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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/34395-8.txt b/34395-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0101d8f --- /dev/null +++ b/34395-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6626 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ghost Beyond the Gate, 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: Ghost Beyond the Gate + +Author: Mildred A. Wirt + +Release Date: November 22, 2010 [EBook #34395] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GHOST BEYOND THE GATE *** + + + + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + Ghost + Beyond the Gate + + + _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, 1943, BY CUPPLES AND LEON CO. + + Ghost Beyond the Gate + + PRINTED IN U. S. A. + + + + + _CONTENTS_ + + + CHAPTER PAGE + 1 LOST ON A HILLTOP 1 + 2 AT THE LISTENING POST 11 + 3 AN UNPLEASANT DRIVER 20 + 4 STOLEN TIRES 26 + 5 AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW 35 + 6 FRONT PAGE NEWS 43 + 7 QUESTIONS WITHOUT ANSWERS 52 + 8 A FEW CHANGES 58 + 9 AN OPEN SAFE 68 + 10 TALE OF A GHOST 75 + 11 BY A CEMETERY WALL 85 + 12 FLIGHT 91 + 13 A BLACK MARKET 100 + 14 A FAMILIAR FIGURE 107 + 15 GHOST IN THE GARDEN 117 + 16 A DOOR IN A BOX 125 + 17 ADVENTURE BY MOONLIGHT 134 + 18 THROUGH THE CELLAR WINDOW 142 + 19 A BAFFLING SEARCH 151 + 20 ACCUSATIONS 157 + 21 MRS. BOTTS' REVELATION 166 + 22 A PARK BENCH 173 + 23 FORGOTTEN EVENTS 180 + 24 TRICKERY 190 + 25 FINAL EDITION 203 + + + + + CHAPTER + 1 + _LOST ON A HILLTOP_ + + +The little iceboat, with two laughing, shouting girls clinging to it, +sped over the frozen surface of Big Bear River. + +"Penny, we're going too fast!" screamed Louise Sidell, ducking to protect +her face from the biting wind. + +"Only about forty an hour!" shrieked her companion gleefully. + +At the tiller of the _Icicle_, Penelope Parker, in fur-lined parka, +sheepskin coat and goggles, looked for all the world like a jolly Eskimo. +Always delighting in a new sport, she had built the iceboat +herself--spars from a wood lot, the sail from an old tent. + +"Slow down, Penny!" pleaded her chum. + +"Can't," shouted Penny cheerfully. "Oh, we're going into a hike!" + +As one runner raised off the ice, the boat tilted far over on its side. +Louise shrieked with terror, and held tight to prevent being thrown out. +Penny, hard pressed, sought to avert disaster by a snappy starting of the +main sheet. + +For a space the boat rushed on, runners roaring. Then as a sudden puff of +wind struck the sail, the steering runner leaped off the ice. Instantly +the _Icicle_ went into a spin from which Penny could not straighten it. + +"We're going over!" screamed Louise, scrambling to free her feet. + +The next moment the boat capsized. Both girls went sliding on their backs +across the ice. Penny landed in a snowdrift at the river bank, her parka +awry, goggles hanging on one ear. + +"Are you hurt, Lou?" she called, jumping to her feet. + +Louise sprawled on the ice some distance away. Slowly she pulled herself +to a sitting position and rubbed the back of her head. + +"Maybe this is your idea of fun!" she complained. "As for me, give me +bronco busting! It would be a mild sport in comparison." + +Penny chuckled, dusting snow from her clothing. "Why, this is fun, Lou. +We have to expect these little upsets while we're learning." + +The sail of the overturned iceboat was billowing like a parachute. +Slipping and sliding, Penny ran to pull it in. + +"Take the old thing down!" urged Louise, hobbling after her. "I've had +enough ice-boating for this afternoon!" + +"Oh, just one more turn down the river and back," coaxed Penny. + +"No! We're close to the club house now. If we sail off again, there's no +telling where we'll land. Anyway, it's late and it's starting to snow." + +Penny reluctantly acknowledged that Louise spoke pearls of wisdom. Large, +damp snowflakes were drifting down, dotting her red mittens. The wind +steadily was stiffening, and cold penetrated her sheepskin coat. + +"It will be dark within an hour," added Louise. Uneasily she scanned the +leaden sky. "We've been out here all afternoon." + +"Guess it is time to go home," admitted Penny. "Oh, well, it won't take +us long to get the _Icicle_ loaded onto the car trailer. Lucky we upset +so close to the club house." + +Setting to work with a will, the girls took down the flapping sail. After +much tugging and pushing, they righted the boat and pulled it toward the +Riverview Yacht Club. Closed for the winter, the building looked cold and +forlorn. Penny, however, had left her car in the snowy parking lot, which +was convenient to the river. + +"Wish we could get warm somewhere," Louise said, shivering. "It must be +ten below zero." + +Pulling the _Icicle_ behind them, the girls climbed the slippery river +bank. Snow now swirled in clouds, half-curtaining the club house. + +"I'll get the car and drive it down here," Penny offered, starting toward +the parking lot. "No use dragging the boat any farther." + +Abandoning the _Icicle_, Louise went with her chum. A dozen steps took +the girls to a wind-swept corner of the deserted building. Rounding it, +they both stopped short, staring. + +On the snow-banked parking lot where the car had been left, there now +stood only one vehicle, an unpainted, two-wheel trailer. + +"Great fishes!" exclaimed Penny. "Where's the coupe?" + +"Maybe you forgot to set the brake and it rolled into a ditch!" + +"In that case, the trailer would have gone with it." Her face grim, Penny +ran on toward the parking lot. + +Reaching the trailer, the girls saw by tire tracks in the snow that the +car had been detached and driven away. + +"I knew it! I knew it!" Penny wailed, pounding her mittens together. "The +coupe's been stolen!" + +"What's that across the road?" Louise demanded. "It looks like an +automobile to me. In the ditch, too!" + +Taking new hope, Penny went to investigate the little ravine. Through a +screen of bare tree branches and bushes, she glimpsed a blur of metal. + +"It's the car!" she cried jubilantly. "But how did it get across the +road?" + +Penny's elation quickly died. Drawing nearer, she was dismayed to see +that the coupe appeared to be lying on its stomach in the ditch. Four +wheels and a spare had been removed. + +"Stripped of every tire!" she exclaimed. "The thief ran the car out here +on the road so we couldn't see him at work from the river!" + +"What are we going to do?" Louise asked weakly. "We're miles from +Riverview. No houses close by. We're half frozen and night is coming on." + +Penny, her face very long, had no answer. She measured the gasoline tank +with a stick. All of the fuel had been siphoned. She lifted the hood, +expecting to find vital parts of the engine missing. However, everything +appeared to be in place. + +Seeking protection from the penetrating wind, the girls climbed into the +car to discuss their situation. + +"Can't we just wait here until someone comes along and gives us a lift to +town?" suggested Louise. + +"Yes, but we're on a side road and few cars travel this way during +winter." + +"Then why not go somewhere and telephone?" + +"The nearest stores are at Kamm's corner, about two miles away." + +Louise gazed thoughtfully at the soft snow which was banking deeper on +the windshield of the car. + +"Two miles in this, facing the wind, will be a hard hike. Think we ought +to try it, Penny?" + +"I'm sure I don't want to. And we needn't either! Do you remember Salt +Sommers?" + +"The photographer who works on your father's newspaper?" + +"Yes, he spends his spare time as an airplane spotter. His station is +over in the hills not more than a half mile from here! Why not tramp over +there and ask him to telephone our folks?" + +"Are you sure you know the way?" + +"I was there once last summer," Penny said confidently. "One follows a +side road through the woods. I'm sure I can find it." + +"All right," Louise consented, sliding from behind the steering wheel. +"If we're going, let's move right along." + +Stiff with cold, the girls trudged past the club house and on down the +road. Snow was falling faster and faster. Several times they paused to +wipe their frosted goggles. + +"This promises to be a man-sized blizzard," Louise observed uneasily. +"It's getting dark early, too." + +Penny nodded, her thoughts on what she would say to her father when she +reached home. The car had been fully insured, but even so it would not be +easy to replace five stolen tires. Ruefully she reflected that Mrs. +Weems, the kindly housekeeper who had looked after her since her mother's +death, had not favored the river trip. + +"Oh, don't take it so hard," Louise tried to cheer her. "Maybe the thief +will be caught." + +"Not a chance of it," Penny responded gloomily. + +A hundred yards farther on the girls came to another side road which +wound upward through the wooded hills. Already there was an ominous dusk +settling over the valley. Penny paused to take bearings. + +"I think this is the way," she said doubtfully. + +"You think!" + +"Well, I'm pretty sure," Penny amended. "Salt's station is up there on +top of one of those hills. If this snow would stop we should be able to +see the tower from here." + +Slightly reassured, Louise followed her chum across a wooden bridge and +up a narrow, winding road. On either side of the frozen ditches, tall +frosted evergreens provided friendly protection from the stabbing, icy +wind. Nevertheless, walking was not easy for the roadbed bore a shell of +treacherous ice. + +Confident that they soon would come to the airplane listening post, the +girls trudged on. Penny, anxious to make the most of the remaining +daylight, set a stiff pace. + +"Shouldn't we be coming to the station?" Louise presently asked. "Surely +we've gone more than a half mile." + +"The post is a little ways off from the road," Penny confessed, peering +anxiously at the unbroken line of evergreens. "We should be able to see +it." + +"In this blinding snow? Why, we may have passed the station without +knowing it." + +"Well, I don't think so." + +"You're not one bit sure, Penny Parker!" Louise accused. "We were crazy +to start off without being certain of the post's location." + +"We always can go back to the car." + +"I'm nearly frozen now," Louise complained, slapping her mittens +together. "There's no feeling in one of my hands." + +Penny paused to wipe the moisture from her goggles. From far down the +road came the sound of a laboring motor. She listened hopefully. + +"A car, Lou!" she cried. "Everything will be all right now! We'll hail it +and ask the driver for a lift." + +Greatly encouraged, the girls waited for the approaching vehicle. They +could hear it climbing a steep knoll, then descending. From the sound of +the engine they decided that it must be a truck and that it might round +the curve at a fast speed. + +Worried lest the driver fail to see them, the girls stepped out into the +middle of the road. As the truck swerved around the bend, they shouted +and waved their arms. + +The startled driver slammed on brakes, causing the big black truck to +slide like a sled. Penny and Louise leaped aside, barely avoiding being +struck. + +As they watched anxiously, the driver recovered control of the machine. +He straightened out and brought the truck to a standstill farther up the +road. + +Penny seized her chum's hand. "Come on, Lou! He's going to give us a +ride!" + +Before they could reach the truck, the driver lowered the cab window. +Thrusting his head through the opening he bellowed angrily: + +"What you tryin' to do? Wreck my truck?" + +Giving the girls no opportunity to reply, he closed the cab window. + +Penny saw that the man was intending to drive on. "Wait!" she called +frantically. "Please give us a ride! We're lost and half frozen!" + +The man heard for he flashed an ugly smile. Shifting gears, he drove +away. + +"Of all the shabby tricks, that's the worst!" Penny said furiously. "It +wasn't our fault his old truck skidded." + +"But it is our fault we're lost on this road," Louise added. "How are we +ever to find the listening post?" + +Penny leaned against the leeward side of a giant pine. Already it was so +dark that she could see only a few feet down the road. There were no +houses, no lights, nothing to guide her. + +"Penny, are we really lost?" Louise demanded, suddenly afraid. + +"We really, truly are," her chum answered in a quavering voice. "The post +must be somewhere near here, but we'll never find it. All we can do is +try to get back to the car." + + + + + CHAPTER + 2 + _AT THE LISTENING POST_ + + +Penny's courage did not long forsake her. She had suggested to Louise +that they return to the stripped car, but she knew that would not solve +their problem. Staring up the dark road, she remarked that they must be +close to the summit of the hill. + +"Then why not keep on?" urged Louise. "We set out to find the listening +post, so let's do it!" + +They trudged on up the winding road. At intervals, in an attempt to +restore circulation to numbed feet, they ran a few steps. Snow fell +steadily, whipping and stinging their faces. + +Gasping, half-winded, they kept doggedly on. Finally they struggled into +a clearing at the top of the hill. Penny wiped her eyes and gazed down +through a gap in the white-coated evergreens. A quarter of the way down +the slope on the other side appeared a glowing dot of light. + +"I'm afraid it's only a cabin," she said dubiously. "It can't be the +airplane listening post." + +"Let's go there anyway," advised Louise. "We can warm ourselves and ask +how to get back to civilization." + +They pushed on, still following the road. Downhill walking was much +easier and at intervals they were encouraged by a glimpse of the light. + +Then, rounding a bend of the road, the girls came to an artistic, newly +constructed iron fence, banked heavily with snow. The fence led to a high +gate, and behind the gate loomed a dark, sprawling house with double +chimneys. + +"The place is deserted!" Louise observed in disappointment. "What became +of the light we've been following?" + +"It must be farther on. This house looks as if it had been closed for the +winter." + +Penny went to the gate and rattled a heavy chain which held it in place. +Peering through the palings, she could see an unshoveled driveway which +curved gracefully to a pillared porch. The spacious grounds were dotted +with evergreens and shrubs, so layered with snow that they resembled +scraggly ghosts. + +"Wonder who owns this place?" speculated Louise. + +"Don't know," Penny answered, turning away. "In fact, I don't recall ever +having seen it before." + +Her words carried special significance to Louise. + +"If you've never seen this house before, then we're on a strange road! +Penny, we never will find the listening post!" + +"I'm beginning to suspect it myself," Penny admitted grimly. "But we must +keep plodding on. That light can't be far ahead." + +Turning their backs upon the gloomy estate, they again braved the +penetrating wind. Soon Louise lost her footing and fell. She remained in +a dispirited little heap until Penny pulled her off the ice. + +"Let's keep going, Lou," she urged. "It won't be long now." + +Louise allowed Penny to pull her along. They rounded a curve in the road, +and there, miraculously, the lighted cabin rose before them. + +"At last!" exulted Louise. "The Promised Land!" + +Staggering up a shoveled path, they pounded on the cabin door. An old +man, who held a kerosene lamp, responded promptly. + +"Come in, come in!" he invited heartily. "Why, you look half frozen." + +"Looks aren't deceitful either," Penny laughed shakily. + +As the girls went into the warm room a little whirlpool of wind and snow +danced ahead of them. Quickly the old man closed the door. He made places +for Penny and Louise at the stove and tossed in a heavy stick of wood. + +"Bad night to be out," he commented cheerfully. + +Penny agreed that it was. "We're lost," she volunteered, stripping off +her wet mittens. "At least we can't find the airplane listening post." + +"Why, it's just a piece farther on," the old man replied. "The tower's +right hard to see in this storm." + +While they thawed out, the girls explained that they had been forced to +abandon their car at the Riverview Yacht Club. The old man, whose name +was Henry Hammill, listened with deep sympathy to their tale of woe. + +"I'll hitch up my horses and take you to Riverview in the sled," he +offered. "That is, unless you'd rather stop at the listening tower." + +"It would save you a long trip," Penny returned politely. "If Salt +Sommers is on duty, I'm sure he'll take us to our homes." + +In the end it was decided that Old Henry should drive the girls as far as +the post. Then, if arrangements could not be made with the photographer, +he would keep on to Riverview. + +Warm at last, Penny and Louise declared that they were ready to start. +Old Henry brought the sled to the door and the team soon was racing down +the icy road. Above the jingle of bells arose occasional squeals of +laughter, for the young passengers enjoyed every minute of the unexpected +ride. + +Presently Old Henry pulled up at the side of the road. + +"There's the tower," he said, pointing to a two-story wooden observatory +rising above the evergreens. "I'll wait until you find out if your +friend's here." + +The girls thanked the old man for his kindly help and scrambled from the +sled. They were sure their troubles were over, for they could see Salt +Sommers seated at a table in the lighted tower. + +A flight of steps led to a narrow catwalk which ran around three sides of +the glass-enclosed house. Before Penny and Louise could hammer on the +door Salt opened it. + +"Well, see what the storm blew in!" the young man exclaimed. "I didn't +expect you girls to pop in on a night like this." + +"Salt, how soon will you be driving to Riverview?" Penny asked +breathlessly. + +"About twenty minutes. As soon as my relief shows up." + +"May we ride with you?" + +"Why, sure." + +Penny called down from the catwalk to tell Old Henry he need not wait. +With a friendly wave of his hand, the cabin owner drove away. The girls +then followed Salt into the drafty tower room. + +Curiously they gazed at their surroundings. In the center of the room +stood a small coal stove. Above it a tacked sign admonished: "Keep this +fire going!" There was a table, two chairs and a telephone. Also a round +clock which indicated seven-forty. + +Before Penny and Louise could explain why they had come, Salt held up a +warning finger. + +"Listen!" he exclaimed. "Wasn't that a plane?" + +He ran out on the catwalk, letting in an icy blast of wind. In a moment +he came back, grinning sheepishly. + +"A passenger airplane is due through here about this time. Sometimes I +listen for it so hard I imagine the sound of the engine." + +"The job must get tiresome