Mrs. Clayton Kippenberg?" + +"The name is familiar but I can't seem to recall--" + +"Clayton Kippenberg made a mint of money in the chain drug business. No +one ever knew exactly the extent of his fortune. He built an elaborate +estate about a hundred and twenty-five miles from here, familiarly called +_The Castle_ because of its resemblance to an ancient feudal castle. The +estate is cut off from the mainland on three sides and may be reached +either by boat or by means of a picturesque drawbridge." + +"Sounds interesting," commented Penny. + +"I never saw the place myself. In fact, Kippenberg never allowed +outsiders to visit the estate. Less than a year ago a rumor floated +around that he had separated from his wife. There also was considerable +talk that he had disappeared because of difficulties with the government +over income tax evasion and wished to escape arrest. At any rate, he +faded out of the picture while his wife remained in possession of _The +Castle_." + +"And now she is marrying again?" + +"No, it is Mrs. Kippenberg's daughter, Sylvia, who is to be married. The +bridegroom, Grant Atherwald, comes from a very old and distinguished +family." + +"I don't see why the story should be so difficult to cover." + +"Mrs. Kippenberg has ruled that no reporters or photographers will be +allowed on the estate," explained Mr. Parker. + +"That does complicate the situation." + +"Yes, it may not be easy to persuade Mrs. Kippenberg to change her mind. +I rather doubt that our assistant society editor has the ingenuity to +handle the story." + +"Then why don't you send one of the regular reporters? Jerry Livingston, +for instance?" + +"Jerry couldn't tell a tulle wedding veil from one of crinoline. Nor +could any other man on the staff." + +"I could get that story for you," Penny said suddenly. "Why don't you try +me?" + +Mr. Parker gazed at his daughter speculatively. + +"Do you really think you could?" + +"Of course." Penny spoke with assurance. "Didn't I bring in two perfectly +good scoops for your old sheet?" + +"You certainly did. Your Vanishing Houseboat yarn was one of the best +stories we've published in a year of Sundays. And the town is still +talking about Tale of the Witch Doll." + +"After what I went through to get those stories, a mere wedding would be +child's play." + +"Don't be too confident," warned Mr. Parker. "If Mrs. Kippenberg doesn't +alter her decision about reporters, the story may be impossible to get." + +"May I try?" Penny asked eagerly. + +Mr. Parker frowned. "Well, I don't know. I hate to send you so far, and +then I have a feeling--" + +"Yes, Dad?" + +"I can't put my thoughts into words. It's just that my newspaper instinct +tells me this story may develop into something big. Kippenberg's +disappearance never was fully explained and his wife refused to discuss +the affair with reporters." + +"Kippenberg might be at the wedding," said Penny, thinking aloud. "If he +were a normal father he would wish to see his daughter married." + +"You follow my line of thought, Penny. When you're at the estate--if you +get in--keep your eyes and ears open." + +"Then you'll let me cover the story?" Penny cried in delight. + +"Yes, I'll telephone the office now and arrange for a photographer to go +with you." + +"Tell them to send Salt Sommers," Penny suggested quickly. "He doesn't +act as know-it-all as some of the other lads." + +"I had Sommers in mind," her father nodded as he reached for the +telephone. + +"And I have a lot more than Salt Sommers in _my_ mind," laughed Penny. + +"Meaning?" + +"Another big story, Dad! A scoop for the _Star_ and this for you." + +Penny implanted a kiss on her father's cheek and skipped joyously from +the room. + + + + + CHAPTER + 2 + _REPORTERS NOT WANTED_ + + +In the editorial room of the _Riverview Star_ heads turned and eyebrows +lifted as Penny, decked in her best silk dress and white picture hat, +clicked her high-heeled slippers across the bare floor. Jerry Livingston, +reporter, stopped pecking at his typewriter and stared in undisguised +admiration. + +"Well, if it isn't our Bright Penny," he bantered. "Didn't recognize you +for a minute in all those glad rags." + +"These are my work clothes," replied Penny. "I'm covering the Kippenberg +wedding." + +Jerry pushed his hat farther back on his head and grinned. + +"Tough assignment. From what I hear of the Kippenberg family, you'll be +lucky if they don't throw the wedding cake at you." + +Penny laughed and went on, winding her way through a barricade of desks +to the office of the society editor. Miss Arnold, the assistant, was +talking over the telephone, but in a moment she finished and turned to +face the girl. + +"Good morning, Miss Parker," she said stiffly. An edge to her voice told +Penny more clearly than words that the young woman was nettled because +she had not been trusted with the story. + +"Good morning," replied Penny politely. "Dad said you would be able to +give me helpful suggestions about covering the Kippenberg wedding." + +"There's not much I can tell you, really. The ceremony is to take place +at two o'clock in the garden, so you'll have ample time to reach the +estate. If you get in--" Miss Arnold placed an unpleasant emphasis upon +the words--"take notes on Miss Kippenberg's gown, the flowers, the +decorations, the names of her attendants. Try to keep your facts +straight. Nothing infuriates a bride more than to read in the paper that +she carried a bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley and roses while actually it +was a bouquet of some other flower." + +"I'll try not to infuriate Miss Kippenberg," promised Penny. + +Miss Arnold glanced quickly at her but the girl's face was perfectly +serene. + +"That's all I can tell you, Miss Parker," she said shortly. "Bring in at +least a column. For some reason the city editor rates the wedding an +important story." + +"I'll do my best," responded Penny, and arose. + +Salt Sommers was waiting for her when she came out of the office. He was +a tall, spare young man, with a deep scar down his left cheek. He talked +nearly as fast as he walked. + +"If you're all set, let's go," he said. + +Penny found herself three paces behind but she caught up with the +photographer as he waited for the elevator. + +"I'm taking Minny along," Salt volunteered, holding his finger steadily +on the signal bell. "May come in handy." + +"Minny?" asked Penny, puzzled. + +"Miniature camera. You can't always use the Model X." + +"Oh," murmured Penny. Deeply embarrassed, she remained silent as the +elevator shot them down to the ground floor. + +Salt loaded his photographic equipment into a battered press car which +was parked near the loading dock at the rear of the building. He slid in +behind the wheel and then as an afterthought swung open the car door for +Penny. + +Salt seemed to know the way to the Kippenberg estate. They shot through +Riverview traffic, shaving red lights and tooting derisively at slow +drivers. In open country he pressed the accelerator down to the floor and +the car roared down the road, only slackening speed as it raced through a +town. + +"How do you travel when you're in a hurry?" Penny gasped, clinging to her +flopping hat. + +Salt grinned and lifted his foot from the gasoline pedal. + +"Sorry," he said. "I get in the habit of driving fast. We have plenty of +time." + +As they rode, Penny gathered scraps of information. The Kippenberg estate +was located six miles from the town of Corbin and was cut off from the +mainland on three sides by the joining of two wide rivers, one with a +direct outlet to the ocean. Salt did not know when the house had been +built but it was considered one of the show places of the locality. + +"Do you think we'll have much trouble getting our story?" Penny asked +anxiously. + +"All depends," Salt answered briefly. He slammed on the brake so suddenly +that Penny was flung forward in the seat. + +Another car coming from the opposite direction had pulled up at the side +of the road. Penny did not recognize the three men who were crowded into +the front seat, but the printed placard, _Ledger_ which was pasted on the +windshield told her they represented a rival newspaper in Riverview. + +"What luck, Les?" Salt called, craning his neck out the car window. + +"You may as well turn around and go back," came the disgusted reply. "The +old lady won't let a reporter or a photographer on the estate. She has a +guard stationed on the drawbridge to see that you don't get past." + +The car drove on toward Riverview. Salt sat staring down the road, +drumming his fingers thoughtfully on the steering wheel. + +"Looks like we're up against a tough assignment," he said. "If Les can't +get in--" + +"I'm not going back without at least an attempt," announced Penny firmly. + +"That's the spirit!" Salt cried with sudden approval. "We'll get on the +estate somehow if we have to swim over." + +He jerked the press card from the windshield, and reaching into the back +seat of the car, covered the Model X camera with an old gunny sack. The +miniature camera he placed in his coat pocket. + +"No use advertising our profession too early in the game," he remarked. + +Twelve-thirty found Penny and Salt in the sleepy little town of Corbin. +Fortifying themselves with a lunch of hot dog sandwiches and pop, they +followed a winding, dusty highway toward the Kippenberg estate. + +Presently, through the trees, marking the end of the road, an iron +drawbridge loomed up. It stood in open position so that boats might pass +on the river below. A wooden barrier had been erected across the front of +the structure which bore a large painted sign. Penny read the words +aloud. + + "'DANGEROUS DRAWBRIDGE--KEEP OFF.'" + +Salt drew up at the side of the road. "Looks as if this is as far as +we're going," he said in disgust. "There's no other road to the estate. +I'll bet that 'dangerous drawbridge' business is just a dodge to keep +undesirables away from the place until after the wedding." + +Penny nodded gloomily. Then she brightened as she noticed an old man who +obviously was an estate guard standing at the entrance to the bridge. He +stared toward the old car as if trying to ascertain whether or not the +occupants were expected guests. + +"I'm going over to talk with him," Penny said. + +"Pretend that you're a guest," suggested Salt. "You look the part in that +fancy outfit of yours." + +Penny walked leisurely toward the drawbridge. Appraisingly, she studied +the old man who leaned comfortably against the gearhouse. A dilapidated +hat pulled low over his shaggy brows seemed in keeping with the rest of +his wardrobe--a blue work shirt and a pair of grease-smudged overalls. A +charred corn-cob pipe, thrust at an angle between his lips, provided sure +protection against the mosquitoes swarming up from the river below. + +"Good afternoon," began Penny pleasantly. "My friend and I are looking +for the Kippenberg estate. We were told at Corbin to take this road but +we seem to have made a mistake." + +"You ain't made no mistake, Miss," the old man replied. + +"Then is the estate across the river?" + +"That's right, Miss." + +"But how are guests to reach the place? I see the sign says the bridge is +out of commission. Are we supposed to swim over?" + +"Not if you don't want to," the old man answered evenly. "Mrs. Kippenberg +has a launch that takes the folks back and forth. It's on the other side +now but will be back in no time at all." + +"I'll wait in the car out of the hot sun," Penny said. She started away, +then paused to inquire casually: "Is this drawbridge really out of +order?" + +The old man was deliberate in his reply. He blew a ring of smoke into the +air, watched it hover like a floating skein of wool and finally +disintegrate as if plucked to pieces by an unseen hand. + +"Well, yes, and no," he said. "It ain't exactly sick but she sure is +ailin'. I wouldn't trust no heavy contraption on this bridge." + +"Condemned by the state, I suppose?" + +"No, Miss, and I'll tell you why. This here bridge doesn't belong to the +state. It's a private bridge on a private road." + +"Odd that Mrs. Kippenberg never had it repaired," Penny remarked. "It +must be annoying." + +"It is to all them that don't like launches. As for Mrs. Kippenberg, she +don't mind. Fact is, she ain't much afraid of the bridge. She drives her +car across whenever she takes the notion." + +"Then the bridge does operate!" Penny exclaimed. + +"Sure it does. That's my job, to raise and lower it whenever the owner +says the word. But the bridge ain't fit for delivery trucks and +such-like. One of them big babies would crack through like goin' over +sponge ice." + +"Well, I rather envy your employer," said Penny lightly. "It isn't every +lady who has her own private drawbridge." + +"She is kind of exclusive-like that way, Miss. Mrs. Kippenberg she keeps +the drawbridge up so she'll have more privacy. And I ain't blamin' her. +These here newspaper reporters always is a-pesterin' the life out of +her." + +Penny nodded sympathetically and walked back to make her report to Salt. + +"No luck?" he demanded. + +"Guess twice," she laughed. "The old bridgeman just took it for granted I +was one of the wedding guests. It will be all right for us to go over in +the guest launch as soon as it arrives." + +Salt gazed ruefully at his clothes. + +"I don't look much like a guest. Think I'll pass inspection?" + +"Maybe you could get by as one of the poor relations," grinned Penny. +"Pull your hat down and straighten your tie." + +Salt shook his head. "A business suit with a grease spot on the vest +isn't the correct dress for a formal wedding. You might get by but I +won't." + +"Then should I try it alone?" + +"I'll have to get those pictures somehow," stated Salt grimly. + +"Maybe we could hire a boat of our own," Penny suggested. "Of course it +wouldn't look as well as if we arrived on the guest launch." + +"Let's see what we can line up," Salt said, swinging open the car door. + +They walked to the river's edge and looked in both directions. There were +no small boats to be seen. The only available craft was a large motor +boat which came slowly downstream toward the open drawbridge. Penny +caught a glimpse of the pilot, a burly man with a red, puffy face. + +Salt slid down the bank toward the water's edge, and hailed the boat. + +"Hey, you, Cap'n!" he called. "Two bucks to take me across the river." + +The man inclined his head, looked steadily at Salt for an instant, then +deliberately turned his back. + +"Five!" shouted Salt. + +The pilot gave no sign that he had heard. Instead, he speeded up the boat +which passed beneath the drawbridge and went on down the river. + + + + + CHAPTER + 3 + _GIFT TO THE BRIDE_ + + +"Perhaps he didn't hear you," said Penny, peering after the retreating +boat. + +"He heard me all right," growled Salt as he scrambled back up the high +bank. + +Noticing a small boy in dirty overalls who sat at the water's edge +fishing, he called to him: "Say, sonny, who was that fellow, do you +know?" + +"Nope," answered the boy, barely turning his head, "but his boat has been +going up and down the river all morning. That's why I can't catch +anything." + +The boat rounded a bend of the river and was lost to view. Only one other +craft appeared on the water, a freshly painted white motor launch which +could be seen coming from the far shore. + +"That must be the guest boat now," remarked Penny, shading her eyes +against the glare of the sun. "It seems to be our only hope." + +"Let's try to get aboard and see what happens," proposed the +photographer. + +They walked leisurely back toward the guard at the drawbridge, timing +their arrival just as the launch swung up to the landing. With a cool +assurance which Penny tried to duplicate, Salt stepped aboard, nodded +indifferently to the wheelsman, and slumped down in one of the leather +seats. + +Penny waited uneasily for embarrassing questions which did not come. +Gradually she relaxed as the boatman took no interest in them and the +guard's attention was fully occupied with other cars which had driven up +to the drawbridge. + +A few minutes later, two elderly women, both elegantly gowned, were +helped aboard the boat by their chauffeur. One of the women stared +disapprovingly at Salt through her lorgnette and then ignored him. + +"We'll get by all right," Salt whispered confidently. + +"Wait until Mrs. Kippenberg sees us," warned Penny. + +"Oh, we'll keep out of her way until we have our story and plenty of +pictures. Once we're across the river it will be easy." + +"I hope you're right," muttered Penny. + +While Salt's task of taking pictures might prove relatively simple, she +realized that her own work would be anything but easy. She could not hope +to gather many facts without talking to a member of the family, and the +instant she admitted her identity she likely would be ejected from the +grounds. + +"I boasted I'd bring in a front page story," she thought ruefully. "I'll +be lucky if I get a column of routine stuff." + +The boat was moving slowly away from the landing when the guard at the +drawbridge called in a loud voice: "Hold it, Joe!" + +Penny and Salt stiffened in their chairs, fearing they were to be +exposed. But they were both greatly relieved to see that a long, black +limousine had drawn up at the end of the road. The launch had been +stopped so that additional passengers might be accommodated. + +Salt nudged Penny's elbow. + +"Grant Atherwald," he contributed, jerking his head toward a tall, +well-built young man who had stepped from the car. "I've seen his picture +plenty of times." + +"The bridegroom?" Penny turned to stare. + +"Sure. He's one of the blue-bloods, but they say he's a little short on +ready cash." + +The young man, dressed immaculately in formal day attire, and accompanied +by two other men, came aboard the launch. He bowed politely to the +elderly women and his gaze fell questioningly upon Penny and Salt. But if +he wondered why they were there, he did not voice his thought. + +As the boat put out across the river Penny watched Grant Atherwald +curiously. It seemed to her that he appeared nervous and preoccupied. He +stared straight before him, clenching and unclenching his hands. His face +was colorless and drawn. + +"He's nervous and worried," thought Penny. "I guess all bridegrooms are +like that." + +A sharp "click" sounded in her ear. Penny did not turn toward Salt, but +she caught her breath, knowing what he had done. He had dared to take a +picture of Grant Atherwald! + +She waited, feeling certain that the sound must have been heard by +everyone in the boat. A full minute elapsed and no one spoke. When Penny +finally glanced at Salt he was gazing serenely out across the muddy +water, his miniature camera shielded behind a felt hat which he held on +his knees. + +The boat docked. Salt and Penny allowed the others to go ashore first, +and then followed a narrow walk which wound through a deep lane of +evergreen trees. + +"Salt," Penny asked abruptly, "how did you get that picture of +Atherwald?" + +"Snapped it through a hole in the crown of my hat. It's an old trick. I +always wear this special hat when I'm sent out on a hard assignment." + +"I thought a cannon had gone off when the shutter clicked," Penny +laughed. "We were lucky you weren't caught." + +Emerging from behind the trees, they obtained their first view of the +Kippenberg house. Sturdily built of brick and stone, it stood upon a +slight hill, its many turrets and towers commanding a view of the two +rivers. + +"Nice layout," Salt commented, pausing to snap a second picture. "Wish +someone would give me a castle for a playhouse." + +They crossed the moat and found themselves directly behind Grant +Atherwald again. Before the bridegroom could enter the house a servant +stepped forward and handed him a sealed envelope. + +"I was told to give this to you as soon as you arrived, sir," he said. + +Grant Atherwald nodded, and taking the letter, quickly opened it. A +troubled expression came over his face as he scanned the message. Without +a word he thrust the paper into his pocket. Turning, he walked swiftly +toward the garden. + +"Salt, did you notice how queerly Atherwald looked--" Penny began, but +the photographer interrupted her. + +"Listen," he said, "we haven't a Chinaman's chance of getting in the +front door. That boy in the fancy knickers is giving everyone the once +over. Let's try a side entrance." + +Without attracting attention they walked quickly around the house and +located a door where no servant had been posted. Entering, they passed +through a marble-floored vestibule into a breakfast room crowded with +serving tables. Salt nonchalantly helped himself to an olive from one of +the large glass dishes and led Penny on toward the main hall where many +of the guests had gathered to admire the wedding gifts. + +"Now don't swipe any of the silver," Salt said jokingly. "I think that +fellow over by the stairway is a private detective." + +"He seems to be looking at us with a suspicious gleam in his eyes," Penny +replied. "I hope we don't get tossed out of here." + +"We'll be all right if Mrs. Kippenberg doesn't see us before the +ceremony." + +"Do you suppose Mr. Kippenberg could be here, Salt?" + +"Not likely. It's my guess that fellow will never be seen again." + +"Dad doesn't share your opinion." + +"I know," Salt admitted. "We'll keep watch for him, but it would just be +a lucky break if it turns out he's here." + +Mingling with the guests, they walked slowly about a long table where the +wedding gifts were displayed. Penny gazed curiously at dishes of solid +silver, crystal bowls, candlesticks, jade ornaments, tea sets and service +plates encrusted with gold. + +"Nothing trashy here," muttered Salt. + +"I've never seen such an elegant display," Penny whispered in awe. "Do +you suppose that picture is one of the gifts?" + +She indicated an oil painting which stood on an easel not far from the +table. So many guests had gathered about the picture that she could not +see it distinctly. But at her elbow, a woman in rustling silk, said to a +companion: + +"My dear, a genuine Van Gogh! It must have cost a small fortune!" + +When the couple had moved aside, Penny and Salt drew closer to the easel. +One glance assured them that the painting had been executed by a master. +However, it was the subject of the picture which gave Penny a distinct +start. + +"Will you look at that!" she whispered to Salt. + +"What about it?" he asked carelessly. + +"Don't you notice anything significant?" + +"Can't say I do. It's just a nice picture of a drawbridge." + +"That's just the point, Salt!" Penny's eyes danced with excitement. "A +drawbridge!" + +The photographer glanced again at the painting, this time with deeper +interest. + +"Say, it looks a lot like the bridge which was built over the river," he +observed. "You think this picture is a copy of it?" + +Penny shook her head impatiently. "Salt, your knowledge of art is +dreadful. This Van Gogh was painted ages ago and is priceless. Don't you +see, the drawbridge has to be a copy of the picture?" + +"Your theory sounds reasonable," Salt admitted. "I wonder who gave the +painting to the bride? There's no name attached." + +"Can't you guess why?" + +"I never was good at kid games." + +"Why, it's clear as crystal," Penny declared, keeping her voice low. +"This estate with the drawbridge was built by Clayton Kippenberg. He must +have been familiar with the Van Gogh painting, and had the real bridge +modeled after the picture. For that matter, the painting may have been in +his possession--" + +"Then you think the picture was presented to Sylvia Kippenberg by her +father?" Salt broke in quickly. + +"Yes, I do. Only a person very close to the bride would have given such a +gift." + +"H-m," said Salt, squinting at the picture thoughtfully. "If you're right +it means that Clayton Kippenberg's whereabouts must be known to his +family. His disappearance may not be such a deep mystery to Mamma +Kippenberg and daughter Sylvia." + +"Oh, Salt, wouldn't it make a grand story if only we could learn what +became of him?" + +"Sure. Front page stuff." + +"We simply must get the story somehow! If Mrs. Kippenberg would just +answer our questions about this drawbridge painting--" + +"I'm afraid Mamma Kippenberg isn't going to break down and tell all," +Salt said dryly. "But buckle on your steel armor, little girl, because +here she comes now!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 4 + _BEHIND THE BUSHES_ + + +A large, middle-aged woman in rose-colored silk, crossed the room +directly toward Salt and Penny. Her pale blue eyes glinted with anger and +there were hard lines about her mouth. She walked haughtily, but with +grim purpose. + +"Unless we do some fast talking, out we go!" muttered Salt. "It's Mrs. +Kippenberg, all right." + +They stood their ground, knowing they had been recognized as intruders. +But before the woman could reach them she was stopped by a servant who +spoke a few words in a low tone. For a moment Mrs. Kippenberg forgot +about Penny and Salt as a new problem presented itself. + +"I can't talk with anyone now," she said in an agitated voice. "Tell them +to come back later." + +"They insist upon talking with you now, Madam," replied the servant. +"Unless you see them they say they will look around for themselves." + +"Oh!" Mrs. Kippenberg drew herself up sharply as if from a physical blow. +"Where are they now?" + +"In the library, Madam." + +Penny did not hear the woman's reply, but she turned and followed the +servant. + +"Saved by the bell," mumbled Salt. "Now let's get away from here before +she comes back." + +They pushed through the throng and reached a long hallway. Mrs. +Kippenberg had disappeared, but as they drew near an open door they +caught sight of her again. She stood just inside the library, her back +toward them, talking with two men who wore plain gray business suits. + +Penny half drew back, fearing discovery, but Salt pulled her along. As +they went quietly past the door they heard Mrs. Kippenberg say in an +excited voice: + +"No, no, I tell you he isn't here! Why should I try to deceive you? We +have nothing to hide. You are most inconsiderate to annoy me at such a +time!" + +Penny and Salt did not hear the reply. They reached an outside door and +stepped down on a flagstone terrace which overlooked the garden at the +rear of the grounds. + +"Who were those men, do you suppose?" Penny whispered, fearful that her +voice might betray them. + +"Officers of the law, I should guess," Salt replied in an undertone. + +"Government men?" + +"Likely as not. I don't believe the locals would bother her. Anyway she's +got the wind up and you can tell she's scared silly in spite of all her +back talk." + +"You know what I think they're after?" Penny said thoughtfully. + +"Well, if I had just one guess," Salt replied, "I'd say they are after +Mr. Kippenberg." + +"I agree with you there." + +"Sure, why else would they come sleuthing around at a time like this? The +answer is simple. Daughter gets married. Papa wants to see his darling do +it. Therefore, boys, we'll spread a net for Daddy and he might plump +right into it." + +"So that's the way a G man's mind works?" laughed Penny. + +"But I would take it that Kippenberg is no fool," Salt went on. "If they +really have a 'man wanted' sign hung on him he would be too cagey to come +around here today." + +They were standing beside the stone balustrade which bounded the terrace. +Below them the green foliage of the gardens formed a dark background for +the playing fountains. A cool breeze drifted in from the river and +rattled a window awning just over their heads. + +"We're in an exposed place here," observed Salt uneasily. "Maybe we ought +to find a hole somewhere." + +"We'll never learn anything in a hole," Penny objected. "In fact, we're +not making much progress in running down any sort of story. I do wish we +could have heard more of that conversation." + +"And get thrown out on our collective ear before we even have a chance to +snap a picture of the blushing bride!" + +"Pictures! Pictures!" exclaimed Penny. "That's all you photographers +think about. How about poor little me and my story? After all, you can't +bring out a paper full of nothing but pictures and cigarette ads. You +need a little news to go with it." + +"You like to work too fast," complained Salt. "Right now the thing to do +is to keep out of sight. I'm telling you the minute Mrs. Kippy finishes +with those men she'll be gunning for us." + +"Then I suppose we'll have to go into hiding." + +"First, let's mosey out into the rose garden," Salt proposed. "I'll take +a few shots and then we'll duck under somewhere and wait until the +ceremony starts." + +"That's all very well for you," grumbled Penny, "but I can't write much +of a story without talking to some member of the family." + +Salt started off across the velvety green lawn toward the rose arbor +where the service was to be held. Penny followed reluctantly. She watched +the photographer take several pictures before a servant approached him. + +"I beg your pardon," the man said coldly, "but Mrs. Kippenberg gave +orders no pictures were to be taken. If you are from one of the papers--" + +"Oh, I saw her in the house just a minute ago," Salt replied carelessly. + +"Sorry, sir," the servant apologized, retreating. + +Salt finished taking the pictures and slipped the miniature camera back +into his pocket. + +"Now let's amble down toward the river and wait," he said to Penny. +"We'll blossom forth just as the ceremony starts. Mrs. Kippy won't dare +interrupt it to have us thrown off the grounds." + +They walked down a sloping path, past a glass-enclosed hothouse and on +toward a grove of giant oak and maple trees. + +"It's pleasant here when you're away from the crowd," Penny remarked, +gazing up at the leafy canopy. "I wonder where this path leads?" + +"Oh, down to the river probably. With water on three sides of us that's a +fairly safe guess." + +"Which rivers flow past the estate, Salt?" + +"The Big Bear and the Kobalt." + +"The same old muddy Kobalt which is near our town," said Penny in +surprise. "I'll always think of it as a river of adventure." + +"Because of Mud-Cat Joe and his Vanishing Houseboat?" + +Penny nodded and a dreamy look came into her eyes. "So much happened on +the Kobalt, Salt. Remember that big party Dad threw at the Comstock Inn?" + +"Do I? Jerry Livingston decided to sleep in Room Seven where so many +persons had disappeared." + +"And then he was spirited away almost before our very eyes," added Penny. +"Days later Mud-Cat Joe helped me fish him out of this same old Kobalt. +For awhile we didn't think he'd ever pull through or be able to tell what +had happened to him." + +"But as the grand finale you and your friend, Louise Sidell, solved the +mystery and secured a dandy story for the _Star_. Those were the days!" + +"You talk as if they were gone forever," laughed Penny. "Other good +stories will come along." + +"Maybe," said Salt, "but covering a wedding is pretty tame in +comparison." + +"Yet this one does have interesting angles," Penny insisted. "Can't you +almost feel mystery lurking about the place?" + +"No, but I do feel a mosquito sinking his stinger into me." Salt slapped +vigorously at his ankle. + +They followed the path on toward the river, coming soon to a trail which +branched off to the right. Across it had been stretched a wire barrier +and a neatly lettered sign read: + + NO ADMITTANCE BEYOND THIS POINT. + +"Why do you suppose the path is blocked off?" Penny speculated. + +"Let's find out," Salt suggested with a sudden flare of interest. "Maybe +we'll run into something worth a picture." + +Penny hesitated, not wishing to disregard the sign, yet eager to learn +what lay beyond the barrier. + +"Listen," said Salt, "just put your little conscience on ice. We're here +to get the 'who, when, why and where.' You'll never be a first class +newspaper reporter if you stifle your curiosity." + +"Lead on," laughed Penny. "I will follow. Only isn't it getting late?" + +Salt looked at his watch. "We still have a safe fifteen minutes." + +He started to step over the wire, only to have Penny reach out and grasp +his hand. + +"Wait!" she whispered. + +"What's the idea?" Salt turned toward her in astonishment. + +"I think someone is watching us! I'm sure I saw the bushes move." + +"Your nerves are jumpy," Salt jeered. "It's only the wind." + +Even as he spoke the foliage to the left moved ever so slightly and a +dark form could be seen creeping stealthily away along the ground. + + + + + CHAPTER + 5 + _THE MISSING BRIDEGROOM_ + + +Salt acted instinctively. Leaping over the wire barrier he dived into the +bushes. Hurling himself upon the man who crouched there, he pinned him to +the ground. The fellow gave a choked cry and tried to pull free. + +"Oh, no, you don't," Salt muttered, coolly sitting down on his stomach. +"Snooping, eh?" + +"You let me up!" the man cried savagely. "Let me up, I say!" + +"I'll let you up when you explain what you were doing here." + +"Why, you impudent young pup!" the man spluttered. "You're the one who +will explain. I am Mrs. Kippenberg's head gardener." + +Salt's hand fell from the old man's collar and he apologetically helped +him to his feet. Penny, who had reached the scene, stooped down and +recovered a trowel which had slipped from the gardener's grasp. + +"It was just a little mistake on my part," Salt mumbled. "I hope I didn't +hurt you." + +"No fault of yours you didn't," the old man snapped. "A fine howdydo when +a person can't even loosen earth around a shrub without being assaulted +by a ruffian!" + +The gardener was a short, stout man with graying hair. He wore coarse +garments, a loose fitting pair of trousers, a dark shirt and battered +felt hat. But Penny noticed that his hands and fingernails were clean and +there were no trowel marks around any of the shrubs. + +"Salt isn't exactly a ruffian," she said as the photographer offered no +defense. "After all, from where we stood it looked exactly as if you were +hiding in the bushes." + +"Then you both need glasses," the man retorted rudely. "A person can't +work without getting down on his hands and knees." + +"Where were you digging?" Penny asked innocently. + +"I was just starting in when this young upstart leaped on my back!" + +"Sorry," said Salt, "but I thought you were trying to get away." + +"Who are you anyway?" the gardener demanded bluntly. "You're not guests. +I can tell that." + +"You have a very discerning eye," replied Salt smoothly. "We're from the +_Riverview Star_." + +"Reporters, eh?" The old man scowled unpleasantly. "Then you've no +business being here at all. You're not wanted, so get out!" + +"We're only after a few facts about the wedding," Penny said. "Perhaps +you would be willing to tell me--" + +"I'll tell you nothing, Miss! If anything is given out to the papers it +will have to come from Mrs. Kippenberg." + +"Fair enough," Salt acknowledged. He glanced curiously down the path +which had been blocked off. "What's down there?" + +"Nothing." The gardener spoke irritably. "This part of the estate hasn't +been fixed up. That's why it's closed." + +Penny had bent down, pretending to examine a shrub at the edge of the +path. + +"What is the name of this bush?" she inquired casually. + +"An azalea," the gardener replied after a slight hesitation. "Now get out +of here, will you? I have my work to do." + +"Oh, all right," Salt rejoined as he and Penny moved away. "No need to +get so tough." + +They stepped over the barrier wire and retraced their way toward the +house. Several times Penny glanced back but she could not see the old +man. He had slipped away somewhere among the trees. + +"I don't believe that fellow was a gardener," she said suddenly. + +"What makes you think not?" + +"Didn't you notice his nice clean hands and fingernails? And then when I +asked him the name of that bush he hesitated and called it an azalea. I +saw another long botanical name attached to it." + +"Maybe he just made a mistake, or said the first thing that came into his +head. He wanted to get rid of us." + +"I know he did," nodded Penny. "Yet, when he found out we were from the +_Star_ he didn't threaten to report us to Mrs. Kippenberg." + +"That's so." + +"He was afraid to report us," Penny went on with conviction. "I'll bet a +cent he has no more right here than we have." + +Salt had lost all interest in the gardener. He glanced at his watch and +quickened his step. + +"Is it two o'clock yet?" Penny asked anxiously. + +"Just. After all the trouble we've had getting here we can't afford to +miss the big show." + +Emerging from the grove, Salt and Penny were relieved to see that the +ceremony had not yet started. The guests were gathered in the garden, the +minister stood waiting, musicians were in their places, but the bridal +party had not appeared. + +"We're just in time," Salt remarked. + +Penny observed Mrs. Kippenberg talking with one of the ushers. Even from +a distance it was apparent that the woman had lost her poise. Her hands +fluttered nervously as she conferred with the young man and a worried +frown puckered her eyebrows. + +"Something seems to be wrong," said Penny. "I wonder what is causing the +delay?" + +Before Salt could reply, the usher crossed the lawn, and came directly +toward them. Penny and Salt instantly were on guard, thinking that he had +been sent by Mrs. Kippenberg to eject them from the grounds. But although +the young man paused, he did not look squarely at them. + +"Have you seen Mr. Atherwald anywhere?" he questioned. + +"The bridegroom?" Salt asked in astonishment. "What's the matter? Is he +missing?" + +"Oh, no, sir," the young man returned stiffly. "Certainly not. He merely +went away for a moment." + +"Mr. Atherwald came over on the same boat with us," Penny volunteered. + +"And did you see him enter the house?" + +"No, he spoke to one of the servants and then went toward the garden." + +"Did you notice which path he took?" + +"I believe it was this one." + +"We've just come from down by the river," added Salt. "We didn't see him +there. The only person we met was an old gardener." + +The usher thanked them for the information and hurried on. When the man +was beyond hearing, Salt turned to Penny, saying jubilantly: + +"Say, maybe we'll get a big story after all! Sylvia Kippenberg jilted at +the altar! Hot stuff!" + +"Aren't you jumping to swift conclusions, Salt? He must be around here +somewhere." + +"It's always serious business when a man is late for his wedding. Even if +he does show up, daughter Sylvia may take offense and call the whole +thing off." + +"Oh, you're too hopeful," Penny laughed. "He'll probably be here in +another minute. I don't believe he would have come at all if he had +intended to slip away." + +"He may have lost his nerve at the last minute," Salt insisted. + +"Atherwald did act strangely on the boat," Penny said reflectively. "And +then that message he received--" + +"He may have sent it to himself." + +"As an excuse for getting away?" + +"Why not?" + +"I can't see any reason for going to so much unnecessary trouble," Penny +argued. "If he intended to jilt Miss Kippenberg how much easier it would +have been not to come here at all." + +"Well, let's see what we can learn," Salt suggested. + +Their interest steadily mounting, they went on toward the house and +stationed themselves where they could see advantageously. It was evident +by this time that the guests suspected something had gone amiss. +Significant glances were exchanged, a few persons looked at their +watches, and all eyes focused upon Mrs. Kippenberg who tried desperately +to carry off an embarrassing situation. + +Minutes passed. The crowd became increasingly restless. Finally, the +usher returned and spoke quietly to Mrs. Kippenberg. They both retired to +the house. + +"It looks as if there will be no wedding today," Salt declared. +"Atherwald hasn't been located." + +"I won't dare use the story unless I'm absolutely certain of my facts," +Penny said anxiously. + +"We'll get them, never fear." + +Mrs. Kippenberg and the usher had stepped into the breakfast room. +Posting Penny at the outside door, Salt followed the couple. From the +hallway he could hear their conversation distinctly. + +"But he must be somewhere on the grounds," the matron argued. + +"I can't understand it myself," the young man replied. "Grant's +disappearance is very mysterious to say the least. Several persons saw +him arrive here and everything seemed to be all right." + +"What time is it now?" + +"Two thirty-five, Mrs. Kippenberg." + +"So late? Oh, this is dreadful! How can I face them?" + +"I know just how you feel," the young man said with sympathy. "If you +wish I will explain to the guests." + +"No, no, this will disgrace us," Mrs. Kippenberg murmured. "Wait until I +have talked with Sylvia." + +She turned suddenly and reached the hall door before Salt could escape. +Her eyes blazed with wrath as she faced him. + +"So here you are!" she cried furiously. "How dare you disregard my +orders? I will have no reporters on the grounds!" + +"I'm only a photographer," Salt said meekly enough. "Sorry to intrude but +I've been assigned to get a picture of the bride. It won't take a +minute--" + +"Indeed it won't," Mrs. Kippenberg broke in, her voice rising higher. +"You'll take no pictures here. Not one! Now get out." + +"A picture might be better than a story that the bridegroom had skipped +out," Salt said persuasively. + +"Why, you--you!" Mrs. Kippenberg's face became fiery red. She choked as +she tried to speak. "Get out, I say!" + +Salt did not retreat. Instead he took his camera from his pocket. + +"Just one picture, Mrs. Kippenberg. At least of you." + +Realizing that the photographer meant to take it whether or not she gave +permission, the woman suddenly lost all control over her temper. + +"Don't you dare!" she cried furiously. "Don't you dare!" + +Whirling about, she seized an empty plate from the tall stack on the +serving table. + +"Hold that pose!" chortled Salt, goading her on. + +The woman hurled the plate straight at him. Salt gleefully snapped a +picture and dodged. The plate crashed into the wall behind him, +splintering into a half dozen pieces. + +"Swell action picture!" he grinned. + +"Don't you dare try to use it!" screamed Mrs. Kippenberg. "I'll telephone +your editor! I'll have you discharged!" + +"See here," offered the usher, taking out his wallet. "I'll give you ten +dollars for that picture." + +Salt shook his head, still smiling broadly. + +The sound of the crash had brought servants running to the scene. + +"Have this person ejected from the grounds," Mrs. Kippenberg ordered +harshly. "And see that he doesn't get back." + +Just outside the house, Penny huddled against the wall, trying to make +herself as inconspicuous as possible. She had heard everything. As Salt +backed out the door he did not glance at her but he muttered for her ears +alone: + +"You're on your own now, kid. I'll be waiting at the drawbridge." + +An instant later two servants seized him roughly by the arms and escorted +him down the walk to the boat landing. + + + + + CHAPTER + 6 + _A RING OF WHITE GOLD_ + + +Penny waited anxiously, but Mrs. Kippenberg did not come to the outside +door. Nor had it occurred to the two servants that the girl was connected +in any way with the photographer. + +"On my own," she repeated to herself. "On my own with a vengeance." + +Salt had his picture and it was up to her to get a good story. Until now +she had depended upon his guidance. With all support withdrawn she +suddenly felt uncertain and incompetent. + +Penny waited a few minutes before gathering sufficient courage to enter +the long hallway. One glance assured her that the breakfast room was +deserted. + +"Mrs. Kippenberg probably went upstairs to talk with her daughter," she +reasoned. "I'd like to hear what they say to each other." + +With the guests assembled in the garden, only a few persons lingered in +the house. No one paid heed to Penny as she moved noiselessly up the +spiral stairway. + +A bedroom door stood slightly ajar. Hearing a low murmur of voices, Penny +paused. Framed against the leaded windows she saw Sylvia Kippenberg +talking with her mother. Despite a tear-streaked face the girl was very +lovely. She wore a long flowing gown of white satin and the flowers at +the neckline were outlined with real pearls. Her net veil had been +discarded. A bouquet of flowers lay on the floor. + +"How could Grant do such a cruel thing?" Penny heard her sob. "I just +can't believe it of him, Mother. Surely he will come." + +Mrs. Kippenberg held the girl in her arms, trying to comfort her. + +"It is nearly three now, Sylvia. The servants have searched everywhere. A +man of his type isn't worthy of you." + +"But I love him, Mother. And I am sure he loves me. It doesn't seem +possible he would do such a thing without a word of explanation." + +"He will explain, never fear," Mrs. Kippenberg said grimly. "But now, we +must think what has to be done. The guests must be told." + +"Oh, Mother!" Sylvia went into another paroxysm of crying. + +"There is no other way, my dear. Leave everything to me." + +Before Penny realized that the interview had ended, Mrs. Kippenberg +stepped out into the hall. Her eyes focused hard upon the girl. + +"You are a reporter!" she accused harshly. "I remember, you were with +that photographer!" + +"Please--" began Penny. + +"I'll tell you nothing," the woman cried. "How dare you intrude in my +home and go about listening at bedroom doors!" + +"Mrs. Kippenberg, if only you will calm yourself, I may be able to help +you." + +"Help me?" the woman demanded. "What do you mean?" + +"I may be able to give you a clue as to what became of Grant Atherwald." + +The anger faded from Mrs. Kippenberg's face. She came close to Penny, +grasping her arm with a pressure which hurt. + +"You have seen him? Tell me!" + +"He came over in the same boat." + +"How long ago was that?" + +"Shortly after one o'clock. He was stopped at the front door by a servant +who handed him a note. Mr. Atherwald read it and walked down toward the +garden." + +"I wonder which one of the servants spoke to him? It was at the front +door, you say?" + +"Yes." + +"Then it must have been Gregg. I'll talk with him." + +Forgetting Penny, Mrs. Kippenberg hastened down the stairway. She jangled +a bell and asked that the manservant be sent to her. Unnoticed, Penny +lingered to hear the interview. + +The man came into the room. "You sent for me, Mrs. Kippenberg?" he +inquired. + +"Yes, Gregg. You were at the door when Mr. Atherwald arrived?" + +"I was, Madam." + +"I understand you handed him a note which he read." + +"Yes, Madam." + +"Who gave you the note?" + +"Mrs. Latch, the cook. She told me it was brought to the kitchen door +early this morning by a most disreputable looking boy." + +"He had been hired to deliver it for another person, I suppose?" + +"Yes, Madam. The boy told Mrs. Latch that the message came from a friend +of Mr. Atherwald's and should be given to him as soon as he arrived." + +"You have no idea what the note contained?" + +"No, Mrs. Kippenberg, the envelope was sealed." + +Sensing that when the interview ended Mrs. Kippenberg's wrath might again +descend upon her, Penny decided not to tempt fate. While the woman was +still talking with the servant, she slipped out of the house. + +"Atherwald might have had that note sent to himself, but I doubt it," she +told herself. "Either he is still on the estate, or the boatman would +have had to take him back across the river." + +She walked quickly down to the dock and was elated to find the guest +launch tied up there. The boatman answered her questions readily. He had +not seen Grant Atherwald since early in the afternoon. Salt was the only +person he had taken back across the river. + +"Have you noticed any other boat leaving the estate?" inquired Penny. + +"Boats have been going up and down the river all day," the man answered +with a shrug. "I didn't notice any particular one." + +Penny glanced across the water. She could see Salt perched on the +drawbridge waiting for her. But she was not yet ready to leave the +estate. + +Ignoring his shout to "come on," she turned and walked back toward the +house. Deliberately, she chose the same path which she and Salt had +followed earlier in the afternoon. + +A swift walk brought her to the forbidden trail with the barrier sign. +Penny glanced around to be certain she was not under observation. Then +she stepped boldly over the wire. + +Passing the place where she and Salt had talked with the gardener, she +noticed his trowel lying on the ground. There was no evidence that he had +done any work. + +However, all along the path flowering shrubs were well trimmed and +tended. + +"So this part of the estate isn't fixed up," Penny mused. "It's much +nicer than the other section in my opinion. I wonder why that gardener +told so many lies?" + +The path led deeper into the woods. Rustic benches invited one to linger, +but Penny walked rapidly onward. + +Unexpectedly, she came to a little clearing, and saw before her a large, +circular pool. From a gap in the trees, warm sunshine poured down upon +the bed of flowers which flanked the cement sides, making a circle of +brilliant color. + +"So this is where the path leads," thought Penny. "No mystery here after +all." + +She was at a loss to understand why this portion of the estate had been +closed to visitors for certainly it was the most beautiful part. Yet +there was a quality to the beauty which the girl did not like. + +As she stood staring at the pool, she was fully aware of an uneasy +feeling which had taken possession of her. It was almost as if she stood +in the presence of something sinister and unknown. The gentle rustling of +the tree leaves, the cool river air blowing against her cheek, only +served to heighten the feeling. + +She drew closer and peered down into the blue depths of the pool. She +could not see the bottom plainly for the water was choked with a tangle +of feathery plants. A few yellow lilies floated on the surface. + +Penny absently reached out to pluck one. But as the stem snapped off, she +gave a little scream and dropped the flower. She had seen a large, +shadowy form slithering through the water beneath her. + +Penny backed a step away from the pool. From among the lily pads an ugly +head emerged and a broad snout was raised above the surface for an +instant. Powerful jaws opened and closed, revealing jagged teeth set in +deep pits. + +"An alligator!" Penny exclaimed aloud. "Such a horrid, ugly creature! And +to think, I nearly put my hand in that water." + +She shivered and watched the movements of the alligator. Its head scooted +smoothly over the water for a short distance. Then with a swish of its +tail, the reptile submerged and the pool was as placid as before. + +"Eight feet long if it's an inch," estimated Penny. "Why would any person +in his right mind keep such a creature here? Why, it's dangerous." + +She felt enraged, thinking how close she had come to touching the +alligator. Yet justice compelled her to admit that she had only herself +to blame. Deliberately, she had disregarded the warning not to explore +the forbidden trail. + +"The Kippenbergs keep nice pets," she thought ironically. "If anyone fell +into that pool it would be just too bad." + +Now that her curiosity was satisfied, Penny had not the slightest desire +to linger near the lily pool. With another glance down into the murky +depths she turned away, but she had taken less than a dozen steps when +she paused. Her attention was held by a bright and shiny object which lay +in the dust at her feet. + +With a low cry of surprise she reached down and picked up a plain band of +white gold. Obviously, it was a wedding ring. + +"Now where did this come from?" Penny turned it over on the palm of her +hand. + +Startled thoughts leaped into her mind. She felt certain Grant Atherwald +had taken this same path earlier in the afternoon. It was logical to +believe that the ring had been his, intended for Sylvia Kippenberg. Had +he lost the band accidentally or deliberately thrown it away? + +Slowly, Penny's gaze roved to the lily pond. She noted that the coping +was so low that one who walked carelessly might easily stumble and fall +into the water. It made her shudder to think of such a gruesome +possibility, yet she could not avoid giving it consideration. For that +matter, Grant Atherwald might have been lured to this isolated spot. The +mysterious message-- + +Penny delved no deeper into the problem for suddenly she felt someone +grasp her arms. With a terrified cry she whirled about to face her +assailant. + + + + + CHAPTER + 7 + _THE FORBIDDEN POOL_ + + +A wave of relief surged over Penny as she saw that it was the old +gardener who held her fast. + +"Oh, it's only you," she laughed shakily, trying to pull away. "For a +second I thought the Bogey Man had me for sure." + +The gardener did not smile. + +"Didn't I tell you to keep away from here?" he demanded, giving her a +hard shake. + +"I'm not doing any h-harm," Penny stammered. She kept her hand closed +over the white gold ring so that the old man would not see what she had +found. "I just wanted to learn what was back in here." + +"And you found out?" + +The gardener's tone warned Penny to be cautious in her reply. + +"Oh, the pool is rather pretty," she answered carelessly. "But I've seen +much nicer ones." + +"How long have you been here?" + +"Only a minute or two. I really came to search for Grant Atherwald." + +"Atherwald? What would he be doing here?" + +"He disappeared an hour or so ago," revealed Penny. "The servants have +been searching everywhere for him." + +"He disappeared?" the gardener repeated incredulously. + +"Yes, it's very peculiar. Mr. Atherwald arrived at the estate in ample +time for the wedding. But after he read a note which was delivered to him +he walked off in this direction and was seen no more." + +"Down this path, you mean?" + +"I couldn't say as to that, but he started this way. I know because I saw +him myself." + +"Atherwald didn't come here," the gardener said with finality. "I've been +working around the lily pond all afternoon and would have seen him." + +Penny's fingers closed tightly about the white gold ring which she kept +shielded from the man's gaze. In her opinion the trinket offered almost +conclusive proof that the bridegroom had visited the locality. Because +she could not trust the gardener she kept her thoughts strictly to +herself. + +The man stared down at his feet, obviously disturbed by the information +Penny had given him. + +"Do you suppose harm could have befallen Mr. Atherwald?" she asked after +a moment. + +"Harm?" he demanded irritably. "That's sheer nonsense. The fellow +probably skipped out. He ought to be tarred and feathered!" + +"And you would enjoy doing it?" Penny interposed slyly. + +The gardener glared at her, making no attempt to hide his dislike. + +"Such treatment would be too good for anyone who hurt Miss Sylvia. Now +will you get out of here? I have my orders and I mean to enforce them." + +"Oh, all right," replied Penny. "I was going anyway." + +This was not strictly true, for had the gardener not been there she would +have made a more thorough investigation of the locality near the lily +pool. But now she had no hope of learning more, and so turned away. + +Emerging from among the trees, she glanced toward the rose garden. Nearly +all of the wedding guests had departed. Penny considered whether or not +she should speak to Mrs. Kippenberg about finding the ring. Deciding +against it, she joined a group of people at the boat dock and was ferried +across the river. + +Salt awaited her at the drawbridge. + +"I just about gave you up," he complained. "It's time for us to get back +to the office or our news won't be news. The wedding is definitely off?" + +"Yes, Atherwald can't be found." + +"We'll stop at a drug store and telephone," Salt said, pulling her toward +the car. "Learn anything more after I left?" + +"Well, I found a wedding ring and was nearly chewed up by an alligator," +laughed Penny. "It seemed rather interesting at the time." + +The photographer gave her a queer look as he started the automobile. + +"Imagination and journalism never mix," he said. + +"Does this look like imagination?" Penny countered, showing him the plain +band ring. + +"Where did you find it?" + +"Beside a lily pond in the forbidden part of the estate. I feel certain +it must have been dropped by Grant Atherwald." + +"Thrown away?" + +"I don't know exactly what to think," Penny replied soberly. + +Salt steered the car into the main road which led back to Corbin. Then he +inquired: "Did you notice any signs of a struggle? Grass trampled? +Footprints?" + +"I didn't have a chance to do any investigating. That bossy old gardener +came and drove me away." + +"What were you saying about alligators?" + +"Salt, I saw one swimming around in the lily pool," Penny told him +earnestly. "It was an ugly brute, at least twelve feet long." + +"How long?" + +"Well, eight anyway." + +"You're joking." + +"I am not," Penny said indignantly. + +"Maybe it was only a big log lying in the water." + +Penny gave an injured sniff. "Have it your own way. But it wasn't a log. +I guess I can tell an alligator when I see one." + +"If you're actually right," Salt said unmoved, "I'd like to have snapped +a picture of it. You know, this story might develop into something big." + +"I have a feeling it will, Salt." + +"If Atherwald really has disappeared it should create a sensation!" + +"And if the poor fellow had the misfortune to fall or be pushed into the +lily pool Dad wouldn't have headlines large enough to carry it!" + +"Say, get a grip on yourself," Salt advised. "The _Riverview Star_ prints +fact, not fancy." + +"That's because so many of Dad's reporters are stodgy old fellows," +laughed Penny. "But I'll admit it isn't very likely Grant Atherwald was +devoured by the alligator." + +The car had reached Corbin. Salt drew up in front of a drug store. + +"Run in and telephone DeWitt," he said, opening the door for her. "And +remember, stick to facts." + +Penny was a little frightened as she entered the telephone booth and +placed a long distance call to the _Riverview Star_. She never failed to +feel nervous when she talked with DeWitt, the city editor, for he was not +a very pleasant individual. + +She jumped as the receiver was taken down and a voice barked: "City +desk." + +"This is Penny Parker over at Corbin," she began weakly. + +"Can't hear you," snapped DeWitt. "Talk up." + +Penny repeated her name and DeWitt's voice lost some of its edge. +Gathering courage, she started to tell him what she had learned at the +Kippenberg estate. + +"Hold it," interrupted DeWitt. "I'll switch you over to a rewrite man." + +The connection was made and Penny began a second time. Now and then the +rewrite man broke into the narrative to ask a question. + +"All right, I think I have it all," he said finally and hung up. + +Penny went back to the car looking as crestfallen as she felt. + +"I don't know what they thought of the story," she told Salt. "DeWitt +certainly didn't waste any words of praise." + +"He never does," chuckled the photographer. "You're lucky if you don't +get fired." + +"That's one consolation," returned Penny, settling herself for the long +ride home. "He can't fire me. Being the editor's daughter has its +advantages." + +The regular night edition of the _Riverview Star_ was on the street by +the time they reached the city. Salt signaled a newsboy and bought a +paper while the car waited for a traffic light. He tossed it over to +Penny. + +"Here it is! My story!" she cried, and then her face fell. + +"What's the matter?" asked Salt. "Did they garble it all up?" + +"They've cut it down to three inches! And not a word about the alligator +or the lost wedding ring! I could cry! Why, I told that rewrite man +enough to fill at least a column!" + +"Well, anyway you made the front page," the photographer consoled. "They +may build the story up in the next edition after they get my pictures." + +Penny said nothing, remaining in deep gloom during the remainder of the +ride to the _Star_ office. Salt let her out at the front door. She +debated for a moment whether or not to go on home, but finally entered +the building. + +DeWitt was busy at his desk as she walked stiffly past. She hoped that he +would notice how she ignored him, but he did not glance up from the copy +before him. + +Penny opened the door of her father's private office and stopped short. + +"Why, Dad?" she cried. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be +home in bed." + +"I finally persuaded the doctor to let me out," Anthony Parker replied, +swinging around in his swivel chair. "How did you get along with your +assignment?" + +"I thought I did very well," Penny said aloofly. "But from now on I'll +not telephone anything in. I'll write the story myself." + +"Now don't blame DeWitt or the rewrite man," said Mr. Parker, smiling. "A +paper has to be careful in what it publishes, especially about a wedding. +Alligators are a bit too--shall we say sensational?" + +"You made a similar remark about witch dolls," Penny reminded him. + +"I did eat my words that time," Mr. Parker admitted, "but this is +different. If we build up a big story about Grant Atherwald's +disappearance, and then tomorrow he shows up at his own home, we'll +appear pretty ridiculous." + +"I guess you're right," Penny said, turning away. "Well, I'm happy to see +you back in the office again." + +Mr. Parker watched her speculatively. When she reached the door he +inquired: "Aren't you forgetting something?" + +"What, Dad?" + +"Today is Thursday." The editor took a sealed envelope from the desk +drawer. "This is the first time you have failed to collect your allowance +in over a year." + +"I must be slipping." Penny grinned as she pocketed the envelope. + +"Why don't you open it?" + +"What's the use?" Penny asked gloomily. "It's always the same. Anyway, I +borrowed two dollars last week so this doesn't really belong to me." + +"You might be pleasantly surprised." + +Penny stared at her father with disbelief. "Dad! You don't mean you've +given me a raise!" + +Eagerly, she ripped open the envelope. Three crisp dollar bills fluttered +into her hand. With a shriek of delight, Penny flung her arms about her +father's neck. + +"I always try to reward a good reporter," he chuckled. "Now take yourself +off because my work is stacked a mile high." + +Penny tripped gaily toward the door but it opened before she could cross +the room. An office boy came in with a message for Mr. Parker. + +"Man to see you named Atherwald," he announced. + +The name produced an electrifying effect upon both Penny and her father. + +"Atherwald!" Mr. Parker exclaimed. "Then he hasn't disappeared after all! +Show him in." + +"And I'm staying right here," Penny declared, easing herself into the +nearest chair. "I have a hunch that this interview may concern me." + + + + + CHAPTER + 8 + _PARENTAL PROTEST_ + + +In a few minutes the office boy returned, followed by a distinguished, +middle-aged man who carried a cane. Penny gave him an astonished glance +for she had expected to see Grant Atherwald. It had not occurred to her +that there might be two persons with the same surname. + +"Mr. Atherwald?" inquired her father, waving the visitor into a chair. + +"James Atherwald." + +The man spoke shortly and did not sit down. Instead he spread out a copy +of the night edition of the _Star_ and pointed to the story which Penny +had covered. She quaked inwardly, wondering what error of hers was to be +exposed. + +"Do you see this?" Mr. Atherwald demanded. + +"What about it?" inquired the editor pleasantly. + +"You are holding my family up to ridicule by printing such a story! Grant +Atherwald is my son!" + +"Is the story incorrect?" + +"Yes, you imply that my son deliberately jilted Sylvia Kippenberg!" + +"And actually he didn't?" Mr. Parker inquired evenly. + +"Certainly not. My son is a man of honor and had a very deep regard for +Sylvia. Under no circumstance would he have jilted her." + +"Still, the wedding did not take place." + +"That is true," Mr. Atherwald admitted. + +"Perhaps you can explain why it was postponed?" + +"I don't know what happened to Grant," Mr. Atherwald said reluctantly. +"He left our home in ample time for the ceremony, and I might add, was in +excellent spirits. I believe he must have been the victim of a stupid, +practical joke." + +"Well, that suggests a new angle," Mr. Parker remarked thoughtfully. "Did +your son have friends who might be apt to play such a joke on him?" + +"No one of my acquaintance," Mr. Atherwald answered unwillingly. "Of +course, he had many young friends who were not in my circle." + +Penny had listened quietly to the conversation. She now arose and came +over to the desk. From her pocket she took the white gold wedding ring. + +"Mr. Atherwald," she said, "I wonder if you could identify this." + +The man studied the trinket for a moment. + +"It looks very much like a ring which Grant purchased for Sylvia," he +declared. "Where did you get it?" + +"I found it lying on the ground at the Kippenberg estate," Penny replied +vaguely. She had no intention of divulging the exact locality where she +had picked up the ring. + +"You see," said Mr. Parker, "we have supporting facts in our possession +which were not published. All in all, I think the story was handled +discreetly, with due regard for the feelings of those involved." + +"Then you refuse to retract the story?" + +"I should like to oblige you, Mr. Atherwald, but you realize such a story +as this is of great interest to our readers." + +"You care only for sensationalism!" + +"On the contrary, we try to avoid it," Mr. Parker corrected. "In this +particular case, we deliberately played the story down. If it develops +that your son actually has disappeared--" + +"I tell you it was only a practical joke," Mr. Atherwald interrupted. "No +doubt my son is at home by this time. The wedding has merely been +postponed." + +"You are entitled to your opinion," said Mr. Parker. "And I sincerely +hope that you are right." + +"At least do not use that picture which your photographer took of Mrs. +Kippenberg. I'll pay you for it." + +Mr. Parker smiled and shook his head. + +"I might have expected such an attitude!" Mr. Atherwald exclaimed +angrily. "Good afternoon." + +He left the office, slamming the door behind him. + +"Well, you've lost another subscriber, Dad," said Penny flippantly. + +"He's not the first," returned her father. + +"I intended to give Mr. Atherwald the wedding ring, but he went off in +too big a hurry. Should I go after him?" + +"No, don't bother, Penny. You might take it around to the picture room +and have it photographed. We may use it as Exhibit A if the story +develops into anything." + +"How about the alligator?" Penny asked. "Would you like to have me bring +that to the office, too?" + +"Move out of here and let me work," her father retorted. + +Penny went to the photographic department and made her requirements +known. + +"I'll wait for the ring," she announced. "You don't catch me trusting you +boys with any jewelry." + +While the picture was being taken Salt came by with several damp prints +in his hand. + +"Take a look at this one, Penny," he said proudly. "Mrs. Kippenberg +wielding a wicked plate. Will she burn up when she sees it on the picture +page?" + +"She will, indeed," agreed Penny. "Nice going." + +When the ring had been returned to her she slipped it into her pocket and +left the newspaper office. Her next stop was at a corner hamburger shop +where she fortified herself with two large sandwiches. + +"That ought to hold me until the dinner bell rings," she thought. "And +now to pay my honest debts." + +A trolley ride and a short walk brought Penny to the home of her chum, +Louise Sidell. As she came within sight of the front porch she saw her +friend sitting on the steps, reading a movie magazine. Louise threw it +aside and sprang to her feet. + +"Oh, Penny, I'm glad you came over. I telephoned your house and Mrs. +Weems said you had gone away somewhere." + +"Official business for Dad," Penny laughed. She dropped two dollars into +Louise's hand. "Here's what I owe you. But don't go spend it because I +may need to borrow it back in a couple of days." + +"Is Leaping Lena running up huge garage bills again?" Louise inquired +sympathetically. + +Penny's second-hand car was a joke to everyone save herself. She was a +familiar figure at nearly every garage in Riverview, for the vehicle had +a disconcerting way of breaking down. + +"I had to buy new spark plugs this time," sighed Penny. "But then, I +should get along better from now on. Dad raised my allowance." + +"Doesn't that call for a celebration? Rini's have a special on today. A +double chocolate sundae with pineapple and nuts, cherry and--" + +"Oh, no, you don't! I'm saving my dollar for the essentials of life. I +may need it for gasoline if I decide to drive over to Corbin again." + +"Again?" Louise asked alertly. + +"I was over there today, covering the Kippenberg wedding," Penny +explained. "Only it turned out there was no ceremony. Grant Atherwald +jilted his bride, or was spirited away by persons unknown. He was last +seen near a lily pool in an isolated part of the estate. I picked up a +wedding ring lying on the ground close by. And then as a climax Mrs. +Kippenberg hurled a plate at Salt." + +"Penny Parker, what are you saying?" Louise demanded. "It sounds like one +of those two-reel thrillers they show over at the Rialto." + +"Here is the evidence," Penny said, showing her the white gold ring. + +"It's amazing how you get into so much adventure," Louise replied +enviously as she studied the trinket. "Start at the beginning and tell me +everything." + +The invitation was very much to Penny's liking. Perching herself on the +highest porch step she recounted her visit to the Kippenberg estate, +painting an especially romantic picture of the castle dwelling, the moat, +and the drawbridge. + +"Oh, I'd love to visit the place," Louise declared. "You have all the +luck." + +"I'll take you with me if I ever get to go again," promised Penny. "Well, +I'll see you tomorrow." + +And with this careless farewell, she sprang to her feet, and hastened on +home. + +The next morning while Mrs. Weems was preparing breakfast, Penny ran down +to the corner to buy the first edition of the _Star_. As she spread it +open a small headline accosted her eye. + + "NO TRACE OF MISSING BRIDEGROOM." + +Penny read swiftly, learning that Grant Atherwald had not been seen since +his strange disappearance from the Kippenberg estate. Members of the +family refused to discuss the affair and had made no report to the +police. + +"This story is developing into something big after all," she thought with +quickening pulse. "Now if Dad will only let me work on it!" + +At home she gave the newspaper to her father, remarking rather pointedly: +"You see, your expert reporters haven't learned very much more than I +brought in yesterday. Why wouldn't it be a good idea to send me out there +again today?" + +"Oh, I doubt if you could get into the estate, Penny." + +"Salt and I managed yesterday." + +"You did very well, but you weren't known then. It will be a different +matter today since we antagonized the family by using the story. I'll +suggest that Jerry Livingston be assigned to it." + +"With Penny as first assistant?" + +Mr. Parker smiled and shook his head. "This isn't your type of story. Now +if you would like to cover a lecture at the Women's Club--" + +"Or a nice peppy meeting of the Ladies Sewing Circle," Penny finished +ironically. "Thank you, no." + +"I am sure you wouldn't have a chance of getting into the estate," her +father said lamely. "We must have good coverage." + +"What does Jerry have that I haven't got?" Penny demanded in an aggrieved +voice. + +"Eight years of experience for one thing." + +"But I really should go out there," Penny insisted. "I ought to show Miss +Kippenberg the ring I found." + +"The ring might provide an entry," Mr. Parker admitted thoughtfully. +"I'll tell you, why don't you telephone long distance?" + +"And if I'm able to make an appointment, may I help Jerry cover the +story?" + +"All right," agreed Mr. Parker. "If Sylvia Kippenberg talks with you +we'll be able to use anything she says." + +"I'm the same as on my way to the estate now, Dad." + +With a triumphant laugh, Penny left the breakfast table and hastened to +the telephone. + +"Long distance," she said into the transmitter. "The Kippenberg estate at +Corbin, please." + +She hovered anxiously near the telephone while she waited for the +connection to be made. Ten minutes elapsed before the bell jingled +several times. Eagerly, she jerked down the receiver. She could hear a +faint, far-away voice saying, "hello." + +"May I speak with Sylvia Kippenberg?" Penny requested. + +"Who is this, please?" + +"Miss Parker at Riverview." + +"Miss Kippenberg is not at home," came the stiff response. + +"Then let me speak with Mrs. Kippenberg," Penny said quickly. "I have +something very important to tell her. Yesterday when I was at the estate +I found a ring--" + +The receiver had clicked at the other end of the line. The connection was +broken. + + + + + CHAPTER + 9 + _A SOCIETY BAZAAR_ + + +"You see, Penny," said Mr. Parker sympathetically, "wealthy people have a +way of being inaccessible to the press. They surround themselves with +servants who have been trained to allow no invasion of their privacy. +They erect barriers which aren't easily broken down." + +"If only I could have reached Miss Kippenberg I feel sure she would have +wished to learn about the ring," returned Penny. "Oh, well, let Jerry +cover the story. I've lost interest." + +All that morning the girl went about the house in a mood of deep +depression. She felt completely out of sorts and would scowl at her own +reflection whenever she passed a mirror. Nothing seemed to go right. + +"I declare, I wish you would forget that silly wedding," Mrs. Weems said +wearily. "Why don't you try working out your resentment on a tennis +ball?" + +"Not a bad idea," admitted Penny. "Only I have no partner. Louise is +going away somewhere today to a charity bazaar." + +"Here in Riverview?" inquired Mrs. Weems with interest. + +"No, it's to be held at Andover, twenty miles from Corbin. Louise is +going with an aunt of hers. She invited me several days ago, but I didn't +think it would be any fun." + +"You might enjoy it. Why don't you go?" + +"I wonder if it isn't too late?" Penny glanced at the clock. + +A telephone call to the Sidell home assured her that she would have ample +time to get ready for the trip. She quickly dressed and was waiting when +Louise and her aunt, Miss Lucinda Frome, drove up to the door. + +"What sort of an affair is it?" Penny inquired as they traveled toward +the distant town. + +Miss Frome explained that the bazaar was being sponsored by members of +the D.A.R. organization and would be held at one of the fashionable clubs +of the city. As Miss Frome belonged to the Riverview chapter she and her +guests would have an entry. + +"I look forward to meeting a number of prominent persons today," the +woman declared. "The Andover chapter has a very exclusive membership." + +Louise winked at Penny, for it was a source of amusement to her that her +aunt stood in awe of society personages. Neither she nor her chum +suffered from social ambition or a feeling of inferiority. + +At Andover, Miss Frome drove the car to the City Club and parked it +beside a long row of other automobiles, many of which were under the +charge of uniformed chauffeurs. + +"Oh, dear," remarked Miss Frome nervously, "I didn't realize how shabby +my old coupe looks. I do hope no one notices." + +"Now don't start that, Aunty," Louise said, taking her by the arm. "Your +car is perfectly all right. And so are you." + +They went up the steps of the stone building and mingled with the other +women. So many persons were present that the three newcomers attracted no +attention. Miss Frome was reassured to see that she was as well dressed +as anyone in the room. + +Several long tables were covered with various articles offered for sale. +Penny and Louise wandered about examining objects which struck their +fancy. Miss Frome bought a vase and an imitation ivory elephant, but the +girls considered the prices too high for their purses. + +Presently, Penny's gaze was drawn to a young woman who stood behind one +of the tables at the far end of the room. She stopped short and stared. + +"See someone you know?" inquired Louise. + +"Why, that young woman with the dark hair and the lace dress, Louise! She +is Sylvia Kippenberg!" + +"Really? I must say she has courage to come here today after all that +happened!" + +The young woman did not realize that she was being subjected to scrutiny. +However, she seemed fully aware that she was a general object of +curiosity, for her lips were frozen in a set smile and her face was pale +despite the rouge on the smooth cheeks. + +"I suppose she must be on the bazaar committee," Louise went on. "But my, +if anyone had jilted me, I would not have come here today." + +"Jerry must have missed his interview after all," Penny murmured, half to +herself. + +"Jerry?" + +"Yes, Dad assigned him to the Kippenberg story. I suppose he drove to +Corbin today in the hope of seeing Miss Sylvia." + +"And she may have come here just to escape reporters." + +"For two cents I'd try to interview her myself," Penny said. + +"Do you think she would talk with you?" + +"Not if she realizes I am a reporter. But at least I can try." + +"Don't create a scene whatever you do," Louise warned uneasily. "Not that +I would mind. But Aunt Lucinda would die of mortification." + +"I'll try to be careful," Penny promised. + +She sauntered forward, gradually working toward the table where the young +woman served. Selecting an article at random from the display, she +inquired its price. + +"Ten dollars," Miss Kippenberg answered mechanically. + +Penny loitered at the table until two elderly women had moved on. She was +now alone with Sylvia Kippenberg. She would have no better opportunity to +speak with her. + +"Miss Kippenberg," she began. + +"Yes?" The young woman really gazed at the girl for the first time. Penny +saw that her eyelids were red and swollen from recent tears. + +"I should like to talk with you alone, please." + +"Do I know your name?" Miss Kippenberg asked coldly. + +"Penny Parker." + +"Parker--Parker," the young woman repeated and her eyes hardened. "Oh, +yes, you are the girl who came to our place yesterday with that +photographer! And you telephoned again this morning." + +"Yes," Penny admitted reluctantly, "but--" + +The young woman did not allow her to finish. + +"I'll not talk with you or any other reporter. You have no right to come +here and annoy me." + +"Please, I'm not really a reporter, Miss Kippenberg. I have something to +show you." + +Miss Kippenberg had closed her ears to Penny's words. She turned abruptly +and fled in the direction of the powder room. + +Penny hesitated, remembering her promise to create no scene. Still, she +could not allow Miss Kippenberg to elude her so easily. Determinedly, she +followed. + +"Please, Miss Kippenberg, you must listen to me," she pleaded. + +Observing that her words had not the slightest effect upon the girl, she +suddenly opened her purse and took out the white gold ring. She thrust it +in front of Miss Kippenberg. + +"I only wish to show you this." + +The young woman stopped short, gazing down at the ring. + +"Where did you get it?" she asked in a low tone. + +"Then you do recognize it?" + +"Of course. Grant showed it to me the night before we were to have been +married. Tell me, how did it come into your hands?" + +"We can't talk here." + +Miss Kippenberg glanced quickly about and observing that many eyes were +focused upon them, led the girl into the deserted powder room. They sat +down on a sofa in a secluded corner. + +"I didn't mean to be so rude before," Miss Kippenberg apologized. "It was +only because I must protect myself from reporters and photographers. You +have no idea how I have been annoyed." + +"I do understand," said Penny, "and I wish to help you. That was why I +was so insistent upon talking with you. I think this ring may be a clue +to Mr. Atherwald's disappearance." + +"Then you believe as I do that he did not go away purposely?" + +"My theory is that Mr. Atherwald was a victim of a plot. Did he have any +known enemies?" + +"Oh, no, everyone liked Grant. Tell me about the ring. Who gave it to +you?" + +"No one. I found it while I was exploring a path on the estate, the trail +which is blocked off." + +"You shouldn't have gone there, but no matter. Just where did you pick up +the ring?" + +"I found it near the lily pool." + +Miss Kippenberg stared at Penny with expressionless, half-glazed eyes. + +"Oh!" she murmured. Her head dropped low, her body sagged and she slumped +down on the sofa in a faint. + + + + + CHAPTER + 10 + _A THROWN STONE_ + + +Penny's first thought was to call for assistance, but sober reflection +made her realize that to do so would likely result in awkward questions. +She felt certain Miss Kippenberg had only fainted and would soon revive. + +Stretching the young woman full length upon the sofa, the girl ran to the +washroom for a glass of water. She dampened a towel and folded it across +Miss Kippenberg's forehead, at the same time rubbing the limp hands and +trying to restore circulation. Noticing the white gold ring which had +fallen to the floor, she reached down and picked it up. + +"Miss Kippenberg must have fainted because of what I told her about the +lily pond," thought Penny. "I should have used more tact." + +She watched the young woman anxiously, fearing that what she had assumed +to be an ordinary faint might really be a heart attack. A wave of relief +surged over her as Miss Kippenberg stirred slightly. Her long dark +eyelashes fluttered open and she stared blankly about her. + +"Where am I?" she asked, moistening her dry lips. + +"Here, drink this," Penny urged, offering the glass of water. "You'll +feel much better in a few minutes." + +"Now I remember," Miss Kippenberg murmured. "You were saying--" + +"Don't think about that now. Just lie still and relax." + +Miss Kippenberg did not try to speak again for some little time. Then, +despite Penny's protests, she raised herself to a sitting position. + +"I feel quite all right now," she insisted. "How stupid of me to faint." + +"I am afraid I was very tactless." + +"On the contrary, our conversation had nothing to do with it." + +"I thought--" + +"It was the heat," Miss Kippenberg insisted. "I had a sunstroke once and +since then I can't bear even an overheated room." + +"But it really isn't very warm in here," protested Penny. "I don't notice +it at all." + +"You might not but I am very sensitive to it." + +"Well, I'm glad your faint wasn't caused by anything I said," Penny +declared, although she continued to regard the young woman dubiously. "I +thought you seemed shocked by what I told you about the ring." + +"You were saying that you picked it up near the lily pond?" Miss +Kippenberg questioned in a low tone. + +"Yes," replied Penny, watching her closely. + +"I wish I knew the exact place." + +"If we could go to your estate together I could show you," Penny said +eagerly. + +Miss Kippenberg hesitated in her reply, obviously still prejudiced +against the girl because of her connection with the _Riverview Star_. + +"Very well," she agreed. "Will you please ask that my car be sent to the +door?" + +"Gladly," said Penny, trying not to show her jubilance. + +Leaving Miss Kippenberg in the powder room she returned to the main hall. +Louise separated from the crowd and hurried to meet her. + +"Oh, Penny, I saw you go off with Miss Kippenberg," she began. "Would she +talk with you?" + +"She did," answered Penny, "and now I'm going with her to the estate." + +"But Aunt Lucinda expects to start home in a few minutes," protested +Louise. "How long will you be gone?" + +"I haven't the slightest idea. If I'm not back here by the time you are +ready to leave don't wait for me." + +"But how will you get home?" + +"Oh, I'll find a way. The important thing now is to learn everything I +can from Miss Kippenberg. She's in a mood to talk." + +"I'd love to visit the estate," Louise said wistfully. + +"I wish I could take you," Penny told her sincerely, "but I don't see how +I can this time." + +"Of course not, Penny. It would be very foolish of you to try. You might +lose your own chance to gain an exclusive news story." + +"Will you explain to your aunt about my sudden disappearance?" + +"Yes, she'll understand," Louise replied. "We'll wait here for you at +least an hour." + +Penny left a call for Miss Kippenberg's car and then went back to the +powder room. The young woman walked a bit unsteadily even with aid. +However, no one paid attention to them as they crossed the main hall and +made their way to the waiting automobile. + +With Penny and Miss Kippenberg as passengers the big limousine rolled +away from the clubhouse and sped toward Corbin. During the ride the young +woman scarcely spoke. She sat with her head against the cushion, eyes +half closed. As they came within view of the drawbridge she made an +effort to arouse herself. + +"I see you have visitors at the estate," Penny commented, noticing a +number of cars parked near the river's edge. + +"Reporters, always reporters," returned Miss Kippenberg impatiently. +"They may try to board as we pass." + +Penny wondered how the limousine would be taken across the river. The old +watchman had noted their approach. Before the car reached the end of the +road he had lowered the creaking drawbridge into position. + +"Is the bridge really safe?" Penny inquired of her companion. + +"For light traffic only," Miss Kippenberg answered briefly. + +The arrival of the car had created a stir of interest among the group of +men gathered near the bridge. Penny caught sight of Jerry Livingston and +could not resist rolling down the side window so he would be sure to +obtain a clear view of her. It gave her a very pleasant feeling to see +him stare as if he could not believe his own eyes. + +Several of the reporters attempted to stop the limousine but without +success. The car clattered over the drawbridge which was pulled up again +before anyone could follow. + +Penny and Miss Kippenberg alighted at the front door of the great house. + +"Now show me where you found the ring," requested the young woman. + +Penny led her down the winding path into the grove. + +"I hope we don't meet your head gardener," she said significantly. "He +seems to be such an unpleasant individual." + +Miss Kippenberg glanced at her queerly. + +"Why, how do you mean?" + +"Oh, yesterday he ordered me away from here in no uncertain terms." + +"He only meant to do his duty." + +"Then the man has been ordered to keep persons away from this part of the +estate?" + +"I really couldn't tell you," Miss Kippenberg answered aloofly. "Mother +has charge of the servants." + +"Has the man been in your employ long?" + +"I can't tell you that either." Miss Kippenberg's voice warned Penny that +she did not care to be questioned. + +There was no sign of the old gardener as they came presently to the lily +pool. Penny searched about in the grass for a few minutes. + +"Here is where I found the ring," she revealed. "And see this!" + +"What?" Miss Kippenberg drew in her breath sharply. + +"Footprints." + +"That doesn't seem so remarkable." The young woman bent to examine them. +"They probably were made by Grant's own shoe." + +"But it looks as if there might have been a struggle here," Penny +insisted. "From those marks wouldn't you say a body had been dragged +across the ground toward the pool?" + +"No!" cried Miss Kippenberg. "The grass is trampled, but I can't believe +Grant has met with violence. I refuse to think of such a thing! The +pool--" she broke off and a shudder wracked her body. + +"It is best to know the truth. Have you notified the police about Mr. +Atherwald's disappearance?" + +Miss Kippenberg shook her head. "Until today I thought he would return. +Or at least I hoped so." + +"It seems to me an expert should be called into the case," Penny urged. +"Why don't you telephone the police station now?" + +"I couldn't," returned Sylvia looking very miserable. "Not without +consulting Mother." + +"Then let's talk with her now." + +"She isn't at home this afternoon." + +"But something should be done, and at once," Penny protested. "The first +rain will destroy all these footprints and perhaps other important +evidence. Do you really love Grant Atherwald?" + +"With all my heart," answered the young woman soberly. + +"Then I should think you would have some interest in what became of him. +I can't understand your attitude at all." + +"I--I have others to think of besides myself." + +"Your mother, you mean?" + +"Yes." Sylvia avoided Penny's penetrating gaze. + +"Surely your mother wouldn't wish an act of violence to go unpunished. So +much time has been lost already." + +"We aren't certain anything has happened to Grant," Sylvia responded, her +eyes downcast. "If we should bring the police into the case, and then it +turns out that he has merely gone away to some other city, I'd be held up +to ridicule once more." + +"It seems to me you are taking a most foolish attitude." + +"There is another reason why we must be very careful," Sylvia said +unwillingly. + +"And what is that?" + +For just an instant Penny dared hope that the young woman meant to answer +the question. But Sylvia seemed to reconsider for she said quickly: + +"I can't tell you. Please don't ask me any more questions." + +"Are you afraid you may be blamed for Mr. Atherwald's disappearance?" +Penny persisted. + +"No, no, I assure you I am not thinking of myself. Please, let's return +to the house." + +Penny deliberately blocked the path. + +"Unless you wish me to notify the police there is a little matter which I +must ask you to explain." + +Reaching down she picked up a small stone and hurled it into the lily +pond. As the ripples died away they both observed a convulsive movement +of the water, a churning which had no relation to the missile thrown. + +"I think," said Penny evenly, "that you understand my meaning." + + + + + CHAPTER + 11 + _QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS_ + + +Miss Kippenberg watched the concentric circles race each other to the far +edge of the lily pool. + +"Then you know the reason why this part of the estate is kept closed +off?" she murmured, very low. + +"I learned about the alligator yesterday," said Penny. "Why is such an +ugly brute kept here?" + +"It was none of my doing, I assure you. I hate the horrid thing. Surely +you don't mean to suggest--" + +"I am not suggesting anything yet," said Penny quietly. "But you must +realize that it is rather unusual to keep an alligator on one's estate." + +"My father brought it here from Florida," Miss Kippenberg revealed +reluctantly. "For some reason the creature seemed to fascinate him. He +insisted upon keeping it in the pond." + +"Your father is not living here now I am told." + +"That is true." Miss Kippenberg quickly switched the subject back to the +alligator. "Mother and I would like to get rid of the beast but we've +never been able to do it." + +"Any zoo should be willing to take it off your hands." + +"Mother often spoke of getting in touch with one but for some reason she +never did. I suppose she hesitated to give the alligator away upon +Father's account." + +Penny remained silent, wondering how deeply she dared probe into the +private life of the Kippenberg family. After all there were certain +inquiries which a person of sensibility could not make. She couldn't very +well ask: "Have your parents separated? Why did your father leave home? +Is it true he is wanted by the authorities for evading income tax?" +although these questions were upon the tip of her tongue. + +She did say