at times," Penny ventured, making herself +comfortable by the glowing stove. + +"Oh, it does, but I'm glad to serve my trick. What brings you girls here +on such a wild night?" + +The story was quickly told. Nevertheless, by the time Penny had +telephoned to Mrs. Weems, it was after eight o'clock. Footsteps pounded +on the stairway. An elderly man, his hat and overcoat encrusted with +snow, swept into the room. + +"My relief," said Salt, presenting Nate Adams to the girls. "I'm free to +shove off now." + +"Hope you can start your car," commented the newcomer. "It's mighty cold, +and the temperature is still dropping." + +Salt's battered coupe was parked not far from the tower. Snow blanketed +the windshield. He wiped it away and after several attempts started the +engine. + +"Think I'd better stop at the first garage and have more alcohol put in +the radiator. No use in taking a chance." + +Salt followed the same road over which the girls had trudged an hour +earlier. In passing the estate not far from Old Henry's cabin, Penny +peered with renewed interest at the big house. In the blinding snow storm +she could not be sure, but she thought a light gleamed from an upstairs +window. + +"Salt," she inquired, "who lives in that place?" + +"Can't tell you," he replied, without turning his head. + +"Does anyone live there now?" + +"Haven't seen anyone since I took over as observer at the tower. Nate +Adams tells me the estate has a private air field. No planes have taken +off or landed while I've been on duty." + +"I thought I saw a light just now in an upstairs window." + +"Probably a reflection from the car headlights," Salt answered +carelessly. + +The car passed Old Henry's cabin and crept on until it came to a +crossroad. Several buildings were clustered on either side of the main +highway. + +"Guess I'll stop at Mattie's garage," Salt said. + +As he pulled up on a gravel runway, a masculine looking woman came to the +door of the car. She was in her mid-thirties and wore a man's coat much +too large for her. The girls guessed, and correctly, that she was Mattie +Williams, owner of the garage and filling station. + +"How many will you have?" she asked Salt, briskly clearing the windshield +of snow. + +The photographer replied that he did not require gasoline, but wanted at +least a quart of alcohol. + +"Drive into the garage," the woman instructed, opening a pair of double +doors. "I'll have Sam take care of it." + +As the car rolled into the building, Mattie shouted loudly to a +stoop-shouldered man who was busy in the rear office: "Hey, Sam! Look +after this customer, will you?" + +Sam Burkholder slouched over to the car and began to unscrew the radiator +cap. Penny and Louise assumed that the man must be Mattie's husband, but +a remark to that effect was corrected by Salt. + +"Sam is Mattie's partner," he explained in an undertone. "It's hard to +tell which one of them is boss of the place." + +Losing interest in the pair, Penny and Louise climbed out of the coupe. +They had noticed a cafe next door and thought they might go there for a +cup of hot coffee. + +"Go ahead," Salt encouraged. "I'll stay here until this job is finished, +and join you." + +As the girls let themselves out the garage door, a truck pulled up in +front of the cafe. They would have given it no more than a casual glance +had not the driver alighted. He was a short, ruddy-faced man with a +missing front tooth which made his facial expression rather grotesque. +Without glancing at the girls, he entered the restaurant. + +"That man!" exclaimed Louise. "Haven't we seen him somewhere?" + +"We have indeed," agreed Penny grimly. "He's the same driver who refused +us a ride. Let's march in there and give him a piece of our minds!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 3 + _AN UNPLEASANT DRIVER_ + + +From outside the lighted cafe, the girls could see the truck driver +slouched at one of the counter stools. + +"I'm willing to go inside," said Louise, "but why start a fuss? After +all, I suppose he had a right to refuse us a ride." + +"We might have frozen to death!" + +"Well, he probably didn't realize we were lost." + +"I wish I had your charitable disposition," Penny said with a sniff. "He +heard me shout, and he drove away just to be mean." + +"Anyway, let's forget it." + +Louise took Penny's elbow, steering her toward the cafe. The girls had +been friends since grade school days. They made an excellent pair, for +Louise exerted a subduing effect upon her impulsive chum. + +The only daughter of Anthony Parker, publisher of the _Star_, Penny had a +talent for innocently getting into trouble. Inactivity bored her. When +nothing more exciting offered, she frequently tried her hand at writing +stories for her father's newspaper. Such truly important yarns as _The +Vanishing Houseboat_, _The Wishing Well_, _Behind the Green Door_, and +_The Clock Strikes Thirteen_ had rolled from her typewriter. Penny +thoroughly enjoyed reportorial work, but best of all she loved to take an +active part in the adventures she recounted. + +"Now remember," Louise warned her, "not a word to that truck driver. +We'll just snub him." + +"Oh, all right. I'll try to behave myself." + +Grinning, Penny allowed herself to be guided toward the restaurant. Near +the doorway they came to the parked truck, and noticed that it was loaded +with large wooden boxes. + +"War equipment," commented Penny. + +"How do you know?" + +"Why, the boxes are unmarked except by numerals. Haven't you noticed, +Lou, that's the way machines and materials are transported to and from +factories. It's done so no one can tell what's inside." + +Penny opened the door and they went into the warm, smoky cafe. As they +seated themselves at a table the driver glanced toward them, but +seemingly without recognition. + +"How about a date tonight, Baby?" he asked the waitress. + +Without replying, the girl slapped a menu card on the counter in front of +him. + +"High toned, ain't you?" he chuckled. + +"What will it be?" the waitress demanded impatiently. + +"How about a nice smile, Baby?" + +Turning away, the waitress started to serve another customer. + +"Gimme a cup o' coffee and two sinkers," the driver hurled after her. +"And make it snappy too! I'm in a hurry." + +Once the coffee and doughnuts had been set before him, the man was in no +haste to consume them. He read a newspaper and fed a dollar and a half +into a pin-ball machine. + +Penny and Louise ordered coffee. Knowing that Salt might be waiting for +them, they swallowed the brew scalding hot and arose to leave. + +At the cashier's desk Penny paid the bill. Upon impulse she quietly asked +the man behind the cash register if he knew the driver. + +"Fellow by the name of Hank Biglow," he answered. + +Before Penny could ask another question, a police patrol car screeched to +a standstill just outside the restaurant. The cafe owner turned to stare +as did the driver. + +"What are those cops comin' here for?" Hank Biglow demanded. + +"How should I know?" retorted the cafe owner. "Maybe they want to ask you +a few questions about that cargo you carry!" + +"What do you mean by that crack?" the driver asked harshly. + +As the cashier shrugged and did not reply, Hank allowed the matter to +pass. Although he remained at the counter, he kept watching the police +car through the window. + +The brief interchange between cafe owner and driver had interested Penny. +To delay her departure, she bought a candy bar and began to unwrap it. + +Only one policeman had alighted from the car. Tramping into the cafe, he +pounded his hands together and sought the warmth of a radiator. + +"Mind if I have a little of your heat?" he asked the cafe owner. + +"Help yourself." + +Penny had been watching Hank Biglow. A moment before the man had sat +tense and nervous at the counter. Now he seemed completely relaxed and at +ease as he sipped his coffee. + +"Hello, Hank," the policeman greeted him. "Didn't see you at first. How's +the trucking business?" + +"Okay," the trucker growled. "Workin' me night and day." + +The casual conversation disappointed Penny. Her first thought had been +that Hank Biglow feared a police investigation. Seemingly, she had +indulged in wishful thinking. + +Having no further reason for remaining in the cafe, the girls stepped out +into the storm. + +"A pity that policeman wasn't looking for Hank Biglow," Penny muttered. + +"I thought for a minute he was," responded Louise, stooping to fasten the +buckle of her heavy overshoe. "At least Hank acted peculiar." + +"You heard what the cashier said to him?" + +"About the cargo he carried?" + +"Yes," nodded Penny, "what do you suppose he meant?" + +"Don't you think it was intended as a joke?" + +"It didn't seem that way to me, Lou. Hank took offense at the remark. He +was as nervous as a cat, too." + +Penny stared curiously at the big truck which was parked not far from the +police car. + +"I wonder what can be in those big boxes, Lou?" + +"A few minutes ago you said they contained tools or defense plant +products." + +"That was only my guess. I assumed it from the lack of marking on the +boxes." + +Penny paused beside the big truck. Pressing her face close to an opening +between the slats, she counted ten large crates, all the same size and +shape. + +"Lou, maybe this isn't defense plant merchandise," she speculated. "Maybe +it's some sort of contraband...." + +Penny's words trailed off. Someone had touched her on the shoulder. + +Whirling around, she faced the same policeman who a moment before had +entered the cafe. + +"What do you think you're doing?" he inquired. + +"Why, just looking," stammered Penny. "We were wondering what's inside +these boxes." + +"Machinery," replied the policeman. "Now skidoo! Behave yourselves or +I'll have to speak to your parents." + + + + + CHAPTER + 4 + _STOLEN TIRES_ + + +"We're very sorry," Louise apologized to the policeman. "We didn't +suppose it would do any harm to look at the outside of the boxes." + +"Run along, run along," the officer said impatiently. + +Penny was tempted to make a rather pointed remark, but Louise pulled her +away. + +"Never argue with a policeman," she whispered. "You always lose." + +"We weren't doing any harm," Penny scowled. "What does he think we are, a +couple of female spies?" + +Entering the garage, the girls saw that the car had been serviced. Salt +could be seen inside the little glass-enclosed office. + +"I'm waiting for Sam Burkholder," he explained as they joined him. "He +took care of the radiator and then disappeared." + +Penny and Louise loitered about the office, reading the evening +newspaper. After a little delay, Mattie Williams appeared. + +"Can you give me my bill?" Salt requested. "We're in a hurry to get to +Riverview." + +"I thought Sam was looking after you," Mattie replied, making out the +slip. + +The bill settled, Salt backed the car from the garage. Penny noticed that +Hank Biglow's truck no longer stood in front of the cafe. The police car +also had gone. She would have thought no more of it, had not Louise at +that moment exclaimed: + +"Penny, that truck is parked at the rear of the garage now! And they're +unloading the boxes!" + +Penny twisted around to see for herself. It was true that the big truck +had been backed up close to the rear entrance of the garage. Through the +blinding snow, she could just see Hank Biglow and Sam Burkholder carrying +one of the boxes into the building. + +"Well, that's funny!" she exclaimed. "Those crates can't contain defense +machinery or materials. Otherwise Hank wouldn't be delivering them here." + +"What crates?" inquired Salt, shifting gears. + +Penny told him what had transpired in the cafe, and revealed that she and +Louise had been rebuked by the policeman. Salt, occupied with driving, +did not consider the incident in any way significant. + +"Oh, you know how some cops are," he commented carelessly. + +The car went into a wild skid and Salt thereafter devoted his attention +strictly to driving. + +Without further mishap, the party arrived safely at Riverview. Louise +alighted at her own home, and then Salt took Penny to the Parker +residence. + +"Won't you come in for a cup of chocolate?" she invited. + +"Thanks, not tonight," Salt replied. "I'm dead tired. Think I'll hit the +hay early." + +Only one light burned in the living-room as Penny stomped in out of the +cold. Mrs. Weems, the plump housekeeper who had served the Parkers for +many years, sat beside the hearth, sewing. + +"I'm glad you're home at last!" she exclaimed, getting up quickly. +"You've no idea how worried I've been." + +"But Louise and I telephoned." + +"I couldn't hear you very well. I barely was able to make out that +something had happened to your car." + +"A major catastrophe, Mrs. Weems. Every tire was stolen!" + +While the housekeeper bombarded her with questions, Penny stripped off +overshoes and heavy outer clothing. Pools of water began to form on the +rug. + +"Take everything out to the kitchen," Mrs. Weems said hastily. "Have you +had your supper?" + +"Not even a nibble. And I'm starving!" + +As Mrs. Weems began to prepare a hot meal, Penny perched herself on the +kitchen table, alternately talking, and chewing on a sugared bun. + +"If you ever were lost in an Arctic blizzard you have a good picture of +what Louise and I endured," she narrated grandly. "Oh, it was awful!" + +"Losing five practically new tires is a mere detail in comparison?" + +"It's nothing less than a tragedy! I was thinking--maybe you ought to +break the sad news to Dad." + +"Indeed not. You'll have to tell him yourself. However, he's attending a +meeting and won't be home until eleven." + +"That's much too late for me," Penny said quickly. "I'll see him in the +morning. And I do hope you cooperate by giving him a dandy breakfast." + +"Just see to it that you don't oversleep," suggested the housekeeper +dryly. + +Penny consumed an enormous supper and then slipped off to bed. She did +not hear her father come home a few hours later. In the morning when Mrs. +Weems called her, it seemed advisable to take a long time in dressing. +Her father had gone by the time she strolled downstairs. + +"Did you tell Dad?" she asked the housekeeper hopefully. + +"You knew I would," chided Mrs. Weems. "Your father expects to see you at +his office at nine o'clock." + +"How'd he take the blow?" + +"Naturally one couldn't expect him to be pleased." + +With a deep sigh, Penny sat down to breakfast. Worry over the coming +interview did not interfere with her usual excellent appetite. She had +orange juice, two slices of toast, four pancakes, and then, somewhat +concerned lest she lose her slim figure, debated whether to ask for +another helping. + +"The batter's all gone," Mrs. Weems settled the matter. "Do stop dawdling +and get on to the office. Your father shouldn't be kept waiting." + +With anything but enthusiasm, Penny took herself to the plant of the +Riverview _Star_. Passing through the busy newsroom where reporters +pounded at their typewriters, she entered her father's private office. + +"Hello, Dad," she greeted him with forced cheerfulness. "Mrs. Weems said +you wanted to see me." + +"So you lost five tires last night?" the editor barked. Mr. Parker was a +lean, keen-eyed man of early middle age, known throughout the state as a +fearless newspaper man. At the moment, Penny decided that "fearful" would +prove a more descriptive term. + +"Well, Dad, it was this way--" she began meekly. + +"Never mind a long-winded explanation," he interrupted, smiling. "It +wasn't your fault--the car was stripped." + +Penny wondered if she had heard correctly. + +"Your tires weren't the only ones stolen yesterday," Mr. Parker resumed. +"A half dozen other thefts were reported. In fact, I've known for several +weeks that a professional gang of tire thieves has been operating in +Riverview." + +"Oh, Dad, you're a peach!" Penny cried, making a dive for him. "I'm going +to give you a great big kiss!" + +"You are not," Mr. Parker grinned, pushing her away. "Try to remember, +this is an office." + +Penny resigned herself to a chair. Questioned by her father, she gave a +straightforward account of how the car had been stripped at the Yacht +Club grounds. + +"The tire gang is getting bolder every day!" Mr. Parker exclaimed +wrathfully. "But we'll soon put a stop to their little game!" + +"How, Dad?" + +Mr. Parker hesitated and then said: "I can trust you, can't I, Penny?" + +"Of course." + +"Then I'll tell you this in confidence. For weeks Jerry Livingston, our +star reporter, has been working on the case. He's rounded up a lot of +evidence against the outfit." + +"Then we have a chance to get those tires back!" + +"I'm not thinking about that," Mr. Parker said impatiently. "Jerry's +gathered enough evidence to smash the entire gang. It will be as big a +story as the _Star_ ever published." + +"When are you breaking it, Dad?" + +"Perhaps tomorrow. Depends on the state prosecutor." + +"John Gilmore? What does he have to do with it?" + +"This story is loaded with dynamite, Penny. If we spread it over our +front page before police have a chance to act, the guilty parties are apt +to make a getaway." + +"That's so," nodded Penny. + +"There's another reason I want to consult the Prosecutor before I use the +story," Mr. Parker resumed. "Some of the men involved--" + +A tap sounded on the door. Without completing what he had started to say, +the editor called, "Come in." + +Jerry Livingston entered the office. He was a good-looking young man, +alert and clean-cut. Smiling at Penny, he slapped a folded paper on Mr. +Parker's desk. + +"Here's my story on the tire thefts, Chief," he said. "As far as I'm +concerned, this winds up the case." + +"You've done fine work, Jerry," Mr. Parker praised. "Thanks to your work, +we ought to clean out the gang." + +"I hope so, Chief. Guess you have all the proofs needed to back up the +story." + +"All the evidence is locked in my safe. I have an appointment scheduled +with the Prosecutor. If he Okays the story, we'll publish it tomorrow. By +the way, Jerry, what are your plans?" + +"Well, I have a couple of weeks before I go into the Army Air Corps." + +"Then treat yourself to a vacation, starting right now," said Mr. Parker. +"Can you use it?" + +"Can I?" grinned Jerry. "Know what I'll do? I'll hop the noon train and +head for the Canadian wilds on a hunting trip." + +Mr. Parker wrote out a check which he presented to the young man. + +"We'll be sorry to lose you, Jerry," he said regretfully. "But remember, +a job always will be waiting when you return." + +The reporter shook hands with Mr. Parker and Penny, then left the office. + +"We'll miss Jerry around here," the editor remarked. + +Penny nodded. She and Jerry had shared many an adventure together, and he +was one of her truest friends. The office would not seem the same without +him. + +"My appointment with the Prosecutor is at ten-thirty," said Mr. Parker +briskly. "I'll gather my papers and be on my way." + +The editor placed Jerry's signed story in a leather portfolio. Next he +went to the safe and fumbled with the dial. + +"Want me to open it for you?" Penny asked, after he had tried several +times. + +Without waiting for a reply, she stooped down, twisted the dial a few +times, and opened the heavy door. + +"Young lady, how did you learn the combination?" Mr. Parker demanded in +chagrin. + +"Oh, the numbers are written on the under side of your desk," Penny +grinned. "Not a very good place either! You must trust your office help." + +"Fortunately my reporters aren't quite as observing as a certain +daughter," Mr. Parker retorted grimly. + +The editor removed a fat brown envelope from one of the drawers of the +safe. Glancing at the papers it contained, he added them to the contents +of the portfolio. He then locked the safe. + +"How about letting me see that story?" Penny asked. + +Mr. Parker smiled but shook his head. "Only two persons know the facts of +the case--Jerry and myself." + +"Let's make it a trio." + +"It will be after I've talked to the Prosecutor. I've got to step right +along, too, or I'll be late." + +"But Dad--" + +"You'll read the story in tomorrow's _Star_--I hope," her father laughed. +Picking up the portfolio, he started for the door. "Just contain your +impatience until I get back. And please keep those slippery little +fingers away from my safe!