carelessly, "Your father is away, isn't he?" + +"Yes," Miss Kippenberg answered briefly. After a moment she went on: +"Father was rather peculiar in many ways. He had a decided flare for the +unusual. Take this estate for instance. He had it built at great expense +to resemble a castle he once saw in Germany." + +"I've never visited such an elegant place." + +"It is entirely too flamboyant for my taste. But Father loved every tower +and turret. If only things had turned out different--" + +Her voice trailed away and she stared at the ground, lost in deep +thought. Arousing herself, she went on once more. + +"If you had known Father you would understand it was not strange for him +to have an alligator on the estate. At one time he kept imported +peacocks. The place was fairly overrun with them." + +Penny offered no comment. She moved closer to the edge of the lily pool, +gazing down into the now tranquil waters. + +"I know what you are trying to imply," Miss Kippenberg said jerkily. "It +couldn't be possible. I refuse even to consider such a ridiculous +theory." + +"It does seem rather far-fetched," Penny admitted. "Of course, tragedies +do occur and those foot-prints--" + +"Please, not another word or you'll drive me into hysterics!" Sylvia +cried. "You are trying to play upon my feelings so that I will tell you +things! You are only trying to get a story! I'll not talk with you any +longer." + +She turned and ran up the path toward the house. + +"Overplayed my hand that time," thought Penny ruefully. "As Dad says, I +really have too much imagination to make a good reporter. Also too lively +a tongue." + +Miss Kippenberg had vanished into the house by the time the girl retraced +her way to the garden. The black limousine no longer stood at the front +door so she knew she was expected to get back to Andover by her own +efforts. + +"If Jerry is still waiting at the drawbridge, I'll ride home with him," +she told herself. "Otherwise, I'm out of luck completely." + +The path which Penny followed brought her toward the rear of the house. +As she drew near, the kitchen door suddenly opened and a stout woman in a +blue uniform came outside. In her arms she carried two large paper sacks +which appeared to be filled with garbage for the bottoms were moist. + +Just as the woman reached Penny one of the bags gave away, allowing a +collection of corn husks, watermelon rinds and egg shells to fall on the +sidewalk. + +"Now I've done it!" she exclaimed crossly. "Splattered my stockings too." + +"Oh, that's too bad," said Penny, pausing. + +"This is the only place I ever worked where the cook was expected to +carry out the garbage!" the woman complained. "It makes me good and mad +every time I do it." + +"I should think a house of this size would have an incinerator so that +the garbage could be burned," Penny remarked. + +"Say, this place doesn't have any conveniences for the servants," the +cook went on. "You're expected to work, work, work from morning to +night." + +She broke off quickly, regarding Penny with a suspicious gaze. "You're +not one of Miss Sylvia's guests?" she demanded. + +"Oh, no, I only came here on an errand. I wouldn't repeat anything to the +family." + +"That's all right then," the woman said in relief. "I liked my job here +well enough until lately. All month it's been one dinner party after +another. Then we spent days getting ready for the wedding feast and not +one scrap of food was touched!" + +"But I suppose Mrs. Kippenberg pays you well." + +"Listen, she didn't give me one extra cent for all the work I did. Mrs. +Kippenberg always has been real close, and she's a heap worse since her +husband went away. Another week like this last one and I quit!" + +"Well, I can't say I blame you," Penny said, leading the woman on. "I +suppose Miss Sylvia is as overbearing as her mother?" + +"Oh, Miss Sylvia is all right, as sweet a girl as you'll find anywhere. I +felt mighty sorry for her when that no-account man threw her over." + +Penny knew by this time that she must be talking with Mrs. Latch, for the +footman had mentioned the cook's name. As the woman walked on with her +bundles of garbage she fell into step with her. + +"It was strange about Mr. Atherwald's disappearance," she remarked. "I +hear he came to the house and then went away just before the wedding." + +"I can tell you about that," replied Mrs. Latch with an important air. +"Yesterday morning a boy came to the back door with a letter for Mr. +Atherwald. It's my opinion he sent it to himself." + +"Didn't the boy tell you where he had obtained the letter?" + +"He said it was given to him by one of Mr. Atherwald's friends. A man in +a boat." + +"Oh, I see," said Penny, making a mental note of the information. +Realizing that the cook had told everything she knew about the matter, +she quickly switched the subject. "By the way, who is the head gardener +here?" + +"Do you mean Peter Henderson?" + +"A fairly old man," described Penny. "Gray hair, stooped shoulders, and I +might add, an unpleasant manner." + +"I guess that's Peter. He's not much of a gardener in my opinion. And he +feels too high and mighty to associate with the other servants. He +doesn't even stay here nights." + +"Is he a new man?" + +"Mrs. Kippenberg hired him only three days before the wedding. I don't +think he's done a lick of honest work since he came here." + +"And Mrs. Kippenberg doesn't mind?" + +"She's been too busy and bothered to pay any attention to him," the cook +declared. "But she always has time to boss me. I tell you, if dishes +aren't prepared perfectly she raves!" + +"No wonder Mr. Kippenberg was forced to leave home," Penny interposed +slyly. "You can't blame him for running away from a violent temper." + +"Oh, the Kippenbergs never had any trouble," Mrs. Latch corrected. "Mr. +Kippenberg would just laugh and not say a word when she jumped on him. +They were never heard to quarrel." + +"Then it seems odd that he went away." + +"Yes, it does," agreed the cook, frowning. "I never did understand it. +And then the way Mrs. Kippenberg changed all the servants!" + +"You mean after Mr. Kippenberg went away?" + +"She fired everyone except me. I guess she knew she couldn't get another +cook half as good if she let me go. Right away I struck for more money +and she gave it to me without a whimper. But since then she works me like +a dog." + +Mrs. Latch clattered the lid of the garbage can into place and turned +toward the house. But as Penny once more fell into step with her, she +paused and regarded the girl with sudden suspicion. + +"Say, why am I telling you all this anyway? Who are you? You're not one +of those sneaking reporters?" + +"Do I look like a reporter?" countered Penny. + +"Well, no, you don't," admitted Mrs. Latch. "But you're as inquisitive as +one. You must be the girl who brought Miss Sylvia's new dress from the +LaRue Shoppe." + +Penny hesitated too long over her reply, and the woman gazed at her +sharply. + +"You _are_ a reporter!" she exclaimed with conviction. "And you've been +deliberately pumping me! Of all the tricks! I'll tell Miss Kippenberg!" + +"Wait, I can explain." + +Mrs. Latch paid no heed. With an angry toss of her head she hastened into +the house. + +"Overstepped myself again," Penny thought in dismay. "I'll be getting +away from here while the getting is good." + +Turning, she ran down the walk toward the river, only to stop short as +she reached the boat dock. The drawbridge was in open position and the +old watchman did not appear to be at his usual post. She had no way of +reaching the mainland. + + + + + CHAPTER + 12 + _FISHERMAN'S LUCK_ + + +Penny looked anxiously about for a means of crossing the river. There +were no small boats available and the only person who stood on the +opposite shore was Jerry Livingston. The other reporters and +photographers, evidently tiring of their long vigil, had gone away. + +She cupped her hands and shouted to Jerry: "How am I going to get over +there? Can you lower the bridge?" + +"The mechanism is locked," called back the reporter. "And the watchman +won't be back for an hour." + +Penny walked a short distance up the shore searching for a boat. The only +available craft was the large launch which she could not hope to operate. +She might return to the house and appeal to Miss Kippenberg but such a +course was not to her liking. + +As she considered whether or not to ruin her clothing by swimming across, +Jerry called her attention to a small boat some distance up the river. +The boy who was fishing from it obligingly rowed ashore after Penny had +signaled him. + +"I'll give you fifty cents to ferry me across," she offered. + +"I'll be glad to do it," he agreed. + +Penny stepped into the boat and then asked: "Aren't you the same lad I +saw here yesterday?" + +The boy nodded as he reached for the oars. "I remember you," he answered. + +"You seem to fish here nearly every day." + +"Just about. I caught some nice ones today." Proudly he held up two large +fish for her to see. + +"Beauties," praised Penny. "I take it the motor boats haven't been +bothering you as much as they were." + +"It's been pretty quiet on the river today," the boy agreed. "Want to see +something else I fished up?" + +"Why, yes. What did you hook, a mud turtle?" + +The boy opened a large wooden box which contained an assortment of rope, +fishing tackle and miscellaneous articles. He lifted out a man's high +silk hat, bedraggled and shapeless. + +"You fished that out of the water?" Penny demanded, leaning forward to +take the article from him. "Where did you find it?" + +"Up there a ways." The boy motioned vaguely toward a point on the +Kippenberg estate. + +Penny turned the hat over in her hand, examining it closely. She found no +identifying marks, yet she believed that it had belonged to Grant +Atherwald for he had worn similar headdress. The point indicated by the +boy was not far distant from the Kippenberg lily pool. + +"How would you like to sell this hat?" she asked. + +"Why, it's not worth anything." + +"I'd like to have it," said Penny. "I'll give you another fifty cents." + +"It's a deal." + +Penny offered the boy a dollar bill, and a moment later he beached the +boat. Jerry was waiting to help her ashore. His alert gaze fastened upon +the hat which she hugged close, but he withheld comment. To the boy he +said: + +"Son, how would you like to earn five dollars?" + +The boy's eyes brightened. "Say, this is my lucky day!" he exclaimed. +"What doin'?" + +"It's easy," Jerry told him. "All you need to do is to be here for a +couple of days with your boat. You're not to allow anyone to use it +except me." + +"And me," added Penny. "I'll need taxi service myself if I come back +here." + +"That's all right," agreed the boy. + +"Here's a dollar on deposit," Jerry said. "Now remember, be here tomorrow +from eight o'clock on, and don't hire out to any other person." + +"I won't," the boy promised. + +Jerry took Penny's elbow and escorted her to the press car. + +"So you found Atherwald's hat?" he asked without preliminaries. + +"It resembles the one he wore. The boy fished it out of the river." + +"Then that looks as if the fellow really was the victim of a plot!" + +"I've thought so all along," Penny declared soberly. + +"What else did you learn? You seemed to be very chummy with Miss +Kippenberg." + +"I'll not be from now on," Penny returned ruefully. + +As Jerry backed the car around in the dusty road, she told of her meeting +with Sylvia Kippenberg and the ensuing conversation. + +"So Miss Kippenberg doesn't like questions?" Jerry asked. "And she +refuses to notify the police? Well, after we publish our story in the +_Star_ it won't be necessary. The police will come to do their own +investigating." + +"I can't really believe she is trying to deceive the authorities," Penny +said thoughtfully. "She seems to have a sincere regard for Grant +Atherwald." + +"It may be pretense." + +"She wasn't pretending the day of the wedding. Atherwald's disappearance +was a great shock to her." + +"Well, even so, she may know a lot more than she's putting out." + +"I think that myself. She closed up like a clam when I talked about her +father." + +The car came to the main road and a short time later entered the town of +Corbin. As they stopped for a red light, Penny touched Jerry's arm. + +"Look over there," she directed. "See those two men standing in front of +the drugstore?" + +"What about them?" + +"They're G men who attended the Kippenberg wedding. Salt pointed them out +to me." + +"You don't say! Maybe we can learn a fact or two from them." + +Jerry parked the car at the curb and sprang out. Penny saw him walk over +to the men, introduce himself and show his press credentials. She was too +far away to hear the conversation. + +In a few minutes Jerry returned to the car looking none too elated. + +"You didn't learn anything, did you?" Penny inquired as they drove on +again. + +"Not very much. Government men never will talk. But they did admit they +were here trying to locate James Kippenberg." + +"Then they think he is in the locality." + +"They had an idea he would show up at his daughter's wedding. But it +didn't turn out that way." + +"Did you say anything to them about Grant Atherwald's disappearance?" + +"Yes, but they wouldn't discuss it. They said they had nothing to do with +the case." + +Penny lapsed into reflective silence as the car went on toward Andover. +Mentally she sorted over the evidence which she had gathered that day, +trying to fit it into a definite pattern. + +"Jerry," she said at last. + +"Yes?" + +"You'll probably laugh at this, but I have a theory about Grant +Atherwald's disappearance." + +"Go ahead, spill it." + +"Yesterday when Salt and I were waiting at the drawbridge we saw a +motorboat cruise down the river. It was driven by a burly looking fellow +who paid no heed when we tried to hail him." + +"You're not suggesting that the man may have had something to do with +Atherwald's disappearance?" Jerry questioned, mildly amused. + +"I knew you would laugh." + +"Your theory sounds pretty far-fetched to me, I'll admit. It happens +there are any number of burly, tough looking boatmen on the Kobalt. You +can't arrest a man for a crime just because of his appearance." + +"All the same, there is supporting evidence. Mrs. Latch told me that +Atherwald's note had been handed to her by a boy who in turn received it +from someone in a boat." + +"Boats are rather common too. Your theory is interesting, but that's all +I can say for it." + +"All right," said Penny. "I was about to tell you another idea of mine. +Now I won't do it." + +No amount of coaxing could induce her to reveal her thought, and the +remainder of the drive to Andover was made in silence. It was well after +five-thirty when the car finally drew up in front of the City Club. + +Penny was not surprised to find the doors locked and no sign of Louise or +Miss Frome. + +"I thought they would go home without me," she said to Jerry. "I only +wanted to make certain." + +For many miles the road led through pleasant countryside and then swung +back toward the Kobalt river. The sun had dropped below the horizon by +the time the automobile sped through the town of Claxton. + +"Thirty miles still to go," Jerry sighed. "I'm getting hungry." + +"Two souls with but a single thought," remarked Penny. + +Directly ahead they noticed an electric sign which drew attention to a +roadside gasoline station with an adjoining restaurant. Jerry eased on +the brake. + +"How about it, Penny? Shall we invest a few nickels?" + +"I could do with a sandwich," Penny agreed. "Several, in fact." + +Not until Jerry had parked the car did they notice the dilapidated +condition of the building. It stood perhaps fifty yards back from the +main road, its rear porch fronting on the Kobalt. + +"Strange how one is always running into the river," Penny remarked +absently. "It seems to twist itself over half the state." + +Jerry had not heard her words. He was gazing at the restaurant with +disapproval. + +"This place doesn't look so good, Penny. If you say the word we'll drive +on." + +"Oh, I'd brave anything for a beef barbecue," she laughed. + +Through the screen door they caught a discouraging glimpse of the cafe's +interior--dingy walls, cigarette smoke, a group of rough looking men +seated on stools at the counter. Upon the threshold Penny hesitated, +losing courage. + +"Let's not go in," Jerry grunted in an undertone. "They'll probably serve +cockroaches in the sandwiches." + +Penny half turned away from the door only to stop short. Her attention +focused upon two men who were sitting at the far end of the cafe drinking +coffee from heavy mugs. In the indistinct light she could not be +absolutely sure, yet she was instantly convinced that the heavy-set +fellow in shirt sleeves was the same boatman who had been seen near the +Kippenberg estate. + +To Jerry's surprise, Penny resisted the tug of his arm as he sought to +lead her toward the car. + +"This place isn't half bad," she said. "Let's try it and see what +happens." + +Boldly she reached for the knob of the screen door and entered the cafe. + + + + + CHAPTER + 13 + _TWO MEN AND A BOAT_ + + +Penny ignored several empty tables at the front of the dreary restaurant +and selected one not far from where the two men sat. As they glanced at +her with insolent, appraising eyes, her pulse quickened. She was almost +certain that the heavy-set man was the same fellow she had noticed near +the Kippenberg estate. + +A waiter in a soiled white apron shuffled up to take their order. + +"Hot roast beef sandwich and coffee," said Jerry. "With plenty of cream." + +"Make mine the same," added Penny without looking at the menu. + +All her attention centered upon the two men who were now talking together +in low tones. After the first glance they had taken no interest in her +and were unaware of her scrutiny. The heavy-set man bent nearer his +companion and with the point of his knife drew a pattern on the +tablecloth. + +"What do you think of this route, Joe?" he asked. + +"Too risky," the other muttered. "Once we start we got to make a quick +shoot to the sea." + +"Any way we take we might run into trouble. Y'know, I wish we had never +agreed to do the job." + +"You and me both!" + +"Dietz ain't to be trusted," the heavy-set man said and his shaggy +eyebrows drew together in a scowl. "He's thinking first and last of his +own skin. We've got to watch him." + +"And the girl, too. She's a dumb one and plenty apt to talk if the going +gets rough." + +Penny lost the remainder of the conversation as Jerry spoke to her. + +"We couldn't have picked a worse place," he complained. "Look at all the +breakfast egg on the tablecloth. I'm in favor of walking out even now." + +"I'm not," replied Penny. + +"Say, what's got into you anyway?" Jerry demanded. "You're acting mighty +funny." + +"Notice those two men at the last table," she indicated. + +"What about them?" + +"See that heavy-set fellow with the tattooed anchor on his arm? Well, I'm +satisfied he is the same boatman who cruised near the Kippenberg estate +yesterday afternoon." + +"It might be," Jerry agreed, unimpressed. "The Kobalt is only a stone's +throw away. And this place seems to be frequented by rivermen." + +"You didn't hear what they were saying?" whispered Penny. "Listen!" + +Jerry immediately fell silent, centering his attention upon the two men. +But by this time they had lowered their voices so that only an occasional +word could be distinguished. + +"What were they saying anyway?" Jerry asked curiously. + +Before Penny could answer, the proprietor came from the kitchen bearing +two plates of food which he set down before them. The sandwiches were +covered with a dark brown, watery gravy, potatoes bore a heavy coating of +grease and the coffee looked weak. + +"Anything more?" the man inquired indifferently. + +"That's all," Jerry replied, with emphasis. "In fact, it's too much." + +At the adjoining table the two men abruptly hauled to their feet. Paying +their bill they quitted the restaurant. + +"Let's leave, too," suggested Penny. "I should like to see where they +go." + +Jerry pushed his plate aside. "Suits me," he agreed. "Even my cast-iron +stomach can't wrestle with such food as this." + +He paid at the cash register and they went out into the night. Penny +looked about for the two men and saw them walking toward the river. + +"Hold on," said Jerry as she started to follow. "Tell me what all the +excitement is about." + +Tersely, Penny repeated the conversation she had overheard. + +"They're tough looking hombres all right," Jerry admitted. "Likely as not +mixed up in some dirty business. But to say they're involved in the +Kippenberg affair--" + +"Oh, Jerry," Penny broke in impatiently, "we'll never learn anything if +we take that attitude. We must run down every possible clue. Please, +let's see if they go down to the river." + +"We ought to be getting our story back to the office," Jerry reminded +her. "If we miss the last edition there will be fireworks." + +"It will only take a minute," Penny insisted stubbornly. "If you won't +come with me, then I'm going alone!" + +She started away and the reporter had no choice but to follow. A narrow, +well-trod path led down a steep slope toward the river. Long before they +came within sight of it they could hear the croak of bullfrogs and feel +the damp, night mists enveloping them like a cloak. + +Drawing closer to the two men, Penny and Jerry slackened pace and moved +with greater care. But if they hoped to learn anything from the +conversation of the pair ahead they were disappointed. The talk concerned +only the weather. + +Reaching the banks of the river, the two men boarded a sturdy cabin +cruiser which had been moored to a sagging dock. + +"It's the very same boat," Penny whispered jubilantly. "I knew I wasn't +mistaken." + +"Even so, what does that prove?" demanded Jerry. "It's no crime to run a +motorboat near the Kippenberg estate. The river is free." + +"But you must admit there _is_ other evidence. Oh, why can't we follow +them? We might learn something really important." + +"We're not going off on any wild chase tonight," stated Jerry sternly. +"Come on, it's home for us before your father sends a police squad to +search for his missing daughter." + +"You're losing a golden opportunity, Jerry Livingston." + +"Listen, by the time we located a boat those men would be ten miles from +here. They're leaving now. Use your head." + +"Oh, all right," Penny gave in. "We'll go home, but I'll bet a cent +you'll be sorry later on." + +She waited until the cruiser was lost to view in the darkness and then +allowed the reporter to guide her back up the steep path. + +"At least let's try to find out who the men are," Penny urged as they +came near the cafe. "The restaurant owner might know." + +More to please her than for any other reason, Jerry said that he would +inquire. He re-entered the cafe, returning in a few minutes to report +that the proprietor had never seen either of the men before. + +"And now let's be traveling," he urged. "We've killed enough time here." + +During the remainder of the ride back to Riverview, Penny had little to +say. But long after she knew Jerry had forgotten the two boatmen she kept +turning their conversation over in her mind. She only wished she might +prove that her theories were not ridiculous. + +Presently, the automobile drew up in front of the Parker residence. + +"Won't you come in, Jerry?" Penny invited. "Dad may wish to talk with you +about the case." + +"I might stop a minute. I have a question or two to ask him." + +The door of the house swung open as Penny and the reporter crossed the +front porch. Anthony Parker stood framed in the bright electric light, a +tall, imposing figure. + +"That you, Penny?" + +"Yes, Dad." + +"I'm glad you're home safe," he said, not trying to hide his relief. +"Mrs. Weems and I have both been worried. It's going on nine o'clock." + +"So late? Didn't Louise telephone you?" + +"Yes, she said you had gone on to the Kippenberg estate. Knowing you, I +worried all the more. What mischief did you get into this time, Penny?" + +"None. Jerry took care of that!" + +Mr. Parker held the door open for his daughter and Jerry to pass through. +"Have you had your dinners?" he asked. + +"We stopped at a roadside cafe, Dad. But the food was horrible. We didn't +even try to eat it." + +"Mrs. Weems can find something for you, I'm sure. She's upstairs." + +"Don't call her just yet," said Penny. "First, we want to tell you what +we've learned." + +Mr. Parker listened attentively as Penny gave a detailed account of her +visit to the estate, the finding of the silk hat, and finally of her +encounter with the two boatmen at the river cafe. + +"I might have learned a lot more if only Jerry hadn't played +grandmother," she said crossly. "He refused to follow the boat down the +river--said it would only be a wild chase." + +"Jerry, I'm glad you had will power enough to overrule her," declared Mr. +Parker. "The possibility of those men being connected with the Atherwald +case seems very vague to me." + +"Dad, you should have heard what they were saying! The one man drew a +design on the tablecloth and asked his companion what he thought of the +route. They talked about a quick get-away to the sea." + +"The men may have been fugitives," Mr. Parker commented. "But even that +isn't very likely." + +"They spoke of being uneasy about a certain job they had agreed to do," +Penny went on earnestly. "They mentioned a girl and said that a fellow +named Dietz would bear watching." + +Mr. Parker leaned forward in his chair. "Dietz?" he questioned. "Are you +certain that was the name?" + +"Yes, I heard it clearly." + +"I don't see how there could be any connection," Mr. Parker mused. "And +yet--" + +"Where did you hear the name before, Dad?" Penny asked, all eagerness. + +"Well, DeWitt has been digging up all the facts he can about James +Kippenberg. As it happens, the man once had a business associate named +Aaron Dietz who was dismissed because of alleged dishonesty." + +"Then there must be a relationship!" Penny cried. She whirled +triumphantly to face the crestfallen reporter. "You see, Mr. Jerry +Livingston, my theory wasn't so crazy after all! Now aren't you sorry?" + + + + + CHAPTER + 14 + _THE STONE TOWER_ + + +Louise Sidell was washing the breakfast dishes when Penny walked boldly +in at the back door. + +"Don't you ever answer doorbells, Lou?" she demanded. "I stood around +front for half an hour, ringing and ringing." + +"Why, hello, Penny. I didn't hear you at all," apologized Louise. "The +radio is on too loud. I see you reached home last night." + +Penny picked up a towel and began to dry dishes. "Oh, yes, and did I have +a day!" + +"What happened after you left Andover?" + +"It's a long story, so I'll begin at the end. Last night, coming home +with Jerry we stopped at a cafe along the river. Guess whom we saw!" + +"Knowing your luck, I'd say Charlie Chaplin, or maybe the Queen of +England." + +"This particular cafe wasn't quite their speed, Lou. Jerry and I saw that +same boatman I told you about!" + +"The fellow you saw cruising about the Kippenberg estate? What's so +remarkable about that?" + +"It just happens I've dug up other evidence to show he may know something +about Grant Atherwald's disappearance," Penny revealed proudly. "Jerry +and I overheard a conversation. It seems this man and a companion of his +are mixed up with another fellow named Aaron Dietz." + +"Which doesn't make sense to me," complained Louise, scrubbing hard at a +sticky plate. + +"Aaron Dietz was a former associate of James Kippenberg. Dad said he +probably knew more about the Kippenberg financial affairs than any other +person. Oh, I tell you, Jerry feels pretty sick because we didn't follow +the men last night! Dad assigned him to try to pick up the trail today. +He's chartered a motor boat and will patrol the river." + +"If you don't mind," said Louise patiently, "I'd like to hear the first +part of the story now. Then I might know what this is all about." + +Talking as fast as she could, Penny related everything which had happened +since she had taken leave of her chum at Andover. + +"Which brings me to the point of my visit," she ended her tale. "How +about going out there with me this morning?" + +"To the Kippenberg estate?" Louise asked eagerly. + +"Yes, we may not be able to get across the river, but I mean to try." + +"You know I'm wild to visit the place, Penny!" + +"How soon can you start?" + +"Just as soon as these stupid dishes are done. And I ought to change my +dress." + +"Wear something dark which won't attract attention in the bushes," +advised Penny. "Now get to working on yourself while I finish the +dishes." + +Louise dropped the dishcloth and hurried upstairs. When she returned ten +minutes later, her chum was swishing the last of the soapsuds down the +sink drain. Another five minutes and they were in Penny's battered car, +speeding toward Corbin. + +The sun rode high in the sky by the time they came within view of the +drawbridge. Noticing that a press car from a rival newspaper was parked +at the end of the road, Penny drew up some distance away. She could see +two reporters talking with the old watchman. + +"Evidently, they're having no luck in getting over to the estate," she +remarked. + +"Then what about us?" + +"Oh, we have our own private taxi service," Penny chuckled. "At least I +hope so." + +Taking a circuitous route so they would not be noticed by the bridgeman, +the girls went down to the river's edge. Far up the stream Penny saw the +familiar rowboat drifting with the current. At her signal the small boy +seized his oars and rowed toward shore. + +"I was here at eight o'clock just as you said," he declared. "That fellow +up there by the bridge offered me a dollar to take him across the river. +I turned him down." + +"Good," approved Penny. + +"Do you want to go across the river now?" the boy asked. + +"Yes, please." Penny stepped into the boat and made room for Louise. +"Keep close to the bank until we are around the bend. Then I'll show you +where to land." + +"I guess you're afraid someone will see you," the boy commented. + +"Not exactly afraid," corrected Penny. "But this way will be best." + +The boat moved quietly along the high bank, well out of sight of those +who stood by the drawbridge. + +"The cops were here this morning," volunteered the boy as he pulled at +the oars. + +"You saw them visit the estate?" Penny questioned. + +"Sure, there were four of 'em. They drove up in a police car and they +made old Thorndyke let the bridge down so they could go across." + +"Are the policemen at the estate now?" + +"No, they left again in about an hour. What do you suppose they wanted +over there?" + +"Well, now, I couldn't guess," replied Penny. "Like as not they only +wished to ask a few questions. Are the Kippenbergs at home?" + +"I saw Mrs. Kippenberg drive away right after the police left." + +"And her daughter?" + +"I guess she must be still there. Anyway, she wasn't in the car." + +The boat rounded the bend, and Penny pointed out a place on the opposite +shore where she wished to land. + +"Shall I wait for you?" the boy asked as the girls stepped from the +craft. + +"Yes, but not here," directed Penny. "You might row back to the opposite +shore and keep watch from there. We ought to be ready to leave within at +least an hour." + +The roof top of the Kippenberg house could be seen towering above the +tall trees. But as the two girls plunged into the bushes which grew +thickly along the shore they lost sight of it entirely. + +"I hope," said Louise uneasily, "that you know where you are going. It +would be easy to lose one's self in this jungle." + +"Oh, I have my directions straight. We should come out near the lily pool +at any minute." + +"What do you hope to gain by coming here, Penny?" Louise inquired +abruptly. + +"I thought I would try to talk with Miss Kippenberg again. There's an +important question I forgot to ask her yesterday. Then I wanted to show +you the estate, especially the lily pond." + +"Is there anything unusual about it?" + +"I'll let you be the judge," Penny answered. "We're almost there now." + +They came in a moment to a path which made walking much easier. Penny +went in advance of her chum. Suddenly she halted. + +"See what is ahead, Lou! I never saw that thing before." + +She stepped to one side so that Louise might see the tall stone tower +which loomed up against a background of scarlet maples. + +"How curious!" murmured Louise. + +"This isn't the only queer thing I've found on the estate." + +"What purpose could the tower have?" speculated Louise. + +"Decoration, perhaps," replied Penny, moving forward again. "Or it might +have been built for a prison." + +"Listen, you have too many different theories about Grant Atherwald," +laughed Louise. "Why don't you get one and stick to it?" + +"My mind is always open to new possibilities and impressions." + +"I'll say it is," agreed Louise. "I suppose you think Mrs. Kippenberg is +keeping young Atherwald a prisoner in yonder tower?" + +"Well, no, but you must admit it would make a lovely one. So romantic." + +"Are you trying to kid me?" Louise demanded. + +Penny smiled broadly as she stared up at the tower which rose perhaps +twelve feet. Like every other building on the estate it had been built to +resist the ages. High above her head a circular window had been cut in +the wall and there was a heavy oaken door. + +Reaching for the knob, Penny turned it. Then she pressed her shoulder +against the door and pushed with her entire strength. + +"Locked!" she announced. + +"Then we won't learn what is inside after all." + +"Yes, we will," declared Penny. "You lift me up and I'll peep in the +window." + +"You only weigh a ton," complained Louise. + +She obligingly raised Penny up as high as she could. + +"Look fast," she panted. "What do you see?" + +"Not much of anything." + +"I can't hold you forever," Louise said, and released her hold. "Didn't +you see anything at all?" + +"Just a lot of machinery." + +"Tools, you mean?" + +"No, an electric motor and something which looked like it might be a +pump. Oh, I get it now!" + +"Get what?" demanded Louise. + +"Why, the idea of this tower. It must be used as a pump house. I wondered +how the lily pool was ever drained and this must be the answer." + +"You didn't see any prisoners chained inside?" Louise teased. + +"Not one. Well, let's be getting on to the lily pond. It must be +somewhere close." + +Louise could not understand why her chum was so determined that she +should see the pool. But since Penny seldom did anything without a +purpose, she speculated upon what might be in store. She knew from the +girl's manner that certain facts had been withheld deliberately to make +this visit the more impressive. + +"Here we are," said Penny as they came to the clearing. "What do you +think of it?" + +Louise was aware of a deep sense of disappointment as she gazed at the +lily pool. + +"I really don't see anything so remarkable about it, Penny." + +"This was the place where I found the wedding ring. And there were +footprints indicating that a struggle probably took place." + +"I read all that in the paper," Louise said. "From the hints you've been +passing out, I thought you brought me here to show me something +mysterious." + +"Go close to the pool." + +"What for, Penny? You want to push me in?" + +"Oh, you're too suspicious! Go on and look." + +Louise went to the edge of the pool and peered down into the water. + +"I don't see anything." + +"You will in just a minute. Keep looking." + +Louise was more than half convinced that Penny meant to play some prank, +but she dropped down on her knees so her eyes would be closer to the +water. + +"Why, I do see some large object on the floor of the tank!" she exclaimed +after a moment. "What is it, Penny?" + +"An alligator." + +Louise gave a smothered scream and drew back from the pool's edge. + +"I--I might have fallen in. You ought to be ashamed of yourself!" + +"I only wanted you to get a nice thrill," Penny grinned. "Pretty fellow, +isn't he?" + +"I didn't really see him," Louise admitted. + +Overcoming her fear, she again leaned over the edge of the pool but with +great caution. This time she could make out the alligator's form +distinctly. + +"Horrible!" she shuddered. "I wish you hadn't brought me--" + +Her words ended in a little wail as a tiny object splashed into the water +directly beneath her. + +"My cameo pin!" she cried. "Oh, Penny, it slipped from my dress and now +it's gone!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 15 + _A CAMEO PIN_ + + +In dismay, the two girls watched the trinket settle slowly to the bottom +of the pool. + +"Oh, my beautiful pin," moaned Louise. "Aunt Lucinda gave it to me for my +birthday. I wouldn't have lost it for anything in the world." + +"I guess it was my fault," Penny said self-accusingly. + +"No, it wasn't. I must have been careless about fastening the clasp. When +I leaned over it slipped off. Well, it's gone, and that's that." + +The cameo pin had fallen into the deepest part of the pool not far from +where the alligator lay. The girls were unable to see it plainly because +of the lily pads and plants which cluttered the water. + +"If that old alligator would just behave himself we could wade in and get +it easy," Penny said. + +"Fancy trying it!" + +"I'm afraid he would take special delight in snapping off an arm or a +leg. And we don't dare ask anyone to help us get the pin or we'll be +ejected from the grounds as trespassers." + +"We may as well forget about it, Penny. Come along, I'm sick of this +place." + +"No, wait, Louise. We might be able to fish it out with a stick." + +"I don't think we'd have a chance." + +"Anyway, it will do no harm to try." + +Penny searched the woods until she found a long stick with a curve at the +end. Lying flat on the flagstones at the edge of the pool she prodded for +the pin. + +"I can touch it all right!" she cried. "I'll pull it over to the side." + +"Be careful you don't tumble in," Louise warned, anxiously holding her +chum by the waist. "If you should lose your balance--" + +Penny hooked the cameo pin in the curve of the stick and began raising it +inch by inch up the side of the pool. + +"If I can get it up high enough reach down and snatch it," Penny advised +her chum. "Oh, shoot, there it goes!" + +The pin had slipped away from the stick and settled once more on the +bottom of the pool. + +"You can't get it, Penny," Louise insisted. "You're making the alligator +all excited by prodding around." + +"I don't care about _him_. I'll try once more if I can locate the pin. It +seems to be hiding from me now." + +The water was so disturbed that Penny could not see the pin or the bottom +of the pool. She waited several minutes for the dirt to settle and then +gazed down once more. + +"There it is!" she exclaimed. "It moved over quite a ways to the right." + +Louise flattened herself beside Penny. "Oh, let the pin go," she said. + +"No, I think I can get it. Say, there seems to be something else on the +bottom of the pool." + +"Where?" + +Penny pointed, and then, as her chum still could not distinguish +anything, parted the lily pads with her stick. + +"Yes, I do see something now," Louise declared. "What can it be?" + +"Doesn't it look like a metal ring?" Penny asked. She had lost all +interest in the cameo pin. + +"Yes, it does. Someone probably threw it into the pool." + +"But it looks to me as if it's attached to the bottom of the tank, +embedded in the cement," Penny said. She bent closer to the water, trying +to see. + +"Be careful," Louise warned nervously. "That alligator might come up and +snap off your nose." + +Penny paid no heed. + +"It is attached!" she announced in an excited voice. "Louise, do you know +what I think?" + +"What?" + +"It's the ring of a trapdoor!" + +"A trapdoor!" Louise echoed incredulously. + +"You can see for yourself that it's an iron ring." + +"It does look a little like one from here," Louise admitted. "But whoever +heard of a trapdoor in a lily pool? No one but you would even think of +such a thing. It doesn't make sense." + +"Does anything on this estate make sense?" + +"The ring might have something to do with draining the pool," Louise said +without replying to her chum's question. "I suppose a section of the pool +could be lifted up and removed. But I'd never call it a trapdoor." + +"I wish we could tell for sure what it is." Penny tried to prod the ring +with her stick but it was well beyond her reach. "Maybe the alligator has +a room down under the pool where he spends his winters!" + +"You're simply filled with ideas today," Louise declared. "What about my +pin? Shall we let it go?" + +Reminded of her original task, Penny set to work once more, trying to +draw the cameo to the edge of the tank. She was so deeply engrossed, that +she jumped as her chum touched her on the arm. + +"Listen, Penny, I think someone is coming!" + +From the path at the right they could hear approaching footsteps and the +low murmur of voices. + +Penny struggled to her feet, dropping the stick. + +"We mustn't be caught here," she whispered. + +Taking Louise's hand, she drew the girl into the dense bushes directly +behind the pool. Scarcely had they secreted themselves when Sylvia +Kippenberg and the head gardener came into view. They seated themselves +on a rustic bench not far from where the two girls stood. + +"I had to talk with you," Sylvia said to the old man. "The police came +this morning and asked so many questions. Mother put them off but they'll +be back again." + +"They didn't learn about the alligator?" the gardener asked gruffly. + +"No, they came here but only stayed a few minutes. I don't think they +noticed anything wrong." + +"Then that's all right." + +"Their investigation is only beginning," Sylvia said nervously. "Mother +and I both believe it would be wise to get rid of the alligator." + +"Wise but not easy," the gardener replied. + +"You'll see what you can do about it?" + +"Yes. I'll try to get rid of him." + +"Then I guess that's all," Sylvia said, but she made no move to leave. +She sat staring moodily at the pool. + +"Anything else on your mind?" asked the gardener. + +"I--I wanted to ask you something, but I scarcely know how." + +The gardener waited, watching the girl's face intently. + +"You never liked Grant Atherwald," she began nervously. + +"Say, what are you driving at?" the man asked quickly. "You're not trying +to hint that I had anything to do with Grant Atherwald's disappearance?" + +The two faced each other and Sylvia's gaze was the first to fall. + +"No, no, of course not," she said. + +"I don't know any more about his disappearance than you do," the man told +her angrily. "I didn't even see him on the day of the wedding." + +"But he came here. The wedding ring was found near the pool. Surely you +must have heard some sound for I know you were in this part of the +garden." + +"Well, I didn't," the man said sullenly. "The only persons I saw were a +newspaper photographer and a girl." + +"Please don't take offense," Miss Kippenberg murmured, getting up from +the bench. "I've been terribly upset these past few days." + +She walked slowly to the edge of the pool. There she stopped short, +staring down at an object which lay on the flagstones at her feet. It was +the stick which Penny had dropped only a moment before. + +"What have you found?" the gardener cried. + +He went quickly to her side and took the damp stick from her hand. + +"Someone has been here prying around," he said in a harsh voice. "This +was used to investigate the water in the pool." + +"And whoever it was must be close by even now. Otherwise the stick would +have dried out in the sun." + +"You go back to the house," the man commanded. "I'll look around." + +In their hideout amid the bushes, Penny and Louise gazed at each other +with chagrin. No word was spoken for even a whisper might have been +heard. With a common desire for escape, they glided with cat-like tread +toward the river. + + + + + CHAPTER + 16 + _GATHERING CLUES_ + + +The girls could hear no movement behind them as they darted down the +path. They dared to hope that they had eluded the old gardener. + +Then as they came within sight of the river, Louise stumbled over a vine. +Although she stifled an outcry the dull thud of her body against the +ground seemed actually to reverberate through the forest. A black crow on +the lower limb of an oak tree cawed in protest before he flew away. + +Penny pulled Louise to her feet and they went on as fast as they could, +but they knew the sound had betrayed them. Now they could hear the man in +pursuit, his heavy shoes pounding on the hard, dry path. + +"Run!" Penny commanded. + +They reached the river bank and looked about for the boat which would +take them across. As they had feared it was on the opposite shore. + +Penny gestured frantically, but the boy did not understand the need for +haste. He picked up his oars and rowed toward them at a very deliberate +pace. + +"Oh, he'll never get here in time," Louise murmured fearfully. "Shall we +hide?" + +"That's all we can do." + +They realized then that they had waited too long. Before they could dodge +into the deeper thicket the gardener reached the clearing. + +"So it's you again!" he cried wrathfully, glaring at Penny. + +"Please, we didn't mean any harm. We can explain--" + +"This stick is explanation enough for me!" the man shouted, waving it +above his head. "You were trying to find out about the lily pool!" + +"We were only trying to get a pin which I dropped into the water," Louise +said, backing a step away. + +"I don't believe you!" the man snapped. "You can't fool me! I know why +you came here, and you'll pay for your folly! You'll never take the +secret away with you!" + +With a swift, animal-like spring which belied his age, the gardener +hurled himself toward the girls. He seized Penny's arm giving it a cruel +twist. + +"You're coming along with me," he announced harshly. + +"Let me go!" Penny cried, trying to free herself. + +"You're going with me to the house. You've been altogether too prying. +Now you'll take your punishment, both of you." + +The gardener might have managed Penny alone, but he was no match for two +athletic girls. As he tried to seize Louise, Penny twisted free. + +Quick as a flash, she grasped the man's felt hat, jamming it down on his +head over his eyes. While he was trying to pull it off, Louise also +wriggled from his grasp. + +The two girls ran to the water's edge. Their boat had drawn close to +shore. Without waiting for it to beach they waded out over their shoetops +and climbed aboard. + +"Don't either of you ever come here again!" the gardener hurled after +them. "If you do--" + +The rest of the threat was carried away by the wind. However, Penny could +not resist waving her hand and calling back: "Bye, bye, old timer! We'll +be seeing you!" + +"What's the matter with that man anyhow?" asked the boy who rowed the +boat. "Didn't he want you on the estate?" + +"On the contrary, he invited us to remain and we declined," grinned +Penny. "Just temperament, that's all. He can't make up his mind which way +he would like to have it." + +Allowing the boy to puzzle over the remark, she busied herself pouring +water from her sodden shoes. The visit to the estate had not turned out +at all as she had planned. She had failed to talk with Miss Kippenberg, +and it was almost certain that from now on servants would keep a much +closer watch for intruders. + +The only vital information she had gleaned resulted from overhearing the +conversation between Sylvia Kippenberg and the gardener. + +"She talked with him as if they were well acquainted," mused Penny. "Miss +Kippenberg must have thought he knew more about Grant Atherwald's +disappearance than he would tell. And she seems to be afraid the Law will +ask too many questions. Otherwise, she wouldn't have suggested getting +rid of the alligator." + +One additional observation Penny had made, but she decided not to speak +of it until she and Louise were alone. + +The boat reached shore and the two girls stepped out on the muddy bank. + +"Will you need me again?" inquired the boy. + +"I may," said Penny, "and I can't tell you exactly when. Where do you +keep your boat?" + +"Up the river just beyond that crooked maple tree. I hide it in the +bushes and I keep the oars inside a hollow log close by. You won't have +any trouble finding it." + +Penny and Louise said goodbye to the lad and scrambled up the bank. + +"I'm sure I'll not be going back to _that_ place," the latter declared +emphatically. "I just wonder what would have happened if we hadn't broken +away." + +"We might have been locked up in the stone tower," Penny laughed. "Then +another one of my theories would have proven itself." + +"Oh, you and your theories! You can't make me believe that gardener +didn't mean to harm us. He was a very sinister character." + +"Sinister is a strong word, Lou. But I'll agree he's not any ordinary +gardener. Either he's been hired by the Kippenberg family for a very +special purpose or else he's gained their confidence and means to bend +them to his own ends." + +"His own ends! Why, Penny, what do you mean? Have you learned something +you haven't told me?" + +"Only this. I'm satisfied Old Peter is no gardener. He's wearing a +disguise." + +"Well, what won't you think of next! You've been reading too many +detective stories, Penny Parker." + +"Have I? Then there's no need to tell you--" + +"Yes, there is," Louise cut in. "Your ideas are pretty imaginative, but I +like to hear them anyway." + +"Considerate of you, old thing," Penny drawled in her best imitation of +an English accent. "You don't deserve to be told after that crack, but +I'll do it anyhow. When I pulled the gardener's hat down over his eyes, I +felt something slip!" + +"Maybe it was his skin peeling off." + +"He wore a wig," Penny said soberly. "That's why he looked so startled +when I jerked the hat." + +"Did you actually see a wig?" + +"No, but he must have had one on his head. I felt it give, I tell you." + +"I wouldn't put anything past that fellow. But if he isn't a gardener, +then who or what is he?" + +"I don't know, but I intend to do some intensive investigation." + +"Just how, may I ask?" + +Penny gazed speculatively toward the drawbridge, noting that the old +watchman had been deserted by the group of reporters. He sat alone, legs +crossed, his camp stool propped against the side of the gearhouse. + +"Let's talk with him, Lou. He might be able to tell us something about +the different employees of the estate." + +They walked over to where the old man sat, greeting him with their most +pleasant smiles. + +"Good morning," said Penny. + +The old man finished lighting his pipe before he deigned to notice them. + +"Good morning," repeated Penny. + +"Mornin'," said the watchman. He looked the two girls over appraisingly +and added: "Ain't you children a long ways off from your Ma's?" + +The remark both startled and offended Penny, but instantly she divined +that the old fellow's memory was short and his eyesight poor. He had +failed to recognize her in everyday clothes. + +"Oh, we're just out for a hike," she answered. "You see, we get tired of +all the ordinary places, so we thought we would walk by here." + +"We're interested in your bridge," added Louise. "We just love bridges." + +"This one ain't so good any more," the old man said disparagingly. + +"Doesn't it get lonely here?" ventured Louise. "Sitting here all day +long?" + +"It did at first, Miss. But I got used to it. Anyway, it beats leanin' on +a shovel for the gov'ment. I got a little garden over yonder a ways. You +ought to see my tomatoes. Them Ponderosas is as big as a plate." + +"Do you ever operate the bridge?" Louise inquired, for Penny had not told +her that the structure was still in use. + +"Oh, sure, Miss. That's what I'm here for. But it ain't safe for nothin' +heavier than a passenger car." + +"I'd love to see the bridge lowered." Louise stared curiously up at the +tall cantilevers which pointed skyward. "When will you do it next time, +Mr.--?" + +"Davis, if you please, Miss. Thorny Davis they calls me. My real name's +Thorndyke." + +The old man pulled a large, silver watch from his pocket and consulted +it. + +"In about ten minutes now, Mrs. Kippenberg will be comin' back from town. +Then we'll make the old hinge bend down agin'." + +"Let's wait," said Louise. + +Penny nodded and then as Thorny did not seem to object, she peeped into +the gear house, the door of which stood half open. A maze of machinery +met her eye--an electric motor and several long hand-levers. + +Presently Thorny Davis listened intently. Penny thought he looked like an +old fox who had picked up the distant baying of the pack. + +"That's _her_ car a-comin' now," he said. "I can tell by the sound of the +engine. Well, I reckon I might as well let 'er down." + +Thorny arose and knocked the ashes from his corn-cob pipe. He opened the +door of the gear house and stepped inside. + +"May I see how you do it?" asked Penny. "I always was interested in +machinery." + +"The women will be runnin' locomotives next," Thorny complained +whimsically. "All right, come on in." + +The old watchman pulled a lever on the starting rheostat of the motor +which responded with a sudden jar and then a low purr. It increased its +speed as he pushed the lever all the way over. + +"Now the power's on. The next thing is to drop 'er." + +Thorny grasped one of the long hand-levers and gently eased it forward. +There was a grind of gears engaging and the bridge slowly crept down out +of the sky. + +Penny did not miss a single move. She noted just which levers the +watchman pulled and in what order. When the platform of the bridge was on +an even keel she saw him cut off the motor and throw all the gear back +into its original position. + +"Think you could do 'er by yourself now?" Thorny asked. + +"Yes, I believe I could," Penny answered gravely. + +The old watchman smiled as he stepped to the deck of the bridge. + +"It ain't so easy as it looks," he told her. "Well, here comes the Missuz +now and we're all ready for her. Last time she came along I was weedin' +out my corn patch and was she mad?" + +As the black limousine rolled up to the drawbridge Penny turned her face +away so that Mrs. Kippenberg would not recognize her. She need have had +no uneasiness, for the lady gazed neither to the right nor the left. The +car crept forward at a snail's pace causing the steel structure to shiver +and shake as if from an attack of ague. + +"Dear me, I think this bridge is positively dangerous," Louise declared. +"I shouldn't like to drive over it myself." + +As the old watchman again raised the cantilevers, Penny studied his every +move. + +"For a girl you're sure mighty interested in machinery," he remarked. + +"Oh, I may grow up to be a bridgeman some day," Penny said lightly. "I +notice you keep the gear house locked part of the time." + +"I have to do it or folks would tamper with the machinery." + +The old man snapped a padlock on the door. + +"Now I'm goin' to mosey down to my garden and do a little hoein'," he +announced. "You girls better run along." + +Thus dismissed, Louise started away, but Penny made no move to leave. She +intended to ask a few questions. + +"Thorny, are you any relation to the Kippenberg's head gardener?" she +inquired with startling abruptness. + +"Am I any relation to that old walrus?" Thorny fairly shouted. "Am I any +relation to _him_? Say, you tryin' to insult me?" + +"Not at all, but I saw the man this morning, and I fancied I noticed a +resemblance. Perhaps you don't know the one I mean." + +"Sure, I know him all right." Thorny spat contemptuously. "New man. He +acts as know-it-all and bossy as if he owned the whole place." + +"Then you don't like him?" + +"There ain't no one that has anything to do with him. He's so good he +can't live like the rest of the servants. Where do you think I seen him +the other night?" + +"I haven't the slightest idea. Where?" + +"He was at the Colonial Hotel, eatin' in the main dining room!" + +"The Colonial is quite an expensive hotel at Corbin, isn't it?" + +"Best there is. They soak you two bucks just to park your feet under one +of their tables. Yep, if you ask me, Mrs. Kippenberg better ask that +gardener of hers a few questions!" + +Having delivered himself of this tirade, Thorny became calm again. He +shifted his weight and said pointedly: "Well, I got to tend my garden. +You girls better run along. Mrs. Kippenberg don't want nobody hangin' +around the bridge." + +The girls obligingly took leave of him and walked away. But when they +were some distance away, Penny glanced back over her shoulder. She saw +Thorny down on his hands and knees in front of the gear house. He was +slipping some object under the wide crack of the door. + +"The key to the padlock!" she chuckled. "So that was why he wanted us to +leave first. We'll remember the hiding place, Lou, just in case we ever +decide to use the drawbridge." + + + + + CHAPTER + 17 + _A SEARCH FOR JERRY_ + + +After leaving the Kippenberg estate, Penny and Louise motored to Corbin. +More from curiosity than for any other reason they dined at the Colonial +Hotel, finding the establishment as luxurious as the old watchman had +intimated. A full hour and a half was required to eat the fine dinner +which was served. + +"Our friend, the gardener, does have excellent taste in food," remarked +Louise. "What puzzles me is where does he get the money to pay for all +this?" + +"The obvious answer is that he's not a gardener." + +"Maybe he has rooms here too, Penny." + +"I've been wondering about it. I mean to investigate." + +Louise glanced at her wristwatch. "Do you think we should take the time?" +she asked. "It will be late afternoon now before we reach home." + +"Oh, it won't take a minute to inquire at the desk." + +Leaving the dining room, the girls made their way to the lobby. When the +desk clerk had a free moment Penny asked him if anyone by the name of +Peter Henderson had taken rooms at the hotel. + +"No one here by that name," the man told her. "Wait, I'll look to be +sure." + +He consulted a card filing system which served as a register, and +confirmed his first statement. + +"The man I mean would be around sixty years of age," explained Penny. "He +works as a gardener at the Kippenberg estate." + +"Perhaps you have come to the wrong hotel," said the clerk aloofly. "We +do not cater to gardeners." + +"Only to people who employ gardeners, I take it." + +"Our rates start at ten dollars a day," returned the clerk coldly. + +"And does that include free linen and a bath?" Penny asked with pretended +awe. + +"Certainly. All of our rooms have private baths." + +"How wonderful," giggled Penny. "We thought this might be one of those +places with a bath on every floor!" + +Suddenly comprehending that he was being made an object of sport, the +clerk glared at the girls and turned his back. + +Penny and Louise went cheerfully to their car, very much pleased with +themselves for having deflated such a conceited young man. They drove +away, and late afternoon brought them to Riverview, tired and dusty from +their long trip. + +After dropping her chum off at the Sidell home, Penny rode directly to +the newspaper office. Finding no parking place available on the street, +she ran her car into the loading area at the rear of the building, nosing +into a narrow space which had just been vacated by a paper-laden truck. + +"Hey, you lady," shouted an employee. "You can't park that scrap iron +here. Another paper truck will be along in a minute." + +Penny switched off the engine. + +"I guess you're new around here," she said, climbing out. "The next truck +isn't due until five-twenty-three." + +"Say, who do you think you are, tellin' me--?" + +The employee trailed off into silence as another workman gave him a sharp +nudge in the ribs. + +"Pipe down," he was warned. "If the boss' daughter wants to park her +jitney in the paper chute it's okay, see?" + +"Sure, I get it," the other mumbled. + +Penny grinned broadly as she crossed the loading area. + +"After this, you might mention my automobile in a more respectful tone," +she tossed over her shoulder. "It's not scrap iron or a jitney either!" + +Riding up the freight elevator, Penny passed a few remarks with the +smiling operator and stepped off at the editorial floor. She noticed as +she went through the news room that Jerry Livingston's desk was vacant. +And because the waste basket was empty, the floor beside it free from +paper wads, she knew he had written no story that day. + +Penny tapped lightly on the closed door of her father's private office +and went in. + +"Hello," he said, glancing up. "Just get back from Corbin?" + +"Yes, Louise and I had plenty of excitement, but I didn't dig up any +facts you'll dare print in the paper." + +"Did you meet Jerry anywhere?" + +"Why, no, Dad." + +"The young cub is taking a vacation at my expense, running up a big +motorboat bill! He should have been back here three hours ago." + +"Oh, be reasonable, Dad," said Penny teasingly. "You can't expect him to +trace down those men just in a minute." + +"It was a wild chase anyway," the editor growled. "I let him do it more +to please you than for any other reason. But that's beside the point. He +was told to be back here by four o'clock at the latest, even if he had +nothing to report." + +"Jerry is usually punctual, Dad. But I suppose being on the river he +couldn't get here just when he expected." + +"He's probably gone fishing," Mr. Parker declared. + +He slammed down the roll top on his desk and picked up his hat. + +"Will you ride home with me?" Penny invited. "Leaping Lena would be +highly honored." + +"It's a mighty sight more comfortable on the bus," her father replied. +"But then, I can stand a jolting." + +As they went out through the main room he paused to speak with DeWitt, +leaving an order that he was to be called at his home as soon as Jerry +Livingston returned. + +Mr. Parker raised his eyebrows as he saw where Penny had left the car. + +"Haven't I told you that the trucks need this space to load and unload?" +he asked patiently. "There is a ten cent parking lot across the street." + +"But Dad, I haven't ten cents to spare. The truth is, I spent almost +every bit of my allowance today over at Corbin." + +"NO!" said Mr. Parker firmly. "NO!" + +"No what?" + +"Not a penny will you get ahead of time." + +"You misjudge me, Dad. I had no intention of even mentioning such a +painful subject." + +They drove in silence for a few blocks and then Penny indicated the +gasoline gauge on the dashboard. + +"Why, it's nearly empty!" she exclaimed. "We won't have enough to reach +home!" + +"Well, get some," said Mr. Parker automatically. "We don't want to stall +on the street." + +A flip of the steering wheel brought the car to a standstill in front of +a gasoline pump. + +"Fill it up," ordered Penny. + +While Mr. Parker read his newspaper, the attendant polished the +windshield and checked the oil, finding it low. At a nod from Penny he +added two quarts. + +"That will be exactly two fifty-eight." + +Penny repeated the figure in a louder tone, giving her father a nudge. +"Wake up, Dad. Two fifty-eight." + +Absently, Mr. Parker reached for his wallet. Not until the attendant +brought the change did it dawn upon him that Penny had scored once more. + +"Tricked again," he groaned. + +"Why, it was your own suggestion that we stop for gasoline," Penny +reminded him. "I shouldn't have minded taking a chance myself. You see, +the gauge is usually at least a gallon off." + +"Anyway, I would rather pay for it than have you siphon it out of my +car." + +"Thanks for the present," laughed Penny. + +Dinner was waiting by the time they reached home. Afterwards, Penny +helped Mrs. Weems with the dishes while her father mowed the lawn. +Hearing the telephone ring he came to the kitchen door. + +"Was that a call for me?" he asked. + +"No, Dad, it was for Mrs. Weems." + +"Strange DeWitt doesn't call," Mr. Parker said. "I believe I'll telephone +him." + +After Mrs. Weems had finished with the phone he called the newspaper +office only to be told that Jerry Livingston had not put in an +appearance. + +"At least he might have communicated with the office," Mr. Parker said as +he hung up the receiver. + +He went back to lawn mowing but paused now and then to stare moodily +toward the Kobalt river which wound through the valley far below the +terrace. Penny finished drying the dishes and went outside to join him. + +"You're worried about Jerry, aren't you?" she asked after a moment. + +"Not exactly," he replied. "But he should have been back long ago." + +"He never would have stayed away without good reason. We both know Jerry +isn't like that." + +"No, he's either run into a big story, or he's in trouble. When I sent +him away this morning, I didn't look upon the assignment as a +particularly dangerous one." + +"And yet if he met those two seamen anything could have happened. They +were tough customers, Dad." + +"I could notify the police if Jerry isn't back within an hour or two," +Mr. Parker said slowly. "Still, I hate to do it." + +"Where did Jerry rent his boat, Dad?" + +"I told him to get one at Griffith's dock at twenty-third street." + +"Then why don't we go there?" suggested Penny. "If he hasn't come in we +might rent a boat of our own and start a search." + +Mr. Parker debated and then nodded. "Bring a heavy coat," he told her. +"It may be cold on the river." + +Penny ran into the house after the garments and also took a flashlight +from her father's bureau drawer. When she hurried outdoors again her +father had backed his own car from the garage and was waiting. + +At the twenty-third street dock, Harry Griffith, owner of the boat house, +answered their questions frankly. Yes, he told them, Jerry Livingston had +rented a motor boat early that morning but had not returned it. + +"I been worryin' about that young feller," he admitted, and then with a +quick change of tone: "Say, you're not Mr. Parker, are you?" + +"Yes, that's my name." + +"Then I got a letter here for you. I reckon maybe it explains what became +of the young feller." + +The boatman took a greasy envelope from his trousers pocket and gave it +to the editor. + +"Where did you get this, Mr. Griffith?" + +"A boy in a rowboat brought it up the river about two hours ago. He said +the young feller gave him a dollar to deliver it to a Mr. Parker. But the +kid was mixed up on the address, so I just held it here." + +"Dad, it must be from Jerry," said Penny eagerly. + +As her father opened the envelope, she held the flashlight close. In an +almost illegible scrawl Jerry had written: + +"Following up a hot tip. Think I've struck trail of key men. Taking off +in boat. Expect to get back by nightfall unless Old Man Trouble catches +up with me." + +Mr. Parker looked up from the message, his gaze meeting the frightened +eyes of his daughter. + +"Oh, Dad," she said in a tone barely above a whisper, "it's long after +dark now. What do you think has become of Jerry?" + + + + + CHAPTER + 18 + _OVER THE DRAWBRIDGE_ + + +Wasting no moments in useless conversation, Mr. Parker rented a fast +motor boat and prevailed upon Harry Griffith to operate it for him. +Guided by the stars and a half moon which was slowly rising over the +treetops, the party swung down the river. + +Riding with the current, they came before long to the locality where +Penny and Jerry had first sighted the two seamen's cruiser. But now there +was no sign of a boat, either large or small. + +At a speed which enabled the occupants to scrutinize the shoreline, the +searching craft swept on. The river had never seemed more deserted. + +"Jerry might have stopped anywhere along here," Mr. Parker observed. "If +he drew the boat into the bushes we haven't a chance of finding him." + +They went on, coming presently to the Kippenberg estate. As they passed +beneath the open drawbridge Penny noted how low it had been swung over +the water. A boat with a high cabin could not possibly go through when +the cantilevers were down. + +Gazing upward, she saw a swinging red light at the entrance to the +bridge. A lantern, no doubt, hung there to give warning to any motorist +who might venture upon the private road. + +"Thorny probably isn't on duty at this hour," Penny reflected. "But I +should think an open drawbridge might prove more dangerous at night than +in the daytime." + +As the bridge was lost to view beyond a bend in the river, she gave all +her attention to watching the coves and inlets. Her father sat hunched +over in the seat beside her, slapping at mosquitoes. Now and then he +would switch on the flashlight to look at his watch. + +Gradually the river had widened, so that it was possible to cover only +one shore. + +"We'll search the other side on our return trip," Mr. Parker said. "But +it looks to me as if we're not going to have any luck." + +As if to add to the discouragement of the party, dark clouds began to +edge across the sky. One by one the stars were inked out. Penny's light +coat offered scant protection from the cold wind. + +And then, Harry Griffith throttled down the motor and spun the wheel +sharply to starboard. He leaned forward, trying to pierce the black void +ahead of the boat's bright beam. + +"Looks like something over there," he said pointing. "Might be a log. No, +it's a boat." + +"I can't see anyone in it!" Penny cried. "It's drifting with the +current." + +"That looks like one of my boats, sure as you're born," Griffith +declared, idling the engine. "The same I rented the young feller this +morning." + +"But where is Jerry?" cried Penny. + +Griffith maneuvered his own boat close to the one which drifted with the +current. Mr. Parker was able to reach out and grasp the long rope +dangling in the water. + +"The flashlight, Penny!" he commanded. + +She turned the beam on, and as it focused upon the floor of the boat, +drew in her breath sharply. On the bottom, face downward, lay a man. + +"It's Jerry!" Penny cried. "Oh, Dad, he's--" + +"Steady," said her father. "Steady." + +While Griffith held the two boats together, he stepped aboard the smaller +one. He bent over the crumpled figure, feeling Jerry's pulse, gently +turning him upon his back. + +"Is he alive, Dad?" + +"His pulse is weak, but I can feel it. Yes, he's breathing! Hold that +light steady, Penny." + +"Dad, there's blood on his head! I--I can see it trickling down." + +"He's been struck with a club or some blunt object," Mr. Parker said +grimly. "He may have a fractured skull." + +"Oh, Dad!" + +"Keep a grip on yourself," her father ordered sternly, "It may not be as +bad as I think, but we'll have to rush him to the nearest doctor." + +"If it was me, I wouldn't try to move him out of there," advised Harry +Griffith. "Leave him where he is. I'll get aboard and we'll take this +boat in tow." + +Penny helped the man make their craft fast to the other boat, and then +they both climbed aboard. Griffith started the engine and turned around +in the river. + +"I'll head for Covert," he said. "That's about the closest place. There +ought to be a good doctor in a town that size." + +While Griffith handled the boat, Penny and her father did what they could +to make Jerry comfortable. They stripped off their coats, using one for a +pillow, and the other to cover his body. + +"Those two men he was sent to follow must be responsible for this!" Penny +murmured. "How could they do such a brutal thing?" + +"I'll notify the police as soon as we touch shore," her father said +grimly. "We'll search every cove and inlet until we find the ones +responsible!" + +As he spoke Mr. Parker bent lower to examine the wound on Jerry's head. +Blood had nearly stopped flowing and he was hopeful that it came from a +flesh wound. He pressed a clean handkerchief against it and the young man +stirred. + +"How long do you suppose he's been like this, Dad?" + +"Hard to tell. An hour, maybe two hours." + +Presently, as the boat made full speed up the river, Jerry stirred once +more. His lips moved but the words were indistinguishable. + +"How far to Covert?" Mr. Parker asked anxiously. + +"About four miles from this point," Griffith flung over his shoulder. +"It's the next town above the Kippenberg estate. I'm making the best time +I can." + +Jerry moved restlessly, his hands plucking at the coat which covered him. + +"Flaming eyes," he muttered. "Looking at me--looking at me--" + +Penny and her father gazed at each other in startled dismay. + +"He's completely out of his head," whispered Penny. + +"He's gone back to that other accident which happened last year," nodded +Mr. Parker. "The Vanishing Houseboat affair." + +"Jerry's had more than his share of bad luck, Dad. Twice now on this same +river, he's met with disaster. And this time he may not come through." + +"I think he will if his skull hasn't been fractured," Mr. Parker told her +encouragingly. "Listen!" + +Jerry's lips were moving again, and this time his words were more +rational. + +"Got to get word to the Chief," they heard him mutter. "Got to get +word--" + +A long while after that Jerry remained perfectly quiet. Suddenly +arousing, his eyes opened wide and he struggled to sit up. Mr. Parker +gently pressed him back. + +"Where am I?" Jerry muttered. "Let me out of here! Let me out!" + +"Quiet, Jerry," soothed Mr. Parker. "You're with friends." + +The reporter's tense grip on the editor's hand relaxed. "That you, +Chief?" + +"Yes, Jerry. Just lie quiet. We'll have you to a doctor in a few more +minutes." + +"Doctor! I don't need any doctor," he protested, trying once more to sit +up. "What happened anyway?" + +"That's what we would like to know." + +"Can't you remember anything, Jerry?" Penny asked. "You went out on the +river to try to trace those two men in the cruiser." + +"Oh, it's coming back to me now. I ran into their boat down by Cranberry +Cove. They tied up there." + +"And then what happened?" Penny demanded, as Jerry paused. + +"I saw 'em walk ashore. Thought I would follow so I tied up my boat, too. +They started off through the trees. Pretty soon they met a third man, a +well dressed fellow, educated too." + +"Did you hear any of their conversation?" Mr. Parker questioned. + +"I heard Kippenberg's name mentioned. That caught my interest so I crept +closer. Must have given myself away because that's about the last I +remember. A ton of dynamite seemed to explode in my head. And here I am." + +"Obviously, you were struck from behind with some heavy object," Mr. +Parker said. "They probably dumped you back in your own boat and set it +adrift. You never saw your attacker?" + +"No." + +Jerry rested for a moment, and then as it dawned upon him that he was +being speeded to a doctor, he began to protest. + +"Say, Chief, I'll be all right. I don't need any doc. Head's clear as a +bell now." + +"That's fine, Jerry. But you'll see a doctor anyway and have X-rays. +We're taking no chances." + +"Then at least let me go back to Riverview," Jerry grumbled. "I don't +want to be stuck in any hick town hospital." + +"If you feel equal to the trip, I guess we can grant you that much. You +seem to be all right, but I want to make sure. Can't take chances on the +paper being sued later on, you know." + +"Oh, I get the idea," said Jerry with a grimace. "Thinking of the old +cash register, as usual." + +Penny drew a deep sigh of relief. If Jerry were able to make jokes he +couldn't be seriously injured. She still felt weak from the fright she +had received. + +"The police will find those men who attacked you," she told him. "I hope +they're put in prison for life, too!" + +"The police?" Jerry repeated. He stared up into Mr. Parker's face. "Say, +Chief, you're not aiming to spill the story, are you?" + +"I was." + +"But see here, if you notify the police, we'll show our hand to the rival +paper. If we keep this dark we could do our own investigating, and maybe +land a big scoop." + +"Justice is more important than a scoop, Jerry," returned Mr. Parker. "If +those men had anything to do with Atherwald's disappearance, and it looks +as if they did, then we are duty bound to hand our clues over to the +police. By trying to handle it alone, we might let them escape." + +"Guess maybe you're right at that," Jerry acknowledged. + +As she saw that the reporter was rapidly recovering strength, Penny left +him to the care of her father and went forward to speak with Harry +Griffith. + +"Where are we now?" she inquired. + +"Just comin' to the Kippenberg estate," he told her. + +"Only that far? We don't seem to be making very fast time." + +"We're buckin' the current, Miss. And there's a right stiff wind +blowing." + +She had not noticed the wind before or how overcast the sky had become. +One could not see many yards in advance of the boat. + +Ahead loomed the drawbridge in open position as usual. But Penny could +not see the red lantern which she had noticed upon the trip down. Had the +light been blown out by the wind? + +In any case, it would not greatly matter, she reflected. Few cars +traveled the private road. And any person who came that way would likely +know about the bridge. + +And then, above the steady hum of the motor boat engine, Penny heard +another roar which steadily increased in intensity. A car was coming down +the road at great speed! + +"The lantern must be there," Penny thought. "It's probably hidden by a +tree or the high bank. Of course it's there." + +She listened with a growing tension. The car was not slowing down. Even +Harry Griffith turned his head to gaze toward the entrance ramp of the +drawbridge. + +It was all over in an instant. A scream of brakes, a loud splintering of +the wooden barrier. The speeding automobile struck the side of the steel +bridge, spun sideways and careened down the bank to bury itself in the +water. + + + + + CHAPTER + 19 + _A DARING RESCUE_ + + +Those in the motor boat who had witnessed the disaster were too horrified +to speak. They could see the top of the car rising above the water into +which it had fallen, but there was no sign of the unfortunate driver or +other possible occupants. + +Penny began to kick off her shoes. + +"No!" shouted her father, divining her purpose. "No! It's too dangerous!" + +Penny did not heed for she knew that if the persons in the car were to be +saved it must be by her efforts. Her father could not swim well and Harry +Griffith was needed at the wheel of the motor boat. + +Scrambling to the gunwale, the girl dived into the water. She could see +nothing. Groping her way to the overturned coupe, she grasped a door +handle and turned it. All her strength was required to pull the door +open. Her breath was growing short now. She worked faster, with frantic +haste. + +A hand clutched her own. Before she could protect herself she felt the +man upon her, clawing, fighting, trying to climb her shoulders, upward to +the blessed air. + +His grasp was loose. Penny ducked out of it but held fast to his hand. +She braced her feet against the body of the car and pushed. They both +shot upward to the surface. + +Griffith and her father lifted the man out of the water into the motor +boat. + +"Have to go down again," Penny gasped. "There may be others." + +She dived once more, doubling herself into a tight ball, and giving a +quick, upthrust of her feet which sent her straight to the bottom. She +swam into the car and groped about on the seat and floor. Finding no +bodies, she quickly shot to the surface again. Her father pulled her over +the side, saying curtly: "Good work, Penny." + +The victim she had saved seemed little the worse for his ducking. With +Griffith's help he had divested himself of his heavy coat and was +wringing it out. + +Penny had obtained no clear view of the man, nor did she ever, for just +at that moment, Jerry raised himself to a sitting position. He stared at +the bedraggled one and pointed an accusing finger. + +"That's the fellow!" he cried in an excited voice. "The one I was telling +you about--" + +The man took one look at Jerry and gazed quickly about. By this time the +motor boat had drifted close to shore. Before anyone could make a move to +stop him, the man hurled himself overboard. He landed on his feet in +shallow water. Splashing through to the shore, he scuttled up the steep +bank and disappeared in the darkness. + +"Don't let him get away!" shouted Jerry. "He's the same fellow I saw in +the woods!" + +"You're certain?" asked Mr. Parker doubtfully. + +"Of course! If you think I'm out of my head now, you're the one who's +crazy! It's the same fellow! Oh, if I could get out of this boat!" + +Griffith brought the craft to shore. "I'll see if I can overtake him," he +said, "but he's probably deep in the woods by this time." + +The boatman was a heavy-set man, slow on his feet. Penny and her father +were not surprised when he came back twenty minutes later to report he +had been unable to pick up the trail. + +"The overturned car may offer a clue to his identity," Mr. Parker said, +as they started up the river once more. "The police will be able to check +the license plates." + +"I wonder what the man was doing at the estate?" Penny mused. + +She groped her way toward the cabin, thinking that she would divest +herself of some of her wet garments. Suddenly she stopped short. + +"Dad, that fellow took off his coat!" she exclaimed. "He must have left +it behind!" + +"It's somewhere on the floor," Harry Griffith called to her. + +Penny found the sodden garment lying almost at her feet. She straightened +it out and searched the pockets. Her father moved over to her side. + +"Any clues?" he asked. + +Penny took out a water-soaked handkerchief, a key ring and a plain white +envelope. + +"That may be something!" exclaimed Mr. Parker. "Handle it carefully so it +doesn't tear." + +They carried the articles into the cabin. Mr. Parker turned on the light +and took the envelope from his daughter's hand. They were both elated to +see that another paper was contained inside. + +Mr. Parker tore off the envelope and flattened the letter on the table +beneath the light. The ink had blurred but nearly all of the words could +still be made out. There was no heading, merely the initials: "J. J. K." + +"Could that mean James Kippenberg?" Penny asked. + +The message was brief. Mr. Parker read it aloud. + +"Better come through or your fate will be the same as Atherwald's. We +give you twenty-four hours to think it over." + +"How strange!" Penny exclaimed. "That man I pulled out of the water +couldn't have been James Kippenberg!" + +"Not likely, Penny. My guess would be that he had been sent here to +deliver this warning note. Being unfamiliar with the road, and not +knowing about the dangerous drawbridge, he crashed through." + +"But James Kippenberg isn't supposed to be at the estate," Penny argued. +"It doesn't make sense at all." + +"This much is clear, Penny. Jerry saw the man talking with the two +seamen, and they all appear to be mixed up in Grant Atherwald's +disappearance. We'll print what we've learned, and let the police figure +out the rest." + +"Dad, this story is developing into something big, isn't it?" + +He nodded as he moved a swinging light bulb slowly over the paper, +hastening the drying process. + +"After the next issue of the _Star_ is printed, every paper in the state +will send their men here. But we're out ahead, and when the big break +comes, we may get that first, too." + +"Oh, Dad, if only we can!" + +"Count yourself out of the case from now on, young lady," he said +severely. "You scared the wits out of me tonight, risking your life to +save that no-good. Now shed those wet clothes before you come down with +pneumonia." + +He tossed her an overcoat, a sweater and a crumpled pair of slacks which +Griffith had found under one of the boat seats. Leaving the cabin, he +closed the door behind him. + +Penny did not change her clothes at once. Instead, she sat down at the +table, studying the warning message. + +"'Better come through,'" she read aloud. "Does that mean Kippenberg is +supposed to pay money? And what fate did Atherwald meet?" + + + + + CHAPTER + 20 + _AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW_ + + +Those same questions were pounding through Penny's mind the next morning +when she read the first edition of her father's paper. Propped up in bed +with pillows, she perused the story as she nibbled at the buttered +muffins on her breakfast tray. + +"Is there anything else you would like?" Mrs. Weems inquired, hovering +near. + +"No, I'm quite all right," smiled Penny. "Not even a head cold after my +ducking. Have you heard about Jerry?" + +"Your father said he was doing fine." + +"Did he leave any message for me before going to the office?" + +"He said he thought you should stay in bed all day." + +"Dad would," Penny pouted. "Well, I feel just fine. I'm getting up right +away." She heaved aside the bed clothes. + +Then, because she couldn't get the Kippenberg case out of her head, she +dressed quickly and went downstairs. She was going out the front door +when Mrs. Weems stopped her. + +"Now where are you going, Penny?" + +Penny's bright eyes twinkled and she flashed the housekeeper an arch, +provocative smile. + +"Not sure just where I'm going," she replied, her smooth forehead +creasing with thought. "But if Dad should get curious, you can tell him +he shouldn't be surprised if he finds me visiting with the Kippenbergs." + +"Penny! You're not going there again?" + +"Why not? I'm after a story for the _Riverview Star_ and I mean to get +it. See you later." + +With a wave of her hand Penny walked jauntily off. A few moments later +Mrs. Weems heard the clatter of Penny's Leaping Lena careening down the +street in the direction of Corbin. First, however, she called for her +chum, Louise, who was eager to accompany her on the long ride. + +"I won't be able to stay long, Penny," said Louise. "Mother wants me to +go shopping with her later this afternoon." + +"That's all right," responded Penny as the old car bolted along the road. +"If I get delayed, you can take Leaping Lena back home, and I'll follow +later on." + +With both girls keeping up a steady run of conversation they soon reached +their destination. + +Penny wondered if she would be able to enter the Kippenberg estate +without being challenged by the bridgeman or a servant. Her anxiety +increased upon approaching the river, for she saw that a large group of +persons had gathered by the drawbridge. + +No one paid the slightest attention to the two girls as they abandoned +the car and proceeded to the water's edge. Penny was pleased to find the +youthful boatman at his usual haunt on the river. He rowed the girls +across to the estate, promising to await their return. + +Penny escorted Louise through the trees to the Kippenberg house. Boldly +she rang the doorbell which was answered by a butler. + +"I should like to speak with Mrs. Kippenberg," she requested. + +"Madam will see no one," began the man. + +Footsteps sounded behind him in the hallway and Mrs. Kippenberg stood in +the door. + +"So it is you?" she asked in an icy voice. "Julius, see that this person +is ejected from the grounds." + +"One moment please," interposed Penny. "If I leave now, I warn you that +certain facts will be published in the _Star_, facts which will add to +your embarrassment." + +"You can print nothing which will humiliate us further." + +"No? You might like to have me mention the alligator in your lily pool. +And the reason why you and your daughter are so anxious to be rid of it +before the police ask questions." + +Mrs. Kippenberg's plump face flushed a deep red. But for once she managed +to keep her temper. + +"What do you wish of me?" she asked frigidly. + +"First, tell me about that painting, 'The Drawbridge' which was presented +to your daughter as a wedding gift. Was it not given to her by your +husband?" + +"I shall not answer your question." + +"Then you prefer that I print my own conclusions?" + +"You are an impudent, prying young woman!" Mrs. Kippenberg stormed. "What +if the picture was given to Sylvia by her father! Is that any crime?" + +"Certainly not," said Penny soothingly. "It merely proves that you both +know the whereabouts of Mr. Kippenberg." + +"Perhaps I do. But I'll tell you nothing, absolutely nothing!" + +"I have a few questions to ask about your new gardener," Penny went on, +unmoved. "For instance, why does he wear a wig?" + +The door slammed in her face. + +"That certainly was a very cold reception," remarked Louise as the girls +walked away, the sound of the slamming door still ringing in their ears. + +Penny shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "That's nothing. When you're a +reporter you have to expect those things." She looked about the deserted +estate. "Well, I think I'll do some more sleuthing in the vicinity of the +pool." + +Louise looked at her wristwatch. "Goodness, it's getting late," she +stated. "I'd like to stay, Penny, but I think I'd better be getting home +to meet Mother." + +"Go ahead," said Penny. "You take Leaping Lena. The boy in the boat will +row you across." + +"But how will you get home, then?" + +"Don't worry about me. I'll find a way. You just go on. I only hope the +old bus holds up all the way home." + +Louise laughed and then the two girls walked to the boat dock. In a few +moments the boy in the rowboat appeared and took Louise across. +Afterward, Penny turned back through the trees and went on to the +forbidden part of the estate. + +She spent a long time about the pool, examining the earth all about it, +but she failed to learn anything new. Finally, she retraced her steps to +the river. She expected to find the boy waiting for her, but he had +disappeared. She walked through the trees to the boat dock and stood +there until the old watchman on the other side observed her predicament. + +He obligingly lowered the drawbridge and she crossed the river, pausing +at the gear house to chat with him. + +Penny listened without comment to his story of the automobile accident. +Thorny had his own version of how it had occurred and she did not correct +any of the details. + +"I wish I had a way to get into Corbin," she remarked when he had +finished his lengthy account. + +"If you walk down to the main road you kin catch the county bus," he told +her. "It runs every hour." + +A long hike along a dusty highway, an equally tedious wait at a +crossroad, and finally Penny arrived in Corbin. She went directly to the +Colonial Hotel, placing a telephone call to her father's office. + +"What are you doing in Corbin, Penny?" her father demanded as he +recognized her voice. + +Penny answered him eagerly. "I've made an important discovery which may +blow your case higher than a kite. No, I can't tell you anything over the +telephone. The reason I am calling is that I may need help. Is Jerry +still in the hospital?" + +"He never was there," responded her father. "I couldn't make him go. He +and Salt are out on the river looking for the men who cracked him over +the head. I expect they'll call in any time now." + +"If you do get in touch with Jerry, ask him to meet me at the Colonial +Hotel," urged Penny. "I have a hunch the big story is about to break. In +any event I'll need a ride home." + +There was a great deal more to the conversation, with Mr. Parker +delivering a long lecture upon the proper deportment for a daughter. +Penny closed her ears, murmuring at regular intervals, "Yes, Dad," and +finally went back to her post in the lobby. + + + + + CHAPTER + 21 + _THE WHITE CRUISER_ + + +For at least an hour she waited. She watched the clock until the hands +pointed to six o'clock. Tantalizing odors came to her from the dining +room, but she resolutely downed her hunger. She did not wish to give up +her vigil even for a few minutes. + +Finally Penny's patience was rewarded. She saw a man moving across the +lobby toward the desk. He wore well-cut tailored clothes and a +low-brimmed felt hat, yet the girl recognized him at a glance. He was the +Kippenberg gardener. + +The man paused at the desk and asked for a key. + +"Good evening, Mr. Hammil," said the