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 5 + _AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW_ + + +After her father had gone, Penny remained in the private office. Eager to +be off, Mr. Parker had neglected to make any arrangements concerning the +stripped car at the Riverview Yacht Club. + +"Oh, bother!" she thought impatiently. "Now I must wait here until he +comes back to learn what I'm to do. The car should be hauled home." + +Penny wrote a letter on the typewriter. As she searched for a stamp, the +door swung open. A slightly bald, angular man with hard brown eyes, +paused on the threshold. The man was Harley Schirr, an assistant editor, +next in authority to Mr. DeWitt. Of the entire _Star_ staff, he was the +only person Penny actively disliked. + +"Oh, good morning, Miss Parker," he said with elaborate courtesy. "Your +father isn't here?" + +"No, he went away a few minutes ago." + +"And you are taking care of the office in his absence?" Mr. Schirr +smiled. Even so, to Penny's sensitive ears, the words had an insolent +ring. + +"I'm merely waiting for him to return," she answered briefly. "I came to +find out what to do about the car." + +"Oh, yes, I heard that all of your tires were stolen last night." Mr. +Schirr's lips twitched. "Too bad." + +"I may get them back again. Dad says--" Penny checked herself, +remembering that the information given her by her father was to be kept +secret. + +"Yes?" encouraged the assistant editor. + +"Perhaps police will catch the thieves," she completed. + +"I shouldn't count on it if I were you, Miss Parker. Black Markets have +flourished in this city for months. Nothing's been done to stop it." + +"Just what do you mean by a Black Market, Mr. Schirr?" + +"Illegal trading in various scarce commodities. Tires either stolen or +hijacked, are sold by the crooks to so-called honest dealers who serve +the public. It's now a big-time business." + +"What does Dad think about it?" + +"Well, now, I really couldn't tell you. Your father doesn't discuss his +editorial policy with me. If he did, I'd warn him to lay off all those +tire-theft stories." + +Penny gazed quickly at the assistant editor, wondering how much he knew +of her father's plan. + +"Dad usually prints all the news," she said. "Why should he soft-pedal +the tire stories?" + +"For his health's sake." + +"I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Mr. Schirr." + +The assistant editor had closed the door behind him. Warming to his +subject, he replied: "The men who have muscled into the tire theft racket +are ugly lads without scruples. If your father stupidly insists upon +trying to smash the outfit, he may not wake up some morning." + +The suggestion that her father might ruthlessly be done away with shocked +Penny. And a canny corner of her mind demanded to know how Mr. Schirr +could be so well informed. She was quite certain her father had not taken +him into his confidence. + +"Dad is no coward," she said proudly. + +"Oh, no one ever questioned his bravery, Miss Parker. Your father is +courageous to the point of rashness. But if he prints an exposé story +about the tire theft gang, it's apt to prove the most foolish act of his +life." + +"How do you know he intends to do such a thing?" + +The question, sharply put, surprised Mr. Schirr. + +"Oh, I don't," he denied hastily. "I merely heard the rumor around the +office." + +Penny made no reply. As the silence became noticeable, the assistant +editor murmured that he would return to see Mr. Parker later and left the +office. + +Penny glared at the man's retreating back. Even more intensely than +before, she disliked Harley Schirr. + +"The old sneak cat!" she thought. "I'll bet a cent he's been listening at +the door or prying in Dad's papers! I'm sure no rumors have been +circulating around the office." + +The telephone rang. Automatically Penny took down the receiver. + +"Mr. Parker?" inquired a masculine voice. + +"He's not here now. This is his daughter speaking. May I take a message?" + +"No message," said the purring voice. "Mr. Parker may hear from me +later." + +"Who is this, please?" asked Penny quickly. + +There was no answer, only the click of a receiver being hung on its hook. + +The incident, although trifling, annoyed Penny. Getting up from the desk, +she walked to the window. Mr. Schirr's intimation had alarmed her, and +now the telephone call added to her uneasiness. + +"Probably the man who telephoned is well known to Dad," she tried to +assure herself. "I'm just imagining that his voice sounded sinister." + +Feeling the need of an occupation, Penny wandered out into the editorial +room. She chatted with the society editor and for a time watched the +world news reports coming in on the noisy teletype machines. + +"Need a job?" inquired Editor DeWitt at the slot of the circular copy +desk. "How about writing a few headlines for me?" + +"No, thanks," Penny declined. "I'm just waiting for Dad. He should be +back any minute now." + +It was eleven-forty by the office clock. Never had time seemed to pass so +slowly. As Penny debated whether or not to wait any longer, there was a +sudden stir in the room. Glancing toward the outside door, she saw that +Jerry Livingston, suitcase in hand, had entered. + +Immediately reporters and editors left their desks to shake his hand. + +"Jerry, you're the best reporter this paper ever had," Mr. DeWitt told +him warmly. "We surely hate to see you go." + +"Oh, I'll be back," the reporter answered. "You can bet on that!" + +Penny crossed the room to say goodbye. Jerry surprisingly tucked her arm +through his. + +"Come along and see me off on the train," he invited, pulling her along. +"Not doing anything special, are you?" + +"Just waiting for Dad." + +"Then come on," Jerry grinned. "I've got a lot to say to you." + +However, once in the taxi, speeding toward the railroad station, the +reporter scarcely spoke. He reached out and captured her hand. + +"I'm going to miss you, little twirp," he sighed. "No telling when I'll +get back to the _Star_. Maybe--" + +"Now don't try to work on my sympathies," laughed Penny, though a lump +came in her throat. "Oh, Jerry--" + +"At your command. Just break down and confess how desolate you'll be +without me." + +The railroad station was close by and Penny had only a moment to talk. + +"Riverview will be a blank without you," she admitted. "But it's that +tire-theft story I want to ask you about. Did you ever tell anyone that +Dad is planning to expose the gang?" + +"Of course not!" + +"I knew you wouldn't give out any information," Penny said in relief. +"But somehow Harley Schirr has learned about it." + +"Schirr! That egg? How could he have found out?" + +"I'd like to know myself. He hinted that something dreadful might happen +to Dad if the story is printed." + +Jerry patted Penny's hand. "Don't give it a thought, kid," he said. +"Schirr does a lot of wild talking. Probably whatever he said to you was +pure bluff. He doesn't know a thing." + +The arrival of the cab at the station put an end to the conversation. +Jerry paid the driver and hustled Penny inside. He barely had time to +purchase a ticket before the train was called. + +"Well, goodbye," Jerry said, squeezing her hand. + +"Have a good time in Canada," Penny replied. "And bring me a nice bear +rug!" + +"Sure, I'll catch him with my bare hands," Jerry rejoined, making a +feeble attempt at a joke. + +The train began to move. The reporter swung himself aboard the last +Pullman. As he waved from the steps, Penny realized that she had +forgotten to ask for his Canadian address. + +Soon the train was only a blur down the frosty tracks. Penny climbed a +steep ramp to the street. She felt lonesome, and for some reason, +discouraged. + +"First I lose my car wheels, and now it's Jerry," she reflected sadly. +"What a week!" + +Penny scarcely knew whether to go home or to the _Star_ office. As she +debated the matter, her ears were assaulted by the shrill scream of a +siren. + +"A fire," thought Penny. + +An ambulance rushed past. It raced to the end of the short street and +pulled up. + +"Probably an accident," amended Penny. + +Curious to learn what had happened, she began to run. At the end of the +street a large crowd had gathered. A car with a smashed fender and +damaged front grillwork, had piled against a street lamp. + +"What happened?" Penny asked a man who stood beside her. + +"Two cars in a smash-up," he answered. "Didn't see the accident myself." + +"But what became of the other automobile?" asked Penny. + +She pushed through the gathering crowd to the curb. Broken glass was +scattered over the pavement. Ambulance men were searching the wreckage of +the car which had struck the lamp post. The other automobile, apparently, +had driven away. + +Suddenly, Penny's gaze riveted on the rear license plate of the smashed +car. In horror she read the number--P-619-10. + +"Dad's car!" she whispered. "He's been hurt!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 6 + _FRONT PAGE NEWS_ + + +Never in her life had Penny been more frightened. Breaking away from the +group of people at the curb, she ran to the parked ambulance. A glance +into the interior assured her that Mr. Parker had not been placed inside +on a stretcher. + +"Where is he?" she asked wildly. "Where's my father?" + +A white-garbed ambulance attendant turned to stare at her. + +"That's my father's car!" Penny cried, pointing to the battered sedan. +"Tell me, was he badly hurt?" + +The attendant tried to be kind. "We don't know, Miss. Someone put in a +call for us. Said we were to pick up an injured man. Evidently he was +taken to a hospital before we could get here." + +"That's what happened," contributed a small boy who stood close by. "A +woman drove by in an auto. She offered to take the man to the hospital +and he went with her." + +"A tall, lean man in a gray suit?" Penny asked quickly. + +"Yes. He had a leather case in his hand." + +"Then it was my father!" Penny cried. "How badly was he hurt?" + +"Oh, he could walk all right," the boy replied. "He seemed kinda dazed +though." + +Greatly relieved to learn that her father had escaped serious injury, +Penny sought more information. The boy who had witnessed the accident, +told her that the car which had caused the smash-up, was a blue sedan. + +"Two men were in it," he revealed. "They started to go around your +father's car and crowded him toward the curb. Next thing I saw, he'd +plowed into the lamp post." + +"The other car didn't stop?" + +"I'll say it didn't! You should have seen 'em go!" + +"Didn't you notice the license number?" Penny asked hopefully. + +The boy shook his head. + +Having learned all she could from him, Penny questioned other persons. +Only one woman in the crowd was able to provide additional information. +Her eye-witness account differed slightly from the boy's, but she +confirmed that a middle-aged woman in a black coupe had taken the +accident victim to a hospital. + +"Which hospital?" asked Penny. + +The woman could not tell her. She did say, however, that the accident +victim seemingly had suffered only minor scratches. + +A police car drove up. Penny, frantic to find her father, did not wish to +be delayed by questions. Without revealing who she was to members of the +investigation squad, she hailed a taxi. Mercy Hospital was only a few +blocks away. It seemed reasonable that her father would be taken there +for treatment. + +A few minutes later, standing anxiously at the information desk of that +institution, she learned that Mr. Parker had not been admitted as a +patient. The nurse in charge, noting the girl's agitation, kindly offered +to telephone other hospitals. After six calls, she reported that she was +unable to trace the accident victim. + +"Are you sure that your father sought hospital treatment?" she asked +Penny. + +"Perhaps not. Dad wasn't badly hurt according to witnesses. He may have +gone elsewhere." + +Thanking the nurse for her help, Penny taxied swiftly home. Mrs. Weems, +in an old coat and a turban, was pouring salt on the icy sidewalk in +front of the house. From the look on her face it was evident she had not +heard the news. + +"Mrs. Weems, Dad's been hurt!" Penny cried, leaping from the cab. "In an +auto accident!" + +"My land!" the housekeeper gasped and allowed the bag of salt to fall +from her gloved hand. "How bad is it?" + +"I think he was more stunned than anything else. But I've not been able +to learn where he was taken. He didn't telephone here?" + +"Not unless it was since I've been outdoors." + +Picking up the bag of salt, Mrs. Weems followed Penny into the house. +Without removing coat or hat, the girl dialed the _Star_ office. Editor +DeWitt answered. + +"Has Dad arrived there?" Penny asked abruptly. + +"No, he hasn't returned. Anything wrong?" + +Tersely Penny revealed what had occurred. The news shocked the editor for +he bore Mr. Parker a genuine affection. + +"Now don't you worry," he tried to cheer her. "Your father can't be badly +hurt or he never would have walked away from that accident. Just sit +tight and our reporters will locate him for you." + +During the next hour Penny and Mrs. Weems remained near the telephone. +Each moment they waited, their anxiety increased. Mr. DeWitt did not +phone. There was no word from the police station. They refused to believe +that Mr. Parker had been seriously injured, yet it seemed strange he +could not be found. + +"It's not like him to allow anyone to worry," declared the housekeeper. +"I simply can't understand why he doesn't call to relieve our minds." + +Just then the telephone bell jingled. Penny snatched the receiver from +its hook. + +"DeWitt speaking," said the familiar voice of the editor. + +"Any news?" Penny asked quickly. "Did you find Dad?" + +"So far we haven't," the editor confessed. "I've personally called the +police station, every hospital and private nursing home in Riverview." + +"Dad may have gone to a doctor's office for treatment." + +"I thought of that," replied DeWitt. "We've checked all the likely ones." + +"What could have become of him?" Penny asked desperately. "Mrs. Weems and +I are dreadfully worried." + +"Oh, he'll show up any minute," comforted Mr. DeWitt. "Probably he +doesn't realize anyone is looking for him." + +Penny asked the editor if he had learned the identity of the hit-skip +driver. + +"No one took down the license number of the car," Mr. DeWitt returned +regretfully. "Our reporters are still working on the story though." + +"The story," murmured Penny faintly. For the first time it occurred to +her that her father's accident and subsequent disappearance would be +regarded as front page news. + +"I don't expect to run an account of the accident until I've talked to +your father," DeWitt said hastily. "Now don't worry about anything. I'll +let you know the minute I have any news." + +Penny hung up the receiver and reported the conversation to Mrs. Weems. A +clock on the mantel chimed one-thirty, reminding the housekeeper that +lunch had not been prepared. + +"No food for me," pleaded Penny. "I don't feel like eating." + +"I've rather lost my own appetite," confessed the housekeeper. "However, +it's foolish of us to worry. Your father must be safe. No doubt he had an +appointment." + +Penny's face brightened. "Why, of course!" she exclaimed. "Don't know why +I've been so dumb! Dad may still be in conference with Prosecutor +Gilmore! I'll call there." + +Darting to the telephone, she waited patiently until she was connected +with the State prosecutor's office. The lawyer himself talked to her. + +"Why, no, Mr. Parker hasn't been here," he replied to her eager inquiry. +"I expected him at ten-thirty. Then he telephoned that he had been +delayed and would see me at eleven-thirty. He failed to keep that +appointment also." + +The information sent Penny's hopes glimmering. She explained about the +accident and listened to the Prosecutor's expression of sympathy. +Replacing the receiver, she turned once more to Mrs. Weems. + +"I'm more worried than ever now," she quavered. "Dad didn't keep his +appointment with Prosecutor Gilmore, and it was a vitally important one." + +"We'll hear from him soon--" + +"Perhaps we won't." Penny took a quick turn across the room. + +"Why, such a thing to say! What do you mean, Penny?" + +"Dad has enemies. Harley Schirr told me today that if any attempt was +made to expose a certain gang of thieves, it would mean real trouble." + +"But your father has had no connection with such persons." + +"He and Jerry worked on a case together," Penny explained. "Today at the +time of the accident, Dad carried a brief case with all the evidence in +it!" + +"Even so, I fail to see--" + +"According to the report, Dad's car was practically forced off the road," +Penny added excitedly. "I think that auto crash was deliberately +engineered! Don't you understand, Mrs. Weems? He's fallen into the +clutches of his enemies!" + +"Now, Penny," soothed the housekeeper. "I'm sure we're making far too +much of the accident. We'll soon hear from your father." + +"You're saying that to comfort me, Mrs. Weems. Something dreadful has +happened! I can _feel_ it." + +Penny ceased pacing the floor and went to the hall closet for her hat and +coat. + +"Where are you going?" asked the housekeeper, her eyes troubled. + +"To the newspaper office. If word comes, I want to be there to get it the +very first minute." + +Mrs. Weems started to protest, then changed her mind. She merely said: +"Telephone me the moment you have any news." + +A brisk walk to the _Star_ office did much to restore Penny's sagging +courage. As she entered the newsroom, brushing snow from her coat, she +saw a group of reporters gathered about Mr. DeWitt's desk. + +"News of Dad!" she thought, her pulse pounding. + +Glimpsing Penny, the men at the desk began to scatter. They gazed at her +in such a kind, sympathetic manner that she became frightened again. + +"What is it, Mr. DeWitt?" she asked the editor. "Has Dad been found?" + +He shook his head. + +"But you must have had some news," she insisted, her gaze on a folded +paper which he held. "Please don't hide anything from me." + +"Very well," DeWitt responded quietly. "We found this letter in your +father's waste-basket." + +Penny took the paper. Silently she read the message which had been typed +in capital letters. + +"MR. PARKER," it warned, "THIS IS TO ADVISE YOU TO LAY OFF ON TIRE THEFT +STORIES IN YOUR PAPER. UNLESS YOU CHANGE YOUR POLICY YOU MAY WAKE UP IN A +DITCH." + + + + + CHAPTER + 7 + _QUESTIONS WITHOUT ANSWERS_ + + +"I'd rather not have shown that note to you," Mr. DeWitt said quietly. +"We found it only a moment ago." + +"How did it get in Dad's waste-basket?" Penny asked. "Do you suppose he +threw it there himself?" + +"That's my guess. Your father never paid any attention to unsigned +letters." + +Penny reread the threatening note, trying not to show how much it +disturbed her. "I wonder if this came by mail?" she remarked. + +"We don't know," DeWitt replied. "There was no envelope in the basket." + +"Dad never mentioned such a note to me," Penny resumed, frowning. +"Probably thought I'd worry about it. This makes the situation look bad, +doesn't it, Mr. DeWitt?" + +The editor weighed his words carefully before he spoke. "It doesn't prove +that your father was waylaid by enemies, Penny. Not at all. According to +reports, Mr. Parker was involved in an ordinary automobile accident, and +left the scene of his own free will." + +"With a woman who drove a black car." + +"Yes, according to eye-witnesses she offered to take him to a hospital +for treatment." + +"What became of that woman?" demanded Penny. "Can't the police find her?" + +"Not so far." + +Before Penny could say more, Harley Schirr came to the desk, spreading a +dummy sheet for the editor to inspect. + +"Here's the front-page layout," he explained. "For the banner we'll give +'em, 'Anthony Parker Mysteriously Disappears,' and beneath it, a double +column story. I dug a good picture out of the morgue--the one with Parker +dedicating the Riverview Orphans' Home." + +DeWitt frowned as he studied the layout. "Parker wouldn't like this, +Schirr. It's too sensational. Bust that banner and cut the story down to +the bare facts." + +"But this is a big story--" + +"I'm expecting Mr. Parker to walk in here any minute," retorted DeWitt. +"A 'disappearance' spread would make the _Star_ look silly." + +"Mr. Parker's not going to show up!" Schirr refuted, his eyes blazing. "I +say we should play the story for all it's worth." + +"I'm sure Dad would hate sensationalism," Penny said, siding with Mr. +DeWitt. + +The assistant editor turned to glare at her. Although he made no reply, +she read anger and dislike in his flashing eyes. + +"Cut the story down," DeWitt ordered curtly. "And try to find a more +suitable picture of Mr. Parker." + +Schirr swept the dummy sheet from the desk, crumpling it in his hand. As +he started for the morgue where pictures were filed, he muttered to +himself. + +"Don't know what's got into that fellow lately," DeWitt sighed. + +The editor sat down rather heavily and Penny noticed that he looked tired +and pale. For fifteen years he had been closely associated with Mr. +Parker, regarding his chief with deep affection. + +"Do you feel well, Mr. DeWitt?" she inquired. + +"Not so hot," he admitted, reaching for a pencil. "Lately I've been +having a little pain in my side--it's nothing though. Just getting old, +that's all." + +"Why not take the day off, Mr. DeWitt? You've been working too hard." + +"Now wouldn't this be a fine time to go home?" the editor barked. "Hard +work agrees with me." + +Reminded that she was keeping Mr. DeWitt from his duties, Penny soon left +the _Star_ office. Debating a moment, she walked to the nearby police +station. There she was courteously received by Chief Jalman, a personal +friend of her father's. + +"We'll find Mr. Parker," he assured her confidently. "His description has +been broadcast over the radio. We've instructed all our men to be on the +watch for him." + +Penny broached the possibility that her father had been waylaid by +enemies. + +"Facts fail to support such a theory," replied Chief Jalman. "It's my +opinion your father will show up any hour, wondering what the fuss is all +about." + +Penny left the police station rather cheered. Almost without thinking, +she chose a route which led toward the scene of the accident. Reaching +the familiar street, she noted that her father's battered car had been +towed away. All broken glass had been swept from the pavement. + +"When I was here before I should have questioned more people," she +thought. "It never occurred to me then that Dad would fail to show up." + +Noticing a candy store which fronted the street close to the bent lamp +post, Penny went inside. A friendly looking woman with gray hair came to +serve her. + +"I'm not a customer," Penny explained. She added that her father had been +injured in the car accident, and that she was seeking information. + +"I've already been questioned by police detectives," replied the owner of +the candy shop. "I'm afraid I can't tell you very much." + +"Did you witness the accident?" + +"Oh, yes, I saw it, but it happened so fast I wasn't sure whose fault it +was." + +"You didn't take down the license number of the blue hit-skip car?" + +"Was it blue?" the woman inquired. "Now I told the police, maroon." + +"My information came from a small boy, so he may have been mistaken. Did +you notice the woman who offered my father a ride?" + +"Oh, yes, she was about my age--around forty." + +"Well dressed?" + +"Rather plainly, I would say. But she drove a fine, late-model car." + +"Would you consider her a woman of means?" + +"Judging from the car--yes." + +Penny asked many more questions, trying to gain an accurate picture of +the woman who had aided her father. She was somewhat reassured when the +candy shop owner insisted that Mr. Parker had entered the car of his own +free will. + +"Did he seem dazed by the accident?" she asked thoughtfully. + +"Well, yes, he did. I saw your father get into the car sort of holding +his head. Then he asked the woman to stop at the curb." + +"Why was that?" + +"He'd forgotten something--a leather carrying case. At any rate, he +returned to his own auto for it. Then he drove away with the woman." + +As puzzled as ever, Penny went out on the street once more. The weather +had turned colder, but she scarcely felt the icy blast which whipped her +face. + +It was silly to worry, she told herself sternly. Why, all the facts +supported Police Chief Jalman's belief that her father soon would return +home. Mrs. Weems was confident he would be found safe--so was Mr. DeWitt. +After all, only five hours had elapsed since the accident. A +disappearance couldn't be considered serious in such a short period. + +But try as she might, Penny could not free her mind of grave misgivings. +She could not forget the mysterious telephone call, the threatening +letter, and Harley Schirr's cocksure opinion that her father would not be +found. + +She stood disconsolate, gazing into the whirling snow storm. At the end +of the street the railroad station loomed as a dark blur, reminding her +of Jerry. If only he hadn't gone away! Jerry was the one person who might +help her, and she knew of no way to reach him. + + + + + CHAPTER + 8 + _A FEW CHANGES_ + + +Next morning, Penny, red-eyed because she had slept little, walked slowly +toward the _Star_ office. Throughout the long night there had been no +word from Mr. Parker. + +At every street corner newsboys shouted the latest headlines--that the +publisher had been missing nearly twenty-four hours. Even the _Star_ +carried a black, ugly banner across its front page. + +Penny bought a copy, reading with displeasure the story of Mr. Parker's +disappearance. + +"I can't understand why Mr. DeWitt let this go through," she thought. "If +Dad were here, he'd certainly hate it." + +Entering the lobby of the _Star_ building, Penny pressed the elevator +button. A long time elapsed before the cage descended. To her surprise +she saw that it was operated, not by Mose Johnson, the colored man, but +by the janitor. + +"Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Penny," the man apologized. "I'm not +much good at operating this contraption." + +"Where is Mose this morning, Charley?" + +"Fired." + +Penny could not hide her amazement. The old colored man had been employed +ten years at the _Star_ plant. Although not strictly efficient, Mose's +habits were good, and Mr. Parker had taken an affectionate interest in +him. + +"It's a shame, if you ask me," the janitor added. + +"What happened, Charley? Who discharged him?" + +"That guy Schirr." + +"Harley Schirr? But he has no authority." + +"An editor can fire and hire. I think he was just tryin' out his stuff on +poor old Mose." + +"During my father's absence, Mr. DeWitt is in full charge here," Penny +said emphatically. + +"DeWitt _was_ in charge. But they hauled him off to the hospital last +night with a bad pain in his tummy. Seems he had an appendicitis attack. +The doctor rushed him off and didn't even wait until morning to operate." + +The news stunned Penny. She murmured that she hoped Mr. DeWitt was doing +well. + +"Reckon he is," agreed the janitor. "We all chipped in and sent him some +flowers--roses. Mose gave fifty cents, too." + +Penny's mind came back to the problem of the colored man. + +"So Mr. Schirr discharged him," she commented. "I wonder why?" + +The janitor pressed a button and the cage moved slowly upward. + +"Mose was due on at midnight," he explained. "He didn't get here until +after two o'clock." + +"Didn't he have a reason for being so late?" + +The cage stopped with a jerk. "Sure, Mose had a pip this time! Something +about being detained by a ghost! Schirr didn't go for it at all. Swelled +up like a poisoned pup and fired Mose on the spot." + +"I'm sorry," Penny replied. "Dad liked Mose a lot." + +"Any news from your father?" + +Penny shook her head. As far as possible she was determined to keep her +troubles to herself. Turning to leave the cage, she inquired: + +"Where is Mose now? At home?" + +"He's down in the boiler room, sittin' by the furnace. Says he's afraid +to go home for fear his old lady will give him the works." + +"Will you please ask Mose to wait there for me?" Penny requested. "I want +to talk to him before he leaves the building." + +"I'll be glad to tell him," the janitor said. Hesitating, he added: "If +you've got any influence with Schirr, you might speak a good word for +me." + +"Why for you?" smiled Penny. "Surely your job is safe." + +"I don't know about that," the janitor responded gloomily. "This morning +when Schirr was comin' up in the elevator he said to me: 'Charley, +there's going to be a few changes made around here. I'm going to cut out +all the old, useless timber.' He looked at me kinda funny-like too. You +know, I passed my sixty-eighth birthday last August." + +"Now don't start worrying, Charley," Penny cheered him. "We couldn't run +this building without you." + +Deeply troubled, she tramped down the hall to the newsroom. Reporters +were in a fever of activity, pounding out their stories. Copy boys had a +nervous, tense expression as they ran to and fro on their errands. Harley +Schirr, however, was not in evidence. + +"The Big Shot has sealed himself in your father's office!" informed one +of the copy desk men in a muted voice. "Guess you heard about DeWitt?" + +Penny nodded. + +"The Great Genius has taken over, and how! This place is operating on an +efficiency-plus basis now. Why, he's got me so cockeyed, I compose +poetry." + +Penny crossed to her father's office, tapping on the frosted glass door. + +"Who is it?" demanded Schirr, his voice loud and unpleasant. + +Penny spoke her name. In a moment the door opened, and the editor bowed +and smiled. As if she were a guest of honor, he motioned her to a seat. + +"We're doing everything we can to trace your father," he said. "So far, +we've had no luck and the police admit they are baffled. I can't express +to you how sorry I am." + +To Penny's ears the words were words only, lacking sincerity. Determining +to waste no time, she spoke of DeWitt's sudden illness. + +"Oh yes, he'll be off duty for at least a month," replied Mr. Schirr. +"Naturally in his absence I have assumed charge. We put out a real paper +this morning." + +"I saw the front page." + +Penny longed to say that the story about her father had displeased her. +However, she knew it would do no good. The account, once printed, could +not be recalled. Far better, she reasoned, to let the matter pass. + +"I hear Mose Johnson has been discharged," she remarked. + +"Yes, we had to let him go." Mr. Schirr opened a desk drawer, helping +himself to one of Mr. Parker's cigars. "Mose is indolent, +irresponsible--a drag on the payroll." + +"My father always liked him." + +"Yes, he did seem to favor the old coot," agreed Schirr with a shrug. +"Well, thank you for dropping in, Miss Parker. If we have any encouraging +news, I'll see that you are notified at once." + +Well aware that she had been dismissed, Penny left the office. Schirr's +attitude angered her. He had made her feel unwelcome in her own father's +newspaper plant. + +As she closed the door behind her, she realized that nearly every eye in +the apparently-busy newsroom, had focused upon her. Deliberately, she +composed herself. Acting undisturbed, she swept past the rows of desks to +a rear stairway leading to the basement. + +The janitor had delivered her message to Mose Johnson. She found the old +colored man curled up fast asleep on a crate by the warm stove. + +Penny touched Mose on the arm. He straightened up as suddenly as if +someone had set off a fire-cracker. + +"Oh, Miss Penny!" he beamed. "I'se suah su'prised at seein' you down heah +in dis dumpy fu'nace room. But I thanks you just the same fo' wakin' me +up out o' dat ghost dream." + +"Were you having a ghost dream?" echoed Penny. + +"Yes, Miss. Yo' see I was dreamin' about dat same ghost I saw last night +on de way to work." + +Penny, fully aware that Mose was directing the conversation where he +wished it to go, hid a smile. + +"I heard about that, Mose," she commented. "It must have been quite a +lively ghost to make you two hours late." + +"It suah was a lively ghost," Mose confirmed, bobbing his woolly head. +"Why, it walked around jest like a live pu'son." + +"Aren't you being a bit superstitious, Mose?" + +"Deedy not, Miss. You is supe'stitious when you sees a ghost dat ain't +dar. But when you sees one dat is dar you ain't supe'stitious. You is +jest plain scared!" + +"Suppose you tell me about it," Penny invited. + +"Well, Miss Penny, it was like dis," began the old colored man. "At half +past eleven I starts off fo' work same as always. I picks up mah lunch +box de ole lady packed fo' me, an' scoots off toward de bus stop to get +de 11:45. But I nevah get dar. When I was goin' down dat road runnin' +past de old Harrison place, I seen de ghost." + +"The Harrison place?" interrupted Penny. "Where is that?" + +"You know de road that winds up Craig Hill? It's out towa'd de boat +club." + +"You don't mean that big estate house with the fence surrounding it?" + +"Dat's de place! Well, I seed dis heah ghost a cavortin' around behind de +big iron gate dat goes in to de old Harrison place. De ghost nevah sees +me, but I gets a good close-up of him. He was dressed in white and he was +carryin' his own tombstone around in his arms jes' like it doan weigh +nothin'." + +"Oh, Mose!" protested Penny. "And then what happened? Did the ghost +disappear?" + +"No, Miss," grinned the colored man, "but I did! I turns tail an' runs as +fast as a man half mah age could go, an' I nevah stops fo' nuthin' till I +gits back to mah own place. + +"When I tells mah ole lady what was goin' on she says, 'Mose, you sees +white ghosts 'cause you been a drinkin' some mo' o' dat white-eye. It's +twelve o'clock dis minute and you'se missed de last bus. Now you start +walkin'! And if you is fired, don't nevah da'ken dat do' no mo'.'" + +Old Mose drew a deep sigh. "And dat's jest what happened, Miss Penny. I +ain't got no job an' no mo' home than a rabbit. I'se suah bubblin' oveh +with trouble. It all come from seein' dat ghost you says I didn't see." + +"I'm sure you thought you saw one," replied Penny. "If you'll promise to +attend strictly to your duties hereafter, I'll ask Mr. Schirr to +reinstate you on the payroll." + +Old Mose brightened. "I suah nuff will!" he said jubilantly. "I won't +have no mo' truck with dat ghost. No sir!" + +To face Mr. Schirr once more, was a most unpleasant ordeal for Penny. +Nevertheless, she sought his office, apologizing for the intrusion. + +"I _am_ busy," the editor said pointedly. "What is it you want?" + +Penny explained that she had talked with Mose Johnson and was convinced +that his offense would not be repeated. + +"I want you to put him back on his old job," she requested. + +"Impossible!" + +"Why do you take that attitude?" inquired Penny, stiffening for an +argument. "Dad always liked Mose." + +"One can't mix sentiment with business. I have a job to do here and I +intend to do it efficiently." + +"Dad probably will show up before another day." + +"I don't like to dash your hopes," said Mr. Schirr. "We've tried to spare +your feelings. Perhaps your father will be found, but you know I tried to +warn him he was inviting trouble when he mixed with the tire-theft gang." + +"So you believe Dad has fallen into the clutches of those men?" + +"I do." + +"What makes you think so? Have you any evidence?" + +"Not a scrap." + +"And how did you learn Dad intended to expose the higher-ups?" + +"I don't mind telling you I heard him talking to Jerry Livingston about +it." + +"Oh, I see." + +"We're getting nowhere with this discussion," Mr. Schirr said +impatiently. "I really am busy--" + +"Will you reinstate Mose?" Penny asked, reverting to the original +subject. + +"I've already given my answer." + +"After all, this is my father's paper," Penny said, trying to control her +voice. "It's not a corporation. Only Dad's money is invested here." + +"So what?" + +"As a personal favor I ask you to reinstate Mose." + +"You're making an issue of it?" + +"Call it that if you like." + +Mr. Schirr's dark eyes blazed. He slammed a paper weight