clerk, handing it over. + +Penny had noted that the key was taken from a mailbox which bore the +number, 381. + +"So my friend, the gardener, has an alias," she mused. "Several of them, +perhaps." + +Another half hour elapsed while the girl waited patiently in her chair. +Each time the elevator descended she watched the people alight. At +exactly six forty-five Mr. Hammil stepped out of the lift, and without +glancing toward the girl, dropped his key on the desk and went into the +dining room. + +The clerk, busy with several newcomers at the hotel, did not notice. +Thinking that she saw her chance, Penny slipped from her chair, sidled +toward the desk and picked up the key. Her heart pounded as she walked +toward the elevator, but no one called to her. Her action had passed +unobserved. + +"Third floor," said Penny, and the elevator shot upward. + +She located room 381 at the far end of the hall, and with a quick glance +in both directions, unlocked the door and entered. + +An open suitcase lay upon the luggage rack by the dresser. In systematic +fashion Penny went through it, finding an assortment of interesting +articles--a revolver, and two wigs, one of gray hair, the other black. +There were no letters or papers, nothing to positively identify the owner +of the luggage. But in the very bottom of the case Penny came upon a +photograph. It was a picture of Sylvia Kippenberg. + +Penny slipped the picture into the front of her dress, hastily replaced +everything as she had found it, relocked the door, and returned to the +lobby. As she went toward the desk intending to rid herself of the key, +she stopped short. + +Jerry Livingston stood there talking earnestly with the clerk. + +"But I was told to come here," she heard him protest. + +"There was a girl in the lobby a few minutes ago," the clerk replied. +"She went off somewhere." + +"No, here I am, Jerry!" Penny cried. + +The reporter turned around and his face lighted up. + +"Come outside, Jerry," Penny said before he could speak. "I have a great +deal to tell you." + +"And I have some news of my own," returned the reporter. + +They left the hotel together. Once beyond hearing, Penny made a complete +report of her afternoon adventure, and showed Jerry the picture of Sylvia +Kippenberg which she had taken from room 381. + +"Now for my story," said Jerry. "I've located a place not far from here +where those two seamen buy supplies. The owner of the store told me they +tie their boat up there nearly every night." + +"Where is Salt now, Jerry?" + +"He's keeping watch at the place. I came into town to telephone the +_Star_ office. Your father said I was to stop here and take you in tow." + +"You're not starting back to Riverview?" Penny asked in dismay. + +"I don't want to, Penny. I have a feeling our big story is just about +ready to break!" + +"So have I, Jerry. Let's stay with it. I'll explain to Dad when we get +home." + +"Then let's be on our way," the reporter said crisply. "No telling what +has developed while I've been in town." + +In the press car, the couple took the river road which led east from the +Kippenberg estate. As they bounced along, making all possible speed, +Jerry told Penny how he and Salt had traced the two seamen. They had made +inquiry all along the river, and quite by chance had encountered a +fisherman who had given them a valuable tip. + +"But so many rumors are false, Jerry," Penny said. + +"This tip was straight. Salt and I found the white cruiser tied up at the +dock not far from this store I was telling you about. We've been watching +it for the past two hours, and Salt is still there." + +"Why didn't you call the police?" + +"Wouldn't have done any good. The men we're after haven't been there all +day. The only person on board is a girl." + +"A girl?" + +"Well, maybe you would say a young woman. About twenty-two, I'd guess." + +"Jerry, you must be watching the wrong boat." + +Jerry shook his head as he drove the car into the bushes at the side of +the road. "It's the right one, I'm sure of it. Well, we're here." + +Penny was hard pressed to keep up as the reporter led her through the +trees down to the winding Kobalt river. They found Salt in his hiding +place, behind a large boulder. + +"Anything happen since I left?" Jerry demanded. + +Salt scarcely noticed Penny's presence save to give her a quick nod of +welcome. + +"You got back just in time," he replied to the question. "The girl went +away a minute ago. Took a basket and started for the store." + +"Then why are we waiting?" asked Jerry. "Come on, we'll take a look +inside that boat." + +"Someone ought to stay here and keep watch," Salt returned. "She may come +back any minute." + +"You're elected guard then. Penny and I will look the boat over and see +what we can find. If the girl starts back, whistle." + +Darting across the muddy shore, Penny and Jerry reached the dilapidated +boat which had been tied up at the end of a sagging dock. They jumped +aboard and after a hasty glance over the deck, dived down into the cabin. + +The room was dirty and in great disorder. Boots lay on the floor, +discarded garments were scattered about, and a musty odor prevailed. + +"Nothing here," said Jerry. + +"Let's look around carefully," insisted Penny. "We may find something." + +Crossing the cabin she opened a closet door. Save for a pair of oilskins +which hung from a nail, it was quite empty. + +"Listen!" commanded Penny suddenly. + +Jerry stood absolutely still, straining to hear. A long, low whistle +reached his ears. + +"The warning signal!" he exclaimed. "Come on, Penny, we're getting out of +here." + + + + + CHAPTER + 22 + _TRAPPED IN THE CABIN_ + + +Penny opened the door of the cabin only to close it quickly. She and +Jerry both had heard men's voices very close to the boat. + +"It's too late," she whispered. "Those men have come back." + +"Not the girl?" + +"No, they're alone. But we're in a trap. What shall we do?" + +"We could make a dash for it. If we have to fight our way out, Salt will +be there to help." + +"Let's stick and see what happens, Jerry. We're after information. We +must expect to take a chance in order to get it." + +Jerry had been thinking more of Penny's safety than his own. But thus +urged, he turned the key in the lock, bolting the door from the inside. + +A low rumble of voices reached the couple as they stood with ears pressed +against the panel. But they were unable to distinguish words. Then +presently, one of the seamen moved close to the companionway. + +"I'll get it, Jake," he called. "It's down in the cabin." + +Jerry and Penny kept quiet as the man turned the door knob. He heaved +angrily against the panel with his shoulder. + +"Hey, Jake," he shouted, "what's the idea of locking the door?" + +"I didn't lock it." + +"Then Flora did." Muttering under his breath, the seaman tramped back up +on deck. + +Perhaps ten minutes elapsed before Penny and Jerry heard a feminine voice +speaking. + +"That must be Flora," whispered Penny. "What will happen when she tells +them that she didn't lock the door?" + +The voices above rose louder and louder until the two prisoners were able +to distinguish some of the words. Jake berated the girl as stupid while +his companion showered abuse upon her until she broke down and wept. + +"I never had the key," they heard her wail. "I don't know what became of +it. You always blame me for everything that goes wrong, and I'm good and +sick of it. If I don't get better treatment I may tell a few things to +the police. How would you like that?" + +Jerry and Penny did not hear the response, but they recoiled as a loud +crashing sound told them the girl had been given a cruel push into a +solid object. Her cry of pain was drowned out by another noise, the +sudden clatter of the motor boat engine. + +Penny and Jerry gazed at each other with startled eyes. + +"We're moving," she whispered. + +Jerry started to fit the key into the door lock, only to have Penny +arrest his hand. + +"Let's stay and see it through," she urged. "This is our chance to learn +the hide-out and perhaps solve the mystery of Atherwald's disappearance." + +"All right," the reporter agreed. "But I wish you weren't in on this." + +From the tiny window of the cabin, he and Penny observed various +landmarks as the boat proceeded downstream. Perhaps half an hour elapsed +before the cruiser came to the mouth of a narrow river which emptied into +the Kobalt. From that point on progress became slow and often the boat +was so close to shore that Penny could have reached out and touched +overhanging bushes. + +"I didn't know this stream was deep enough for a motor boat," Jerry +whispered. "We must be heading for a hide-out deep in the swamp." + +"I hope Salt has sense enough to call Dad and the police," Penny said +with the first show of nervousness. "We're going to be a long way from +help." + +The boat crept on for perhaps a mile. Then it stopped, and Penny assumed +they had reached their destination. Gazing out of the window again, she +saw why they were halted. A great tree with finger-like branches had +fallen across the river, blocking the way. + +"Look, Jerry," she whispered. "We'll not be able to go any farther." + +"Guess again," the reporter muttered. + +Penny saw then that one of the men had left the boat and was walking +along shore. He seemed not in the least disturbed by the great tree and +for the first time it dawned upon her that it served a definite purpose. + +"Lift 'er up, Gus," called the man at the wheel of the boat. + +His companion disappeared into the bushes. Several minutes elapsed and +then Penny heard a creaking sound as if ropes were moving on a pulley. + +"The tree!" whispered Jerry, his eyes flashing. "It's lifting!" + +Very slowly, an inch at a time, the great tree raised from the water, its +huge roots serving as a hinge. When it was high enough, the motor boat +passed beneath the dripping branches and waited on the other side. + +Slowly, the tree was lowered into place once more. + +"Clever, mighty clever," Jerry muttered. "Anyone searching for the +hide-out would never think of looking beyond this fallen tree. To all +purposes nature put it here." + +"Nature probably did," Penny added. "But our dishonorable friends adapted +it to their own use." + +Through the window Penny saw the man called Gus reboard the boat. + +Once more the cruiser went on up the narrow stream, making slow but +steady progress. Long shadows had settled over the water. Soon it became +dark. + +Then a short distance ahead, Jerry and Penny observed a light. As the +boat drifted up to a wharf, a man could be seen standing there with a +glowing lantern. They were unable to see his face, and quickly dodged +back from the cabin window to avoid being noticed. + +"Everything all right, Aaron?" the man at the wheel asked, jumping +ashore. He looped a coil of rope about one of the dock posts. + +"Aaron!" whispered Penny, gripping Jerry's hand. + +"It must be Aaron Dietz, Kippenberg's former business associate. So he's +the ringleader in this business!" + +They listened, trying to hear the man's reply to the question which had +been asked. + +"Yeah, everything's all right," he responded gruffly. + +"You don't sound any too cheerful about it." + +"Atherwald still won't talk. Keeps insisting he doesn't know where the +gold is hidden. What bothers me, I am beginning to think we made a +mistake. He may be telling the truth." + +"Say, this is a fine time to be finding it out!" + +"Oh, keep your shirt on, Gus. You and Jake will get your pay anyhow. And +even if Atherwald doesn't know the hiding place we'll make Kippenberg +come through." + +"You'll have to find him first," the other retorted. "If you ask my +opinion, you've made a mess of the whole affair." + +"No one asked your opinion! We'll make Atherwald tell tonight or else--" + +The man with the lantern started away from the dock but paused before he +had taken many steps. + +"Get those supplies up to the shack," he ordered. "Then I want to talk +with you both." + +"All right," was the reply, "but we have to get the cabin door open +first. Flora locked it and lost the key." + +"I didn't," the girl protested shrilly. "Don't you try to blame me." + +Jerry and Penny knew that their situation now was a precarious one. If +they were found in the cabin they would be taken prisoners and the +exclusive story which they hoped to write never would be theirs. + +"We've trapped ourselves in this cubby-hole," the reporter muttered. "All +my doing, too." + +"We can hide in the closet, Jerry. The men may not think to search +there." + +Noiselessly, they opened the door and slipped into the tiny room. The air +was hot and stuffy, the space too narrow for comfort. + +Jerry and Penny did not have long to wait before there came a loud crash +against the cabin door. The two seamen were trying to break through the +flimsy panel. + +"Bring a light, Flora," called one of the men. + +Penny and Jerry flattened themselves against the closet wall, waiting. + +A panel splintered on the outside cabin door, and a heavy tramping of +feet told them that the men had entered the room. + +"No one in here, Gus." + +"It's just as we thought. Flora locked the door and lied out of it." + +"I didn't! I didn't!" cried the girl. "Someone else must have done it +while I was at the store. The door was unlocked when I went away." + +"There's no one here now." + +"I--I thought I heard voices while we were coming down the river." + +"In this cabin?" + +"Yes, just a low murmur." + +"You imagined it," the man told her. "But I'll take a look in the closet +to be sure." + +He walked across the cabin toward the hiding place. Penny and Jerry +braced themselves for the moment when the door would be flung open. They +had trapped themselves and now faced almost certain capture. + + + + + CHAPTER + 23 + _AT THE HIDE-OUT_ + + +Before the man could pull open the closet door, a booming voice called +impatiently from shore: + +"Say, are you coming? We have plenty of work ahead of us tonight." + +Distracted from his purpose, the searcher turned aside without glancing +into the closet. With his companion and the girl, he left the cabin. + +Penny and Jerry waited at least five minutes. When all was silent above, +they stole from their hiding place. From the window they assured +themselves that the wharf was deserted. + +"What do we do now, start after the police?" Penny questioned. + +"Let's make certain Atherwald is here first. We can't afford to be +wrong." + +A path led through the timber. As they followed it, Jerry and Penny saw a +moving lantern some distance ahead. They kept it in sight until the three +men and Flora disappeared into a cabin. + +Stealing on through the darkness, Penny and Jerry crept to the screen +door. Peering in, they saw a barren room containing a table, a cook stove +and double-deck bunks. + +"Get supper on, Flora," one of the men ordered curtly. + +"Am I to cook anything for the prisoner?" she asked in a whining voice. + +"Not unless he decides to talk. I'll find out if he's changed his mind." + +The man who had been called Aaron crossed the cabin to an adjoining room. +He unlocked the door which had been fastened with a padlock, and went +inside. + +"Atherwald must be in there," whispered Penny. + +With one accord, she and Jerry tiptoed across the sagging porch and +posted themselves under a high window. Glancing up they saw it contained +no glass, but had narrow iron bars in keeping with a prison chamber. + +Jerry lifted Penny up so that she could peep into the room. By the light +of the oil lantern she saw a haggard young man sitting on the bed. +Despite a stubble of beard and unkempt hair, she instantly recognized him +as the missing bridegroom. She made another observation, one which +shocked her. The man's wrists were handcuffed. + +"It's Grant Atherwald," she told Jerry as he lowered her to the ground. +"They've treated him shamefully." + +Jerry held up his hand as a signal for silence. In the room above the men +were speaking and he wished to hear every word. + +"Well, Atherwald, have you changed your mind? How about a little supper +tonight?" + +"How can I tell you something I don't know?" the bridegroom retorted +wearily. "Kippenberg never confided any of his secrets to me." + +"You know where his gold is hidden!" + +"I don't think he ever had any!" + +"Oh, yes, he did. When the government passed a law that it was illegal to +keep gold, Kippenberg decided to defy it. He had over half his fortune +converted into gold which he expected to re-convert into currency at a +great profit to himself. His plans went amiss when government men listed +him for investigation." + +"You seem to know all about his private affairs," Grant Atherwald said +sarcastically. "Strange that you haven't learned the hiding place of the +gold--if there ever was any!" + +"It will do you no good to pretend, Atherwald! Either you tell the hiding +place, or we'll bring your bride here to keep you company!" + +"You wouldn't dare touch her, you fiend!" + +"No? Well, unless you decide to talk, she'll share your fate, and I +promise you it won't be a pretty one. Now I'll leave you to think it +over." + +The door closed with a bang. + +"We'll have to get the police here right away," Jerry advised Penny in a +whisper. "No telling what those scoundrels may try to do to Atherwald. We +haven't a moment to waste." + +"It would take us hours to bring help here," reasoned Penny. "And if we +try to use the motorboat the gang will be warned and flee while we're on +our way down the river." + +"That's so, but we have to do something. Any ideas?" + +"Yes, I have one," Penny answered soberly. "It may sound pretty crazy. +Still, I really believe it would work!" + +Hurriedly, she outlined what she had in mind. Jerry listened +incredulously, but as the girl explained and elaborated certain details +of her plan, his doubts began to clear away. + +"It's dangerous," he protested. "And if your hunch about the pool is +wrong, we will be in a fix." + +"Of course, but we'll have to take a chance in order to save Atherwald." + +"If everything went exactly according to plan it might work!" + +"Let's try it, Jerry. Lift me up so I can attract Atherwald's attention." + +The reporter did as she requested. Penny tapped lightly on the iron bars +with her signet ring. She saw Grant Atherwald start and turn his head. +Penny repeated the signal. + +The man arose from the bed and stumbled toward the window. + +"Who is it?" he whispered hoarsely. + +"A friend." + +"Can you get me out of here?" + +"We're going to try. You are handcuffed?" + +"Yes, and my captor keeps the key in his pocket. The room outside is +always guarded. Did you bring an implement to saw through the bars?" + +"No, we have another scheme in mind. But you must do exactly as we tell +you." + +"Yes, yes!" the bridegroom whispered eagerly, his pale cheeks flooding +with color. + +"Listen closely," Penny instructed. "When your captor comes back tell him +you have decided to talk." + +"I know nothing about the cache of gold," the man protested. + +"Tell your captor that the hiding place is on the Kippenberg estate." + +"That would only involve Sylvia and Mrs. Kippenberg. I'll do nothing to +get them into trouble." + +"You'll have to obey instructions or no one can help you," Penny said +severely. "Would you prefer that those cruel men carry out their threat? +They'll spirit Sylvia away and try to force the truth from her." + +"I'll do as you say." + +"Then tell your captor that the gold is hidden in a specially constructed +vault lying beneath the lily pool." Penny had resolved to act upon her +hunch that there was a trapdoor on the bottom of the pool. Now as she +issued instructions she wished that she might have found some way of +examining the pool to see if she were right. However, she had to take a +chance on there being a vault beneath the pool. + +Atherwald protested mildly. "He would never believe such a fantastic +story." + +"It is not as fantastic as it sounds," replied Penny. "You must convince +him that it is true." + +"I will try." + +"Make the men understand that to get the gold they must drain the pool +and raise a trapdoor in the cement bottom. Ask to be taken with the men +when they go there tonight and demand that you be given your freedom as +soon as the gold is found." + +"They will never let me go alive. An identification from me would send +them all to prison for life." + +"Do you know the men?" + +"The ringleader is Aaron Dietz. At one time he was employed by Mr. +Kippenberg." + +"Just as I thought." + +"The other two call themselves Gus and Jake. I don't know their last +names. Then there is a girl who seems to be a sister to Gus." + +"How did they get you here?" + +"On the day of the wedding I was handed a note just as I reached the +estate. It requested me to come at once to the garden. While I waited +there, two ruffians sprang upon me from behind. Before I could cry out +they dragged me to their boat at the river's edge. I was handcuffed, +blindfolded and brought to this cabin." + +The slamming of an outside door warned Penny that she was wasting +precious time in talk. + +"You understand your instructions?" she whispered hurriedly. + +"Yes." + +"Then goodbye. With luck we'll have you free in a few hours." + +"With luck is right," Jerry muttered as Penny slid to the ground. + +Aaron Dietz stood on the front porch staring out into the night. Seeing +him there, Penny and Jerry circled widely before attempting to return to +the river. Satisfied that they had not been observed, they boarded the +boat and descended to the cabin. + +For possibly an hour they sat in the dark, waiting anxiously. + +"Looks as if my little plan didn't work," Penny remarked. "I might have +known it would be too simple." + +Jerry had risen to his feet. He went to the window and listened. + +"Hear anything?" Penny whispered hopefully. + +"Sounds like someone coming down the path. We ought to get into our +cubby-hole." + +They tiptoed to the closet and closed the door. + +Within a few minutes they heard a confusion of voices and the shuffle of +feet as men boarded the cruiser. Penny wondered if the group included +Grant Atherwald and was greatly relieved when she heard him speak. + +"I don't see why you think I would double-cross you," he said distinctly. +"I am considering my own welfare. You promised that if the gold is found +you'll give me my freedom." + +"Sure, you'll get it. But if you're lying about the hiding place--" + +The words were drowned out by the roar of the motor boat engine. Penny +and Jerry felt the floor beneath them quiver and then gently roll. The +cruiser was under way. + +"We're heading for the Kippenberg estate!" Penny whispered. "Oh, +everything is starting out beautifully!" + +"I only hope it ends the same way," said Jerry morosely. "I only hope it +does." + + + + + CHAPTER + 24 + _SECRET OF THE LILY POOL_ + + +The moon rode high in the heavens as the cabin cruiser let go its anchor +in a cove off the Kippenberg estate. Penny who had been dozing for the +past hour in her self-imposed prison started up in alarm as Jerry nudged +her in the ribs. + +"Wake up," he whispered. "We're here." + +"At the estate?" + +"I think so." + +On the deck above their heads they could hear the men talking together. + +"You'll come along with us, Atherwald," Aaron Dietz said. "Flora, you +stay here and guard the boat. If you see anyone watching or acting +suspiciously, blow the whistle two short blasts." + +"I don't want to stay here alone," the girl whimpered. "I'm afraid." + +"You'll do as I say," the man ordered harshly. "Get started, Gus. It's +two o'clock now. We won't have many hours before daylight." + +In making her plans Penny had not once considered that the men might +leave a guard on the cruiser. With the girl posted as a lookout they were +still prisoners in the cabin. + +"We have to get out of here now or never," she whispered. "What shall we +do about Flora?" + +"We'll rush her and take a chance on the whistle." + +They slipped out of their hiding place and crawled noiselessly up the +steep stairway. Pausing there, they watched the shadowy figure of the +girl in the bow of the boat. She was quite alone, for her companions had +disappeared into the woods. + +"Now!" commanded Jerry in a whisper. + +With a quick rush he and Penny were across the deck. They approached +Flora from behind and were upon her before she could turn her head. Jerry +grasped her arms while Penny clapped a hand over her mouth to prevent a +scream. Although the girl fought fiercely, she was no match for two +persons. + +Stripping off her sash, Penny gave it to Jerry to use as a gag. They +bound the girl's wrists and ankles, then carried her down into the cabin. + +"I hate to leave her like that," said Penny as they went back on deck. + +"Don't waste your sympathy," replied Jerry. "She doesn't deserve it. +Anyway, we'll soon set her free. We must bring the police now." + +"The nearest house with a telephone is about a half mile away." + +"It won't take us long to cover the distance," Jerry said, helping her +down from the boat. + +"You go alone," urged Penny. "I'll stay here and keep watch." + +"I don't like to leave you." + +"Go on." Penny gave him a little push. "And hurry!" + +After Jerry had reluctantly left, she plunged into the trees, carefully +picking her way along the path which led to the lily pool. A short +distance brought her to the clearing. Halting, she saw the three men and +Grant Atherwald silhouetted in the bright moonlight. The latter was still +handcuffed, guarded by Aaron Dietz who allowed his companions to do the +hard labor. + +Gus and Jake had broken open the door of the stone tower. The soft purr +of a motor told Penny that they had started draining the pool. She +wondered what the men would do when they discovered that the tank +contained a very live alligator. + +"It ought to put a crimp in their work," she chuckled. "Mr. Kippenberg +couldn't have chosen a more effective guard for his gold." + +But gradually as the pool drained lower and lower, it struck Penny as odd +that the men did not notice the alligator. Belatedly, it occurred to her +that the Kippenberg gardener had probably succeeded in getting rid of the +monster since her visit to the garden earlier in the day. + +"Something like that _would_ happen," she thought. "Oh, well, even so +Jerry ought to get here with the police in ample time." + +Only the waning of the moon gave indication of how swiftly the night was +passing. Penny became alarmed as she observed how fast the pool emptied. +Jerry would not have as long as she had anticipated. But surely, he would +bring help before it was too late. + +Presently, one of the men shut off the motor in the stone tower, saying +with quiet jubilance: + +"There, she's empty!" + +He jumped down into the tank, and almost at once uttered a cry of +discovery. + +"Here it is, just as he said! The ring to the trap! Give us some help, +Gus." + +With Aaron Dietz and the bewildered bridegroom watching from above, the +two men raised the heavy block of cement. Penny drew closer for she did +not wish to miss anything. She stood in the shadow of a tree scarcely +fifteen yards from where the men worked. + +"A stairway leads down into an underground vault!" Jake cried exultantly. +"We've found the hiding place of the gold." + +"Toss me your flashlight, Aaron," called Gus. "We'll soon have all of the +treasure out of here." + +The next ten minutes brought a confused whirl of impressions. Penny's +thoughts were in turmoil. Why didn't Jerry come with the police? As soon +as the men carried the burden of gold to the boat they would discover +Flora, bound and gagged. Then they would suspect that a trap had been +laid. Oh, why didn't Jerry hurry? + +Gus and Jake had descended into the underground vault. As the light +reappeared, Penny was dumbfounded to see that the men were empty handed. + +"Nothing down there," Gus reported in disgust. "Nothing!" + +"Then we've been tricked!" Aaron Dietz turned furiously upon his +prisoner. "You'll pay for this!" + +"I thought the gold was here," answered Grant Atherwald. + +"Lock him up in the vault and start the water running," advised Jake +harshly. "It's a good way to be rid of him." + +The suggestion appealed to Aaron Dietz. At a nod from him, Atherwald was +seized and dragged down into the pool. He was shoved into the vault, but +before the two men could lower the heavy cement block into place, a +signal from Dietz arrested their action. + +"Wait!" + +In her anxiety over Grant Atherwald, Penny had moved closer to the pool. +Without realizing that she was exposing herself, she stood so that her +shadow fell clearly across the open space. Before she comprehended her +danger, Dietz hurled himself upon her, seizing her roughly by the arms. + +Penny struggled to free herself but could not. The man's grip was like +steel. + +"So you were spying!" he exclaimed harshly. + +"I--I was just watching," Penny stammered. "Don't you remember me? I am +the girl who pulled you out of the river when your car went over the +drawbridge." + +The man looked closely at her, and for an instant she dared hope that he +would recall her with gratitude. But his face hardened again and he said +unfeelingly: + +"You know entirely too much, my little girl. This is one story you will +never write for your father's paper. Your curiosity has proven your +undoing. You share the fate of your very good friend." + +With a sinking heart Penny realized by the man's words that he knew her +to be the daughter of a newspaper publisher, and that he had guessed her +part in the trick played upon him. + +"Down you go!" Dietz said harshly. + +As he dragged her toward the pool, Penny screamed at the top of her +lungs. A hand was clapped over her mouth. She bit it savagely, but her +efforts to free herself were of no avail. + +The men shoved her headlong down the stone stairway into the pit. + +"Now scream as much as you like," Aaron Dietz hurled after her. "No one +will hear you." + +The heavy stone slab dropped into place. + +Penny picked herself up from the steps. Terror gripped her, and with a +sob she called frantically: + +"Mr. Atherwald! Mr. Atherwald!" + +"Here at the bottom of the steps," he answered with a groan. + +"Are you hurt?" + +"Only bruised. But my hands are still in cuffs." + +Penny limped down the stairway and helped the man to his feet. + +"We're done for now," he said. "No one will ever look for us down in this +vault. And our cries will never be heard." + +"Don't give up," Penny murmured encouragingly. "We may be able to lift +the stone. Come let's try." + +Mounting the stairs, they applied their shoulders to the massive door, +but their best efforts did not raise it an inch. + +"Listen!" cried Atherwald suddenly. + +They both could hear the sound of water running into the empty pool. + +"In an hour's time no one will ever guess that a hidden vault lies +beneath the tank!" Atherwald groaned. "We're doomed!" + +"If we can hear the water splashing above us, our voices might carry!" +Penny reasoned. "Let's cry out for help. Now, together!" + +They shouted over and over until their voices failed them. Then, +completely discouraged, they sagged down on the stairway to rest. + +"Nothing went as I planned," Penny said dismally. "I really thought the +gold was hidden in this vault. If the men had found it, they would have +spent hours removing the loot to their boat. Jerry would have come with +the police and everything would have been all right." + +Grant Atherwald was not listening to the girl's words. He struggled to +his feet, pressing his ear against the trapdoor. + +"The water has stopped running!" + +"Are you sure?" Penny sprang up and stood beside him, listening. + +"Yes, and I hear voices!" + +With one accord, they shouted for help. Could it be imagination or did +they hear an answering cry? As they repeated their frantic call, there +was a scraping on the stone above their heads. + +"Stand away," ordered a muffled voice. + +Before Penny and the bridegroom could obey, the great door lifted. A +deluge of water poured in, its force nearly washing them from the steps. +But in another moment the passage was clear and they stumbled up through +the rectangular opening. + +Jerry grasped Penny's hand, helping her out of the vault. One of the +blue-coated policemen aided Atherwald, unfastening the handcuffs which +held him a prisoner. + +"You're all right, Penny?" the reporter asked anxiously. + +"I--I feel like a drowned rat," she laughed, shaking water out of her +hair. Then, with a quick change of mood she asked: "Did you get Aaron +Dietz and his men?" + +"No," Jerry answered in disgust. "When we crossed the river five minutes +ago, the cruiser was still there. No sign of anyone around. I brought the +police here, and now I suppose they've made their get-away." + +"Oh, Jerry, we can't let them escape! Send the police--" + +"Now don't get worked up," the reporter soothed. "A squad started back +just as soon as we found out what had happened here." + +"Dietz and his men must have seen the police crossing the river," +speculated Penny. "They may have hidden in the bushes, biding their time. +By now they've slipped away in their boat." + +"I'm afraid of it," Jerry admitted. "I traveled as fast as I could." + +As one of the policemen lifted Penny out of the pool, a noise which +sounded like the back-firing of an automobile, broke the stillness of the +night. It was followed by a volley of similar sounds. + +"Gunfire!" exclaimed Penny. + +The policemen started at a run through the woods toward the place where +the white cruiser had last been seen. Penny hesitated, and then took the +opposite direction, coming out of the woods at a point directly opposite +the drawbridge. + +Gazing far up the river she could see the white cruiser, flashes of fire +coming from the cabin window as the desperadoes exchanged shots with the +police, who were concealed in the woods. + +"That boat will try to run for it in another minute," Penny thought. "If +only the drawbridge were down!" + +Kicking off her shoes, she dived into the water, swimming diagonally +across the river to take advantage of the swift current. Her powerful +strokes brought her to shallow water and she waded ashore through +ankle-deep mud. As she scrambled up the slippery bank, her wet clothing +plastered to her body, she heard the roar of the cruiser's motor. + +"They've started the engine!" she thought. "In another minute the boat +will be at the bridge. Hurry! Hurry!" + +Penny could force herself to no greater effort. Breathless, she reached +the gearhouse and groped frantically under the door. Had Thorny failed to +hide the key there? No, her fingers seized upon it. + +Trembling with excitement, she turned it in the lock. The door of the +gearhouse swung open. Now could she remember how to lower the bridge? Any +mistake would be costly, for by this time she could hear the cruiser +racing down the river at full speed. If only it were light enough so that +she could see the gears! + +She pulled a lever and her heart leaped as the motor responded with a +pleasant purr. The power was on! + +"Now to lower the bridge!" thought Penny. "But which lever is the right +one? I'm not sure." + +With a prayer in her heart she grasped the one closest at hand and eased +it forward. There was a grinding of gears as the tall cantilevers began +to move. They were coming down, but oh, so slowly! + +"Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!" Penny whispered, as if her words could speed the +bridge on its journey. + +The white cruiser drove onward at full speed. Lower came the bridge. +Penny held her breath, knowing it would be a matter of inches whether or +not the boat would clear. The man at the wheel, aware of the danger, did +not swerve from his course. + +The bridge settled into place. As the crash came, Penny closed her eyes. + +"_I did it! I've stopped them!_" she thought, and sagged weakly against +the gear house. + + + + + CHAPTER + 25 + _VICTORY FOR PENNY_ + + +Minutes later Penny was still leaning limply against the building when a +car drove up to the bridge. Her father, Salt, and a bevy of policemen and +government representatives sprang out and ran to her side. + +"Penny, what happened?" Mr. Parker clasped his daughter in his arms. +"You're soaking wet! Didn't we hear gunfire as we turned in here?" + +Penny waved her hand weakly toward the river below. + +"There's your story, Dad. Pictures galore. Boat smashes into dangerous +drawbridge. Police pursue and shoot it out with desperadoes, taking +what's left of 'em into custody. I'm afraid to look." + +"And what were you doing while all this was going on?" demanded her +father. + +"Me? I was just waiting for the drawbridge to go down." + +Mr. Parker, Salt, and the policemen he had brought to the scene, rushed +to the edge of the bridge. A police boat had drawn up beside the badly +listing cruiser, and three men prisoners and a girl were being taken off. + +"How bad is it?" Penny called anxiously. + +"All captured alive," answered her father. "Salt, get that camera of +yours into action! Where's Jerry? He would be missing at a time like +this! What happened anyhow? Can't someone tell me?" + +Penny had fully recovered the power of speech, and with a most flattering +audience, she recounted her adventures. + +"Excuse me just a minute," she interrupted herself. + +Turning her back, she pulled a sodden photograph from the front of her +dress and handed it to her father. + +"This picture is in pretty bad shape," she said, "but it's clue number +one. You see, it's a photograph of Miss Kippenberg, and on the back is +written, 'To Father, with all my love.' I found the picture this +afternoon in Room 381 at the Colonial Hotel." + +"Then you've located Kippenberg?" one of the G men demanded. + +"I have. He's been masquerading as the Kippenberg gardener, coming back +here no doubt to witness the marriage of his daughter." + +"We'll arrest him right away," said the government man, turning to leave. +"Thanks for the tip." + +"I am confident Miss Kippenberg and her mother had nothing to do with +Grant Atherwald's disappearance," Penny went on. "Aaron Dietz plotted the +whole affair himself. I guess he must have learned about Kippenberg's +cache of gold while he worked for the man. He believed that Grant +Atherwald shared the secret and could tell where the money was hidden." + +"You've located the gold, too, I suppose," Mr. Parker remarked +whimsically. + +"No, Dad, I slipped up there. I thought the gold was in a secret vault +under the alligator pool, but I was wrong. I don't know where it is." + +"We'll let the G men solve that mystery when they take Kippenberg into +custody," replied her father. "Our work is cut out for us now. We'll find +Jerry, talk with young Atherwald, and rout Miss Kippenberg and her mother +out of bed for an exclusive interview." + +"And this time I am sure they'll answer questions," declared Penny. + +During the next hour the "story" was taken entirely from her hands. +Jerry, her father and Salt, knew exactly how to gather every fact of +interest to the readers of the _Star_. Sylvia Kippenberg, overjoyed to +find her fiancé alive, posed for pictures with him, and answered all +questions save those which concerned her father. + +Not until a telephone call came from the Colonial Hotel, saying that Mr. +Kippenberg had been taken into custody, would either Sylvia or her mother +admit that the man had posed as the gardener. + +"Very well, it is true," Mrs. Kippenberg acknowledged at last. "James has +been trying to avoid government men for over a year. Wishing to return +for Sylvia's wedding, he disguised himself as a gardener. Then after +Grant's disappearance, he remained here trying to help." + +"And it was your husband who managed to get rid of the alligator?" Penny +interposed. + +"Yes, we were afraid police might ask embarrassing questions. James +disposed of it to a zoo late yesterday afternoon." + +"And the cache of gold under the lily pool," said Mr. Parker. "What +became of that?" + +"There is no gold." + +"None at all?" + +"None." + +"And there never was any?" questioned Penny incredulously. "Then why was +the vault ever built?" + +"Tell her the truth, Mother," Sylvia urged. "She deserves to know. +Anyway, it can do Father no harm now." + +"At one time my husband did have a considerable supply of gold," Mrs. +Kippenberg admitted. "Since he could not trust a bank he constructed his +own vault under the pool and placed the alligator there as a precaution +against prying persons." + +"My father really did nothing so very wrong," Sylvia broke in. "The gold +was bought with his own money. If he chose to sell it later at a profit +it was his own affair." + +"Not in the opinion of the government," Mr. Parker said with a smile. "He +held the gold illegally. So your father disposed of it?" + +"Yes, he shipped it out of the country months ago. And no one will ever +be able to prove anything against him." + +"My husband is a very clever man," added Mrs. Kippenberg proudly. + +"That remains to be seen," said Mr. Parker. "I know a number of very +clever government men, too." + +Later, in dry clothing loaned to her by Miss Kippenberg, Penny motored +back to Corbin with her father, Jerry, and Salt. There they learned that +the three prisoners had been locked up in jail, while James Kippenberg +was being questioned by government operatives. He readily admitted that +he had disguised himself as the gardener but defied anyone to prove he +ever had disposed of illegal gold. + +Mr. Parker did not wait to learn the outcome of the interview. Instead he +telephoned the big story to DeWitt and arranged for complete coverage on +every new angle of the case. Satisfied that no more could be learned that +night, the party sped back toward Riverview. + +"Aaron Dietz and his confederates ought to get long prison sentences," +Penny remarked as they drove through the night. "But what will happen to +Mr. Kippenberg, Dad? Do you think he will escape punishment as his wife +believes?" + +"He'll get what is coming to him," replied Mr. Parker. "A government man +told me tonight that Kippenberg's income tax reports have been falsified. +And Kippenberg knew they had evidence against him or he never would have +gone into hiding. No, even if it can't be proven that he held gold +illegally, he'll certainly be fined and given a year or so in prison for +tax evasion." + +"I hope he receives a light sentence for Sylvia's sake," said Penny. +After a moment she added: "Sylvia and Grant Atherwald are going to be +married tomorrow. They told me so." + +"There's a fact we missed," declared Jerry. "Penny always is showing us +up." + +"Oh, I didn't prove myself so brilliant tonight," responded Penny. "When +I was down in that vault I decided I was just plain dumb. If you hadn't +had sense enough to guess where Grant Atherwald and I were being +held--well, Dad would have had to adopt a new daughter." + +"It was easy enough to tell what had happened," said Jerry. "You had told +me you thought there was a secret vault beneath the pool. Then, too, I +found your handkerchief floating in the bottom. The water had only been +running in a few minutes." He fished in his pocket and brought out a pin +which he handed to Penny. "I also found this." + +"Thanks, Jerry," said Penny. "That's Louise's cameo pin. She dropped it +the day we were on the Kippenberg estate together." + +"The police gave you full credit for the capture of those men, Penny," +said her father with pride. "You yanked the drawbridge just in time to +trap them." + +"Salt did his share, too," mentioned Penny generously. "He went for the +police just as soon as he realized Jerry and I had been carried away on +the cruiser." + +"The only trouble was that the cops wasted too much time searching for +you down river," the photographer drawled. "We finally went back to +Corbin and ran into Mr. Parker who suggested we come to the estate." + +"How did you happen to be in Corbin, Dad?" asked Penny curiously. + +"You might know--I was looking for you. Isn't that my usual occupation?" + +"You're not provoked at me, Dad?" + +"No, of course not," the publisher answered warmly. "You've all done fine +work tonight. This is the biggest story we've run into in over a year! +We'll score a beat on the rival papers." + +"Then don't you think Jerry and Salt have earned a raise?" suggested +Penny. + +"Yes," agreed her father absently, "I'll take care of it tomorrow." + +"And you might tack on another dollar to my allowance, Dad. I'll also +have a small bill to present. There will be several dollars for gasoline, +lunches going and coming from Corbin, two ruined dresses, a pair of torn +silk stockings, and--" + +"That's enough," broke in Mr. Parker with a laugh. "If you keep on +listing your expenses, I'll be broke. You turned out to be an expensive +reporter." + +"It was worth it, wasn't it?" Penny demanded, placing her hands on her +hips. + +Her father agreed heartily. "It certainly was, Penny. The _Riverview +Star_ obtained a smashing story to scoop all the other newspapers, and +I've got my elusive daughter back again safe and sound." + +Penny moved closer to her father. She grasped the lapels of his coat in +her slender fingers and tipped her weary but still lovely face toward +him. + +"Dad, will you promise me one thing?" + +"That depends on what you are after," Mr. Parker told her gravely. + +"Whenever the _Riverview Star_ has a baffling mystery to be run down to +earth, will you promise to call in your ace sleuth?" + +"And who would that be?" demanded Mr. Parker with a puzzled frown. Then +as Penny laughed gaily, he also started to grin. "So you are the ace +sleuth? I guess I was a little slow in understanding. But you seem to be +right. This is the third mystery you've solved. Maybe we will use you on +the next mystery." + +"Thanks, Dad," said Penny. "I just hope I won't have to wait too long for +the next mystery to come along." + + THE END + + + + + Transcriber's Notes + + +--Replaced the list of books in the series by the complete list, as in + the final book, "The Cry at Midnight". + +--Silently corrected a handful of palpable typos. + +--Conforming to later volumes, standardized on "DeWitt" as the name of + the city editor. + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Danger at the Drawbridge, by Mildred A. 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Wirt + +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: Danger at the Drawbridge + +Author: Mildred A. Wirt + +Release Date: December 3, 2010 [EBook #34552] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DANGER AT THE DRAWBRIDGE *** + + + + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + +<div id="cover" class="img"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Danger at the Drawbridge" width="361" height="500" /> +</div> +<div class="box"> +<h1>Danger +<br />at the +<br />Drawbridge</h1> +<p class="center"><i>By</i> +<br />MILDRED A. WIRT</p> +<p class="center"><i>Author of</i> +<br /><span class="small">MILDRED A. WIRT MYSTERY STORIES +<br />TRAILER STORIES FOR GIRLS</span></p> +<p class="center"><span class="small"><i>Illustrated</i></span></p> +<p class="center"><span class="small">CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY +<br /><i>Publishers</i> +<br />NEW YORK</span></p> +</div> +<div class="box"> +<div class="subbox"> +<p class="center"><span class="large"><b>PENNY PARKER</b></span> +<br />MYSTERY STORIES</p> +<p class="center"><span class="small"><i>Large 12 mo. <span class="gsw">Cloth</span> <span class="gsw">Illustrated</span></i></span></p> +</div> +<p class="center">TALE OF THE WITCH DOLL +<br />THE VANISHING HOUSEBOAT +<br />DANGER AT THE DRAWBRIDGE +<br />BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR +<br />CLUE OF THE SILKEN LADDER +<br />THE SECRET PACT +<br />THE CLOCK STRIKES THIRTEEN +<br />THE WISHING WELL +<br />SABOTEURS ON THE RIVER +<br />GHOST BEYOND THE GATE +<br />HOOFBEATS ON THE TURNPIKE +<br />VOICE FROM THE CAVE +<br />GUILT OF THE BRASS THIEVES +<br />SIGNAL IN THE DARK +<br />WHISPERING WALLS +<br />SWAMP ISLAND +<br />THE CRY AT MIDNIGHT</p> +<div class="subbox"> +<p class="center"><span class="smaller">COPYRIGHT, 1940, BY CUPPLES AND LEON CO.</span></p> +<p class="center">Danger at the Drawbridge</p> +<p class="center"><span class="smaller">PRINTED IN U. S. A.</span></p> +</div></div> +<div id="front" class="img"> +<img src="images/front.png" alt="The speeding automobile careened down the bank." width="400" height="623" /> +<p class="center"><span class="small">The speeding automobile careened down the bank. +<br />“<i>Danger at the Drawbridge</i>” <span class="gsw">(<a href="#Page_157">See Page 157</a>)</span></span></p> +</div> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<dl class="toc"> +<dt class="smaller"><span class="lj">CHAPTER</span> PAGE</dt> +<dt><a href="#c1">1 AN ASSIGNMENT FOR PENNY</a> <i>1</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c2">2 REPORTERS NOT WANTED</a> <i>9</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c3">3 GIFT TO THE BRIDE</a> <i>19</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c4">4 BEHIND THE BUSHES</a> <i>28</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c5">5 THE MISSING BRIDEGROOM</a> <i>35</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c6">6 A RING OF WHITE GOLD</a> <i>45</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c7">7 THE FORBIDDEN POOL</a> <i>54</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c8">8 PARENTAL PROTEST</a> <i>63</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c9">9 A SOCIETY BAZAAR</a> <i>72</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c10">10 A THROWN STONE</a> <i>79</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c11">11 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS</a> <i>88</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c12">12 FISHERMAN’S LUCK</a> <i>96</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c13">13 TWO MEN AND A BOAT</a> <i>105</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c14">14 THE STONE TOWER</a> <i>113</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c15">15 A CAMEO PIN</a> <i>122</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c16">16 GATHERING CLUES</a> <i>129</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c17">17 A SEARCH FOR JERRY</a> <i>140</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c18">18 OVER THE DRAWBRIDGE</a> <i>149</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c19">19 A DARING RESCUE</a> <i>158</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c20">20 AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW</a> <i>164</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c21">21 THE WHITE CRUISER</a> <i>171</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c22">22 TRAPPED IN THE CABIN</a> <i>177</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c23">23 AT THE HIDE-OUT</a> <i>184</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c24">24 SECRET OF THE LILY POOL</a> <i>192</i></dt> +<dt><a href="#c25">25 VICTORY FOR PENNY</a> <i>203</i></dt> +</dl> +<div class="pb" id="Page_1">[1]</div> +<h2 id="c1"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">1</span> +<br /><i>AN ASSIGNMENT FOR PENNY</i></h2> +<p>Penny Parker, leaning indolently against the +edge of the kitchen table, watched Mrs. Weems stem +strawberries into a bright green bowl.</p> +<p>“Tempting bait for Dad’s jaded appetite,” she remarked, +helping herself to the largest berry in the +dish. “If he can’t eat them, I can.”</p> +<p>“I do wish you’d leave those berries alone,” the +housekeeper protested in an exasperated tone. “They +haven’t been washed yet.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I don’t mind a few germs,” laughed Penny. +“I just toss them off like a duck shedding water. Shall +I take the breakfast tray up to Dad?”</p> +<p>“Yes, I wish you would, Penny,” sighed Mrs. +Weems. “I’m right tired on my feet this morning. +Hot weather always did wear me down.”</p> +<p>She washed the berries and then offered the tray +of food to Penny who started with it toward the +kitchen vestibule.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_2">[2]</div> +<p>“Now where are you going, Penelope Parker?” +Mrs. Weems demanded suspiciously.</p> +<p>“Oh, just to the automatic lift.” Penny’s blue eyes +were round with innocence.</p> +<p>“Don’t you dare try to ride in that contraption +again!” scolded the housekeeper. “It was never built +to carry human freight.”</p> +<p>“I’m not exactly freight,” Penny said with an injured +sniff. “It’s strong enough to carry me. I know +because I tried it last week.”</p> +<p>“You walk up the stairs like a lady or I’ll take the +tray myself,” Mrs. Weems threatened. “I declare, I +don’t know when you’ll grow up.”</p> +<p>“Oh, all right,” grumbled Penny good-naturedly. +“But I do maintain it’s a shameful waste of energy.”</p> +<p>Balancing the tray precariously on the palm of her +hand she tripped lightly up the stairway and tapped +on the door of her father’s bedroom.</p> +<p>“Come in,” he called in a muffled voice.</p> +<p>Anthony Parker, editor and owner of the <i>Riverview +Star</i> sat propped up with pillows, reading a day-old +edition of the newspaper.</p> +<p>“’Morning, Dad,” said Penny cheerfully. “How is +our invalid today?”</p> +<p>“I’m no more an invalid than you are,” returned +Mr. Parker testily. “If that old quack, Doctor Horn, +doesn’t let me out of bed today—”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_3">[3]</div> +<p>“You’ll simply explode, won’t you, Dad?” Penny +finished mischievously. “Here, drink your coffee and +you’ll feel less like a stick of dynamite.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker tossed the newspaper aside and made a +place on his knees for the breakfast tray.</p> +<p>“Did I hear an argument between you and Mrs. +Weems?” he asked curiously.</p> +<p>“No argument, Dad. I just wanted to ride up in +style on the lift. Mrs. Weems thought it wasn’t a civilized +way to travel.”</p> +<p>“I should think not.” The corners of Mr. Parker’s +mouth twitched slightly as he poured coffee from the +silver pot. “That lift was built to carry breakfast trays, +but not in combination with athletic young ladies.”</p> +<p>“What a bore, this business of growing up,” sighed +Penny. “You can’t be natural at all.”</p> +<p>“You seem to manage rather well with all the restrictions,” +her father remarked dryly.</p> +<p>Penny twisted her neck to gaze at her reflection in +the dresser mirror beyond the footboard of the big +mahogany bed.</p> +<p>“I won’t mind growing up if only I’m able to develop +plenty of glamour,” she said speculatively. “Am +I getting any better looking, Dad?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_4">[4]</div> +<p>“Not that I’ve noticed,” replied Mr. Parker gruffly, +but his gaze lingered affectionately upon his daughter’s +golden hair. She really was growing prettier each +day and looked more like her mother who had died +when Penny was a little girl. He had spoiled her, of +course, for she was an only child, but he was proud +because he had taught her to think straight. She was +deeply loyal and affectionate and those who loved +her overlooked her casual ways and flippant speech.</p> +<p>“What happened to the paper boy this morning?” +Mr. Parker asked between bites of buttered toast.</p> +<p>“It isn’t time for him yet, Dad,” said Penny demurely. +“You always expect him at least an hour +early.”</p> +<p>“First edition’s been off the press a good half hour,” +grumbled the newspaper owner. “When I get back to +the <i>Star</i> office, I’ll see that deliveries are speeded up. +Just wait until I talk with Roberts!”</p> +<p>“Haven’t you been doing a pretty strenuous job of +running the paper right from your bed?” inquired +Penny as she refilled her father’s cup. “Sometimes +when you talk with that poor circulation manager I +think the telephone wires will burn off.”</p> +<p>“So I’m a tyrant, am I?”</p> +<p>“Oh, everyone knows your bark is worse than your +bite, Dad. But you’ve certainly not been at your best +the last few days.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker’s eyes roved about the luxuriously furnished +bedroom. Tinted walls, chintz draperies, the +rich, deep rug, were completely lost upon him. “This +place is a prison,” he grumbled.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_5">[5]</div> +<p>For nearly a week the household had been thrown +completely out of its usual routine by the editor’s illness. +Overwork combined with an attack of influenza +had sent him to bed, there to remain until he should +be released by a doctor’s order. With a telephone at +his elbow, Mr. Parker had kept in close touch with +the staff of the <i>Riverview Star</i> but he fretted at confinement.</p> +<p>“I can’t half look after things,” he complained. +“And now Miss Hilderman, the society editor, is sick. +I don’t know how we’ll get a good story on the Kippenberg +wedding.”</p> +<p>Penny looked up quickly. “Miss Hilderman is ill?”</p> +<p>“Yes, DeWitt, the city editor, telephoned me a few +minutes ago. She wasn’t able to show up for work +this morning.”</p> +<p>“I really don’t see why he should bother you about +that, Dad. Can’t Miss Hilderman’s assistant take over +the duties?”</p> +<p>“The routine work, yes, but I don’t care to trust her +with the Kippenberg story.”</p> +<p>“Is it something extra special, Dad?”</p> +<p>“Surely, you’ve heard of Mrs. Clayton Kippenberg?”</p> +<p>“The name is familiar but I can’t seem to recall—”</p> +<p>“Clayton Kippenberg made a mint of money in the +chain drug business. No one ever knew exactly the +extent of his fortune. He built an elaborate estate about +a hundred and twenty-five miles from here, familiarly +called <i>The Castle</i> because of its resemblance to an +ancient feudal castle. The estate is cut off from the +mainland on three sides and may be reached either +by boat or by means of a picturesque drawbridge.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_6">[6]</div> +<p>“Sounds interesting,” commented Penny.</p> +<p>“I never saw the place myself. In fact, Kippenberg +never allowed outsiders to visit the estate. Less than a +year ago a rumor floated around that he had separated +from his wife. There also was considerable talk that +he had disappeared because of difficulties with the +government over income tax evasion and wished to +escape arrest. At any rate, he faded out of the picture +while his wife remained in possession of <i>The Castle</i>.”</p> +<p>“And now she is marrying again?”</p> +<p>“No, it is Mrs. Kippenberg’s daughter, Sylvia, who +is to be married. The bridegroom, Grant Atherwald, +comes from a very old and distinguished family.”</p> +<p>“I don’t see why the story should be so difficult to +cover.”</p> +<p>“Mrs. Kippenberg has ruled that no reporters or +photographers will be allowed on the estate,” explained +Mr. Parker.</p> +<p>“That does complicate the situation.”</p> +<p>“Yes, it may not be easy to persuade Mrs. Kippenberg +to change her mind. I rather doubt that our +assistant society editor has the ingenuity to handle the +story.”</p> +<p>“Then why don’t you send one of the regular reporters? +Jerry Livingston, for instance?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_7">[7]</div> +<p>“Jerry couldn’t tell a tulle wedding veil from one +of crinoline. Nor could any other man on the staff.”</p> +<p>“I could get that story for you,” Penny said suddenly. +“Why don’t you try me?”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker gazed at his daughter speculatively.</p> +<p>“Do you really think you could?”</p> +<p>“Of course.” Penny spoke with assurance. “Didn’t +I bring in two perfectly good scoops for your old +sheet?”</p> +<p>“You certainly did. Your Vanishing Houseboat +yarn was one of the best stories we’ve published in a +year of Sundays. And the town is still talking about +Tale of the Witch Doll.”</p> +<p>“After what I went through to get those stories, a +mere wedding would be child’s play.”</p> +<p>“Don’t be too confident,” warned Mr. Parker. “If +Mrs. Kippenberg doesn’t alter her decision about reporters, +the story may be impossible to get.”</p> +<p>“May I try?” Penny asked eagerly.</p> +<p>Mr. Parker frowned. “Well, I don’t know. I hate +to send you so far, and then I have a feeling—”</p> +<p>“Yes, Dad?”</p> +<p>“I can’t put my thoughts into words. It’s just that +my newspaper instinct tells me this story may develop +into something big. Kippenberg’s disappearance never +was fully explained and his wife refused to discuss +the affair with reporters.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_8">[8]</div> +<p>“Kippenberg might be at the wedding,” said Penny, +thinking aloud. “If he were a normal father he would +wish to see his daughter married.”</p> +<p>“You follow my line of thought, Penny. When +you’re at the estate—if you get in—keep your eyes +and ears open.”</p> +<p>“Then you’ll let me cover the story?” Penny cried +in delight.</p> +<p>“Yes, I’ll telephone the office now and arrange for +a photographer to go with you.”</p> +<p>“Tell them to send Salt Sommers,” Penny suggested +quickly. “He doesn’t act as know-it-all as some of the +other lads.”</p> +<p>“I had Sommers in mind,” her father nodded as he +reached for the telephone.</p> +<p>“And I have a lot more than Salt Sommers in <i>my</i> +mind,” laughed Penny.</p> +<p>“Meaning?”</p> +<p>“Another big story, Dad! A scoop for the <i>Star</i> and +this for you.”</p> +<p>Penny implanted a kiss on her father’s cheek and +skipped joyously from the room.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_9">[9]</div> +<h2 id="c2"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">2</span> +<br /><i>REPORTERS NOT WANTED</i></h2> +<p>In the editorial room of the <i>Riverview Star</i> heads +turned and eyebrows lifted as Penny, decked in her +best silk dress and white picture hat, clicked her high-heeled +slippers across the bare floor. Jerry Livingston, +reporter, stopped pecking at his typewriter and stared +in undisguised admiration.</p> +<p>“Well, if it isn’t our Bright Penny,” he bantered. +“Didn’t recognize you for a minute in all those glad +rags.”</p> +<p>“These are my work clothes,” replied Penny. “I’m +covering the Kippenberg wedding.”</p> +<p>Jerry pushed his hat farther back on his head and +grinned.</p> +<p>“Tough assignment. From what I hear of the Kippenberg +family, you’ll be lucky if they don’t throw +the wedding cake at you.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_10">[10]</div> +<p>Penny laughed and went on, winding her way +through a barricade of desks to the office of the society +editor. Miss Arnold, the assistant, was talking over the +telephone, but in a moment she finished and turned +to face the girl.</p> +<p>“Good morning, Miss Parker,” she said stiffly. An +edge to her voice told Penny more clearly than words +that the young woman was nettled because she had +not been trusted with the story.</p> +<p>“Good morning,” replied Penny politely. “Dad +said you would be able to give me helpful suggestions +about covering the Kippenberg wedding.”</p> +<p>“There’s not much I can tell you, really. The ceremony +is to take place at two o’clock in the garden, so +you’ll have ample time to reach the estate. If you get +in—” Miss Arnold placed an unpleasant emphasis upon +the words—“take notes on Miss Kippenberg’s gown, +the flowers, the decorations, the names of her attendants. +Try to keep your facts straight. Nothing infuriates +a bride more than to read in the paper that +she carried a bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley and roses +while actually it was a bouquet of some other flower.”</p> +<p>“I’ll try not to infuriate Miss Kippenberg,” promised +Penny.</p> +<p>Miss Arnold glanced quickly at her but the girl’s +face was perfectly serene.</p> +<p>“That’s all I can tell you, Miss Parker,” she said +shortly. “Bring in at least a column. For some reason +the city editor rates the wedding an important story.”</p> +<p>“I’ll do my best,” responded Penny, and arose.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_11">[11]</div> +<p>Salt Sommers was waiting for her when she came +out of the office. He was a tall, spare young man, with +a deep scar down his left cheek. He talked nearly as +fast as he walked.</p> +<p>“If you’re all set, let’s go,” he said.</p> +<p>Penny found herself three paces behind but she +caught up with the photographer as he waited for the +elevator.</p> +<p>“I’m taking Minny along,” Salt volunteered, holding +his finger steadily on the signal bell. “May come +in handy.”</p> +<p>“Minny?” asked Penny, puzzled.</p> +<p>“Miniature camera. You can’t always use the +Model X.”</p> +<p>“Oh,” murmured Penny. Deeply embarrassed, she +remained silent as the elevator shot them down to +the ground floor.</p> +<p>Salt loaded his photographic equipment into a battered +press car which was parked near the loading +dock at the rear of the building. He slid in behind the +wheel and then as an afterthought swung open the +car door for Penny.</p> +<p>Salt seemed to know the way to the Kippenberg +estate. They shot through Riverview traffic, shaving +red lights and tooting derisively at slow drivers. In +open country he pressed the accelerator down to the +floor and the car roared down the road, only slackening +speed as it raced through a town.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_12">[12]</div> +<p>“How do you travel when you’re in a hurry?” +Penny gasped, clinging to her flopping hat.</p> +<p>Salt grinned and lifted his foot from the gasoline +pedal.</p> +<p>“Sorry,” he said. “I get in the habit of driving fast. +We have plenty of time.”</p> +<p>As they rode, Penny gathered scraps of information. +The Kippenberg estate was located six miles +from the town of Corbin and was cut off from the +mainland on three sides by the joining of two wide +rivers, one with a direct outlet to the ocean. Salt did +not know when the house had been built but it was +considered one of the show places of the locality.</p> +<p>“Do you think we’ll have much trouble getting our +story?” Penny asked anxiously.</p> +<p>“All depends,” Salt answered briefly. He slammed +on the brake so suddenly that Penny was flung forward +in the seat.</p> +<p>Another car coming from the opposite direction +had pulled up at the side of the road. Penny did not +recognize the three men who were crowded into the +front seat, but the printed placard, <i>Ledger</i> which was +pasted on the windshield told her they represented a +rival newspaper in Riverview.</p> +<p>“What luck, Les?” Salt called, craning his neck +out the car window.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_13">[13]</div> +<p>“You may as well turn around and go back,” came +the disgusted reply. “The old lady won’t let a reporter +or a photographer on the estate. She has a guard stationed +on the drawbridge to see that you don’t get +past.”</p> +<p>The car drove on toward Riverview. Salt sat staring +down the road, drumming his fingers thoughtfully on +the steering wheel.</p> +<p>“Looks like we’re up against a tough assignment,” +he said. “If Les can’t get in—”</p> +<p>“I’m not going back without at least an attempt,” +announced Penny firmly.</p> +<p>“That’s the spirit!” Salt cried with sudden approval. +“We’ll get on the estate somehow if we have to swim +over.”</p> +<p>He jerked the press card from the windshield, and +reaching into the back seat of the car, covered the +Model X camera with an old gunny sack. The miniature +camera he placed in his coat pocket.</p> +<p>“No use advertising our profession too early in the +game,” he remarked.</p> +<p>Twelve-thirty found Penny and Salt in the sleepy +little town of Corbin. Fortifying themselves with a +lunch of hot dog sandwiches and pop, they followed +a winding, dusty highway toward the Kippenberg +estate.</p> +<p>Presently, through the trees, marking the end of +the road, an iron drawbridge loomed up. It stood in +open position so that boats might pass on the river +below. A wooden barrier had been erected across the +front of the structure which bore a large painted sign. +Penny read the words aloud.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_14">[14]</div> +<p class="bq">“‘DANGEROUS DRAWBRIDGE—KEEP OFF.’”</p> +<p>Salt drew up at the side of the road. “Looks as if +this is as far as we’re going,” he said in disgust. +“There’s no other road to the estate. I’ll bet that ‘dangerous +drawbridge’ business is just a dodge to keep +undesirables away from the place until after the wedding.”</p> +<p>Penny nodded gloomily. Then she brightened as +she noticed an old man who obviously was an estate +guard standing at the entrance to the bridge. He +stared toward the old car as if trying to ascertain +whether or not the occupants were expected guests.</p> +<p>“I’m going over to talk with him,” Penny said.</p> +<p>“Pretend that you’re a guest,” suggested Salt. “You +look the part in that fancy outfit of yours.”</p> +<p>Penny walked leisurely toward the drawbridge. Appraisingly, +she studied the old man who leaned comfortably +against the gearhouse. A dilapidated hat +pulled low over his shaggy brows seemed in keeping +with the rest of his wardrobe—a blue work shirt and +a pair of grease-smudged overalls. A charred corn-cob +pipe, thrust at an angle between his lips, provided sure +protection against the mosquitoes swarming up from +the river below.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_15">[15]</div> +<p>“Good afternoon,” began Penny pleasantly. “My +friend and I are looking for the Kippenberg estate. +We were told at Corbin to take this road but we seem +to have made a mistake.”</p> +<p>“You ain’t made no mistake, Miss,” the old man +replied.</p> +<p>“Then is the estate across the river?”</p> +<p>“That’s right, Miss.”</p> +<p>“But how are guests to reach the place? I see the +sign says the bridge is out of commission. Are we supposed +to swim over?”</p> +<p>“Not if you don’t want to,” the old man answered +evenly. “Mrs. Kippenberg has a launch that takes the +folks back and forth. It’s on the other side now but +will be back in no time at all.”</p> +<p>“I’ll wait in the car out of the hot sun,” Penny +said. She started away, then paused to inquire casually: +“Is this drawbridge really out of order?”</p> +<p>The old man was deliberate in his reply. He blew +a ring of smoke into the air, watched it hover like a +floating skein of wool and finally disintegrate as if +plucked to pieces by an unseen hand.</p> +<p>“Well, yes, and no,” he said. “It ain’t exactly sick +but she sure is ailin’. I wouldn’t trust no heavy contraption +on this bridge.”</p> +<p>“Condemned by the state, I suppose?”</p> +<p>“No, Miss, and I’ll tell you why. This here bridge +doesn’t belong to the state. It’s a private bridge on a +private road.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_16">[16]</div> +<p>“Odd that Mrs. Kippenberg never had it repaired,” +Penny remarked. “It must be annoying.”</p> +<p>“It is to all them that don’t like launches. As for +Mrs. Kippenberg, she don’t mind. Fact is, she ain’t +much afraid of the bridge. She drives her car across +whenever she takes the notion.”</p> +<p>“Then the bridge does operate!” Penny exclaimed.</p> +<p>“Sure it does. That’s my job, to raise and lower it +whenever the owner says the word. But the bridge +ain’t fit for delivery trucks and such-like. One of them +big babies would crack through like goin’ over sponge +ice.”</p> +<p>“Well, I rather envy your employer,” said Penny +lightly. “It isn’t every lady who has her own private +drawbridge.”</p> +<p>“She is kind of exclusive-like that way, Miss. Mrs. +Kippenberg she keeps the drawbridge up so she’ll have +more privacy. And I ain’t blamin’ her. These here +newspaper reporters always is a-pesterin’ the life out +of her.”</p> +<p>Penny nodded sympathetically and walked back +to make her report to Salt.</p> +<p>“No luck?” he demanded.</p> +<p>“Guess twice,” she laughed. “The old bridgeman +just took it for granted I was one of the wedding +guests. It will be all right for us to go over in the +guest launch as soon as it arrives.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_17">[17]</div> +<p>Salt gazed ruefully at his clothes.</p> +<p>“I don’t look much like a guest. Think I’ll pass inspection?”</p> +<p>“Maybe you could get by as one of the poor relations,” +grinned Penny. “Pull your hat down and +straighten your tie.”</p> +<p>Salt shook his head. “A business suit with a grease +spot on the vest isn’t the correct dress for a formal +wedding. You might get by but I won’t.”</p> +<p>“Then should I try it alone?”</p> +<p>“I’ll have to get those pictures somehow,” stated +Salt grimly.</p> +<p>“Maybe we could hire a boat of our own,” Penny +suggested. “Of course it wouldn’t look as well as if +we arrived on the guest launch.”</p> +<p>“Let’s see what we can line up,” Salt said, swinging +open the car door.</p> +<p>They walked to the river’s edge and looked in both +directions. There were no small boats to be seen. The +only available craft was a large motor boat which +came slowly downstream toward the open drawbridge. +Penny caught a glimpse of the pilot, a burly +man with a red, puffy face.</p> +<p>Salt slid down the bank toward the water’s edge, +and hailed the boat.</p> +<p>“Hey, you, Cap’n!” he called. “Two bucks to take +me across the river.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_18">[18]</div> +<p>The man inclined his head, looked steadily at Salt +for an instant, then deliberately turned his back.</p> +<p>“Five!” shouted Salt.</p> +<p>The pilot gave no sign that he had heard. Instead, +he speeded up the boat which passed beneath the +drawbridge and went on down the river.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_19">[19]</div> +<h2 id="c3"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">3</span> +<br /><i>GIFT TO THE BRIDE</i></h2> +<p>“Perhaps he didn’t hear you,” said Penny, peering +after the retreating boat.</p> +<p>“He heard me all right,” growled Salt as he scrambled +back up the high bank.</p> +<p>Noticing a small boy in dirty overalls who sat at +the water’s edge fishing, he called to him: “Say, sonny, +who was that fellow, do you know?”</p> +<p>“Nope,” answered the boy, barely turning his head, +“but his boat has been going up and down the river +all morning. That’s why I can’t catch anything.”</p> +<p>The boat rounded a bend of the river and was lost +to view. Only one other craft appeared on the water, +a freshly painted white motor launch which could be +seen coming from the far shore.</p> +<p>“That must be the guest boat now,” remarked +Penny, shading her eyes against the glare of the sun. +“It seems to be our only hope.”</p> +<p>“Let’s try to get aboard and see what happens,” +proposed the photographer.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_20">[20]</div> +<p>They walked leisurely back toward the guard at +the drawbridge, timing their arrival just as the launch +swung up to the landing. With a cool assurance which +Penny tried to duplicate, Salt stepped aboard, nodded +indifferently to the wheelsman, and slumped down in +one of the leather seats.</p> +<p>Penny waited uneasily for embarrassing questions +which did not come. Gradually she relaxed as the +boatman took no interest in them and the guard’s +attention was fully occupied with other cars which +had driven up to the drawbridge.</p> +<p>A few minutes later, two elderly women, both elegantly +gowned, were helped aboard the boat by their +chauffeur. One of the women stared disapprovingly +at Salt through her lorgnette and then ignored him.</p> +<p>“We’ll get by all right,” Salt whispered confidently.</p> +<p>“Wait until Mrs. Kippenberg sees us,” warned +Penny.</p> +<p>“Oh, we’ll keep out of her way until we have our +story and plenty of pictures. Once we’re across the +river it will be easy.”</p> +<p>“I hope you’re right,” muttered Penny.</p> +<p>While Salt’s task of taking pictures might prove relatively +simple, she realized that her own work would +be anything but easy. She could not hope to gather +many facts without talking to a member of the family, +and the instant she admitted her identity she likely +would be ejected from the grounds.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_21">[21]</div> +<p>“I boasted I’d bring in a front page story,” she +thought ruefully. “I’ll be lucky if I get a column of +routine stuff.”</p> +<p>The boat was moving slowly away from the landing +when the guard at the drawbridge called in a loud +voice: “Hold it, Joe!”</p> +<p>Penny and Salt stiffened in their chairs, fearing they +were to be exposed. But they were both greatly relieved +to see that a long, black limousine had drawn +up at the end of the road. The launch had been +stopped so that additional passengers might be accommodated.</p> +<p>Salt nudged Penny’s elbow.</p> +<p>“Grant Atherwald,” he contributed, jerking his +head toward a tall, well-built young man who had +stepped from the car. “I’ve seen his picture plenty of +times.”</p> +<p>“The bridegroom?” Penny turned to stare.</p> +<p>“Sure. He’s one of the blue-bloods, but they say +he’s a little short on ready cash.”</p> +<p>The young man, dressed immaculately in formal +day attire, and accompanied by two other men, came +aboard the launch. He bowed politely to the elderly +women and his gaze fell questioningly upon Penny +and Salt. But if he wondered why they were there, +he did not voice his thought.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_22">[22]</div> +<p>As the boat put out across the river Penny watched +Grant Atherwald curiously. It seemed to her that he +appeared nervous and preoccupied. He stared straight +before him, clenching and unclenching his hands. His +face was colorless and drawn.</p> +<p>“He’s nervous and worried,” thought Penny. “I +guess all bridegrooms are like that.”</p> +<p>A sharp “click” sounded in her ear. Penny did not +turn toward Salt, but she caught her breath, knowing +what he had done. He had dared to take a picture of +Grant Atherwald!</p> +<p>She waited, feeling certain that the sound must have +been heard by everyone in the boat. A full minute +elapsed and no one spoke. When Penny finally glanced +at Salt he was gazing serenely out across the muddy +water, his miniature camera shielded behind a felt hat +which he held on his knees.</p> +<p>The boat docked. Salt and Penny allowed the others +to go ashore first, and then followed a narrow walk +which wound through a deep lane of evergreen trees.</p> +<p>“Salt,” Penny asked abruptly, “how did you get +that picture of Atherwald?”</p> +<p>“Snapped it through a hole in the crown of my +hat. It’s an old trick. I always wear this special hat +when I’m sent out on a hard assignment.”</p> +<p>“I thought a cannon had gone off when the shutter +clicked,” Penny laughed. “We were lucky you +weren’t caught.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_23">[23]</div> +<p>Emerging from behind the trees, they obtained their +first view of the Kippenberg house. Sturdily built of +brick and stone, it stood upon a slight hill, its many +turrets and towers commanding a view of the two +rivers.</p> +<p>“Nice layout,” Salt commented, pausing to snap a +second picture. “Wish someone would give me a +castle for a playhouse.”</p> +<p>They crossed the moat and found themselves directly +behind Grant Atherwald again. Before the +bridegroom could enter the house a servant stepped +forward and handed him a sealed envelope.</p> +<p>“I was told to give this to you as soon as you arrived, +sir,” he said.</p> +<p>Grant Atherwald nodded, and taking the letter, +quickly opened it. A troubled expression came over +his face as he scanned the message. Without a word +he thrust the paper into his pocket. Turning, he +walked swiftly toward the garden.</p> +<p>“Salt, did you notice how queerly Atherwald +looked—” Penny began, but the photographer interrupted +her.</p> +<p>“Listen,” he said, “we haven’t a Chinaman’s chance +of getting in the front door. That boy in the fancy +knickers is giving everyone the once over. Let’s try +a side entrance.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_24">[24]</div> +<p>Without attracting attention they walked quickly +around the house and located a door where no servant +had been posted. Entering, they passed through a +marble-floored vestibule into a breakfast room +crowded with serving tables. Salt nonchalantly helped +himself to an olive from one of the large glass dishes +and led Penny on toward the main hall where many +of the guests had gathered to admire the wedding +gifts.</p> +<p>“Now don’t swipe any of the silver,” Salt said jokingly. +“I think that fellow over by the stairway is +a private detective.”</p> +<p>“He seems to be looking at us with a suspicious +gleam in his eyes,” Penny replied. “I hope we don’t +get tossed out of here.”</p> +<p>“We’ll be all right if Mrs. Kippenberg doesn’t see +us before the ceremony.”</p> +<p>“Do you suppose Mr. Kippenberg could be here, +Salt?”</p> +<p>“Not likely. It’s my guess that fellow will never +be seen again.”</p> +<p>“Dad doesn’t share your opinion.”</p> +<p>“I know,” Salt admitted. “We’ll keep watch for +him, but it would just be a lucky break if it turns out +he’s here.”</p> +<p>Mingling with the guests, they walked slowly about +a long table where the wedding gifts were displayed. +Penny gazed curiously at dishes of solid silver, crystal +bowls, candlesticks, jade ornaments, tea sets and service +plates encrusted with gold.</p> +<p>“Nothing trashy here,” muttered Salt.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_25">[25]</div> +<p>“I’ve never seen such an elegant display,” Penny +whispered in awe. “Do you suppose that picture is one +of the gifts?”</p> +<p>She indicated an oil painting which stood on an +easel not far from the table. So many guests had +gathered about the picture that she could not see it +distinctly. But at her elbow, a woman in rustling silk, +said to a companion:</p> +<p>“My dear, a genuine Van Gogh! It must have cost +a small fortune!”</p> +<p>When the couple had moved aside, Penny and Salt +drew closer to the easel. One glance assured them +that the painting had been executed by a master. However, +it was the subject of the picture which gave +Penny a distinct start.</p> +<p>“Will you look at that!” she whispered to Salt.</p> +<p>“What about it?” he asked carelessly.</p> +<p>“Don’t you notice anything significant?”</p> +<p>“Can’t say I do. It’s just a nice picture of a drawbridge.”</p> +<p>“That’s just the point, Salt!” Penny’s eyes danced +with excitement. “A drawbridge!”</p> +<p>The photographer glanced again at the painting, +this time with deeper interest.</p> +<p>“Say, it looks a lot like the bridge which was built +over the river,” he observed. “You think this picture +is a copy of it?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_26">[26]</div> +<p>Penny shook her head impatiently. “Salt, your +knowledge of art is dreadful. This Van Gogh was +painted ages ago and is priceless. Don’t you see, the +drawbridge has to be a copy of the picture?”</p> +<p>“Your theory sounds reasonable,” Salt admitted. “I +wonder who gave the painting to the bride? There’s +no name attached.”</p> +<p>“Can’t you guess why?”</p> +<p>“I never was good at kid games.”</p> +<p>“Why, it’s clear as crystal,” Penny declared, keeping +her voice low. “This estate with the drawbridge +was built by Clayton Kippenberg. He must have been +familiar with the Van Gogh painting, and had the +real bridge modeled after the picture. For that matter, +the painting may have been in his possession—”</p> +<p>“Then you think the picture was presented to Sylvia +Kippenberg by her father?” Salt broke in quickly.</p> +<p>“Yes, I do. Only a person very close to the bride +would have given such a gift.”</p> +<p>“H-m,” said Salt, squinting at the picture thoughtfully. +“If you’re right it means that Clayton Kippenberg’s +whereabouts must be known to his family. His +disappearance may not be such a deep mystery to +Mamma Kippenberg and daughter Sylvia.”</p> +<p>“Oh, Salt, wouldn’t it make a grand story if only +we could learn what became of him?”</p> +<p>“Sure. Front page stuff.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_27">[27]</div> +<p>“We simply must get the story somehow! If Mrs. +Kippenberg would just answer our questions about +this drawbridge painting—”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid Mamma Kippenberg isn’t going to break +down and tell all,” Salt said dryly. “But buckle on +your steel armor, little girl, because here she comes +now!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_28">[28]</div> +<h2 id="c4"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">4</span> +<br /><i>BEHIND THE BUSHES</i></h2> +<p>A large, middle-aged woman in rose-colored silk, +crossed the room directly toward Salt and Penny. +Her pale blue eyes glinted with anger and there were +hard lines about her mouth. She walked haughtily, +but with grim purpose.</p> +<p>“Unless we do some fast talking, out we go!” muttered +Salt. “It’s Mrs. Kippenberg, all right.”</p> +<p>They stood their ground, knowing they had been +recognized as intruders. But before the woman could +reach them she was stopped by a servant who spoke +a few words in a low tone. For a moment Mrs. Kippenberg +forgot about Penny and Salt as a new problem +presented itself.</p> +<p>“I can’t talk with anyone now,” she said in an agitated +voice. “Tell them to come back later.”</p> +<p>“They insist upon talking with you now, Madam,” +replied the servant. “Unless you see them they say +they will look around for themselves.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_29">[29]</div> +<p>“Oh!” Mrs. Kippenberg drew herself up sharply +as if from a physical blow. “Where are they now?”</p> +<p>“In the library, Madam.”</p> +<p>Penny did not hear the woman’s reply, but she +turned and followed the servant.</p> +<p>“Saved by the bell,” mumbled Salt. “Now let’s get +away from here before she comes back.”</p> +<p>They pushed through the throng and reached a +long hallway. Mrs. Kippenberg had disappeared, but +as they drew near an open door they caught sight of +her again. She stood just inside the library, her back +toward them, talking with two men who wore plain +gray business suits.</p> +<p>Penny half drew back, fearing discovery, but Salt +pulled her along. As they went quietly past the door +they heard Mrs. Kippenberg say in an excited voice:</p> +<p>“No, no, I tell you he isn’t here! Why should I +try to deceive you? We have nothing to hide. You +are most inconsiderate to annoy me at such a time!”</p> +<p>Penny and Salt did not hear the reply. They +reached an outside door and stepped down on a flagstone +terrace which overlooked the garden at the rear +of the grounds.</p> +<p>“Who were those men, do you suppose?” Penny +whispered, fearful that her voice might betray them.</p> +<p>“Officers of the law, I should guess,” Salt replied +in an undertone.</p> +<p>“Government men?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_30">[30]</div> +<p>“Likely as not. I don’t believe the locals would +bother her. Anyway she’s got the wind up and you +can tell she’s scared silly in spite of all her back talk.”</p> +<p>“You know what I think they’re after?” Penny +said thoughtfully.</p> +<p>“Well, if I had just one guess,” Salt replied, “I’d +say they are after Mr. Kippenberg.”</p> +<p>“I agree with you there.”</p> +<p>“Sure, why else would they come sleuthing around +at a time like this? The answer is simple. Daughter gets +married. Papa wants to see his darling do it. Therefore, +boys, we’ll spread a net for Daddy and he might +plump right into it.”</p> +<p>“So that’s the way a G man’s mind works?” laughed +Penny.</p> +<p>“But I would take it that Kippenberg is no fool,” +Salt went on. “If they really have a ‘man wanted’ sign +hung on him he would be too cagey to come around +here today.”</p> +<p>They were standing beside the stone balustrade +which bounded the terrace. Below them the green +foliage of the gardens formed a dark background for +the playing fountains. A cool breeze drifted in from +the river and rattled a window awning just over their +heads.</p> +<p>“We’re in an exposed place here,” observed Salt +uneasily. “Maybe we ought to find a hole somewhere.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_31">[31]</div> +<p>“We’ll never learn anything in a hole,” Penny objected. +“In fact, we’re not making much progress in +running down any sort of story. I do wish we could +have heard more of that conversation.”</p> +<p>“And get thrown out on our collective ear before +we even have a chance to snap a picture of the blushing +bride!”</p> +<p>“Pictures! Pictures!” exclaimed Penny. “That’s all +you photographers think about. How about poor little +me and my story? After all, you can’t bring out a +paper full of nothing but pictures and cigarette ads. +You need a little news to go with it.”</p> +<p>“You like to work too fast,” complained Salt. +“Right now the thing to do is to keep out of sight. +I’m telling you the minute Mrs. Kippy finishes with +those men she’ll be gunning for us.”</p> +<p>“Then I suppose we’ll have to go into hiding.”</p> +<p>“First, let’s mosey out into the rose garden,” Salt +proposed. “I’ll take a few shots and then we’ll duck +under somewhere and wait until the ceremony starts.”</p> +<p>“That’s all very well for you,” grumbled Penny, +“but I can’t write much of a story without talking to +some member of the family.”</p> +<p>Salt started off across the velvety green lawn toward +the rose arbor where the service was to be held. +Penny followed reluctantly. She watched the photographer +take several pictures before a servant approached +him.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_32">[32]</div> +<p>“I beg your pardon,” the man said coldly, “but +Mrs. Kippenberg gave orders no pictures were to be +taken. If you are from one of the papers—”</p> +<p>“Oh, I saw her in the house just a minute ago,” +Salt replied carelessly.</p> +<p>“Sorry, sir,” the servant apologized, retreating.</p> +<p>Salt finished taking the pictures and slipped the +miniature camera back into his pocket.</p> +<p>“Now let’s amble down toward the river and wait,” +he said to Penny. “We’ll blossom forth just as the +ceremony starts. Mrs. Kippy won’t dare interrupt it +to have us thrown off the grounds.”</p> +<p>They walked down a sloping path, past a glass-enclosed +hothouse and on toward a grove of giant +oak and maple trees.</p> +<p>“It’s pleasant here when you’re away from the +crowd,” Penny remarked, gazing up at the leafy canopy. +“I wonder where this path leads?”</p> +<p>“Oh, down to the river probably. With water on +three sides of us that’s a fairly safe guess.”</p> +<p>“Which rivers flow past the estate, Salt?”</p> +<p>“The Big Bear and the Kobalt.”</p> +<p>“The same old muddy Kobalt which is near our +town,” said Penny in surprise. “I’ll always think of +it as a river of adventure.”</p> +<p>“Because of Mud-Cat Joe and his Vanishing Houseboat?”</p> +<p>Penny nodded and a dreamy look came into her +eyes. “So much happened on the Kobalt, Salt. Remember +that big party Dad threw at the Comstock Inn?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_33">[33]</div> +<p>“Do I? Jerry Livingston decided to sleep in Room +Seven where so many persons had disappeared.”</p> +<p>“And then he was spirited away almost before our +very eyes,” added Penny. “Days later Mud-Cat Joe +helped me fish him out of this same old Kobalt. For +awhile we didn’t think he’d ever pull through or be +able to tell what had happened to him.”</p> +<p>“But as the grand finale you and your friend, Louise +Sidell, solved the mystery and secured a dandy story +for the <i>Star</i>. Those were the days!”</p> +<p>“You talk as if they were gone forever,” laughed +Penny. “Other good stories will come along.”</p> +<p>“Maybe,” said Salt, “but covering a wedding is +pretty tame in comparison.”</p> +<p>“Yet this one does have interesting angles,” Penny +insisted. “Can’t you almost feel mystery lurking about +the place?”</p> +<p>“No, but I do feel a mosquito sinking his stinger +into me.” Salt slapped vigorously at his ankle.</p> +<p>They followed the path on toward the river, coming +soon to a trail which branched off to the right. +Across it had been stretched a wire barrier and a neatly +lettered sign read:</p> +<p class="bq">NO ADMITTANCE BEYOND THIS POINT.