across the desk +and it dropped to the floor with a hard thud. + +"Very well," he said stiffly, "we'll restore your pet to the payroll." + +"Thank you, Mr. Schirr." + +"But get this, Miss Parker," the editor completed. "We may as well have +an understanding. While your father is absent, I'm in full charge here. +In the future I'll have no interference from you or any other person." + + + + + CHAPTER + 9 + _AN OPEN SAFE_ + + +Rather flattened by the interview with Mr. Schirr, Penny was glad to +leave the _Star_ plant. Going down in the elevator, she requested Charley +to tell Mose Johnson that he had been restored to his old job. + +"That's fine!" the janitor beamed. "Mighty glad to hear it." Opening the +cage door, he inquired: "Will you be going to see Mr. DeWitt?" + +"I thought I would." + +"He's at City Hospital. You might tell him that we all miss him around +here." + +"I'll certainly deliver the message," promised Penny. + +City Hospital was only six blocks away. Penny bought flowers and then +presented herself at the institution. After a brief wait in the lobby, +she was allowed to see Mr. DeWitt for a few minutes. + +"Good morning," she said cheerfully, handing the box of flowers to a +nurse. + +Mr. DeWitt, pale and weak, stirred and turned his head so that he could +see her. + +"What's good about it?" he muttered with a trace of his old spirit. "They +won't even let me sit up!" + +"I should think not," smiled Penny. She sat down in a chair beside the +bed. + +"Of all times to get laid up!" the editor went on. "Heard from your +father?" + +Penny shook her head. A long silence followed, and then she said +brightly: + +"But he'll be found--probably today." + +Mr. DeWitt lay with his eyes closed. "I've been thinking--" he mumbled +drowsily. + +"Yes?" Penny waited. + +"Mind's still fogged with that blamed ether," DeWitt muttered. "About +your father--" His voice trailed off. + +"Do you think he could have been waylaid by enemies?" Penny asked after a +moment. "Mr. Schirr believes his disappearance has a connection with the +tire-theft gang." + +Mr. DeWitt's eyes opened again. "I don't know," he mumbled. "Your father +was planning to break a big story--didn't tell me much about it." + +"You don't know what evidence he carried in the portfolio when he went to +see the State Prosecutor?" + +DeWitt shook his head. "Jerry'll know." + +"But how can I reach him?" + +"Didn't he leave an address at the office?" + +"I don't think so." + +"Then there's no way to reach him." Exhausted from so much talking, +DeWitt fell silent. At length however, he aroused himself and asked: +"Have you tried your father's safe?" + +"For Jerry's address?" + +"No, the names of the tire-theft gang. If the police had something to +work on--" + +"Dad took a lot of papers out just before he started for the Prosecutor's +office," Penny replied thoughtfully. "But some of the evidence may have +been left. It's worth investigating." + +The nurse returned to the room with a vase for the flowers. + +"I'm afraid I can't allow you to remain much longer," she said +regretfully. + +As she arose to go, Penny remembered to deliver Old Charley's message. + +"How's everything at the office?" Mr. DeWitt asked. "Who's in charge?" + +"Harley Schirr." + +Mr. DeWitt's forehead wrinkled. "Now I know I've got to roll out of +here!" he declared. "Things will be in a nice state by the time I get +back." + +Penny did not wish to worry him. "Oh, everything will go along," she +soothed. "Mr. Schirr is very efficient in his methods." + +"And opinionated," muttered DeWitt. "Oh, well, I'll be back on the job in +ten days." + +Penny did not disillusion him. Saying goodbye, she returned to the +newspaper office. Pausing at the downstairs advertising department, she +talked to Bud Corbin, a close friend of Jerry's. + +"This is the only address Jerry gave me," Mr. Corbin said, taking a card +from his billfold. "A wire might reach him. But there's a good chance it +won't. When he left here, he wasn't sure he'd stop at Elk Horn Lodge." + +Grateful for the address, Penny composed a telegram which the advertising +man offered to send for her. In the message she not only told of her +father's strange disappearance, but asked for a complete duplication of +material lost in the portfolio. + +"At least I've started the ball rolling," she thought, with renewed hope +in her efforts. "I believe Jerry can help if only he gets the wire." + +Penny had not forgotten Mr. DeWitt's suggestion that some evidence +against the tire-theft gang might be found in Mr. Parker's safe. + +"I hate to open it while Dad is away," she reflected. "Still, I know the +combination, and I'm sure he would want me to do it." + +To brave Harley Schirr a second time was a duty not to Penny's liking. +She debated waiting until after four o'clock when the editor doubtless +would leave the building. But time was precious and she could not afford +to wait. + +"What am I, a coward?" she prodded herself. "Why should I be afraid of +Harley Schirr? When Dad gets back on the job, he'll bounce him back where +he belongs." + +Penny's reappearance in the newsroom created a slight stir. However, no +one spoke to her as she walked straight to her father's office. The door +was closed. + +"Mr. Schirr isn't in conference?" she asked one of the copy readers. + +"No, just go right on in," the man returned carelessly. + +Without knocking, Penny opened the door. On the threshold, she paused, +startled. Harley Schirr was down on his knees in front of the open safe. +Evidently he had been going through Mr. Parker's private papers in +systematic fashion for he was circled by little piles of manila +envelopes. + +Mr. Schirr was even more startled than Penny. He sprang to his feet, the +picture of guilt. Then, recovering his poise, he scowled and demanded: +"Here again?" + +Penny carefully closed the office door before she spoke. Then her words +were terse. + +"Mr. Schirr, kindly explain what you are doing in my father's safe." + +"Looking for information about the tire-theft gang." + +"A story you say the _Star_ never should print." + +"That's neither here nor there." A deep flush had crept over Schirr's +cheeks but his manner remained confident. "As editor I have to know +what's going on." + +"Who gave you permission to open the safe?" + +"You forget that I am editor here, Miss Parker." + +"At least I've been reminded of it enough times," Penny retorted. "How +did you learn the combination?" + +"I've known it." + +"You saw the numbers written on Dad's desk," Penny accused. + +Mr. Schirr did not deny the charge. Turning his back, he started to +remove a rubber band from a small stack of yellowed letters. The act +infuriated Penny, for she recognized the packet. Years before, the +letters had been written by her own mother, and Mr. Parker always had +treasured them. + +"Don't you touch those!" she cried, darting forward. "They're personal." + +Snatching the packet from Mr. Schirr, she gathered up the other papers +and envelopes from the floor. Thrusting everything into the safe, she +closed and locked the door. + +"Well!" commented the editor scathingly. + +"You're through here!" said Penny, facing him with blazing eyes. "Do you +understand? I'm discharging you." + +Mr. Schirr looked stunned. Then he laughed unpleasantly. + +"So _you're_ discharging me," he mocked. "By what right may I ask?" + +"This is my father's plant." + +"Which doesn't necessarily make you the editor or the owner, Miss +Penelope Parker. You're a minor as well as a nuisance. If your father +proves to be dead, the court will step in--" + +"Get out!" cried Penny, fighting to keep back the tears. "You don't care +about Dad, or anything but your own selfish interests!" + +"Now you're hysterical." + +Penny's anger subsided, to be replaced by a cool determination that +Harley Schirr should not remain in charge of the _Star_ another hour. + +"I meant just what I said," she told him quietly. "Please go." + +Schirr smiled grimly. Seating himself at the desk, his eyes challenged +hers. + +"I remain as editor here," he announced. "If you wish to contest my +right, take your case to court. In the meantime, keep out of my private +office." + + + + + CHAPTER + 10 + _TALE OF A GHOST_ + + +Beaten and close to tears, Penny stumbled out of Harley Schirr's office. +As she paused just beyond the closed door, every eye in the newsroom +focused upon her. Salt Sommers, camera box slung over his shoulder, went +over and spoke to her. + +"Penny, we all heard that row. If you say the word, we'll walk out of +here in a body." + +Penny smiled, touched by the expression of loyalty. "That would do no +good," she replied. "Thanks just the same." + +"We're through taking orders from Schirr!" Salt went on. "He always has +been a pain in the neck, and now that he has authority, there's no +holding him down. How about it, boys?" + +A chorus of approval greeted his words. One of the reporters picked up a +paper weight and would have hurled it against the closed door, had not +another restrained him. + +"I'm sure Dad would want everyone to carry on," Penny said quietly. "The +paper must be published the same as always." + +"We could do our work and do it well, if Schirr would just leave us +alone," growled one of the copy readers. + +"That's right!" added another. "Why don't you take over, Penny?" + +"Mr. Schirr just reminded me that I'm not the editor. I know nothing +about running a newspaper." + +"How about the time you ran the High School weekly?" Salt reminded her. +"Why, you did a bang up job of it, and uncovered _The Secret Pact_ story +to boot! Don't try to tell us you don't know how to run a newspaper!" + +"A weekly high school sheet and the _Star_ are two different +propositions." + +"But your father has a fine organization here," Salt argued. "If Schirr +can be kept from breaking it up, everything will go along. The boys all +know their jobs." + +Penny's eyes began to sparkle. But she said: "I don't see how I could +take over, much as I would like to do it. Schirr has staked out rights in +Dad's office and nothing will move him short of a court order." + +"You don't need a fancy office to run a paper," Salt grinned. "We'll just +take our orders from you. Schirr can sit until he's had enough of it." + +Penny gazed at the eager, loyal faces about her. Nearly all of the men +were old employees, personally trained by her father and Mr. DeWitt. She +knew she could depend on them. + +"We'll do it!" she exclaimed suddenly. "As your new editor, I wish to +issue my first order. Please, let's not publish any more sensational +stories about Dad's disappearance." + +"Okay Chief," grinned one of the desk men. "That suits us all fine." + +Penny was given a seat of honor at the slot of the circular copy desk. +There she was able to read and pass upon every story which flowed from +the typewriters of the various reporters. With the courteous help of one +of the deskmen, she remade the front page of the noon edition. A +particularly sensational story about Mr. Parker, prepared earlier in the +day, was promptly "busted." + +Penny found her new duties exacting, but surprisingly easy. Over the +years it was astonishing how much she had learned about the workings of a +newspaper plant. At different times she had served as reporter, society +editor and special feature writer. As for the editorial policy of the +_Star_, she was thoroughly familiar with it, for her father frequently +aired his views at home. + +Shortly after the noon edition rolled from the press, the buzzer in Mr. +Schirr's office sounded. Mr. Parker's private secretary did not answer. +The buzzer kept on for nearly five minutes. Then the door was flung open. + +"What the blazes is the matter with everyone?" Schirr shouted. + +His gaze fastened upon Penny at the copy desk. + +"Meet our new editor, Mr. Schirr," said Salt, who had that moment come +out of the camera room. + +Schirr ignored Penny. Snatching up one of the noon editions, still fresh +with wet ink, he glanced at the front page. His eyes flashed. + +"Eckert," he said to the head copy man, "come into my office. I want to +talk to you." + +"Oh, sure," said Eckert, but he did not follow Schirr into the adjoining +room. + +Soon the ex-editor came storming out to learn what was wrong. This time +his expression was baffled. + +"Mr. Eckert," he said with exaggerated politeness. "Will you please step +into my office?" + +"Sorry," replied the copy reader. "You may as well know right now that +you're not giving the orders around here!" + +"We'll see about that!" cried Schirr. + +Darting to one of the speaking tubes, he called the foreman of the press +room. + +"Schirr talking!" he said curtly. "Stop the presses! Kill that noon +edition! We're making over the front page!" + +"Can't hear you," was the reply, for word had been passed to the men in +the pressroom. "Louder!" + +Schirr shouted until he was nearly hoarse. Then suddenly conscious that +he was making a spectacle of himself, he slammed into his office. A +minute later he reappeared, hat jammed low over his eyes. + +"This is a very clever scheme, Miss Parker," he said, facing her. "Well, +it won't work. I'm leaving, but I'll be back. With a lawyer!" + +He strode from the newsroom, banging the door so hard the glass rattled. + +"Don't worry about that egg," Salt advised Penny. "He's mostly bluff." + +"I think he does mean to get a court order," she returned soberly. + +"He may try," Salt shrugged. "We can handle him." + +Following Schirr's departure, everything moved smoothly at the _Star_ +plant. One edition after another rolled from the presses. Penny was kept +busy, and frequently she was worried and in doubt. Nevertheless, everyone +made the way easy for her, and as the day wore on she gained confidence. + +Throughout the afternoon, news stories kept pouring into the _Star_ +office, but no encouraging information came in regard to Mr. Parker. +Several times Penny called the police station and also talked with Mrs. +Weems. The housekeeper, fearful that the girl would become ill, insisted +upon bringing a hot evening meal to the office. + +"Penny, you've been here all day," she chided anxiously. "You must come +home with me." + +"I can't just yet," Penny replied. "There's too much to do. By tomorrow, +if Schirr doesn't make trouble, things will smooth out." + +"You're working so hard you'll be sick abed!" + +"I want to work," Penny said grimly. "It keeps me from thinking. Anyway, +Dad would want me to do it." + +Mrs. Weems sighed as she gathered up the lunch basket and thermos bottle. +Penny barely had tasted the food. + +"When will you be home?" the housekeeper asked. + +"I can't say exactly. After the night editions are out. Don't sit up for +me." + +"You know I couldn't go to bed until you are home," Mrs. Weems responded. +"You'll take a taxi?" + +"Of course," promised Penny. + +After the housekeeper had gone, she plunged into her duties once more. +With the force short of two men, DeWitt and Schirr, there really was too +much work for the desk men to do unassisted. Penny wrote headlines, +copy-read stories, and passed on all matters of policy. So busy did she +keep, that when at length she glanced at her watch, it was eleven-thirty. + +"Gracious!" she thought. "And Mrs. Weems will be waiting up for me!" + +Saying goodnight to the men who would carry on in her absence, she went +down the back stairs to the street. As she glanced about for a taxicab, +she saw Old Mose Johnson shuffling toward the loading dock. + +"Good evening," she greeted him. "I'm glad to see you're ahead of time +tonight." + +"Good evenin', Miss Penny," the colored man said, doffing his tattered +hat. "Yas'm. I'se heah, but I seed dat same ghost a-lurkin' behind de +gate!" + +"I hope that ghost isn't becoming a habit with you, Mose." + +"Deed Miss Penny, he's mo' dan a habit," the colored man sighed. "He's a +suah-nuff live ghost. De fust time I seed him I thought he wasn't no +imagination ghost. But when I saw him agin' tonight I was dead suah of +it." + +"What happened this time, Mose?" + +"Well, Miss Penny, I was a walking along dat same road, down by de ole +Harrison place when I seed him again. He was a-cavortin' behind dat same +iron gate. And he was dressed de same too, in a long white robe." + +"And you ran the same too, I suppose?" smiled Penny. + +"Ah made myself scarce around dat gate, but I didn't run home dis time. I +was a-skeered of mah ole woman. I beats it to de restaurant on de co'ner +and waits dere 'till a bus comes. Oh, I'se gettin' good, Miss Penny! I +can see a ghost and git to work on time, all de same evenin'!" + +"Well, keep up the good work," Penny said jokingly as she turned away. + +The meeting with Old Mose had served to divert the girl's mind from her +own difficulties. Riding home by taxi, she caught herself reviewing the +details of the colored man's outlandish tale. + +"Mose couldn't have seen a ghost," she thought, "but he's honest about +being frightened. If I didn't have so many serious troubles, I'd be +tempted to investigate the old Harrison estate myself." + +Penny alighted at her home and walked wearily up the shoveled path. Snow +was falling once more. Already the exposed porch was covered with a +half-inch coating of feathery flakes. + +Inside the house a light flashed on. The bright beam shining through the +window drew Penny's attention to a series of freshly-made footprints +criss-crossing the porch. + +"Mrs. Weems must have had a visitor," she thought, observing that the +heel marks were made by a woman's shoe. + +As Penny reached for the door knob, her glance fell upon a long, narrow +envelope which protruded from the tin mailbox. She removed it, wondering +why the housekeeper had neglected to do so. + +Mrs. Weems opened the door. + +"Thank goodness, you're home at last, Penny. I fell asleep on the +davenport. There isn't any word--" + +"Not a scrap of news," Penny completed. + +Dropping the letter on the center table, she removed her wraps and flung +herself full length on the davenport. + +"You poor child!" Mrs. Weems murmured. "You're practically exhausted. +Please go straight to bed. I'll fix some warm milk and perhaps you can +sleep." + +"I don't feel as if I'd ever sleep again," Penny declared. "I'm tired, +but I feel so excited and tense." + +Mrs. Weems picked up the girl's coat and cap. Shaking them free of snow, +she hung the garments in the closet. + +"Did you have a bad time of it today?" Penny asked after a moment. + +"It wasn't exactly pleasant," Mrs. Weems replied. "Reporters and +photographers came from every paper in Riverview. The police +too--although I was glad to have them. And the telephone! I counted +twelve calls in an hour." + +"You must be dead. You shouldn't have waited up for me." + +"I wanted to, Penny. About an hour ago I thought I heard your step on the +porch, but I was mistaken." + +Penny sat up. "Haven't you had a caller during the last hour, Mrs. +Weems?" + +"No, I've been alone." + +"But I saw footprints on the porch! And I found this in the mailbox!" + +Penny snatched the long envelope from the table. Holding it beneath the +bridge lamp, she noticed for the first time that it bore no stamp. +Strangely, it was addressed to her. + +"Why, where did you get that letter?" cried Mrs. Weems. + +"Found it in the mailbox." Penny's hand trembled as she ripped open the +flap. + +A sheet of writing paper, high quality and slightly perfumed, slid from +the envelope. The message was terse and bore no signature at the end. It +read: + + "Offer a suitable reward and information will be provided as to the + whereabouts of your father. Make your offer known in the _Star_." + + + + + CHAPTER + 11 + _BY A CEMETERY WALL_ + + +Penny and Mrs. Weems reread the anonymous message many times, analyzing +every word. + +"Plainly this note was written by a woman of some means for the paper is +fine quality," Penny commented. "She must have sneaked up on the porch +about an hour ago." + +"Call the police at once," urged Mrs. Weems. "They'll tell us what we +should do." + +"Whoever left the note may be watching the house." + +"We must risk that, Penny. I'll call the station myself." + +While Mrs. Weems busied herself at the telephone, Penny switched off the +living-room light. She could see no one loitering anywhere near the +house. Slipping on her coat, she went outside to inspect the footprints +left on the porch. Only a few remained uncovered by snow. There was no +way to tell in which direction the writer of the anonymous message had +gone. + +Mrs. Weems had completed her telephone call by the time Penny reentered +the house. + +"Two detectives will be here in a few minutes," she revealed. "You keep +watch for them while I run upstairs and get into something more suitable +than a lounging robe." + +Within ten minutes a car drew up in front of the house. Penny already was +acquainted with Detectives Dick Brandon and George Fuller, and had great +confidence in their judgment. Anxiously she and Mrs. Weems waited while +the men scanned the anonymous message. + +"This might be only a crank note," commented Brandon. "Someone who's read +of Mr. Parker's disappearance, and hopes to pick up a little cash." + +"Then you don't think it came from the tire-theft gang?" Penny asked. + +"Not likely. A professional kidnaper never would have sent a note like +this. The handwriting hasn't even been disguised." + +"Will it be possible to trace the person?" + +"It should be if we have a little luck." Detective Brandon pocketed the +letter. "Now this is what you must do, Miss Parker. Offer a reward--say +five thousand dollars--for information about your father." + +"I'll get the story in every edition of the _Star_ tomorrow. And then +what am I to do?" + +"You'll likely hear from the writer of this anonymous message, either by +letter or telephone. If you contact the woman, arrange a meeting. Then +notify us immediately." + +The discussion went on. When at length the two detectives left, Penny and +Mrs. Weems were hopeful that within another twenty-four hours they might +know Mr. Parker's fate. + +In the morning, after only five hours of sleep, Penny was back at her +desk. Her first act was to dictate the story offering a +five-thousand-dollar reward for information about her father. Not even to +Salt Sommers did she confide that she had received an anonymous message. + +"Everything's going well here at the plant," he assured her. "Harley +Schirr hasn't so much as stuck his nose through the door." + +"I hope we're through with him," replied Penny soberly. "However, I don't +feel that we are. By the way, no telegram has come from Jerry?" + +"No message yet. Guess he didn't get your wire." + +Throughout the morning, Penny worked tirelessly at her desk. Although her +father's office now was vacant, she did not take possession. Even when +she occasionally entered to get papers from the file, it gave her a +queer, tight feeling. Her father's old neck-scarf still hung on the +clothes tree. The rubbers he hated to wear stood heel to heel against the +wall. + +"Dad is alive and well," she told herself whenever her courage faltered. +"By tomorrow he'll be back. I know he will." + +At noon Salt brought Penny a sandwich which she ate without leaving her +desk. As she struggled with the last mouthful, the telephone rang. + +"Is this Miss Parker?" inquired a woman's voice. + +Penny gripped the receiver tightly. Her pulse began to pound. Although +she had no real reason for thinking so, she suddenly knew that she was in +contact with the mysterious writer of the anonymous message. + +"Yes," she replied, keeping her voice calm. + +"You offered a reward in your paper today. Five thousand dollars for +information about Mr. Parker." + +"True. Can you tell me anything about his disappearance?" + +"I can if you're willing to pay the money." + +"I'll be glad to do it." + +"And no questions asked?" + +"No questions," Penny promised. "If you actually can provide information +that will help me find my father, I'll be happy to give you the money." + +There was a long silence. Fearful lest the woman had lost her nerve and +was about to hang up, Penny said anxiously: + +"Where shall I meet you? Will you come to my home?" + +"That's too risky." + +"Then where shall I meet you?" + +"Tonight at eight. You know the cemetery out on Baldiff Road?" + +"Baldiff Road?" Penny repeated doubtfully. + +"You'll find it on a county map," the woman instructed. "Meet me at the +cemetery wall promptly at eight. And don't bring anyone with you. Just +the money. I'll guarantee to tell you where you can find your father." + +The receiver clicked. + +Greatly excited, Penny made a futile attempt to trace the telephone call. +Failing, she set off for the police station to talk to Detectives Fuller +and Brandon. + +"The woman must be a rank amateur or she wouldn't have arranged a meeting +in the way she did!" Detective Brandon assured Penny. "Now let's find out +where Baldiff Road is located." + +Using a large map, he circled an area several miles south of Riverview. +Penny was surprised to note that Baldiff Road branched off from the same +deserted thoroughfare which she and Louise had followed on the night of +the blizzard. The cemetery, Oakland Hills, was situated perhaps a mile +from the old Harrison place where Mose Johnson had claimed to have seen a +ghost. + +"It shouldn't be hard to nab the woman when she shows up," Detective +Fuller declared. "Dick and I will get there early and keep watch." + +"Just what am I to do?" Penny inquired. "Shall I take the reward money +with me?" + +"We'll give you a package of fake money," the detective answered. "Drive +to the cemetery alone at the appointed hour. If the woman shows up, talk +to her, try to learn what she knows. We'll attend to the rest." + +Penny returned home to consult with Mrs. Weems. How to reach the cemetery +was something of a problem. Her own car, minus its wheels, remained at +the Yacht Club, and Mr. Parker's automobile had been hauled to a garage +for extensive repairs. + +"Can't you borrow a car from someone at the _Star_ office?" suggested the +housekeeper. "And do take a man with you when you drive to the cemetery." + +"No, I must go alone," insisted Penny. "That part is very important." + +In the end she was able to borrow Salt Sommer's coupe. A little after +seven o'clock she set off for Baldiff Road with the package of fake money +in her possession. The night was not cold, but a stiff wind blew through +the evergreens; whirlwinds of snow chased one another across the +untraveled road. + +"What a dreary place for a meeting," Penny shivered as she glimpsed the +bleak cemetery on a hilltop. + +The area, a full half-mile from any house, was bounded by a high +snow-covered brick wall. Beyond the barrier, starlight revealed a cluster +of rounding tombstones layered with white. No one was visible, neither +the woman nor members of the police force. + +Penny glanced at her watch. It lacked ten minutes of eight o'clock. She +parked not far from the cemetery entrance and switched off the engine. + +Twenty minutes elapsed. Nervous and cold, Penny climbed from the car and +tramped back and forth to restore circulation. She had begun to doubt +that the woman would keep the appointment. + +Then, coming swiftly down the road, she saw a strange looking figure. The +one who approached wore a long, tight-fitting coat. A hat with a dark +veil covered the woman's face. + +"There she is!" thought Penny, every nerve tense. + +The woman came closer. While still some distance from the cemetery +entrance, she suddenly paused. Her head jerked sideways. Then to Penny's +dismay, she turned and fled toward the woods. + +"Wait!" Penny shouted. "Don't be afraid! Wait!" + +The woman paid no heed. Lifting her coat the better to run, she +disappeared among the trees. + + + + + CHAPTER + 12 + _FLIGHT_ + + +As Penny wondered what to do, Detectives Brandon and Fuller leaped from +their hiding place behind the cemetery wall. Their car had been secreted +in a clump of bushes farther down the road. By pure mischance, the woman +in the black veil had seen it as she approached, and fearing treachery, +had fled. + +"Quick, Dick, or she'll get away!" Fuller shouted. + +Penny did not join in the pursuit. Reentering her car, she waited +anxiously. From the crashing of underbrush, she knew the detectives were +having difficulty in following the woman. In the dark forest it would be +very easy for her to elude the officers. + +Three quarters of an hour elapsed before the men returned. + +"We lost her," Detective Brandon reported. "No use searching any longer." + +Sick at heart, Penny drove slowly toward home. Her hopes had been +completely dashed. Not only had she failed to contact the mysterious +woman, but there now seemed little likelihood of doing so. + +"I may receive another telephone message," she thought, "but I doubt it. +That woman probably will be too badly frightened to try to contact me +again." + +At the exit of Baldiff Road, Penny headed down the winding hillside +highway which she and Louise had followed on the night of the blizzard. +The route, although slightly longer, would take her close to the +Riverview Yacht Club. + +"I'll go that way and see if my car is still there," she decided. "Then +tomorrow I can have it hauled home and jacked up. I should have looked +after the matter long ago." + +The coupe rounded a curve and the road dipped between an avenue of +swaying, whispering pines. To the left, shrouded in snow, loomed the old +Harrison house. The estate was picturesque in itself, and Mose Johnson's +tale about a ghost had intensified the girl's interest. + +"Wonder who owns the place now?" she speculated. "Probably not any member +of the Harrison family, as I believe they were old-timers in Riverview." + +Penny slowed the car to idling speed. Deliberately keeping to the left +hand side of the road, she studied with deep interest the long, +snow-frosted fence which bounded the grounds. The barrier was an +unfriendly one, high and spiked at the top. + +Suddenly her attention focused upon a well-beaten path in the snow just +inside the fence. The footprints, plainly visible in the bright +moonlight, extended the full width of the grounds. + +Into Penny's mind flashed the wild yarn told by Mose Johnson. + +"Ghost tracks!" she thought. "At least those prints must have been made +by whatever he saw beyond the gate." + +So interested was Penny in the path that for an instant she completely +forgot her driving. The front left wheel of the car struck a tiny mound +of ice and snow at the road's edge. + +Barely in time to avoid an accident, the girl twisted the steering wheel +and brought the car back on the highway. + +"Another second and I'd have been in the ditch!" she thought shakily. "If +I must look for a ghost, guess I'll do the job right." + +Penny pulled up, this time at the opposite side of the road. Getting out, +she crossed to the iron fence and peered through it. The path which had +attracted her attention had been pounded hard by someone who had walked +just inside the enclosure. + +"Odd!" she reflected. "Maybe Old Mose's ghost has more substance than I +thought." + +Penny glanced toward the big house, dark and majestic in its setting of +evergreens. Obviously the place had been closed for the winter. Walks +were not shoveled, blinds had been drawn, and no tire tracks led to and +from the three-car garage. + +"Wonder who or what could have made that path?" she mused. "Certainly not +an animal." + +Unable to solve the mystery, Penny turned to re-enter the parked coupe. +Before she could cross the road, a light went on in a third floor room of +the estate house. Startled, she stared at it. As she watched, it was +extinguished. + +"Someone must live here!" thought Penny. "Or am I seeing spooks myself?" + +For a long while she watched the upper floor of the house. The light did +not reappear. At length, wearying of the vigil, she returned to the car. + +Penny started the engine and bent down to open the fins of the heater. +Straightening, she cast a last, careless glance toward the old estate. +Her heart did a flip-flop. + +Beyond the iron gate, in the garden area, a white-robed figure slowly +paced back and forth! + +"My Aunt!" whispered Penny. "Am I seeing things or am I seeing things?" + +For a moment she sat very straight, watching. The ghostly figure, white +from head to toe, moved with measured steps toward the high gate. + +"There aren't any ghosts," she encouraged herself. "But if that's not a +spook, it must be someone dressed up like one! And who would play +Hallowe'en games on a cold night like this?" + +Alone, frankly nervous, Penny had no overpowering desire to investigate +the white-robed figure at close range. A large, spreading evergreen +half-blocked her view of the gate. She could not see the ghost plainly, +but she distinctly heard the rattle of a chain as the apparition tested +the lock. + +"Real or imaginary, that spook is trying to get out!" Penny thought with +a shiver. "If Mose were here now I'd challenge him to a race!" + +The white-gowned figure shook the gate chain a second time, then slowly +retreated. Penny watched for a moment, before abruptly swinging open the +car door. She had decided to investigate. + +As she crossed the road, the white figure moved away from her. By the +time she reached the gate, it had disappeared around a corner of the +house. + +"At least Mr. Spook wasn't carrying his own tombstone!" Penny observed to +herself. "Mose exaggerated that part." + +She waited, leaning against the gate post. Within three minutes a light +went on in the upper part of the house. For a fleeting instant before the +blind was pulled, she saw someone standing in front of an old-fashioned +dresser. + +"Mr. Ghost seemingly has turned in for the night," thought Penny. "But is +it a he, she, or it?" + +Soon the bedroom light was extinguished. Cold and tired, Penny decided +that the mystery must remain unsolved. However, as she drove on, she kept +thinking about what she had seen. Of one thing she now was certain. The +estate was not deserted! + +Without stopping at the Yacht Club grounds, Penny made certain that her +stripped car and ice boat remained as she last had seen them. Driving on +to Riverview, she left Salt's car at the _Star_ plant, then taxied home +to tell Mrs. Weems of her failure at the cemetery. + +"Don't feel badly about it," the housekeeper comforted. "Surely the woman +who telephoned will make another attempt to reach you." + +"I doubt it," Penny replied gloomily. "She'll know now that the police +are watching for her." + +"This entire affair is so bewildering," sighed Mrs. Weems. "How could +your father have been kidnaped? If what we've learned is true, he left +the scene of the accident of his own free will." + +"I never was so baffled in my life," Penny returned, throwing herself on +the davenport. "I used to think I was good at solving puzzles. Now I know +I'm just plain dumb." + +"Have you thought about employing a private detective?" + +"It might be a good idea!" Penny agreed, encouraged. "I'll see what I can +do tomorrow." + +As she started wearily up the stairs to bed, Mrs. Weems called after her +to say that Louise Sidell had telephoned earlier in the evening. Penny +nodded absently, assuming that her chum had phoned to express sympathy. +She did not think of the matter again until the next morning at +breakfast. As she was leaving the table, Mrs. Weems came in to report +that Louise once more was on the telephone. + +"Penny, I can't tell you how shocked I was to learn about your father," +her chum began breathlessly. "Is there anything I can do to help?" + +"I'm afraid not, Lou." + +"What are you using for a car? You must need one badly." + +"Salt Sommers let me have his last night. I'll get along." + +"Penny, I know how you can buy tires!" Louise went on. "In fact, that's +what I wanted to talk to you about." + +"How can I buy tires? Rubber is supposed to be scarce." + +"When I was having my hair fixed at the beauty parlor yesterday I heard +two women talking!" Louise declared excitedly. "It seems there's a garage +where you can get them if you pull the right strings!" + +"Oh! A Black Market place?" + +"I suppose that's what you would call it." + +"I don't want to get tires illegally," Penny said. "I'm not interested, +Lou." + +"You don't even care to know the name of the garage?" + +"What good would it do?" + +"None perhaps, but it might give you a surprise." + +"A surprise?" Penny repeated. She glanced at the clock, impatient because +the conversation was being prolonged. A great deal of important work +awaited her. + +"You don't want to know the name of the place?" Louise persisted. + +"Yes, I do. On second thought, it might be well worth while to find out +what I can about Black Market operations in tires." + +The conviction had come suddenly to Penny that all the evidence contained +in her father's lost portfolio must be gathered anew. No word had been +received from Jerry Livingston. In the quest for information, she must +depend upon her own efforts. + +"It's going to give you a real shock to learn the name of the place," +Louise went on. + +"I'm shock proof by this time," answered Penny. "Let 'er fly." + +But Louise was unwilling to divulge the information over the telephone. + +"I don't dare tell you now," she replied. "Just sit tight for ten minutes +and I'll deliver my bombshell in person." + + + + + CHAPTER + 13 + _A BLACK MARKET_ + + +Ten minutes later Louise was at the front door with the Sidell family +car. She tooted the horn until Penny put on her coat and went outside. + +"Jump in and I'll take you to the place of mystery," Louise greeted her. +"On second thought, you'd better drive. I hate icy roads." + +Penny slid behind the steering wheel. "But where are we going?" she +protested. "Honestly, Lou, I