</p> +<p>“Why do you suppose the path is blocked off?” +Penny speculated.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_34">[34]</div> +<p>“Let’s find out,” Salt suggested with a sudden flare +of interest. “Maybe we’ll run into something worth +a picture.”</p> +<p>Penny hesitated, not wishing to disregard the sign, +yet eager to learn what lay beyond the barrier.</p> +<p>“Listen,” said Salt, “just put your little conscience +on ice. We’re here to get the ‘who, when, why and +where.’ You’ll never be a first class newspaper reporter +if you stifle your curiosity.”</p> +<p>“Lead on,” laughed Penny. “I will follow. Only +isn’t it getting late?”</p> +<p>Salt looked at his watch. “We still have a safe +fifteen minutes.”</p> +<p>He started to step over the wire, only to have Penny +reach out and grasp his hand.</p> +<p>“Wait!” she whispered.</p> +<p>“What’s the idea?” Salt turned toward her in astonishment.</p> +<p>“I think someone is watching us! I’m sure I saw +the bushes move.”</p> +<p>“Your nerves are jumpy,” Salt jeered. “It’s only the +wind.”</p> +<p>Even as he spoke the foliage to the left moved ever +so slightly and a dark form could be seen creeping +stealthily away along the ground.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_35">[35]</div> +<h2 id="c5"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">5</span> +<br /><i>THE MISSING BRIDEGROOM</i></h2> +<p>Salt acted instinctively. Leaping over the wire +barrier he dived into the bushes. Hurling himself +upon the man who crouched there, he pinned him +to the ground. The fellow gave a choked cry and +tried to pull free.</p> +<p>“Oh, no, you don’t,” Salt muttered, coolly sitting +down on his stomach. “Snooping, eh?”</p> +<p>“You let me up!” the man cried savagely. “Let me +up, I say!”</p> +<p>“I’ll let you up when you explain what you were +doing here.”</p> +<p>“Why, you impudent young pup!” the man spluttered. +“You’re the one who will explain. I am Mrs. +Kippenberg’s head gardener.”</p> +<p>Salt’s hand fell from the old man’s collar and he +apologetically helped him to his feet. Penny, who +had reached the scene, stooped down and recovered +a trowel which had slipped from the gardener’s grasp.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_36">[36]</div> +<p>“It was just a little mistake on my part,” Salt mumbled. +“I hope I didn’t hurt you.”</p> +<p>“No fault of yours you didn’t,” the old man +snapped. “A fine howdydo when a person can’t even +loosen earth around a shrub without being assaulted +by a ruffian!”</p> +<p>The gardener was a short, stout man with graying +hair. He wore coarse garments, a loose fitting pair of +trousers, a dark shirt and battered felt hat. But Penny +noticed that his hands and fingernails were clean and +there were no trowel marks around any of the +shrubs.</p> +<p>“Salt isn’t exactly a ruffian,” she said as the photographer +offered no defense. “After all, from where +we stood it looked exactly as if you were hiding in +the bushes.”</p> +<p>“Then you both need glasses,” the man retorted +rudely. “A person can’t work without getting down +on his hands and knees.”</p> +<p>“Where were you digging?” Penny asked innocently.</p> +<p>“I was just starting in when this young upstart +leaped on my back!”</p> +<p>“Sorry,” said Salt, “but I thought you were trying +to get away.”</p> +<p>“Who are you anyway?” the gardener demanded +bluntly. “You’re not guests. I can tell that.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_37">[37]</div> +<p>“You have a very discerning eye,” replied Salt +smoothly. “We’re from the <i>Riverview Star</i>.”</p> +<p>“Reporters, eh?” The old man scowled unpleasantly. +“Then you’ve no business being here at all. +You’re not wanted, so get out!”</p> +<p>“We’re only after a few facts about the wedding,” +Penny said. “Perhaps you would be willing to tell +me—”</p> +<p>“I’ll tell you nothing, Miss! If anything is given +out to the papers it will have to come from Mrs. +Kippenberg.”</p> +<p>“Fair enough,” Salt acknowledged. He glanced +curiously down the path which had been blocked off. +“What’s down there?”</p> +<p>“Nothing.” The gardener spoke irritably. “This +part of the estate hasn’t been fixed up. That’s why +it’s closed.”</p> +<p>Penny had bent down, pretending to examine a +shrub at the edge of the path.</p> +<p>“What is the name of this bush?” she inquired casually.</p> +<p>“An azalea,” the gardener replied after a slight +hesitation. “Now get out of here, will you? I have +my work to do.”</p> +<p>“Oh, all right,” Salt rejoined as he and Penny +moved away. “No need to get so tough.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_38">[38]</div> +<p>They stepped over the barrier wire and retraced +their way toward the house. Several times Penny +glanced back but she could not see the old man. He +had slipped away somewhere among the trees.</p> +<p>“I don’t believe that fellow was a gardener,” she +said suddenly.</p> +<p>“What makes you think not?”</p> +<p>“Didn’t you notice his nice clean hands and fingernails? +And then when I asked him the name of that +bush he hesitated and called it an azalea. I saw another +long botanical name attached to it.”</p> +<p>“Maybe he just made a mistake, or said the first +thing that came into his head. He wanted to get rid +of us.”</p> +<p>“I know he did,” nodded Penny. “Yet, when he +found out we were from the <i>Star</i> he didn’t threaten +to report us to Mrs. Kippenberg.”</p> +<p>“That’s so.”</p> +<p>“He was afraid to report us,” Penny went on with +conviction. “I’ll bet a cent he has no more right here +than we have.”</p> +<p>Salt had lost all interest in the gardener. He glanced +at his watch and quickened his step.</p> +<p>“Is it two o’clock yet?” Penny asked anxiously.</p> +<p>“Just. After all the trouble we’ve had getting here +we can’t afford to miss the big show.”</p> +<p>Emerging from the grove, Salt and Penny were +relieved to see that the ceremony had not yet started. +The guests were gathered in the garden, the minister +stood waiting, musicians were in their places, but the +bridal party had not appeared.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_39">[39]</div> +<p>“We’re just in time,” Salt remarked.</p> +<p>Penny observed Mrs. Kippenberg talking with one +of the ushers. Even from a distance it was apparent +that the woman had lost her poise. Her hands fluttered +nervously as she conferred with the young man +and a worried frown puckered her eyebrows.</p> +<p>“Something seems to be wrong,” said Penny. “I +wonder what is causing the delay?”</p> +<p>Before Salt could reply, the usher crossed the lawn, +and came directly toward them. Penny and Salt instantly +were on guard, thinking that he had been sent +by Mrs. Kippenberg to eject them from the grounds. +But although the young man paused, he did not look +squarely at them.</p> +<p>“Have you seen Mr. Atherwald anywhere?” he +questioned.</p> +<p>“The bridegroom?” Salt asked in astonishment. +“What’s the matter? Is he missing?”</p> +<p>“Oh, no, sir,” the young man returned stiffly. “Certainly +not. He merely went away for a moment.”</p> +<p>“Mr. Atherwald came over on the same boat with +us,” Penny volunteered.</p> +<p>“And did you see him enter the house?”</p> +<p>“No, he spoke to one of the servants and then went +toward the garden.”</p> +<p>“Did you notice which path he took?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_40">[40]</div> +<p>“I believe it was this one.”</p> +<p>“We’ve just come from down by the river,” added +Salt. “We didn’t see him there. The only person we +met was an old gardener.”</p> +<p>The usher thanked them for the information and +hurried on. When the man was beyond hearing, Salt +turned to Penny, saying jubilantly:</p> +<p>“Say, maybe we’ll get a big story after all! Sylvia +Kippenberg jilted at the altar! Hot stuff!”</p> +<p>“Aren’t you jumping to swift conclusions, Salt? +He must be around here somewhere.”</p> +<p>“It’s always serious business when a man is late for +his wedding. Even if he does show up, daughter Sylvia +may take offense and call the whole thing off.”</p> +<p>“Oh, you’re too hopeful,” Penny laughed. “He’ll +probably be here in another minute. I don’t believe +he would have come at all if he had intended to slip +away.”</p> +<p>“He may have lost his nerve at the last minute,” +Salt insisted.</p> +<p>“Atherwald did act strangely on the boat,” Penny +said reflectively. “And then that message he received—”</p> +<p>“He may have sent it to himself.”</p> +<p>“As an excuse for getting away?”</p> +<p>“Why not?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_41">[41]</div> +<p>“I can’t see any reason for going to so much unnecessary +trouble,” Penny argued. “If he intended to +jilt Miss Kippenberg how much easier it would have +been not to come here at all.”</p> +<p>“Well, let’s see what we can learn,” Salt suggested.</p> +<p>Their interest steadily mounting, they went on +toward the house and stationed themselves where +they could see advantageously. It was evident by this +time that the guests suspected something had gone +amiss. Significant glances were exchanged, a few persons +looked at their watches, and all eyes focused +upon Mrs. Kippenberg who tried desperately to carry +off an embarrassing situation.</p> +<p>Minutes passed. The crowd became increasingly +restless. Finally, the usher returned and spoke quietly +to Mrs. Kippenberg. They both retired to the house.</p> +<p>“It looks as if there will be no wedding today,” +Salt declared. “Atherwald hasn’t been located.”</p> +<p>“I won’t dare use the story unless I’m absolutely +certain of my facts,” Penny said anxiously.</p> +<p>“We’ll get them, never fear.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Kippenberg and the usher had stepped into the +breakfast room. Posting Penny at the outside door, +Salt followed the couple. From the hallway he could +hear their conversation distinctly.</p> +<p>“But he must be somewhere on the grounds,” the +matron argued.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_42">[42]</div> +<p>“I can’t understand it myself,” the young man replied. +“Grant’s disappearance is very mysterious to +say the least. Several persons saw him arrive here and +everything seemed to be all right.”</p> +<p>“What time is it now?”</p> +<p>“Two thirty-five, Mrs. Kippenberg.”</p> +<p>“So late? Oh, this is dreadful! How can I face +them?”</p> +<p>“I know just how you feel,” the young man said +with sympathy. “If you wish I will explain to the +guests.”</p> +<p>“No, no, this will disgrace us,” Mrs. Kippenberg +murmured. “Wait until I have talked with Sylvia.”</p> +<p>She turned suddenly and reached the hall door +before Salt could escape. Her eyes blazed with wrath +as she faced him.</p> +<p>“So here you are!” she cried furiously. “How dare +you disregard my orders? I will have no reporters +on the grounds!”</p> +<p>“I’m only a photographer,” Salt said meekly enough. +“Sorry to intrude but I’ve been assigned to get a picture +of the bride. It won’t take a minute—”</p> +<p>“Indeed it won’t,” Mrs. Kippenberg broke in, her +voice rising higher. “You’ll take no pictures here. +Not one! Now get out.”</p> +<p>“A picture might be better than a story that the +bridegroom had skipped out,” Salt said persuasively.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_43">[43]</div> +<p>“Why, you—you!” Mrs. Kippenberg’s face became +fiery red. She choked as she tried to speak. +“Get out, I say!”</p> +<p>Salt did not retreat. Instead he took his camera +from his pocket.</p> +<p>“Just one picture, Mrs. Kippenberg. At least of +you.”</p> +<p>Realizing that the photographer meant to take it +whether or not she gave permission, the woman suddenly +lost all control over her temper.</p> +<p>“Don’t you dare!” she cried furiously. “Don’t you +dare!”</p> +<p>Whirling about, she seized an empty plate from the +tall stack on the serving table.</p> +<p>“Hold that pose!” chortled Salt, goading her on.</p> +<p>The woman hurled the plate straight at him. Salt +gleefully snapped a picture and dodged. The plate +crashed into the wall behind him, splintering into a +half dozen pieces.</p> +<p>“Swell action picture!” he grinned.</p> +<p>“Don’t you dare try to use it!” screamed Mrs. Kippenberg. +“I’ll telephone your editor! I’ll have you +discharged!”</p> +<p>“See here,” offered the usher, taking out his wallet. +“I’ll give you ten dollars for that picture.”</p> +<p>Salt shook his head, still smiling broadly.</p> +<p>The sound of the crash had brought servants running +to the scene.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_44">[44]</div> +<p>“Have this person ejected from the grounds,” Mrs. +Kippenberg ordered harshly. “And see that he doesn’t +get back.”</p> +<p>Just outside the house, Penny huddled against the +wall, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible. +She had heard everything. As Salt backed out +the door he did not glance at her but he muttered for +her ears alone:</p> +<p>“You’re on your own now, kid. I’ll be waiting at +the drawbridge.”</p> +<p>An instant later two servants seized him roughly +by the arms and escorted him down the walk to the +boat landing.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_45">[45]</div> +<h2 id="c6"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">6</span> +<br /><i>A RING OF WHITE GOLD</i></h2> +<p>Penny waited anxiously, but Mrs. Kippenberg +did not come to the outside door. Nor had it occurred +to the two servants that the girl was connected +in any way with the photographer.</p> +<p>“On my own,” she repeated to herself. “On my +own with a vengeance.”</p> +<p>Salt had his picture and it was up to her to get a +good story. Until now she had depended upon his +guidance. With all support withdrawn she suddenly +felt uncertain and incompetent.</p> +<p>Penny waited a few minutes before gathering sufficient +courage to enter the long hallway. One glance +assured her that the breakfast room was deserted.</p> +<p>“Mrs. Kippenberg probably went upstairs to talk +with her daughter,” she reasoned. “I’d like to hear +what they say to each other.”</p> +<p>With the guests assembled in the garden, only a +few persons lingered in the house. No one paid heed +to Penny as she moved noiselessly up the spiral stairway.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_46">[46]</div> +<p>A bedroom door stood slightly ajar. Hearing a low +murmur of voices, Penny paused. Framed against the +leaded windows she saw Sylvia Kippenberg talking +with her mother. Despite a tear-streaked face the girl +was very lovely. She wore a long flowing gown of +white satin and the flowers at the neckline were outlined +with real pearls. Her net veil had been discarded. +A bouquet of flowers lay on the floor.</p> +<p>“How could Grant do such a cruel thing?” Penny +heard her sob. “I just can’t believe it of him, Mother. +Surely he will come.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Kippenberg held the girl in her arms, trying +to comfort her.</p> +<p>“It is nearly three now, Sylvia. The servants have +searched everywhere. A man of his type isn’t worthy +of you.”</p> +<p>“But I love him, Mother. And I am sure he loves +me. It doesn’t seem possible he would do such a thing +without a word of explanation.”</p> +<p>“He will explain, never fear,” Mrs. Kippenberg said +grimly. “But now, we must think what has to be +done. The guests must be told.”</p> +<p>“Oh, Mother!” Sylvia went into another paroxysm +of crying.</p> +<p>“There is no other way, my dear. Leave everything +to me.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_47">[47]</div> +<p>Before Penny realized that the interview had ended, +Mrs. Kippenberg stepped out into the hall. Her eyes +focused hard upon the girl.</p> +<p>“You are a reporter!” she accused harshly. “I remember, +you were with that photographer!”</p> +<p>“Please—” began Penny.</p> +<p>“I’ll tell you nothing,” the woman cried. “How +dare you intrude in my home and go about listening +at bedroom doors!”</p> +<p>“Mrs. Kippenberg, if only you will calm yourself, +I may be able to help you.”</p> +<p>“Help me?” the woman demanded. “What do you +mean?”</p> +<p>“I may be able to give you a clue as to what became +of Grant Atherwald.”</p> +<p>The anger faded from Mrs. Kippenberg’s face. She +came close to Penny, grasping her arm with a pressure +which hurt.</p> +<p>“You have seen him? Tell me!”</p> +<p>“He came over in the same boat.”</p> +<p>“How long ago was that?”</p> +<p>“Shortly after one o’clock. He was stopped at the +front door by a servant who handed him a note. Mr. +Atherwald read it and walked down toward the garden.”</p> +<p>“I wonder which one of the servants spoke to him? +It was at the front door, you say?”</p> +<p>“Yes.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_48">[48]</div> +<p>“Then it must have been Gregg. I’ll talk with him.”</p> +<p>Forgetting Penny, Mrs. Kippenberg hastened down +the stairway. She jangled a bell and asked that the +manservant be sent to her. Unnoticed, Penny lingered +to hear the interview.</p> +<p>The man came into the room. “You sent for me, +Mrs. Kippenberg?” he inquired.</p> +<p>“Yes, Gregg. You were at the door when Mr. +Atherwald arrived?”</p> +<p>“I was, Madam.”</p> +<p>“I understand you handed him a note which he +read.”</p> +<p>“Yes, Madam.”</p> +<p>“Who gave you the note?”</p> +<p>“Mrs. Latch, the cook. She told me it was brought +to the kitchen door early this morning by a most +disreputable looking boy.”</p> +<p>“He had been hired to deliver it for another person, +I suppose?”</p> +<p>“Yes, Madam. The boy told Mrs. Latch that the +message came from a friend of Mr. Atherwald’s and +should be given to him as soon as he arrived.”</p> +<p>“You have no idea what the note contained?”</p> +<p>“No, Mrs. Kippenberg, the envelope was sealed.”</p> +<p>Sensing that when the interview ended Mrs. Kippenberg’s +wrath might again descend upon her, Penny +decided not to tempt fate. While the woman was still +talking with the servant, she slipped out of the house.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_49">[49]</div> +<p>“Atherwald might have had that note sent to himself, +but I doubt it,” she told herself. “Either he is +still on the estate, or the boatman would have had to +take him back across the river.”</p> +<p>She walked quickly down to the dock and was +elated to find the guest launch tied up there. The +boatman answered her questions readily. He had not +seen Grant Atherwald since early in the afternoon. +Salt was the only person he had taken back across the +river.</p> +<p>“Have you noticed any other boat leaving the estate?” +inquired Penny.</p> +<p>“Boats have been going up and down the river all +day,” the man answered with a shrug. “I didn’t notice +any particular one.”</p> +<p>Penny glanced across the water. She could see Salt +perched on the drawbridge waiting for her. But she +was not yet ready to leave the estate.</p> +<p>Ignoring his shout to “come on,” she turned and +walked back toward the house. Deliberately, she chose +the same path which she and Salt had followed earlier +in the afternoon.</p> +<p>A swift walk brought her to the forbidden trail +with the barrier sign. Penny glanced around to be +certain she was not under observation. Then she +stepped boldly over the wire.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_50">[50]</div> +<p>Passing the place where she and Salt had talked +with the gardener, she noticed his trowel lying on +the ground. There was no evidence that he had done +any work.</p> +<p>However, all along the path flowering shrubs were +well trimmed and tended.</p> +<p>“So this part of the estate isn’t fixed up,” Penny +mused. “It’s much nicer than the other section in my +opinion. I wonder why that gardener told so many +lies?”</p> +<p>The path led deeper into the woods. Rustic benches +invited one to linger, but Penny walked rapidly onward.</p> +<p>Unexpectedly, she came to a little clearing, and +saw before her a large, circular pool. From a gap in +the trees, warm sunshine poured down upon the bed +of flowers which flanked the cement sides, making a +circle of brilliant color.</p> +<p>“So this is where the path leads,” thought Penny. +“No mystery here after all.”</p> +<p>She was at a loss to understand why this portion +of the estate had been closed to visitors for certainly +it was the most beautiful part. Yet there was a quality +to the beauty which the girl did not like.</p> +<p>As she stood staring at the pool, she was fully aware +of an uneasy feeling which had taken possession of +her. It was almost as if she stood in the presence of +something sinister and unknown. The gentle rustling +of the tree leaves, the cool river air blowing against +her cheek, only served to heighten the feeling.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_51">[51]</div> +<p>She drew closer and peered down into the blue +depths of the pool. She could not see the bottom +plainly for the water was choked with a tangle of +feathery plants. A few yellow lilies floated on the +surface.</p> +<p>Penny absently reached out to pluck one. But as +the stem snapped off, she gave a little scream and +dropped the flower. She had seen a large, shadowy +form slithering through the water beneath her.</p> +<p>Penny backed a step away from the pool. From +among the lily pads an ugly head emerged and a +broad snout was raised above the surface for an instant. +Powerful jaws opened and closed, revealing +jagged teeth set in deep pits.</p> +<p>“An alligator!” Penny exclaimed aloud. “Such a +horrid, ugly creature! And to think, I nearly put my +hand in that water.”</p> +<p>She shivered and watched the movements of the +alligator. Its head scooted smoothly over the water +for a short distance. Then with a swish of its tail, the +reptile submerged and the pool was as placid as before.</p> +<p>“Eight feet long if it’s an inch,” estimated Penny. +“Why would any person in his right mind keep such +a creature here? Why, it’s dangerous.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_52">[52]</div> +<p>She felt enraged, thinking how close she had come +to touching the alligator. Yet justice compelled her +to admit that she had only herself to blame. Deliberately, +she had disregarded the warning not to explore +the forbidden trail.</p> +<p>“The Kippenbergs keep nice pets,” she thought +ironically. “If anyone fell into that pool it would be +just too bad.”</p> +<p>Now that her curiosity was satisfied, Penny had +not the slightest desire to linger near the lily pool. +With another glance down into the murky depths she +turned away, but she had taken less than a dozen steps +when she paused. Her attention was held by a bright +and shiny object which lay in the dust at her feet.</p> +<p>With a low cry of surprise she reached down and +picked up a plain band of white gold. Obviously, it +was a wedding ring.</p> +<p>“Now where did this come from?” Penny turned +it over on the palm of her hand.</p> +<p>Startled thoughts leaped into her mind. She felt +certain Grant Atherwald had taken this same path +earlier in the afternoon. It was logical to believe that +the ring had been his, intended for Sylvia Kippenberg. +Had he lost the band accidentally or deliberately +thrown it away?</p> +<p>Slowly, Penny’s gaze roved to the lily pond. She +noted that the coping was so low that one who walked +carelessly might easily stumble and fall into the water. +It made her shudder to think of such a gruesome possibility, +yet she could not avoid giving it consideration. +For that matter, Grant Atherwald might have +been lured to this isolated spot. The mysterious message—</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_53">[53]</div> +<p>Penny delved no deeper into the problem for suddenly +she felt someone grasp her arms. With a terrified +cry she whirled about to face her assailant.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_54">[54]</div> +<h2 id="c7"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">7</span> +<br /><i>THE FORBIDDEN POOL</i></h2> +<p>A wave of relief surged over Penny as she saw +that it was the old gardener who held her fast.</p> +<p>“Oh, it’s only you,” she laughed shakily, trying to +pull away. “For a second I thought the Bogey Man +had me for sure.”</p> +<p>The gardener did not smile.</p> +<p>“Didn’t I tell you to keep away from here?” he +demanded, giving her a hard shake.</p> +<p>“I’m not doing any h-harm,” Penny stammered. +She kept her hand closed over the white gold ring +so that the old man would not see what she had found. +“I just wanted to learn what was back in here.”</p> +<p>“And you found out?”</p> +<p>The gardener’s tone warned Penny to be cautious +in her reply.</p> +<p>“Oh, the pool is rather pretty,” she answered carelessly. +“But I’ve seen much nicer ones.”</p> +<p>“How long have you been here?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_55">[55]</div> +<p>“Only a minute or two. I really came to search for +Grant Atherwald.”</p> +<p>“Atherwald? What would he be doing here?”</p> +<p>“He disappeared an hour or so ago,” revealed +Penny. “The servants have been searching everywhere +for him.”</p> +<p>“He disappeared?” the gardener repeated incredulously.</p> +<p>“Yes, it’s very peculiar. Mr. Atherwald arrived at +the estate in ample time for the wedding. But after +he read a note which was delivered to him he walked +off in this direction and was seen no more.”</p> +<p>“Down this path, you mean?”</p> +<p>“I couldn’t say as to that, but he started this way. +I know because I saw him myself.”</p> +<p>“Atherwald didn’t come here,” the gardener said +with finality. “I’ve been working around the lily pond +all afternoon and would have seen him.”</p> +<p>Penny’s fingers closed tightly about the white gold +ring which she kept shielded from the man’s gaze. +In her opinion the trinket offered almost conclusive +proof that the bridegroom had visited the locality. +Because she could not trust the gardener she kept her +thoughts strictly to herself.</p> +<p>The man stared down at his feet, obviously disturbed +by the information Penny had given him.</p> +<p>“Do you suppose harm could have befallen Mr. +Atherwald?” she asked after a moment.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_56">[56]</div> +<p>“Harm?” he demanded irritably. “That’s sheer nonsense. +The fellow probably skipped out. He ought to +be tarred and feathered!”</p> +<p>“And you would enjoy doing it?” Penny interposed +slyly.</p> +<p>The gardener glared at her, making no attempt to +hide his dislike.</p> +<p>“Such treatment would be too good for anyone +who hurt Miss Sylvia. Now will you get out of here? +I have my orders and I mean to enforce them.”</p> +<p>“Oh, all right,” replied Penny. “I was going anyway.”</p> +<p>This was not strictly true, for had the gardener not +been there she would have made a more thorough +investigation of the locality near the lily pool. But +now she had no hope of learning more, and so turned +away.</p> +<p>Emerging from among the trees, she glanced toward +the rose garden. Nearly all of the wedding guests +had departed. Penny considered whether or not she +should speak to Mrs. Kippenberg about finding the +ring. Deciding against it, she joined a group of people +at the boat dock and was ferried across the river.</p> +<p>Salt awaited her at the drawbridge.</p> +<p>“I just about gave you up,” he complained. “It’s +time for us to get back to the office or our news won’t +be news. The wedding is definitely off?”</p> +<p>“Yes, Atherwald can’t be found.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_57">[57]</div> +<p>“We’ll stop at a drug store and telephone,” Salt +said, pulling her toward the car. “Learn anything +more after I left?”</p> +<p>“Well, I found a wedding ring and was nearly +chewed up by an alligator,” laughed Penny. “It +seemed rather interesting at the time.”</p> +<p>The photographer gave her a queer look as he +started the automobile.</p> +<p>“Imagination and journalism never mix,” he said.</p> +<p>“Does this look like imagination?” Penny countered, +showing him the plain band ring.</p> +<p>“Where did you find it?”</p> +<p>“Beside a lily pond in the forbidden part of the +estate. I feel certain it must have been dropped by +Grant Atherwald.”</p> +<p>“Thrown away?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know exactly what to think,” Penny replied +soberly.</p> +<p>Salt steered the car into the main road which led +back to Corbin. Then he inquired: “Did you notice +any signs of a struggle? Grass trampled? Footprints?”</p> +<p>“I didn’t have a chance to do any investigating. That +bossy old gardener came and drove me away.”</p> +<p>“What were you saying about alligators?”</p> +<p>“Salt, I saw one swimming around in the lily pool,” +Penny told him earnestly. “It was an ugly brute, at +least twelve feet long.”</p> +<p>“How long?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_58">[58]</div> +<p>“Well, eight anyway.”</p> +<p>“You’re joking.”</p> +<p>“I am not,” Penny said indignantly.</p> +<p>“Maybe it was only a big log lying in the water.”</p> +<p>Penny gave an injured sniff. “Have it your own +way. But it wasn’t a log. I guess I can tell an alligator +when I see one.”</p> +<p>“If you’re actually right,” Salt said unmoved, “I’d +like to have snapped a picture of it. You know, this +story might develop into something big.”</p> +<p>“I have a feeling it will, Salt.”</p> +<p>“If Atherwald really has disappeared it should create +a sensation!”</p> +<p>“And if the poor fellow had the misfortune to fall +or be pushed into the lily pool Dad wouldn’t have +headlines large enough to carry it!”</p> +<p>“Say, get a grip on yourself,” Salt advised. “The +<i>Riverview Star</i> prints fact, not fancy.”</p> +<p>“That’s because so many of Dad’s reporters are +stodgy old fellows,” laughed Penny. “But I’ll admit +it isn’t very likely Grant Atherwald was devoured +by the alligator.”</p> +<p>The car had reached Corbin. Salt drew up in front +of a drug store.</p> +<p>“Run in and telephone DeWitt,” he said, opening +the door for her. “And remember, stick to facts.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_59">[59]</div> +<p>Penny was a little frightened as she entered the +telephone booth and placed a long distance call to the +<i>Riverview Star</i>. She never failed to feel nervous when +she talked with DeWitt, the city editor, for he was +not a very pleasant individual.</p> +<p>She jumped as the receiver was taken down and a +voice barked: “City desk.”</p> +<p>“This is Penny Parker over at Corbin,” she began +weakly.</p> +<p>“Can’t hear you,” snapped DeWitt. “Talk up.”</p> +<p>Penny repeated her name and DeWitt’s voice lost +some of its edge. Gathering courage, she started to +tell him what she had learned at the Kippenberg estate.</p> +<p>“Hold it,” interrupted DeWitt. “I’ll switch you +over to a rewrite man.”</p> +<p>The connection was made and Penny began a +second time. Now and then the rewrite man broke +into the narrative to ask a question.</p> +<p>“All right, I think I have it all,” he said finally and +hung up.</p> +<p>Penny went back to the car looking as crestfallen +as she felt.</p> +<p>“I don’t know what they thought of the story,” +she told Salt. “DeWitt certainly didn’t waste any +words of praise.”</p> +<p>“He never does,” chuckled the photographer. +“You’re lucky if you don’t get fired.”</p> +<p>“That’s one consolation,” returned Penny, settling +herself for the long ride home. “He can’t fire +me. Being the editor’s daughter has its advantages.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_60">[60]</div> +<p>The regular night edition of the <i>Riverview Star</i> +was on the street by the time they reached the city. +Salt signaled a newsboy and bought a paper while +the car waited for a traffic light. He tossed it over to +Penny.</p> +<p>“Here it is! My story!” she cried, and then her +face fell.</p> +<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Salt. “Did they garble +it all up?”</p> +<p>“They’ve cut it down to three inches! And not a +word about the alligator or the lost wedding ring! +I could cry! Why, I told that rewrite man enough +to fill at least a column!”</p> +<p>“Well, anyway you made the front page,” the photographer +consoled. “They may build the story up +in the next edition after they get my pictures.”</p> +<p>Penny said nothing, remaining in deep gloom during +the remainder of the ride to the <i>Star</i> office. Salt +let her out at the front door. She debated for a moment +whether or not to go on home, but finally entered +the building.</p> +<p>DeWitt was busy at his desk as she walked stiffly +past. She hoped that he would notice how she ignored +him, but he did not glance up from the copy +before him.</p> +<p>Penny opened the door of her father’s private office +and stopped short.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_61">[61]</div> +<p>“Why, Dad?” she cried. “What are you doing +here? You’re supposed to be home in bed.”</p> +<p>“I finally persuaded the doctor to let me out,” Anthony +Parker replied, swinging around in his swivel +chair. “How did you get along with your assignment?”</p> +<p>“I thought I did very well,” Penny said aloofly. +“But from now on I’ll not telephone anything in. I’ll +write the story myself.”</p> +<p>“Now don’t blame DeWitt or the rewrite man,” +said Mr. Parker, smiling. “A paper has to be careful +in what it publishes, especially about a wedding. Alligators +are a bit too—shall we say sensational?”</p> +<p>“You made a similar remark about witch dolls,” +Penny reminded him.</p> +<p>“I did eat my words that time,” Mr. Parker admitted, +“but this is different. If we build up a big +story about Grant Atherwald’s disappearance, and +then tomorrow he shows up at his own home, we’ll +appear pretty ridiculous.”</p> +<p>“I guess you’re right,” Penny said, turning away. +“Well, I’m happy to see you back in the office again.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker watched her speculatively. When she +reached the door he inquired: “Aren’t you forgetting +something?”</p> +<p>“What, Dad?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_62">[62]</div> +<p>“Today is Thursday.” The editor took a sealed envelope +from the desk drawer. “This is the first time +you have failed to collect your allowance in over a +year.”</p> +<p>“I must be slipping.” Penny grinned as she pocketed +the envelope.</p> +<p>“Why don’t you open it?”</p> +<p>“What’s the use?” Penny asked gloomily. “It’s always +the same. Anyway, I borrowed two dollars last +week so this doesn’t really belong to me.”</p> +<p>“You might be pleasantly surprised.”</p> +<p>Penny stared at her father with disbelief. “Dad! +You don’t mean you’ve given me a raise!”</p> +<p>Eagerly, she ripped open the envelope. Three crisp +dollar bills fluttered into her hand. With a shriek of +delight, Penny flung her arms about her father’s neck.</p> +<p>“I always try to reward a good reporter,” he +chuckled. “Now take yourself off because my work +is stacked a mile high.”</p> +<p>Penny tripped gaily toward the door but it opened +before she could cross the room. An office boy came +in with a message for Mr. Parker.</p> +<p>“Man to see you named Atherwald,” he announced.</p> +<p>The name produced an electrifying effect upon +both Penny and her father.</p> +<p>“Atherwald!” Mr. Parker exclaimed. “Then he +hasn’t disappeared after all! Show him in.”</p> +<p>“And I’m staying right here,” Penny declared, easing +herself into the nearest chair. “I have a hunch +that this interview may concern me.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_63">[63]</div> +<h2 id="c8"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">8</span> +<br /><i>PARENTAL PROTEST</i></h2> +<p>In a few minutes the office boy returned, followed +by a distinguished, middle-aged man who carried a +cane. Penny gave him an astonished glance for she +had expected to see Grant Atherwald. It had not occurred +to her that there might be two persons with +the same surname.</p> +<p>“Mr. Atherwald?” inquired her father, waving the +visitor into a chair.</p> +<p>“James Atherwald.”</p> +<p>The man spoke shortly and did not sit down. Instead +he spread out a copy of the night edition of the +<i>Star</i> and pointed to the story which Penny had covered. +She quaked inwardly, wondering what error of +hers was to be exposed.</p> +<p>“Do you see this?” Mr. Atherwald demanded.</p> +<p>“What about it?” inquired the editor pleasantly.</p> +<p>“You are holding my family up to ridicule by printing +such a story! Grant Atherwald is my son!”</p> +<p>“Is the story incorrect?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_64">[64]</div> +<p>“Yes, you imply that my son deliberately jilted +Sylvia Kippenberg!”</p> +<p>“And actually he didn’t?” Mr. Parker inquired +evenly.</p> +<p>“Certainly not. My son is a man of honor and had +a very deep regard for Sylvia. Under no circumstance +would he have jilted her.”</p> +<p>“Still, the wedding did not take place.”</p> +<p>“That is true,” Mr. Atherwald admitted.</p> +<p>“Perhaps you can explain why it was postponed?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know what happened to Grant,” Mr. +Atherwald said reluctantly. “He left our home in +ample time for the ceremony, and I might add, was in +excellent spirits. I believe he must have been the victim +of a stupid, practical joke.”</p> +<p>“Well, that suggests a new angle,” Mr. Parker remarked +thoughtfully. “Did your son have friends who +might be apt to play such a joke on him?”</p> +<p>“No one of my acquaintance,” Mr. Atherwald answered +unwillingly. “Of course, he had many young +friends who were not in my circle.”</p> +<p>Penny had listened quietly to the conversation. She +now arose and came over to the desk. From her +pocket she took the white gold wedding ring.</p> +<p>“Mr. Atherwald,” she said, “I wonder if you could +identify this.”</p> +<p>The man studied the trinket for a moment.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_65">[65]</div> +<p>“It looks very much like a ring which Grant purchased +for Sylvia,” he declared. “Where did you get +it?”</p> +<p>“I found it lying on the ground at the Kippenberg +estate,” Penny replied vaguely. She had no intention +of divulging the exact locality where she had picked +up the ring.</p> +<p>“You see,” said Mr. Parker, “we have supporting +facts in our possession which were not published. All +in all, I think the story was handled discreetly, with +due regard for the feelings of those involved.”</p> +<p>“Then you refuse to retract the story?”</p> +<p>“I should like to oblige you, Mr. Atherwald, but +you realize such a story as this is of great interest to +our readers.”</p> +<p>“You care only for sensationalism!”</p> +<p>“On the contrary, we try to avoid it,” Mr. Parker +corrected. “In this particular case, we deliberately +played the story down. If it develops that your son +actually has disappeared—”</p> +<p>“I tell you it was only a practical joke,” Mr. +Atherwald interrupted. “No doubt my son is at home +by this time. The wedding has merely been postponed.”</p> +<p>“You are entitled to your opinion,” said Mr. +Parker. “And I sincerely hope that you are right.”</p> +<p>“At least do not use that picture which your photographer +took of Mrs. Kippenberg. I’ll pay you for +it.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_66">[66]</div> +<p>Mr. Parker smiled and shook his head.</p> +<p>“I might have expected such an attitude!” Mr. +Atherwald exclaimed angrily. “Good afternoon.”</p> +<p>He left the office, slamming the door behind him.</p> +<p>“Well, you’ve lost another subscriber, Dad,” said +Penny flippantly.</p> +<p>“He’s not the first,” returned her father.</p> +<p>“I intended to give Mr. Atherwald the wedding +ring, but he went off in too big a hurry. Should I go +after him?”</p> +<p>“No, don’t bother, Penny. You might take it around +to the picture room and have it photographed. We +may use it as Exhibit A if the story develops into +anything.”</p> +<p>“How about the alligator?” Penny asked. “Would +you like to have me bring that to the office, too?”</p> +<p>“Move out of here and let me work,” her father +retorted.</p> +<p>Penny went to the photographic department and +made her requirements known.</p> +<p>“I’ll wait for the ring,” she announced. “You don’t +catch me trusting you boys with any jewelry.”</p> +<p>While the picture was being taken Salt came by +with several damp prints in his hand.</p> +<p>“Take a look at this one, Penny,” he said proudly. +“Mrs. Kippenberg wielding a wicked plate. Will she +burn up when she sees it on the picture page?”</p> +<p>“She will, indeed,” agreed Penny. “Nice going.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_67">[67]</div> +<p>When the ring had been returned to her she slipped +it into her pocket and left the newspaper office. Her +next stop was at a corner hamburger shop where she +fortified herself with two large sandwiches.</p> +<p>“That ought to hold me until the dinner bell rings,” +she thought. “And now to pay my honest debts.”</p> +<p>A trolley ride and a short walk brought Penny to +the home of her chum, Louise Sidell. As she came +within sight of the front porch she saw her friend +sitting on the steps, reading a movie magazine. Louise +threw it aside and sprang to her feet.</p> +<p>“Oh, Penny, I’m glad you came over. I telephoned +your house and Mrs. Weems said you had gone away +somewhere.”</p> +<p>“Official business for Dad,” Penny laughed. She +dropped two dollars into Louise’s hand. “Here’s what +I owe you. But don’t go spend it because I may need +to borrow it back in a couple of days.”</p> +<p>“Is Leaping Lena running up huge garage bills +again?” Louise inquired sympathetically.</p> +<p>Penny’s second-hand car was a joke to everyone +save herself. She was a familiar figure at nearly every +garage in Riverview, for the vehicle had a disconcerting +way of breaking down.</p> +<p>“I had to buy new spark plugs this time,” sighed +Penny. “But then, I should get along better from +now on. Dad raised my allowance.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_68">[68]</div> +<p>“Doesn’t that call for a celebration? Rini’s have a +special on today. A double chocolate sundae with +pineapple and nuts, cherry and—”</p> +<p>“Oh, no, you don’t! I’m saving my dollar for the +essentials of life. I may need it for gasoline if I decide +to drive over to Corbin again.”</p> +<p>“Again?” Louise asked alertly.</p> +<p>“I was over there today, covering the Kippenberg +wedding,” Penny explained. “Only it turned out +there was no ceremony. Grant Atherwald jilted his +bride, or was spirited away by persons unknown. He +was last seen near a lily pool in an isolated part of +the estate. I picked up a wedding ring lying on the +ground close by. And then as a climax Mrs. Kippenberg +hurled a plate at Salt.”</p> +<p>“Penny Parker, what are you saying?” Louise demanded. +“It sounds like one of those two-reel thrillers +they show over at the Rialto.”</p> +<p>“Here is the evidence,” Penny said, showing her +the white gold ring.</p> +<p>“It’s amazing how you get into so much adventure,” +Louise replied enviously as she studied the trinket. +“Start at the beginning and tell me everything.”</p> +<p>The invitation was very much to Penny’s liking. +Perching herself on the highest porch step she recounted +her visit to the Kippenberg estate, painting +an especially romantic picture of the castle dwelling, +the moat, and the drawbridge.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_69">[69]</div> +<p>“Oh, I’d love to visit the place,” Louise declared. +“You have all the luck.”</p> +<p>“I’ll take you with me if I ever get to go again,” +promised Penny. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow.”</p> +<p>And with this careless farewell, she sprang to her +feet, and hastened on home.</p> +<p>The next morning while Mrs. Weems was preparing +breakfast, Penny ran down to the corner to buy +the first edition of the <i>Star</i>. As she spread it open a +small headline accosted her eye.</p> +<p class="bq">“NO TRACE OF MISSING BRIDEGROOM.”</p> +<p>Penny read swiftly, learning that Grant Atherwald +had not been seen since his strange disappearance +from the Kippenberg estate. Members of the family +refused to discuss the affair and had made no report +to the police.</p> +<p>“This story is developing into something big after +all,” she thought with quickening pulse. “Now if Dad +will only let me work on it!”</p> +<p>At home she gave the newspaper to her father, remarking +rather pointedly: “You see, your expert reporters +haven’t learned very much more than I +brought in yesterday. Why wouldn’t it be a good +idea to send me out there again today?”</p> +<p>“Oh, I doubt if you could get into the estate, +Penny.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_70">[70]</div> +<p>“Salt and I managed yesterday.”</p> +<p>“You did very well, but you weren’t known then. +It will be a different matter today since we antagonized +the family by using the story. I’ll suggest that +Jerry Livingston be assigned to it.”</p> +<p>“With Penny as first assistant?”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker smiled and shook his head. “This isn’t +your type of story. Now if you would like to cover +a lecture at the Women’s Club—”</p> +<p>“Or a nice peppy meeting of the Ladies Sewing +Circle,” Penny finished ironically. “Thank you, no.”</p> +<p>“I am sure you wouldn’t have a chance of getting +into the estate,” her father said lamely. “We must +have good coverage.”</p> +<p>“What does Jerry have that I haven’t got?” Penny +demanded in an aggrieved voice.</p> +<p>“Eight years of experience for one thing.”</p> +<p>“But I really should go out there,” Penny insisted. +“I ought to show Miss Kippenberg the ring I found.”</p> +<p>“The ring might provide an entry,” Mr. Parker +admitted thoughtfully. “I’ll tell you, why don’t you +telephone long distance?”</p> +<p>“And if I’m able to make an appointment, may I +help Jerry cover the story?”</p> +<p>“All right,” agreed Mr. Parker. “If Sylvia Kippenberg +talks with you we’ll be able to use anything she +says.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_71">[71]</div> +<p>“I’m the same as on my way to the estate now, +Dad.”</p> +<p>With a triumphant laugh, Penny left the breakfast +table and hastened to the telephone.</p> +<p>“Long distance,” she said into the transmitter. “The +Kippenberg estate at Corbin, please.”</p> +<p>She hovered anxiously near the telephone while she +waited for the connection to be made. Ten minutes +elapsed before the bell jingled several times. Eagerly, +she jerked down the receiver. She could hear a faint, +far-away voice saying, “hello.”</p> +<p>“May I speak with Sylvia Kippenberg?” Penny requested.</p> +<p>“Who is this, please?”</p> +<p>“Miss Parker at Riverview.”</p> +<p>“Miss Kippenberg is not at home,” came the stiff +response.</p> +<p>“Then let me speak with Mrs. Kippenberg,” Penny +said quickly. “I have something very important to +tell her. Yesterday when I was at the estate I found +a ring—”</p> +<p>The receiver had clicked at the other end of the +line. The connection was broken.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_72">[72]</div> +<h2 id="c9"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">9</span> +<br /><i>A SOCIETY BAZAAR</i></h2> +<p>“You see, Penny,” said Mr. Parker sympathetically, +“wealthy people have a way of being inaccessible to +the press. They surround themselves with servants +who have been trained to allow no invasion of their +privacy. They erect barriers which aren’t easily +broken down.”</p> +<p>“If only I could have reached Miss Kippenberg I +feel sure she would have wished to learn about the +ring,” returned Penny. “Oh, well, let Jerry cover +the story. I’ve lost interest.”</p> +<p>All that morning the girl went about the house in +a mood of deep depression. She felt completely out +of sorts and would scowl at her own reflection whenever +she passed a mirror. Nothing seemed to go right.</p> +<p>“I declare, I wish you would forget that silly wedding,” +Mrs. Weems said wearily. “Why don’t you +try working out your resentment on a tennis ball?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_73">[73]</div> +<p>“Not a bad idea,” admitted Penny. “Only I have +no partner. Louise is going away somewhere today to +a charity bazaar.”</p> +<p>“Here in Riverview?” inquired Mrs. Weems with +interest.</p> +<p>“No, it’s to be held at Andover, twenty miles from +Corbin. Louise is going with an aunt of hers. She +invited me several days ago, but I didn’t think it would +be any fun.”</p> +<p>“You might enjoy it. Why don’t you go?”</p> +<p>“I wonder if it isn’t too late?” Penny glanced at +the clock.</p> +<p>A telephone call to the Sidell home assured her +that she would have ample time to get ready for the +trip. She quickly dressed and was waiting when Louise +and her aunt, Miss Lucinda Frome, drove up to +the door.</p> +<p>“What sort of an affair is it?” Penny inquired as +they traveled toward the distant town.</p> +<p>Miss Frome explained that the bazaar was being +sponsored by members of the D.A.R. organization +and would be held at one of the fashionable clubs of +the city. As Miss Frome belonged to the Riverview +chapter she and her guests would have an entry.</p> +<p>“I look forward to meeting a number of prominent +persons today,” the woman declared. “The +Andover chapter has a very exclusive membership.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_74">[74]</div> +<p>Louise winked at Penny, for it was a source of +amusement to her that her aunt stood in awe of society +personages. Neither she nor her chum suffered +from social ambition or a feeling of inferiority.</p> +<p>At Andover, Miss Frome drove the car to the City +Club and parked it beside a long row of other automobiles, +many of which were under the charge of +uniformed chauffeurs.</p> +<p>“Oh, dear,” remarked Miss Frome nervously, “I +didn’t realize how shabby my old coupe looks. I do +hope no one notices.”</p> +<p>“Now don’t start that, Aunty,” Louise said, taking +her by the arm. “Your car is perfectly all right. And +so are you.”</p> +<p>They went up the steps of the stone building and +mingled with the other women. So many persons +were present that the three newcomers attracted no +attention. Miss Frome was reassured to see that she +was as well dressed as anyone in the room.</p> +<p>Several long tables were covered with various articles +offered for sale. Penny and Louise wandered +about examining objects which struck their fancy. +Miss Frome bought a vase and an imitation ivory +elephant, but the girls considered the prices too high +for their purses.</p> +<p>Presently, Penny’s gaze was drawn to a young +woman who stood behind one of the tables at the far +end of the room. She stopped short and stared.</p> +<p>“See someone you know?” inquired Louise.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_75">[75]</div> +<p>“Why, that young woman with the dark hair and +the lace dress, Louise! She is Sylvia Kippenberg!”</p> +<p>“Really? I must say she has courage to come here +today after all that happened!”</p> +<p>The young woman did not realize that she was being +subjected to scrutiny. However, she seemed fully +aware that she was a general object of curiosity, for +her lips were frozen in a set smile and her face was +pale despite the rouge on the smooth cheeks.</p> +<p>“I suppose she must be on the bazaar committee,” +Louise went on. “But my, if anyone had jilted me, +I would not have come here today.”</p> +<p>“Jerry must have missed his interview after all,” +Penny murmured, half to herself.</p> +<p>“Jerry?”</p> +<p>“Yes, Dad assigned him to the Kippenberg story. +I suppose he drove to Corbin today in the hope of +seeing Miss Sylvia.”</p> +<p>“And she may have come here just to escape reporters.”</p> +<p>“For two cents I’d try to interview her myself,” +Penny said.</p> +<p>“Do you think she would talk with you?”</p> +<p>“Not if she realizes I am a reporter. But at least I +can try.”</p> +<p>“Don’t create a scene whatever you do,” Louise +warned uneasily. “Not that I would mind. But Aunt +Lucinda would die of mortification.”</p> +<p>“I’ll try to be careful,” Penny promised.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_76">[76]</div> +<p>She sauntered forward, gradually working toward +the table where the young woman served. Selecting +an article at random from the display, she inquired +its price.</p> +<p>“Ten dollars,” Miss Kippenberg answered mechanically.</p> +<p>Penny loitered at the table until two elderly women +had moved on. She was now alone with Sylvia Kippenberg. +She would have no better opportunity to +speak with her.</p> +<p>“Miss Kippenberg,” she began.</p> +<p>“Yes?” The young woman really gazed at the girl +for the first time. Penny saw that her eyelids were red +and swollen from recent tears.</p> +<p>“I should like to talk with you alone, please.”</p> +<p>“Do I know your name?” Miss Kippenberg asked +coldly.</p> +<p>“Penny Parker.”</p> +<p>“Parker—Parker,” the young woman repeated and +her eyes hardened. “Oh, yes, you are the girl who +came to our place yesterday with that photographer! +And you telephoned again this morning.”</p> +<p>“Yes,” Penny admitted reluctantly, “but—”</p> +<p>The young woman did not allow her to finish.</p> +<p>“I’ll not talk with you or any other reporter. You +have no right to come here and annoy me.”</p> +<p>“Please, I’m not really a reporter, Miss Kippenberg. +I have something to show you.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_77">[77]</div> +<p>Miss Kippenberg had closed her ears to Penny’s +words. She turned abruptly and fled in the direction +of the powder room.</p> +<p>Penny hesitated, remembering her promise to create +no scene. Still, she could not allow Miss Kippenberg +to elude her so easily. Determinedly, she followed.</p> +<p>“Please, Miss Kippenberg, you must listen to me,” +she pleaded.</p> +<p>Observing that her words had not the slightest +effect upon the girl, she suddenly opened her purse +and took out the white gold ring. She thrust it in +front of Miss Kippenberg.</p> +<p>“I only wish to show you this.”</p> +<p>The young woman stopped short, gazing down at +the ring.</p> +<p>“Where did you get it?” she asked in a low tone.</p> +<p>“Then you do recognize it?”</p> +<p>“Of course. Grant showed it to me the night before +we were to have been married. Tell me, how did it +come into your hands?”</p> +<p>“We can’t talk here.”</p> +<p>Miss Kippenberg glanced quickly about and observing +that many eyes were focused upon them, led +the girl into the deserted powder room. They sat +down on a sofa in a secluded corner.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_78">[78]</div> +<p>“I didn’t mean to be so rude before,” Miss Kippenberg +apologized. “It was only because I must protect +myself from reporters and photographers. You have +no idea how I have been annoyed.”</p> +<p>“I do understand,” said Penny, “and I wish to help +you. That was why I was so insistent upon talking +with you. I think this ring may be a clue to Mr. +Atherwald’s disappearance.”</p> +<p>“Then you believe as I do that he did not go away +purposely?”</p> +<p>“My theory is that Mr. Atherwald was a victim of +a plot. Did he have any known enemies?”</p> +<p>“Oh, no, everyone liked Grant. Tell me about the +ring. Who gave it to you?”</p> +<p>“No one. I found it while I was exploring a path +on the estate, the trail which is blocked off.”</p> +<p>“You shouldn’t have gone there, but no matter. +Just where did you pick up the ring?”</p> +<p>“I found it near the lily pool.”</p> +<p>Miss Kippenberg stared at Penny with expressionless, +half-glazed eyes.</p> +<p>“Oh!” she murmured. Her head dropped low, her +body sagged and she slumped down on the sofa in a +faint.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_79">[79]</div> +<h2 id="c10"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">10</span> +<br /><i>A THROWN STONE</i></h2> +<p>Penny’s first thought was to call for assistance, +but sober reflection made her realize that to do so +would likely result in awkward questions. She felt +certain Miss Kippenberg had only fainted and would +soon revive.</p> +<p>Stretching the young woman full length upon the +sofa, the girl ran to the washroom for a glass of water. +She dampened a towel and folded it across Miss +Kippenberg’s forehead, at the same time rubbing the +limp hands and trying to restore circulation. Noticing +the white gold ring which had fallen to the floor, she +reached down and picked it up.</p> +<p>“Miss Kippenberg must have fainted because of +what I told her about the lily pond,” thought Penny. +“I should have used more tact.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_80">[80]</div> +<p>She watched the young woman anxiously, fearing +that what she had assumed to be an ordinary faint +might really be a heart attack. A wave of relief +surged over her as Miss Kippenberg stirred slightly. +Her long dark eyelashes fluttered open and she stared +blankly about her.</p> +<p>“Where am I?” she asked, moistening her dry lips.</p> +<p>“Here, drink this,” Penny urged, offering the glass +of water. “You’ll feel much better in a few minutes.”</p> +<p>“Now I remember,” Miss Kippenberg murmured. +“You were saying—”</p> +<p>“Don’t think about that now. Just lie still and relax.”</p> +<p>Miss Kippenberg did not try to speak again for +some little time. Then, despite Penny’s protests, she +raised herself to a sitting position.</p> +<p>“I feel quite all right now,” she insisted. “How +stupid of me to faint.”</p> +<p>“I am afraid I was very tactless.”</p> +<p>“On the contrary, our conversation had nothing to +do with it.”</p> +<p>“I thought—”</p> +<p>“It was the heat,” Miss Kippenberg insisted. “I had +a sunstroke once and since then I can’t bear even an +overheated room.”</p> +<p>“But it really isn’t very warm in here,” protested +Penny. “I don’t notice it at all.”</p> +<p>“You might not but I am very sensitive to it.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_81">[81]</div> +<p>“Well, I’m glad your faint wasn’t caused by anything +I said,” Penny declared, although she continued +to regard the young woman dubiously. “I thought +you seemed shocked by what I told you about the +ring.”</p> +<p>“You were saying that you picked it up near the +lily pond?” Miss Kippenberg questioned in a low +tone.</p> +<p>“Yes,” replied Penny, watching her closely.</p> +<p>“I wish I knew the exact place.”</p> +<p>“If we could go to your estate together I could +show you,” Penny said eagerly.</p> +<p>Miss Kippenberg hesitated in her reply, obviously +still prejudiced against the girl because of her connection +with the <i>Riverview Star</i>.</p> +<p>“Very well,” she agreed. “Will you please ask that +my car be sent to the door?”</p> +<p>“Gladly,” said Penny, trying not to show her jubilance.</p> +<p>Leaving Miss Kippenberg in the powder room she +returned to the main hall. Louise separated from the +crowd and hurried to meet her.</p> +<p>“Oh, Penny, I saw you go off with Miss Kippenberg,” +she began. “Would she talk with you?”</p> +<p>“She did,” answered Penny, “and now I’m going +with her to the estate.”</p> +<p>“But Aunt Lucinda expects to start home in a few +minutes,” protested Louise. “How long will you be +gone?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_82">[82]</div> +<p>“I haven’t the slightest idea. If I’m not back here +by the time you are ready to leave don’t wait for +me.”</p> +<p>“But how will you get home?”</p> +<p>“Oh, I’ll find a way. The important thing now is +to learn everything I can from Miss Kippenberg. She’s +in a mood to talk.”</p> +<p>“I’d love to visit the estate,” Louise said wistfully.</p> +<p>“I wish I could take you,” Penny told her sincerely, +“but I don’t see how I can this time.”</p> +<p>“Of course not, Penny. It would be very foolish +of you to try. You might lose your own chance to +gain an exclusive news story.”</p> +<p>“Will you explain to your aunt about my sudden +disappearance?”</p> +<p>“Yes, she’ll understand,” Louise replied. “We’ll +wait here for you at least an hour.”</p> +<p>Penny left a call for Miss Kippenberg’s car and +then went back to the powder room. The young +woman walked a bit unsteadily even with aid. However, +no one paid attention to them as they crossed +the main hall and made their way to the waiting automobile.</p> +<p>With Penny and Miss Kippenberg as passengers +the big limousine rolled away from the clubhouse +and sped toward Corbin. During the ride the young +woman scarcely spoke. She sat with her head against +the cushion, eyes half closed. As they came within +view of the drawbridge she made an effort to arouse +herself.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_83">[83]</div> +<p>“I see you have visitors at the estate,” Penny commented, +noticing a number of cars parked near the +river’s edge.</p> +<p>“Reporters, always reporters,” returned Miss Kippenberg +impatiently. “They may try to board as we +pass.”</p> +<p>Penny wondered how the limousine would be +taken across the river. The old watchman had noted +their approach. Before the car reached the end of the +road he had lowered the creaking drawbridge into +position.</p> +<p>“Is the bridge really safe?” Penny inquired of her +companion.</p> +<p>“For light traffic only,” Miss Kippenberg answered +briefly.</p> +<p>The arrival of the car had created a stir of interest +among the group of men gathered near the bridge. +Penny caught sight of Jerry Livingston and could not +resist rolling down the side window so he would be +sure to obtain a clear view of her. It gave her a very +pleasant feeling to see him stare as if he could not +believe his own eyes.</p> +<p>Several of the reporters attempted to stop the limousine +but without success. The car clattered over +the drawbridge which was pulled up again before +anyone could follow.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_84">[84]</div> +<p>Penny and Miss Kippenberg alighted at the front +door of the great house.</p> +<p>“Now show me where you found the ring,” requested +the young woman.</p> +<p>Penny led her down the winding path into the +grove.</p> +<p>“I hope we don’t meet your head gardener,” she +said significantly. “He seems to be such an unpleasant +individual.”</p> +<p>Miss Kippenberg glanced at her queerly.</p> +<p>“Why, how do you mean?”</p> +<p>“Oh, yesterday he ordered me away from here in +no uncertain terms.”</p> +<p>“He only meant to do his duty.”</p> +<p>“Then the man has been ordered to keep persons +away from this part of the estate?”</p> +<p>“I really couldn’t tell you,” Miss Kippenberg answered +aloofly. “Mother has charge of the servants.”</p> +<p>“Has the man been in your employ long?”</p> +<p>“I can’t tell you that either.” Miss Kippenberg’s +voice warned Penny that she did not care to be questioned.</p> +<p>There was no sign of the old gardener as they came +presently to the lily pool. Penny searched about in +the grass for a few minutes.</p> +<p>“Here is where I found the ring,” she revealed. +“And see this!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_85">[85]</div> +<p>“What?” Miss Kippenberg drew in her breath +sharply.</p> +<p>“Footprints.”</p> +<p>“That doesn’t seem so remarkable.” The young +woman bent to examine them. “They probably were +made by Grant’s own shoe.”</p> +<p>“But it looks as if there might have been a struggle +here,” Penny insisted. “From those marks wouldn’t +you say a body had been dragged across the ground +toward the pool?”</p> +<p>“No!” cried Miss Kippenberg. “The grass is trampled, +but I can’t believe Grant has met with violence. +I refuse to think of such a thing! The pool—” she +broke off and a shudder wracked her body.</p> +<p>“It is best to know the truth. Have you notified +the police about Mr. Atherwald’s disappearance?”</p> +<p>Miss Kippenberg shook her head. “Until today I +thought he would return. Or at least I hoped so.”</p> +<p>“It seems to me an expert should be called into the +case,” Penny urged. “Why don’t you telephone the +police station now?”</p> +<p>“I couldn’t,” returned Sylvia looking very miserable. +“Not without consulting Mother.”</p> +<p>“Then let’s talk with her now.”</p> +<p>“She isn’t at home this afternoon.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_86">[86]</div> +<p>“But something should be done, and at once,” +Penny protested. “The first rain will destroy all these +footprints and perhaps other important evidence. Do +you really love Grant Atherwald?”</p> +<p>“With all my heart,” answered the young woman +soberly.</p> +<p>“Then I should think you would have some interest +in what became of him. I can’t understand your attitude +at all.”</p> +<p>“I—I have others to think of besides myself.”</p> +<p>“Your mother, you mean?”</p> +<p>“Yes.” Sylvia avoided Penny’s penetrating gaze.</p> +<p>“Surely your mother wouldn’t wish an act of violence +to go unpunished. So much time has been lost +already.”</p> +<p>“We aren’t certain anything has happened to +Grant,” Sylvia responded, her eyes downcast. “If we +should bring the police into the case, and then it turns +out that he has merely gone away to some other city, +I’d be held up to ridicule once more.”</p> +<p>“It seems to me you are taking a most foolish attitude.”</p> +<p>“There is another reason why we must be very +careful,” Sylvia said unwillingly.</p> +<p>“And what is that?”</p> +<p>For just an instant Penny dared hope that the young +woman meant to answer the question. But Sylvia +seemed to reconsider for she said quickly:</p> +<p>“I can’t tell you. Please don’t ask me any more +questions.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_87">[87]</div> +<p>“Are you afraid you may be blamed for Mr. Atherwald’s +disappearance?” Penny persisted.</p> +<p>“No, no, I assure you I am not thinking of myself. +Please, let’s return to the house.”</p> +<p>Penny deliberately blocked the path.</p> +<p>“Unless you wish me to notify the police there is +a little matter which I must ask you to explain.”</p> +<p>Reaching down she picked up a small stone and +hurled it into the lily pond. As the ripples died away +they both observed a convulsive movement of the +water, a churning which had no relation to the missile +thrown.</p> +<p>“I think,” said Penny evenly, “that you understand +my meaning.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_88">[88]</div> +<h2 id="c11"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">11</span> +<br /><i>QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS</i></h2> +<p>Miss Kippenberg watched the concentric circles +race each other to the far edge of the lily pool.</p> +<p>“Then you know the reason why this part of the +estate is kept closed off?” she murmured, very low.</p> +<p>“I learned about the alligator yesterday,” said +Penny. “Why is such an ugly brute kept here?”</p> +<p>“It was none of my doing, I assure you. I hate the +horrid thing. Surely you don’t mean to suggest—”</p> +<p>“I am not suggesting anything yet,” said Penny +quietly. “But you must realize that it is rather unusual +to keep an alligator on one’s estate.”</p> +<p>“My father brought it here from Florida,” Miss +Kippenberg revealed reluctantly. “For some reason +the creature seemed to fascinate him. He insisted upon +keeping it in the pond.”</p> +<p>“Your father is not living here now I am told.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_89">[89]</div> +<p>“That is true.” Miss Kippenberg quickly switched +the subject back to the alligator. “Mother and I +would like to get rid of the beast but we’ve never +been able to do it.”</p> +<p>“Any zoo should be willing to take it off your +hands.”</p> +<p>“Mother often spoke of getting in touch with one +but for some reason she never did. I suppose she hesitated +to give the alligator away upon Father’s account.”</p> +<p>Penny remained silent, wondering how deeply she +dared probe into the private life of the Kippenberg +family. After all there were certain inquiries which +a person of sensibility could not make. She couldn’t +very well ask: “Have your parents separated? Why +did your father leave home? Is it true he is wanted by +the authorities for evading income tax?” although +these questions were upon the tip of her tongue.</p> +<p>She did say carelessly, “Your father is away, isn’t +he?”</p> +<p>“Yes,” Miss Kippenberg answered briefly. After a +moment she went on: “Father was rather peculiar in +many ways. He had a decided flare for the unusual. +Take this estate for instance. He had it built at great +expense to resemble a castle he once saw in Germany.”</p> +<p>“I’ve never visited such an elegant place.”</p> +<p>“It is entirely too flamboyant for my taste. But +Father loved every tower and turret. If only things +had turned out different—”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_90">[90]</div> +<p>Her voice trailed away and she stared at the ground, +lost in deep thought. Arousing herself, she went on +once more.</p> +<p>“If you had known Father you would understand +it was not strange for him to have an alligator on the +estate. At one time he kept imported peacocks. The +place was fairly overrun with them.”</p> +<p>Penny offered no comment. She moved closer to +the edge of the lily pool, gazing down into the now +tranquil waters.</p> +<p>“I know what you are trying to imply,” Miss Kippenberg +said jerkily. “It couldn’t be possible. I refuse +even to consider such a ridiculous theory.”</p> +<p>“It does seem rather far-fetched,” Penny admitted. +“Of course, tragedies do occur and those foot-prints—”</p> +<p>“Please, not another word or you’ll drive me into +hysterics!” Sylvia cried. “You are trying to play upon +my feelings so that I will tell you things! You are +only trying to get a story! I’ll not talk with you any +longer.”</p> +<p>She turned and ran up the path toward the house.</p> +<p>“Overplayed my hand that time,” thought Penny +ruefully. “As Dad says, I really have too much imagination +to make a good reporter. Also too lively a +tongue.”</p> +<p>Miss Kippenberg had vanished into the house by +the time the girl retraced her way to the garden. The +black limousine no longer stood at the front door so +she knew she was expected to get back to Andover +by her own efforts.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_91">[91]</div> +<p>“If Jerry is still waiting at the drawbridge, I’ll ride +home with him,” she told herself. “Otherwise, I’m +out of luck completely.”</p> +<p>The path which Penny followed brought her toward +the rear of the house. As she drew near, the +kitchen door suddenly opened and a stout woman in +a blue uniform came outside. In her arms she carried +two large paper sacks which appeared to be filled with +garbage for the bottoms were moist.</p> +<p>Just as the woman reached Penny one of the bags +gave away, allowing a collection of corn husks, +watermelon rinds and egg shells to fall on the sidewalk.</p> +<p>“Now I’ve done it!” she exclaimed crossly. “Splattered +my stockings too.”</p> +<p>“Oh, that’s too bad,” said Penny, pausing.</p> +<p>“This is the only place I ever worked where the +cook was expected to carry out the garbage!” the +woman complained. “It makes me good and mad +every time I do it.”</p> +<p>“I should think a house of this size would have an +incinerator so that the garbage could be burned,” +Penny remarked.</p> +<p>“Say, this place doesn’t have any conveniences for +the servants,” the cook went on. “You’re expected to +work, work, work from morning to night.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_92">[92]</div> +<p>She broke off quickly, regarding Penny with a +suspicious gaze. “You’re not one of Miss Sylvia’s +guests?” she demanded.</p> +<p>“Oh, no, I only came here on an errand. I wouldn’t +repeat anything to the family.”</p> +<p>“That’s all right then,” the woman said in relief. +“I liked my job here well enough until lately. All +month it’s been one dinner party after another. Then +we spent days getting ready for the wedding feast +and not one scrap of food was touched!”</p> +<p>“But I suppose Mrs. Kippenberg pays you well.”</p> +<p>“Listen, she didn’t give me one extra cent for all +the work I did. Mrs. Kippenberg always has been real +close, and she’s a heap worse since her husband went +away. Another week like this last one and I quit!”</p> +<p>“Well, I can’t say I blame you,” Penny said, leading +the woman on. “I suppose Miss Sylvia is as overbearing +as her mother?”</p> +<p>“Oh, Miss Sylvia is all right, as sweet a girl as you’ll +find anywhere. I felt mighty sorry for her when that +no-account man threw her over.”</p> +<p>Penny knew by this time that she must be talking +with Mrs. Latch, for the footman had mentioned the +cook’s name. As the woman walked on with her bundles +of garbage she fell into step with her.</p> +<p>“It was strange about Mr. Atherwald’s disappearance,” +she remarked. “I hear he came to the house and +then went away just before the wedding.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_93">[93]</div> +<p>“I can tell you about that,” replied Mrs. Latch with +an important air. “Yesterday morning a boy came to +the back door with a letter for Mr. Atherwald. It’s +my opinion he sent it to himself.”</p> +<p>“Didn’t the boy tell you where he had obtained the +letter?”</p> +<p>“He said it was given to him by one of Mr. Atherwald’s +friends. A man in a boat.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I see,” said Penny, making a mental note of +the information. Realizing that the cook had told +everything she knew about the matter, she quickly +switched the subject. “By the way, who is the head +gardener here?”</p> +<p>“Do you mean Peter Henderson?”</p> +<p>“A fairly old man,” described Penny. “Gray hair, +stooped shoulders, and I might add, an unpleasant +manner.”</p> +<p>“I guess that’s Peter. He’s not much of a gardener +in my opinion. And he feels too high and mighty to +associate with the other servants. He doesn’t even stay +here nights.”</p> +<p>“Is he a new man?”</p> +<p>“Mrs. Kippenberg hired him only three days before +the wedding. I don’t think he’s done a lick of honest +work since he came here.”</p> +<p>“And Mrs. Kippenberg doesn’t mind?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_94">[94]</div> +<p>“She’s been too busy and bothered to pay any attention +to him,” the cook declared. “But she always +has time to boss me. I tell you, if dishes aren’t prepared +perfectly she raves!”</p> +<p>“No wonder Mr. Kippenberg was forced to leave +home,” Penny interposed slyly. “You can’t blame +him for running away from a violent temper.”</p> +<p>“Oh, the Kippenbergs never had any trouble,” Mrs. +Latch corrected. “Mr. Kippenberg would just laugh +and not say a word when she jumped on him. They +were never heard to quarrel.”</p> +<p>“Then it seems odd that he went away.”</p> +<p>“Yes, it does,” agreed the cook, frowning. “I never +did understand it. And then the way Mrs. Kippenberg +changed all the servants!”</p> +<p>“You mean after Mr. Kippenberg went away?”</p> +<p>“She fired everyone except me. I guess she knew +she couldn’t get another cook half as good if she let +me go. Right away I struck for more money and she +gave it to me without a whimper. But since then she +works me like a dog.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Latch clattered the lid of the garbage can into +place and turned toward the house. But as Penny once +more fell into step with her, she paused and regarded +the girl with sudden suspicion.</p> +<p>“Say, why am I telling you all this anyway? Who +are you? You’re not one of those sneaking reporters?”</p> +<p>“Do I look like a reporter?” countered Penny.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_95">[95]</div> +<p>“Well, no, you don’t,” admitted Mrs. Latch. “But +you’re as inquisitive as one. You must be the girl who +brought Miss Sylvia’s new dress from the LaRue +Shoppe.”</p> +<p>Penny hesitated too long over her reply, and the +woman gazed at her sharply.</p> +<p>“You <i>are</i> a reporter!” she exclaimed with conviction. +“And you’ve been deliberately pumping me! Of +all the tricks! I’ll tell Miss Kippenberg!”</p> +<p>“Wait, I can explain.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Latch paid no heed. With an angry toss of +her head she hastened into the house.</p> +<p>“Overstepped myself again,” Penny thought in dismay. +“I’ll be getting away from here while the getting +is good.”</p> +<p>Turning, she ran down the walk toward the river, +only to stop short as she reached the boat dock. The +drawbridge was in open position and the old watchman +did not appear to be at his usual post. She had +no way of reaching the mainland.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_96">[96]</div> +<h2 id="c12"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">12</span> +<br /><i>FISHERMAN’S LUCK</i></h2> +<p>Penny looked anxiously about for a means of +crossing the river. There were no small boats available +and the only person who stood on the opposite shore +was Jerry Livingston. The other reporters and photographers, +evidently tiring of their long vigil, had +gone away.</p> +<p>She cupped her hands and shouted to Jerry: “How +am I going to get over there? Can you lower the +bridge?”</p> +<p>“The mechanism is locked,” called back the reporter. +“And the watchman won’t be back for an +hour.”</p> +<p>Penny walked a short distance up the shore searching +for a boat. The only available craft was the large +launch which she could not hope to operate. She +might return to the house and appeal to Miss Kippenberg +but such a course was not to her liking.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_97">[97]</div> +<p>As she considered whether or not to ruin her clothing +by swimming across, Jerry called her attention to +a small boat some distance up the river. The boy who +was fishing from it obligingly rowed ashore after +Penny had signaled him.</p> +<p>“I’ll give you fifty cents to ferry me across,” she +offered.</p> +<p>“I’ll be glad to do it,” he agreed.</p> +<p>Penny stepped into the boat and then asked: +“Aren’t you the same lad I saw here yesterday?”</p> +<p>The boy nodded as he reached for the oars. “I remember +you,” he answered.</p> +<p>“You seem to fish here nearly every day.”</p> +<p>“Just about. I caught some nice ones today.” +Proudly he held up two large fish for her to see.</p> +<p>“Beauties,” praised Penny. “I take it the motor +boats haven’t been bothering you as much as they +were.”</p> +<p>“It’s been pretty quiet on the river today,” the boy +agreed. “Want to see something else I fished up?”</p> +<p>“Why, yes. What did you hook, a mud turtle?”</p> +<p>The boy opened a large wooden box which contained +an assortment of rope, fishing tackle and miscellaneous +articles. He lifted out a man’s high silk hat, +bedraggled and shapeless.</p> +<p>“You fished that out of the water?” Penny demanded, +leaning forward to take the article from him. +“Where did you find it?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_98">[98]</div> +<p>“Up there a ways.” The boy motioned vaguely +toward a point on the Kippenberg estate.</p> +<p>Penny turned the hat over in her hand, examining +it closely. She found no identifying marks, yet she +believed that it had belonged to Grant Atherwald for +he had worn similar headdress. The point indicated +by the boy was not far distant from the Kippenberg +lily pool.</p> +<p>“How would you like to sell this hat?” she asked.</p> +<p>“Why, it’s not worth anything.”</p> +<p>“I’d like to have it,” said Penny. “I’ll give you +another fifty cents.”</p> +<p>“It’s a deal.”</p> +<p>Penny offered the boy a dollar bill, and a moment +later he beached the boat. Jerry was waiting to help +her ashore. His alert gaze fastened upon the hat which +she hugged close, but he withheld comment. To the +boy he said:</p> +<p>“Son, how would you like to earn five dollars?”</p> +<p>The boy’s eyes brightened. “Say, this is my lucky +day!” he exclaimed. “What doin’?”</p> +<p>“It’s easy,” Jerry told him. “All you need to do +is to be here for a couple of days with your boat. +You’re not to allow anyone to use it except me.”</p> +<p>“And me,” added Penny. “I’ll need taxi service myself +if I come back here.”</p> +<p>“That’s all right,” agreed the boy.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_99">[99]</div> +<p>“Here’s a dollar on deposit,” Jerry said. “Now remember, +be here tomorrow from eight o’clock on, +and don’t hire out to any other person.”</p> +<p>“I won’t,” the boy promised.</p> +<p>Jerry took Penny’s elbow and escorted her to the +press car.</p> +<p>“So you found Atherwald’s hat?” he asked without +preliminaries.</p> +<p>“It resembles the one he wore. The boy fished it +out of the river.”</p> +<p>“Then that looks as if the fellow really was the +victim of a plot!”</p> +<p>“I’ve thought so all along,” Penny declared soberly.</p> +<p>“What else did you learn? You seemed to be very +chummy with Miss Kippenberg.”</p> +<p>“I’ll not be from now on,” Penny returned ruefully.</p> +<p>As Jerry backed the car around in the dusty road, +she told of her meeting with Sylvia Kippenberg and +the ensuing conversation.</p> +<p>“So Miss Kippenberg doesn’t like questions?” Jerry +asked. “And she refuses to notify the police? Well, +after we publish our story in the <i>Star</i> it won’t be +necessary. The police will come to do their own investigating.”</p> +<p>“I can’t really believe she is trying to deceive the +authorities,” Penny said thoughtfully. “She seems to +have a sincere regard for Grant Atherwald.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_100">[100]</div> +<p>“It may be pretense.”</p> +<p>“She wasn’t pretending the day of the wedding. +Atherwald’s disappearance was a great shock to her.”</p> +<p>“Well, even so, she may know a lot more than +she’s putting out.”</p> +<p>“I think that myself. She closed up like a clam +when I talked about her father.”</p> +<p>The car came to the main road and a short time +later entered the town of Corbin. As they stopped for +a red light, Penny touched Jerry’s arm.</p> +<p>“Look over there,” she directed. “See those two +men standing in front of the drugstore?”</p> +<p>“What about them?”</p> +<p>“They’re G men who attended the Kippenberg +wedding. Salt pointed them out to me.”</p> +<p>“You don’t say! Maybe we can learn a fact or two +from them.”</p> +<p>Jerry parked the car at the curb and sprang out. +Penny saw him walk over to the men, introduce himself +and show his press credentials. She was too far +away to hear the conversation.</p> +<p>In a few minutes Jerry returned to the car looking +none too elated.</p> +<p>“You didn’t learn anything, did you?” Penny inquired +as they drove on again.</p> +<p>“Not very much. Government men never will talk. +But they did admit they were here trying to locate +James Kippenberg.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_101">[101]</div> +<p>“Then they think he is in the locality.”</p> +<p>“They had an idea he would show up at his daughter’s +wedding. But it didn’t turn out that way.”</p> +<p>“Did you say anything to them about Grant Atherwald’s +disappearance?”</p> +<p>“Yes, but they wouldn’t discuss it. They said they +had nothing to do with the case.”</p> +<p>Penny lapsed into reflective silence as the car went +on toward Andover. Mentally she sorted over the +evidence which she had gathered that day, trying to +fit it into a definite pattern.</p> +<p>“Jerry,” she said at last.</p> +<p>“Yes?”</p> +<p>“You’ll probably laugh at this, but I have a theory +about Grant Atherwald’s disappearance.”</p> +<p>“Go ahead, spill it.”</p> +<p>“Yesterday when Salt and I were waiting at the +drawbridge we saw a motorboat cruise down the +river. It was driven by a burly looking fellow who +paid no heed when we tried to hail him.”</p> +<p>“You’re not suggesting that the man may have had +something to do with Atherwald’s disappearance?” +Jerry questioned, mildly amused.</p> +<p>“I knew you would laugh.”</p> +<p>“Your theory sounds pretty far-fetched to me, I’ll +admit. It happens there are any number of burly, +tough looking boatmen on the Kobalt. You can’t arrest +a man for a crime just because of his appearance.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_102">[102]</div> +<p>“All the same, there is supporting evidence. Mrs. +Latch told me that Atherwald’s note had been handed +to her by a boy who in turn received it from someone +in a boat.”</p> +<p>“Boats are rather common too. Your theory is interesting, +but that’s all I can say for it.”</p> +<p>“All right,” said Penny. “I was about to tell you +another idea of mine. Now I won’t do it.”</p> +<p>No amount of coaxing could induce her to reveal +her thought, and the remainder of the drive to +Andover was made in silence. It was well after five-thirty +when the car finally drew up in front of the +City Club.</p> +<p>Penny was not surprised to find the doors locked +and no sign of Louise or Miss Frome.</p> +<p>“I thought they would go home without me,” she +said to Jerry. “I only wanted to make certain.”</p> +<p>For many miles the road led through pleasant +countryside and then swung back toward the Kobalt +river. The sun had dropped below the horizon by the +time the automobile sped through the town of Claxton.</p> +<p>“Thirty miles still to go,” Jerry sighed. “I’m getting +hungry.”</p> +<p>“Two souls with but a single thought,” remarked +Penny.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_103">[103]</div> +<p>Directly ahead they noticed an electric sign which +drew attention to a roadside gasoline station with an +adjoining restaurant. Jerry eased on the brake.</p> +<p>“How about it, Penny? Shall we invest a few +nickels?”</p> +<p>“I could do with a sandwich,” Penny agreed. +“Several, in fact.”</p> +<p>Not until Jerry had parked the car did they notice +the dilapidated condition of the building. It stood +perhaps fifty yards back from the main road, its rear +porch fronting on the Kobalt.</p> +<p>“Strange how one is always running into the river,” +Penny remarked absently. “It seems to twist itself over +half the state.”</p> +<p>Jerry had not heard her words. He was gazing at +the restaurant with disapproval.</p> +<p>“This place doesn’t look so good, Penny. If you +say the word we’ll drive on.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I’d brave anything for a beef barbecue,” she +laughed.</p> +<p>Through the screen door they caught a discouraging +glimpse of the cafe’s interior—dingy walls, cigarette +smoke, a group of rough looking men seated on +stools at the counter. Upon the threshold Penny +hesitated, losing courage.</p> +<p>“Let’s not go in,” Jerry grunted in an undertone. +“They’ll probably serve cockroaches in the sandwiches.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_104">[104]</div> +<p>Penny half turned away from the door only to stop +short. Her attention focused upon two men who were +sitting at the far end of the cafe drinking coffee from +heavy mugs. In the indistinct light she could not be +absolutely sure, yet she was instantly convinced that +the heavy-set fellow in shirt sleeves was the same +boatman who had been seen near the Kippenberg +estate.</p> +<p>To Jerry’s surprise, Penny resisted the tug of his +arm as he sought to lead her toward the car.</p> +<p>“This place isn’t half bad,” she said. “Let’s try it +and see what happens.”</p> +<p>Boldly she reached for the knob of the screen door +and entered the cafe.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_105">[105]</div> +<h2 id="c13"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">13</span> +<br /><i>TWO MEN AND A BOAT</i></h2> +<p>Penny ignored several empty tables at the front +of the dreary restaurant and selected one not far from +where the two men sat. As they glanced at her with +insolent, appraising eyes, her pulse quickened. She +was almost certain that the heavy-set man was the +same fellow she had noticed near the Kippenberg +estate.</p> +<p>A waiter in a soiled white apron shuffled up to take +their order.</p> +<p>“Hot roast beef sandwich and coffee,” said Jerry. +“With plenty of cream.”</p> +<p>“Make mine the same,” added Penny without looking +at the menu.</p> +<p>All her attention centered upon the two men who +were now talking together in low tones. After the +first glance they had taken no interest in her and were +unaware of her scrutiny. The heavy-set man bent +nearer his companion and with the point of his knife +drew a pattern on the tablecloth.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_106">[106]</div> +<p>“What do you think of this route, Joe?” he asked.</p> +<p>“Too risky,” the other muttered. “Once we start +we got to make a quick shoot to the sea.”</p> +<p>“Any way we take we might run into trouble. +Y’know, I wish we had never agreed to do the job.”</p> +<p>“You and me both!”</p> +<p>“Dietz ain’t to be trusted,” the heavy-set man said +and his shaggy eyebrows drew together in a scowl. +“He’s thinking first and last of his own skin. We’ve +got to watch him.”</p> +<p>“And the girl, too. She’s a dumb one and plenty apt +to talk if the going gets rough.”</p> +<p>Penny lost the remainder of the conversation as +Jerry spoke to her.</p> +<p>“We couldn’t have picked a worse place,” he complained. +“Look at all the breakfast egg on the tablecloth. +I’m in favor of walking out even now.”</p> +<p>“I’m not,” replied Penny.</p> +<p>“Say, what’s got into you anyway?” Jerry demanded. +“You’re acting mighty funny.”</p> +<p>“Notice those two men at the last table,” she indicated.</p> +<p>“What about them?”</p> +<p>“See that heavy-set fellow with the tattooed anchor +on his arm? Well, I’m satisfied he is the same boatman +who cruised near the Kippenberg estate yesterday +afternoon.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_107">[107]</div> +<p>“It might be,” Jerry agreed, unimpressed. “The +Kobalt is only a stone’s throw away. And this place +seems to be frequented by rivermen.”</p> +<p>“You didn’t hear what they were saying?” whispered +Penny. “Listen!”</p> +<p>Jerry immediately fell silent, centering his attention +upon the two men. But by this time they had +lowered their voices so that only an occasional word +could be distinguished.</p> +<p>“What were they saying anyway?” Jerry asked +curiously.</p> +<p>Before Penny could answer, the proprietor came +from the kitchen bearing two plates of food which he +set down before them. The sandwiches were covered +with a dark brown, watery gravy, potatoes bore a +heavy coating of grease and the coffee looked weak.</p> +<p>“Anything more?” the man inquired indifferently.</p> +<p>“That’s all,” Jerry replied, with emphasis. “In fact, +it’s too much.”</p> +<p>At the adjoining table the two men abruptly hauled +to their feet. Paying their bill they quitted the restaurant.</p> +<p>“Let’s leave, too,” suggested Penny. “I should like +to see where they go.”</p> +<p>Jerry pushed his plate aside. “Suits me,” he agreed. +“Even my cast-iron stomach can’t wrestle with such +food as this.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_108">[108]</div> +<p>He paid at the cash register and they went out into +the night. Penny looked about for the two men and +saw them walking toward the river.</p> +<p>“Hold on,” said Jerry as she started to follow. +“Tell me what all the excitement is about.”</p> +<p>Tersely, Penny repeated the conversation she had +overheard.</p> +<p>“They’re tough looking hombres all right,” Jerry +admitted. “Likely as not mixed up in some dirty business. +But to say they’re involved in the Kippenberg +affair—”</p> +<p>“Oh, Jerry,” Penny broke in impatiently, “we’ll +never learn anything if we take that attitude. We must +run down every possible clue. Please, let’s see if they +go down to the river.”</p> +<p>“We ought to be getting our story back to the +office,” Jerry reminded her. “If we miss the last edition +there will be fireworks.”</p> +<p>“It will only take a minute,” Penny insisted stubbornly. +“If you won’t come with me, then I’m going +alone!”</p> +<p>She started away and the reporter had no choice +but to follow. A narrow, well-trod path led down a +steep slope toward the river. Long before they came +within sight of it they could hear the croak of bullfrogs +and feel the damp, night mists enveloping them +like a cloak.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_109">[109]</div> +<p>Drawing closer to the two men, Penny and Jerry +slackened pace and moved with greater care. But if +they hoped to learn anything from the conversation +of the pair ahead they were disappointed. The talk +concerned only the weather.