haven't much time--" + +"Mattie Williams' garage is the place that sells the tires! Now, are you +interested?" + +"Am I? Why, we stopped there with Salt Sommers!" + +"We did indeed. Remember the big truck?" + +"Lou, you may have stumbled into something really important!" + +"Glad you think so, chum. But you're not interested in Black Markets." + +"I've changed my mind! I want to talk to Mattie Williams right away!" + +Penny started the car. Driving with a mechanical, unthinking efficiency +born of many years' practice, she questioned Louise as to the source of +her information. The girls were deep in a discussion when they heard +someone shout. Salt Sommers had hailed them from the curb. + +"Why, hello," Penny greeted him, stopping the car with a jerk. "Any +trouble at the _Star_?" + +"Not from Schirr," grinned Salt. "I'm hot-footing it to the Ladies Club +to mug some dames pouring tea! For the society page." + +"Poor Salt!" smiled Penny, knowing how he hated trivial assignments. + +"On your way to the office?" the photographer questioned. + +Penny hesitated, then decided to confide in Salt. She repeated what +Louise had told her about the Mattie Williams' garage. + +"Well, can you beat that!" the photographer exclaimed. "I don't know +Mattie and her partner well, but I always supposed they were honest. So +they're dealing in stolen tires!" + +"We don't know for sure," Penny said hastily. "Our information is mostly +founded on rumor." + +"And the tires may not be stolen ones," contributed Louise. "I only heard +they can be bought there." + +Penny added that she would not take time to run down the Black Market +story save that her father's disappearance might have a connection with +the tire-thief gang. + +"I aim to learn the names of those men Dad intended to expose," she said +earnestly. + +Somewhat startled by the grim note of Penny's voice, Salt warned her that +she might be venturing on dangerous ground. + +"We all admire your courage," he said, "but you mustn't take foolish +risks. Your father would turn thumbs down on that idea." + +"It's because of Dad that I must investigate every angle of the +tire-theft racket." + +"Quite an ambitious assignment," Salt said dryly. "Now as soon as Jerry +gets back from Canada--" + +"We can't wait! Something has to be done right away!" + +"I know how you feel," responded Salt, "but there's such a thing as being +too courageous." + +"I'm not courageous," Penny denied. "Last night at the cemetery I was +scared half to death. And then when I saw the ghost--" + +"What ghost?" interrupted Louise. + +Penny had not intended to speak of what she had seen at the Harrison +estate. The slip of tongue made it necessary to tell of the path by the +gate, the retreating figure, and the mysterious light. + +"That's funny," commented the photographer, regarding her with a peculiar +expression. "Since I've been on duty at the observation tower I've never +seen any activity at the estate." + +"I don't believe in ghosts, but I saw one all that same!" Penny insisted. +"Just watch some night and see for yourself!" + +Annoyed by Salt's smile, she shifted gears and drove on down the street. +Turning to Louise, she asked earnestly: "You believe I saw something +wandering about the estate last night, don't you?" + +"Well," Louise hesitated, unwilling to offend her chum. "You must have +been quite upset after failing to meet that woman at the cemetery. Under +the circumstances...." + +"I was as calm as I am now," Penny cried indignantly. "I saw it, I tell +you!" + +"Of course you did, dear," Louise soothed. "Do please watch your driving +more carefully, or I'll have to take over." + +Penny suddenly relaxed. "Okay, have it your own way," she shrugged. "I +wouldn't believe Mose Johnson, so why should you believe me? It's just +one of those things." + +For a long while they rode in silence. Few cars were on the road and +there was little business activity at Kamm's Corner. Penny parked in +front of the Mattie Williams' garage. + +"What excuse will we have for questioning her?" Louise asked dubiously. + +"I'm not going to make an excuse," said Penny. "I'll just come right out +and ask her if she sells tires without a special order." + +The girls entered the warm little office, stamping snow from their +galoshes. + +"Just a minute," called a voice which belonged to Mattie Williams. + +The garage owner was busy with a customer. Soon however, she came in from +the main part of the building, wiping her oily hands on a piece of waste. + +"What can I do for you?" she inquired briskly. + +"You remember us, don't you?" asked Penny, leading into the subject of +tires as gradually as possible. "We're friends of Salt Sommers." + +"Oh, sure!" the woman's face lighted. "You came in with him the night of +the bad storm." + +"My car had been stripped of its tires. Ever since, I've been wondering +how to get new ones." + +A slightly guarded expression came over Mattie Williams' face. She said +nothing. + +"I was told I might obtain some here," Penny plunged on. + +"You can," said Mattie. "Provided you have an order from your Ration +Board." + +"Not without it?" + +Mattie gazed at Penny with undisguised scorn. "What sort of a place do +you think we run here?" she demanded. "Of course we don't sell tires +without an order." + +"But we were told--" + +"Well, you were told wrong," snapped Mattie. "Sorry. I can't help you." + +Picking up a wrench from the desk top, the woman left the office. + +"I guess I didn't approach her the right way," remarked Penny sadly. +"Either that, or our information was incorrect. Louise, are you sure--" + +"Oh, I am!" her chum insisted. "The two women I overheard, distinctly +said Mattie Williams' garage. Of course, they might have been wrong about +it." + +Before Penny and Louise could leave the office, a middle-aged man with +glasses came in through the street door. + +"Sam Burkholder here?" he demanded, warming himself by the stove. + +Penny started to say that she did not know. Just then Mattie Williams' +partner came in the other door. + +"Hi, Sam!" the stranger greeted him. "I've got the car parked around +back. Are you ready to put on that tire?" + +Sam frowned, darting a quick glance at the two girls. + +"Oh, the one I patched for you!" he returned. "Sure, it's fixed. Drive +your car in the back entrance and I'll take care of it." + +Both men went out into the main part of the garage. Just beyond the door +they paused for a whispered conference, then separated. + +"Shall we go?" inquired Louise, glancing at her chum. + +"Not just yet," replied Penny. "I'm curious to see that patched tire. +Let's kill a little more time here." + +Pretending to warm themselves by the stove, they waited ten minutes. +Then, without attracting attention, they sauntered out onto the main +garage floor. Mattie Williams was busy washing a car and did not see +them. + +The garage workroom was divided into sections, separated by a double door +which was closed. Penny strolled over and pushed it open just enough to +see through the crack. + +Sam Burkholder was working on the stranger's car. He had removed an old +tire and wheel, and was replacing it with one whose tread appeared new. + +"A patched tire, my left eye!" Penny whispered to Louise. "It's just as +we thought! This garage must be a Black Market place!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 14 + _A FAMILIAR FIGURE_ + + +Only for a moment did the girls dare remain at the door watching Sam +Burkholder mount the tire. Then, their curiosity satisfied, they moved +quietly away. Without speaking to Mattie Williams, they returned to the +parked automobile. + +"Well, wasn't I right?" Louise demanded triumphantly. "What do you think +we should do?" + +The question plagued Penny. "I don't know," she confessed. "If only we +were absolutely sure the tire was new--" + +"It certainly looked new." + +"Yes, but it could have had some wear. It's possible, too, that the +customer had a legal right to buy a new tire." + +"Then you don't intend to report to the police, Penny?" + +"I want to talk to Salt about it first. We must move carefully, Lou. You +see, my main objective is to learn the names of the higher-ups involved +in the tire-theft racket." + +"And where does this garage fit into the picture?" + +"If it fits at all, my guess is that Sam and Mattie are buying illegal +tires--perhaps from the same men who stripped my car and threatened Dad." + +Driving slowly toward Riverview, Penny reviewed what she had seen. She +was convinced the information was valuable, yet she scarcely knew how to +use it. + +"If Salt suggests that I report to the police, that's what I'll do," she +decided. + +Enroute home, Penny stopped at another garage to make arrangements to +have her stripped coupe hauled into the city. + +"How about the _Icicle_?" Louise asked, thinking her chum had forgotten +the iceboat. + +"It will have to stay where it is for the time being," Penny replied. "If +it's stolen, I won't much care." + +At the Sidell home, the girls separated. Thanking Louise for the use of +the car, Penny returned afoot to the _Star_ office. Salt Sommers was +absent on assignment, so she did not linger long. As she rounded a street +corner on her way home, a newsboy for a rival paper blocked her path. + +"Read all about it!" he shouted. "Anthony Parker Believed Kidnaped! +Paper, Miss?" + +Penny dropped a coin into the lad's hand and hastily scanned the front +page. The story of her father's disappearance was a highly colored +account, but contained not a useful item of information. Tossing the +sheet into a street paper-container, she moved on. + +She was passing the Gillman Department Store when her attention was drawn +to a woman who waited for a bus. + +"I've seen her somewhere before," thought Penny, pausing. "Last night--" + +The woman wore a small black hat and a long, old-fashioned dark coat +which came nearly to her ankles. It was the shape of the garment and its +unusual length which struck Penny as familiar. Why, the woman resembled +the one who had fled from the cemetery! + +Penny pretended to gaze into the store window. Actually she studied the +woman from every angle. She might have been forty-seven years of age and +was large-boned. Her face was heavily lined, and her long hands were +covered by a pair of cheap, black cotton gloves. + +"Can it be the same woman?" thought Penny in perplexity. + +A bus bearing a county placard glided up to the curb. The woman in black +was the only passenger to board it. + +"That bus goes out toward Baldiff Road and the cemetery!" Penny told +herself. "And that's where I'm going too!" + +An instant before the folding doors slammed shut, she sprang aboard. +Paying her fare, she sought a seat at the rear of the bus. + +No sooner was the coach in motion than Penny regretted her hasty action. +What could she hope to gain by pursuing the strange woman? She was not +certain enough of her identification to make a direct accusation. County +buses ran infrequently. In all likelihood, she would find herself +stranded in the country. + +Penny arose to leave the bus. Then changing her mind a second time, she +sat down. Try as she would, she could not rid herself of a conviction +that the woman she followed was the same one who had visited the +cemetery. + +The bus made few stops in the city. Once beyond the city limits, it sped +along at a brisk speed. To Penny's satisfaction, the woman in black soon +began to gather up her packages. She pressed a button and the bus skidded +to a stop at a crossroads. + +With no show of haste, Penny followed the woman from the bus. Pretending +to enter a grocery store at the corner, she waited and watched. + +Apparently the woman lived nearby, for she started off down a narrow, +winding road which ran at right angles to the main highway. + +"Why that's the road that runs past the Harrison place," Penny thought. +"Wonder if she can be going there?" + +Waiting until the woman was nearly out of sight, she trudged after her. +Walking was difficult for the road had not been cleared by a snow plow. +Fortunately for Penny, the woman did not once glance behind her. She kept +steadily on until she came within view of the big estate house on the +hill. Just before she reached the boundary fence, she cut across a field, +approaching the dwelling from the rear. + +Penny remained at the road, watching. The woman took a key from her +pocket, unlocking a small, padlocked gate at the rear of the grounds. She +snapped the lock shut again, and disappeared into the house. + +Penny perched herself on top of an old-fashioned rail fence to think over +what she had seen. The woman, whoever she was, obviously lived at the +estate. Yet the cheap quality of her clothing suggested that she could +not be the owner of such an expensive establishment. + +"Probably a servant or caretaker," Penny reasoned. "But is she the one +who ran away last night?" + +Far over the hills in a lonely grove of pines stood Oakland Cemetery. On +either side of Baldiff Road stretched dense woods, a growth that crept to +the very boundaries of the Harrison estate. Penny instantly noted that it +would be possible for a person to flee from the cemetery to the very door +of the estate without once leaving the shelter of trees. + +"Perhaps it was the same woman!" she thought. "If she lives here, it +would be logical for her to specify Oakland Cemetery as a meeting place! +And escape would be easy for her, too!" + +Penny slid down from the fence. It would do no good to question the +woman. Rather, if she were guilty, questions might serve to place her on +the alert. Far better, she reasoned, to bide her time. + +"I'll learn everything I can about that woman," she thought. "Tonight +I'll watch the house." + +In making her plans, Penny did not take into account Mrs. Weems' +attitude. Upon reaching home late in the afternoon, she found the +housekeeper in a most discouraged mood. No favorable news had been +received from any source. + +"I've been worried about you too, Penny," Mrs. Weems confessed. "Where +did you go after you left the _Star_ office?" + +Penny told of her trip to Mattie Williams' garage and later to the +Harrison estate. In particular she described the mysterious woman she had +followed by bus. + +"I plan to go back there tonight," she concluded. "For the first time +since Dad disappeared, I feel I may have stumbled into a valuable clue!" + +Mrs. Weems looked troubled. "But Penny," she protested, "you can't go to +the estate alone!" + +"I thought perhaps Louise would accompany me." + +"Two girls alone at night! I can't give my consent, Penny. It's not +safe." + +"But I don't wish to call the police just yet, Mrs. Weems. I've no real +evidence. Will you come with me?" + +The housekeeper hesitated. Naturally a timid woman, she had no desire to +stir from her own fireside that night. But she knew where her duty lay. + +"Yes, I'll go with you, Penny," she consented. "Shall we start soon?" + +"Not until after dark. One can't expect a ghost to show up in broad +daylight." + +"A ghost!" Mrs. Weems quavered. "Penny, what are you letting me in for?" + +"Frankly, I don't know. Some strange things have been going on at the +Harrison estate. Tonight I hope to solve part of the mystery at least." + +Pressed for an explanation, Penny repeated Mose Johnson's story and told +of seeing the strange white-robed figure with her own eyes. The tale did +not add to Mrs. Weems' comfort of mind. + +"We're crazy to go out there," the housekeeper protested. "Must we do +it?" + +"I think it may be our one hope of gaining a clue which will lead to +Dad." + +"Then I'm willing to risk it," agreed Mrs. Weems. "However, we'll drive +out in a taxi. And I shall personally select the driver--a man to be +depended on in an emergency." + +So excited was the housekeeper that she had difficulty in preparing the +evening meal. In the end Penny took over, shooing her out of the kitchen. + +"I declare I don't know why I am so nervous," Mrs. Weems shivered. "I +haven't felt so shaky since the time I attended a seance at Osandra's." + +"You saw ghosts a-plenty on that occasion," smiled Penny. "I only hope we +have as much luck tonight." + +By eight o'clock everything was in readiness for the journey into the +country. Dressing warmly and carrying an extra blanket, Penny and Mrs. +Weems walked to a nearby cab station. There the housekeeper selected a +driver, a burly man who looked as if he might have been an +ex-prizefighter. + +"Sure, Ma'am," he said as Mrs. Weems questioned him, "you can depend on +me to look after you." + +"How are you at capturing ghosts?" inquired Penny, climbing into the cab. + +The driver looked a trifle startled. "Swell!" he rejoined. "Bring on your +spook, and if he don't weigh no more than two hundred pounds, I'll nail +him!" + +Penny and Mrs. Weems were satisfied that they were in good hands. They +instructed the man, Joe Henkell, to drive directly to the old Harrison +estate. + +"By the way, do you know who owns the property?" Penny asked as the cab +rolled toward the country. + +"Fellow from the East," Joe flung over his shoulder. "I'm not sure. Think +his name is Deming--George Allan Deming. Wealthy sportsman. Has his own +plane an' everything." + +"Married?" + +"Couldn't tell you. The estate has been closed up this winter." + +The cab soon approached the familiar grounds. Penny directed the driver +to pull up some distance from the dark house. + +"Switch off the headlights," she instructed. "We'll wait here. It may be +a long time too, so make yourself comfortable." + +Joe, taking Penny at her word, began to smoke a vile-smelling cigar which +nearly drove Mrs. Weems to distraction. After an hour had elapsed, the +housekeeper scarcely could endure the stuffy air of the cab. + +"Penny, must we wait any longer?" she asked plaintively. + +"Why, it's early, Mrs. Weems. I expect to stay until midnight at least." + +"Midnight!" The housekeeper quietly collapsed. + +Just then the cab driver turned around, touching Penny's arm. He directed +her attention to the house by saying briefly: "A light just went on." + +Penny and Mrs. Weems focused their attention on the upper floor of the +estate. A single light could be seen burning there, but as they watched +it blinked off. + +"Now if a ghost is to appear this is the time!" announced Penny. "Why +don't we get closer?" + +She sprang from the cab. Mrs. Weems and the taxi driver followed with +less enthusiasm. The housekeeper, quivering and shaking, clutched the +man's arm as she struggled against the wind. + +"Joe, you stay right beside me!" she ordered. + +"Sure, Ma'am," he said soothingly. "I couldn't get away if I had a mind +to." + +Penny, a step ahead, held up her hand as a warning for silence. She had +seen the familiar white figure rounding a corner of the house. + +"There's the ghost!" she whispered. "See! Beyond the gate!" + +Joe whistled softly. + +"A spook, sure's I'm alive!" he muttered. + +"And you promised to nail him," reminded Penny, starting forward along +the fence. "We'll creep a little closer. Then Joe, I shall expect you to +do your stuff!