</p> +<p>Reaching the banks of the river, the two men +boarded a sturdy cabin cruiser which had been moored +to a sagging dock.</p> +<p>“It’s the very same boat,” Penny whispered jubilantly. +“I knew I wasn’t mistaken.”</p> +<p>“Even so, what does that prove?” demanded Jerry. +“It’s no crime to run a motorboat near the Kippenberg +estate. The river is free.”</p> +<p>“But you must admit there <i>is</i> other evidence. Oh, +why can’t we follow them? We might learn something +really important.”</p> +<p>“We’re not going off on any wild chase tonight,” +stated Jerry sternly. “Come on, it’s home for us before +your father sends a police squad to search for +his missing daughter.”</p> +<p>“You’re losing a golden opportunity, Jerry Livingston.”</p> +<p>“Listen, by the time we located a boat those men +would be ten miles from here. They’re leaving now. +Use your head.”</p> +<p>“Oh, all right,” Penny gave in. “We’ll go home, but +I’ll bet a cent you’ll be sorry later on.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_110">[110]</div> +<p>She waited until the cruiser was lost to view in the +darkness and then allowed the reporter to guide her +back up the steep path.</p> +<p>“At least let’s try to find out who the men are,” +Penny urged as they came near the cafe. “The restaurant +owner might know.”</p> +<p>More to please her than for any other reason, Jerry +said that he would inquire. He re-entered the cafe, returning +in a few minutes to report that the proprietor +had never seen either of the men before.</p> +<p>“And now let’s be traveling,” he urged. “We’ve +killed enough time here.”</p> +<p>During the remainder of the ride back to Riverview, +Penny had little to say. But long after she knew Jerry +had forgotten the two boatmen she kept turning their +conversation over in her mind. She only wished she +might prove that her theories were not ridiculous.</p> +<p>Presently, the automobile drew up in front of the +Parker residence.</p> +<p>“Won’t you come in, Jerry?” Penny invited. “Dad +may wish to talk with you about the case.”</p> +<p>“I might stop a minute. I have a question or two to +ask him.”</p> +<p>The door of the house swung open as Penny and +the reporter crossed the front porch. Anthony Parker +stood framed in the bright electric light, a tall, imposing +figure.</p> +<p>“That you, Penny?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_111">[111]</div> +<p>“Yes, Dad.”</p> +<p>“I’m glad you’re home safe,” he said, not trying to +hide his relief. “Mrs. Weems and I have both been +worried. It’s going on nine o’clock.”</p> +<p>“So late? Didn’t Louise telephone you?”</p> +<p>“Yes, she said you had gone on to the Kippenberg +estate. Knowing you, I worried all the more. What +mischief did you get into this time, Penny?”</p> +<p>“None. Jerry took care of that!”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker held the door open for his daughter and +Jerry to pass through. “Have you had your dinners?” +he asked.</p> +<p>“We stopped at a roadside cafe, Dad. But the food +was horrible. We didn’t even try to eat it.”</p> +<p>“Mrs. Weems can find something for you, I’m sure. +She’s upstairs.”</p> +<p>“Don’t call her just yet,” said Penny. “First, we +want to tell you what we’ve learned.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker listened attentively as Penny gave a detailed +account of her visit to the estate, the finding +of the silk hat, and finally of her encounter with the +two boatmen at the river cafe.</p> +<p>“I might have learned a lot more if only Jerry hadn’t +played grandmother,” she said crossly. “He refused +to follow the boat down the river—said it would only +be a wild chase.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_112">[112]</div> +<p>“Jerry, I’m glad you had will power enough to +overrule her,” declared Mr. Parker. “The possibility +of those men being connected with the Atherwald +case seems very vague to me.”</p> +<p>“Dad, you should have heard what they were saying! +The one man drew a design on the tablecloth and +asked his companion what he thought of the route. +They talked about a quick get-away to the sea.”</p> +<p>“The men may have been fugitives,” Mr. Parker +commented. “But even that isn’t very likely.”</p> +<p>“They spoke of being uneasy about a certain job +they had agreed to do,” Penny went on earnestly. +“They mentioned a girl and said that a fellow named +Dietz would bear watching.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker leaned forward in his chair. “Dietz?” he +questioned. “Are you certain that was the name?”</p> +<p>“Yes, I heard it clearly.”</p> +<p>“I don’t see how there could be any connection,” +Mr. Parker mused. “And yet—”</p> +<p>“Where did you hear the name before, Dad?” +Penny asked, all eagerness.</p> +<p>“Well, DeWitt has been digging up all the facts he +can about James Kippenberg. As it happens, the man +once had a business associate named Aaron Dietz who +was dismissed because of alleged dishonesty.”</p> +<p>“Then there must be a relationship!” Penny cried. +She whirled triumphantly to face the crestfallen reporter. +“You see, Mr. Jerry Livingston, my theory +wasn’t so crazy after all! Now aren’t you sorry?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_113">[113]</div> +<h2 id="c14"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">14</span> +<br /><i>THE STONE TOWER</i></h2> +<p>Louise Sidell was washing the breakfast dishes +when Penny walked boldly in at the back door.</p> +<p>“Don’t you ever answer doorbells, Lou?” she demanded. +“I stood around front for half an hour, ringing +and ringing.”</p> +<p>“Why, hello, Penny. I didn’t hear you at all,” +apologized Louise. “The radio is on too loud. I see you +reached home last night.”</p> +<p>Penny picked up a towel and began to dry dishes. +“Oh, yes, and did I have a day!”</p> +<p>“What happened after you left Andover?”</p> +<p>“It’s a long story, so I’ll begin at the end. Last +night, coming home with Jerry we stopped at a cafe +along the river. Guess whom we saw!”</p> +<p>“Knowing your luck, I’d say Charlie Chaplin, or +maybe the Queen of England.”</p> +<p>“This particular cafe wasn’t quite their speed, Lou. +Jerry and I saw that same boatman I told you about!”</p> +<p>“The fellow you saw cruising about the Kippenberg +estate? What’s so remarkable about that?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_114">[114]</div> +<p>“It just happens I’ve dug up other evidence to show +he may know something about Grant Atherwald’s disappearance,” +Penny revealed proudly. “Jerry and I +overheard a conversation. It seems this man and a companion +of his are mixed up with another fellow named +Aaron Dietz.”</p> +<p>“Which doesn’t make sense to me,” complained +Louise, scrubbing hard at a sticky plate.</p> +<p>“Aaron Dietz was a former associate of James +Kippenberg. Dad said he probably knew more about +the Kippenberg financial affairs than any other person. +Oh, I tell you, Jerry feels pretty sick because we +didn’t follow the men last night! Dad assigned him to +try to pick up the trail today. He’s chartered a motor +boat and will patrol the river.”</p> +<p>“If you don’t mind,” said Louise patiently, “I’d +like to hear the first part of the story now. Then I +might know what this is all about.”</p> +<p>Talking as fast as she could, Penny related everything +which had happened since she had taken leave +of her chum at Andover.</p> +<p>“Which brings me to the point of my visit,” she +ended her tale. “How about going out there with me +this morning?”</p> +<p>“To the Kippenberg estate?” Louise asked eagerly.</p> +<p>“Yes, we may not be able to get across the river, +but I mean to try.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_115">[115]</div> +<p>“You know I’m wild to visit the place, Penny!”</p> +<p>“How soon can you start?”</p> +<p>“Just as soon as these stupid dishes are done. And I +ought to change my dress.”</p> +<p>“Wear something dark which won’t attract attention +in the bushes,” advised Penny. “Now get to working +on yourself while I finish the dishes.”</p> +<p>Louise dropped the dishcloth and hurried upstairs. +When she returned ten minutes later, her chum was +swishing the last of the soapsuds down the sink drain. +Another five minutes and they were in Penny’s battered +car, speeding toward Corbin.</p> +<p>The sun rode high in the sky by the time they +came within view of the drawbridge. Noticing that a +press car from a rival newspaper was parked at the +end of the road, Penny drew up some distance away. +She could see two reporters talking with the old +watchman.</p> +<p>“Evidently, they’re having no luck in getting over +to the estate,” she remarked.</p> +<p>“Then what about us?”</p> +<p>“Oh, we have our own private taxi service,” Penny +chuckled. “At least I hope so.”</p> +<p>Taking a circuitous route so they would not be +noticed by the bridgeman, the girls went down to the +river’s edge. Far up the stream Penny saw the familiar +rowboat drifting with the current. At her signal the +small boy seized his oars and rowed toward shore.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_116">[116]</div> +<p>“I was here at eight o’clock just as you said,” he declared. +“That fellow up there by the bridge offered +me a dollar to take him across the river. I turned him +down.”</p> +<p>“Good,” approved Penny.</p> +<p>“Do you want to go across the river now?” the boy +asked.</p> +<p>“Yes, please.” Penny stepped into the boat and +made room for Louise. “Keep close to the bank until +we are around the bend. Then I’ll show you where to +land.”</p> +<p>“I guess you’re afraid someone will see you,” the +boy commented.</p> +<p>“Not exactly afraid,” corrected Penny. “But this +way will be best.”</p> +<p>The boat moved quietly along the high bank, well +out of sight of those who stood by the drawbridge.</p> +<p>“The cops were here this morning,” volunteered the +boy as he pulled at the oars.</p> +<p>“You saw them visit the estate?” Penny questioned.</p> +<p>“Sure, there were four of ’em. They drove up in a +police car and they made old Thorndyke let the +bridge down so they could go across.”</p> +<p>“Are the policemen at the estate now?”</p> +<p>“No, they left again in about an hour. What do +you suppose they wanted over there?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_117">[117]</div> +<p>“Well, now, I couldn’t guess,” replied Penny. +“Like as not they only wished to ask a few questions. +Are the Kippenbergs at home?”</p> +<p>“I saw Mrs. Kippenberg drive away right after the +police left.”</p> +<p>“And her daughter?”</p> +<p>“I guess she must be still there. Anyway, she wasn’t +in the car.”</p> +<p>The boat rounded the bend, and Penny pointed out +a place on the opposite shore where she wished to land.</p> +<p>“Shall I wait for you?” the boy asked as the girls +stepped from the craft.</p> +<p>“Yes, but not here,” directed Penny. “You might +row back to the opposite shore and keep watch from +there. We ought to be ready to leave within at least an +hour.”</p> +<p>The roof top of the Kippenberg house could be seen +towering above the tall trees. But as the two girls +plunged into the bushes which grew thickly along +the shore they lost sight of it entirely.</p> +<p>“I hope,” said Louise uneasily, “that you know +where you are going. It would be easy to lose one’s +self in this jungle.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I have my directions straight. We should come +out near the lily pool at any minute.”</p> +<p>“What do you hope to gain by coming here, +Penny?” Louise inquired abruptly.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_118">[118]</div> +<p>“I thought I would try to talk with Miss Kippenberg +again. There’s an important question I forgot to +ask her yesterday. Then I wanted to show you the +estate, especially the lily pond.”</p> +<p>“Is there anything unusual about it?”</p> +<p>“I’ll let you be the judge,” Penny answered. “We’re +almost there now.”</p> +<p>They came in a moment to a path which made walking +much easier. Penny went in advance of her chum. +Suddenly she halted.</p> +<p>“See what is ahead, Lou! I never saw that thing +before.”</p> +<p>She stepped to one side so that Louise might see +the tall stone tower which loomed up against a background +of scarlet maples.</p> +<p>“How curious!” murmured Louise.</p> +<p>“This isn’t the only queer thing I’ve found on the +estate.”</p> +<p>“What purpose could the tower have?” speculated +Louise.</p> +<p>“Decoration, perhaps,” replied Penny, moving forward +again. “Or it might have been built for a prison.”</p> +<p>“Listen, you have too many different theories about +Grant Atherwald,” laughed Louise. “Why don’t you +get one and stick to it?”</p> +<p>“My mind is always open to new possibilities and +impressions.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_119">[119]</div> +<p>“I’ll say it is,” agreed Louise. “I suppose you think +Mrs. Kippenberg is keeping young Atherwald a +prisoner in yonder tower?”</p> +<p>“Well, no, but you must admit it would make a +lovely one. So romantic.”</p> +<p>“Are you trying to kid me?” Louise demanded.</p> +<p>Penny smiled broadly as she stared up at the tower +which rose perhaps twelve feet. Like every other +building on the estate it had been built to resist the +ages. High above her head a circular window had +been cut in the wall and there was a heavy oaken door.</p> +<p>Reaching for the knob, Penny turned it. Then she +pressed her shoulder against the door and pushed with +her entire strength.</p> +<p>“Locked!” she announced.</p> +<p>“Then we won’t learn what is inside after all.”</p> +<p>“Yes, we will,” declared Penny. “You lift me up +and I’ll peep in the window.”</p> +<p>“You only weigh a ton,” complained Louise.</p> +<p>She obligingly raised Penny up as high as she could.</p> +<p>“Look fast,” she panted. “What do you see?”</p> +<p>“Not much of anything.”</p> +<p>“I can’t hold you forever,” Louise said, and released +her hold. “Didn’t you see anything at all?”</p> +<p>“Just a lot of machinery.”</p> +<p>“Tools, you mean?”</p> +<p>“No, an electric motor and something which looked +like it might be a pump. Oh, I get it now!”</p> +<p>“Get what?” demanded Louise.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_120">[120]</div> +<p>“Why, the idea of this tower. It must be used as a +pump house. I wondered how the lily pool was ever +drained and this must be the answer.”</p> +<p>“You didn’t see any prisoners chained inside?” +Louise teased.</p> +<p>“Not one. Well, let’s be getting on to the lily pond. +It must be somewhere close.”</p> +<p>Louise could not understand why her chum was so +determined that she should see the pool. But since +Penny seldom did anything without a purpose, she +speculated upon what might be in store. She knew +from the girl’s manner that certain facts had been withheld +deliberately to make this visit the more impressive.</p> +<p>“Here we are,” said Penny as they came to the clearing. +“What do you think of it?”</p> +<p>Louise was aware of a deep sense of disappointment +as she gazed at the lily pool.</p> +<p>“I really don’t see anything so remarkable about it, +Penny.”</p> +<p>“This was the place where I found the wedding +ring. And there were footprints indicating that a +struggle probably took place.”</p> +<p>“I read all that in the paper,” Louise said. “From +the hints you’ve been passing out, I thought you +brought me here to show me something mysterious.”</p> +<p>“Go close to the pool.”</p> +<p>“What for, Penny? You want to push me in?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_121">[121]</div> +<p>“Oh, you’re too suspicious! Go on and look.”</p> +<p>Louise went to the edge of the pool and peered down +into the water.</p> +<p>“I don’t see anything.”</p> +<p>“You will in just a minute. Keep looking.”</p> +<p>Louise was more than half convinced that Penny +meant to play some prank, but she dropped down on +her knees so her eyes would be closer to the water.</p> +<p>“Why, I do see some large object on the floor of +the tank!” she exclaimed after a moment. “What is +it, Penny?”</p> +<p>“An alligator.”</p> +<p>Louise gave a smothered scream and drew back from +the pool’s edge.</p> +<p>“I—I might have fallen in. You ought to be ashamed +of yourself!”</p> +<p>“I only wanted you to get a nice thrill,” Penny +grinned. “Pretty fellow, isn’t he?”</p> +<p>“I didn’t really see him,” Louise admitted.</p> +<p>Overcoming her fear, she again leaned over the +edge of the pool but with great caution. This time she +could make out the alligator’s form distinctly.</p> +<p>“Horrible!” she shuddered. “I wish you hadn’t +brought me—”</p> +<p>Her words ended in a little wail as a tiny object +splashed into the water directly beneath her.</p> +<p>“My cameo pin!” she cried. “Oh, Penny, it slipped +from my dress and now it’s gone!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_122">[122]</div> +<h2 id="c15"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">15</span> +<br /><i>A CAMEO PIN</i></h2> +<p>In dismay, the two girls watched the trinket +settle slowly to the bottom of the pool.</p> +<p>“Oh, my beautiful pin,” moaned Louise. “Aunt +Lucinda gave it to me for my birthday. I wouldn’t have +lost it for anything in the world.”</p> +<p>“I guess it was my fault,” Penny said self-accusingly.</p> +<p>“No, it wasn’t. I must have been careless about +fastening the clasp. When I leaned over it slipped off. +Well, it’s gone, and that’s that.”</p> +<p>The cameo pin had fallen into the deepest part of +the pool not far from where the alligator lay. The +girls were unable to see it plainly because of the lily +pads and plants which cluttered the water.</p> +<p>“If that old alligator would just behave himself we +could wade in and get it easy,” Penny said.</p> +<p>“Fancy trying it!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_123">[123]</div> +<p>“I’m afraid he would take special delight in snapping +off an arm or a leg. And we don’t dare ask anyone +to help us get the pin or we’ll be ejected from the +grounds as trespassers.”</p> +<p>“We may as well forget about it, Penny. Come +along, I’m sick of this place.”</p> +<p>“No, wait, Louise. We might be able to fish it out +with a stick.”</p> +<p>“I don’t think we’d have a chance.”</p> +<p>“Anyway, it will do no harm to try.”</p> +<p>Penny searched the woods until she found a long +stick with a curve at the end. Lying flat on the flagstones +at the edge of the pool she prodded for the +pin.</p> +<p>“I can touch it all right!” she cried. “I’ll pull it over +to the side.”</p> +<p>“Be careful you don’t tumble in,” Louise warned, +anxiously holding her chum by the waist. “If you +should lose your balance—”</p> +<p>Penny hooked the cameo pin in the curve of the +stick and began raising it inch by inch up the side of +the pool.</p> +<p>“If I can get it up high enough reach down and +snatch it,” Penny advised her chum. “Oh, shoot, there +it goes!”</p> +<p>The pin had slipped away from the stick and +settled once more on the bottom of the pool.</p> +<p>“You can’t get it, Penny,” Louise insisted. “You’re +making the alligator all excited by prodding around.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_124">[124]</div> +<p>“I don’t care about <i>him</i>. I’ll try once more if I can +locate the pin. It seems to be hiding from me now.”</p> +<p>The water was so disturbed that Penny could not +see the pin or the bottom of the pool. She waited +several minutes for the dirt to settle and then gazed +down once more.</p> +<p>“There it is!” she exclaimed. “It moved over quite +a ways to the right.”</p> +<p>Louise flattened herself beside Penny. “Oh, let the +pin go,” she said.</p> +<p>“No, I think I can get it. Say, there seems to be +something else on the bottom of the pool.”</p> +<p>“Where?”</p> +<p>Penny pointed, and then, as her chum still could +not distinguish anything, parted the lily pads with +her stick.</p> +<p>“Yes, I do see something now,” Louise declared. +“What can it be?”</p> +<p>“Doesn’t it look like a metal ring?” Penny asked. +She had lost all interest in the cameo pin.</p> +<p>“Yes, it does. Someone probably threw it into the +pool.”</p> +<p>“But it looks to me as if it’s attached to the bottom +of the tank, embedded in the cement,” Penny said. +She bent closer to the water, trying to see.</p> +<p>“Be careful,” Louise warned nervously. “That alligator +might come up and snap off your nose.”</p> +<p>Penny paid no heed.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_125">[125]</div> +<p>“It is attached!” she announced in an excited voice. +“Louise, do you know what I think?”</p> +<p>“What?”</p> +<p>“It’s the ring of a trapdoor!”</p> +<p>“A trapdoor!” Louise echoed incredulously.</p> +<p>“You can see for yourself that it’s an iron ring.”</p> +<p>“It does look a little like one from here,” Louise +admitted. “But whoever heard of a trapdoor in a lily +pool? No one but you would even think of such a +thing. It doesn’t make sense.”</p> +<p>“Does anything on this estate make sense?”</p> +<p>“The ring might have something to do with draining +the pool,” Louise said without replying to her +chum’s question. “I suppose a section of the pool +could be lifted up and removed. But I’d never call it +a trapdoor.”</p> +<p>“I wish we could tell for sure what it is.” Penny +tried to prod the ring with her stick but it was well +beyond her reach. “Maybe the alligator has a room +down under the pool where he spends his winters!”</p> +<p>“You’re simply filled with ideas today,” Louise declared. +“What about my pin? Shall we let it go?”</p> +<p>Reminded of her original task, Penny set to work +once more, trying to draw the cameo to the edge of +the tank. She was so deeply engrossed, that she jumped +as her chum touched her on the arm.</p> +<p>“Listen, Penny, I think someone is coming!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_126">[126]</div> +<p>From the path at the right they could hear approaching +footsteps and the low murmur of voices.</p> +<p>Penny struggled to her feet, dropping the stick.</p> +<p>“We mustn’t be caught here,” she whispered.</p> +<p>Taking Louise’s hand, she drew the girl into the +dense bushes directly behind the pool. Scarcely had +they secreted themselves when Sylvia Kippenberg +and the head gardener came into view. They seated +themselves on a rustic bench not far from where the +two girls stood.</p> +<p>“I had to talk with you,” Sylvia said to the old man. +“The police came this morning and asked so many +questions. Mother put them off but they’ll be back +again.”</p> +<p>“They didn’t learn about the alligator?” the gardener +asked gruffly.</p> +<p>“No, they came here but only stayed a few minutes. +I don’t think they noticed anything wrong.”</p> +<p>“Then that’s all right.”</p> +<p>“Their investigation is only beginning,” Sylvia said +nervously. “Mother and I both believe it would be +wise to get rid of the alligator.”</p> +<p>“Wise but not easy,” the gardener replied.</p> +<p>“You’ll see what you can do about it?”</p> +<p>“Yes. I’ll try to get rid of him.”</p> +<p>“Then I guess that’s all,” Sylvia said, but she made +no move to leave. She sat staring moodily at the pool.</p> +<p>“Anything else on your mind?” asked the gardener.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_127">[127]</div> +<p>“I—I wanted to ask you something, but I scarcely +know how.”</p> +<p>The gardener waited, watching the girl’s face intently.</p> +<p>“You never liked Grant Atherwald,” she began +nervously.</p> +<p>“Say, what are you driving at?” the man asked +quickly. “You’re not trying to hint that I had anything +to do with Grant Atherwald’s disappearance?”</p> +<p>The two faced each other and Sylvia’s gaze was the +first to fall.</p> +<p>“No, no, of course not,” she said.</p> +<p>“I don’t know any more about his disappearance +than you do,” the man told her angrily. “I didn’t even +see him on the day of the wedding.”</p> +<p>“But he came here. The wedding ring was found +near the pool. Surely you must have heard some sound +for I know you were in this part of the garden.”</p> +<p>“Well, I didn’t,” the man said sullenly. “The only +persons I saw were a newspaper photographer and a +girl.”</p> +<p>“Please don’t take offense,” Miss Kippenberg murmured, +getting up from the bench. “I’ve been terribly +upset these past few days.”</p> +<p>She walked slowly to the edge of the pool. There +she stopped short, staring down at an object which +lay on the flagstones at her feet. It was the stick which +Penny had dropped only a moment before.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_128">[128]</div> +<p>“What have you found?” the gardener cried.</p> +<p>He went quickly to her side and took the damp +stick from her hand.</p> +<p>“Someone has been here prying around,” he said +in a harsh voice. “This was used to investigate the +water in the pool.”</p> +<p>“And whoever it was must be close by even now. +Otherwise the stick would have dried out in the sun.”</p> +<p>“You go back to the house,” the man commanded. +“I’ll look around.”</p> +<p>In their hideout amid the bushes, Penny and Louise +gazed at each other with chagrin. No word was spoken +for even a whisper might have been heard. With a +common desire for escape, they glided with cat-like +tread toward the river.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_129">[129]</div> +<h2 id="c16"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">16</span> +<br /><i>GATHERING CLUES</i></h2> +<p>The girls could hear no movement behind them +as they darted down the path. They dared to hope that +they had eluded the old gardener.</p> +<p>Then as they came within sight of the river, Louise +stumbled over a vine. Although she stifled an outcry +the dull thud of her body against the ground seemed +actually to reverberate through the forest. A black +crow on the lower limb of an oak tree cawed in protest +before he flew away.</p> +<p>Penny pulled Louise to her feet and they went on +as fast as they could, but they knew the sound had +betrayed them. Now they could hear the man in pursuit, +his heavy shoes pounding on the hard, dry path.</p> +<p>“Run!” Penny commanded.</p> +<p>They reached the river bank and looked about for +the boat which would take them across. As they had +feared it was on the opposite shore.</p> +<p>Penny gestured frantically, but the boy did not +understand the need for haste. He picked up his oars +and rowed toward them at a very deliberate pace.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_130">[130]</div> +<p>“Oh, he’ll never get here in time,” Louise murmured +fearfully. “Shall we hide?”</p> +<p>“That’s all we can do.”</p> +<p>They realized then that they had waited too long. +Before they could dodge into the deeper thicket the +gardener reached the clearing.</p> +<p>“So it’s you again!” he cried wrathfully, glaring at +Penny.</p> +<p>“Please, we didn’t mean any harm. We can explain—”</p> +<p>“This stick is explanation enough for me!” the man +shouted, waving it above his head. “You were trying +to find out about the lily pool!”</p> +<p>“We were only trying to get a pin which I dropped +into the water,” Louise said, backing a step away.</p> +<p>“I don’t believe you!” the man snapped. “You can’t +fool me! I know why you came here, and you’ll pay +for your folly! You’ll never take the secret away +with you!”</p> +<p>With a swift, animal-like spring which belied his +age, the gardener hurled himself toward the girls. He +seized Penny’s arm giving it a cruel twist.</p> +<p>“You’re coming along with me,” he announced +harshly.</p> +<p>“Let me go!” Penny cried, trying to free herself.</p> +<p>“You’re going with me to the house. You’ve been +altogether too prying. Now you’ll take your punishment, +both of you.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_131">[131]</div> +<p>The gardener might have managed Penny alone, but +he was no match for two athletic girls. As he tried +to seize Louise, Penny twisted free.</p> +<p>Quick as a flash, she grasped the man’s felt hat, +jamming it down on his head over his eyes. While he +was trying to pull it off, Louise also wriggled from +his grasp.</p> +<p>The two girls ran to the water’s edge. Their boat +had drawn close to shore. Without waiting for it to +beach they waded out over their shoetops and climbed +aboard.</p> +<p>“Don’t either of you ever come here again!” the +gardener hurled after them. “If you do—”</p> +<p>The rest of the threat was carried away by the +wind. However, Penny could not resist waving her +hand and calling back: “Bye, bye, old timer! We’ll +be seeing you!”</p> +<p>“What’s the matter with that man anyhow?” asked +the boy who rowed the boat. “Didn’t he want you +on the estate?”</p> +<p>“On the contrary, he invited us to remain and we +declined,” grinned Penny. “Just temperament, that’s +all. He can’t make up his mind which way he would +like to have it.”</p> +<p>Allowing the boy to puzzle over the remark, she +busied herself pouring water from her sodden shoes. +The visit to the estate had not turned out at all as +she had planned. She had failed to talk with Miss +Kippenberg, and it was almost certain that from now +on servants would keep a much closer watch for +intruders.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_132">[132]</div> +<p>The only vital information she had gleaned resulted +from overhearing the conversation between Sylvia +Kippenberg and the gardener.</p> +<p>“She talked with him as if they were well acquainted,” +mused Penny. “Miss Kippenberg must +have thought he knew more about Grant Atherwald’s +disappearance than he would tell. And she seems to be +afraid the Law will ask too many questions. Otherwise, +she wouldn’t have suggested getting rid of the +alligator.”</p> +<p>One additional observation Penny had made, but +she decided not to speak of it until she and Louise +were alone.</p> +<p>The boat reached shore and the two girls stepped +out on the muddy bank.</p> +<p>“Will you need me again?” inquired the boy.</p> +<p>“I may,” said Penny, “and I can’t tell you exactly +when. Where do you keep your boat?”</p> +<p>“Up the river just beyond that crooked maple tree. +I hide it in the bushes and I keep the oars inside a hollow +log close by. You won’t have any trouble finding +it.”</p> +<p>Penny and Louise said goodbye to the lad and +scrambled up the bank.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_133">[133]</div> +<p>“I’m sure I’ll not be going back to <i>that</i> place,” the +latter declared emphatically. “I just wonder what +would have happened if we hadn’t broken away.”</p> +<p>“We might have been locked up in the stone +tower,” Penny laughed. “Then another one of my +theories would have proven itself.”</p> +<p>“Oh, you and your theories! You can’t make me believe +that gardener didn’t mean to harm us. He was a +very sinister character.”</p> +<p>“Sinister is a strong word, Lou. But I’ll agree he’s +not any ordinary gardener. Either he’s been hired by +the Kippenberg family for a very special purpose or +else he’s gained their confidence and means to bend +them to his own ends.”</p> +<p>“His own ends! Why, Penny, what do you mean? +Have you learned something you haven’t told me?”</p> +<p>“Only this. I’m satisfied Old Peter is no gardener. +He’s wearing a disguise.”</p> +<p>“Well, what won’t you think of next! You’ve been +reading too many detective stories, Penny Parker.”</p> +<p>“Have I? Then there’s no need to tell you—”</p> +<p>“Yes, there is,” Louise cut in. “Your ideas are +pretty imaginative, but I like to hear them anyway.”</p> +<p>“Considerate of you, old thing,” Penny drawled in +her best imitation of an English accent. “You don’t +deserve to be told after that crack, but I’ll do it anyhow. +When I pulled the gardener’s hat down over his +eyes, I felt something slip!”</p> +<p>“Maybe it was his skin peeling off.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_134">[134]</div> +<p>“He wore a wig,” Penny said soberly. “That’s why +he looked so startled when I jerked the hat.”</p> +<p>“Did you actually see a wig?”</p> +<p>“No, but he must have had one on his head. I felt +it give, I tell you.”</p> +<p>“I wouldn’t put anything past that fellow. But if +he isn’t a gardener, then who or what is he?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know, but I intend to do some intensive +investigation.”</p> +<p>“Just how, may I ask?”</p> +<p>Penny gazed speculatively toward the drawbridge, +noting that the old watchman had been deserted by +the group of reporters. He sat alone, legs crossed, his +camp stool propped against the side of the gearhouse.</p> +<p>“Let’s talk with him, Lou. He might be able to tell +us something about the different employees of the +estate.”</p> +<p>They walked over to where the old man sat, greeting +him with their most pleasant smiles.</p> +<p>“Good morning,” said Penny.</p> +<p>The old man finished lighting his pipe before he +deigned to notice them.</p> +<p>“Good morning,” repeated Penny.</p> +<p>“Mornin’,” said the watchman. He looked the two +girls over appraisingly and added: “Ain’t you children +a long ways off from your Ma’s?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_135">[135]</div> +<p>The remark both startled and offended Penny, but +instantly she divined that the old fellow’s memory +was short and his eyesight poor. He had failed to +recognize her in everyday clothes.</p> +<p>“Oh, we’re just out for a hike,” she answered. +“You see, we get tired of all the ordinary places, so +we thought we would walk by here.”</p> +<p>“We’re interested in your bridge,” added Louise. +“We just love bridges.”</p> +<p>“This one ain’t so good any more,” the old man +said disparagingly.</p> +<p>“Doesn’t it get lonely here?” ventured Louise. “Sitting +here all day long?”</p> +<p>“It did at first, Miss. But I got used to it. Anyway, +it beats leanin’ on a shovel for the gov’ment. I got a +little garden over yonder a ways. You ought to see my +tomatoes. Them Ponderosas is as big as a plate.”</p> +<p>“Do you ever operate the bridge?” Louise inquired, +for Penny had not told her that the structure was still +in use.</p> +<p>“Oh, sure, Miss. That’s what I’m here for. But it +ain’t safe for nothin’ heavier than a passenger car.”</p> +<p>“I’d love to see the bridge lowered.” Louise stared +curiously up at the tall cantilevers which pointed skyward. +“When will you do it next time, Mr.—?”</p> +<p>“Davis, if you please, Miss. Thorny Davis they +calls me. My real name’s Thorndyke.”</p> +<p>The old man pulled a large, silver watch from his +pocket and consulted it.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_136">[136]</div> +<p>“In about ten minutes now, Mrs. Kippenberg will +be comin’ back from town. Then we’ll make the old +hinge bend down agin’.”</p> +<p>“Let’s wait,” said Louise.</p> +<p>Penny nodded and then as Thorny did not seem to +object, she peeped into the gear house, the door of +which stood half open. A maze of machinery met her +eye—an electric motor and several long hand-levers.</p> +<p>Presently Thorny Davis listened intently. Penny +thought he looked like an old fox who had picked up +the distant baying of the pack.</p> +<p>“That’s <i>her</i> car a-comin’ now,” he said. “I can tell +by the sound of the engine. Well, I reckon I might as +well let ’er down.”</p> +<p>Thorny arose and knocked the ashes from his corn-cob +pipe. He opened the door of the gear house and +stepped inside.</p> +<p>“May I see how you do it?” asked Penny. “I always +was interested in machinery.”</p> +<p>“The women will be runnin’ locomotives next,” +Thorny complained whimsically. “All right, come +on in.”</p> +<p>The old watchman pulled a lever on the starting +rheostat of the motor which responded with a sudden +jar and then a low purr. It increased its speed as he +pushed the lever all the way over.</p> +<p>“Now the power’s on. The next thing is to drop ’er.”</p> +<p>Thorny grasped one of the long hand-levers and +gently eased it forward. There was a grind of gears +engaging and the bridge slowly crept down out of +the sky.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_137">[137]</div> +<p>Penny did not miss a single move. She noted just +which levers the watchman pulled and in what order. +When the platform of the bridge was on an even keel +she saw him cut off the motor and throw all the gear +back into its original position.</p> +<p>“Think you could do ’er by yourself now?” Thorny +asked.</p> +<p>“Yes, I believe I could,” Penny answered gravely.</p> +<p>The old watchman smiled as he stepped to the deck +of the bridge.</p> +<p>“It ain’t so easy as it looks,” he told her. “Well, +here comes the Missuz now and we’re all ready for +her. Last time she came along I was weedin’ out my +corn patch and was she mad?”</p> +<p>As the black limousine rolled up to the drawbridge +Penny turned her face away so that Mrs. Kippenberg +would not recognize her. She need have had no uneasiness, +for the lady gazed neither to the right nor +the left. The car crept forward at a snail’s pace causing +the steel structure to shiver and shake as if from +an attack of ague.</p> +<p>“Dear me, I think this bridge is positively dangerous,” +Louise declared. “I shouldn’t like to drive over +it myself.”</p> +<p>As the old watchman again raised the cantilevers, +Penny studied his every move.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_138">[138]</div> +<p>“For a girl you’re sure mighty interested in machinery,” +he remarked.</p> +<p>“Oh, I may grow up to be a bridgeman some day,” +Penny said lightly. “I notice you keep the gear house +locked part of the time.”</p> +<p>“I have to do it or folks would tamper with the +machinery.”</p> +<p>The old man snapped a padlock on the door.</p> +<p>“Now I’m goin’ to mosey down to my garden and +do a little hoein’,” he announced. “You girls better +run along.”</p> +<p>Thus dismissed, Louise started away, but Penny +made no move to leave. She intended to ask a few +questions.</p> +<p>“Thorny, are you any relation to the Kippenberg’s +head gardener?” she inquired with startling abruptness.</p> +<p>“Am I any relation to that old walrus?” Thorny +fairly shouted. “Am I any relation to <i>him</i>? Say, you +tryin’ to insult me?”</p> +<p>“Not at all, but I saw the man this morning, and +I fancied I noticed a resemblance. Perhaps you don’t +know the one I mean.”</p> +<p>“Sure, I know him all right.” Thorny spat contemptuously. +“New man. He acts as know-it-all and +bossy as if he owned the whole place.”</p> +<p>“Then you don’t like him?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_139">[139]</div> +<p>“There ain’t no one that has anything to do with +him. He’s so good he can’t live like the rest of the +servants. Where do you think I seen him the other +night?”</p> +<p>“I haven’t the slightest idea. Where?”</p> +<p>“He was at the Colonial Hotel, eatin’ in the main +dining room!”</p> +<p>“The Colonial is quite an expensive hotel at Corbin, +isn’t it?”</p> +<p>“Best there is. They soak you two bucks just to +park your feet under one of their tables. Yep, if you +ask me, Mrs. Kippenberg better ask that gardener of +hers a few questions!”</p> +<p>Having delivered himself of this tirade, Thorny +became calm again. He shifted his weight and said +pointedly: “Well, I got to tend my garden. You girls +better run along. Mrs. Kippenberg don’t want nobody +hangin’ around the bridge.”</p> +<p>The girls obligingly took leave of him and walked +away. But when they were some distance away, Penny +glanced back over her shoulder. She saw Thorny down +on his hands and knees in front of the gear house. He +was slipping some object under the wide crack of the +door.</p> +<p>“The key to the padlock!” she chuckled. “So that +was why he wanted us to leave first. We’ll remember +the hiding place, Lou, just in case we ever decide to +use the drawbridge.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_140">[140]</div> +<h2 id="c17"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">17</span> +<br /><i>A SEARCH FOR JERRY</i></h2> +<p>After leaving the Kippenberg estate, Penny +and Louise motored to Corbin. More from curiosity +than for any other reason they dined at the Colonial +Hotel, finding the establishment as luxurious as the +old watchman had intimated. A full hour and a half +was required to eat the fine dinner which was served.</p> +<p>“Our friend, the gardener, does have excellent taste +in food,” remarked Louise. “What puzzles me is where +does he get the money to pay for all this?”</p> +<p>“The obvious answer is that he’s not a gardener.”</p> +<p>“Maybe he has rooms here too, Penny.”</p> +<p>“I’ve been wondering about it. I mean to investigate.”</p> +<p>Louise glanced at her wristwatch. “Do you think +we should take the time?” she asked. “It will be late +afternoon now before we reach home.”</p> +<p>“Oh, it won’t take a minute to inquire at the desk.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_141">[141]</div> +<p>Leaving the dining room, the girls made their way +to the lobby. When the desk clerk had a free moment +Penny asked him if anyone by the name of Peter +Henderson had taken rooms at the hotel.</p> +<p>“No one here by that name,” the man told her. +“Wait, I’ll look to be sure.”</p> +<p>He consulted a card filing system which served as a +register, and confirmed his first statement.</p> +<p>“The man I mean would be around sixty years of +age,” explained Penny. “He works as a gardener at +the Kippenberg estate.”</p> +<p>“Perhaps you have come to the wrong hotel,” said +the clerk aloofly. “We do not cater to gardeners.”</p> +<p>“Only to people who employ gardeners, I take it.”</p> +<p>“Our rates start at ten dollars a day,” returned the +clerk coldly.</p> +<p>“And does that include free linen and a bath?” +Penny asked with pretended awe.</p> +<p>“Certainly. All of our rooms have private baths.”</p> +<p>“How wonderful,” giggled Penny. “We thought +this might be one of those places with a bath on every +floor!”</p> +<p>Suddenly comprehending that he was being made +an object of sport, the clerk glared at the girls and +turned his back.</p> +<p>Penny and Louise went cheerfully to their car, very +much pleased with themselves for having deflated +such a conceited young man. They drove away, and +late afternoon brought them to Riverview, tired and +dusty from their long trip.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_142">[142]</div> +<p>After dropping her chum off at the Sidell home, +Penny rode directly to the newspaper office. Finding +no parking place available on the street, she ran her +car into the loading area at the rear of the building, +nosing into a narrow space which had just been vacated +by a paper-laden truck.</p> +<p>“Hey, you lady,” shouted an employee. “You can’t +park that scrap iron here. Another paper truck will +be along in a minute.”</p> +<p>Penny switched off the engine.</p> +<p>“I guess you’re new around here,” she said, climbing +out. “The next truck isn’t due until five-twenty-three.”</p> +<p>“Say, who do you think you are, tellin’ me—?”</p> +<p>The employee trailed off into silence as another +workman gave him a sharp nudge in the ribs.</p> +<p>“Pipe down,” he was warned. “If the boss’ daughter +wants to park her jitney in the paper chute it’s okay, +see?”</p> +<p>“Sure, I get it,” the other mumbled.</p> +<p>Penny grinned broadly as she crossed the loading +area.</p> +<p>“After this, you might mention my automobile in a +more respectful tone,” she tossed over her shoulder. +“It’s not scrap iron or a jitney either!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_143">[143]</div> +<p>Riding up the freight elevator, Penny passed a few +remarks with the smiling operator and stepped off +at the editorial floor. She noticed as she went through +the news room that Jerry Livingston’s desk was vacant. +And because the waste basket was empty, the floor beside +it free from paper wads, she knew he had written +no story that day.</p> +<p>Penny tapped lightly on the closed door of her +father’s private office and went in.</p> +<p>“Hello,” he said, glancing up. “Just get back from +Corbin?”</p> +<p>“Yes, Louise and I had plenty of excitement, but +I didn’t dig up any facts you’ll dare print in the paper.”</p> +<p>“Did you meet Jerry anywhere?”</p> +<p>“Why, no, Dad.”</p> +<p>“The young cub is taking a vacation at my expense, +running up a big motorboat bill! He should have been +back here three hours ago.”</p> +<p>“Oh, be reasonable, Dad,” said Penny teasingly. +“You can’t expect him to trace down those men just +in a minute.”</p> +<p>“It was a wild chase anyway,” the editor growled. +“I let him do it more to please you than for any other +reason. But that’s beside the point. He was told to be +back here by four o’clock at the latest, even if he had +nothing to report.”</p> +<p>“Jerry is usually punctual, Dad. But I suppose being +on the river he couldn’t get here just when he +expected.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_144">[144]</div> +<p>“He’s probably gone fishing,” Mr. Parker declared.</p> +<p>He slammed down the roll top on his desk and +picked up his hat.</p> +<p>“Will you ride home with me?” Penny invited. +“Leaping Lena would be highly honored.”</p> +<p>“It’s a mighty sight more comfortable on the bus,” +her father replied. “But then, I can stand a jolting.”</p> +<p>As they went out through the main room he paused +to speak with DeWitt, leaving an order that he was to +be called at his home as soon as Jerry Livingston returned.</p> +<p>Mr. Parker raised his eyebrows as he saw where +Penny had left the car.</p> +<p>“Haven’t I told you that the trucks need this space +to load and unload?” he asked patiently. “There is a +ten cent parking lot across the street.”</p> +<p>“But Dad, I haven’t ten cents to spare. The truth is, +I spent almost every bit of my allowance today over +at Corbin.”</p> +<p>“NO!” said Mr. Parker firmly. “NO!”</p> +<p>“No what?”</p> +<p>“Not a penny will you get ahead of time.”</p> +<p>“You misjudge me, Dad. I had no intention of even +mentioning such a painful subject.”</p> +<p>They drove in silence for a few blocks and then +Penny indicated the gasoline gauge on the dashboard.</p> +<p>“Why, it’s nearly empty!” she exclaimed. “We +won’t have enough to reach home!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_145">[145]</div> +<p>“Well, get some,” said Mr. Parker automatically. +“We don’t want to stall on the street.”</p> +<p>A flip of the steering wheel brought the car to a +standstill in front of a gasoline pump.</p> +<p>“Fill it up,” ordered Penny.</p> +<p>While Mr. Parker read his newspaper, the attendant +polished the windshield and checked the oil, finding it +low. At a nod from Penny he added two quarts.</p> +<p>“That will be exactly two fifty-eight.”</p> +<p>Penny repeated the figure in a louder tone, giving +her father a nudge. “Wake up, Dad. Two fifty-eight.”</p> +<p>Absently, Mr. Parker reached for his wallet. Not +until the attendant brought the change did it dawn +upon him that Penny had scored once more.</p> +<p>“Tricked again,” he groaned.</p> +<p>“Why, it was your own suggestion that we stop +for gasoline,” Penny reminded him. “I shouldn’t have +minded taking a chance myself. You see, the gauge is +usually at least a gallon off.”</p> +<p>“Anyway, I would rather pay for it than have you +siphon it out of my car.”</p> +<p>“Thanks for the present,” laughed Penny.</p> +<p>Dinner was waiting by the time they reached home. +Afterwards, Penny helped Mrs. Weems with the +dishes while her father mowed the lawn. Hearing the +telephone ring he came to the kitchen door.</p> +<p>“Was that a call for me?” he asked.</p> +<p>“No, Dad, it was for Mrs. Weems.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_146">[146]</div> +<p>“Strange DeWitt doesn’t call,” Mr. Parker said. “I +believe I’ll telephone him.”</p> +<p>After Mrs. Weems had finished with the phone he +called the newspaper office only to be told that Jerry +Livingston had not put in an appearance.</p> +<p>“At least he might have communicated with the +office,” Mr. Parker said as he hung up the receiver.</p> +<p>He went back to lawn mowing but paused now +and then to stare moodily toward the Kobalt river +which wound through the valley far below the terrace. +Penny finished drying the dishes and went outside +to join him.</p> +<p>“You’re worried about Jerry, aren’t you?” she +asked after a moment.</p> +<p>“Not exactly,” he replied. “But he should have been +back long ago.”</p> +<p>“He never would have stayed away without good +reason. We both know Jerry isn’t like that.”</p> +<p>“No, he’s either run into a big story, or he’s in +trouble. When I sent him away this morning, I didn’t +look upon the assignment as a particularly dangerous +one.”</p> +<p>“And yet if he met those two seamen anything +could have happened. They were tough customers, +Dad.”</p> +<p>“I could notify the police if Jerry isn’t back within +an hour or two,” Mr. Parker said slowly. “Still, I +hate to do it.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_147">[147]</div> +<p>“Where did Jerry rent his boat, Dad?”</p> +<p>“I told him to get one at Griffith’s dock at twenty-third +street.”</p> +<p>“Then why don’t we go there?” suggested Penny. +“If he hasn’t come in we might rent a boat of our own +and start a search.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker debated and then nodded. “Bring a +heavy coat,” he told her. “It may be cold on the +river.”</p> +<p>Penny ran into the house after the garments and +also took a flashlight from her father’s bureau drawer. +When she hurried outdoors again her father had +backed his own car from the garage and was waiting.</p> +<p>At the twenty-third street dock, Harry Griffith, +owner of the boat house, answered their questions +frankly. Yes, he told them, Jerry Livingston had +rented a motor boat early that morning but had not +returned it.</p> +<p>“I been worryin’ about that young feller,” he admitted, +and then with a quick change of tone: “Say, +you’re not Mr. Parker, are you?”</p> +<p>“Yes, that’s my name.”</p> +<p>“Then I got a letter here for you. I reckon maybe +it explains what became of the young feller.”</p> +<p>The boatman took a greasy envelope from his trousers +pocket and gave it to the editor.</p> +<p>“Where did you get this, Mr. Griffith?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_148">[148]</div> +<p>“A boy in a rowboat brought it up the river about +two hours ago. He said the young feller gave him a +dollar to deliver it to a Mr. Parker. But the kid was +mixed up on the address, so I just held it here.”</p> +<p>“Dad, it must be from Jerry,” said Penny eagerly.</p> +<p>As her father opened the envelope, she held the +flashlight close. In an almost illegible scrawl Jerry +had written:</p> +<p>“Following up a hot tip. Think I’ve struck trail of +key men. Taking off in boat. Expect to get back by +nightfall unless Old Man Trouble catches up with +me.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker looked up from the message, his gaze +meeting the frightened eyes of his daughter.</p> +<p>“Oh, Dad,” she said in a tone barely above a whisper, +“it’s long after dark now. What do you think +has become of Jerry?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_149">[149]</div> +<h2 id="c18"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">18</span> +<br /><i>OVER THE DRAWBRIDGE</i></h2> +<p>Wasting no moments in useless conversation, +Mr. Parker rented a fast motor boat and prevailed +upon Harry Griffith to operate it for him. Guided by +the stars and a half moon which was slowly rising +over the treetops, the party swung down the river.</p> +<p>Riding with the current, they came before long to +the locality where Penny and Jerry had first sighted +the two seamen’s cruiser. But now there was no sign +of a boat, either large or small.</p> +<p>At a speed which enabled the occupants to scrutinize +the shoreline, the searching craft swept on. The +river had never seemed more deserted.</p> +<p>“Jerry might have stopped anywhere along here,” +Mr. Parker observed. “If he drew the boat into the +bushes we haven’t a chance of finding him.”</p> +<p>They went on, coming presently to the Kippenberg +estate. As they passed beneath the open drawbridge +Penny noted how low it had been swung over +the water. A boat with a high cabin could not possibly +go through when the cantilevers were down.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_150">[150]</div> +<p>Gazing upward, she saw a swinging red light at the +entrance to the bridge. A lantern, no doubt, hung +there to give warning to any motorist who might venture +upon the private road.</p> +<p>“Thorny probably isn’t on duty at this hour,” +Penny reflected. “But I should think an open drawbridge +might prove more dangerous at night than in +the daytime.”</p> +<p>As the bridge was lost to view beyond a bend in +the river, she gave all her attention to watching the +coves and inlets. Her father sat hunched over in the +seat beside her, slapping at mosquitoes. Now and then +he would switch on the flashlight to look at his watch.</p> +<p>Gradually the river had widened, so that it was +possible to cover only one shore.</p> +<p>“We’ll search the other side on our return trip,” +Mr. Parker said. “But it looks to me as if we’re not +going to have any luck.”</p> +<p>As if to add to the discouragement of the party, +dark clouds began to edge across the sky. One by +one the stars were inked out. Penny’s light coat offered +scant protection from the cold wind.</p> +<p>And then, Harry Griffith throttled down the motor +and spun the wheel sharply to starboard. He leaned +forward, trying to pierce the black void ahead of the +boat’s bright beam.</p> +<p>“Looks like something over there,” he said pointing. +“Might be a log. No, it’s a boat.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_151">[151]</div> +<p>“I can’t see anyone in it!” Penny cried. “It’s drifting +with the current.”</p> +<p>“That looks like one of my boats, sure as you’re +born,” Griffith declared, idling the engine. “The same +I rented the young feller this morning.”</p> +<p>“But where is Jerry?” cried Penny.</p> +<p>Griffith maneuvered his own boat close to the one +which drifted with the current. Mr. Parker was able +to reach out and grasp the long rope dangling in the +water.</p> +<p>“The flashlight, Penny!” he commanded.</p> +<p>She turned the beam on, and as it focused upon +the floor of the boat, drew in her breath sharply. On +the bottom, face downward, lay a man.</p> +<p>“It’s Jerry!” Penny cried. “Oh, Dad, he’s—”</p> +<p>“Steady,” said her father. “Steady.”</p> +<p>While Griffith held the two boats together, he +stepped aboard the smaller one. He bent over the +crumpled figure, feeling Jerry’s pulse, gently turning +him upon his back.</p> +<p>“Is he alive, Dad?”</p> +<p>“His pulse is weak, but I can feel it. Yes, he’s breathing! +Hold that light steady, Penny.”</p> +<p>“Dad, there’s blood on his head! I—I can see it +trickling down.”</p> +<p>“He’s been struck with a club or some blunt object,” +Mr. Parker said grimly. “He may have a fractured +skull.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_152">[152]</div> +<p>“Oh, Dad!”</p> +<p>“Keep a grip on yourself,” her father ordered +sternly, “It may not be as bad as I think, but we’ll +have to rush him to the nearest doctor.”</p> +<p>“If it was me, I wouldn’t try to move him out of +there,” advised Harry Griffith. “Leave him where +he is. I’ll get aboard and we’ll take this boat in tow.”</p> +<p>Penny helped the man make their craft fast to the +other boat, and then they both climbed aboard. Griffith +started the engine and turned around in the river.</p> +<p>“I’ll head for Covert,” he said. “That’s about the +closest place. There ought to be a good doctor in a +town that size.”</p> +<p>While Griffith handled the boat, Penny and her +father did what they could to make Jerry comfortable. +They stripped off their coats, using one for a +pillow, and the other to cover his body.</p> +<p>“Those two men he was sent to follow must be +responsible for this!” Penny murmured. “How could +they do such a brutal thing?”</p> +<p>“I’ll notify the police as soon as we touch shore,” +her father said grimly. “We’ll search every cove and +inlet until we find the ones responsible!”</p> +<p>As he spoke Mr. Parker bent lower to examine the +wound on Jerry’s head. Blood had nearly stopped +flowing and he was hopeful that it came from a flesh +wound. He pressed a clean handkerchief against it +and the young man stirred.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_153">[153]</div> +<p>“How long do you suppose he’s been like this, +Dad?”</p> +<p>“Hard to tell. An hour, maybe two hours.”</p> +<p>Presently, as the boat made full speed up the river, +Jerry stirred once more. His lips moved but the words +were indistinguishable.</p> +<p>“How far to Covert?” Mr. Parker asked anxiously.</p> +<p>“About four miles from this point,” Griffith flung +over his shoulder. “It’s the next town above the Kippenberg +estate. I’m making the best time I can.”</p> +<p>Jerry moved restlessly, his hands plucking at the +coat which covered him.</p> +<p>“Flaming eyes,” he muttered. “Looking at me—looking +at me—”</p> +<p>Penny and her father gazed at each other in startled +dismay.</p> +<p>“He’s completely out of his head,” whispered +Penny.</p> +<p>“He’s gone back to that other accident which happened +last year,” nodded Mr. Parker. “The Vanishing +Houseboat affair.”</p> +<p>“Jerry’s had more than his share of bad luck, Dad. +Twice now on this same river, he’s met with disaster. +And this time he may not come through.”</p> +<p>“I think he will if his skull hasn’t been fractured,” +Mr. Parker told her encouragingly. “Listen!”</p> +<p>Jerry’s lips were moving again, and this time his +words were more rational.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_154">[154]</div> +<p>“Got to get word to the Chief,” they heard him +mutter. “Got to get word—”</p> +<p>A long while after that Jerry remained perfectly +quiet. Suddenly arousing, his eyes opened wide and +he struggled to sit up. Mr. Parker gently pressed him +back.</p> +<p>“Where am I?” Jerry muttered. “Let me out of +here! Let me out!”</p> +<p>“Quiet, Jerry,” soothed Mr. Parker. “You’re with +friends.”</p> +<p>The reporter’s tense grip on the editor’s hand relaxed. +“That you, Chief?”</p> +<p>“Yes, Jerry. Just lie quiet. We’ll have you to a +doctor in a few more minutes.”</p> +<p>“Doctor! I don’t need any doctor,” he protested, +trying once more to sit up. “What happened anyway?”</p> +<p>“That’s what we would like to know.”</p> +<p>“Can’t you remember anything, Jerry?” Penny +asked. “You went out on the river to try to trace +those two men in the cruiser.”</p> +<p>“Oh, it’s coming back to me now. I ran into their +boat down by Cranberry Cove. They tied up there.”</p> +<p>“And then what happened?” Penny demanded, as +Jerry paused.</p> +<p>“I saw ’em walk ashore. Thought I would follow +so I tied up my boat, too. They started off through +the trees. Pretty soon they met a third man, a well +dressed fellow, educated too.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_155">[155]</div> +<p>“Did you hear any of their conversation?” Mr. +Parker questioned.</p> +<p>“I heard Kippenberg’s name mentioned. That +caught my interest so I crept closer. Must have given +myself away because that’s about the last I remember. +A ton of dynamite seemed to explode in my head. +And here I am.”</p> +<p>“Obviously, you were struck from behind with +some heavy object,” Mr. Parker said. “They probably +dumped you back in your own boat and set it adrift. +You never saw your attacker?”</p> +<p>“No.”</p> +<p>Jerry rested for a moment, and then as it dawned +upon him that he was being speeded to a doctor, he +began to protest.</p> +<p>“Say, Chief, I’ll be all right. I don’t need any doc. +Head’s clear as a bell now.”</p> +<p>“That’s fine, Jerry. But you’ll see a doctor anyway +and have X-rays. We’re taking no chances.”</p> +<p>“Then at least let me go back to Riverview,” Jerry +grumbled. “I don’t want to be stuck in any hick town +hospital.”</p> +<p>“If you feel equal to the trip, I guess we can grant +you that much. You seem to be all right, but I want +to make sure. Can’t take chances on the paper being +sued later on, you know.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I get the idea,” said Jerry with a grimace. +“Thinking of the old cash register, as usual.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_156">[156]</div> +<p>Penny drew a deep sigh of relief. If Jerry were +able to make jokes he couldn’t be seriously injured. +She still felt weak from the fright she had received.</p> +<p>“The police will find those men who attacked you,” +she told him. “I hope they’re put in prison for life, +too!”</p> +<p>“The police?” Jerry repeated. He stared up into +Mr. Parker’s face. “Say, Chief, you’re not aiming to +spill the story, are you?”</p> +<p>“I was.”</p> +<p>“But see here, if you notify the police, we’ll show +our hand to the rival paper. If we keep this dark we +could do our own investigating, and maybe land a big +scoop.”</p> +<p>“Justice is more important than a scoop, Jerry,” +returned Mr. Parker. “If those men had anything to +do with Atherwald’s disappearance, and it looks as if +they did, then we are duty bound to hand our clues +over to the police. By trying to handle it alone, we +might let them escape.”</p> +<p>“Guess maybe you’re right at that,” Jerry acknowledged.</p> +<p>As she saw that the reporter was rapidly recovering +strength, Penny left him to the care of her father and +went forward to speak with Harry Griffith.</p> +<p>“Where are we now?” she inquired.</p> +<p>“Just comin’ to the Kippenberg estate,” he told +her.</p> +<p>“Only that far? We don’t seem to be making very +fast time.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_157">[157]</div> +<p>“We’re buckin’ the current, Miss. And there’s a +right stiff wind blowing.”</p> +<p>She had not noticed the wind before or how overcast +the sky had become. One could not see many +yards in advance of the boat.</p> +<p>Ahead loomed the drawbridge in open position as +usual. But Penny could not see the red lantern which +she had noticed upon the trip down. Had the light +been blown out by the wind?</p> +<p>In any case, it would not greatly matter, she reflected. +Few cars traveled the private road. And any +person who came that way would likely know about +the bridge.</p> +<p>And then, above the steady hum of the motor boat +engine, Penny heard another roar which steadily increased +in intensity. A car was coming down the road +at great speed!</p> +<p>“The lantern must be there,” Penny thought. “It’s +probably hidden by a tree or the high bank. Of course +it’s there.”</p> +<p>She listened with a growing tension. The car was +not slowing down. Even Harry Griffith turned his +head to gaze toward the entrance ramp of the drawbridge.</p> +<p>It was all over in an instant. A scream of brakes, +a loud splintering of the wooden barrier. <a href="#front">The speeding +automobile struck the side of the steel bridge, +spun sideways and careened down the bank to bury +itself in the water.</a></p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_158">[158]</div> +<h2 id="c19"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">19</span> +<br /><i>A DARING RESCUE</i></h2> +<p>Those in the motor boat who had witnessed the +disaster were too horrified to speak. They could see +the top of the car rising above the water into which +it had fallen, but there was no sign of the unfortunate +driver or other possible occupants.</p> +<p>Penny began to kick off her shoes.</p> +<p>“No!” shouted her father, divining her purpose. +“No! It’s too dangerous!”</p> +<p>Penny did not heed for she knew that if the persons +in the car were to be saved it must be by her +efforts. Her father could not swim well and Harry +Griffith was needed at the wheel of the motor boat.</p> +<p>Scrambling to the gunwale, the girl dived into the +water. She could see nothing. Groping her way to +the overturned coupe, she grasped a door handle and +turned it. All her strength was required to pull the +door open. Her breath was growing short now. She +worked faster, with frantic haste.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_159">[159]</div> +<p>A hand clutched her own. Before she could protect +herself she felt the man upon her, clawing, fighting, +trying to climb her shoulders, upward to the +blessed air.</p> +<p>His grasp was loose. Penny ducked out of it but +held fast to his hand. She braced her feet against the +body of the car and pushed. They both shot upward +to the surface.</p> +<p>Griffith and her father lifted the man out of the +water into the motor boat.</p> +<p>“Have to go down again,” Penny gasped. “There +may be others.”</p> +<p>She dived once more, doubling herself into a tight +ball, and giving a quick, upthrust of her feet which +sent her straight to the bottom. She swam into the +car and groped about on the seat and floor. Finding +no bodies, she quickly shot to the surface again. Her +father pulled her over the side, saying curtly: “Good +work, Penny.”</p> +<p>The victim she had saved seemed little the worse +for his ducking. With Griffith’s help he had divested +himself of his heavy coat and was wringing it out.</p> +<p>Penny had obtained no clear view of the man, nor +did she ever, for just at that moment, Jerry raised +himself to a sitting position. He stared at the bedraggled +one and pointed an accusing finger.</p> +<p>“That’s the fellow!” he cried in an excited voice. +“The one I was telling you about—”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_160">[160]</div> +<p>The man took one look at Jerry and gazed quickly +about. By this time the motor boat had drifted close +to shore. Before anyone could make a move to stop +him, the man hurled himself overboard. He landed +on his feet in shallow water. Splashing through to the +shore, he scuttled up the steep bank and disappeared +in the darkness.</p> +<p>“Don’t let him get away!” shouted Jerry. “He’s +the same fellow I saw in the woods!”</p> +<p>“You’re certain?” asked Mr. Parker doubtfully.</p> +<p>“Of course! If you think I’m out of my head now, +you’re the one who’s crazy! It’s the same fellow! Oh, +if I could get out of this boat!”</p> +<p>Griffith brought the craft to shore. “I’ll see if I +can overtake him,” he said, “but he’s probably deep +in the woods by this time.”</p> +<p>The boatman was a heavy-set man, slow on his feet. +Penny and her father were not surprised when he +came back twenty minutes later to report he had been +unable to pick up the trail.</p> +<p>“The overturned car may offer a clue to his identity,” +Mr. Parker said, as they started up the river +once more. “The police will be able to check the +license plates.”</p> +<p>“I wonder what the man was doing at the estate?” +Penny mused.</p> +<p>She groped her way toward the cabin, thinking +that she would divest herself of some of her wet garments. +Suddenly she stopped short.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_161">[161]</div> +<p>“Dad, that fellow took off his coat!” she exclaimed. +“He must have left it behind!”</p> +<p>“It’s somewhere on the floor,” Harry Griffith called +to her.</p> +<p>Penny found the sodden garment lying almost at +her feet. She straightened it out and searched the +pockets. Her father moved over to her side.</p> +<p>“Any clues?” he asked.</p> +<p>Penny took out a water-soaked handkerchief, a key +ring and a plain white envelope.</p> +<p>“That may be something!” exclaimed Mr. Parker. +“Handle it carefully so it doesn’t tear.”</p> +<p>They carried the articles into the cabin. Mr. Parker +turned on the light and took the envelope from his +daughter’s hand. They were both elated to see that +another paper was contained inside.</p> +<p>Mr. Parker tore off the envelope and flattened the +letter on the table beneath the light. The ink had +blurred but nearly all of the words could still be made +out. There was no heading, merely the initials: “J. +J. K.”</p> +<p>“Could that mean James Kippenberg?” Penny +asked.</p> +<p>The message was brief. Mr. Parker read it aloud.</p> +<p>“Better come through or your fate will be the same +as Atherwald’s. We give you twenty-four hours to +think it over.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_162">[162]</div> +<p>“How strange!” Penny exclaimed. “That man I +pulled out of the water couldn’t have been James +Kippenberg!”</p> +<p>“Not likely, Penny. My guess would be that he +had been sent here to deliver this warning note. Being +unfamiliar with the road, and not knowing about the +dangerous drawbridge, he crashed through.”</p> +<p>“But James Kippenberg isn’t supposed to be at the +estate,” Penny argued. “It doesn’t make sense at all.”</p> +<p>“This much is clear, Penny. Jerry saw the man +talking with the two seamen, and they all appear to +be mixed up in Grant Atherwald’s disappearance. +We’ll print what we’ve learned, and let the police +figure out the rest.”</p> +<p>“Dad, this story is developing into something big, +isn’t it?”</p> +<p>He nodded as he moved a swinging light bulb +slowly over the paper, hastening the drying process.</p> +<p>“After the next issue of the <i>Star</i> is printed, every +paper in the state will send their men here. But we’re +out ahead, and when the big break comes, we may get +that first, too.”</p> +<p>“Oh, Dad, if only we can!”</p> +<p>“Count yourself out of the case from now on, +young lady,” he said severely. “You scared the wits +out of me tonight, risking your life to save that no-good. +Now shed those wet clothes before you come +down with pneumonia.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_163">[163]</div> +<p>He tossed her an overcoat, a sweater and a crumpled +pair of slacks which Griffith had found under +one of the boat seats. Leaving the cabin, he closed +the door behind him.</p> +<p>Penny did not change her clothes at once. Instead, +she sat down at the table, studying the warning message.</p> +<p>“‘Better come through,’” she read aloud. “Does +that mean Kippenberg is supposed to pay money? +And what fate did Atherwald meet?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_164">[164]</div> +<h2 id="c20"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">20</span> +<br /><i>AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW</i></h2> +<p>Those same questions were pounding through +Penny’s mind the next morning when she read the +first edition of her father’s paper. Propped up in bed +with pillows, she perused the story as she nibbled at +the buttered muffins on her breakfast tray.</p> +<p>“Is there anything else you would like?” Mrs. +Weems inquired, hovering near.</p> +<p>“No, I’m quite all right,” smiled Penny. “Not even +a head cold after my ducking. Have you heard about +Jerry?”</p> +<p>“Your father said he was doing fine.”</p> +<p>“Did he leave any message for me before going to +the office?”</p> +<p>“He said he thought you should stay in bed all +day.”</p> +<p>“Dad would,” Penny pouted. “Well, I feel just fine. +I’m getting up right away.” She heaved aside the bed +clothes.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_165">[165]</div> +<p>Then, because she couldn’t get the Kippenberg +case out of her head, she dressed quickly and went +downstairs. She was going out the front door when +Mrs. Weems stopped her.</p> +<p>“Now where are you going, Penny?”</p> +<p>Penny’s bright eyes twinkled and she flashed the +housekeeper an arch, provocative smile.</p> +<p>“Not sure just where I’m going,” she replied, her +smooth forehead creasing with thought. “But if Dad +should get curious, you can tell him he shouldn’t be +surprised if he finds me visiting with the Kippenbergs.”</p> +<p>“Penny! You’re not going there again?”</p> +<p>“Why not? I’m after a story for the <i>Riverview Star</i> +and I mean to get it. See you later.”</p> +<p>With a wave of her hand Penny walked jauntily +off. A few moments later Mrs. Weems heard the clatter +of Penny’s Leaping Lena careening down the street +in the direction of Corbin. First, however, she called +for her chum, Louise, who was eager to accompany +her on the long ride.</p> +<p>“I won’t be able to stay long, Penny,” said Louise. +“Mother wants me to go shopping with her later this +afternoon.”</p> +<p>“That’s all right,” responded Penny as the old car +bolted along the road. “If I get delayed, you can take +Leaping Lena back home, and I’ll follow later on.”</p> +<p>With both girls keeping up a steady run of conversation +they soon reached their destination.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_166">[166]</div> +<p>Penny wondered if she would be able to enter the +Kippenberg estate without being challenged by the +bridgeman or a servant. Her anxiety increased upon +approaching the river, for she saw that a large group +of persons had gathered by the drawbridge.</p> +<p>No one paid the slightest attention to the two girls +as they abandoned the car and proceeded to the water’s +edge. Penny was pleased to find the youthful +boatman at his usual haunt on the river. He rowed the +girls across to the estate, promising to await their return.</p> +<p>Penny escorted Louise through the trees to the +Kippenberg house. Boldly she rang the doorbell which +was answered by a butler.</p> +<p>“I should like to speak with Mrs. Kippenberg,” she +requested.</p> +<p>“Madam will see no one,” began the man.</p> +<p>Footsteps sounded behind him in the hallway and +Mrs. Kippenberg stood in the door.</p> +<p>“So it is you?” she asked in an icy voice. “Julius, see +that this person is ejected from the grounds.”</p> +<p>“One moment please,” interposed Penny. “If I +leave now, I warn you that certain facts will be published +in the <i>Star</i>, facts which will add to your embarrassment.”</p> +<p>“You can print nothing which will humiliate us +further.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_167">[167]</div> +<p>“No? You might like to have me mention the alligator +in your lily pool. And the reason why you +and your daughter are so anxious to be rid of it before +the police ask questions.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Kippenberg’s plump face flushed a deep red. +But for once she managed to keep her temper.</p> +<p>“What do you wish of me?” she asked frigidly.</p> +<p>“First, tell me about that painting, ‘The Drawbridge’ +which was presented to your daughter as a +wedding gift. Was it not given to her by your husband?”</p> +<p>“I shall not answer your question.”</p> +<p>“Then you prefer that I print my own conclusions?”</p> +<p>“You are an impudent, prying young woman!” +Mrs. Kippenberg stormed. “What if the picture was +given to Sylvia by her father! Is that any crime?”</p> +<p>“Certainly not,” said Penny soothingly. “It merely +proves that you both know the whereabouts of Mr. +Kippenberg.”</p> +<p>“Perhaps I do. But I’ll tell you nothing, absolutely +nothing!”</p> +<p>“I have a few questions to ask about your new +gardener,” Penny went on, unmoved. “For instance, +why does he wear a wig?”</p> +<p>The door slammed in her face.</p> +<p>“That certainly was a very cold reception,” remarked +Louise as the girls walked away, the sound +of the slamming door still ringing in their ears.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_168">[168]</div> +<p>Penny shrugged her shoulders and smiled. “That’s +nothing. When you’re a reporter you have to expect +those things.” She looked about the deserted estate. +“Well, I think I’ll do some more sleuthing in the +vicinity of the pool.”</p> +<p>Louise looked at her wristwatch. “Goodness, it’s +getting late,” she stated. “I’d like to stay, Penny, but +I think I’d better be getting home to meet Mother.”</p> +<p>“Go ahead,” said Penny. “You take Leaping Lena. +The boy in the boat will row you across.”</p> +<p>“But how will you get home, then?”</p> +<p>“Don’t worry about me. I’ll find a way. You just +go on. I only hope the old bus holds up all the way +home.”</p> +<p>Louise laughed and then the two girls walked to +the boat dock. In a few moments the boy in the rowboat +appeared and took Louise across. Afterward, +Penny turned back through the trees and went on to +the forbidden part of the estate.</p> +<p>She spent a long time about the pool, examining the +earth all about it, but she failed to learn anything +new. Finally, she retraced her steps to the river. She +expected to find the boy waiting for her, but he had +disappeared. She walked through the trees to the boat +dock and stood there until the old watchman on the +other side observed her predicament.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_169">[169]</div> +<p>He obligingly lowered the drawbridge and she +crossed the river, pausing at the gear house to chat +with him.</p> +<p>Penny listened without comment to his story of +the automobile accident. Thorny had his own version +of how it had occurred and she did not correct any +of the details.</p> +<p>“I wish I had a way to get into Corbin,” she remarked +when he had finished his lengthy account.</p> +<p>“If you walk down to the main road you kin catch +the county bus,” he told her. “It runs every hour.”</p> +<p>A long hike along a dusty highway, an equally +tedious wait at a crossroad, and finally Penny arrived +in Corbin. She went directly to the Colonial Hotel, +placing a telephone call to her father’s office.</p> +<p>“What are you doing in Corbin, Penny?” her +father demanded as he recognized her voice.</p> +<p>Penny answered him eagerly. “I’ve made an important +discovery which may blow your case higher +than a kite. No, I can’t tell you anything over the +telephone. The reason I am calling is that I may need +help. Is Jerry still in the hospital?”</p> +<p>“He never was there,” responded her father. “I +couldn’t make him go. He and Salt are out on the +river looking for the men who cracked him over the +head. I expect they’ll call in any time now.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_170">[170]</div> +<p>“If you do get in touch with Jerry, ask him to +meet me at the Colonial Hotel,” urged Penny. “I have +a hunch the big story is about to break. In any event +I’ll need a ride home.”</p> +<p>There was a great deal more to the conversation, +with Mr. Parker delivering a long lecture upon the +proper deportment for a daughter. Penny closed her +ears, murmuring at regular intervals, “Yes, Dad,” and +finally went back to her post in the lobby.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_171">[171]</div> +<h2 id="c21"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">21</span> +<br /><i>THE WHITE CRUISER</i></h2> +<p>For at least an hour she waited. She watched the +clock until the hands pointed to six o’clock. Tantalizing +odors came to her from the dining room, but she +resolutely downed her hunger. She did not wish to +give up her vigil even for a few minutes.</p> +<p>Finally Penny’s patience was rewarded. She saw a +man moving across the lobby toward the desk. He +wore well-cut tailored clothes and a low-brimmed +felt hat, yet the girl recognized him at a glance. He +was the Kippenberg gardener.</p> +<p>The man paused at the desk and asked for a key.</p> +<p>“Good evening, Mr. Hammil,” said the clerk, handing +it over.</p> +<p>Penny had noted that the key was taken from a +mailbox which bore the number, 381.</p> +<p>“So my friend, the gardener, has an alias,” she +mused. “Several of them, perhaps.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_172">[172]</div> +<p>Another half hour elapsed while the girl waited +patiently in her chair. Each time the elevator descended +she watched the people alight. At exactly six +forty-five Mr. Hammil stepped out of the lift, and +without glancing toward the girl, dropped his key +on the desk and went into the dining room.</p> +<p>The clerk, busy with several newcomers at the +hotel, did not notice. Thinking that she saw her +chance, Penny slipped from her chair, sidled toward +the desk and picked up the key. Her heart pounded +as she walked toward the elevator, but no one called +to her. Her action had passed unobserved.</p> +<p>“Third floor,” said Penny, and the elevator shot +upward.</p> +<p>She located room 381 at the far end of the hall, +and with a quick glance in both directions, unlocked +the door and entered.</p> +<p>An open suitcase lay upon the luggage rack by the +dresser. In systematic fashion Penny went through it, +finding an assortment of interesting articles—a revolver, +and two wigs, one of gray hair, the other black. +There were no letters or papers, nothing to positively +identify the owner of the luggage. But in the very +bottom of the case Penny came upon a photograph. +It was a picture of Sylvia Kippenberg.</p> +<p>Penny slipped the picture into the front of her +dress, hastily replaced everything as she had found it, +relocked the door, and returned to the lobby. As she +went toward the desk intending to rid herself of the +key, she stopped short.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_173">[173]</div> +<p>Jerry Livingston stood there talking earnestly with +the clerk.</p> +<p>“But I was told to come here,” she heard him protest.</p> +<p>“There was a girl in the lobby a few minutes ago,” +the clerk replied. “She went off somewhere.”</p> +<p>“No, here I am, Jerry!” Penny cried.</p> +<p>The reporter turned around and his face lighted up.</p> +<p>“Come outside, Jerry,” Penny said before he could +speak. “I have a great deal to tell you.”</p> +<p>“And I have some news of my own,” returned the +reporter.</p> +<p>They left the hotel together. Once beyond hearing, +Penny made a complete report of her afternoon +adventure, and showed Jerry the picture of Sylvia +Kippenberg which she had taken from room 381.</p> +<p>“Now for my story,” said Jerry. “I’ve located a +place not far from here where those two seamen buy +supplies. The owner of the store told me they tie +their boat up there nearly every night.”</p> +<p>“Where is Salt now, Jerry?”</p> +<p>“He’s keeping watch at the place. I came into town +to telephone the <i>Star</i> office. Your father said I was +to stop here and take you in tow.”</p> +<p>“You’re not starting back to Riverview?” Penny +asked in dismay.</p> +<p>“I don’t want to, Penny. I have a feeling our big +story is just about ready to break!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_174">[174]</div> +<p>“So have I, Jerry. Let’s stay with it. I’ll explain to +Dad when we get home.”</p> +<p>“Then let’s be on our way,” the reporter said +crisply. “No telling what has developed while I’ve +been in town.”</p> +<p>In the press car, the couple took the river road +which led east from the Kippenberg estate. As they +bounced along, making all possible speed, Jerry told +Penny how he and Salt had traced the two seamen. +They had made inquiry all along the river, and quite +by chance had encountered a fisherman who had given +them a valuable tip.</p> +<p>“But so many rumors are false, Jerry,” Penny said.</p> +<p>“This tip was straight. Salt and I found the white +cruiser tied up at the dock not far from this store I +was telling you about. We’ve been watching it for +the past two hours, and Salt is still there.”</p> +<p>“Why didn’t you call the police?”</p> +<p>“Wouldn’t have done any good. The men we’re +after haven’t been there all day. The only person on +board is a girl.”</p> +<p>“A girl?”</p> +<p>“Well, maybe you would say a young woman. +About twenty-two, I’d guess.”</p> +<p>“Jerry, you must be watching the wrong boat.”</p> +<p>Jerry shook his head as he drove the car into the +bushes at the side of the road. “It’s the right one, +I’m sure of it. Well, we’re here.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_175">[175]</div> +<p>Penny was hard pressed to keep up as the reporter +led her through the trees down to the winding Kobalt +river. They found Salt in his hiding place, behind a +large boulder.</p> +<p>“Anything happen since I left?” Jerry demanded.</p> +<p>Salt scarcely noticed Penny’s presence save to give +her a quick nod of welcome.</p> +<p>“You got back just in time,” he replied to the question. +“The girl went away a minute ago. Took a +basket and started for the store.”</p> +<p>“Then why are we waiting?” asked Jerry. “Come +on, we’ll take a look inside that boat.”</p> +<p>“Someone ought to stay here and keep watch,” +Salt returned. “She may come back any minute.”</p> +<p>“You’re elected guard then. Penny and I will look +the boat over and see what we can find. If the girl +starts back, whistle.”</p> +<p>Darting across the muddy shore, Penny and Jerry +reached the dilapidated boat which had been tied up +at the end of a sagging dock. They jumped aboard +and after a hasty glance over the deck, dived down +into the cabin.</p> +<p>The room was dirty and in great disorder. Boots +lay on the floor, discarded garments were scattered +about, and a musty odor prevailed.</p> +<p>“Nothing here,” said Jerry.</p> +<p>“Let’s look around carefully,” insisted Penny. “We +may find something.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_176">[176]</div> +<p>Crossing the cabin she opened a closet door. Save +for a pair of oilskins which hung from a nail, it was +quite empty.</p> +<p>“Listen!” commanded Penny suddenly.</p> +<p>Jerry stood absolutely still, straining to hear. A +long, low whistle reached his ears.</p> +<p>“The warning signal!” he exclaimed. “Come on, +Penny, we’re getting out of here.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_177">[177]</div> +<h2 id="c22"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">22</span> +<br /><i>TRAPPED IN THE CABIN</i></h2> +<p>Penny opened the door of the cabin only to +close it quickly. She and Jerry both had heard men’s +voices very close to the boat.</p> +<p>“It’s too late,” she whispered. “Those men have +come back.”</p> +<p>“Not the girl?”</p> +<p>“No, they’re alone. But we’re in a trap. What shall +we do?”</p> +<p>“We could make a dash for it. If we have to fight +our way out, Salt will be there to help.”</p> +<p>“Let’s stick and see what happens, Jerry. We’re +after information. We must expect to take a chance +in order to get it.”</p> +<p>Jerry had been thinking more of Penny’s safety +than his own. But thus urged, he turned the key in +the lock, bolting the door from the inside.</p> +<p>A low rumble of voices reached the couple as they +stood with ears pressed against the panel. But they +were unable to distinguish words. Then presently, one +of the seamen moved close to the companionway.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_178">[178]</div> +<p>“I’ll get it, Jake,” he called. “It’s down in the +cabin.”</p> +<p>Jerry and Penny kept quiet as the man turned the +door knob. He heaved angrily against the panel with +his shoulder.</p> +<p>“Hey, Jake,” he shouted, “what’s the idea of locking +the door?”</p> +<p>“I didn’t lock it.”</p> +<p>“Then Flora did.” Muttering under his breath, the +seaman tramped back up on deck.</p> +<p>Perhaps ten minutes elapsed before Penny and Jerry +heard a feminine voice speaking.</p> +<p>“That must be Flora,” whispered Penny. “What +will happen when she tells them that she didn’t lock +the door?”</p> +<p>The voices above rose louder and louder until the +two prisoners were able to distinguish some of the +words. Jake berated the girl as stupid while his companion +showered abuse upon her until she broke +down and wept.</p> +<p>“I never had the key,” they heard her wail. “I don’t +know what became of it. You always blame me for +everything that goes wrong, and I’m good and sick of +it. If I don’t get better treatment I may tell a few +things to the police. How would you like that?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_179">[179]</div> +<p>Jerry and Penny did not hear the response, but +they recoiled as a loud crashing sound told them the +girl had been given a cruel push into a solid object. +Her cry of pain was drowned out by another noise, +the sudden clatter of the motor boat engine.</p> +<p>Penny and Jerry gazed at each other with startled +eyes.</p> +<p>“We’re moving,” she whispered.</p> +<p>Jerry started to fit the key into the door lock, only +to have Penny arrest his hand.</p> +<p>“Let’s stay and see it through,” she urged. “This +is our chance to learn the hide-out and perhaps solve +the mystery of Atherwald’s disappearance.”</p> +<p>“All right,” the reporter agreed. “But I wish you +weren’t in on this.”</p> +<p>From the tiny window of the cabin, he and Penny +observed various landmarks as the boat proceeded +downstream. Perhaps half an hour elapsed before the +cruiser came to the mouth of a narrow river which +emptied into the Kobalt. From that point on progress +became slow and often the boat was so close to shore +that Penny could have reached out and touched overhanging +bushes.</p> +<p>“I didn’t know this stream was deep enough for a +motor boat,” Jerry whispered. “We must be heading +for a hide-out deep in the swamp.”</p> +<p>“I hope Salt has sense enough to call Dad and the +police,” Penny said with the first show of nervousness. +“We’re going to be a long way from help.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_180">[180]</div> +<p>The boat crept on for perhaps a mile. Then it +stopped, and Penny assumed they had reached their +destination. Gazing out of the window again, she saw +why they were halted. A great tree with finger-like +branches had fallen across the river, blocking the way.</p> +<p>“Look, Jerry,” she whispered. “We’ll not be able +to go any farther.”</p> +<p>“Guess again,” the reporter muttered.</p> +<p>Penny saw then that one of the men had left the +boat and was walking along shore. He seemed not in +the least disturbed by the great tree and for the first +time it dawned upon her that it served a definite purpose.</p> +<p>“Lift ’er up, Gus,” called the man at the wheel of +the boat.</p> +<p>His companion disappeared into the bushes. Several +minutes elapsed and then Penny heard a creaking +sound as if ropes were moving on a pulley.</p> +<p>“The tree!” whispered Jerry, his eyes flashing. “It’s +lifting!”</p> +<p>Very slowly, an inch at a time, the great tree raised +from the water, its huge roots serving as a hinge. +When it was high enough, the motor boat passed +beneath the dripping branches and waited on the +other side.</p> +<p>Slowly, the tree was lowered into place once more.</p> +<p>“Clever, mighty clever,” Jerry muttered. “Anyone +searching for the hide-out would never think of looking +beyond this fallen tree. To all purposes nature put +it here.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_181">[181]</div> +<p>“Nature probably did,” Penny added. “But our dishonorable +friends adapted it to their own use.”</p> +<p>Through the window Penny saw the man called +Gus reboard the boat.</p> +<p>Once more the cruiser went on up the narrow +stream, making slow but steady progress. Long shadows +had settled over the water. Soon it became dark.</p> +<p>Then a short distance ahead, Jerry and Penny observed +a light. As the boat drifted up to a wharf, a +man could be seen standing there with a glowing +lantern. They were unable to see his face, and quickly +dodged back from the cabin window to avoid being +noticed.</p> +<p>“Everything all right, Aaron?” the man at the +wheel asked, jumping ashore. He looped a coil of rope +about one of the dock posts.</p> +<p>“Aaron!” whispered Penny, gripping Jerry’s hand.</p> +<p>“It must be Aaron Dietz, Kippenberg’s former business +associate. So he’s the ringleader in this business!”</p> +<p>They listened, trying to hear the man’s reply to the +question which had been asked.</p> +<p>“Yeah, everything’s all right,” he responded gruffly.</p> +<p>“You don’t sound any too cheerful about it.”</p> +<p>“Atherwald still won’t talk. Keeps insisting he +doesn’t know where the gold is hidden. What bothers +me, I am beginning to think we made a mistake. He +may be telling the truth.”</p> +<p>“Say, this is a fine time to be finding it out!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_182">[182]</div> +<p>“Oh, keep your shirt on, Gus. You and Jake will +get your pay anyhow. And even if Atherwald doesn’t +know the hiding place we’ll make Kippenberg come +through.”</p> +<p>“You’ll have to find him first,” the other retorted. +“If you ask my opinion, you’ve made a mess of the +whole affair.”</p> +<p>“No one asked your opinion! We’ll make Atherwald +tell tonight or else—”</p> +<p>The man with the lantern started away from the +dock but paused before he had taken many steps.</p> +<p>“Get those supplies up to the shack,” he ordered. +“Then I want to talk with you both.”</p> +<p>“All right,” was the reply, “but we have to get the +cabin door open first. Flora locked it and lost the +key.”</p> +<p>“I didn’t,” the girl protested shrilly. “Don’t you +try to blame me.”</p> +<p>Jerry and Penny knew that their situation now was +a precarious one. If they were found in the cabin they +would be taken prisoners and the exclusive story which +they hoped to write never would be theirs.</p> +<p>“We’ve trapped ourselves in this cubby-hole,” the +reporter muttered. “All my doing, too.”</p> +<p>“We can hide in the closet, Jerry. The men may +not think to search there.”</p> +<p>Noiselessly, they opened the door and slipped into +the tiny room. The air was hot and stuffy, the space +too narrow for comfort.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_183">[183]</div> +<p>Jerry and Penny did not have long to wait before +there came a loud crash against the cabin door. The +two seamen were trying to break through the flimsy +panel.</p> +<p>“Bring a light, Flora,” called one of the men.</p> +<p>Penny and Jerry flattened themselves against the +closet wall, waiting.</p> +<p>A panel splintered on the outside cabin door, and +a heavy tramping of feet told them that the men had +entered the room.</p> +<p>“No one in here, Gus.”</p> +<p>“It’s just as we thought. Flora locked the door and +lied out of it.”</p> +<p>“I didn’t! I didn’t!” cried the girl. “Someone else +must have done it while I was at the store. The door +was unlocked when I went away.”</p> +<p>“There’s no one here now.”</p> +<p>“I—I thought I heard voices while we were coming +down the river.”</p> +<p>“In this cabin?”</p> +<p>“Yes, just a low murmur.”</p> +<p>“You imagined it,” the man told her. “But I’ll take +a look in the closet to be sure.”</p> +<p>He walked across the cabin toward the hiding place. +Penny and Jerry braced themselves for the moment +when the door would be flung open. They had trapped +themselves and now faced almost certain capture.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_184">[184]</div> +<h2 id="c23"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">23</span> +<br /><i>AT THE HIDE-OUT</i></h2> +<p>Before the man could pull open the closet door, +a booming voice called impatiently from shore:</p> +<p>“Say, are you coming? We have plenty of work +ahead of us tonight.”</p> +<p>Distracted from his purpose, the searcher turned +aside without glancing into the closet. With his companion +and the girl, he left the cabin.</p> +<p>Penny and Jerry waited at least five minutes. When +all was silent above, they stole from their hiding place. +From the window they assured themselves that the +wharf was deserted.</p> +<p>“What do we do now, start after the police?” +Penny questioned.</p> +<p>“Let’s make certain Atherwald is here first. We +can’t afford to be wrong.”</p> +<p>A path led through the timber. As they followed +it, Jerry and Penny saw a moving lantern some distance +ahead. They kept it in sight until the three men +and Flora disappeared into a cabin.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_185">[185]</div> +<p>Stealing on through the darkness, Penny and Jerry +crept to the screen door. Peering in, they saw a barren +room containing a table, a cook stove and double-deck +bunks.</p> +<p>“Get supper on, Flora,” one of the men ordered +curtly.</p> +<p>“Am I to cook anything for the prisoner?” she +asked in a whining voice.</p> +<p>“Not unless he decides to talk. I’ll find out if he’s +changed his mind.”</p> +<p>The man who had been called Aaron crossed the +cabin to an adjoining room. He unlocked the door +which had been fastened with a padlock, and went +inside.</p> +<p>“Atherwald must be in there,” whispered Penny.</p> +<p>With one accord, she and Jerry tiptoed across the +sagging porch and posted themselves under a high +window. Glancing up they saw it contained no glass, +but had narrow iron bars in keeping with a prison +chamber.</p> +<p>Jerry lifted Penny up so that she could peep into +the room. By the light of the oil lantern she saw a +haggard young man sitting on the bed. Despite a +stubble of beard and unkempt hair, she instantly recognized +him as the missing bridegroom. She made another +observation, one which shocked her. The man’s +wrists were handcuffed.</p> +<p>“It’s Grant Atherwald,” she told Jerry as he lowered +her to the ground. “They’ve treated him shamefully.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_186">[186]</div> +<p>Jerry held up his hand as a signal for silence. +In the room above the men were speaking and he +wished to hear every word.</p> +<p>“Well, Atherwald, have you changed your mind? +How about a little supper tonight?”</p> +<p>“How can I tell you something I don’t know?” the +bridegroom retorted wearily. “Kippenberg never confided +any of his secrets to me.”</p> +<p>“You know where his gold is hidden!”</p> +<p>“I don’t think he ever had any!”</p> +<p>“Oh, yes, he did. When the government passed a +law that it was illegal to keep gold, Kippenberg decided +to defy it. He had over half his fortune converted +into gold which he expected to re-convert into +currency at a great profit to himself. His plans went +amiss when government men listed him for investigation.”</p> +<p>“You seem to know all about his private affairs,” +Grant Atherwald said sarcastically. “Strange that you +haven’t learned the hiding place of the gold—if there +ever was any!”</p> +<p>“It will do you no good to pretend, Atherwald! +Either you tell the hiding place, or we’ll bring your +bride here to keep you company!”</p> +<p>“You wouldn’t dare touch her, you fiend!”</p> +<p>“No? Well, unless you decide to talk, she’ll share +your fate, and I promise you it won’t be a pretty one. +Now I’ll leave you to think it over.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_187">[187]</div> +<p>The door closed with a bang.</p> +<p>“We’ll have to get the police here right away,” +Jerry advised Penny in a whisper. “No telling what +those scoundrels may try to do to Atherwald. We +haven’t a moment to waste.”</p> +<p>“It would take us hours to bring help here,” +reasoned Penny. “And if we try to use the motorboat +the gang will be warned and flee while we’re +on our way down the river.”</p> +<p>“That’s so, but we have to do something. Any +ideas?”</p> +<p>“Yes, I have one,” Penny answered soberly. “It +may sound pretty crazy. Still, I really believe it would +work!”</p> +<p>Hurriedly, she outlined what she had in mind. Jerry +listened incredulously, but as the girl explained and +elaborated certain details of her plan, his doubts began +to clear away.</p> +<p>“It’s dangerous,” he protested. “And if your hunch +about the pool is wrong, we will be in a fix.”</p> +<p>“Of course, but we’ll have to take a chance in order +to save Atherwald.”</p> +<p>“If everything went exactly according to plan it +might work!”</p> +<p>“Let’s try it, Jerry. Lift me up so I can attract +Atherwald’s attention.”</p> +<p>The reporter did as she requested. Penny tapped +lightly on the iron bars with her signet ring. She saw +Grant Atherwald start and turn his head. Penny repeated +the signal.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_188">[188]</div> +<p>The man arose from the bed and stumbled toward +the window.</p> +<p>“Who is it?” he whispered hoarsely.</p> +<p>“A friend.”</p> +<p>“Can you get me out of here?”</p> +<p>“We’re going to try. You are handcuffed?”</p> +<p>“Yes, and my captor keeps the key in his pocket. +The room outside is always guarded. Did you bring +an implement to saw through the bars?”</p> +<p>“No, we have another scheme in mind. But you +must do exactly as we tell you.”</p> +<p>“Yes, yes!” the bridegroom whispered eagerly, his +pale cheeks flooding with color.</p> +<p>“Listen closely,” Penny instructed. “When your +captor comes back tell him you have decided to talk.”</p> +<p>“I know nothing about the cache of gold,” the man +protested.</p> +<p>“Tell your captor that the hiding place is on the +Kippenberg estate.”</p> +<p>“That would only involve Sylvia and Mrs. Kippenberg. +I’ll do nothing to get them into trouble.”</p> +<p>“You’ll have to obey instructions or no one can +help you,” Penny said severely. “Would you prefer +that those cruel men carry out their threat? They’ll +spirit Sylvia away and try to force the truth from +her.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_189">[189]</div> +<p>“I’ll do as you say.”</p> +<p>“Then tell your captor that the gold is hidden in a +specially constructed vault lying beneath the lily +pool.” Penny had resolved to act upon her hunch that +there was a trapdoor on the bottom of the pool. Now +as she issued instructions she wished that she might +have found some way of examining the pool to see if +she were right. However, she had to take a chance on +there being a vault beneath the pool.</p> +<p>Atherwald protested mildly. “He would never believe +such a fantastic story.”</p> +<p>“It is not as fantastic as it sounds,” replied Penny. +“You must convince him that it is true.”</p> +<p>“I will try.”</p> +<p>“Make the men understand that to get the gold +they must drain the pool and raise a trapdoor in the +cement bottom. Ask to be taken with the men when +they go there tonight and demand that you be given +your freedom as soon as the gold is found.”</p> +<p>“They will never let me go alive. An identification +from me would send them all to prison for life.”</p> +<p>“Do you know the men?”</p> +<p>“The ringleader is Aaron Dietz. At one time he +was employed by Mr. Kippenberg.”</p> +<p>“Just as I thought.”</p> +<p>“The other two call themselves Gus and Jake. I +don’t know their last names. Then there is a girl who +seems to be a sister to Gus.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_190">[190]</div> +<p>“How did they get you here?”</p> +<p>“On the day of the wedding I was handed a note +just as I reached the estate. It requested me to come at +once to the garden. While I waited there, two ruffians +sprang upon me from behind. Before I could cry out +they dragged me to their boat at the river’s edge. I +was handcuffed, blindfolded and brought to this +cabin.”</p> +<p>The slamming of an outside door warned Penny +that she was wasting precious time in talk.</p> +<p>“You understand your instructions?” she whispered +hurriedly.</p> +<p>“Yes.”</p> +<p>“Then goodbye. With luck we’ll have you free in +a few hours.”</p> +<p>“With luck is right,” Jerry muttered as Penny slid +to the ground.</p> +<p>Aaron Dietz stood on the front porch staring out +into the night. Seeing him there, Penny and Jerry +circled widely before attempting to return to the +river. Satisfied that they had not been observed, they +boarded the boat and descended to the cabin.</p> +<p>For possibly an hour they sat in the dark, waiting +anxiously.</p> +<p>“Looks as if my little plan didn’t work,” Penny +remarked. “I might have known it would be too +simple.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_191">[191]</div> +<p>Jerry had risen to his feet. He went to the window +and listened.</p> +<p>“Hear anything?” Penny whispered hopefully.</p> +<p>“Sounds like someone coming down the path. We +ought to get into our cubby-hole.”</p> +<p>They tiptoed to the closet and closed the door.</p> +<p>Within a few minutes they heard a confusion of +voices and the shuffle of feet as men boarded the +cruiser. Penny wondered if the group included Grant +Atherwald and was greatly relieved when she heard +him speak.</p> +<p>“I don’t see why you think I would double-cross +you,” he said distinctly. “I am considering my own +welfare. You promised that if the gold is found you’ll +give me my freedom.”</p> +<p>“Sure, you’ll get it. But if you’re lying about the +hiding place—”</p> +<p>The words were drowned out by the roar of the +motor boat engine. Penny and Jerry felt the floor beneath +them quiver and then gently roll. The cruiser +was under way.</p> +<p>“We’re heading for the Kippenberg estate!” Penny +whispered. “Oh, everything is starting out beautifully!”</p> +<p>“I only hope it ends the same way,” said Jerry +morosely. “I only hope it does.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_192">[192]</div> +<h2 id="c24"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">24</span> +<br /><i>SECRET OF THE LILY POOL</i></h2> +<p>The moon rode high in the heavens as the cabin +cruiser let go its anchor in a cove off the Kippenberg +estate. Penny who had been dozing for the past hour +in her self-imposed prison started up in alarm as Jerry +nudged her in the ribs.</p> +<p>“Wake up,” he whispered. “We’re here.”</p> +<p>“At the estate?”</p> +<p>“I think so.”</p> +<p>On the deck above their heads they could hear the +men talking together.</p> +<p>“You’ll come along with us, Atherwald,” Aaron +Dietz said. “Flora, you stay here and guard the boat. +If you see anyone watching or acting suspiciously, +blow the whistle two short blasts.”</p> +<p>“I don’t want to stay here alone,” the girl whimpered. +“I’m afraid.”</p> +<p>“You’ll do as I say,” the man ordered harshly. +“Get started, Gus. It’s two o’clock now. We won’t +have many hours before daylight.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_193">[193]</div> +<p>In making her plans Penny had not once considered +that the men might leave a guard on the +cruiser. With the girl posted as a lookout they were +still prisoners in the cabin.</p> +<p>“We have to get out of here now or never,” she +whispered. “What shall we do about Flora?”</p> +<p>“We’ll rush her and take a chance on the whistle.”</p> +<p>They slipped out of their hiding place and crawled +noiselessly up the steep stairway. Pausing there, they +watched the shadowy figure of the girl in the bow +of the boat. She was quite alone, for her companions +had disappeared into the woods.</p> +<p>“Now!” commanded Jerry in a whisper.</p> +<p>With a quick rush he and Penny were across the +deck. They approached Flora from behind and were +upon her before she could turn her head. Jerry grasped +her arms while Penny clapped a hand over her mouth +to prevent a scream. Although the girl fought fiercely, +she was no match for two persons.</p> +<p>Stripping off her sash, Penny gave it to Jerry to use +as a gag. They bound the girl’s wrists and ankles, then +carried her down into the cabin.</p> +<p>“I hate to leave her like that,” said Penny as they +went back on deck.</p> +<p>“Don’t waste your sympathy,” replied Jerry. “She +doesn’t deserve it. Anyway, we’ll soon set her free. +We must bring the police now.”</p> +<p>“The nearest house with a telephone is about a half +mile away.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_194">[194]</div> +<p>“It won’t take us long to cover the distance,” Jerry +said, helping her down from the boat.</p> +<p>“You go alone,” urged Penny. “I’ll stay here and +keep watch.”</p> +<p>“I don’t like to leave you.”</p> +<p>“Go on.” Penny gave him a little push. “And +hurry!”</p> +<p>After Jerry had reluctantly left, she plunged into +the trees, carefully picking her way along the path +which led to the lily pool. A short distance brought +her to the clearing. Halting, she saw the three men +and Grant Atherwald silhouetted in the bright moonlight. +The latter was still handcuffed, guarded by +Aaron Dietz who allowed his companions to do the +hard labor.</p> +<p>Gus and Jake had broken open the door of the stone +tower. The soft purr of a motor told Penny that they +had started draining the pool. She wondered what +the men would do when they discovered that the tank +contained a very live alligator.</p> +<p>“It ought to put a crimp in their work,” she +chuckled. “Mr. Kippenberg couldn’t have chosen a +more effective guard for his gold.”</p> +<p>But gradually as the pool drained lower and lower, +it struck Penny as odd that the men did not notice +the alligator. Belatedly, it occurred to her that the +Kippenberg gardener had probably succeeded in getting +rid of the monster since her visit to the garden +earlier in the day.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_195">[195]</div> +<p>“Something like that <i>would</i> happen,” she thought. +“Oh, well, even so Jerry ought to get here with the +police in ample time.”</p> +<p>Only the waning of the moon gave indication of +how swiftly the night was passing. Penny became +alarmed as she observed how fast the pool emptied. +Jerry would not have as long as she had anticipated. +But surely, he would bring help before it was too late.</p> +<p>Presently, one of the men shut off the motor in the +stone tower, saying with quiet jubilance:</p> +<p>“There, she’s empty!”</p> +<p>He jumped down into the tank, and almost at once +uttered a cry of discovery.</p> +<p>“Here it is, just as he said! The ring to the trap! +Give us some help, Gus.”</p> +<p>With Aaron Dietz and the bewildered bridegroom +watching from above, the two men raised the heavy +block of cement. Penny drew closer for she did not +wish to miss anything. She stood in the shadow of a +tree scarcely fifteen yards from where the men +worked.</p> +<p>“A stairway leads down into an underground +vault!” Jake cried exultantly. “We’ve found the hiding +place of the gold.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_196">[196]</div> +<p>“Toss me your flashlight, Aaron,” called Gus. +“We’ll soon have all of the treasure out of here.”</p> +<p>The next ten minutes brought a confused whirl of +impressions. Penny’s thoughts were in turmoil. Why +didn’t Jerry come with the police? As soon as the +men carried the burden of gold to the boat they +would discover Flora, bound and gagged. Then they +would suspect that a trap had been laid. Oh, why +didn’t Jerry hurry?</p> +<p>Gus and Jake had descended into the underground +vault. As the light reappeared, Penny was dumbfounded +to see that the men were empty handed.</p> +<p>“Nothing down there,” Gus reported in disgust. +“Nothing!”</p> +<p>“Then we’ve been tricked!” Aaron Dietz turned +furiously upon his prisoner. “You’ll pay for this!”</p> +<p>“I thought the gold was here,” answered Grant +Atherwald.</p> +<p>“Lock him up in the vault and start the water running,” +advised Jake harshly. “It’s a good way to be +rid of him.”</p> +<p>The suggestion appealed to Aaron Dietz. At a +nod from him, Atherwald was seized and dragged +down into the pool. He was shoved into the vault, +but before the two men could lower the heavy +cement block into place, a signal from Dietz arrested +their action.</p> +<p>“Wait!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_197">[197]</div> +<p>In her anxiety over Grant Atherwald, Penny had +moved closer to the pool. Without realizing that she +was exposing herself, she stood so that her shadow +fell clearly across the open space. Before she comprehended +her danger, Dietz hurled himself upon her, +seizing her roughly by the arms.</p> +<p>Penny struggled to free herself but could not. The +man’s grip was like steel.</p> +<p>“So you were spying!” he exclaimed harshly.</p> +<p>“I—I was just watching,” Penny stammered. “Don’t +you remember me? I am the girl who pulled you out +of the river when your car went over the drawbridge.”</p> +<p>The man looked closely at her, and for an instant +she dared hope that he would recall her with gratitude. +But his face hardened again and he said unfeelingly:</p> +<p>“You know entirely too much, my little girl. This +is one story you will never write for your father’s +paper. Your curiosity has proven your undoing. You +share the fate of your very good friend.”</p> +<p>With a sinking heart Penny realized by the man’s +words that he knew her to be the daughter of a newspaper +publisher, and that he had guessed her part in +the trick played upon him.</p> +<p>“Down you go!” Dietz said harshly.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_198">[198]</div> +<p>As he dragged her toward the pool, Penny screamed +at the top of her lungs. A hand was clapped over her +mouth. She bit it savagely, but her efforts to free herself +were of no avail.</p> +<p>The men shoved her headlong down the stone stairway +into the pit.</p> +<p>“Now scream as much as you like,” Aaron Dietz +hurled after her. “No one will hear you.”</p> +<p>The heavy stone slab dropped into place.</p> +<p>Penny picked herself up from the steps. Terror +gripped her, and with a sob she called frantically:</p> +<p>“Mr. Atherwald! Mr. Atherwald!”</p> +<p>“Here at the bottom of the steps,” he answered with +a groan.</p> +<p>“Are you hurt?”</p> +<p>“Only bruised. But my hands are still in cuffs.”</p> +<p>Penny limped down the stairway and helped the +man to his feet.</p> +<p>“We’re done for now,” he said. “No one will ever +look for us down in this vault. And our cries will +never be heard.”</p> +<p>“Don’t give up,” Penny murmured encouragingly. +“We may be able to lift the stone. Come let’s try.”</p> +<p>Mounting the stairs, they applied their shoulders +to the massive door, but their best efforts did not +raise it an inch.</p> +<p>“Listen!” cried Atherwald suddenly.</p> +<p>They both could hear the sound of water running +into the empty pool.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_199">[199]</div> +<p>“In an hour’s time no one will ever guess that a +hidden vault lies beneath the tank!” Atherwald +groaned. “We’re doomed!”</p> +<p>“If we can hear the water splashing above us, our +voices might carry!” Penny reasoned. “Let’s cry out +for help. Now, together!”</p> +<p>They shouted over and over until their voices failed +them. Then, completely discouraged, they sagged +down on the stairway to rest.</p> +<p>“Nothing went as I planned,” Penny said dismally. +“I really thought the gold was hidden in this vault. +If the men had found it, they would have spent hours +removing the loot to their boat. Jerry would have +come with the police and everything would have +been all right.”</p> +<p>Grant Atherwald was not listening to the girl’s +words. He struggled to his feet, pressing his ear against +the trapdoor.</p> +<p>“The water has stopped running!”</p> +<p>“Are you sure?” Penny sprang up and stood beside +him, listening.</p> +<p>“Yes, and I hear voices!”</p> +<p>With one accord, they shouted for help. Could it +be imagination or did they hear an answering cry? +As they repeated their frantic call, there was a scraping +on the stone above their heads.</p> +<p>“Stand away,” ordered a muffled voice.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_200">[200]</div> +<p>Before Penny and the bridegroom could obey, the +great door lifted. A deluge of water poured in, its +force nearly washing them from the steps. But in another +moment the passage was clear and they stumbled +up through the rectangular opening.</p> +<p>Jerry grasped Penny’s hand, helping her out of the +vault. One of the blue-coated policemen aided Atherwald, +unfastening the handcuffs which held him a +prisoner.</p> +<p>“You’re all right, Penny?” the reporter asked anxiously.</p> +<p>“I—I feel like a drowned rat,” she laughed, shaking +water out of her hair. Then, with a quick change of +mood she asked: “Did you get Aaron Dietz and his +men?”</p> +<p>“No,” Jerry answered in disgust. “When we crossed +the river five minutes ago, the cruiser was still there. +No sign of anyone around. I brought the police here, +and now I suppose they’ve made their get-away.”</p> +<p>“Oh, Jerry, we can’t let them escape! Send the +police—”</p> +<p>“Now don’t get worked up,” the reporter soothed. +“A squad started back just as soon as we found out +what had happened here.”</p> +<p>“Dietz and his men must have seen the police crossing +the river,” speculated Penny. “They may have +hidden in the bushes, biding their time. By now +they’ve slipped away in their boat.”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid of it,” Jerry admitted. “I traveled as +fast as I could.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_201">[201]</div> +<p>As one of the policemen lifted Penny out of the +pool, a noise which sounded like the back-firing of +an automobile, broke the stillness of the night. It was +followed by a volley of similar sounds.</p> +<p>“Gunfire!” exclaimed Penny.</p> +<p>The policemen started at a run through the woods +toward the place where the white cruiser had last +been seen. Penny hesitated, and then took the opposite +direction, coming out of the woods at a point +directly opposite the drawbridge.</p> +<p>Gazing far up the river she could see the white +cruiser, flashes of fire coming from the cabin window +as the desperadoes exchanged shots with the police, +who were concealed in the woods.</p> +<p>“That boat will try to run for it in another minute,” +Penny thought. “If only the drawbridge were down!”</p> +<p>Kicking off her shoes, she dived into the water, +swimming diagonally across the river to take advantage +of the swift current. Her powerful strokes +brought her to shallow water and she waded ashore +through ankle-deep mud. As she scrambled up the +slippery bank, her wet clothing plastered to her body, +she heard the roar of the cruiser’s motor.</p> +<p>“They’ve started the engine!” she thought. “In another +minute the boat will be at the bridge. Hurry! +Hurry!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_202">[202]</div> +<p>Penny could force herself to no greater effort. +Breathless, she reached the gearhouse and groped +frantically under the door. Had Thorny failed to +hide the key there? No, her fingers seized upon it.</p> +<p>Trembling with excitement, she turned it in the +lock. The door of the gearhouse swung open. Now +could she remember how to lower the bridge? Any +mistake would be costly, for by this time she could +hear the cruiser racing down the river at full speed. +If only it were light enough so that she could see the +gears!</p> +<p>She pulled a lever and her heart leaped as the motor +responded with a pleasant purr. The power was on!</p> +<p>“Now to lower the bridge!” thought Penny. “But +which lever is the right one? I’m not sure.”</p> +<p>With a prayer in her heart she grasped the one +closest at hand and eased it forward. There was a +grinding of gears as the tall cantilevers began to move. +They were coming down, but oh, so slowly!</p> +<p>“Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!” Penny whispered, as if +her words could speed the bridge on its journey.</p> +<p>The white cruiser drove onward at full speed. +Lower came the bridge. Penny held her breath, knowing +it would be a matter of inches whether or not the +boat would clear. The man at the wheel, aware of the +danger, did not swerve from his course.</p> +<p>The bridge settled into place. As the crash came, +Penny closed her eyes.</p> +<p>“<i>I did it! I’ve stopped them!</i>” she thought, and +sagged weakly against the gear house.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_203">[203]</div> +<h2 id="c25"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">25</span> +<br /><i>VICTORY FOR PENNY</i></h2> +<p>Minutes later Penny was still leaning limply +against the building when a car drove up to the bridge. +Her father, Salt, and a bevy of policemen and government +representatives sprang out and ran to her +side.</p> +<p>“Penny, what happened?” Mr. Parker clasped his +daughter in his arms. “You’re soaking wet! Didn’t we +hear gunfire as we turned in here?”</p> +<p>Penny waved her hand weakly toward the river +below.</p> +<p>“There’s your story, Dad. Pictures galore. Boat +smashes into dangerous drawbridge. Police pursue and +shoot it out with desperadoes, taking what’s left of +’em into custody. I’m afraid to look.”</p> +<p>“And what were you doing while all this was going +on?” demanded her father.</p> +<p>“Me? I was just waiting for the drawbridge to go +down.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_204">[204]</div> +<p>Mr. Parker, Salt, and the policemen he had brought +to the scene, rushed to the edge of the bridge. A +police boat had drawn up beside the badly listing +cruiser, and three men prisoners and a girl were being +taken off.</p> +<p>“How bad is it?” Penny called anxiously.</p> +<p>“All captured alive,” answered her father. “Salt, get +that camera of yours into action! Where’s Jerry? He +would be missing at a time like this! What happened +anyhow? Can’t someone tell me?”</p> +<p>Penny had fully recovered the power of speech, +and with a most flattering audience, she recounted her +adventures.</p> +<p>“Excuse me just a minute,” she interrupted herself.</p> +<p>Turning her back, she pulled a sodden photograph +from the front of her dress and handed it to her +father.</p> +<p>“This picture is in pretty bad shape,” she said, “but +it’s clue number one. You see, it’s a photograph of +Miss Kippenberg, and on the back is written, ‘To +Father, with all my love.’ I found the picture this +afternoon in Room 381 at the Colonial Hotel.”</p> +<p>“Then you’ve located Kippenberg?” one of the G +men demanded.</p> +<p>“I have. He’s been masquerading as the Kippenberg +gardener, coming back here no doubt to witness the +marriage of his daughter.”</p> +<p>“We’ll arrest him right away,” said the government +man, turning to leave. “Thanks for the tip.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_205">[205]</div> +<p>“I am confident Miss Kippenberg and her mother +had nothing to do with Grant Atherwald’s disappearance,” +Penny went on. “Aaron Dietz plotted the +whole affair himself. I guess he must have learned +about Kippenberg’s cache of gold while he worked +for the man. He believed that Grant Atherwald shared +the secret and could tell where the money was hidden.”</p> +<p>“You’ve located the gold, too, I suppose,” Mr. +Parker remarked whimsically.</p> +<p>“No, Dad, I slipped up there. I thought the gold +was in a secret vault under the alligator pool, but I +was wrong. I don’t know where it is.”</p> +<p>“We’ll let the G men solve that mystery when they +take Kippenberg into custody,” replied her father. +“Our work is cut out for us now. We’ll find Jerry, +talk with young Atherwald, and rout Miss Kippenberg +and her mother out of bed for an exclusive interview.”</p> +<p>“And this time I am sure they’ll answer questions,” +declared Penny.</p> +<p>During the next hour the “story” was taken entirely +from her hands. Jerry, her father and Salt, knew +exactly how to gather every fact of interest to the +readers of the <i>Star</i>. Sylvia Kippenberg, overjoyed to +find her fiancé alive, posed for pictures with him, +and answered all questions save those which concerned +her father.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_206">[206]</div> +<p>Not until a telephone call came from the Colonial +Hotel, saying that Mr. Kippenberg had been taken +into custody, would either Sylvia or her mother admit +that the man had posed as the gardener.</p> +<p>“Very well, it is true,” Mrs. Kippenberg acknowledged +at last. “James has been trying to avoid government +men for over a year. Wishing to return for +Sylvia’s wedding, he disguised himself as a gardener. +Then after Grant’s disappearance, he remained here +trying to help.”</p> +<p>“And it was your husband who managed to get rid +of the alligator?” Penny interposed.</p> +<p>“Yes, we were afraid police might ask embarrassing +questions. James disposed of it to a zoo late yesterday +afternoon.”</p> +<p>“And the cache of gold under the lily pool,” said +Mr. Parker. “What became of that?”</p> +<p>“There is no gold.”</p> +<p>“None at all?”</p> +<p>“None.”</p> +<p>“And there never was any?” questioned Penny incredulously. +“Then why was the vault ever built?”</p> +<p>“Tell her the truth, Mother,” Sylvia urged. “She +deserves to know. Anyway, it can do Father no harm +now.”</p> +<p>“At one time my husband did have a considerable +supply of gold,” Mrs. Kippenberg admitted. “Since +he could not trust a bank he constructed his own +vault under the pool and placed the alligator there +as a precaution against prying persons.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_207">[207]</div> +<p>“My father really did nothing so very wrong,” +Sylvia broke in. “The gold was bought with his own +money. If he chose to sell it later at a profit it was +his own affair.”</p> +<p>“Not in the opinion of the government,” Mr. +Parker said with a smile. “He held the gold illegally. +So your father disposed of it?”</p> +<p>“Yes, he shipped it out of the country months ago. +And no one will ever be able to prove anything +against him.”</p> +<p>“My husband is a very clever man,” added Mrs. +Kippenberg proudly.</p> +<p>“That remains to be seen,” said Mr. Parker. “I +know a number of very clever government men, too.”</p> +<p>Later, in dry clothing loaned to her by Miss Kippenberg, +Penny motored back to Corbin with her +father, Jerry, and Salt. There they learned that the +three prisoners had been locked up in jail, while +James Kippenberg was being questioned by government +operatives. He readily admitted that he had +disguised himself as the gardener but defied anyone +to prove he ever had disposed of illegal gold.</p> +<p>Mr. Parker did not wait to learn the outcome of the +interview. Instead he telephoned the big story to +DeWitt and arranged for complete coverage on every +new angle of the case. Satisfied that no more could be +learned that night, the party sped back toward Riverview.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_208">[208]</div> +<p>“Aaron Dietz and his confederates ought to get +long prison sentences,” Penny remarked as they drove +through the night. “But what will happen to Mr. +Kippenberg, Dad? Do you think he will escape punishment +as his wife believes?”</p> +<p>“He’ll get what is coming to him,” replied Mr. +Parker. “A government man told me tonight that +Kippenberg’s income tax reports have been falsified. +And Kippenberg knew they had evidence against +him or he never would have gone into hiding. No, +even if it can’t be proven that he held gold illegally, +he’ll certainly be fined and given a year or so in +prison for tax evasion.”</p> +<p>“I hope he receives a light sentence for Sylvia’s +sake,” said Penny. After a moment she added: “Sylvia +and Grant Atherwald are going to be married tomorrow. +They told me so.”</p> +<p>“There’s a fact we missed,” declared Jerry. “Penny +always is showing us up.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I didn’t prove myself so brilliant tonight,” +responded Penny. “When I was down in that vault I +decided I was just plain dumb. If you hadn’t had sense +enough to guess where Grant Atherwald and I were +being held—well, Dad would have had to adopt a new +daughter.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_209">[209]</div> +<p>“It was easy enough to tell what had happened,” +said Jerry. “You had told me you thought there was a +secret vault beneath the pool. Then, too, I found +your handkerchief floating in the bottom. The water +had only been running in a few minutes.” He fished +in his pocket and brought out a pin which he handed +to Penny. “I also found this.”</p> +<p>“Thanks, Jerry,” said Penny. “That’s Louise’s +cameo pin. She dropped it the day we were on the +Kippenberg estate together.”</p> +<p>“The police gave you full credit for the capture of +those men, Penny,” said her father with pride. “You +yanked the drawbridge just in time to trap them.”</p> +<p>“Salt did his share, too,” mentioned Penny generously. +“He went for the police just as soon as he +realized Jerry and I had been carried away on the +cruiser.”</p> +<p>“The only trouble was that the cops wasted too +much time searching for you down river,” the photographer +drawled. “We finally went back to Corbin +and ran into Mr. Parker who suggested we come to +the estate.”</p> +<p>“How did you happen to be in Corbin, Dad?” +asked Penny curiously.</p> +<p>“You might know—I was looking for you. Isn’t +that my usual occupation?”</p> +<p>“You’re not provoked at me, Dad?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_210">[210]</div> +<p>“No, of course not,” the publisher answered +warmly. “You’ve all done fine work tonight. This is +the biggest story we’ve run into in over a year! We’ll +score a beat on the rival papers.”</p> +<p>“Then don’t you think Jerry and Salt have earned +a raise?” suggested Penny.</p> +<p>“Yes,” agreed her father absently, “I’ll take care of +it tomorrow.”</p> +<p>“And you might tack on another dollar to my allowance, +Dad. I’ll also have a small bill to present. +There will be several dollars for gasoline, lunches going +and coming from Corbin, two ruined dresses, a +pair of torn silk stockings, and—”</p> +<p>“That’s enough,” broke in Mr. Parker with a laugh. +“If you keep on listing your expenses, I’ll be broke. +You turned out to be an expensive reporter.”</p> +<p>“It was worth it, wasn’t it?” Penny demanded, +placing her hands on her hips.</p> +<p>Her father agreed heartily. “It certainly was, +Penny. The <i>Riverview Star</i> obtained a smashing story +to scoop all the other newspapers, and I’ve got my +elusive daughter back again safe and sound.”</p> +<p>Penny moved closer to her father. She grasped the +lapels of his coat in her slender fingers and tipped her +weary but still lovely face toward him.</p> +<p>“Dad, will you promise me one thing?”</p> +<p>“That depends on what you are after,” Mr. Parker +told her gravely.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_211">[211]</div> +<p>“Whenever the <i>Riverview Star</i> has a baffling +mystery to be run down to earth, will you promise to +call in your ace sleuth?”</p> +<p>“And who would that be?” demanded Mr. Parker +with a puzzled frown. Then as Penny laughed gaily, +he also started to grin. “So you are the ace sleuth? I +guess I was a little slow in understanding. But you +seem to be right. This is the third mystery you’ve +solved. Maybe we will use you on the next mystery.”</p> +<p>“Thanks, Dad,” said Penny. “I just hope I won’t +have to wait too long for the next mystery to come +along.”</p> +<p class="center"><span class="small">THE END</span></p> +<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> +<ul> +<li>Replaced the list of books in the series by the complete list, +as in the final book, “The Cry at Midnight”.</li> +<li>Silently corrected a handful of palpable typos.</li> +<li>Conforming to later volumes, standardized on “DeWitt” +as the name of the city editor.</li> +</ul> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Danger at the Drawbridge, by Mildred A. 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Wirt + +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: Danger at the Drawbridge + +Author: Mildred A. Wirt + +Release Date: December 3, 2010 [EBook #34552] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DANGER AT THE DRAWBRIDGE *** + + + + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + Danger + at the + Drawbridge + + + _By_ + MILDRED A. WIRT + + _Author of_ + MILDRED A. WIRT MYSTERY STORIES + TRAILER STORIES FOR GIRLS + + _Illustrated_ + + CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY + _Publishers_ + NEW YORK + + + + + _PENNY PARKER_ + MYSTERY STORIES + + _Large 12 mo. Cloth Illustrated_ + + + TALE OF THE WITCH DOLL + THE VANISHING HOUSEBOAT + DANGER AT THE DRAWBRIDGE + BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR + CLUE OF THE SILKEN LADDER + THE SECRET PACT + THE CLOCK STRIKES THIRTEEN + THE WISHING WELL + SABOTEURS ON THE RIVER + GHOST BEYOND THE GATE + HOOFBEATS ON THE TURNPIKE + VOICE FROM THE CAVE + GUILT OF THE BRASS THIEVES + SIGNAL IN THE DARK + WHISPERING WALLS + SWAMP ISLAND + THE CRY AT MIDNIGHT + + + COPYRIGHT, 1940, BY CUPPLES AND LEON CO. + + Danger at the Drawbridge + + PRINTED IN U. S. A. + + + + + CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER PAGE + 1 AN ASSIGNMENT FOR PENNY _1_ + 2 REPORTERS NOT WANTED _9_ + 3 GIFT TO THE BRIDE _19_ + 4 BEHIND THE BUSHES _28_ + 5 THE MISSING BRIDEGROOM _35_ + 6 A RING OF WHITE GOLD _45_ + 7 THE FORBIDDEN POOL _54_ + 8 PARENTAL PROTEST _63_ + 9 A SOCIETY BAZAAR _72_ + 10 A THROWN STONE _79_ + 11 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS _88_ + 12 FISHERMAN'S LUCK _96_ + 13 TWO MEN AND A BOAT _105_ + 14 THE STONE TOWER _113_ + 15 A CAMEO PIN _122_ + 16 GATHERING CLUES _129_ + 17 A SEARCH FOR JERRY _140_ + 18 OVER THE DRAWBRIDGE _149_ + 19 A DARING RESCUE _158_ + 20 AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW _164_ + 21 THE WHITE CRUISER _171_ + 22 TRAPPED IN THE CABIN _177_ + 23 AT THE HIDE-OUT _184_ + 24 SECRET OF THE LILY POOL _192_ + 25 VICTORY FOR PENNY _203_ + + + + + CHAPTER + 1 + _AN ASSIGNMENT FOR PENNY_ + + +Penny Parker, leaning indolently against the edge of the kitchen table, +watched Mrs. Weems stem strawberries into a bright green bowl. + +"Tempting bait for Dad's jaded appetite," she remarked, helping herself +to the largest berry in the dish. "If he can't eat them, I can." + +"I do wish you'd leave those berries alone," the housekeeper protested in +an exasperated tone. "They haven't been washed yet." + +"Oh, I don't mind a few germs," laughed Penny. "I just toss them off like +a duck shedding water. Shall I take the breakfast tray up to Dad?" + +"Yes, I wish you would, Penny," sighed Mrs. Weems. "I'm right tired on my +feet this morning. Hot weather always did wear me down." + +She washed the berries and then offered the tray of food to Penny who +started with it toward the kitchen vestibule. + +"Now where are you going, Penelope Parker?" Mrs. Weems demanded +suspiciously. + +"Oh, just to the automatic lift." Penny's blue eyes were round with +innocence. + +"Don't you dare try to ride in that contraption again!" scolded the +housekeeper. "It was never built to carry human freight." + +"I'm not exactly freight," Penny said with an injured sniff. "It's strong +enough to carry me. I know because I tried it last week." + +"You walk up the stairs like a lady or I'll take the tray myself," Mrs. +Weems threatened. "I declare, I don't know when you'll grow up." + +"Oh, all right," grumbled Penny good-naturedly. "But I do maintain it's a +shameful waste of energy." + +Balancing the tray precariously on the palm of her hand she tripped +lightly up the stairway and tapped on the door of her father's bedroom. + +"Come in," he called in a muffled voice. + +Anthony Parker, editor and owner of the _Riverview Star_ sat propped up +with pillows, reading a day-old edition of the newspaper. + +"'Morning, Dad," said Penny cheerfully. "How is our invalid today?" + +"I'm no more an invalid than you are," returned Mr. Parker testily. "If +that old quack, Doctor Horn, doesn't let me out of bed today--" + +"You'll simply explode, won't you, Dad?" Penny finished mischievously. +"Here, drink your coffee and you'll feel less like a stick of dynamite." + +Mr. Parker tossed the newspaper aside and made a place on his knees for +the breakfast tray. + +"Did I hear an argument between you and Mrs. Weems?" he asked curiously. + +"No argument, Dad. I just wanted to ride up in style on the lift. Mrs. +Weems thought it wasn't a civilized way to travel." + +"I should think not." The corners of Mr. Parker's mouth twitched slightly +as he poured coffee from the silver pot. "That lift was built to carry +breakfast trays, but not in combination with athletic young ladies." + +"What a bore, this business of growing up," sighed Penny. "You can't be +natural at all." + +"You seem to manage rather well with all the restrictions," her father +remarked dryly. + +Penny twisted her neck to gaze at her reflection in the dresser mirror +beyond the footboard of the big mahogany bed. + +"I won't mind growing up if only I'm able to develop plenty of glamour," +she said speculatively. "Am I getting any better looking, Dad?" + +"Not that I've noticed," replied Mr. Parker gruffly, but his gaze +lingered affectionately upon his daughter's golden hair. She really was +growing prettier each day and looked more like her mother who had died +when Penny was a little girl. He had spoiled her, of course, for she was +an only child, but he was proud because he had taught her to think +straight. She was deeply loyal and affectionate and those who loved her +overlooked her casual ways and flippant speech. + +"What happened to the paper boy this morning?" Mr. Parker asked between +bites of buttered toast. + +"It isn't time for him yet, Dad," said Penny demurely. "You always expect +him at least an hour early." + +"First edition's been off the press a good half hour," grumbled the +newspaper owner. "When I get back to the _Star_ office, I'll see that +deliveries are speeded up. Just wait until I talk with Roberts!" + +"Haven't you been doing a pretty strenuous job of running the paper right +from your bed?" inquired Penny as she refilled her father's cup. +"Sometimes when you talk with that poor circulation manager I think the +telephone wires will burn off." + +"So I'm a tyrant, am I?" + +"Oh, everyone knows your bark is worse than your bite, Dad. But you've +certainly not been at your best the last few days." + +Mr. Parker's eyes roved about the luxuriously furnished bedroom. Tinted +walls, chintz draperies, the rich, deep rug, were completely lost upon +him. "This place is a prison," he grumbled. + +For nearly a week the household had been thrown completely out of its +usual routine by the editor's illness. Overwork combined with an attack +of influenza had sent him to bed, there to remain until he should be +released by a doctor's order. With a telephone at his elbow, Mr. Parker +had kept in close touch with the staff of the _Riverview Star_ but he +fretted at confinement. + +"I can't half look after things," he complained. "And now Miss Hilderman, +the society editor, is sick. I don't know how we'll get a good story on +the Kippenberg wedding." + +Penny looked up quickly. "Miss Hilderman is ill?" + +"Yes, DeWitt, the city editor, telephoned me a few minutes ago. She +wasn't able to show up for work this morning." + +"I really don't see why he should bother you about that, Dad. Can't Miss +Hilderman's assistant take over the duties?" + +"The routine work, yes, but I don't care to trust her with the Kippenberg +story." + +"Is it something extra special, Dad?" + +"Surely, you've heard of Mrs. Clayton Kippenberg?" + +"The name is familiar but I can't seem to recall--" + +"Clayton Kippenberg made a mint of money in the chain drug business. No +one ever knew exactly the extent of his fortune. He built an elaborate +estate about a hundred and twenty-five miles from here, familiarly called +_The Castle_ because of its resemblance to an ancient feudal castle. The +estate is cut off from the mainland on three sides and may be reached +either by boat or by means of a picturesque drawbridge." + +"Sounds interesting," commented Penny. + +"I never saw the place myself. In fact, Kippenberg never allowed +outsiders to visit the estate. Less than a year ago a rumor floated +around that he had separated from his wife. There also was considerable +talk that he had disappeared because of difficulties with the government +over income tax evasion and wished to escape arrest. At any rate, he +faded out of the picture while his wife remained in possession of _The +Castle_." + +"And now she is marrying again?" + +"No, it is Mrs. Kippenberg's daughter, Sylvia, who is to be married. The +bridegroom, Grant Atherwald, comes from a very old and distinguished +family." + +"I don't see why the story should be so difficult to cover." + +"Mrs. Kippenberg has ruled that no reporters or photographers will be +allowed on the estate," explained Mr. Parker. + +"That does complicate the situation." + +"Yes, it may not be easy to persuade Mrs. Kippenberg to change her mind. +I rather doubt that our assistant society editor has the ingenuity to +handle the story." + +"Then why don't you send one of the regular reporters? Jerry Livingston, +for instance?" + +"Jerry couldn't tell a tulle wedding veil from one of crinoline. Nor +could any other man on the staff." + +"I could get that story for you," Penny said suddenly. "Why don't you try +me?" + +Mr. Parker gazed at his daughter speculatively. + +"Do you really think you could?" + +"Of course." Penny spoke with assurance. "Didn't I bring in two perfectly +good scoops for your old sheet?" + +"You certainly did. Your Vanishing Houseboat yarn was one of the best +stories we've published in a year of Sundays. And the town is still +talking about Tale of the Witch Doll." + +"After what I went through to get those stories, a mere wedding would be +child's play." + +"Don't be too confident," warned Mr. Parker. "If Mrs. Kippenberg doesn't +alter her decision about reporters, the story may be impossible to get." + +"May I try?" Penny asked eagerly. + +Mr. Parker frowned. "Well, I don't know. I hate to send you so far, and +then I have a feeling--" + +"Yes, Dad?" + +"I can't put my thoughts into words. It's just that my newspaper instinct +tells me this story may develop into something big. Kippenberg's +disappearance never was fully explained and his wife refused to discuss +the affair with reporters." + +"Kippenberg might be at the wedding," said Penny, thinking aloud. "If he +were a normal father he would wish to see his daughter married." + +"You follow my line of thought, Penny. When you're at the estate--if you +get in--keep your eyes and ears open." + +"Then you'll let me cover the story?" Penny cried in delight. + +"Yes, I'll telephone the office now and arrange for a photographer to go +with you." + +"Tell them to send Salt Sommers," Penny suggested quickly. "He doesn't +act as know-it-all as some of the other lads." + +"I had Sommers in mind," her father nodded as he reached for the +telephone. + +"And I have a lot more than Salt Sommers in _my_ mind," laughed Penny. + +"Meaning?" + +"Another big story, Dad! A scoop for the _Star_ and this for you." + +Penny implanted a kiss on her father's cheek and skipped joyously from +the room. + + + + + CHAPTER + 2 + _REPORTERS NOT WANTED_ + + +In the editorial room of the _Riverview Star_ heads turned and eyebrows +lifted as Penny, decked in her best silk dress and white picture hat, +clicked her high-heeled slippers across the bare floor. Jerry Livingston, +reporter, stopped pecking at his typewriter and stared in undisguised +admiration. + +"Well, if it isn't our Bright Penny," he bantered. "Didn't recognize you +for a minute in all those glad rags." + +"These are my work clothes," replied Penny. "I'm covering the Kippenberg +wedding." + +Jerry pushed his hat farther back on his head and grinned. + +"Tough assignment. From what I hear of the Kippenberg family, you'll be +lucky if they don't throw the wedding cake at you." + +Penny laughed and went on, winding her way through a barricade of desks +to the office of the society editor. Miss Arnold, the assistant, was +talking over the telephone, but in a moment she finished and turned to +face the girl. + +"Good morning, Miss Parker," she said stiffly. An edge to her voice told +Penny more clearly than words that the young woman was nettled because +she had not been trusted with the story. + +"Good morning," replied Penny politely. "Dad said you would be able to +give me helpful suggestions about covering the Kippenberg wedding." + +"There's not much I can tell you, really. The ceremony is to take place +at two o'clock in the garden, so you'll have ample time to reach the +estate. If you get in--" Miss Arnold placed an unpleasant emphasis upon +the words--"take notes on Miss Kippenberg's gown, the flowers, the +decorations, the names of her attendants. Try to keep your facts +straight. Nothing infuriates a bride more than to read in the paper that +she carried a bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley and roses while actually it +was a bouquet of some other flower." + +"I'll try not to infuriate Miss Kippenberg," promised Penny. + +Miss Arnold glanced quickly at her but the girl's face was perfectly +serene. + +"That's all I can tell you, Miss Parker," she said shortly. "Bring in at +least a column. For some reason the city editor rates the wedding an +important story." + +"I'll do my best," responded Penny, and arose. + +Salt Sommers was waiting for her when she came out of the office. He was +a tall, spare young man, with a deep scar down his left cheek. He talked +nearly as fast as he walked. + +"If you're all set, let's go," he said. + +Penny found herself three paces behind but she caught up with the +photographer as he waited for the elevator. + +"I'm taking Minny along," Salt volunteered, holding his finger steadily +on the signal bell. "May come in handy." + +"Minny?" asked Penny, puzzled. + +"Miniature camera. You can't always use the Model X." + +"Oh," murmured Penny. Deeply embarrassed, she remained silent as the +elevator shot them down to the ground floor. + +Salt loaded his photographic equipment into a battered press car which +was parked near the loading dock at the rear of the building. He slid in +behind the wheel and then as an afterthought swung open the car door for +Penny. + +Salt seemed to know the way to the Kippenberg estate. They shot through +Riverview traffic, shaving red lights and tooting derisively at slow +drivers. In open country he pressed the accelerator down to the floor and +the car roared down the road, only slackening speed as it raced through a +town. + +"How do you travel when you're in a hurry?" Penny gasped, clinging to her +flopping hat. + +Salt grinned and lifted his foot from the gasoline pedal. + +"Sorry," he said. "I get in the habit of driving fast. We have plenty of +time." + +As they rode, Penny gathered scraps of information. The Kippenberg estate +was located six miles from the town of Corbin and was cut off from the +mainland on three sides by the joining of two wide rivers, one with a +direct outlet to the ocean. Salt did not know when the house had been +built but it was considered one of the show places of the locality. + +"Do you think we'll have much trouble getting our story?" Penny asked +anxiously. + +"All depends," Salt answered briefly. He slammed on the brake so suddenly +that Penny was flung forward in the seat. + +Another car coming from the opposite direction had pulled up at the side +of the road. Penny did not recognize the three men who were crowded into +the front seat, but the printed placard, _Ledger_ which was pasted on the +windshield told her they represented a rival newspaper in Riverview. + +"What luck, Les?" Salt called, craning his neck out the car window. + +"You may as well turn around and go back," came the disgusted reply. "The +old lady won't let a reporter or a photographer on the estate. She has a +guard stationed on the drawbridge to see that you don't get past." + +The car drove on toward Riverview. Salt sat staring down the road, +drumming his fingers thoughtfully on the steering wheel. + +"Looks like we're up against a tough assignment," he said. "If Les can't +get in--" + +"I'm not going back without at least an attempt," announced Penny firmly. + +"That's the spirit!" Salt cried with sudden approval. "We'll get on the +estate somehow if we have to swim over." + +He jerked the press card from the windshield, and reaching into the back +seat of the car, covered the Model X camera with an old gunny sack. The +miniature camera he placed in his coat pocket. + +"No use advertising our profession too early in the game," he remarked. + +Twelve-thirty found Penny and Salt in the sleepy little town of Corbin. +Fortifying themselves with a lunch of hot dog sandwiches and pop, they +followed a winding, dusty highway toward the Kippenberg estate. + +Presently, through the trees, marking the end of the road, an iron +drawbridge loomed up. It stood in open position so that boats might pass +on the river below. A wooden barrier had been erected across the front of +the structure which bore a large painted sign. Penny read the words +aloud. + + "'DANGEROUS DRAWBRIDGE--KEEP OFF.'" + +Salt drew up at the side of the road. "Looks as if this is as far as +we're going," he said in disgust. "There's no other road to the estate. +I'll bet that 'dangerous drawbridge' business is just a dodge to keep +undesirables away from the place until after the wedding." + +Penny nodded gloomily. Then she brightened as she noticed an old man who +obviously was an estate guard standing at the entrance to the bridge. He +stared toward the old car as if trying to ascertain whether or not the +occupants were expected guests. + +"I'm going over to talk with him," Penny said. + +"Pretend that you're a guest," suggested Salt. "You look the part in that +fancy outfit of yours." + +Penny walked leisurely toward the drawbridge. Appraisingly, she studied +the old man who leaned comfortably against the gearhouse. A dilapidated +hat pulled low over his shaggy brows seemed in keeping with the rest of +his wardrobe--a blue work shirt and a pair of grease-smudged overalls. A +charred corn-cob pipe, thrust at an angle between his lips, provided sure +protection against the mosquitoes swarming up from the river below. + +"Good afternoon," began Penny pleasantly. "My friend and I are looking +for the Kippenberg estate. We were told at Corbin to take this road but +we seem to have made a mistake." + +"You ain't made no mistake, Miss," the old man replied. + +"Then is the estate across the river?" + +"That's right, Miss." + +"But how are guests to reach the place? I see the sign says the bridge is +out of commission. Are we supposed to swim over?" + +"Not if you don't want to," the old man answered evenly. "Mrs. Kippenberg +has a launch that takes the folks back and forth. It's on the other side +now but will be back in no time at all." + +"I'll wait in the car out of the hot sun," Penny said. She started away, +then paused to inquire casually: "Is this drawbridge really out of +order?" + +The old man was deliberate in his reply. He blew a ring of smoke into the +air, watched it hover like a floating skein of wool and finally +disintegrate as if plucked to pieces by an unseen hand. + +"Well, yes, and no," he said. "It ain't exactly sick but she sure is +ailin'. I wouldn't trust no heavy contraption on this bridge." + +"Condemned by the state, I suppose?" + +"No, Miss, and I'll tell you why. This here bridge doesn't belong to the +state. It's a private bridge on a private road." + +"Odd that Mrs. Kippenberg never had it repaired," Penny remarked. "It +must be annoying." + +"It is to all them that don't like launches. As for Mrs. Kippenberg, she +don't mind. Fact is, she ain't much afraid of the bridge. She drives her +car across whenever she takes the notion." + +"Then the bridge does operate!" Penny exclaimed. + +"Sure it does. That's my job, to raise and lower it whenever the owner +says the word. But the bridge ain't fit for delivery trucks and +such-like. One of them big babies would crack through like goin' over +sponge ice." + +"Well, I rather envy your employer," said Penny lightly. "It isn't every +lady who has her own private drawbridge." + +"She is kind of exclusive-like that way, Miss. Mrs. Kippenberg she keeps +the drawbridge up so she'll have more privacy. And I ain't blamin' her. +These here newspaper reporters always is a-pesterin' the life out of +her." + +Penny nodded sympathetically and walked back to make her report to Salt. + +"No luck?" he demanded. + +"Guess twice," she laughed. "The old bridgeman just took it for granted I +was one of the wedding guests. It will be all right for us to go over in +the guest launch as soon as it arrives." + +Salt gazed ruefully at his clothes. + +"I don't look much like a guest. Think I'll pass inspection?" + +"Maybe you could get by as one of the poor relations," grinned Penny. +"Pull your hat down and straighten your tie." + +Salt shook his head. "A business suit with a grease spot on the vest +isn't the correct dress for a formal wedding. You might get by but I +won't." + +"Then should I try it alone?" + +"I'll have to get those pictures somehow," stated Salt grimly. + +"Maybe we could hire a boat of our own," Penny suggested. "Of course it +wouldn't look as well as if we arrived on the guest launch." + +"Let's see what we can line up," Salt said, swinging open the car door. + +They walked to the river's edge and looked in both directions. There were +no small boats to be seen. The only available craft was a large motor +boat which came slowly downstream toward the open drawbridge. Penny +caught a glimpse of the pilot, a burly man with a red, puffy face. + +Salt slid down the bank toward the water's edge, and hailed the boat. + +"Hey, you, Cap'n!" he called. "Two bucks to take me across the river." + +The man inclined his head, looked steadily at Salt for an instant, then +deliberately turned his back. + +"Five!" shouted Salt. + +The pilot gave no sign that he had heard. Instead, he speeded up the boat +which passed beneath the drawbridge and went on down the river. + + + + + CHAPTER + 3 + _GIFT TO THE BRIDE_ + + +"Perhaps he didn't hear you," said Penny, peering after the retreating +boat. + +"He heard me all right," growled Salt as he scrambled back up the high +bank. + +Noticing a small boy in dirty overalls who sat at the water's edge +fishing, he called to him: "Say, sonny, who was that fellow, do you +know?" + +"Nope," answered the boy, barely turning his head, "but his boat has been +going up and down the river all morning. That's why I can't catch +anything." + +The boat rounded a bend of the river and was lost to view. Only one other +craft appeared on the water, a freshly painted white motor launch which +could be seen coming from the far shore. + +"That must be the guest boat now," remarked Penny, shading her eyes +against the glare of the sun. "It seems to be our only hope." + +"Let's try to get aboard and see what happens," proposed the +photographer. + +They walked leisurely back toward the guard at the drawbridge, timing +their arrival just as the launch swung up to the landing. With a cool +assurance which Penny tried to duplicate, Salt stepped aboard, nodded +indifferently to the wheelsman, and slumped down in one of the leather +seats. + +Penny waited uneasily for embarrassing questions which did not come. +Gradually she relaxed as the boatman took no interest in them and the +guard's attention was fully occupied with other cars which had driven up +to the drawbridge. + +A few minutes later, two elderly women, both elegantly gowned, were +helped aboard the boat by their chauffeur. One of the women stared +disapprovingly at Salt through her lorgnette and then ignored him. + +"We'll get by all right," Salt whispered confidently. + +"Wait until Mrs. Kippenberg sees us," warned Penny. + +"Oh, we'll keep out of her way until we have our story and plenty of +pictures. Once we're across the river it will be easy." + +"I hope you're right," muttered Penny. + +While Salt's task of taking pictures might prove relatively simple, she +realized that her own work would be anything but easy. She could not hope +to gather many facts without talking to a member of the family, and the +instant she admitted her identity she likely would be ejected from the +grounds. + +"I boasted I'd bring in a front page story," she thought ruefully. "I'll +be lucky if I get a column of routine stuff." + +The boat was moving slowly away from the landing when the guard at the +drawbridge called in a loud voice: "Hold it, Joe!" + +Penny and Salt stiffened in their chairs, fearing they were to be +exposed. But they were both greatly relieved to see that a long, black +limousine had drawn up at the end of the road. The launch had been +stopped so that additional passengers might be accommodated. + +Salt nudged Penny's elbow. + +"Grant Atherwald," he contributed, jerking his head toward a tall, +well-built young man who had stepped from the car. "I've seen his picture +plenty of times." + +"The bridegroom?" Penny turned to stare. + +"Sure. He's one of the blue-bloods, but they say he's a little short on +ready cash." + +The young man, dressed immaculately in formal day attire, and accompanied +by two other men, came aboard the launch. He bowed politely to the +elderly women and his gaze fell questioningly upon Penny and Salt. But if +he wondered why they were there, he did not voice his thought. + +As the boat put out across the river Penny watched Grant Atherwald +curiously. It seemed to her that he appeared nervous and preoccupied. He +stared straight before him, clenching and unclenching his hands. His face +was colorless and drawn. + +"He's nervous and worried," thought Penny. "I guess all bridegrooms are +like that." + +A sharp "click" sounded in her ear. Penny did not turn toward Salt, but +she caught her breath, knowing what he had done. He had dared to take a +picture of Grant Atherwald! + +She waited, feeling certain that the sound must have been heard by +everyone in the boat. A full minute elapsed and no one spoke. When Penny +finally glanced at Salt he was gazing serenely out across the muddy +water, his miniature camera shielded behind a felt hat which he held on +his knees. + +The boat docked. Salt and Penny allowed the others to go ashore first, +and then followed a narrow walk which wound through a deep lane of +evergreen trees. + +"Salt," Penny asked abruptly, "how did you get that picture of +Atherwald?" + +"Snapped it through a hole in the crown of my hat. It's an old trick. I +always wear this special hat when I'm sent out on a hard assignment." + +"I thought a cannon had gone off when the shutter clicked," Penny +laughed. "We were lucky you weren't caught." + +Emerging from behind the trees, they obtained their first view of the +Kippenberg house. Sturdily built of brick and stone, it stood upon a +slight hill, its many turrets and towers commanding a view of the two +rivers. + +"Nice layout," Salt commented, pausing to snap a second picture. "Wish +someone would give me a castle for a playhouse." + +They crossed the moat and found themselves directly behind Grant +Atherwald again. Before the bridegroom could enter the house a servant +stepped forward and handed him a sealed envelope. + +"I was told to give this to you as soon as you arrived, sir," he said. + +Grant Atherwald nodded, and taking the letter, quickly opened it. A +troubled expression came over his face as he scanned the message. Without +a word he thrust the paper into his pocket. Turning, he walked swiftly +toward the garden. + +"Salt, did you notice how queerly Atherwald looked--" Penny began, but +the photographer interrupted her. + +"Listen," he said, "we haven't a Chinaman's chance of getting in the +front door. That boy in the fancy knickers is giving everyone the once +over. Let's try a side entrance." + +Without attracting attention they walked quickly around the house and +located a door where no servant had been posted. Entering, they passed +through a marble-floored vestibule into a breakfast room crowded with +serving tables. Salt nonchalantly helped himself to an olive from one of +the large glass dishes and led Penny on toward the main hall where many +of the guests had gathered to admire the wedding gifts. + +"Now don't swipe any of the silver," Salt said jokingly. "I think that +fellow over by the stairway is a private detective." + +"He seems to be looking at us with a suspicious gleam in his eyes," Penny +replied. "I hope we don't get tossed out of here." + +"We'll be all right if Mrs. Kippenberg doesn't see us before the +ceremony." + +"Do you suppose Mr. Kippenberg could be here, Salt?" + +"Not likely. It's my guess that fellow will never be seen again." + +"Dad doesn't share your opinion." + +"I know," Salt admitted. "We'll keep watch for him, but it would just be +a lucky break if it turns out he's here." + +Mingling with the guests, they walked slowly about a long table where the +wedding gifts were displayed. Penny gazed curiously at dishes of solid +silver, crystal bowls, candlesticks, jade ornaments, tea sets and service +plates encrusted with gold. + +"Nothing trashy here," muttered Salt. + +"I've never seen such an elegant display," Penny whispered in awe. "Do +you suppose that picture is one of the gifts?" + +She indicated an oil painting which stood on an easel not far from the +table. So many guests had gathered about the picture that she could not +see it distinctly. But at her elbow, a woman in rustling silk, said to a +companion: + +"My dear, a genuine Van Gogh! It must have cost a small fortune!" + +When the couple had moved aside, Penny and Salt drew closer to the easel. +One glance assured them that the painting had been executed by a master. +However, it was the subject of the picture which gave Penny a distinct +start. + +"Will you look at that!" she whispered to Salt. + +"What about it?" he asked carelessly. + +"Don't you notice anything significant?" + +"Can't say I do. It's just a nice picture of a drawbridge." + +"That's just the point, Salt!" Penny's eyes danced with excitement. "A +drawbridge!" + +The photographer glanced again at the painting, this time with deeper +interest. + +"Say, it looks a lot like the bridge which was built over the river," he +observed. "You think this picture is a copy of it?" + +Penny shook her head impatiently. "Salt, your knowledge of art is +dreadful. This Van Gogh was painted ages ago and is priceless. Don't you +see, the drawbridge has to be a copy of the picture?" + +"Your theory sounds reasonable," Salt admitted. "I wonder who gave the +painting to the bride? There's no name attached." + +"Can't you guess why?" + +"I never was good at kid games." + +"Why, it's clear as crystal," Penny declared, keeping her voice low. +"This estate with the drawbridge was built by Clayton Kippenberg. He must +have been familiar with the Van Gogh painting, and had the real bridge +modeled after the picture. For that matter, the painting may have been in +his possession--" + +"Then you think the picture was presented to Sylvia Kippenberg by her +father?" Salt broke in quickly. + +"Yes, I do. Only a person very close to the bride would have given such a +gift." + +"H-m," said Salt, squinting at the picture thoughtfully. "If you're right +it means that Clayton Kippenberg's whereabouts must be known to his +family. His disappearance may not be such a deep mystery to Mamma +Kippenberg and daughter Sylvia." + +"Oh, Salt, wouldn't it make a grand story if only we could learn what +became of him?" + +"Sure. Front page stuff." + +"We simply must get the story somehow! If Mrs. Kippenberg would just +answer our questions about this drawbridge painting--" + +"I'm afraid Mamma Kippenberg isn't going to break down and tell all," +Salt said dryly. "But buckle on your steel armor, little girl, because +here she comes now!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 4 + _BEHIND THE BUSHES_ + + +A large, middle-aged woman in rose-colored silk, crossed the room +directly toward Salt and Penny. Her pale blue eyes glinted with anger and +there were hard lines about her mouth. She walked haughtily, but with +grim purpose. + +"Unless we do some fast talking, out we go!" muttered Salt. "It's Mrs. +Kippenberg, all right." + +They stood their ground, knowing they had been recognized as intruders. +But before the woman could reach them she was stopped by a servant who +spoke a few words in a low tone. For a moment Mrs. Kippenberg forgot +about Penny and Salt as a new problem presented itself. + +"I can't talk with anyone now," she said in an agitated voice. "Tell them +to come back later." + +"They insist upon talking with you now, Madam," replied the servant. +"Unless you see them they say they will look around for themselves." + +"Oh!" Mrs. Kippenberg drew herself up sharply as if from a physical blow. +"Where are they now?" + +"In the library, Madam." + +Penny did not hear the woman's reply, but she turned and followed the +servant. + +"Saved by the bell," mumbled Salt. "Now let's get away from here before +she comes back." + +They pushed through the throng and reached a long hallway. Mrs. +Kippenberg had disappeared, but as they drew near an open door they +caught sight of her again. She stood just inside the library, her back +toward them, talking with two men who wore plain gray business suits. + +Penny half drew back, fearing discovery, but Salt pulled her along. As +they went quietly past the door they heard Mrs. Kippenberg say in an +excited voice: + +"No, no, I tell you he isn't here! Why should I try to deceive you? We +have nothing to hide. You are most inconsiderate to annoy me at such a +time!" + +Penny and Salt did not hear the reply. They reached an outside door and +stepped down on a flagstone terrace which overlooked the garden at the +rear of the grounds. + +"Who were those men, do you suppose?" Penny whispered, fearful that her +voice might betray them. + +"Officers of the law, I should guess," Salt replied in an undertone. + +"Government men?" + +"Likely as not. I don't believe the locals would bother her. Anyway she's +got the wind up and you can tell she's scared silly in spite of all her +back talk." + +"You know what I think they're after?" Penny said thoughtfully. + +"Well, if I had just one guess," Salt replied, "I'd say they are after +Mr. Kippenberg." + +"I agree with you there." + +"Sure, why else would they come sleuthing around at a time like this? The +answer is simple. Daughter gets married. Papa wants to see his darling do +it. Therefore, boys, we'll spread a net for Daddy and he might plump +right into it." + +"So that's the way a G man's mind works?" laughed Penny. + +"But I would take it that Kippenberg is no fool," Salt went on. "If they +really have a 'man wanted' sign hung on him he would be too cagey to come +around here today." + +They were standing beside the stone balustrade which bounded the terrace. +Below them the green foliage of the gardens formed a dark background for +the playing fountains. A cool breeze drifted in from the river and +rattled a window awning just over their heads. + +"We're in an exposed place here," observed Salt uneasily. "Maybe we ought +to find a hole somewhere." + +"We'll never learn anything in a hole," Penny objected. "In fact, we're +not making much progress in running down any sort of story. I do wish we +could have heard more of that conversation." + +"And get thrown out on our collective ear before we even have a chance to +snap a picture of the blushing bride!" + +"Pictures! Pictures!" exclaimed Penny. "That's all you photographers +think about. How about poor little me and my story? After all, you can't +bring out a paper full of nothing but pictures and cigarette ads. You +need a little news to go with it." + +"You like to work too fast," complained Salt. "Right now the thing to do +is to keep out of sight. I'm telling you the minute Mrs. Kippy finishes +with those men she'll be gunning for us." + +"Then I suppose we'll have to go into hiding." + +"First, let's mosey out into the rose garden," Salt proposed. "I'll take +a few shots and then we'll duck under somewhere and wait until the +ceremony starts." + +"That's all very well for you," grumbled Penny, "but I can't write much +of a story without talking to some member of the family." + +Salt started off across the velvety green lawn toward the rose arbor +where the service was to be held. Penny followed reluctantly. She watched +the photographer take several pictures before a servant approached him. + +"I beg your pardon," the man said coldly, "but Mrs. Kippenberg gave +orders no pictures were to be taken. If you are from one of the papers--" + +"Oh, I saw her in the house just a minute ago," Salt replied carelessly. + +"Sorry, sir," the servant apologized, retreating. + +Salt finished taking the pictures and slipped the miniature camera back +into his pocket. + +"Now let's amble down toward the river and wait," he said to Penny. +"We'll blossom forth just as the ceremony starts. Mrs. Kippy won't dare +interrupt it to have us thrown off the grounds." + +They walked down a sloping path, past a glass-enclosed hothouse and on +toward a grove of giant oak and maple trees. + +"It's pleasant here when you're away from the crowd," Penny remarked, +gazing up at the leafy canopy. "I wonder where this path leads?" + +"Oh, down to the river probably. With water on three sides of us that's a +fairly safe guess." + +"Which rivers flow past the estate, Salt?" + +"The Big Bear and the Kobalt." + +"The same old muddy Kobalt which is near our town," said Penny in +surprise. "I'll always think of it as a river of adventure." + +"Because of Mud-Cat Joe and his Vanishing Houseboat?" + +Penny nodded and a dreamy look came into her eyes. "So much happened on +the Kobalt, Salt. Remember that big party Dad threw at the Comstock Inn?" + +"Do I? Jerry Livingston decided to sleep in Room Seven where so many +persons had disappeared." + +"And then he was spirited away almost before our very eyes," added Penny. +"Days later Mud-Cat Joe helped me fish him out of this same old Kobalt. +For awhile we didn't think he'd ever pull through or be able to tell what +had happened to him." + +"But as the grand finale you and your friend, Louise Sidell, solved the +mystery and secured a dandy story for the _Star_. Those were the days!" + +"You talk as if they were gone forever," laughed Penny. "Other good +stories will come along." + +"Maybe," said Salt, "but covering a wedding is pretty tame in +comparison." + +"Yet this one does have interesting angles," Penny insisted. "Can't you +almost feel mystery lurking about the place?" + +"No, but I do feel a mosquito sinking his stinger into me." Salt slapped +vigorously at his ankle. + +They followed the path on toward the river, coming soon to a trail which +branched off to the right. Across it had been stretched a wire barrier +and a neatly lettered sign read: + + NO ADMITTANCE BEYOND THIS POINT. + +"Why do you suppose the path is blocked off?" Penny speculated. + +"Let's find out," Salt suggested with a sudden flare of interest. "Maybe +we'll run into something worth a picture." + +Penny hesitated, not wishing to disregard the sign, yet eager to learn +what lay beyond the barrier. + +"Listen," said Salt, "just put your little conscience on ice. We're here +to get the 'who, when, why and where.' You'll never be a first class +newspaper reporter if you stifle your curiosity." + +"Lead on," laughed Penny. "I will follow. Only isn't it getting late?" + +Salt looked at his watch. "We still have a safe fifteen minutes." + +He started to step over the wire, only to have Penny reach out and grasp +his hand. + +"Wait!" she whispered. + +"What's the idea?" Salt turned toward her in astonishment. + +"I think someone is watching us! I'm sure I saw the bushes move." + +"Your nerves are jumpy," Salt jeered. "It's only the wind." + +Even as he spoke the foliage to the left moved ever so slightly and a +dark form could be seen creeping stealthily away along the ground. + + + + + CHAPTER + 5 + _THE MISSING BRIDEGROOM_ + + +Salt acted instinctively. Leaping over the wire barrier he dived into the +bushes. Hurling himself upon the man who crouched there, he pinned him to +the ground. The fellow gave a choked cry and tried to pull free. + +"Oh, no, you don't," Salt muttered, coolly sitting down on his stomach. +"Snooping, eh?" + +"You let me up!" the man cried savagely. "Let me up, I say!" + +"I'll let you up when you explain what you were doing here." + +"Why, you impudent young pup!" the man spluttered. "You're the one who +will explain. I am Mrs. Kippenberg's head gardener." + +Salt's hand fell from the old man's collar and he apologetically helped +him to his feet. Penny, who had reached the scene, stooped down and +recovered a trowel which had slipped from the gardener's grasp. + +"It was just a little mistake on my part," Salt mumbled. "I hope I didn't +hurt you." + +"No fault of yours you didn't," the old man snapped. "A fine howdydo when +a person can't even loosen earth around a shrub without being assaulted +by a ruffian!" + +The gardener was a short, stout man with graying hair. He wore coarse +garments, a loose fitting pair of trousers, a dark shirt and battered +felt hat. But Penny noticed that his hands and fingernails were clean and +there were no trowel marks around any of the shrubs. + +"Salt isn't exactly a ruffian," she said as the photographer offered no +defense. "After all, from where we stood it looked exactly as if you were +hiding in the bushes." + +"Then you both need glasses," the man retorted rudely. "A person can't +work without getting down on his hands and knees." + +"Where were you digging?" Penny asked innocently. + +"I was just starting in when this young upstart leaped on my back!" + +"Sorry," said Salt, "but I thought you were trying to get away." + +"Who are you anyway?" the gardener demanded bluntly. "You're not guests. +I can tell that." + +"You have a very discerning eye," replied Salt smoothly. "We're from the +_Riverview Star_." + +"Reporters, eh?" The old man scowled unpleasantly. "Then you've no +business being here at all. You're not wanted, so get out!" + +"We're only after a few facts about the wedding," Penny said. "Perhaps +you would be willing to tell me--" + +"I'll tell you nothing, Miss! If anything is given out to the papers it +will have to come from Mrs. Kippenberg." + +"Fair enough," Salt acknowledged. He glanced curiously down the path +which had been blocked off. "What's down there?" + +"Nothing." The gardener spoke irritably. "This part of the estate hasn't +been fixed up. That's why it's closed." + +Penny had bent down, pretending to examine a shrub at the edge of the +path. + +"What is the name of this bush?" she inquired casually. + +"An azalea," the gardener replied after a slight hesitation. "Now get out +of here, will you? I have my work to do." + +"Oh, all right," Salt rejoined as he and Penny moved away. "No need to +get so tough." + +They stepped over the barrier wire and retraced their way toward the +house. Several times Penny glanced back but she could not see the old +man. He had slipped away somewhere among the trees. + +"I don't believe that fellow was a gardener," she said suddenly. + +"What makes you think not?" + +"Didn't you notice his nice clean hands and fingernails? And then when I +asked him the name of that bush he hesitated and called it an azalea. I +saw another long botanical name attached to it." + +"Maybe he just made a mistake, or said the first thing that came into his +head. He wanted to get rid of us." + +"I know he did," nodded Penny. "Yet, when he found out we were from the +_Star_ he didn't threaten to report us to Mrs. Kippenberg." + +"That's so." + +"He was afraid to report us," Penny went on with conviction. "I'll bet a +cent he has no more right here than we have." + +Salt had lost all interest in the gardener. He glanced at his watch and +quickened his step. + +"Is it two o'clock yet?" Penny asked anxiously. + +"Just. After all the trouble we've had getting here we can't afford to +miss the big show." + +Emerging from the grove, Salt and Penny were relieved to see that the +ceremony had not yet started. The guests were gathered in the garden, the +minister stood waiting, musicians were in their places, but the bridal +party had not appeared. + +"We're just in time," Salt remarked. + +Penny observed Mrs. Kippenberg talking with one of the ushers. Even from +a distance it was apparent that the woman had lost her poise. Her hands +fluttered nervously as she conferred with the young man and a worried +frown puckered her eyebrows. + +"Something seems to be wrong," said Penny. "I wonder what is causing the +delay?" + +Before Salt could reply, the usher crossed the lawn, and came directly +toward them. Penny and Salt instantly were on guard, thinking that he had +been sent by Mrs. Kippenberg to eject them from the grounds. But although +the young man paused, he did not look squarely at them. + +"Have you seen Mr. Atherwald anywhere?" he questioned. + +"The bridegroom?" Salt asked in astonishment. "What's the matter? Is he +missing?" + +"Oh, no, sir," the young man returned stiffly. "Certainly not. He merely +went away for a moment." + +"Mr. Atherwald came over on the same boat with us," Penny volunteered. + +"And did you see him enter the house?" + +"No, he spoke to one of the servants and then went toward the garden." + +"Did you notice which path he took?" + +"I believe it was this one." + +"We've just come from down by the river," added Salt. "We didn't see him +there. The only person we met was an old gardener." + +The usher thanked them for the information and hurried on. When the man +was beyond hearing, Salt turned to Penny, saying jubilantly: + +"Say, maybe we'll get a big story after all! Sylvia Kippenberg jilted at +the altar! Hot stuff!" + +"Aren't you jumping to swift conclusions, Salt? He must be around here +somewhere." + +"It's always serious business when a man is late for his wedding. Even if +he does show up, daughter Sylvia may take offense and call the whole +thing off." + +"Oh, you're too hopeful," Penny laughed. "He'll probably be here in +another minute. I don't believe he would have come at all if he had +intended to slip away." + +"He may have lost his nerve at the last minute," Salt insisted. + +"Atherwald did act strangely on the boat," Penny said reflectively. "And +then that message he received--" + +"He may have sent it to himself." + +"As an excuse for getting away?" + +"Why not?" + +"I can't see any reason for going to so much unnecessary trouble," Penny +argued. "If he intended to jilt Miss Kippenberg how much easier it would +have been not to come here at all." + +"Well, let's see what we can learn," Salt suggested. + +Their interest steadily mounting, they went on toward the house and +stationed themselves where they could see advantageously. It was evident +by this time that the guests suspected something had gone amiss. +Significant glances were exchanged, a few persons looked at their +watches, and all eyes focused upon Mrs. Kippenberg who tried desperately +to carry off an embarrassing situation. + +Minutes passed. The crowd became increasingly restless. Finally, the +usher returned and spoke quietly to Mrs. Kippenberg. They both retired to +the house. + +"It looks as if there will be no wedding today," Salt declared. +"Atherwald hasn't been located." + +"I won't dare use the story unless I'm absolutely certain of my facts," +Penny said anxiously. + +"We'll get them, never fear." + +Mrs. Kippenberg and the usher had stepped into the breakfast room. +Posting Penny at the outside door, Salt followed the couple. From the +hallway he could hear their conversation distinctly. + +"But he must be somewhere on the grounds," the matron argued. + +"I can't understand it myself," the young man replied. "Grant's +disappearance is very mysterious to say the least. Several persons saw +him arrive here and everything seemed to be all right." + +"What time is it now?" + +"Two thirty-five, Mrs. Kippenberg." + +"So late? Oh, this is dreadful! How can I face them?" + +"I know just how you feel," the young man said with sympathy. "If you +wish I will explain to the guests." + +"No, no, this will disgrace us," Mrs. Kippenberg murmured. "Wait until I +have talked with Sylvia." + +She turned suddenly and reached the hall door before Salt could escape. +Her eyes blazed with wrath as she faced him. + +"So here you are!" she cried furiously. "How dare you disregard my +orders? I will have no reporters on the grounds!" + +"I'm only a photographer," Salt said meekly enough. "Sorry to intrude but +I've been assigned to get a picture of the bride. It won't take a +minute--" + +"Indeed it won't," Mrs. Kippenberg broke in, her voice rising higher. +"You'll take no pictures here. Not one! Now get out." + +"A picture might be better than a story that the bridegroom had skipped +out," Salt said persuasively. + +"Why, you--you!" Mrs. Kippenberg's face became fiery red. She choked as +she tried to speak. "Get out, I say!" + +Salt did not retreat. Instead he took his camera from his pocket. + +"Just one picture, Mrs. Kippenberg. At least of you." + +Realizing that the photographer meant to take it whether or not she gave +permission, the woman suddenly lost all control over her temper. + +"Don't you dare!" she cried furiously. "Don't you dare!" + +Whirling about, she seized an empty plate from the tall stack on the +serving table. + +"Hold that pose!" chortled Salt, goading her on. + +The woman hurled the plate straight at him. Salt gleefully snapped a +picture and dodged. The plate crashed into the wall behind him, +splintering into a half dozen pieces. + +"Swell action picture!" he grinned. + +"Don't you dare try to use it!" screamed Mrs. Kippenberg. "I'll telephone +your editor! I'll have you discharged!" + +"See here," offered the usher, taking out his wallet. "I'll give you ten +dollars for that picture." + +Salt shook his head, still smiling broadly. + +The sound of the crash had brought servants running to the scene. + +"Have this person ejected from the grounds," Mrs. Kippenberg ordered +harshly. "And see that he doesn't get back." + +Just outside the house, Penny huddled against the wall, trying to make +herself as inconspicuous as possible. She had heard everything. As Salt +backed out the door he did not glance at her but he muttered for her ears +alone: + +"You're on your own now, kid. I'll be waiting at the drawbridge." + +An instant later two servants seized him roughly by the arms and escorted +him down the walk to the boat landing. + + + + + CHAPTER + 6 + _A RING OF WHITE GOLD_ + + +Penny waited anxiously, but Mrs. Kippenberg did not come to the outside +door. Nor had it occurred to the two servants that the girl was connected +in any way with the photographer. + +"On my own," she repeated to herself. "On my own with a vengeance." + +Salt had his picture and it was up to her to get a good story. Until now +she had depended upon his guidance. With all support withdrawn she +suddenly felt uncertain and incompetent. + +Penny waited a few minutes before gathering sufficient courage to enter +the long hallway. One glance assured her that the breakfast room was +deserted. + +"Mrs. Kippenberg probably went upstairs to talk with her daughter," she +reasoned. "I'd like to hear what they say to each other." + +With the guests assembled in the garden, only a few persons lingered in +the house. No one paid heed to Penny as she moved noiselessly up the +spiral stairway. + +A bedroom door stood slightly ajar. Hearing a low murmur of voices, Penny +paused. Framed against the leaded windows she saw Sylvia Kippenberg +talking with her mother. Despite a tear-streaked face the girl was very +lovely. She wore a long flowing gown of white satin and the flowers at +the neckline were outlined with real pearls. Her net veil had been +discarded. A bouquet of flowers lay on the floor. + +"How could Grant do such a cruel thing?" Penny heard her sob. "I just +can't believe it of him, Mother. Surely he will come." + +Mrs. Kippenberg held the girl in her arms, trying to comfort her. + +"It is nearly three now, Sylvia. The servants have searched everywhere. A +man of his type isn't worthy of you." + +"But I love him, Mother. And I am sure he loves me. It doesn't seem +possible he would do such a thing without a word of explanation." + +"He will explain, never fear," Mrs. Kippenberg said grimly. "But now, we +must think what has to be done. The guests must be told." + +"Oh, Mother!" Sylvia went into another paroxysm of crying. + +"There is no other way, my dear. Leave everything to me." + +Before Penny realized that the interview had ended, Mrs. Kippenberg +stepped out into the hall. Her eyes focused hard upon the girl. + +"You are a reporter!" she accused harshly. "I remember, you were with +that photographer!" + +"Please--" began Penny. + +"I'll tell you nothing," the woman cried. "How dare you intrude in my +home and go about listening at bedroom doors!" + +"Mrs. Kippenberg, if only you will calm yourself, I may be able to help +you." + +"Help me?" the woman demanded. "What do you mean?" + +"I may be able to give you a clue as to what became of Grant Atherwald." + +The anger faded from Mrs. Kippenberg's face. She came close to Penny, +grasping her arm with a pressure which hurt. + +"You have seen him? Tell me!" + +"He came over in the same boat." + +"How long ago was that?" + +"Shortly after one o'clock. He was stopped at the front door by a servant +who handed him a note. Mr. Atherwald read it and walked down toward the +garden." + +"I wonder which one of the servants spoke to him? It was at the front +door, you say?" + +"Yes." + +"Then it must have been Gregg. I'll talk with him." + +Forgetting Penny, Mrs. Kippenberg hastened down the stairway. She jangled +a bell and asked that the manservant be sent to her. Unnoticed, Penny +lingered to hear the interview. + +The man came into the room. "You sent for me, Mrs. Kippenberg?" he +inquired. + +"Yes, Gregg. You were at the door when Mr. Atherwald arrived?" + +"I was, Madam." + +"I understand you handed him a note which he read." + +"Yes, Madam." + +"Who gave you the note?" + +"Mrs. Latch, the cook. She told me it was brought to the kitchen door +early this morning by a most disreputable looking boy." + +"He had been hired to deliver it for another person, I suppose?" + +"Yes, Madam. The boy told Mrs. Latch that the message came from a friend +of Mr. Atherwald's and should be given to him as soon as he arrived." + +"You have no idea what the note contained?" + +"No, Mrs. Kippenberg, the envelope was sealed." + +Sensing that when the interview ended Mrs. Kippenberg's wrath might again +descend upon her, Penny decided not to tempt fate. While the woman was +still talking with the servant, she slipped out of the house. + +"Atherwald might have had that note sent to himself, but I doubt it," she +told herself. "Either he is still on the estate, or the boatman would +have had to take him back across the river." + +She walked quickly down to the dock and was elated to find the guest +launch tied up there. The boatman answered her questions readily. He had +not seen Grant Atherwald since early in the afternoon. Salt was the only +person he had taken back across the river. + +"Have you noticed any other boat leaving the estate?" inquired Penny. + +"Boats have been going up and down the river all day," the man answered +with a shrug. "I didn't notice any particular one." + +Penny glanced across the water. She could see Salt perched on the +drawbridge waiting for her. But she was not yet ready to leave the +estate. + +Ignoring his shout to "come on," she turned and walked back toward the +house. Deliberately, she chose the same path which she and Salt had +followed earlier in the afternoon. + +A swift walk brought her to the forbidden trail with the barrier sign. +Penny glanced around to be certain she was not under observation. Then +she stepped boldly over the wire. + +Passing the place where she and Salt had talked with the gardener, she +noticed his trowel lying on the ground. There was no evidence that he had +done any work. + +However, all along the path flowering shrubs were well trimmed and +tended. + +"So this part of the estate isn't fixed up," Penny mused. "It's much +nicer than the other section in my opinion. I wonder why that gardener +told so many lies?" + +The path led deeper into the woods. Rustic benches invited one to linger, +but Penny walked rapidly onward. + +Unexpectedly, she came to a little clearing, and saw before her a large, +circular pool. From a gap in the trees, warm sunshine poured down upon +the bed of flowers which flanked the cement sides, making a circle of +brilliant color. + +"So this is where the path leads," thought Penny. "No mystery here after +all." + +She was at a loss to understand why this portion of the estate had been +closed to visitors for certainly it was the most beautiful part. Yet +there was a quality to the beauty which the girl did not like. + +As she stood staring at the pool, she was fully aware of an uneasy +feeling which had taken possession of her. It was almost as if she stood +in the presence of something sinister and unknown. The gentle rustling of +the tree leaves, the cool river air blowing against her cheek, only +served to heighten the feeling. + +She drew closer and peered down into the blue depths of the pool. She +could not see the bottom plainly for the water was choked with a tangle +of feathery plants. A few yellow lilies floated on the surface. + +Penny absently reached out to pluck one. But as the stem snapped off, she +gave a little scream and dropped the flower. She had seen a large, +shadowy form slithering through the water beneath her. + +Penny backed a step away from the pool. From among the lily pads an ugly +head emerged and a broad snout was raised above the surface for an +instant. Powerful jaws opened and closed, revealing jagged teeth set in +deep pits. + +"An alligator!" Penny exclaimed aloud. "Such a horrid, ugly creature! And +to think, I nearly put my hand in that water." + +She shivered and watched the movements of the alligator. Its head scooted +smoothly over the water for a short distance. Then with a swish of its +tail, the reptile submerged and the pool was as placid as before. + +"Eight feet long if it's an inch," estimated Penny. "Why would any person +in his right mind keep such a creature here? Why, it's dangerous." + +She felt enraged, thinking how close she had come to touching the +alligator. Yet justice compelled her to admit that she had only herself +to blame. Deliberately, she had disregarded the warning not to explore +the forbidden trail. + +"The Kippenbergs keep nice pets," she thought ironically. "If anyone fell +into that pool it would be just too bad." + +Now that her curiosity was satisfied, Penny had not the slightest desire +to linger near the lily pool. With another glance down into the murky +depths she turned away, but she had taken less than a dozen steps when +she paused. Her attention was held by a bright and shiny object which lay +in the dust at her feet. + +With a low cry of surprise she reached down and picked up a plain band of +white gold. Obviously, it was a wedding ring. + +"Now where did this come from?" Penny turned it over on the palm of her +hand. + +Startled thoughts leaped into her mind. She felt certain Grant Atherwald +had taken this same path earlier in the afternoon. It was logical to +believe that the ring had been his, intended for Sylvia Kippenberg. Had +he lost the band accidentally or deliberately thrown it away? + +Slowly, Penny's gaze roved to the lily pond. She noted that the coping +was so low that one who walked carelessly might easily stumble and fall +into the water. It made her shudder to think of such a gruesome +possibility, yet she could not avoid giving it consideration. For that +matter, Grant Atherwald might have been lured to this isolated spot. The +mysterious message-- + +Penny delved no deeper into the problem for suddenly she felt someone +grasp her arms. With a terrified cry she whirled about to face her +assailant. + + + + + CHAPTER + 7 + _THE FORBIDDEN POOL_ + + +A wave of relief surged over Penny as she saw that it was the old +gardener who held her fast. + +"Oh, it's only you," she laughed shakily, trying to pull away. "For a +second I thought the Bogey Man had me for sure." + +The gardener did not smile. + +"Didn't I tell you to keep away from here?" he demanded, giving her a +hard shake. + +"I'm not doing any h-harm," Penny stammered. She kept her hand closed +over the white gold ring so that the old man would not see what she had +found. "I just wanted to learn what was back in here." + +"And you found out?" + +The gardener's tone warned Penny to be cautious in her reply. + +"Oh, the pool is rather pretty," she answered carelessly. "But I've seen +much nicer ones." + +"How long have you been here?" + +"Only a minute or two. I really came to search for Grant Atherwald." + +"Atherwald? What would he be doing here?" + +"He disappeared an hour or so ago," revealed Penny. "The servants have +been searching everywhere for him." + +"He disappeared?" the gardener repeated incredulously. + +"Yes, it's very peculiar. Mr. Atherwald arrived at the estate in ample +time for the wedding. But after he read a note which was delivered to him +he walked off in this direction and was seen no more." + +"Down this path, you mean?" + +"I couldn't say as to that, but he started this way. I know because I saw +him myself." + +"Atherwald didn't come here," the gardener said with finality. "I've been +working around the lily pond all afternoon and would have seen him." + +Penny's fingers closed tightly about the white gold ring which she kept +shielded from the man's gaze. In her opinion the trinket offered almost +conclusive proof that the bridegroom had visited the locality. Because +she could not trust the gardener she kept her thoughts strictly to +herself. + +The man stared down at his feet, obviously disturbed by the information +Penny had given him. + +"Do you suppose harm could have befallen Mr. Atherwald?" she asked after +a moment. + +"Harm?" he demanded irritably. "That's sheer nonsense. The fellow +probably skipped out. He ought to be tarred and feathered!" + +"And you would enjoy doing it?" Penny interposed slyly. + +The gardener glared at her, making no attempt to hide his dislike. + +"Such treatment would be too good for anyone who hurt Miss Sylvia. Now +will you get out of here? I have my orders and I mean to enforce them." + +"Oh, all right," replied Penny. "I was going anyway." + +This was not strictly true, for had the gardener not been there she would +have made a more thorough investigation of the locality near the lily +pool. But now she had no hope of learning more, and so turned away. + +Emerging from among the trees, she glanced toward the rose garden. Nearly +all of the wedding guests had departed. Penny considered whether or not +she should speak to Mrs. Kippenberg about finding the ring. Deciding +against it, she joined a group of people at the boat dock and was ferried +across the river. + +Salt awaited her at the drawbridge. + +"I just about gave you up," he complained. "It's time for us to get back +to the office or our news won't be news. The wedding is definitely off?" + +"Yes, Atherwald can't be found." + +"We'll stop at a drug store and telephone," Salt said, pulling her toward +the car. "Learn anything more after I left?" + +"Well, I found a wedding ring and was nearly chewed up by an alligator," +laughed Penny. "It seemed rather interesting at the time." + +The photographer gave her a queer look as he started the automobile. + +"Imagination and journalism never mix," he said. + +"Does this look like imagination?" Penny countered, showing him the plain +band ring. + +"Where did you find it?" + +"Beside a lily pond in the forbidden part of the estate. I feel certain +it must have been dropped by Grant Atherwald." + +"Thrown away?" + +"I don't know exactly what to think," Penny replied soberly. + +Salt steered the car into the main road which led back to Corbin. Then he +inquired: "Did you notice any signs of a struggle? Grass trampled? +Footprints?" + +"I didn't have a chance to do any investigating. That bossy old gardener +came and drove me away." + +"What were you saying about alligators?" + +"Salt, I saw one swimming around in the lily pool," Penny told him +earnestly. "It was an ugly brute, at least twelve feet long." + +"How long?" + +"Well, eight anyway." + +"You're joking." + +"I am not," Penny said indignantly. + +"Maybe it was only a big log lying in the water." + +Penny gave an injured sniff. "Have it your own way. But it wasn't a log. +I guess I can tell an alligator when I see one." + +"If you're actually right," Salt said unmoved, "I'd like to have snapped +a picture of it. You know, this story might develop into something big." + +"I have a feeling it will, Salt." + +"If Atherwald really has disappeared it should create a sensation!" + +"And if the poor fellow had the misfortune to fall or be pushed into the +lily pool Dad wouldn't have headlines large enough to carry it!" + +"Say, get a grip on yourself," Salt advised. "The _Riverview Star_ prints +fact, not fancy." + +"That's because so many of Dad's reporters are stodgy old fellows," +laughed Penny. "But I'll admit it isn't very likely Grant Atherwald was +devoured by the alligator." + +The car had reached Corbin. Salt drew up in front of a drug store. + +"Run in and telephone DeWitt," he said, opening the door for her. "And +remember, stick to facts." + +Penny was a little frightened as she entered the telephone booth and +placed a long distance call to the _Riverview Star_. She never failed to +feel nervous when she talked with DeWitt, the city editor, for he was not +a very pleasant individual. + +She jumped as the receiver was taken down and a voice barked: "City +desk." + +"This is Penny Parker over at Corbin," she began weakly. + +"Can't hear you," snapped DeWitt. "Talk up." + +Penny repeated her name and DeWitt's voice lost some of its edge. +Gathering courage, she started to tell him what she had learned at the +Kippenberg estate. + +"Hold it," interrupted DeWitt. "I'll switch you over to a rewrite man." + +The connection was made and Penny began a second time. Now and then the +rewrite man broke into the narrative to ask a question. + +"All right, I think I have it all," he said finally and hung up. + +Penny went back to the car looking as crestfallen as she felt. + +"I don't know what they thought of the story," she told Salt. "DeWitt +certainly didn't waste any words of praise." + +"He never does," chuckled the photographer. "You're lucky if you don't +get fired." + +"That's one consolation," returned Penny, settling herself for the long +ride home. "He can't fire me. Being the editor's daughter has its +advantages." + +The regular night edition of the _Riverview Star_ was on the street by +the time they reached the city. Salt signaled a newsboy and bought a +paper while the car waited for a traffic light. He tossed it over to +Penny. + +"Here it is! My story!" she cried, and then her face fell. + +"What's the matter?" asked Salt. "Did they garble it all up?" + +"They've cut it down to three inches! And not a word about the alligator +or the lost wedding ring! I could cry! Why, I told that rewrite man +enough to fill at least a column!" + +"Well, anyway you made the front page," the photographer consoled. "They +may build the story up in the next edition after they get my pictures." + +Penny said nothing, remaining in deep gloom during the remainder of the +ride to the _Star_ office. Salt let her out at the front door. She +debated for a moment whether or not to go on home, but finally entered +the building. + +DeWitt was busy at his desk as she walked stiffly past. She hoped that he +would notice how she ignored him, but he did not glance up from the copy +before him. + +Penny opened the door of her father's private office and stopped short. + +"Why, Dad?" she cried. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be +home in bed." + +"I finally persuaded the doctor to let me out," Anthony Parker replied, +swinging around in his swivel chair. "How did you get along with your +assignment?" + +"I thought I did very well," Penny said aloofly. "But from now on I'll +not telephone anything in. I'll write the story myself." + +"Now don't blame DeWitt or the rewrite man," said Mr. Parker, smiling. "A +paper has to be careful in what it publishes, especially about a wedding. +Alligators are a bit too--shall we say sensational?" + +"You made a similar remark about witch dolls," Penny reminded him. + +"I did eat my words that time," Mr. Parker admitted, "but this is +different. If we build up a big story about Grant Atherwald's +disappearance, and then tomorrow he shows up at his own home, we'll +appear pretty ridiculous." + +"I guess you're right," Penny said, turning away. "Well, I'm happy to see +you back in the office again." + +Mr. Parker watched her speculatively. When she reached the door he +inquired: "Aren't you forgetting something?" + +"What, Dad?" + +"Today is Thursday." The editor took a sealed envelope from the desk +drawer. "This is the first time you have failed to collect your allowance +in over a year." + +"I must be slipping." Penny grinned as she pocketed the envelope. + +"Why don't you open it?" + +"What's the use?" Penny asked gloomily. "It's always the same. Anyway, I +borrowed two dollars last week so this doesn't really belong to me." + +"You might be pleasantly surprised." + +Penny stared at her father with disbelief. "Dad! You don't mean you've +given me a raise!" + +Eagerly, she ripped open the envelope. Three crisp dollar bills fluttered +into her hand. With a shriek of delight, Penny flung her arms about her +father's neck. + +"I always try to reward a good reporter," he chuckled. "Now take yourself +off because my work is stacked a mile high." + +Penny tripped gaily toward the door but it opened before she could cross +the room. An office boy came in with a message for Mr. Parker. + +"Man to see you named Atherwald," he announced. + +The name produced an electrifying effect upon both Penny and her father. + +"Atherwald!" Mr. Parker exclaimed. "Then he hasn't disappeared after all! +Show him in." + +"And I'm staying right here," Penny declared, easing herself into the +nearest chair. "I have a hunch that this interview may concern me." + + + + + CHAPTER + 8 + _PARENTAL PROTEST_ + + +In a few minutes the office boy returned, followed by a distinguished, +middle-aged man who carried a cane. Penny gave him an astonished glance +for she had expected to see Grant Atherwald. It had not occurred to her +that there might be two persons with the same surname. + +"Mr. Atherwald?" inquired her father, waving the visitor into a chair. + +"James Atherwald." + +The man spoke shortly and did not sit down. Instead he spread out a copy +of the night edition of the _Star_ and pointed to the story which Penny +had covered. She quaked inwardly, wondering what error of hers was to be +exposed. + +"Do you see this?" Mr. Atherwald demanded. + +"What about it?" inquired the editor pleasantly. + +"You are holding my family up to ridicule by printing such a story! Grant +Atherwald is my son!" + +"Is the story incorrect?" + +"Yes, you imply that my son deliberately jilted Sylvia Kippenberg!" + +"And actually he didn't?" Mr. Parker inquired evenly. + +"Certainly not. My son is a man of honor and had a very deep regard for +Sylvia. Under no circumstance would he have jilted her." + +"Still, the wedding did not take place." + +"That is true," Mr. Atherwald admitted. + +"Perhaps you can explain why it was postponed?" + +"I don't know what happened to Grant," Mr. Atherwald said reluctantly. +"He left our home in ample time for the ceremony, and I might add, was in +excellent spirits. I believe he must have been the victim of a stupid, +practical joke." + +"Well, that suggests a new angle," Mr. Parker remarked thoughtfully. "Did +your son have friends who might be apt to play such a joke on him?" + +"No one of my acquaintance," Mr. Atherwald answered unwillingly. "Of +course, he had many young friends who were not in my circle." + +Penny had listened quietly to the conversation. She now arose and came +over to the desk. From her pocket she took the white gold wedding ring. + +"Mr. Atherwald," she said, "I wonder if you could identify this." + +The man studied the trinket for a moment. + +"It looks very much like a ring which Grant purchased for Sylvia," he +declared. "Where did you get it?" + +"I found it lying on the ground at the Kippenberg estate," Penny replied +vaguely. She had no intention of divulging the exact locality where she +had picked up the ring. + +"You see," said Mr. Parker, "we have supporting facts in our possession +which were not published. All in all, I think the story was handled +discreetly, with due regard for the feelings of those involved." + +"Then you refuse to retract the story?" + +"I should like to oblige you, Mr. Atherwald, but you realize such a story +as this is of great interest to our readers." + +"You care only for sensationalism!" + +"On the contrary, we try to avoid it," Mr. Parker corrected. "In this +particular case, we deliberately played the story down. If it develops +that your son actually has disappeared--" + +"I tell you it was only a practical joke," Mr. Atherwald interrupted. "No +doubt my son is at home by this time. The wedding has merely been +postponed." + +"You are entitled to your opinion," said Mr. Parker. "And I sincerely +hope that you are right." + +"At least do not use that picture which your photographer took of Mrs. +Kippenberg. I'll pay you for it." + +Mr. Parker smiled and shook his head. + +"I might have expected such an attitude!" Mr. Atherwald exclaimed +angrily. "Good afternoon." + +He left the office, slamming the door behind him. + +"Well, you've lost another subscriber, Dad," said Penny flippantly. + +"He's not the first," returned her father. + +"I intended to give Mr. Atherwald the wedding ring, but he went off in +too big a hurry. Should I go after him?" + +"No, don't bother, Penny. You might take it around to the picture room +and have it photographed. We may use it as Exhibit A if the story +develops into anything." + +"How about the alligator?" Penny asked. "Would you like to have me bring +that to the office, too?" + +"Move out of here and let me work," her father retorted. + +Penny went to the photographic department and made her requirements +known. + +"I'll wait for the ring," she announced. "You don't catch me trusting you +boys with any jewelry." + +While the picture was being taken Salt came by with several damp prints +in his hand. + +"Take a look at this one, Penny," he said proudly. "Mrs. Kippenberg +wielding a wicked plate. Will she burn up when she sees it on the picture +page?" + +"She will, indeed," agreed Penny. "Nice going." + +When the ring had been returned to her she slipped it into her pocket and +left the newspaper office. Her next stop was at a corner hamburger shop +where she fortified herself with two large sandwiches. + +"That ought to hold me until the dinner bell rings," she thought. "And +now to pay my honest debts." + +A trolley ride and a short walk brought Penny to the home of her chum, +Louise Sidell. As she came within sight of the front porch she saw her +friend sitting on the steps, reading a movie magazine. Louise threw it +aside and sprang to her feet. + +"Oh, Penny, I'm glad you came over. I telephoned your house and Mrs. +Weems said you had gone away somewhere." + +"Official business for Dad," Penny laughed. She dropped two dollars into +Louise's hand. "Here's what I owe you. But don't go spend it because I +may need to borrow it back in a couple of days." + +"Is Leaping Lena running up huge garage bills again?" Louise inquired +sympathetically. + +Penny's second-hand car was a joke to everyone save herself. She was a +familiar figure at nearly every garage in Riverview, for the vehicle had +a disconcerting way of breaking down. + +"I had to buy new spark plugs this time," sighed Penny. "But then, I +should get along better from now on. Dad raised my allowance." + +"Doesn't that call for a celebration? Rini's have a special on today. A +double chocolate sundae with pineapple and nuts, cherry and--" + +"Oh, no, you don't! I'm saving my dollar for the essentials of life. I +may need it for gasoline if I decide to drive over to Corbin again." + +"Again?" Louise asked alertly. + +"I was over there today, covering the Kippenberg wedding," Penny +explained. "Only it turned out there was no ceremony. Grant Atherwald +jilted his bride, or was spirited away by persons unknown. He was last +seen near a lily pool in an isolated part of the estate. I picked up a +wedding ring lying on the ground close by. And then as a climax Mrs. +Kippenberg hurled a plate at Salt." + +"Penny Parker, what are you saying?" Louise demanded. "It sounds like one +of those two-reel thrillers they show over at the Rialto." + +"Here is the evidence," Penny said, showing her the white gold ring. + +"It's amazing how you get into so much adventure," Louise replied +enviously as she studied the trinket. "Start at the beginning and tell me +everything." + +The invitation was very much to Penny's liking. Perching herself on the +highest porch step she recounted her visit to the Kippenberg estate, +painting an especially romantic picture of the castle dwelling, the moat, +and the drawbridge. + +"Oh, I'd love to visit the place," Louise declared. "You have all the +luck." + +"I'll take you with me if I ever get to go again," promised Penny. "Well, +I'll see you tomorrow." + +And with this careless farewell, she sprang to her feet, and hastened on +home. + +The next morning while Mrs. Weems was preparing breakfast, Penny ran down +to the corner to buy the first edition of the _Star_. As she spread it +open a small headline accosted her eye. + + "NO TRACE OF MISSING BRIDEGROOM." + +Penny read swiftly, learning that Grant Atherwald had not been seen since +his strange disappearance from the Kippenberg estate. Members of the +family refused to discuss the affair and had made no report to the +police. + +"This story is developing into something big after all," she thought with +quickening pulse. "Now if Dad will only let me work on it!" + +At home she gave the newspaper to her father, remarking rather pointedly: +"You see, your expert reporters haven't learned very much more than I +brought in yesterday. Why wouldn't it be a good idea to send me out there +again today?" + +"Oh, I doubt if you could get into the estate, Penny." + +"Salt and I managed yesterday." + +"You did very well, but you weren't known then. It will be a different +matter today since we antagonized the family by using the story. I'll +suggest that Jerry Livingston be assigned to it." + +"With Penny as first assistant?" + +Mr. Parker smiled and shook his head. "This isn't your type of story. Now +if you would like to cover a lecture at the Women's Club--" + +"Or a nice peppy meeting of the Ladies Sewing Circle," Penny finished +ironically. "Thank you, no." + +"I am sure you wouldn't have a chance of getting into the estate," her +father said lamely. "We must have good coverage." + +"What does Jerry have that I haven't got?" Penny demanded in an aggrieved +voice. + +"Eight years of experience for one thing." + +"But I really should go out there," Penny insisted. "I ought to show Miss +Kippenberg the ring I found." + +"The ring might provide an entry," Mr. Parker admitted thoughtfully. +"I'll tell you, why don't you telephone long distance?" + +"And if I'm able to make an appointment, may I help Jerry cover the +story?" + +"All right," agreed Mr. Parker. "If Sylvia Kippenberg talks with you +we'll be able to use anything she says." + +"I'm the same as on my way to the estate now, Dad." + +With a triumphant laugh, Penny left the breakfast table and hastened to +the telephone. + +"Long distance," she said into the transmitter. "The Kippenberg estate at +Corbin, please." + +She hovered anxiously near the telephone while she waited for the +connection to be made. Ten minutes elapsed before the bell jingled +several times. Eagerly, she jerked down the receiver. She could hear a +faint, far-away voice saying, "hello." + +"May I speak with Sylvia Kippenberg?" Penny requested. + +"Who is this, please?" + +"Miss Parker at Riverview." + +"Miss Kippenberg is not at home," came the stiff response. + +"Then let me speak with Mrs. Kippenberg," Penny said quickly. "I have +something very important to tell her. Yesterday when I was at the estate +I found a ring--" + +The receiver had clicked at the other end of the line. The connection was +broken. + + + + + CHAPTER + 9 + _A SOCIETY BAZAAR_ + + +"You see, Penny," said Mr. Parker sympathetically, "wealthy people have a +way of being inaccessible to the press. They surround themselves with +servants who have been trained to allow no invasion of their privacy. +They erect barriers which aren't easily broken down." + +"If only I could have reached Miss Kippenberg I feel sure she would have +wished to learn about the ring," returned Penny. "Oh, well, let Jerry +cover the story. I've lost interest." + +All that morning the girl went about the house in a mood of deep +depression. She felt completely out of sorts and would scowl at her own +reflection whenever she passed a mirror. Nothing seemed to go right. + +"I declare, I wish you would forget that silly wedding," Mrs. Weems said +wearily. "Why don't you try working out your resentment on a tennis +ball?" + +"Not a bad idea," admitted Penny. "Only I have no partner. Louise is +going away somewhere today to a charity bazaar." + +"Here in Riverview?" inquired Mrs. Weems with interest. + +"No, it's to be held at Andover, twenty miles from Corbin. Louise is +going with an aunt of hers. She invited me several days ago, but I didn't +think it would be any fun." + +"You might enjoy it. Why don't you go?" + +"I wonder if it isn't too late?" Penny glanced at the clock. + +A telephone call to the Sidell home assured her that she would have ample +time to get ready for the trip. She quickly dressed and was waiting when +Louise and her aunt, Miss Lucinda Frome, drove up to the door. + +"What sort of an affair is it?" Penny inquired as they traveled toward +the distant town. + +Miss Frome explained that the bazaar was being sponsored by members of +the D.A.R. organization and would be held at one of the fashionable clubs +of the city. As Miss Frome belonged to the Riverview chapter she and her +guests would have an entry. + +"I look forward to meeting a number of prominent persons today," the +woman declared. "The Andover chapter has a very exclusive membership." + +Louise winked at Penny, for it was a source of amusement to her that her +aunt stood in awe of society personages. Neither she nor her chum +suffered from social ambition or a feeling of inferiority. + +At Andover, Miss Frome drove the car to the City Club and parked it +beside a long row of other automobiles, many of which were under the +charge of uniformed chauffeurs. + +"Oh, dear," remarked Miss Frome nervously, "I didn't realize how shabby +my old coupe looks. I do hope no one notices." + +"Now don't start that, Aunty," Louise said, taking her by the arm. "Your +car is perfectly all right. And so are you." + +They went up the steps of the stone building and mingled with the other +women. So many persons were present that the three newcomers attracted no +attention. Miss Frome was reassured to see that she was as well dressed +as anyone in the room. + +Several long tables were covered with various articles offered for sale. +Penny and Louise wandered about examining objects which struck their +fancy. Miss Frome bought a vase and an imitation ivory elephant, but the +girls considered the prices too high for their purses. + +Presently, Penny's gaze was drawn to a young woman who stood behind one +of the tables at the far end of the room. She stopped short and stared. + +"See someone you know?" inquired Louise. + +"Why, that young woman with the dark hair and the lace dress, Louise! She +is Sylvia Kippenberg!" + +"Really? I must say she has courage to come here today after all that +happened!" + +The young woman did not realize that she was being subjected to scrutiny. +However, she seemed fully aware that she was a general object of +curiosity, for her lips were frozen in a set smile and her face was pale +despite the rouge on the smooth cheeks. + +"I suppose she must be on the bazaar committee," Louise went on. "But my, +if anyone had jilted me, I would not have come here today." + +"Jerry must have missed his interview after all," Penny murmured, half to +herself. + +"Jerry?" + +"Yes, Dad assigned him to the Kippenberg story. I suppose he drove to +Corbin today in the hope of seeing Miss Sylvia." + +"And she may have come here just to escape reporters." + +"For two cents I'd try to interview her myself," Penny said. + +"Do you think she would talk with you?" + +"Not if she realizes I am a reporter. But at least I can try." + +"Don't create a scene whatever you do," Louise warned uneasily. "Not that +I would mind. But Aunt Lucinda would die of mortification." + +"I'll try to be careful," Penny promised. + +She sauntered forward, gradually working toward the table where the young +woman served. Selecting an article at random from the display, she +inquired its price. + +"Ten dollars," Miss Kippenberg answered mechanically. + +Penny loitered at the table until two elderly women had moved on. She was +now alone with Sylvia Kippenberg. She would have no better opportunity to +speak with her. + +"Miss Kippenberg," she began. + +"Yes?" The young woman really gazed at the girl for the first time. Penny +saw that her eyelids were red and swollen from recent tears. + +"I should like to talk with you alone, please." + +"Do I know your name?" Miss Kippenberg asked coldly. + +"Penny Parker." + +"Parker--Parker," the young woman repeated and her eyes hardened. "Oh, +yes, you are the girl who came to our place yesterday with that +photographer! And you telephoned again this morning." + +"Yes," Penny admitted reluctantly, "but--" + +The young woman did not allow her to finish. + +"I'll not talk with you or any other reporter. You have no right to come +here and annoy me." + +"Please, I'm not really a reporter, Miss Kippenberg. I have something to +show you." + +Miss Kippenberg had closed her ears to Penny's words. She turned abruptly +and fled in the direction of the powder room. + +Penny hesitated, remembering her promise to create no scene. Still, she +could not allow Miss Kippenberg to elude her so easily. Determinedly, she +followed. + +"Please, Miss Kippenberg, you must listen to me," she pleaded. + +Observing that her words had not the slightest effect upon the girl, she +suddenly opened her purse and took out the white gold ring. She thrust it +in front of Miss Kippenberg. + +"I only wish to show you this." + +The young woman stopped short, gazing down at the ring. + +"Where did you get it?" she asked in a low tone. + +"Then you do recognize it?" + +"Of course. Grant showed it to me the night before we were to have been +married. Tell me, how did it come into your hands?" + +"We can't talk here." + +Miss Kippenberg glanced quickly about and observing that many eyes were +focused upon them, led the girl into the deserted powder room. They sat +down on a sofa in a secluded corner. + +"I didn't mean to be so rude before," Miss Kippenberg apologized. "It was +only because I must protect myself from reporters and photographers. You +have no idea how I have been annoyed." + +"I do understand," said Penny, "and I wish to help you. That was why I +was so insistent upon talking with you. I think this ring may be a clue +to Mr. Atherwald's disappearance." + +"Then you believe as I do that he did not go away purposely?" + +"My theory is that Mr. Atherwald was a victim of a plot. Did he have any +known enemies?" + +"Oh, no, everyone liked Grant. Tell me about the ring. Who gave it to +you?" + +"No one. I found it while I was exploring a path on the estate, the trail +which is blocked off." + +"You shouldn't have gone there, but no matter. Just where did you pick up +the ring?" + +"I found it near the lily pool." + +Miss Kippenberg stared at Penny with expressionless, half-glazed eyes. + +"Oh!" she murmured. Her head dropped low, her body sagged and she slumped +down on the sofa in a faint. + + + + + CHAPTER + 10 + _A THROWN STONE_ + + +Penny's first thought was to call for assistance, but sober reflection +made her realize that to do so would likely result in awkward questions. +She felt certain Miss Kippenberg had only fainted and would soon revive. + +Stretching the young woman full length upon the sofa, the girl ran to the +washroom for a glass of water. She dampened a towel and folded it across +Miss Kippenberg's forehead, at the same time rubbing the limp hands and +trying to restore circulation. Noticing the white gold ring which had +fallen to the floor, she reached down and picked it up. + +"Miss Kippenberg must have fainted because of what I told her about the +lily pond," thought Penny. "I should have used more tact." + +She watched the young woman anxiously, fearing that what she had assumed +to be an ordinary faint might really be a heart attack. A wave of relief +surged over her as Miss Kippenberg stirred slightly. Her long dark +eyelashes fluttered open and she stared blankly about her. + +"Where am I?" she asked, moistening her dry lips. + +"Here, drink this," Penny urged, offering the glass of water. "You'll +feel much better in a few minutes." + +"Now I remember," Miss Kippenberg murmured. "You were saying--" + +"Don't think about that now. Just lie still and relax." + +Miss Kippenberg did not try to speak again for some little time. Then, +despite Penny's protests, she raised herself to a sitting position. + +"I feel quite all right now," she insisted. "How stupid of me to faint." + +"I am afraid I was very tactless." + +"On the contrary, our conversation had nothing to do with it." + +"I thought--" + +"It was the heat," Miss Kippenberg insisted. "I had a sunstroke once and +since then I can't bear even an overheated room." + +"But it really isn't very warm in here," protested Penny. "I don't notice +it at all." + +"You might not but I am very sensitive to it." + +"Well, I'm glad your faint wasn't caused by anything I said," Penny +declared, although she continued to regard the young woman dubiously. "I +thought you seemed shocked by what I told you about the ring." + +"You were saying that you picked it up near the lily pond?" Miss +Kippenberg questioned in a low tone. + +"Yes," replied Penny, watching her closely. + +"I wish I knew the exact place." + +"If we could go to your estate together I could show you," Penny said +eagerly. + +Miss Kippenberg hesitated in her reply, obviously still prejudiced +against the girl because of her connection with the _Riverview Star_. + +"Very well," she agreed. "Will you please ask that my car be sent to the +door?" + +"Gladly," said Penny, trying not to show her jubilance. + +Leaving Miss Kippenberg in the powder room she returned to the main hall. +Louise separated from the crowd and hurried to meet her. + +"Oh, Penny, I saw you go off with Miss Kippenberg," she began. "Would she +talk with you?" + +"She did," answered Penny, "and now I'm going with her to the estate." + +"But Aunt Lucinda expects to start home in a few minutes," protested +Louise. "How long will you be gone?" + +"I haven't the slightest idea. If I'm not back here by the time you are +ready to leave don't wait for me." + +"But how will you get home?" + +"Oh, I'll find a way. The important thing now is to learn everything I +can from Miss Kippenberg. She's in a mood to talk." + +"I'd love to visit the estate," Louise said wistfully. + +"I wish I could take you," Penny told her sincerely, "but I don't see how +I can this time." + +"Of course not, Penny. It would be very foolish of you to try. You might +lose your own chance to gain an exclusive news story." + +"Will you explain to your aunt about my sudden disappearance?" + +"Yes, she'll understand," Louise replied. "We'll wait here for you at +least an hour." + +Penny left a call for Miss Kippenberg's car and then went back to the +powder room. The young woman walked a bit unsteadily even with aid. +However, no one paid attention to them as they crossed the main hall and +made their way to the waiting automobile. + +With Penny and Miss Kippenberg as passengers the big limousine rolled +away from the clubhouse and sped toward Corbin. During the ride the young +woman scarcely spoke. She sat with her head against the cushion, eyes +half closed. As they came within view of the drawbridge she made an +effort to arouse herself. + +"I see you have visitors at the estate," Penny commented, noticing a +number of cars parked near the river's edge. + +"Reporters, always reporters," returned Miss Kippenberg impatiently. +"They may try to board as we pass." + +Penny wondered how the limousine would be taken across the river. The old +watchman had noted their approach. Before the car reached the end of the +road he had lowered the creaking drawbridge into position. + +"Is the bridge really safe?" Penny inquired of her companion. + +"For light traffic only," Miss Kippenberg answered briefly. + +The arrival of the car had created a stir of interest among the group of +men gathered near the bridge. Penny caught sight of Jerry Livingston and +could not resist rolling down the side window so he would be sure to +obtain a clear view of her. It gave her a very pleasant feeling to see +him stare as if he could not believe his own eyes. + +Several of the reporters attempted to stop the limousine but without +success. The car clattered over the drawbridge which was pulled up again +before anyone could follow. + +Penny and Miss Kippenberg alighted at the front door of the great house. + +"Now show me where you found the ring," requested the young woman. + +Penny led her down the winding path into the grove. + +"I hope we don't meet your head gardener," she said significantly. "He +seems to be such an unpleasant individual." + +Miss Kippenberg glanced at her queerly. + +"Why, how do you mean?" + +"Oh, yesterday he ordered me away from here in no uncertain terms." + +"He only meant to do his duty." + +"Then the man has been ordered to keep persons away from this part of the +estate?" + +"I really couldn't tell you," Miss Kippenberg answered aloofly. "Mother +has charge of the servants." + +"Has the man been in your employ long?" + +"I can't tell you that either." Miss Kippenberg's voice warned Penny that +she did not care to be questioned. + +There was no sign of the old gardener as they came presently to the lily +pool. Penny searched about in the grass for a few minutes. + +"Here is where I found the ring," she revealed. "And see this!" + +"What?" Miss Kippenberg drew in her breath sharply. + +"Footprints." + +"That doesn't seem so remarkable." The young woman bent to examine them. +"They probably were made by Grant's own shoe." + +"But it looks as if there might have been a struggle here," Penny +insisted. "From those marks wouldn't you say a body had been dragged +across the ground toward the pool?" + +"No!" cried Miss Kippenberg. "The grass is trampled, but I can't believe +Grant has met with violence. I refuse to think of such a thing! The +pool--" she broke off and a shudder wracked her body. + +"It is best to know the truth. Have you notified the police about Mr. +Atherwald's disappearance?" + +Miss Kippenberg shook her head. "Until today I thought he would return. +Or at least I hoped so." + +"It seems to me an expert should be called into the case," Penny urged. +"Why don't you telephone the police station now?" + +"I couldn't," returned Sylvia looking very miserable. "Not without +consulting Mother." + +"Then let's talk with her now." + +"She isn't at home this afternoon." + +"But something should be done, and at once," Penny protested. "The first +rain will destroy all these footprints and perhaps other important +evidence. Do you really love Grant Atherwald?" + +"With all my heart," answered the young woman soberly. + +"Then I should think you would have some interest in what became of him. +I can't understand your attitude at all." + +"I--I have others to think of besides myself." + +"Your mother, you mean?" + +"Yes." Sylvia avoided Penny's penetrating gaze. + +"Surely your mother wouldn't wish an act of violence to go unpunished. So +much time has been lost already." + +"We aren't certain anything has happened to Grant," Sylvia responded, her +eyes downcast. "If we should bring the police into the case, and then it +turns out that he has merely gone away to some other city, I'd be held up +to ridicule once more." + +"It seems to me you are taking a most foolish attitude." + +"There is another reason why we must be very careful," Sylvia said +unwillingly. + +"And what is that?" + +For just an instant Penny dared hope that the young woman meant to answer +the question. But Sylvia seemed to reconsider for she said quickly: + +"I can't tell you. Please don't ask me any more questions." + +"Are you afraid you may be blamed for Mr. Atherwald's disappearance?" +Penny persisted. + +"No, no, I assure you I am not thinking of myself. Please, let's return +to the house." + +Penny deliberately blocked the path. + +"Unless you wish me to notify the police there is a little matter which I +must ask you to explain." + +Reaching down she picked up a small stone and hurled it into the lily +pond. As the ripples died away they both observed a convulsive movement +of the water, a churning which had no relation to the missile thrown. + +"I think," said Penny evenly, "that you understand my meaning." + + + + + CHAPTER + 11 + _QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS_ + + +Miss Kippenberg watched the concentric circles race each other to the far +edge of the lily pool. + +"Then you know the reason why this part of the estate is kept closed +off?" she murmured, very low. + +"I learned about the alligator yesterday," said Penny. "Why is such an +ugly brute kept here?" + +"It was none of my doing, I assure you. I hate the horrid thing. Surely +you don't mean to suggest--" + +"I am not suggesting anything yet," said Penny quietly. "But you must +realize that it is rather unusual to keep an alligator on one's estate." + +"My father brought it here from Florida," Miss Kippenberg revealed +reluctantly. "For some reason the creature seemed to fascinate him. He +insisted upon keeping it in the pond." + +"Your father is not living here now I am told." + +"That is true." Miss Kippenberg quickly switched the subject back to the +alligator. "Mother and I would like to get rid of the beast but we've +never been able to do it." + +"Any zoo should be willing to take it off your hands." + +"Mother often spoke of getting in touch with one but for some reason she +never did. I suppose she hesitated to give the alligator away upon +Father's account." + +Penny remained silent, wondering how deeply she dared probe into the +private life of the Kippenberg family. After all there were certain +inquiries which a person of sensibility could not make. She couldn't very +well ask: "Have your parents separated? Why did your father leave home? +Is it true he is wanted by the authorities for evading income tax?" +although these questions were upon the tip of her tongue. + +She did say carelessly, "Your father is away, isn't he?" + +"Yes," Miss Kippenberg answered briefly. After a moment she went on: +"Father was rather peculiar in many ways. He had a decided flare for the +unusual. Take this estate for instance. He had it built at great expense +to resemble a castle he once saw in Germany." + +"I've never visited such an elegant place." + +"It is entirely too flamboyant for my taste. But Father loved every tower +and turret. If only things had turned out different--" + +Her voice trailed away and she stared at the ground, lost in deep +thought. Arousing herself, she went on once more. + +"If you had known Father you would understand it was not strange for him +to have an alligator on the estate. At one time he kept imported +peacocks. The place was fairly overrun with them." + +Penny offered no comment. She moved closer to the edge of the lily pool, +gazing down into the now tranquil waters. + +"I know what you are trying to imply," Miss Kippenberg said jerkily. "It +couldn't be possible. I refuse even to consider such a ridiculous +theory." + +"It does seem rather far-fetched," Penny admitted. "Of course, tragedies +do occur and those foot-prints--" + +"Please, not another word or you'll drive me into hysterics!" Sylvia +cried. "You are trying to play upon my feelings so that I will tell you +things! You are only trying to get a story! I'll not talk with you any +longer." + +She turned and ran up the path toward the house. + +"Overplayed my hand that time," thought Penny ruefully. "As Dad says, I +really have too much imagination to make a good reporter. Also too lively +a tongue." + +Miss Kippenberg had vanished into the house by the time the girl retraced +her way to the garden. The black limousine no longer stood at the front +door so she knew she was expected to get back to Andover by her own +efforts. + +"If Jerry is still waiting at the drawbridge, I'll ride home with him," +she told herself. "Otherwise, I'm out of luck completely." + +The path which Penny followed brought her toward the rear of the house. +As she drew near, the kitchen door suddenly opened and a stout woman in a +blue uniform came outside. In her arms she carried two large paper sacks +which appeared to be filled with garbage for the bottoms were moist. + +Just as the woman reached Penny one of the bags gave away, allowing a +collection of corn husks, watermelon rinds and egg shells to fall on the +sidewalk. + +"Now I've done it!" she exclaimed crossly. "Splattered my stockings too." + +"Oh, that's too bad," said Penny, pausing. + +"This is the only place I ever worked where the cook was expected to +carry out the garbage!" the woman complained. "It makes me good and mad +every time I do it." + +"I should think a house of this size would have an incinerator so that +the garbage could be burned," Penny remarked. + +"Say, this place doesn't have any conveniences for the servants," the +cook went on. "You're expected to work, work, work from morning to +night." + +She broke off quickly, regarding Penny with a suspicious gaze. "You're +not one of Miss Sylvia's guests?" she demanded. + +"Oh, no, I only came here on an errand. I wouldn't repeat anything to the +family." + +"That's all right then," the woman said in relief. "I liked my job here +well enough until lately. All month it's been one dinner party after +another. Then we spent days getting ready for the wedding feast and not +one scrap of food was touched!" + +"But I suppose Mrs. Kippenberg pays you well." + +"Listen, she didn't give me one extra cent for all the work I did. Mrs. +Kippenberg always has been real close, and she's a heap worse since her +husband went away. Another week like this last one and I quit!" + +"Well, I can't say I blame you," Penny said, leading the woman on. "I +suppose Miss Sylvia is as overbearing as her mother?" + +"Oh, Miss Sylvia is all right, as sweet a girl as you'll find anywhere. I +felt mighty sorry for her when that no-account man threw her over." + +Penny knew by this time that she must be talking with Mrs. Latch, for the +footman had mentioned the cook's name. As the woman walked on with her +bundles of garbage she fell into step with her. + +"It was strange about Mr. Atherwald's disappearance," she remarked. "I +hear he came to the house and then went away just before the wedding." + +"I can tell you about that," replied Mrs. Latch with an important air. +"Yesterday morning a boy came to the back door with a letter for Mr. +Atherwald. It's my opinion he sent it to himself." + +"Didn't the boy tell you where he had obtained the letter?" + +"He said it was given to him by one of Mr. Atherwald's friends. A man in +a boat." + +"Oh, I see," said Penny, making a mental note of the information. +Realizing that the cook had told everything she knew about the matter, +she quickly switched the subject. "By the way, who is the head gardener +here?" + +"Do you mean Peter Henderson?" + +"A fairly old man," described Penny. "Gray hair, stooped shoulders, and I +might add, an unpleasant manner." + +"I guess that's Peter. He's not much of a gardener in my opinion. And he +feels too high and mighty to associate with the other servants. He +doesn't even stay here nights." + +"Is he a new man?" + +"Mrs. Kippenberg hired him only three days before the wedding. I don't +think he's done a lick of honest work since he came here." + +"And Mrs. Kippenberg doesn't mind?" + +"She's been too busy and bothered to pay any attention to him," the cook +declared. "But she always has time to boss me. I tell you, if dishes +aren't prepared perfectly she raves!" + +"No wonder Mr. Kippenberg was forced to leave home," Penny interposed +slyly. "You can't blame him for running away from a violent temper." + +"Oh, the Kippenbergs never had any trouble," Mrs. Latch corrected. "Mr. +Kippenberg would just laugh and not say a word when she jumped on him. +They were never heard to quarrel." + +"Then it seems odd that he went away." + +"Yes, it does," agreed the cook, frowning. "I never did understand it. +And then the way Mrs. Kippenberg changed all the servants!" + +"You mean after Mr. Kippenberg went away?" + +"She fired everyone except me. I guess she knew she couldn't get another +cook half as good if she let me go. Right away I struck for more money +and she gave it to me without a whimper. But since then she works me like +a dog." + +Mrs. Latch clattered the lid of the garbage can into place and turned +toward the house. But as Penny once more fell into step with her, she +paused and regarded the girl with sudden suspicion. + +"Say, why am I telling you all this anyway? Who are you? You're not one +of those sneaking reporters?" + +"Do I look like a reporter?" countered Penny. + +"Well, no, you don't," admitted Mrs. Latch. "But you're as inquisitive as +one. You must be the girl who brought Miss Sylvia's new dress from the +LaRue Shoppe." + +Penny hesitated too long over her reply, and the woman gazed at her +sharply. + +"You _are_ a reporter!" she exclaimed with conviction. "And you've been +deliberately pumping me! Of all the tricks! I'll tell Miss Kippenberg!" + +"Wait, I can explain." + +Mrs. Latch paid no heed. With an angry toss of her head she hastened into +the house. + +"Overstepped myself again," Penny thought in dismay. "I'll be getting +away from here while the getting is good." + +Turning, she ran down the walk toward the river, only to stop short as +she reached the boat dock. The drawbridge was in open position and the +old watchman did not appear to be at his usual post. She had no way of +reaching the mainland. + + + + + CHAPTER + 12 + _FISHERMAN'S LUCK_ + + +Penny looked anxiously about for a means of crossing the river. There +were no small boats available and the only person who stood on the +opposite shore was Jerry Livingston. The other reporters and +photographers, evidently tiring of their long vigil, had gone away. + +She cupped her hands and shouted to Jerry: "How am I going to get over +there? Can you lower the bridge?" + +"The mechanism is locked," called back the reporter. "And the watchman +won't be back for an hour." + +Penny walked a short distance up the shore searching for a boat. The only +available craft was the large launch which she could not hope to operate. +She might return to the house and appeal to Miss Kippenberg but such a +course was not to her liking. + +As she considered whether or not to ruin her clothing by swimming across, +Jerry called her attention to a small boat some distance up the river. +The boy who was fishing from it obligingly rowed ashore after Penny had +signaled him. + +"I'll give you fifty cents to ferry me across," she offered. + +"I'll be glad to do it," he agreed. + +Penny stepped into the boat and then asked: "Aren't you the same lad I +saw here yesterday?" + +The boy nodded as he reached for the oars. "I remember you," he answered. + +"You seem to fish here nearly every day." + +"Just about. I caught some nice ones today." Proudly he held up two large +fish for her to see. + +"Beauties," praised Penny. "I take it the motor boats haven't been +bothering you as much as they were." + +"It's been pretty quiet on the river today," the boy agreed. "Want to see +something else I fished up?" + +"Why, yes. What did you hook, a mud turtle?" + +The boy opened a large wooden box which contained an assortment of rope, +fishing tackle and miscellaneous articles. He lifted out a man's high +silk hat, bedraggled and shapeless. + +"You fished that out of the water?" Penny demanded, leaning forward to +take the article from him. "Where did you find it?" + +"Up there a ways." The boy motioned vaguely toward a point on the +Kippenberg estate. + +Penny turned the hat over in her hand, examining it closely. She found no +identifying marks, yet she believed that it had belonged to Grant +Atherwald for he had worn similar headdress. The point indicated by the +boy was not far distant from the Kippenberg lily pool. + +"How would you like to sell this hat?" she asked. + +"Why, it's not worth anything." + +"I'd like to have it," said Penny. "I'll give you another fifty cents." + +"It's a deal." + +Penny offered the boy a dollar bill, and a moment later he beached the +boat. Jerry was waiting to help her ashore. His alert gaze fastened upon +the hat which she hugged close, but he withheld comment. To the boy he +said: + +"Son, how would you like to earn five dollars?" + +The boy's eyes brightened. "Say, this is my lucky day!" he exclaimed. +"What doin'?" + +"It's easy," Jerry told him. "All you need to do is to be here for a +couple of days with your boat. You're not to allow anyone to use it +except me." + +"And me," added Penny. "I'll need taxi service myself if I come back +here." + +"That's all right," agreed the boy. + +"Here's a dollar on deposit," Jerry said. "Now remember, be here tomorrow +from eight o'clock on, and don't hire out to any other person." + +"I won't," the boy promised. + +Jerry took Penny's elbow and escorted her to the press car. + +"So you found Atherwald's hat?" he asked without preliminaries. + +"It resembles the one he wore. The boy fished it out of the river." + +"Then that looks as if the fellow really was the victim of a plot!" + +"I've thought so all along," Penny declared soberly. + +"What else did you learn? You seemed to be very chummy with Miss +Kippenberg." + +"I'll not be from now on," Penny returned ruefully. + +As Jerry backed the car around in the dusty road, she told of her meeting +with Sylvia Kippenberg and the ensuing conversation. + +"So Miss Kippenberg doesn't like questions?" Jerry asked. "And she +refuses to notify the police? Well, after we publish our story in the +_Star_ it won't be necessary. The police will come to do their own +investigating." + +"I can't really believe she is trying to deceive the authorities," Penny +said thoughtfully. "She seems to have a sincere regard for Grant +Atherwald." + +"It may be pretense." + +"She wasn't pretending the day of the wedding. Atherwald's disappearance +was a great shock to her." + +"Well, even so, she may know a lot more than she's putting out." + +"I think that myself. She closed up like a clam when I talked about her +father." + +The car came to the main road and a short time later entered the town of +Corbin. As they stopped for a red light, Penny touched Jerry's arm. + +"Look over there," she directed. "See those two men standing in front of +the drugstore?" + +"What about them?" + +"They're G men who attended the Kippenberg wedding. Salt pointed them out +to me." + +"You don't say! Maybe we can learn a fact or two from them." + +Jerry parked the car at the curb and sprang out. Penny saw him walk over +to the men, introduce himself and show his press credentials. She was too +far away to hear the conversation. + +In a few minutes Jerry returned to the car looking none too elated. + +"You didn't learn anything, did you?" Penny inquired as they drove on +again. + +"Not very much. Government men never will talk. But they did admit they +were here trying to locate James Kippenberg." + +"Then they think he is in the locality." + +"They had an idea he would show up at his daughter's wedding. But it +didn't turn out that way." + +"Did you say anything to them about Grant Atherwald's disappearance?" + +"Yes, but they wouldn't discuss it. They said they had nothing to do with +the case." + +Penny lapsed into reflective silence as the car went on toward Andover. +Mentally she sorted over the evidence which she had gathered that day, +trying to fit it into a definite pattern. + +"Jerry," she said at last. + +"Yes?" + +"You'll probably laugh at this, but I have a theory about Grant +Atherwald's disappearance." + +"Go ahead, spill it." + +"Yesterday when Salt and I were waiting at the drawbridge we saw a +motorboat cruise down the river. It was driven by a burly looking fellow +who paid no heed when we tried to hail him." + +"You're not suggesting that the man may have had something to do with +Atherwald's disappearance?" Jerry questioned, mildly amused. + +"I knew you would laugh." + +"Your theory sounds pretty far-fetched to me, I'll admit. It happens +there are any number of burly, tough looking boatmen on the Kobalt. You +can't arrest a man for a crime just because of his appearance." + +"All the same, there is supporting evidence. Mrs. Latch told me that +Atherwald's note had been handed to her by a boy who in turn received it +from someone in a boat." + +"Boats are rather common too. Your theory is interesting, but that's all +I can say for it." + +"All right," said Penny. "I was about to tell you another idea of mine. +Now I won't do it." + +No amount of coaxing could induce her to reveal her thought, and the +remainder of the drive to Andover was made in silence. It was well after +five-thirty when the car finally drew up in front of the City Club. + +Penny was not surprised to find the doors locked and no sign of Louise or +Miss Frome. + +"I thought they would go home without me," she said to Jerry. "I only +wanted to make certain." + +For many miles the road led through pleasant countryside and then swung +back toward the Kobalt river. The sun had dropped below the horizon by +the time the automobile sped through the town of Claxton. + +"Thirty miles still to go," Jerry sighed. "I'm getting hungry." + +"Two souls with but a single thought," remarked Penny. + +Directly ahead they noticed an electric sign which drew attention to a +roadside gasoline station with an adjoining restaurant. Jerry eased on +the brake. + +"How about it, Penny? Shall we invest a few nickels?" + +"I could do with a sandwich," Penny agreed. "Several, in fact." + +Not until Jerry had parked the car did they notice the dilapidated +condition of the building. It stood perhaps fifty yards back from the +main road, its rear porch fronting on the Kobalt. + +"Strange how one is always running into the river," Penny remarked +absently. "It seems to twist itself over half the state." + +Jerry had not heard her words. He was gazing at the restaurant with +disapproval. + +"This place doesn't look so good, Penny. If you say the word we'll drive +on." + +"Oh, I'd brave anything for a beef barbecue," she laughed. + +Through the screen door they caught a discouraging glimpse of the cafe's +interior--dingy walls, cigarette smoke, a group of rough looking men +seated on stools at the counter. Upon the threshold Penny hesitated, +losing courage. + +"Let's not go in," Jerry grunted in an undertone. "They'll probably serve +cockroaches in the sandwiches." + +Penny half turned away from the door only to stop short. Her attention +focused upon two men who were sitting at the far end of the cafe drinking +coffee from heavy mugs. In the indistinct light she could not be +absolutely sure, yet she was instantly convinced that the heavy-set +fellow in shirt sleeves was the same boatman who had been seen near the +Kippenberg estate. + +To Jerry's surprise, Penny resisted the tug of his arm as he sought to +lead her toward the car. + +"This place isn't half bad," she said. "Let's try it and see what +happens." + +Boldly she reached for the knob of the screen door and entered the cafe. + + + + + CHAPTER + 13 + _TWO MEN AND A BOAT_ + + +Penny ignored several empty tables at the front of the dreary restaurant +and selected one not far from where the two men sat. As they glanced at +her with insolent, appraising eyes, her pulse quickened. She was almost +certain that the heavy-set man was the same fellow she had noticed near +the Kippenberg estate. + +A waiter in a soiled white apron shuffled up to take their order. + +"Hot roast beef sandwich and coffee," said Jerry. "With plenty of cream." + +"Make mine the same," added Penny without looking at the menu. + +All her attention centered upon the two men who were now talking together +in low tones. After the first glance they had taken no interest in her +and were unaware of her scrutiny. The heavy-set man bent nearer his +companion and with the point of his knife drew a pattern on the +tablecloth. + +"What do you think of this route, Joe?" he asked. + +"Too risky," the other muttered. "Once we start we got to make a quick +shoot to the sea." + +"Any way we take we might run into trouble. Y'know, I wish we had never +agreed to do the job." + +"You and me both!" + +"Dietz ain't to be trusted," the heavy-set man said and his shaggy +eyebrows drew together in a scowl. "He's thinking first and last of his +own skin. We've got to watch him." + +"And the girl, too. She's a dumb one and plenty apt to talk if the going +gets rough." + +Penny lost the remainder of the conversation as Jerry spoke to her. + +"We couldn't have picked a worse place," he complained. "Look at all the +breakfast egg on the tablecloth. I'm in favor of walking out even now." + +"I'm not," replied Penny. + +"Say, what's got into you anyway?" Jerry demanded. "You're acting mighty +funny." + +"Notice those two men at the last table," she indicated. + +"What about them?" + +"See that heavy-set fellow with the tattooed anchor on his arm? Well, I'm +satisfied he is the same boatman who cruised near the Kippenberg estate +yesterday afternoon." + +"It might be," Jerry agreed, unimpressed. "The Kobalt is only a stone's +throw away. And this place seems to be frequented by rivermen." + +"You didn't hear what they were saying?" whispered Penny. "Listen!" + +Jerry immediately fell silent, centering his attention upon the two men. +But by this time they had lowered their voices so that only an occasional +word could be distinguished. + +"What were they saying anyway?" Jerry asked curiously. + +Before Penny could answer, the proprietor came from the kitchen bearing +two plates of food which he set down before them. The sandwiches were +covered with a dark brown, watery gravy, potatoes bore a heavy coating of +grease and the coffee looked weak. + +"Anything more?" the man inquired indifferently. + +"That's all," Jerry replied, with emphasis. "In fact, it's too much." + +At the adjoining table the two men abruptly hauled to their feet. Paying +their bill they quitted the restaurant. + +"Let's leave, too," suggested Penny. "I should like to see where they +go." + +Jerry pushed his plate aside. "Suits me," he agreed. "Even my cast-iron +stomach can't wrestle with such food as this." + +He paid at the cash register and they went out into the night. Penny +looked about for the two men and saw them walking toward the river. + +"Hold on," said Jerry as she started to follow. "Tell me what all the +excitement is about." + +Tersely, Penny repeated the conversation she had overheard. + +"They're tough looking hombres all right," Jerry admitted. "Likely as not +mixed up in some dirty business. But to say they're involved in the +Kippenberg affair--" + +"Oh, Jerry," Penny broke in impatiently, "we'll never learn anything if +we take that attitude. We must run down every possible clue. Please, +let's see if they go down to the river." + +"We ought to be getting our story back to the office," Jerry reminded +her. "If we miss the last edition there will be fireworks." + +"It will only take a minute," Penny insisted stubbornly. "If you won't +come with me, then I'm going alone!" + +She started away and the reporter had no choice but to follow. A narrow, +well-trod path led down a steep slope toward the river. Long before they +came within sight of it they could hear the croak of bullfrogs and feel +the damp, night mists enveloping them like a cloak. + +Drawing closer to the two men, Penny and Jerry slackened pace and moved +with greater care. But if they hoped to learn anything from the +conversation of the pair ahead they were disappointed. The talk concerned +only the weather. + +Reaching the banks of the river, the two men boarded a sturdy cabin +cruiser which had been moored to a sagging dock. + +"It's the very same boat," Penny whispered jubilantly. "I knew I wasn't +mistaken." + +"Even so, what does that prove?" demanded Jerry. "It's no crime to run a +motorboat near the Kippenberg estate. The river is free." + +"But you must admit there _is_ other evidence. Oh, why can't we follow +them? We might learn something really important." + +"We're not going off on any wild chase tonight," stated Jerry sternly. +"Come on, it's home for us before your father sends a police squad to +search for his missing daughter." + +"You're losing a golden opportunity, Jerry Livingston." + +"Listen, by the time we located a boat those men would be ten miles from +here. They're leaving now. Use your head." + +"Oh, all right," Penny gave in. "We'll go home, but I'll bet a cent +you'll be sorry later on." + +She waited until the cruiser was lost to view in the darkness and then +allowed the reporter to guide her back up the steep path. + +"At least let's try to find out who the men are," Penny urged as they +came near the cafe. "The restaurant owner might know." + +More to please her than for any other reason, Jerry said that he would +inquire. He re-entered the cafe, returning in a few minutes to report +that the proprietor had never seen either of the men before. + +"And now let's be traveling," he urged. "We've killed enough time here." + +During the remainder of the ride back to Riverview, Penny had little to +say. But long after she knew Jerry had forgotten the two boatmen she kept +turning their conversation over in her mind. She only wished she might +prove that her theories were not ridiculous. + +Presently, the automobile drew up in front of the Parker residence. + +"Won't you come in, Jerry?" Penny invited. "Dad may wish to talk with you +about the case." + +"I might stop a minute. I have a question or two to ask him." + +The door of the house swung open as Penny and the reporter crossed the +front porch. Anthony Parker stood framed in the bright electric light, a +tall, imposing figure. + +"That you, Penny?" + +"Yes, Dad." + +"I'm glad you're home safe," he said, not trying to hide his relief. +"Mrs. Weems and I have both been worried. It's going on nine o'clock." + +"So late? Didn't Louise telephone you?" + +"Yes, she said you had gone on to the Kippenberg estate. Knowing you, I +worried all the more. What mischief did you get into this time, Penny?" + +"None. Jerry took care of that!" + +Mr. Parker held the door open for his daughter and Jerry to pass through. +"Have you had your dinners?" he asked. + +"We stopped at a roadside cafe, Dad. But the food was horrible. We didn't +even try to eat it." + +"Mrs. Weems can find something for you, I'm sure. She's upstairs." + +"Don't call her just yet," said Penny. "First, we want to tell you what +we've learned." + +Mr. Parker listened attentively as Penny gave a detailed account of her +visit to the estate, the finding of the silk hat, and finally of her +encounter with the two boatmen at the river cafe. + +"I might have learned a lot more if only Jerry hadn't played +grandmother," she said crossly. "He refused to follow the boat down the +river--said it would only be a wild chase." + +"Jerry, I'm glad you had will power enough to overrule her," declared Mr. +Parker. "The possibility of those men being connected with the Atherwald +case seems very vague to me." + +"Dad, you should have heard what they were saying! The one man drew a +design on the tablecloth and asked his companion what he thought of the +route. They talked about a quick get-away to the sea." + +"The men may have been fugitives," Mr. Parker commented. "But even that +isn't very likely." + +"They spoke of being uneasy about a certain job they had agreed to do," +Penny went on earnestly. "They mentioned a girl and said that a fellow +named Dietz would bear watching." + +Mr. Parker leaned forward in his chair. "Dietz?" he questioned. "Are you +certain that was the name?" + +"Yes, I heard it clearly." + +"I don't see how there could be any connection," Mr. Parker mused. "And +yet--" + +"Where did you hear the name before, Dad?" Penny asked, all eagerness. + +"Well, DeWitt has been digging up all the facts he can about James +Kippenberg. As it happens, the man once had a business associate named +Aaron Dietz who was dismissed because of alleged dishonesty." + +"Then there must be a relationship!" Penny cried. She whirled +triumphantly to face the crestfallen reporter. "You see, Mr. Jerry +Livingston, my theory wasn't so crazy after all! Now aren't you sorry?" + + + + + CHAPTER + 14 + _THE STONE TOWER_ + + +Louise Sidell was washing the breakfast dishes when Penny walked boldly +in at the back door. + +"Don't you ever answer doorbells, Lou?" she demanded. "I stood around +front for half an hour, ringing and ringing." + +"Why, hello, Penny. I didn't hear you at all," apologized Louise. "The +radio is on too loud. I see you reached home last night." + +Penny picked up a towel and began to dry dishes. "Oh, yes, and did I have +a day!" + +"What happened after you left Andover?" + +"It's a long story, so I'll begin at the end. Last night, coming home +with Jerry we stopped at a cafe along the river. Guess whom we saw!" + +"Knowing your luck, I'd say Charlie Chaplin, or maybe the Queen of +England." + +"This particular cafe wasn't quite their speed, Lou. Jerry and I saw that +same boatman I told you about!" + +"The fellow you saw cruising about the Kippenberg estate? What's so +remarkable about that?" + +"It just happens I've dug up other evidence to show he may know something +about Grant Atherwald's disappearance," Penny revealed proudly. "Jerry +and I overheard a conversation. It seems this man and a companion of his +are mixed up with another fellow named Aaron Dietz." + +"Which doesn't make sense to me," complained Louise, scrubbing hard at a +sticky plate. + +"Aaron Dietz was a former associate of James Kippenberg. Dad said he +probably knew more about the Kippenberg financial affairs than any other +person. Oh, I tell you, Jerry feels pretty sick because we didn't follow +the men last night! Dad assigned him to try to pick up the trail today. +He's chartered a motor boat and will patrol the river." + +"If you don't mind," said Louise patiently, "I'd like to hear the first +part of the story now. Then I might know what this is all about." + +Talking as fast as she could, Penny related everything which had happened +since she had taken leave of her chum at Andover. + +"Which brings me to the point of my visit," she ended her tale. "How +about going out there with me this morning?" + +"To the Kippenberg estate?" Louise asked eagerly. + +"Yes, we may not be able to get across the river, but I mean to try." + +"You know I'm wild to visit the place, Penny!" + +"How soon can you start?" + +"Just as soon as these stupid dishes are done. And I ought to change my +dress." + +"Wear something dark which won't attract attention in the bushes," +advised Penny. "Now get to working on yourself while I finish the +dishes." + +Louise dropped the dishcloth and hurried upstairs. When she returned ten +minutes later, her chum was swishing the last of the soapsuds down the +sink drain. Another five minutes and they were in Penny's battered car, +speeding toward Corbin. + +The sun rode high in the sky by the time they came within view of the +drawbridge. Noticing that a press car from a rival newspaper was parked +at the end of the road, Penny drew up some distance away. She could see +two reporters talking with the old watchman. + +"Evidently, they're having no luck in getting over to the estate," she +remarked. + +"Then what about us?" + +"Oh, we have our own private taxi service," Penny chuckled. "At least I +hope so." + +Taking a circuitous route so they would not be noticed by the bridgeman, +the girls went down to the river's edge. Far up the stream Penny saw the +familiar rowboat drifting with the current. At her signal the small boy +seized his oars and rowed toward shore. + +"I was here at eight o'clock just as you said," he declared. "That fellow +up there by the bridge offered me a dollar to take him across the river. +I turned him down." + +"Good," approved Penny. + +"Do you want to go across the river now?" the boy asked. + +"Yes, please." Penny stepped into the boat and made room for Louise. +"Keep close to the bank until we are around the bend. Then I'll show you +where to land." + +"I guess you're afraid someone will see you," the boy commented. + +"Not exactly afraid," corrected Penny. "But this way will be best." + +The boat moved quietly along the high bank, well out of sight of those +who stood by the drawbridge. + +"The cops were here this morning," volunteered the boy as he pulled at +the oars. + +"You saw them visit the estate?" Penny questioned. + +"Sure, there were four of 'em. They drove up in a police car and they +made old Thorndyke let the bridge down so they could go across." + +"Are the policemen at the estate now?" + +"No, they left again in about an hour. What do you suppose they wanted +over there?" + +"Well, now, I couldn't guess," replied Penny. "Like as not they only +wished to ask a few questions. Are the Kippenbergs at home?" + +"I saw Mrs. Kippenberg drive away right after the police left." + +"And her daughter?" + +"I guess she must be still there. Anyway, she wasn't in the car." + +The boat rounded the bend, and Penny pointed out a place on the opposite +shore where she wished to land. + +"Shall I wait for you?" the boy asked as the girls stepped from the +craft. + +"Yes, but not here," directed Penny. "You might row back to the opposite +shore and keep watch from there. We ought to be ready to leave within at +least an hour." + +The roof top of the Kippenberg house could be seen towering above the +tall trees. But as the two girls plunged into the bushes which grew +thickly along the shore they lost sight of it entirely. + +"I hope," said Louise uneasily, "that you know where you are going. It +would be easy to lose one's self in this jungle." + +"Oh, I have my directions straight. We should come out near the lily pool +at any minute." + +"What do you hope to gain by coming here, Penny?" Louise inquired +abruptly. + +"I thought I would try to talk with Miss Kippenberg again. There's an +important question I forgot to ask her yesterday. Then I wanted to show +you the estate, especially the lily pond." + +"Is there anything unusual about it?" + +"I'll let you be the judge," Penny answered. "We're almost there now." + +They came in a moment to a path which made walking much easier. Penny +went in advance of her chum. Suddenly she halted. + +"See what is ahead, Lou! I never saw that thing before." + +She stepped to one side so that Louise might see the tall stone tower +which loomed up against a background of scarlet maples. + +"How curious!" murmured Louise. + +"This isn't the only queer thing I've found on the estate." + +"What purpose could the tower have?" speculated Louise. + +"Decoration, perhaps," replied Penny, moving forward again. "Or it might +have been built for a prison." + +"Listen, you have too many different theories about Grant Atherwald," +laughed Louise. "Why don't you get one and stick to it?" + +"My mind is always open to new possibilities and impressions." + +"I'll say it is," agreed Louise. "I suppose you think Mrs. Kippenberg is +keeping young Atherwald a prisoner in yonder tower?" + +"Well, no, but you must admit it would make a lovely one. So romantic." + +"Are you trying to kid me?" Louise demanded. + +Penny smiled broadly as she stared up at the tower which rose perhaps +twelve feet. Like every other building on the estate it had been built to +resist the ages. High above her head a circular window had been cut in +the wall and there was a heavy oaken door. + +Reaching for the knob, Penny turned it. Then she pressed her shoulder +against the door and pushed with her entire strength. + +"Locked!" she announced. + +"Then we won't learn what is inside after all." + +"Yes, we will," declared Penny. "You lift me up and I'll peep in the +window." + +"You only weigh a ton," complained Louise. + +She obligingly raised Penny up as high as she could. + +"Look fast," she panted. "What do you see?" + +"Not much of anything." + +"I can't hold you forever," Louise said, and released her hold. "Didn't +you see anything at all?" + +"Just a lot of machinery." + +"Tools, you mean?" + +"No, an electric motor and something which looked like it might be a +pump. Oh, I get it now!" + +"Get what?" demanded Louise. + +"Why, the idea of this tower. It must be used as a pump house. I wondered +how the lily pool was ever drained and this must be the answer." + +"You didn't see any prisoners chained inside?" Louise teased. + +"Not one. Well, let's be getting on to the lily pond. It must be +somewhere close." + +Louise could not understand why her chum was so determined that she +should see the pool. But since Penny seldom did anything without a +purpose, she speculated upon what might be in store. She knew from the +girl's manner that certain facts had been withheld deliberately to make +this visit the more impressive. + +"Here we are," said Penny as they came to the clearing. "What do you +think of it?" + +Louise was aware of a deep sense of disappointment as she gazed at the +lily pool. + +"I really don't see anything so remarkable about it, Penny." + +"This was the place where I found the wedding ring. And there were +footprints indicating that a struggle probably took place." + +"I read all that in the paper," Louise said. "From the hints you've been +passing out, I thought you brought me here to show me something +mysterious." + +"Go close to the pool." + +"What for, Penny? You want to push me in?" + +"Oh, you're too suspicious! Go on and look." + +Louise went to the edge of the pool and peered down into the water. + +"I don't see anything." + +"You will in just a minute. Keep looking." + +Louise was more than half convinced that Penny meant to play some prank, +but she dropped down on her knees so her eyes would be closer to the +water. + +"Why, I do see some large object on the floor of the tank!" she exclaimed +after a moment. "What is it, Penny?" + +"An alligator." + +Louise gave a smothered scream and drew back from the pool's edge. + +"I--I might have fallen in. You ought to be ashamed of yourself!" + +"I only wanted you to get a nice thrill," Penny grinned. "Pretty fellow, +isn't he?" + +"I didn't really see him," Louise admitted. + +Overcoming her fear, she again leaned over the edge of the pool but with +great caution. This time she could make out the alligator's form +distinctly. + +"Horrible!" she shuddered. "I wish you hadn't brought me--" + +Her words ended in a little wail as a tiny object splashed into the water +directly beneath her. + +"My cameo pin!" she cried. "Oh, Penny, it slipped from my dress and now +it's gone!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 15 + _A CAMEO PIN_ + + +In dismay, the two girls watched the trinket settle slowly to the bottom +of the pool. + +"Oh, my beautiful pin," moaned Louise. "Aunt Lucinda gave it to me for my +birthday. I wouldn't have lost it for anything in the world." + +"I guess it was my fault," Penny said self-accusingly. + +"No, it wasn't. I must have been careless about fastening the clasp. When +I leaned over it slipped off. Well, it's gone, and that's that." + +The cameo pin had fallen into the deepest part of the pool not far from +where the alligator lay. The girls were unable to see it plainly because +of the lily pads and plants which cluttered the water. + +"If that old alligator would just behave himself we could wade in and get +it easy," Penny said. + +"Fancy trying it!" + +"I'm afraid he would take special delight in snapping off an arm or a +leg. And we don't dare ask anyone to help us get the pin or we'll be +ejected from the grounds as trespassers." + +"We may as well forget about it, Penny. Come along, I'm sick of this +place." + +"No, wait, Louise. We might be able to fish it out with a stick." + +"I don't think we'd have a chance." + +"Anyway, it will do no harm to try." + +Penny searched the woods until she found a long stick with a curve at the +end. Lying flat on the flagstones at the edge of the pool she prodded for +the pin. + +"I can touch it all right!" she cried. "I'll pull it over to the side." + +"Be careful you don't tumble in," Louise warned, anxiously holding her +chum by the waist. "If you should lose your balance--" + +Penny hooked the cameo pin in the curve of the stick and began raising it +inch by inch up the side of the pool. + +"If I can get it up high enough reach down and snatch it," Penny advised +her chum. "Oh, shoot, there it goes!" + +The pin had slipped away from the stick and settled once more on the +bottom of the pool. + +"You can't get it, Penny," Louise insisted. "You're making the alligator +all excited by prodding around." + +"I don't care about _him_. I'll try once more if I can locate the pin. It +seems to be hiding from me now." + +The water was so disturbed that Penny could not see the pin or the bottom +of the pool. She waited several minutes for the dirt to settle and then +gazed down once more. + +"There it is!" she exclaimed. "It moved over quite a ways to the right." + +Louise flattened herself beside Penny. "Oh, let the pin go," she said. + +"No, I think I can get it. Say, there seems to be something else on the +bottom of the pool." + +"Where?" + +Penny pointed, and then, as her chum still could not distinguish +anything, parted the lily pads with her stick. + +"Yes, I do see something now," Louise declared. "What can it be?" + +"Doesn't it look like a metal ring?" Penny asked. She had lost all +interest in the cameo pin. + +"Yes, it does. Someone probably threw it into the pool." + +"But it looks to me as if it's attached to the bottom of the tank, +embedded in the cement," Penny said. She bent closer to the water, trying +to see. + +"Be careful," Louise warned nervously. "That alligator might come up and +snap off your nose." + +Penny paid no heed. + +"It is attached!" she announced in an excited voice. "Louise, do you know +what I think?" + +"What?" + +"It's the ring of a trapdoor!" + +"A trapdoor!" Louise echoed incredulously. + +"You can see for yourself that it's an iron ring." + +"It does look a little like one from here," Louise admitted. "But whoever +heard of a trapdoor in a lily pool? No one but you would even think of +such a thing. It doesn't make sense." + +"Does anything on this estate make sense?" + +"The ring might have something to do with draining the pool," Louise said +without replying to her chum's question. "I suppose a section of the pool +could be lifted up and removed. But I'd never call it a trapdoor." + +"I wish we could tell for sure what it is." Penny tried to prod the ring +with her stick but it was well beyond her reach. "Maybe the alligator has +a room down under the pool where he spends his winters!" + +"You're simply filled with ideas today," Louise declared. "What about my +pin? Shall we let it go?" + +Reminded of her original task, Penny set to work once more, trying to +draw the cameo to the edge of the tank. She was so deeply engrossed, that +she jumped as her chum touched her on the arm. + +"Listen, Penny, I think someone is coming!" + +From the path at the right they could hear approaching footsteps and the +low murmur of voices. + +Penny struggled to her feet, dropping the stick. + +"We mustn't be caught here," she whispered. + +Taking Louise's hand, she drew the girl into the dense bushes directly +behind the pool. Scarcely had they secreted themselves when Sylvia +Kippenberg and the head gardener came into view. They seated themselves +on a rustic bench not far from where the two girls stood. + +"I had to talk with you," Sylvia said to the old man. "The police came +this morning and asked so many questions. Mother put them off but they'll +be back again." + +"They didn't learn about the alligator?" the gardener asked gruffly. + +"No, they came here but only stayed a few minutes. I don't think they +noticed anything wrong." + +"Then that's all right." + +"Their investigation is only beginning," Sylvia said nervously. "Mother +and I both believe it would be wise to get rid of the alligator." + +"Wise but not easy," the gardener replied. + +"You'll see what you can do about it?" + +"Yes. I'll try to get rid of him." + +"Then I guess that's all," Sylvia said, but she made no move to leave. +She sat staring moodily at the pool. + +"Anything else on your mind?" asked the gardener. + +"I--I wanted to ask you something, but I scarcely know how." + +The gardener waited, watching the girl's face intently. + +"You never liked Grant Atherwald," she began nervously. + +"Say, what are you driving at?" the man asked quickly. "You're not trying +to hint that I had anything to do with Grant Atherwald's disappearance?" + +The two faced each other and Sylvia's gaze was the first to fall. + +"No, no, of course not," she said. + +"I don't know any more about his disappearance than you do," the man told +her angrily. "I didn't even see him on the day of the wedding." + +"But he came here. The wedding ring was found near the pool. Surely you +must have heard some sound for I know you were in this part of the +garden." + +"Well, I didn't," the man said sullenly. "The only persons I saw were a +newspaper photographer and a girl." + +"Please don't take offense," Miss Kippenberg murmured, getting up from +the bench. "I've been terribly upset these past few days." + +She walked slowly to the edge of the pool. There she stopped short, +staring down at an object which lay on the flagstones at her feet. It was +the stick which Penny had dropped only a moment before. + +"What have you found?" the gardener cried. + +He went quickly to her side and took the damp stick from her hand. + +"Someone has been here prying around," he said in a harsh voice. "This +was used to investigate the water in the pool." + +"And whoever it was must be close by even now. Otherwise the stick would +have dried out in the sun." + +"You go back to the house," the man commanded. "I'll look around." + +In their hideout amid the bushes, Penny and Louise gazed at each other +with chagrin. No word was spoken for even a whisper might have been +heard. With a common desire for escape, they glided with cat-like tread +toward the river. + + + + + CHAPTER + 16 + _GATHERING CLUES_ + + +The girls could hear no movement behind them as they darted down the +path. They dared to hope that they had eluded the old gardener. + +Then as they came within sight of the river, Louise stumbled over a vine. +Although she stifled an outcry the dull thud of her body against the +ground seemed actually to reverberate through the forest. A black crow on +the lower limb of an oak tree cawed in protest before he flew away. + +Penny pulled Louise to her feet and they went on as fast as they could, +but they knew the sound had betrayed them. Now they could hear the man in +pursuit, his heavy shoes pounding on the hard, dry path. + +"Run!" Penny commanded. + +They reached the river bank and looked about for the boat which would +take them across. As they had feared it was on the opposite shore. + +Penny gestured frantically, but the boy did not understand the need for +haste. He picked up his oars and rowed toward them at a very deliberate +pace. + +"Oh, he'll never get here in time," Louise murmured fearfully. "Shall we +hide?" + +"That's all we can do." + +They realized then that they had waited too long. Before they could dodge +into the deeper thicket the gardener reached the clearing. + +"So it's you again!" he cried wrathfully, glaring at Penny. + +"Please, we didn't mean any harm. We can explain--" + +"This stick is explanation enough for me!" the man shouted, waving it +above his head. "You were trying to find out about the lily pool!" + +"We were only trying to get a pin which I dropped into the water," Louise +said, backing a step away. + +"I don't believe you!" the man snapped. "You can't fool me! I know why +you came here, and you'll pay for your folly! You'll never take the +secret away with you!" + +With a swift, animal-like spring which belied his age, the gardener +hurled himself toward the girls. He seized Penny's arm giving it a cruel +twist. + +"You're coming along with me," he announced harshly. + +"Let me go!" Penny cried, trying to free herself. + +"You're going with me to the house. You've been altogether too prying. +Now you'll take your punishment, both of you." + +The gardener might have managed Penny alone, but he was no match for two +athletic girls. As he tried to seize Louise, Penny twisted free. + +Quick as a flash, she grasped the man's felt hat, jamming it down on his +head over his eyes. While he was trying to pull it off, Louise also +wriggled from his grasp. + +The two girls ran to the water's edge. Their boat had drawn close to +shore. Without waiting for it to beach they waded out over their shoetops +and climbed aboard. + +"Don't either of you ever come here again!" the gardener hurled after +them. "If you do--" + +The rest of the threat was carried away by the wind. However, Penny could +not resist waving her hand and calling back: "Bye, bye, old timer! We'll +be seeing you!" + +"What's the matter with that man anyhow?" asked the boy who rowed the +boat. "Didn't he want you on the estate?" + +"On the contrary, he invited us to remain and we declined," grinned +Penny. "Just temperament, that's all. He can't make up his mind which way +he would like to have it." + +Allowing the boy to puzzle over the remark, she busied herself pouring +water from her sodden shoes. The visit to the estate had not turned out +at all as she had planned. She had failed to talk with Miss Kippenberg, +and it was almost certain that from now on servants would keep a much +closer watch for intruders. + +The only vital information she had gleaned resulted from overhearing the +conversation between Sylvia Kippenberg and the gardener. + +"She talked with him as if they were well acquainted," mused Penny. "Miss +Kippenberg must have thought he knew more about Grant Atherwald's +disappearance than he would tell. And she seems to be afraid the Law will +ask too many questions. Otherwise, she wouldn't have suggested getting +rid of the alligator." + +One additional observation Penny had made, but she decided not to speak +of it until she and Louise were alone. + +The boat reached shore and the two girls stepped out on the muddy bank. + +"Will you need me again?" inquired the boy. + +"I may," said Penny, "and I can't tell you exactly when. Where do you +keep your boat?" + +"Up the river just beyond that crooked maple tree. I hide it in the +bushes and I keep the oars inside a hollow log close by. You won't have +any trouble finding it." + +Penny and Louise said goodbye to the lad and scrambled up the bank. + +"I'm sure I'll not be going back to _that_ place," the latter declared +emphatically. "I just wonder what would have happened if we hadn't broken +away." + +"We might have been locked up in the stone tower," Penny laughed. "Then +another one of my theories would have proven itself." + +"Oh, you and your theories! You can't make me believe that gardener +didn't mean to harm us. He was a very sinister character." + +"Sinister is a strong word, Lou. But I'll agree he's not any ordinary +gardener. Either he's been hired by the Kippenberg family for a very +special purpose or else he's gained their confidence and means to bend +them to his own ends." + +"His own ends! Why, Penny, what do you mean? Have you learned something +you haven't told me?" + +"Only this. I'm satisfied Old Peter is no gardener. He's wearing a +disguise." + +"Well, what won't you think of next! You've been reading too many +detective stories, Penny Parker." + +"Have I? Then there's no need to tell you--" + +"Yes, there is," Louise cut in. "Your ideas are pretty imaginative, but I +like to hear them anyway." + +"Considerate of you, old thing," Penny drawled in her best imitation of +an English accent. "You don't deserve to be told after that crack, but +I'll do it anyhow. When I pulled the gardener's hat down over his eyes, I +felt something slip!" + +"Maybe it was his skin peeling off." + +"He wore a wig," Penny said soberly. "That's why he looked so startled +when I jerked the hat." + +"Did you actually see a wig?" + +"No, but he must have had one on his head. I felt it give, I tell you." + +"I wouldn't put anything past that fellow. But if he isn't a gardener, +then who or what is he?" + +"I don't know, but I intend to do some intensive investigation." + +"Just how, may I ask?" + +Penny gazed speculatively toward the drawbridge, noting that the old +watchman had been deserted by the group of reporters. He sat alone, legs +crossed, his camp stool propped against the side of the gearhouse. + +"Let's talk with him, Lou. He might be able to tell us something about +the different employees of the estate." + +They walked over to where the old man sat, greeting him with their most +pleasant smiles. + +"Good morning," said Penny. + +The old man finished lighting his pipe before he deigned to notice them. + +"Good morning," repeated Penny. + +"Mornin'," said the watchman. He looked the two girls over appraisingly +and added: "Ain't you children a long ways off from your Ma's?" + +The remark both startled and offended Penny, but instantly she divined +that the old fellow's memory was short and his eyesight poor. He had +failed to recognize her in everyday clothes. + +"Oh, we're just out for a hike," she answered. "You see, we get tired of +all the ordinary places, so we thought we would walk by here." + +"We're interested in your bridge," added Louise. "We just love bridges." + +"This one ain't so good any more," the old man said disparagingly. + +"Doesn't it get lonely here?" ventured Louise. "Sitting here all day +long?" + +"It did at first, Miss. But I got used to it. Anyway, it beats leanin' on +a shovel for the gov'ment. I got a little garden over yonder a ways. You +ought to see my tomatoes. Them Ponderosas is as big as a plate." + +"Do you ever operate the bridge?" Louise inquired, for Penny had not told +her that the structure was still in use. + +"Oh, sure, Miss. That's what I'm here for. But it ain't safe for nothin' +heavier than a passenger car." + +"I'd love to see the bridge lowered." Louise stared curiously up at the +tall cantilevers which pointed skyward. "When will you do it next time, +Mr.--?" + +"Davis, if you please, Miss. Thorny Davis they calls me. My real name's +Thorndyke." + +The old man pulled a large, silver watch from his pocket and consulted +it. + +"In about ten minutes now, Mrs. Kippenberg will be comin' back from town. +Then we'll make the old hinge bend down agin'." + +"Let's wait," said Louise. + +Penny nodded and then as Thorny did not seem to object, she peeped into +the gear house, the door of which stood half open. A maze of machinery +met her eye--an electric motor and several long hand-levers. + +Presently Thorny Davis listened intently. Penny thought he looked like an +old fox who had picked up the distant baying of the pack. + +"That's _her_ car a-comin' now," he said. "I can tell by the sound of the +engine. Well, I reckon I might as well let 'er down." + +Thorny arose and knocked the ashes from his corn-cob pipe. He opened the +door of the gear house and stepped inside. + +"May I see how you do it?" asked Penny. "I always was interested in +machinery." + +"The women will be runnin' locomotives next," Thorny complained +whimsically. "All right, come on in." + +The old watchman pulled a lever on the starting rheostat of the motor +which responded with a sudden jar and then a low purr. It increased its +speed as he pushed the lever all the way over. + +"Now the power's on. The next thing is to drop 'er." + +Thorny grasped one of the long hand-levers and gently eased it forward. +There was a grind of gears engaging and the bridge slowly crept down out +of the sky. + +Penny did not miss a single move. She noted just which levers the +watchman pulled and in what order. When the platform of the bridge was on +an even keel she saw him cut off the motor and throw all the gear back +into its original position. + +"Think you could do 'er by yourself now?" Thorny asked. + +"Yes, I believe I could," Penny answered gravely. + +The old watchman smiled as he stepped to the deck of the bridge. + +"It ain't so easy as it looks," he told her. "Well, here comes the Missuz +now and we're all ready for her. Last time she came along I was weedin' +out my corn patch and was she mad?" + +As the black limousine rolled up to the drawbridge Penny turned her face +away so that Mrs. Kippenberg would not recognize her. She need have had +no uneasiness, for the lady gazed neither to the right nor the left. The +car crept forward at a snail's pace causing the steel structure to shiver +and shake as if from an attack of ague. + +"Dear me, I think this bridge is positively dangerous," Louise declared. +"I shouldn't like to drive over it myself." + +As the old watchman again raised the cantilevers, Penny studied his every +move. + +"For a girl you're sure mighty interested in machinery," he remarked. + +"Oh, I may grow up to be a bridgeman some day," Penny said lightly. "I +notice you keep the gear house locked part of the time." + +"I have to do it or folks would tamper with the machinery." + +The old man snapped a padlock on the door. + +"Now I'm goin' to mosey down to my garden and do a little hoein'," he +announced. "You girls better run along." + +Thus dismissed, Louise started away, but Penny made no move to leave. She +intended to ask a few questions. + +"Thorny, are you any relation to the Kippenberg's head gardener?" she +inquired with startling abruptness. + +"Am I any relation to that old walrus?" Thorny fairly shouted. "Am I any +relation to _him_? Say, you tryin' to insult me?" + +"Not at all, but I saw the man this morning, and I fancied I noticed a +resemblance. Perhaps you don't know the one I mean." + +"Sure, I know him all right." Thorny spat contemptuously. "New man. He +acts as know-it-all and bossy as if he owned the whole place." + +"Then you don't like him?" + +"There ain't no one that has anything to do with him. He's so good he +can't live like the rest of the servants. Where do you think I seen him +the other night?" + +"I haven't the slightest idea. Where?" + +"He was at the Colonial Hotel, eatin' in the main dining room!" + +"The Colonial is quite an expensive hotel at Corbin, isn't it?" + +"Best there is. They soak you two bucks just to park your feet under one +of their tables. Yep, if you ask me, Mrs. Kippenberg better ask that +gardener of hers a few questions!" + +Having delivered himself of this tirade, Thorny became calm again. He +shifted his weight and said pointedly: "Well, I got to tend my garden. +You girls better run along. Mrs. Kippenberg don't want nobody hangin' +around the bridge." + +The girls obligingly took leave of him and walked away. But when they +were some distance away, Penny glanced back over her shoulder. She saw +Thorny down on his hands and knees in front of the gear house. He was +slipping some object under the wide crack of the door. + +"The key to the padlock!" she chuckled. "So that was why he wanted us to +leave first. We'll remember the hiding place, Lou, just in case we ever +decide to use the drawbridge." + + + + + CHAPTER + 17 + _A SEARCH FOR JERRY_ + + +After leaving the Kippenberg estate, Penny and Louise motored to Corbin. +More from curiosity than for any other reason they dined at the Colonial +Hotel, finding the establishment as luxurious as the old watchman had +intimated. A full hour and a half was required to eat the fine dinner +which was served. + +"Our friend, the gardener, does have excellent taste in food," remarked +Louise. "What puzzles me is where does he get the money to pay for all +this?" + +"The obvious answer is that he's not a gardener." + +"Maybe he has rooms here too, Penny." + +"I've been wondering about it. I mean to investigate." + +Louise glanced at her wristwatch. "Do you think we should take the time?" +she asked. "It will be late afternoon now before we reach home." + +"Oh, it won't take a minute to inquire at the desk." + +Leaving the dining room, the girls made their way to the lobby. When the +desk clerk had a free moment Penny asked him if anyone by the name of +Peter Henderson had taken rooms at the hotel. + +"No one here by that name," the man told her. "Wait, I'll look to be +sure." + +He consulted a card filing system which served as a register, and +confirmed his first statement. + +"The man I mean would be around sixty years of age," explained Penny. "He +works as a gardener at the Kippenberg estate." + +"Perhaps you have come to the wrong hotel," said the clerk aloofly. "We +do not cater to gardeners." + +"Only to people who employ gardeners, I take it." + +"Our rates start at ten dollars a day," returned the clerk coldly. + +"And does that include free linen and a bath?" Penny asked with pretended +awe. + +"Certainly. All of our rooms have private baths." + +"How wonderful," giggled Penny. "We thought this might be one of those +places with a bath on every floor!" + +Suddenly comprehending that he was being made an object of sport, the +clerk glared at the girls and turned his back. + +Penny and Louise went cheerfully to their car, very much pleased with +themselves for having deflated such a conceited young man. They drove +away, and late afternoon brought them to Riverview, tired and dusty from +their long trip. + +After dropping her chum off at the Sidell home, Penny rode directly to +the newspaper office. Finding no parking place available on the street, +she ran her car into the loading area at the rear of the building, nosing +into a narrow space which had just been vacated by a paper-laden truck. + +"Hey, you lady," shouted an employee. "You can't park that scrap iron +here. Another paper truck will be along in a minute." + +Penny switched off the engine. + +"I guess you're new around here," she said, climbing out. "The next truck +isn't due until five-twenty-three." + +"Say, who do you think you are, tellin' me--?" + +The employee trailed off into silence as another workman gave him a sharp +nudge in the ribs. + +"Pipe down," he was warned. "If the boss' daughter wants to park her +jitney in the paper chute it's okay, see?" + +"Sure, I get it," the other mumbled. + +Penny grinned broadly as she crossed the loading area. + +"After this, you might mention my automobile in a more respectful tone," +she tossed over her shoulder. "It's not scrap iron or a jitney either!" + +Riding up the freight elevator, Penny passed a few remarks with the +smiling operator and stepped off at the editorial floor. She noticed as +she went through the news room that Jerry Livingston's desk was vacant. +And because the waste basket was empty, the floor beside it free from +paper wads, she knew he had written no story that day. + +Penny tapped lightly on the closed door of her father's private office +and went in. + +"Hello," he said, glancing up. "Just get back from Corbin?" + +"Yes, Louise and I had plenty of excitement, but I didn't dig up any +facts you'll dare print in the paper." + +"Did you meet Jerry anywhere?" + +"Why, no, Dad." + +"The young cub is taking a vacation at my expense, running up a big +motorboat bill! He should have been back here three hours ago." + +"Oh, be reasonable, Dad," said Penny teasingly. "You can't expect him to +trace down those men just in a minute." + +"It was a wild chase anyway," the editor growled. "I let him do it more +to please you than for any other reason. But that's beside the point. He +was told to be back here by four o'clock at the latest, even if he had +nothing to report." + +"Jerry is usually punctual, Dad. But I suppose being on the river he +couldn't get here just when he expected." + +"He's probably gone fishing," Mr. Parker declared. + +He slammed down the roll top on his desk and picked up his hat. + +"Will you ride home with me?" Penny invited. "Leaping Lena would be +highly honored." + +"It's a mighty sight more comfortable on the bus," her father replied. +"But then, I can stand a jolting." + +As they went out through the main room he paused to speak with DeWitt, +leaving an order that he was to be called at his home as soon as Jerry +Livingston returned. + +Mr. Parker raised his eyebrows as he saw where Penny had left the car. + +"Haven't I told you that the trucks need this space to load and unload?" +he asked patiently. "There is a ten cent parking lot across the street." + +"But Dad, I haven't ten cents to spare. The truth is, I spent almost +every bit of my allowance today over at Corbin." + +"NO!" said Mr. Parker firmly. "NO!" + +"No what?" + +"Not a penny will you get ahead of time." + +"You misjudge me, Dad. I had no intention of even mentioning such a +painful subject." + +They drove in silence for a few blocks and then Penny indicated the +gasoline gauge on the dashboard. + +"Why, it's nearly empty!" she exclaimed. "We won't have enough to reach +home!" + +"Well, get some," said Mr. Parker automatically. "We don't want to stall +on the street." + +A flip of the steering wheel brought the car to a standstill in front of +a gasoline pump. + +"Fill it up," ordered Penny. + +While Mr. Parker read his newspaper, the attendant polished the +windshield and checked the oil, finding it low. At a nod from Penny he +added two quarts. + +"That will be exactly two fifty-eight." + +Penny repeated the figure in a louder tone, giving her father a nudge. +"Wake up, Dad. Two fifty-eight." + +Absently, Mr. Parker reached for his wallet. Not until the attendant +brought the change did it dawn upon him that Penny had scored once more. + +"Tricked again," he groaned. + +"Why, it was your own suggestion that we stop for gasoline," Penny +reminded him. "I shouldn't have minded taking a chance myself. You see, +the gauge is usually at least a gallon off." + +"Anyway, I would rather pay for it than have you siphon it out of my +car." + +"Thanks for the present," laughed Penny. + +Dinner was waiting by the time they reached home. Afterwards, Penny +helped Mrs. Weems with the dishes while her father mowed the lawn. +Hearing the telephone ring he came to the kitchen door. + +"Was that a call for me?" he asked. + +"No, Dad, it was for Mrs. Weems." + +"Strange DeWitt doesn't call," Mr. Parker said. "I believe I'll telephone +him." + +After Mrs. Weems had finished with the phone he called the newspaper +office only to be told that Jerry Livingston had not put in an +appearance. + +"At least he might have communicated with the office," Mr. Parker said as +he hung up the receiver. + +He went back to lawn mowing but paused now and then to stare moodily +toward the Kobalt river which wound through the valley far below the +terrace. Penny finished drying the dishes and went outside to join him. + +"You're worried about Jerry, aren't you?" she asked after a moment. + +"Not exactly," he replied. "But he should have been back long ago." + +"He never would have stayed away without good reason. We both know Jerry +isn't like that." + +"No, he's either run into a big story, or he's in trouble. When I sent +him away this morning, I didn't look upon the assignment as a +particularly dangerous one." + +"And yet if he met those two seamen anything could have happened. They +were tough customers, Dad." + +"I could notify the police if Jerry isn't back within an hour or two," +Mr. Parker said slowly. "Still, I hate to do it." + +"Where did Jerry rent his boat, Dad?" + +"I told him to get one at Griffith's dock at twenty-third street." + +"Then why don't we go there?" suggested Penny. "If he hasn't come in we +might rent a boat of our own and start a search." + +Mr. Parker debated and then nodded. "Bring a heavy coat," he told her. +"It may be cold on the river." + +Penny ran into the house after the garments and also took a flashlight +from her father's bureau drawer. When she hurried outdoors again her +father had backed his own car from the garage and was waiting. + +At the twenty-third street dock, Harry Griffith, owner of the boat house, +answered their questions frankly. Yes, he told them, Jerry Livingston had +rented a motor boat early that morning but had not returned it. + +"I been worryin' about that young feller," he admitted, and then with a +quick change of tone: "Say, you're not Mr. Parker, are you?" + +"Yes, that's my name." + +"Then I got a letter here for you. I reckon maybe it explains what became +of the young feller." + +The boatman took a greasy envelope from his trousers pocket and gave it +to the editor. + +"Where did you get this, Mr. Griffith?" + +"A boy in a rowboat brought it up the river about two hours ago. He said +the young feller gave him a dollar to deliver it to a Mr. Parker. But the +kid was mixed up on the address, so I just held it here." + +"Dad, it must be from Jerry," said Penny eagerly. + +As her father opened the envelope, she held the flashlight close. In an +almost illegible scrawl Jerry had written: + +"Following up a hot tip. Think I've struck trail of key men. Taking off +in boat. Expect to get back by nightfall unless Old Man Trouble catches +up with me." + +Mr. Parker looked up from the message, his gaze meeting the frightened +eyes of his daughter. + +"Oh, Dad," she said in a tone barely above a whisper, "it's long after +dark now. What do you think has become of Jerry?" + + + + + CHAPTER + 18 + _OVER THE DRAWBRIDGE_ + + +Wasting no moments in useless conversation, Mr. Parker rented a fast +motor boat and prevailed upon Harry Griffith to operate it for him. +Guided by the stars and a half moon which was slowly rising over the +treetops, the party swung down the river. + +Riding with the current, they came before long to the locality where +Penny and Jerry had first sighted the two seamen's cruiser. But now there +was no sign of a boat, either large or small. + +At a speed which enabled the occupants to scrutinize the shoreline, the +searching craft swept on. The river had never seemed more deserted. + +"Jerry might have stopped anywhere along here," Mr. Parker observed. "If +he drew the boat into the bushes we haven't a chance of finding him." + +They went on, coming presently to the Kippenberg estate. As they passed +beneath the open drawbridge Penny noted how low it had been swung over +the water. A boat with a high cabin could not possibly go through when +the cantilevers were down. + +Gazing upward, she saw a swinging red light at the entrance to the +bridge. A lantern, no doubt, hung there to give warning to any motorist +who might venture upon the private road. + +"Thorny probably isn't on duty at this hour," Penny reflected. "But I +should think an open drawbridge might prove more dangerous at night than +in the daytime." + +As the bridge was lost to view beyond a bend in the river, she gave all +her attention to watching the coves and inlets. Her father sat hunched +over in the seat beside her, slapping at mosquitoes. Now and then he +would switch on the flashlight to look at his watch. + +Gradually the river had widened, so that it was possible to cover only +one shore. + +"We'll search the other side on our return trip," Mr. Parker said. "But +it looks to me as if we're not going to have any luck." + +As if to add to the discouragement of the party, dark clouds began to +edge across the sky. One by one the stars were inked out. Penny's light +coat offered scant protection from the cold wind. + +And then, Harry Griffith throttled down the motor and spun the wheel +sharply to starboard. He leaned forward, trying to pierce the black void +ahead of the boat's bright beam. + +"Looks like something over there," he said pointing. "Might be a log. No, +it's a boat." + +"I can't see anyone in it!" Penny cried. "It's drifting with the +current." + +"That looks like one of my boats, sure as you're born," Griffith +declared, idling the engine. "The same I rented the young feller this +morning." + +"But where is Jerry?" cried Penny. + +Griffith maneuvered his own boat close to the one which drifted with the +current. Mr. Parker was able to reach out and grasp the long rope +dangling in the water. + +"The flashlight, Penny!" he commanded. + +She turned the beam on, and as it focused upon the floor of the boat, +drew in her breath sharply. On the bottom, face downward, lay a man. + +"It's Jerry!" Penny cried. "Oh, Dad, he's--" + +"Steady," said her father. "Steady." + +While Griffith held the two boats together, he stepped aboard the smaller +one. He bent over the crumpled figure, feeling Jerry's pulse, gently +turning him upon his back. + +"Is he alive, Dad?" + +"His pulse is weak, but I can feel it. Yes, he's breathing! Hold that +light steady, Penny." + +"Dad, there's blood on his head! I--I can see it trickling down." + +"He's been struck with a club or some blunt object," Mr. Parker said +grimly. "He may have a fractured skull." + +"Oh, Dad!" + +"Keep a grip on yourself," her father ordered sternly, "It may not be as +bad as I think, but we'll have to rush him to the nearest doctor." + +"If it was me, I wouldn't try to move him out of there," advised Harry +Griffith. "Leave him where he is. I'll get aboard and we'll take this +boat in tow." + +Penny helped the man make their craft fast to the other boat, and then +they both climbed aboard. Griffith started the engine and turned around +in the river. + +"I'll head for Covert," he said. "That's about the closest place. There +ought to be a good doctor in a town that size." + +While Griffith handled the boat, Penny and her father did what they could +to make Jerry comfortable. They stripped off their coats, using one for a +pillow, and the other to cover his body. + +"Those two men he was sent to follow must be responsible for this!" Penny +murmured. "How could they do such a brutal thing?" + +"I'll notify the police as soon as we touch shore," her father said +grimly. "We'll search every cove and inlet until we find the ones +responsible!" + +As he spoke Mr. Parker bent lower to examine the wound on Jerry's head. +Blood had nearly stopped flowing and he was hopeful that it came from a +flesh wound. He pressed a clean handkerchief against it and the young man +stirred. + +"How long do you suppose he's been like this, Dad?" + +"Hard to tell. An hour, maybe two hours." + +Presently, as the boat made full speed up the river, Jerry stirred once +more. His lips moved but the words were indistinguishable. + +"How far to Covert?" Mr. Parker asked anxiously. + +"About four miles from this point," Griffith flung over his shoulder. +"It's the next town above the Kippenberg estate. I'm making the best time +I can." + +Jerry moved restlessly, his hands plucking at the coat which covered him. + +"Flaming eyes," he muttered. "Looking at me--looking at me--" + +Penny and her father gazed at each other in startled dismay. + +"He's completely out of his head," whispered Penny. + +"He's gone back to that other accident which happened last year," nodded +Mr. Parker. "The Vanishing Houseboat affair." + +"Jerry's had more than his share of bad luck, Dad. Twice now on this same +river, he's met with disaster. And this time he may not come through." + +"I think he will if his skull hasn't been fractured," Mr. Parker told her +encouragingly. "Listen!" + +Jerry's lips were moving again, and this time his words were more +rational. + +"Got to get word to the Chief," they heard him mutter. "Got to get +word--" + +A long while after that Jerry remained perfectly quiet. Suddenly +arousing, his eyes opened wide and he struggled to sit up. Mr. Parker +gently pressed him back. + +"Where am I?" Jerry muttered. "Let me out of here! Let me out!" + +"Quiet, Jerry," soothed Mr. Parker. "You're with friends." + +The reporter's tense grip on the editor's hand relaxed. "That you, +Chief?" + +"Yes, Jerry. Just lie quiet. We'll have you to a doctor in a few more +minutes." + +"Doctor! I don't need any doctor," he protested, trying once more to sit +up. "What happened anyway?" + +"That's what we would like to know." + +"Can't you remember anything, Jerry?" Penny asked. "You went out on the +river to try to trace those two men in the cruiser." + +"Oh, it's coming back to me now. I ran into their boat down by Cranberry +Cove. They tied up there." + +"And then what happened?" Penny demanded, as Jerry paused. + +"I saw 'em walk ashore. Thought I would follow so I tied up my boat, too. +They started off through the trees. Pretty soon they met a third man, a +well dressed fellow, educated too." + +"Did you hear any of their conversation?" Mr. Parker questioned. + +"I heard Kippenberg's name mentioned. That caught my interest so I crept +closer. Must have given myself away because that's about the last I +remember. A ton of dynamite seemed to explode in my head. And here I am." + +"Obviously, you were struck from behind with some heavy object," Mr. +Parker said. "They probably dumped you back in your own boat and set it +adrift. You never saw your attacker?" + +"No." + +Jerry rested for a moment, and then as it dawned upon him that he was +being speeded to a doctor, he began to protest. + +"Say, Chief, I'll be all right. I don't need any doc. Head's clear as a +bell now." + +"That's fine, Jerry. But you'll see a doctor anyway and have X-rays. +We're taking no chances." + +"Then at least let me go back to Riverview," Jerry grumbled. "I don't +want to be stuck in any hick town hospital." + +"If you feel equal to the trip, I guess we can grant you that much. You +seem to be all right, but I want to make sure. Can't take chances on the +paper being sued later on, you know." + +"Oh, I get the idea," said Jerry with a grimace. "Thinking of the old +cash register, as usual." + +Penny drew a deep sigh of relief. If Jerry were able to make jokes he +couldn't be seriously injured. She still felt weak from the fright she +had received. + +"The police will find those men who attacked you," she told him. "I hope +they're put in prison for life, too!" + +"The police?" Jerry repeated. He stared up into Mr. Parker's face. "Say, +Chief, you're not aiming to spill the story, are you?" + +"I was." + +"But see here, if you notify the police, we'll show our hand to the rival +paper. If we keep this dark we could do our own investigating, and maybe +land a big scoop." + +"Justice is more important than a scoop, Jerry," returned Mr. Parker. "If +those men had anything to do with Atherwald's disappearance, and it looks +as if they did, then we are duty bound to hand our clues over to the +police. By trying to handle it alone, we might let them escape." + +"Guess maybe you're right at that," Jerry acknowledged. + +As she saw that the reporter was rapidly recovering strength, Penny left +him to the care of her father and went forward to speak with Harry +Griffith. + +"Where are we now?" she inquired. + +"Just comin' to the Kippenberg estate," he told her. + +"Only that far? We don't seem to be making very fast time." + +"We're buckin' the current, Miss. And there's a right stiff wind +blowing." + +She had not noticed the wind before or how overcast the sky had become. +One could not see many yards in advance of the boat. + +Ahead loomed the drawbridge in open position as usual. But Penny could +not see the red lantern which she had noticed upon the trip down. Had the +light been blown out by the wind? + +In any case, it would not greatly matter, she reflected. Few cars +traveled the private road. And any person who came that way would likely +know about the bridge. + +And then, above the steady hum of the motor boat engine, Penny heard +another roar which steadily increased in intensity. A car was coming down +the road at great speed! + +"The lantern must be there," Penny thought. "It's probably hidden by a +tree or the high bank. Of course it's there." + +She listened with a growing tension. The car was not slowing down. Even +Harry Griffith turned his head to gaze toward the entrance ramp of the +drawbridge. + +It was all over in an instant. A scream of brakes, a loud splintering of +the wooden barrier. The speeding automobile struck the side of the steel +bridge, spun sideways and careened down the bank to bury itself in the +water. + + + + + CHAPTER + 19 + _A DARING RESCUE_ + + +Those in the motor boat who had witnessed the disaster were too horrified +to speak. They could see the top of the car rising above the water into +which it had fallen, but there was no sign of the unfortunate driver or +other possible occupants. + +Penny began to kick off her shoes. + +"No!" shouted her father, divining her purpose. "No! It's too dangerous!" + +Penny did not heed for she knew that if the persons in the car were to be +saved it must be by her efforts. Her father could not swim well and Harry +Griffith was needed at the wheel of the motor boat. + +Scrambling to the gunwale, the girl dived into the water. She could see +nothing. Groping her way to the overturned coupe, she grasped a door +handle and turned it. All her strength was required to pull the door +open. Her breath was growing short now. She worked faster, with frantic +haste. + +A hand clutched her own. Before she could protect herself she felt the +man upon her, clawing, fighting, trying to climb her shoulders, upward to +the blessed air. + +His grasp was loose. Penny ducked out of it but held fast to his hand. +She braced her feet against the body of the car and pushed. They both +shot upward to the surface. + +Griffith and her father lifted the man out of the water into the motor +boat. + +"Have to go down again," Penny gasped. "There may be others." + +She dived once more, doubling herself into a tight ball, and giving a +quick, upthrust of her feet which sent her straight to the bottom. She +swam into the car and groped about on the seat and floor. Finding no +bodies, she quickly shot to the surface again. Her father pulled her over +the side, saying curtly: "Good work, Penny." + +The victim she had saved seemed little the worse for his ducking. With +Griffith's help he had divested himself of his heavy coat and was +wringing it out. + +Penny had obtained no clear view of the man, nor did she ever, for just +at that moment, Jerry raised himself to a sitting position. He stared at +the bedraggled one and pointed an accusing finger. + +"That's the fellow!" he cried in an excited voice. "The one I was telling +you about--" + +The man took one look at Jerry and gazed quickly about. By this time the +motor boat had drifted close to shore. Before anyone could make a move to +stop him, the man hurled himself overboard. He landed on his feet in +shallow water. Splashing through to the shore, he scuttled up the steep +bank and disappeared in the darkness. + +"Don't let him get away!" shouted Jerry. "He's the same fellow I saw in +the woods!" + +"You're certain?" asked Mr. Parker doubtfully. + +"Of course! If you think I'm out of my head now, you're the one who's +crazy! It's the same fellow! Oh, if I could get out of this boat!" + +Griffith brought the craft to shore. "I'll see if I can overtake him," he +said, "but he's probably deep in the woods by this time." + +The boatman was a heavy-set man, slow on his feet. Penny and her father +were not surprised when he came back twenty minutes later to report he +had been unable to pick up the trail. + +"The overturned car may offer a clue to his identity," Mr. Parker said, +as they started up the river once more. "The police will be able to check +the license plates." + +"I wonder what the man was doing at the estate?" Penny mused. + +She groped her way toward the cabin, thinking that she would divest +herself of some of her wet garments. Suddenly she stopped short. + +"Dad, that fellow took off his coat!" she exclaimed. "He must have left +it behind!" + +"It's somewhere on the floor," Harry Griffith called to her. + +Penny found the sodden garment lying almost at her feet. She straightened +it out and searched the pockets. Her father moved over to her side. + +"Any clues?" he asked. + +Penny took out a water-soaked handkerchief, a key ring and a plain white +envelope. + +"That may be something!" exclaimed Mr. Parker. "Handle it carefully so it +doesn't tear." + +They carried the articles into the cabin. Mr. Parker turned on the light +and took the envelope from his daughter's hand. They were both elated to +see that another paper was contained inside. + +Mr. Parker tore off the envelope and flattened the letter on the table +beneath the light. The ink had blurred but nearly all of the words could +still be made out. There was no heading, merely the initials: "J. J. K." + +"Could that mean James Kippenberg?" Penny asked. + +The message was brief. Mr. Parker read it aloud. + +"Better come through or your fate will be the same as Atherwald's. We +give you twenty-four hours to think it over." + +"How strange!" Penny exclaimed. "That man I pulled out of the water +couldn't have been James Kippenberg!" + +"Not likely, Penny. My guess would be that he had been sent here to +deliver this warning note. Being unfamiliar with the road, and not +knowing about the dangerous drawbridge, he crashed through." + +"But James Kippenberg isn't supposed to be at the estate," Penny argued. +"It doesn't make sense at all." + +"This much is clear, Penny. Jerry saw the man talking with the two +seamen, and they all appear to be mixed up in Grant Atherwald's +disappearance. We'll print what we've learned, and let the police figure +out the rest." + +"Dad, this story is developing into something big, isn't it?" + +He nodded as he moved a swinging light bulb slowly over the paper, +hastening the drying process. + +"After the next issue of the _Star_ is printed, every paper in the state +will send their men here. But we're out ahead, and when the big break +comes, we may get that first, too." + +"Oh, Dad, if only we can!" + +"Count yourself out of the case from now on, young lady," he said +severely. "You scared the wits out of me tonight, risking your life to +save that no-good. Now shed those wet clothes before you come down with +pneumonia." + +He tossed her an overcoat, a sweater and a crumpled pair of slacks which +Griffith had found under one of the boat seats. Leaving the cabin, he +closed the door behind him. + +Penny did not change her clothes at once. Instead, she sat down at the +table, studying the warning message. + +"'Better come through,'" she read aloud. "Does that mean Kippenberg is +supposed to pay money? And what fate did Atherwald meet?" + + + + + CHAPTER + 20 + _AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW_ + + +Those same questions were pounding through Penny's mind the next morning +when she read the first edition of her father's paper. Propped up in bed +with pillows, she perused the story as she nibbled at the buttered +muffins on her breakfast tray. + +"Is there anything else you would like?" Mrs. Weems inquired, hovering +near. + +"No, I'm quite all right," smiled Penny. "Not even a head cold after my +ducking. Have you heard about Jerry?" + +"Your father said he was doing fine." + +"Did he leave any message for me before going to the office?" + +"He said he thought you should stay in bed all day." + +"Dad would," Penny pouted. "Well, I feel just fine. I'm getting up right +away." She heaved aside the bed clothes. + +Then, because she couldn't get the Kippenberg case out of her head, she +dressed quickly and went downstairs. She was going out the front door +when Mrs. Weems stopped her. + +"Now where are you going, Penny?" + +Penny's bright eyes twinkled and she flashed the housekeeper an arch, +provocative smile. + +"Not sure just where I'm going," she replied, her smooth forehead +creasing with thought. "But if Dad should get curious, you can tell him +he shouldn't be surprised if he finds me visiting with the Kippenbergs." + +"Penny! You're not going there again?" + +"Why not? I'm after a story for the _Riverview Star_ and I mean to get +it. See you later." + +With a wave of her hand Penny walked jauntily off. A few moments later +Mrs. Weems heard the clatter of Penny's Leaping Lena careening down the +street in the direction of Corbin. First, however, she called for her +chum, Louise, who was eager to accompany her on the long ride. + +"I won't be able to stay long, Penny," said Louise. "Mother wants me to +go shopping with her later this afternoon." + +"That's all right," responded Penny as the old car bolted along the road. +"If I get delayed, you can take Leaping Lena back home, and I'll follow +later on." + +With both girls keeping up a steady run of conversation they soon reached +their destination. + +Penny wondered if she would be able to enter the Kippenberg estate +without being challenged by the bridgeman or a servant. Her anxiety +increased upon approaching the river, for she saw that a large group of +persons had gathered by the drawbridge. + +No one paid the slightest attention to the two girls as they abandoned +the car and proceeded to the water's edge. Penny was pleased to find the +youthful boatman at his usual haunt on the river. He rowed the girls +across to the estate, promising to await their return. + +Penny escorted Louise through the trees to the Kippenberg house. Boldly +she rang the doorbell which was answered by a butler. + +"I should like to speak with Mrs. Kippenberg," she requested. + +"Madam will see no one," began the man. + +Footsteps sounded behind him in the hallway and Mrs. Kippenberg stood in +the door. + +"So it is you?" she asked in an icy voice. "Julius, see that this person +is ejected from the grounds." + +"One moment please," interposed Penny. "If I leave now, I warn you that +certain facts will be published in the _Star_, facts which will add to +your embarrassment." + +"You can print nothing which will humiliate us further." + +"No? You might like to have me mention the alligator in your lily pool. +And the reason why you and your daughter are so anxious to be rid of it +before the police ask questions." + +Mrs. Kippenberg's plump face flushed a deep red. But for once she managed +to keep her temper. + +"What do you wish of me?" she asked frigidly. + +"First, tell me about that painting, 'The Drawbridge' which was presented +to your daughter as a wedding gift. Was it not given to her by your +husband?" + +"I shall not answer your question." + +"Then you prefer that I print my own conclusions?" + +"You are an impudent, prying young woman!" Mrs. Kippenberg stormed. "What +if the picture was given to Sylvia by her father! Is that any crime?" + +"Certainly not," said Penny soothingly. "It merely proves that you both +know the whereabouts of Mr. Kippenberg." + +"Perhaps I do. But I'll tell you nothing, absolutely nothing!" + +"I have a few questions to ask about your new gardener," Penny went on, +unmoved. "For instance, why does he wear a wig?" + +The door slammed in her face. + +"That certainly was a very cold reception," remarked Louise as the girls +walked away, the sound of the slamming door still ringing in their ears. + +Penny shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "That's nothing. When you're a +reporter you have to expect those things." She looked about the deserted +estate. "Well, I think I'll do some more sleuthing in the vicinity of the +pool." + +Louise looked at her wristwatch. "Goodness, it's getting late," she +stated. "I'd like to stay, Penny, but I think I'd better be getting home +to meet Mother." + +"Go ahead," said Penny. "You take Leaping Lena. The boy in the boat will +row you across." + +"But how will you get home, then?" + +"Don't worry about me. I'll find a way. You just go on. I only hope the +old bus holds up all the way home." + +Louise laughed and then the two girls walked to the boat dock. In a few +moments the boy in the rowboat appeared and took Louise across. +Afterward, Penny turned back through the trees and went on to the +forbidden part of the estate. + +She spent a long time about the pool, examining the earth all about it, +but she failed to learn anything new. Finally, she retraced her steps to +the river. She expected to find the boy waiting for her, but he had +disappeared. She walked through the trees to the boat dock and stood +there until the old watchman on the other side observed her predicament. + +He obligingly lowered the drawbridge and she crossed the river, pausing +at the gear house to chat with him. + +Penny listened without comment to his story of the automobile accident. +Thorny had his own version of how it had occurred and she did not correct +any of the details. + +"I wish I had a way to get into Corbin," she remarked when he had +finished his lengthy account. + +"If you walk down to the main road you kin catch the county bus," he told +her. "It runs every hour." + +A long hike along a dusty highway, an equally tedious wait at a +crossroad, and finally Penny arrived in Corbin. She went directly to the +Colonial Hotel, placing a telephone call to her father's office. + +"What are you doing in Corbin, Penny?" her father demanded as he +recognized her voice. + +Penny answered him eagerly. "I've made an important discovery which may +blow your case higher than a kite. No, I can't tell you anything over the +telephone. The reason I am calling is that I may need help. Is Jerry +still in the hospital?" + +"He never was there," responded her father. "I couldn't make him go. He +and Salt are out on the river looking for the men who cracked him over +the head. I expect they'll call in any time now." + +"If you do get in touch with Jerry, ask him to meet me at the Colonial +Hotel," urged Penny. "I have a hunch the big story is about to break. In +any event I'll need a ride home." + +There was a great deal more to the conversation, with Mr. Parker +delivering a long lecture upon the proper deportment for a daughter. +Penny closed her ears, murmuring at regular intervals, "Yes, Dad," and +finally went back to her post in the lobby. + + + + + CHAPTER + 21 + _THE WHITE CRUISER_ + + +For at least an hour she waited. She watched the clock until the hands +pointed to six o'clock. Tantalizing odors came to her from the dining +room, but she resolutely downed her hunger. She did not wish to give up +her vigil even for a few minutes. + +Finally Penny's patience was rewarded. She saw a man moving across the +lobby toward the desk. He wore well-cut tailored clothes and a +low-brimmed felt hat, yet the girl recognized him at a glance. He was the +Kippenberg gardener. + +The man paused at the desk and asked for a key. + +"Good evening, Mr. Hammil," said the clerk, handing it over. + +Penny had noted that the key was taken from a mailbox which bore the +number, 381. + +"So my friend, the gardener, has an alias," she mused. "Several of them, +perhaps." + +Another half hour elapsed while the girl waited patiently in her chair. +Each time the elevator descended she watched the people alight. At +exactly six forty-five Mr. Hammil stepped out of the lift, and without +glancing toward the girl, dropped his key on the desk and went into the +dining room. + +The clerk, busy with several newcomers at the hotel, did not notice. +Thinking that she saw her chance, Penny slipped from her chair, sidled +toward the desk and picked up the key. Her heart pounded as she walked +toward the elevator, but no one called to her. Her action had passed +unobserved. + +"Third floor," said Penny, and the elevator shot upward. + +She located room 381 at the far end of the hall, and with a quick glance +in both directions, unlocked the door and entered. + +An open suitcase lay upon the luggage rack by the dresser. In systematic +fashion Penny went through it, finding an assortment of interesting +articles--a revolver, and two wigs, one of gray hair, the other black. +There were no letters or papers, nothing to positively identify the owner +of the luggage. But in the very bottom of the case Penny came upon a +photograph. It was a picture of Sylvia Kippenberg. + +Penny slipped the picture into the front of her dress, hastily replaced +everything as she had found it, relocked the door, and returned to the +lobby. As she went toward the desk intending to rid herself of the key, +she stopped short. + +Jerry Livingston stood there talking earnestly with the clerk. + +"But I was told to come here," she heard him protest. + +"There was a girl in the lobby a few minutes ago," the clerk replied. +"She went off somewhere." + +"No, here I am, Jerry!" Penny cried. + +The reporter turned around and his face lighted up. + +"Come outside, Jerry," Penny said before he could speak. "I have a great +deal to tell you." + +"And I have some news of my own," returned the reporter. + +They left the hotel together. Once beyond hearing, Penny made a complete +report of her afternoon adventure, and showed Jerry the picture of Sylvia +Kippenberg which she had taken from room 381. + +"Now for my story," said Jerry. "I've located a place not far from here +where those two seamen buy supplies. The owner of the store told me they +tie their boat up there nearly every night." + +"Where is Salt now, Jerry?" + +"He's keeping watch at the place. I came into town to telephone the +_Star_ office. Your father said I was to stop here and take you in tow." + +"You're not starting back to Riverview?" Penny asked in dismay. + +"I don't want to, Penny. I have a feeling our big story is just about +ready to break!" + +"So have I, Jerry. Let's stay with it. I'll explain to Dad when we get +home." + +"Then let's be on our way," the reporter said crisply. "No telling what +has developed while I've been in town." + +In the press car, the couple took the river road which led east from the +Kippenberg estate. As they bounced along, making all possible speed, +Jerry told Penny how he and Salt had traced the two seamen. They had made +inquiry all along the river, and quite by chance had encountered a +fisherman who had given them a valuable tip. + +"But so many rumors are false, Jerry," Penny said. + +"This tip was straight. Salt and I found the white cruiser tied up at the +dock not far from this store I was telling you about. We've been watching +it for the past two hours, and Salt is still there." + +"Why didn't you call the police?" + +"Wouldn't have done any good. The men we're after haven't been there all +day. The only person on board is a girl." + +"A girl?" + +"Well, maybe you would say a young woman. About twenty-two, I'd guess." + +"Jerry, you must be watching the wrong boat." + +Jerry shook his head as he drove the car into the bushes at the side of +the road. "It's the right one, I'm sure of it. Well, we're here." + +Penny was hard pressed to keep up as the reporter led her through the +trees down to the winding Kobalt river. They found Salt in his hiding +place, behind a large boulder. + +"Anything happen since I left?" Jerry demanded. + +Salt scarcely noticed Penny's presence save to give her a quick nod of +welcome. + +"You got back just in time," he replied to the question. "The girl went +away a minute ago. Took a basket and started for the store." + +"Then why are we waiting?" asked Jerry. "Come on, we'll take a look +inside that boat." + +"Someone ought to stay here and keep watch," Salt returned. "She may come +back any minute." + +"You're elected guard then. Penny and I will look the boat over and see +what we can find. If the girl starts back, whistle." + +Darting across the muddy shore, Penny and Jerry reached the dilapidated +boat which had been tied up at the end of a sagging dock. They jumped +aboard and after a hasty glance over the deck, dived down into the cabin. + +The room was dirty and in great disorder. Boots lay on the floor, +discarded garments were scattered about, and a musty odor prevailed. + +"Nothing here," said Jerry. + +"Let's look around carefully," insisted Penny. "We may find something." + +Crossing the cabin she opened a closet door. Save for a pair of oilskins +which hung from a nail, it was quite empty. + +"Listen!" commanded Penny suddenly. + +Jerry stood absolutely still, straining to hear. A long, low whistle +reached his ears. + +"The warning signal!" he exclaimed. "Come on, Penny, we're getting out of +here." + + + + + CHAPTER + 22 + _TRAPPED IN THE CABIN_ + + +Penny opened the door of the cabin only to close it quickly. She and +Jerry both had heard men's voices very close to the boat. + +"It's too late," she whispered. "Those men have come back." + +"Not the girl?" + +"No, they're alone. But we're in a trap. What shall we do?" + +"We could make a dash for it. If we have to fight our way out, Salt will +be there to help." + +"Let's stick and see what happens, Jerry. We're after information. We +must expect to take a chance in order to get it." + +Jerry had been thinking more of Penny's safety than his own. But thus +urged, he turned the key in the lock, bolting the door from the inside. + +A low rumble of voices reached the couple as they stood with ears pressed +against the panel. But they were unable to distinguish words. Then +presently, one of the seamen moved close to the companionway. + +"I'll get it, Jake," he called. "It's down in the cabin." + +Jerry and Penny kept quiet as the man turned the door knob. He heaved +angrily against the panel with his shoulder. + +"Hey, Jake," he shouted, "what's the idea of locking the door?" + +"I didn't lock it." + +"Then Flora did." Muttering under his breath, the seaman tramped back up +on deck. + +Perhaps ten minutes elapsed before Penny and Jerry heard a feminine voice +speaking. + +"That must be Flora," whispered Penny. "What will happen when she tells +them that she didn't lock the door?" + +The voices above rose louder and louder until the two prisoners were able +to distinguish some of the words. Jake berated the girl as stupid while +his companion showered abuse upon her until she broke down and wept. + +"I never had the key," they heard her wail. "I don't know what became of +it. You always blame me for everything that goes wrong, and I'm good and +sick of it. If I don't get better treatment I may tell a few things to +the police. How would you like that?" + +Jerry and Penny did not hear the response, but they recoiled as a loud +crashing sound told them the girl had been given a cruel push into a +solid object. Her cry of pain was drowned out by another noise, the +sudden clatter of the motor boat engine. + +Penny and Jerry gazed at each other with startled eyes. + +"We're moving," she whispered. + +Jerry started to fit the key into the door lock, only to have Penny +arrest his hand. + +"Let's stay and see it through," she urged. "This is our chance to learn +the hide-out and perhaps solve the mystery of Atherwald's disappearance." + +"All right," the reporter agreed. "But I wish you weren't in on this." + +From the tiny window of the cabin, he and Penny observed various +landmarks as the boat proceeded downstream. Perhaps half an hour elapsed +before the cruiser came to the mouth of a narrow river which emptied into +the Kobalt. From that point on progress became slow and often the boat +was so close to shore that Penny could have reached out and touched +overhanging bushes. + +"I didn't know this stream was deep enough for a motor boat," Jerry +whispered. "We must be heading for a hide-out deep in the swamp." + +"I hope Salt has sense enough to call Dad and the police," Penny said +with the first show of nervousness. "We're going to be a long way from +help." + +The boat crept on for perhaps a mile. Then it stopped, and Penny assumed +they had reached their destination. Gazing out of the window again, she +saw why they were halted. A great tree with finger-like branches had +fallen across the river, blocking the way. + +"Look, Jerry," she whispered. "We'll not be able to go any farther." + +"Guess again," the reporter muttered. + +Penny saw then that one of the men had left the boat and was walking +along shore. He seemed not in the least disturbed by the great tree and +for the first time it dawned upon her that it served a definite purpose. + +"Lift 'er up, Gus," called the man at the wheel of the boat. + +His companion disappeared into the bushes. Several minutes elapsed and +then Penny heard a creaking sound as if ropes were moving on a pulley. + +"The tree!" whispered Jerry, his eyes flashing. "It's lifting!" + +Very slowly, an inch at a time, the great tree raised from the water, its +huge roots serving as a hinge. When it was high enough, the motor boat +passed beneath the dripping branches and waited on the other side. + +Slowly, the tree was lowered into place once more. + +"Clever, mighty clever," Jerry muttered. "Anyone searching for the +hide-out would never think of looking beyond this fallen tree. To all +purposes nature put it here." + +"Nature probably did," Penny added. "But our dishonorable friends adapted +it to their own use." + +Through the window Penny saw the man called Gus reboard the boat. + +Once more the cruiser went on up the narrow stream, making slow but +steady progress. Long shadows had settled over the water. Soon it became +dark. + +Then a short distance ahead, Jerry and Penny observed a light. As the +boat drifted up to a wharf, a man could be seen standing there with a +glowing lantern. They were unable to see his face, and quickly dodged +back from the cabin window to avoid being noticed. + +"Everything all right, Aaron?" the man at the wheel asked, jumping +ashore. He looped a coil of rope about one of the dock posts. + +"Aaron!" whispered Penny, gripping Jerry's hand. + +"It must be Aaron Dietz, Kippenberg's former business associate. So he's +the ringleader in this business!" + +They listened, trying to hear the man's reply to the question which had +been asked. + +"Yeah, everything's all right," he responded gruffly. + +"You don't sound any too cheerful about it." + +"Atherwald still won't talk. Keeps insisting he doesn't know where the +gold is hidden. What bothers me, I am beginning to think we made a +mistake. He may be telling the truth." + +"Say, this is a fine time to be finding it out!" + +"Oh, keep your shirt on, Gus. You and Jake will get your pay anyhow. And +even if Atherwald doesn't know the hiding place we'll make Kippenberg +come through." + +"You'll have to find him first," the other retorted. "If you ask my +opinion, you've made a mess of the whole affair." + +"No one asked your opinion! We'll make Atherwald tell tonight or else--" + +The man with the lantern started away from the dock but paused before he +had taken many steps. + +"Get those supplies up to the shack," he ordered. "Then I want to talk +with you both." + +"All right," was the reply, "but we have to get the cabin door open +first. Flora locked it and lost the key." + +"I didn't," the girl protested shrilly. "Don't you try to blame me." + +Jerry and Penny knew that their situation now was a precarious one. If +they were found in the cabin they would be taken prisoners and the +exclusive story which they hoped to write never would be theirs. + +"We've trapped ourselves in this cubby-hole," the reporter muttered. "All +my doing, too." + +"We can hide in the closet, Jerry. The men may not think to search +there." + +Noiselessly, they opened the door and slipped into the tiny room. The air +was hot and stuffy, the space too narrow for comfort. + +Jerry and Penny did not have long to wait before there came a loud crash +against the cabin door. The two seamen were trying to break through the +flimsy panel. + +"Bring a light, Flora," called one of the men. + +Penny and Jerry flattened themselves against the closet wall, waiting. + +A panel splintered on the outside cabin door, and a heavy tramping of +feet told them that the men had entered the room. + +"No one in here, Gus." + +"It's just as we thought. Flora locked the door and lied out of it." + +"I didn't! I didn't!" cried the girl. "Someone else must have done it +while I was at the store. The door was unlocked when I went away." + +"There's no one here now." + +"I--I thought I heard voices while we were coming down the river." + +"In this cabin?" + +"Yes, just a low murmur." + +"You imagined it," the man told her. "But I'll take a look in the closet +to be sure." + +He walked across the cabin toward the hiding place. Penny and Jerry +braced themselves for the moment when the door would be flung open. They +had trapped themselves and now faced almost certain capture. + + + + + CHAPTER + 23 + _AT THE HIDE-OUT_ + + +Before the man could pull open the closet door, a booming voice called +impatiently from shore: + +"Say, are you coming? We have plenty of work ahead of us tonight." + +Distracted from his purpose, the searcher turned aside without glancing +into the closet. With his companion and the girl, he left the cabin. + +Penny and Jerry waited at least five minutes. When all was silent above, +they stole from their hiding place. From the window they assured +themselves that the wharf was deserted. + +"What do we do now, start after the police?" Penny questioned. + +"Let's make certain Atherwald is here first. We can't afford to be +wrong." + +A path led through the timber. As they followed it, Jerry and Penny saw a +moving lantern some distance ahead. They kept it in sight until the three +men and Flora disappeared into a cabin. + +Stealing on through the darkness, Penny and Jerry crept to the screen +door. Peering in, they saw a barren room containing a table, a cook stove +and double-deck bunks. + +"Get supper on, Flora," one of the men ordered curtly. + +"Am I to cook anything for the prisoner?" she asked in a whining voice. + +"Not unless he decides to talk. I'll find out if he's changed his mind." + +The man who had been called Aaron crossed the cabin to an adjoining room. +He unlocked the door which had been fastened with a padlock, and went +inside. + +"Atherwald must be in there," whispered Penny. + +With one accord, she and Jerry tiptoed across the sagging porch and +posted themselves under a high window. Glancing up they saw it contained +no glass, but had narrow iron bars in keeping with a prison chamber. + +Jerry lifted Penny up so that she could peep into the room. By the light +of the oil lantern she saw a haggard young man sitting on the bed. +Despite a stubble of beard and unkempt hair, she instantly recognized him +as the missing bridegroom. She made another observation, one which +shocked her. The man's wrists were handcuffed. + +"It's Grant Atherwald," she told Jerry as he lowered her to the ground. +"They've treated him shamefully." + +Jerry held up his hand as a signal for silence. In the room above the men +were speaking and he wished to hear every word. + +"Well, Atherwald, have you changed your mind? How about a little supper +tonight?" + +"How can I tell you something I don't know?" the bridegroom retorted +wearily. "Kippenberg never confided any of his secrets to me." + +"You know where his gold is hidden!" + +"I don't think he ever had any!" + +"Oh, yes, he did. When the government passed a law that it was illegal to +keep gold, Kippenberg decided to defy it. He had over half his fortune +converted into gold which he expected to re-convert into currency at a +great profit to himself. His plans went amiss when government men listed +him for investigation." + +"You seem to know all about his private affairs," Grant Atherwald said +sarcastically. "Strange that you haven't learned the hiding place of the +gold--if there ever was any!" + +"It will do you no good to pretend, Atherwald! Either you tell the hiding +place, or we'll bring your bride here to keep you company!" + +"You wouldn't dare touch her, you fiend!" + +"No? Well, unless you decide to talk, she'll share your fate, and I +promise you it won't be a pretty one. Now I'll leave you to think it +over." + +The door closed with a bang. + +"We'll have to get the police here right away," Jerry advised Penny in a +whisper. "No telling what those scoundrels may try to do to Atherwald. We +haven't a moment to waste." + +"It would take us hours to bring help here," reasoned Penny. "And if we +try to use the motorboat the gang will be warned and flee while we're on +our way down the river." + +"That's so, but we have to do something. Any ideas?" + +"Yes, I have one," Penny answered soberly. "It may sound pretty crazy. +Still, I really believe it would work!" + +Hurriedly, she outlined what she had in mind. Jerry listened +incredulously, but as the girl explained and elaborated certain details +of her plan, his doubts began to clear away. + +"It's dangerous," he protested. "And if your hunch about the pool is +wrong, we will be in a fix." + +"Of course, but we'll have to take a chance in order to save Atherwald." + +"If everything went exactly according to plan it might work!" + +"Let's try it, Jerry. Lift me up so I can attract Atherwald's attention." + +The reporter did as she requested. Penny tapped lightly on the iron bars +with her signet ring. She saw Grant Atherwald start and turn his head. +Penny repeated the signal. + +The man arose from the bed and stumbled toward the window. + +"Who is it?" he whispered hoarsely. + +"A friend." + +"Can you get me out of here?" + +"We're going to try. You are handcuffed?" + +"Yes, and my captor keeps the key in his pocket. The room outside is +always guarded. Did you bring an implement to saw through the bars?" + +"No, we have another scheme in mind. But you must do exactly as we tell +you." + +"Yes, yes!" the bridegroom whispered eagerly, his pale cheeks flooding +with color. + +"Listen closely," Penny instructed. "When your captor comes back tell him +you have decided to talk." + +"I know nothing about the cache of gold," the man protested. + +"Tell your captor that the hiding place is on the Kippenberg estate." + +"That would only involve Sylvia and Mrs. Kippenberg. I'll do nothing to +get them into trouble." + +"You'll have to obey instructions or no one can help you," Penny said +severely. "Would you prefer that those cruel men carry out their threat? +They'll spirit Sylvia away and try to force the truth from her." + +"I'll do as you say." + +"Then tell your captor that the gold is hidden in a specially constructed +vault lying beneath the lily pool." Penny had resolved to act upon her +hunch that there was a trapdoor on the bottom of the pool. Now as she +issued instructions she wished that she might have found some way of +examining the pool to see if she were right. However, she had to take a +chance on there being a vault beneath the pool. + +Atherwald protested mildly. "He would never believe such a fantastic +story." + +"It is not as fantastic as it sounds," replied Penny. "You must convince +him that it is true." + +"I will try." + +"Make the men understand that to get the gold they must drain the pool +and raise a trapdoor in the cement bottom. Ask to be taken with the men +when they go there tonight and demand that you be given your freedom as +soon as the gold is found." + +"They will never let me go alive. An identification from me would send +them all to prison for life." + +"Do you know the men?" + +"The ringleader is Aaron Dietz. At one time he was employed by Mr. +Kippenberg." + +"Just as I thought." + +"The other two call themselves Gus and Jake. I don't know their last +names. Then there is a girl who seems to be a sister to Gus." + +"How did they get you here?" + +"On the day of the wedding I was handed a note just as I reached the +estate. It requested me to come at once to the garden. While I waited +there, two ruffians sprang upon me from behind. Before I could cry out +they dragged me to their boat at the river's edge. I was handcuffed, +blindfolded and brought to this cabin." + +The slamming of an outside door warned Penny that she was wasting +precious time in talk. + +"You understand your instructions?" she whispered hurriedly. + +"Yes." + +"Then goodbye. With luck we'll have you free in a few hours." + +"With luck is right," Jerry muttered as Penny slid to the ground. + +Aaron Dietz stood on the front porch staring out into the night. Seeing +him there, Penny and Jerry circled widely before attempting to return to +the river. Satisfied that they had not been observed, they boarded the +boat and descended to the cabin. + +For possibly an hour they sat in the dark, waiting anxiously. + +"Looks as if my little plan didn't work," Penny remarked. "I might have +known it would be too simple." + +Jerry had risen to his feet. He went to the window and listened. + +"Hear anything?" Penny whispered hopefully. + +"Sounds like someone coming down the path. We ought to get into our +cubby-hole." + +They tiptoed to the closet and closed the door. + +Within a few minutes they heard a confusion of voices and the shuffle of +feet as men boarded the cruiser. Penny wondered if the group included +Grant Atherwald and was greatly relieved when she heard him speak. + +"I don't see why you think I would double-cross you," he said distinctly. +"I am considering my own welfare. You promised that if the gold is found +you'll give me my freedom." + +"Sure, you'll get it. But if you're lying about the hiding place--" + +The words were drowned out by the roar of the motor boat engine. Penny +and Jerry felt the floor beneath them quiver and then gently roll. The +cruiser was under way. + +"We're heading for the Kippenberg estate!" Penny whispered. "Oh, +everything is starting out beautifully!" + +"I only hope it ends the same way," said Jerry morosely. "I only hope it +does." + + + + + CHAPTER + 24 + _SECRET OF THE LILY POOL_ + + +The moon rode high in the heavens as the cabin cruiser let go its anchor +in a cove off the Kippenberg estate. Penny who had been dozing for the +past hour in her self-imposed prison started up in alarm as Jerry nudged +her in the ribs. + +"Wake up," he whispered. "We're here." + +"At the estate?" + +"I think so." + +On the deck above their heads they could hear the men talking together. + +"You'll come along with us, Atherwald," Aaron Dietz said. "Flora, you +stay here and guard the boat. If you see anyone watching or acting +suspiciously, blow the whistle two short blasts." + +"I don't want to stay here alone," the girl whimpered. "I'm afraid." + +"You'll do as I say," the man ordered harshly. "Get started, Gus. It's +two o'clock now. We won't have many hours before daylight." + +In making her plans Penny had not once considered that the men might +leave a guard on the cruiser. With the girl posted as a lookout they were +still prisoners in the cabin. + +"We have to get out of here now or never," she whispered. "What shall we +do about Flora?" + +"We'll rush her and take a chance on the whistle." + +They slipped out of their hiding place and crawled noiselessly up the +steep stairway. Pausing there, they watched the shadowy figure of the +girl in the bow of the boat. She was quite alone, for her companions had +disappeared into the woods. + +"Now!" commanded Jerry in a whisper. + +With a quick rush he and Penny were across the deck. They approached +Flora from behind and were upon her before she could turn her head. Jerry +grasped her arms while Penny clapped a hand over her mouth to prevent a +scream. Although the girl fought fiercely, she was no match for two +persons. + +Stripping off her sash, Penny gave it to Jerry to use as a gag. They +bound the girl's wrists and ankles, then carried her down into the cabin. + +"I hate to leave her like that," said Penny as they went back on deck. + +"Don't waste your sympathy," replied Jerry. "She doesn't deserve it. +Anyway, we'll soon set her free. We must bring the police now." + +"The nearest house with a telephone is about a half mile away." + +"It won't take us long to cover the distance," Jerry said, helping her +down from the boat. + +"You go alone," urged Penny. "I'll stay here and keep watch." + +"I don't like to leave you." + +"Go on." Penny gave him a little push. "And hurry!" + +After Jerry had reluctantly left, she plunged into the trees, carefully +picking her way along the path which led to the lily pool. A short +distance brought her to the clearing. Halting, she saw the three men and +Grant Atherwald silhouetted in the bright moonlight. The latter was still +handcuffed, guarded by Aaron Dietz who allowed his companions to do the +hard labor. + +Gus and Jake had broken open the door of the stone tower. The soft purr +of a motor told Penny that they had started draining the pool. She +wondered what the men would do when they discovered that the tank +contained a very live alligator. + +"It ought to put a crimp in their work," she chuckled. "Mr. Kippenberg +couldn't have chosen a more effective guard for his gold." + +But gradually as the pool drained lower and lower, it struck Penny as odd +that the men did not notice the alligator. Belatedly, it occurred to her +that the Kippenberg gardener had probably succeeded in getting rid of the +monster since her visit to the garden earlier in the day. + +"Something like that _would_ happen," she thought. "Oh, well, even so +Jerry ought to get here with the police in ample time." + +Only the waning of the moon gave indication of how swiftly the night was +passing. Penny became alarmed as she observed how fast the pool emptied. +Jerry would not have as long as she had anticipated. But surely, he would +bring help before it was too late. + +Presently, one of the men shut off the motor in the stone tower, saying +with quiet jubilance: + +"There, she's empty!" + +He jumped down into the tank, and almost at once uttered a cry of +discovery. + +"Here it is, just as he said! The ring to the trap! Give us some help, +Gus." + +With Aaron Dietz and the bewildered bridegroom watching from above, the +two men raised the heavy block of cement. Penny drew closer for she did +not wish to miss anything. She stood in the shadow of a tree scarcely +fifteen yards from where the men worked. + +"A stairway leads down into an underground vault!" Jake cried exultantly. +"We've found the hiding place of the gold." + +"Toss me your flashlight, Aaron," called Gus. "We'll soon have all of the +treasure out of here." + +The next ten minutes brought a confused whirl of impressions. Penny's +thoughts were in turmoil. Why didn't Jerry come with the police? As soon +as the men carried the burden of gold to the boat they would discover +Flora, bound and gagged. Then they would suspect that a trap had been +laid. Oh, why didn't Jerry hurry? + +Gus and Jake had descended into the underground vault. As the light +reappeared, Penny was dumbfounded to see that the men were empty handed. + +"Nothing down there," Gus reported in disgust. "Nothing!" + +"Then we've been tricked!" Aaron Dietz turned furiously upon his +prisoner. "You'll pay for this!" + +"I thought the gold was here," answered Grant Atherwald. + +"Lock him up in the vault and start the water running," advised Jake +harshly. "It's a good way to be rid of him." + +The suggestion appealed to Aaron Dietz. At a nod from him, Atherwald was +seized and dragged down into the pool. He was shoved into the vault, but +before the two men could lower the heavy cement block into place, a +signal from Dietz arrested their action. + +"Wait!" + +In her anxiety over Grant Atherwald, Penny had moved closer to the pool. +Without realizing that she was exposing herself, she stood so that her +shadow fell clearly across the open space. Before she comprehended her +danger, Dietz hurled himself upon her, seizing her roughly by the arms. + +Penny struggled to free herself but could not. The man's grip was like +steel. + +"So you were spying!" he exclaimed harshly. + +"I--I was just watching," Penny stammered. "Don't you remember me? I am +the girl who pulled you out of the river when your car went over the +drawbridge." + +The man looked closely at her, and for an instant she dared hope that he +would recall her with gratitude. But his face hardened again and he said +unfeelingly: + +"You know entirely too much, my little girl. This is one story you will +never write for your father's paper. Your curiosity has proven your +undoing. You share the fate of your very good friend." + +With a sinking heart Penny realized by the man's words that he knew her +to be the daughter of a newspaper publisher, and that he had guessed her +part in the trick played upon him. + +"Down you go!" Dietz said harshly. + +As he dragged her toward the pool, Penny screamed at the top of her +lungs. A hand was clapped over her mouth. She bit it savagely, but her +efforts to free herself were of no avail. + +The men shoved her headlong down the stone stairway into the pit. + +"Now scream as much as you like," Aaron Dietz hurled after her. "No one +will hear you." + +The heavy stone slab dropped into place. + +Penny picked herself up from the steps. Terror gripped her, and with a +sob she called frantically: + +"Mr. Atherwald! Mr. Atherwald!" + +"Here at the bottom of the steps," he answered with a groan. + +"Are you hurt?" + +"Only bruised. But my hands are still in cuffs." + +Penny limped down the stairway and helped the man to his feet. + +"We're done for now," he said. "No one will ever look for us down in this +vault. And our cries will never be heard." + +"Don't give up," Penny murmured encouragingly. "We may be able to lift +the stone. Come let's try." + +Mounting the stairs, they applied their shoulders to the massive door, +but their best efforts did not raise it an inch. + +"Listen!" cried Atherwald suddenly. + +They both could hear the sound of water running into the empty pool. + +"In an hour's time no one will ever guess that a hidden vault lies +beneath the tank!" Atherwald groaned. "We're doomed!" + +"If we can hear the water splashing above us, our voices might carry!" +Penny reasoned. "Let's cry out for help. Now, together!" + +They shouted over and over until their voices failed them. Then, +completely discouraged, they sagged down on the stairway to rest. + +"Nothing went as I planned," Penny said dismally. "I really thought the +gold was hidden in this vault. If the men had found it, they would have +spent hours removing the loot to their boat. Jerry would have come with +the police and everything would have been all right." + +Grant Atherwald was not listening to the girl's words. He struggled to +his feet, pressing his ear against the trapdoor. + +"The water has stopped running!" + +"Are you sure?" Penny sprang up and stood beside him, listening. + +"Yes, and I hear voices!" + +With one accord, they shouted for help. Could it be imagination or did +they hear an answering cry? As they repeated their frantic call, there +was a scraping on the stone above their heads. + +"Stand away," ordered a muffled voice. + +Before Penny and the bridegroom could obey, the great door lifted. A +deluge of water poured in, its force nearly washing them from the steps. +But in another moment the passage was clear and they stumbled up through +the rectangular opening. + +Jerry grasped Penny's hand, helping her out of the vault. One of the +blue-coated policemen aided Atherwald, unfastening the handcuffs which +held him a prisoner. + +"You're all right, Penny?" the reporter asked anxiously. + +"I--I feel like a drowned rat," she laughed, shaking water out of her +hair. Then, with a quick change of mood she asked: "Did you get Aaron +Dietz and his men?" + +"No," Jerry answered in disgust. "When we crossed the river five minutes +ago, the cruiser was still there. No sign of anyone around. I brought the +police here, and now I suppose they've made their get-away." + +"Oh, Jerry, we can't let them escape! Send the police--" + +"Now don't get worked up," the reporter soothed. "A squad started back +just as soon as we found out what had happened here." + +"Dietz and his men must have seen the police crossing the river," +speculated Penny. "They may have hidden in the bushes, biding their time. +By now they've slipped away in their boat." + +"I'm afraid of it," Jerry admitted. "I traveled as fast as I could." + +As one of the policemen lifted Penny out of the pool, a noise which +sounded like the back-firing of an automobile, broke the stillness of the +night. It was followed by a volley of similar sounds. + +"Gunfire!" exclaimed Penny. + +The policemen started at a run through the woods toward the place where +the white cruiser had last been seen. Penny hesitated, and then took the +opposite direction, coming out of the woods at a point directly opposite +the drawbridge. + +Gazing far up the river she could see the white cruiser, flashes of fire +coming from the cabin window as the desperadoes exchanged shots with the +police, who were concealed in the woods. + +"That boat will try to run for it in another minute," Penny thought. "If +only the drawbridge were down!" + +Kicking off her shoes, she dived into the water, swimming diagonally +across the river to take advantage of the swift current. Her powerful +strokes brought her to shallow water and she waded ashore through +ankle-deep mud. As she scrambled up the slippery bank, her wet clothing +plastered to her body, she heard the roar of the cruiser's motor. + +"They've started the engine!" she thought. "In another minute the boat +will be at the bridge. Hurry! Hurry!" + +Penny could force herself to no greater effort. Breathless, she reached +the gearhouse and groped frantically under the door. Had Thorny failed to +hide the key there? No, her fingers seized upon it. + +Trembling with excitement, she turned it in the lock. The door of the +gearhouse swung open. Now could she remember how to lower the bridge? Any +mistake would be costly, for by this time she could hear the cruiser +racing down the river at full speed. If only it were light enough so that +she could see the gears! + +She pulled a lever and her heart leaped as the motor responded with a +pleasant purr. The power was on! + +"Now to lower the bridge!" thought Penny. "But which lever is the right +one? I'm not sure." + +With a prayer in her heart she grasped the one closest at hand and eased +it forward. There was a grinding of gears as the tall cantilevers began +to move. They were coming down, but oh, so slowly! + +"Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!" Penny whispered, as if her words could speed the +bridge on its journey. + +The white cruiser drove onward at full speed. Lower came the bridge. +Penny held her breath, knowing it would be a matter of inches whether or +not the boat would clear. The man at the wheel, aware of the danger, did +not swerve from his course. + +The bridge settled into place. As the crash came, Penny closed her eyes. + +"_I did it! I've stopped them!_" she thought, and sagged weakly against +the gear house. + + + + + CHAPTER + 25 + _VICTORY FOR PENNY_ + + +Minutes later Penny was still leaning limply against the building when a +car drove up to the bridge. Her father, Salt, and a bevy of policemen and +government representatives sprang out and ran to her side. + +"Penny, what happened?" Mr. Parker clasped his daughter in his arms. +"You're soaking wet! Didn't we hear gunfire as we turned in here?" + +Penny waved her hand weakly toward the river below. + +"There's your story, Dad. Pictures galore. Boat smashes into dangerous +drawbridge. Police pursue and shoot it out with desperadoes, taking +what's left of 'em into custody. I'm afraid to look." + +"And what were you doing while all this was going on?" demanded her +father. + +"Me? I was just waiting for the drawbridge to go down." + +Mr. Parker, Salt, and the policemen he had brought to the scene, rushed +to the edge of the bridge. A police boat had drawn up beside the badly +listing cruiser, and three men prisoners and a girl were being taken off. + +"How bad is it?" Penny called anxiously. + +"All captured alive," answered her father. "Salt, get that camera of +yours into action! Where's Jerry? He would be missing at a time like +this! What happened anyhow? Can't someone tell me?" + +Penny had fully recovered the power of speech, and with a most flattering +audience, she recounted her adventures. + +"Excuse me just a minute," she interrupted herself. + +Turning her back, she pulled a sodden photograph from the front of her +dress and handed it to her father. + +"This picture is in pretty bad shape," she said, "but it's clue number +one. You see, it's a photograph of Miss Kippenberg, and on the back is +written, 'To Father, with all my love.' I found the picture this +afternoon in Room 381 at the Colonial Hotel." + +"Then you've located Kippenberg?" one of the G men demanded. + +"I have. He's been masquerading as the Kippenberg gardener, coming back +here no doubt to witness the marriage of his daughter." + +"We'll arrest him right away," said the government man, turning to leave. +"Thanks for the tip." + +"I am confident Miss Kippenberg and her mother had nothing to do with +Grant Atherwald's disappearance," Penny went on. "Aaron Dietz plotted the +whole affair himself. I guess he must have learned about Kippenberg's +cache of gold while he worked for the man. He believed that Grant +Atherwald shared the secret and could tell where the money was hidden." + +"You've located the gold, too, I suppose," Mr. Parker remarked +whimsically. + +"No, Dad, I slipped up there. I thought the gold was in a secret vault +under the alligator pool, but I was wrong. I don't know where it is." + +"We'll let the G men solve that mystery when they take Kippenberg into +custody," replied her father. "Our work is cut out for us now. We'll find +Jerry, talk with young Atherwald, and rout Miss Kippenberg and her mother +out of bed for an exclusive interview." + +"And this time I am sure they'll answer questions," declared Penny. + +During the next hour the "story" was taken entirely from her hands. +Jerry, her father and Salt, knew exactly how to gather every fact of +interest to the readers of the _Star_. Sylvia Kippenberg, overjoyed to +find her fiance alive, posed for pictures with him, and answered all +questions save those which concerned her father. + +Not until a telephone call came from the Colonial Hotel, saying that Mr. +Kippenberg had been taken into custody, would either Sylvia or her mother +admit that the man had posed as the gardener. + +"Very well, it is true," Mrs. Kippenberg acknowledged at last. "James has +been trying to avoid government men for over a year. Wishing to return +for Sylvia's wedding, he disguised himself as a gardener. Then after +Grant's disappearance, he remained here trying to help." + +"And it was your husband who managed to get rid of the alligator?" Penny +interposed. + +"Yes, we were afraid police might ask embarrassing questions. James +disposed of it to a zoo late yesterday afternoon." + +"And the cache of gold under the lily pool," said Mr. Parker. "What +became of that?" + +"There is no gold." + +"None at all?" + +"None." + +"And there never was any?" questioned Penny incredulously. "Then why was +the vault ever built?" + +"Tell her the truth, Mother," Sylvia urged. "She deserves to know. +Anyway, it can do Father no harm now." + +"At one time my husband did have a considerable supply of gold," Mrs. +Kippenberg admitted. "Since he could not trust a bank he constructed his +own vault under the pool and placed the alligator there as a precaution +against prying persons." + +"My father really did nothing so very wrong," Sylvia broke in. "The gold +was bought with his own money. If he chose to sell it later at a profit +it was his own affair." + +"Not in the opinion of the government," Mr. Parker said with a smile. "He +held the gold illegally. So your father disposed of it?" + +"Yes, he shipped it out of the country months ago. And no one will ever +be able to prove anything against him." + +"My husband is a very clever man," added Mrs. Kippenberg proudly. + +"That remains to be seen," said Mr. Parker. "I know a number of very +clever government men, too." + +Later, in dry clothing loaned to her by Miss Kippenberg, Penny motored +back to Corbin with her father, Jerry, and Salt. There they learned that +the three prisoners had been locked up in jail, while James Kippenberg +was being questioned by government operatives. He readily admitted that +he had disguised himself as the gardener but defied anyone to prove he +ever had disposed of illegal gold. + +Mr. Parker did not wait to learn the outcome of the interview. Instead he +telephoned the big story to DeWitt and arranged for complete coverage on +every new angle of the case. Satisfied that no more could be learned that +night, the party sped back toward Riverview. + +"Aaron Dietz and his confederates ought to get long prison sentences," +Penny remarked as they drove through the night. "But what will happen to +Mr. Kippenberg, Dad? Do you think he will escape punishment as his wife +believes?" + +"He'll get what is coming to him," replied Mr. Parker. "A government man +told me tonight that Kippenberg's income tax reports have been falsified. +And Kippenberg knew they had evidence against him or he never would have +gone into hiding. No, even if it can't be proven that he held gold +illegally, he'll certainly be fined and given a year or so in prison for +tax evasion." + +"I hope he receives a light sentence for Sylvia's sake," said Penny. +After a moment she added: "Sylvia and Grant Atherwald are going to be +married tomorrow. They told me so." + +"There's a fact we missed," declared Jerry. "Penny always is showing us +up." + +"Oh, I didn't prove myself so brilliant tonight," responded Penny. "When +I was down in that vault I decided I was just plain dumb. If you hadn't +had sense enough to guess where Grant Atherwald and I were being +held--well, Dad would have had to adopt a new daughter." + +"It was easy enough to tell what had happened," said Jerry. "You had told +me you thought there was a secret vault beneath the pool. Then, too, I +found your handkerchief floating in the bottom. The water had only been +running in a few minutes." He fished in his pocket and brought out a pin +which he handed to Penny. "I also found this." + +"Thanks, Jerry," said Penny. "That's Louise's cameo pin. She dropped it +the day we were on the Kippenberg estate together." + +"The police gave you full credit for the capture of those men, Penny," +said her father with pride. "You yanked the drawbridge just in time to +trap them." + +"Salt did his share, too," mentioned Penny generously. "He went for the +police just as soon as he realized Jerry and I had been carried away on +the cruiser." + +"The only trouble was that the cops wasted too much time searching for +you down river," the photographer drawled. "We finally went back to +Corbin and ran into Mr. Parker who suggested we come to the estate." + +"How did you happen to be in Corbin, Dad?" asked Penny curiously. + +"You might know--I was looking for you. Isn't that my usual occupation?" + +"You're not provoked at me, Dad?" + +"No, of course not," the publisher answered warmly. "You've all done fine +work tonight. This is the biggest story we've run into in over a year! +We'll score a beat on the rival papers." + +"Then don't you think Jerry and Salt have earned a raise?" suggested +Penny. + +"Yes," agreed her father absently, "I'll take care of it tomorrow." + +"And you might tack on another dollar to my allowance, Dad. I'll also +have a small bill to present. There will be several dollars for gasoline, +lunches going and coming from Corbin, two ruined dresses, a pair of torn +silk stockings, and--" + +"That's enough," broke in Mr. Parker with a laugh. "If you keep on +listing your expenses, I'll be broke. You turned out to be an expensive +reporter." + +"It was worth it, wasn't it?" Penny demanded, placing her hands on her +hips. + +Her father agreed heartily. "It certainly was, Penny. The _Riverview +Star_ obtained a smashing story to scoop all the other newspapers, and +I've got my elusive daughter back again safe and sound." + +Penny moved closer to her father. She grasped the lapels of his coat in +her slender fingers and tipped her weary but still lovely face toward +him. + +"Dad, will you promise me one thing?" + +"That depends on what you are after," Mr. Parker told her gravely. + +"Whenever the _Riverview Star_ has a baffling mystery to be run down to +earth, will you promise to call in your ace sleuth?" + +"And who would that be?" demanded Mr. Parker with a puzzled frown. Then +as Penny laughed gaily, he also started to grin. "So you are the ace +sleuth? I guess I was a little slow in understanding. But you seem to be +right. This is the third mystery you've solved. Maybe we will use you on +the next mystery." + +"Thanks, Dad," said Penny. "I just hope I won't have to wait too long for +the next mystery to come along." + + THE END + + + + + Transcriber's Notes + + +--Replaced the list of books in the series by the complete list, as in + the final book, "The Cry at Midnight". + +--Silently corrected a handful of palpable typos. + +--Conforming to later volumes, standardized on "DeWitt" as the name of + the city editor. + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Danger at the Drawbridge, by Mildred A. 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