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 15 + _GHOST IN THE GARDEN_ + + +The three investigators moved stealthily along the high fence. Through +the iron palings they could see a white-garbed figure walking with +measured tread amid the shrubs of the frozen garden. Back and forth the +apparition strolled, following a well-trod path between the shrunken +snowdrifts. + +Penny, Mrs. Weems, and the taxi driver crept closer. The ghostly one did +not note their approach. Hooded head bent low, he glided to the gate, +testing chain and padlock. + +"Poor restless soul!" whispered Mrs. Weems. + +Penny gave the housekeeper a tiny pinch to break the spell which had +fallen upon her. "That's no ghost," she whispered. "Don't you see! It's a +man wearing a heavy white bathrobe over his clothing. He's pulled the +wide collar up over his head like a hood!" + +"It's a man all right," added the taxi driver. "You can tell by the way +he walks. Ghosts kinda slither, don't they?" + +"I believe it's someone imprisoned on the grounds!" Penny whispered +tensely. "Watch!" + +The ghost, his face shadowed, rattled the chain again. Then with a +distinct, audible sigh, he turned and tramped back along the fence away +from the gate. + +"Aw, that spook could get out if he wanted to," muttered the taxi driver. +"Why don't he climb over the fence?" + +"Perhaps the man is a sleep walker," suggested Mrs. Weems nervously. +"Whoever he is, the poor fellow should be in his bed." + +Penny was determined to learn the identity of the man. Moving to the +gate, she called softly. The figure in white whirled around, looking +straight toward her. + +Penny caught a fleeting impression of a lean, startled face. Then the man +turned and fled toward the house. No longer could there be any doubt that +he was a man, for as he ran the legs of his woolen pajamas showed beneath +the white robe. + +"Wait!" Penny called. "Please wait!" + +The ghostly one hesitated, and glanced over his shoulder. But the next +moment he was gone, having vanished through a side door into the house. + +Penny, weak from excitement, clung to the gate. "Mrs. Weems!" she cried. +"Did you see him?" + +"Yes, you frightened him away when you shouted." + +"But didn't you notice his face? As he turned toward me, I caught a +glimpse of it. Mrs. Weems, the man looked like Dad!" + +"Oh, Penny," the housekeeper murmured, taking her arm, "you can't be +right. How could it be your father?" + +"It looked like him." + +"Not to me," said Mrs. Weems firmly. "Why, if it had been Mr. Parker, he +would have answered when you called. He wouldn't have run away." + +Penny was compelled to acknowledge the logic of the housekeeper's +reasoning. "I guess that's true," she said reluctantly. "I'll admit I +didn't see his face plainly. I wanted it to be Dad so badly I may have +imagined the resemblance." + +A light was switched on in an upstairs room of the estate house. However, +blinds were lowered, and those on the ground did not obtain another +glimpse of the mysterious man who haunted the snowy garden. Finally Mrs. +Weems induced Penny to return to the taxi. + +Speeding toward Riverview, neither of them had much to say. Penny could +not blot from her mind the vision of a startled, bewildered face. Reason +told her that Mrs. Weems was right--the man could not be her father. Who +then, was he? Why had he refused to talk to her at the gate? + +"The man may have been a sleep walker," she thought. "Possibly the owner +of the estate, Mr. Deming." + +The cab had reached the business section of Riverview. Upon impulse Penny +decided to stop at the _Star_ plant to make sure that everything was +going well. + +"It won't take me long," she assured Mrs. Weems. "Why don't you wait in +the cab?" + +Only a skeleton night force was on duty at the _Star_ office. The +advertising department had been closed, and on the floor above, scrub +women were busy mopping up. A sleepy-eyed desk man greeted Penny as she +entered the deserted newsroom. + +"Everything's Okay," he assured her. "The final edition's out, and most +of the boys have gone home. I was just taking a little cat nap." + +"Any news?" + +"Not about your father. The police have been kept busy chasing down false +rumors. About four hours ago a report came in your father had been seen +in Chicago." + +"Chicago!" + +"Just a fake report." + +"Oh, I see," said Penny weakly. "No word from Jerry, I suppose?" + +The deskman shook his head. "Plenty of mail for you though." + +"Anything important?" + +"Mostly replies to that reward offer you made. A lot of 'em are screwball +letters. Your father's been seen in every section of the city from the +river to the Heights." + +"Where is the mail?" + +"I dumped it on your father's desk." + +"I'll take it home to read," Penny said. "By going through every letter +carefully I may stumble upon a clue." + +She crossed the newsroom and opened the door of her father's office. + +The light was not on. Groping for the wall switch, her keen ears detected +stealthy steps moving away from her. Sensing the presence of someone in +the room she called sharply: "Who's here?" + +There was no reply. Across the room, a door softly opened and clicked +shut. Penny was startled. Although the private office had two entrances, +one leading directly into the hall, the latter had not been used in +years. Usually the door was locked and a clothes tree stood in front of +it. + +Her groping fingers found the switch and she flooded the room with light. +A glance revealed that mail lying on the desk had been disturbed. One of +the top drawers remained open. The clothes tree had been moved from in +front of the hall door. Plainly, someone had just fled from the room! + +Darting to the corridor door, Penny jerked it open. No one was in sight. +However, at the end of the deserted hall, she saw the elevator cage +moving slowly downward. + +"I'll get that fellow yet!" she thought grimly. + +Taking the hall at a run, she plunged down the stairway two steps at a +time. Breathless but triumphant, she reached the lower corridor just as +the cage stopped with a jerk. + +Harley Schirr stepped out, closing the grilled door behind him. + +"Fancy meeting you here!" said Penny, her eyes flashing. "What were you +doing in my father's office?" + +Schirr regarded her coolly. Without answering, he tried to brush past +her. + +"You were looking for something in Dad's desk!" Penny accused, blocking +the way. "I know how you got in too! Through the hall entrance. You're +such a professional snooper you probably have a skeleton key that unlocks +half the doors in the building!" + +"I've had about enough of your insolence!" Schirr retorted. "There's no +law which says I can't come to this plant. And speaking of law, I may sue +you for libel." + +"What a laugh." + +"You'll not be laughing in a few days, Miss Parker! Oh, no! I've hired a +lawyer, and we're preparing our case. You've insulted me, humiliated me +in the eyes of my fellow newspapermen, but you'll have to pay. And pay +handsomely!" + +The threat failed to disturb Penny. Schirr, determined to wound her +deeply, went on with grim satisfaction. + +"You kid yourself you'll see your father again," he jeered. "Well, you +won't! Mr. Parker is dead and you may as well get used to the idea." + +Penny's eyes burned. "You say that only to torture me!" + +"It's the truth. If you weren't so blind you'd acknowledge it. Your +father tried to run a gang of professional tire-thieves out of this town, +and they did for him." + +"You seem very certain of your facts, Mr. Schirr. Perhaps you know some +of the higher-ups personally." + +"How would I?" + +"Your knowledge is so complete," Penny said scathingly. + +"I'm only telling you my opinion," Schirr growled, now on the defensive. +"If you want to ride along in a sweet dream that's Okay with me." + +"I want to get at the truth," said Penny shortly. "Do you have one scrap +of evidence that Dad has fallen into the hands of enemies?" + +Schirr hesitated, knowing well that an affirmative answer might lead to +questioning from the police. + +"I don't have any knowledge of the case," he said. "At least not for +publication!" + +Flashing a superior smile, he pushed past Penny, and went out of the +building. + + + + + CHAPTER + 16 + _A DOOR IN A BOX_ + + +Penny scarcely knew what to think of Harley Schirr's actions. All her +accusations were true, of that she was sure. But she was unable to decide +whether or not he had any information about her father's strange +disappearance. + +"The old snooper may be hand in glove with the tire thieves!" she thought +bitterly. "I wouldn't put it past him. If I could prove anything, +wouldn't I like to turn him over to the police!" + +Climbing the stairs, Penny explained briefly to the _Star_ deskman what +had occurred. + +"Shirr here again!" he exclaimed. "Why, I'm sure he never came through +the newsroom." + +"No, he got into Dad's office by means of that old hall door. Tomorrow I +want a new lock put on." + +"I'll have it taken care of myself," promised the deskman. + +Reentering her father's office, Penny gathered up the mail and carefully +locked both doors. She then returned to the waiting taxicab. During the +ride home she made no mention of Mr. Schirr, preferring not to worry the +housekeeper. + +Later in Mr. Parker's study, she and Mrs. Weems examined every letter +written in response to the reward offer. Not even one of them offered the +slightest promise. + +"I'll turn everything over to the police," Penny said with a sigh. "Maybe +they'll find a clue I've not considered important." + +Both she and Mrs. Weems were feeling the effects of such a long period of +strain. Meals had been irregular, appetites poor. Penny in particular had +lost so much weight that she looked thin and sallow. Yet somehow she +managed to keep up her strength and to face each day with hope. + +"Mrs. Weems," she said the next morning at breakfast, "if you'll advance +me some money, I'm going on another taxi jaunt today." + +"Not to the Harrison place." + +"No, out to Mattie Williams' garage. I'm convinced that place is dealing +in stolen tires. If only I can reconstruct the evidence which disappeared +in Dad's portfolio, I may get a clue that will lead to him." + +Without protest, Mrs. Weems gave Penny the money. Secretly she thought +that the girl would do much better to turn all of her information over to +the police. However, she realized that Penny needed activity to keep her +from brooding, so she wisely did not discourage her. + +"Don't get into any trouble," she warned anxiously. + +"No danger of that, Mrs. Weems. I've not enough pep for it these days." + +Engaging the same cabman who had served her so well the previous night, +Penny motored to the Williams' garage. She had made no plans and scarcely +knew what she would say when she entered the place. As she debated, the +big doors of the building opened, and a tow car drove away with Mattie at +the wheel. + +"There she goes!" thought Penny, disappointed. "I'm afraid my interview +will have to wait." + +Getting out, she sauntered into the garage office. Mattie's partner, Sam, +was nowhere to be seen. Nor did he appear to be working in the main part +of the building. + +Penny waited a few minutes, then wandered about the floor where a number +of cars had been stored. No workmen were in evidence. + +"This might be a good time to do a bit of looking around!" she thought +suddenly. "I'll never have a better chance." + +Penny opened the doors into the room where she had observed Sam +Burkholder mount a new tire on the car of a customer. One wall was +stacked high with large wooden boxes, not unlike those she and Louise had +seen delivered by the truck driver, Hank Biglow, on the night of the +blizzard. + +She thumped one of the boxes with her knuckles. It gave off a hollow, +empty sound. She tried another box with no better luck. Some of the big +crates had been opened. They contained nothing except a little brown +wrapping paper. + +Disappointed, Penny turned away. But as she moved toward the exit, her +eyes flashed upon one of the boxes which had escaped her attention. +Boards were loose at one end, and could be hinged back on their nails +like a door. + +Intrigued, Penny crossed to the crate. As she pulled on one of the +boards, all swung back as a unit. + +"Why, it's like a door!" she thought. "A door in a box!" + +Penny gazed into the box and was further amazed. It had no back wall. +Instead, she saw a long, empty tunnel formed by several crates piled one +in front of the other. And at the very end stood a real door! + +"Maybe this is the pay-off!" thought Penny excitedly. + +Pulling the boards into place behind her, she stooped and made her way +through the tunnel to the door. It was locked. + +"I'll bet a cent stolen tires are stored in that room!" reasoned Penny. +"If only I could get in there!" + +Her mind did not dwell long on the problem. A moment later she was +alarmed to hear a low murmur of voices. Someone was approaching the +storage room from the main part of the garage. Unless she wished to be +trapped in the tunnel of boxes, she must abandon the investigation! + +Penny started hurriedly toward the opening. Before she could get through +the tunnel, the big double doors squeaked open and she heard heavy +footsteps in the room. Peering out through a knothole in one of the +boxes, she saw Mattie Williams and her partner, Sam. They were arguing +and their voices came to her plainly: + +"Guess you didn't look for me back quite so soon, Sam," Mattie +reprimanded her partner. "When I went off in the tow car you figured I'd +be gone a long time. Thought it would give you a good chance to tamper +with the books!" + +"That's not so, Mattie. I was marking up some expenses like I always do." + +"I've been aiming to have a straight talk with you for a long time, Sam," +the woman resumed. "That's why I asked you to step back here in the +storage room. No use having the customers know about our differences." + +"I don't see what you've got to squawk about," Sam retorted. "Ain't you +made more money since I teamed up with you than you ever did before?" + +"Yes." + +"But you're always afraid I'll cheat you out of a penny." + +"I've caught you in some dishonest tricks. About those tires--" + +A loud, insistent tooting of an automobile horn broke up the +conversation. Abandoning the argument, Mattie and Sam went to serve the +impatient customer. + +Penny did not tarry. Crawling from the tunnel, she glanced about for a +means of escape. Fortunately, the room had an outside exit. Making use of +it, she returned to the waiting taxi, without seeing either Sam or Mattie +again. + +"Police station, Joe," she instructed. + +"How do you want to go?" the cab driver inquired. "This road or No. 32?" + +"Let's drive past the old Harrison place." + +"Sure," grinned Joe. "Maybe we'll see that spook again!" + +The cab bumped along the frozen road, soon coming within view of the +hillside estate. Joe slowed down without being requested to do so. + +"I was tellin' the boys about that place last night," he flung over his +shoulder. "They tell me the owner is this guy Deming. He's gone East for +the winter. A big, fat, bald-headed man." + +"Our ghost was a thin person." + +"Yeah, I was thinking that," agreed Joe. "Maybe Deming's got a sick +relative or something." + +The explanation did not satisfy Penny. With troubled eyes she gazed +toward the rambling old house which by daylight looked so deserted. No +smoke curled from the chimneys. Had it not been for a trail of footprints +along the fence, she easily could have convinced herself that she had +imagined the events of the previous night. + +"Say, who's that trackin' through the fields?" Joe suddenly demanded. + +Penny turned to glance in the direction that the cabman pointed. Her +heart did a little flip-flop. A woman in a long black coat, market basket +on her arm, was hastening toward the rear door of the estate house. + +"Stop the cab, Joe!" she cried. + +The car came to a halt with a little sideways skid. Leaping out, Penny +plunged through the drifts and was able to confront the woman at the rear +gate of the premises. + +"How do you do," she greeted her breathlessly. + +The woman was so startled that she nearly dropped her market basket. +Confused, she stammered a reply and started to unlock the gate. + +"Just a moment, please," requested Penny. "May I come inside and talk to +you?" + +"About what?" + +"My father's disappearance. You made an appointment to meet me at the +cemetery. Why did you run away?" + +The bold attack was not without an effect. The woman gasped, and fumbled +nervously with the key to the padlock. + +"I don't know what you're talking about!" she muttered. + +"Unless you tell me everything you know regarding my father's +disappearance, I'll call the police!" + +"The police--" the woman repeated, plainly frightened. + +"Yes," Penny went on relentlessly, "this is a serious matter. It will do +you no good to bluff." + +The woman gave up trying to unlock the gate. Setting her basket down in +the snow she said weakly: "You advertised a reward--" + +"I'll still be glad to pay it for worthwhile information. What do you +know about my father?" + +The woman drew a deep breath. "Well, I picked him up in my car after the +accident." + +"You did?" Penny became jubilant. "Where is he now?" + +"I can't tell you that. Mr. Parker asked me to take him to Mercy +Hospital. I let him off at the entrance to the grounds. That's the last I +saw of him." + +"My father entered the hospital?" + +"I don't know. I didn't remain to watch." + +The story was disappointing. If true, Mr. Parker's disappearance remained +as mysterious as ever. Penny was silent a moment and then she asked the +woman why she had fled from the cemetery. + +"Because I saw a police car parked behind the bushes," the other answered +defiantly. "And those detectives chased me, too! I only intended to be +helpful and maybe win a reward. Now I want nothing to do with the case. +I've told you everything I know." + +The woman unlocked the gate and started to enter the grounds. + +"You're not Mrs. Deming?" Penny asked quickly. + +"Who I am is my own business." + +"I suppose the ghost is your own affair too!" + +"Ghost? What ghost?" + +"You live here, yet you haven't learned that the grounds are haunted?" +Penny inquired significantly. "Nearly every night a man in white wanders +back and forth in the garden." + +"I don't know anything about it!" the woman said nervously. "I'll not +answer any more questions either!" + +Plainly frightened, she snapped shut the padlock of the gate and fled +into the house. + + + + + CHAPTER + 17 + _ADVENTURE BY MOONLIGHT_ + + +A moment Penny stood gazing at the estate house. She considered climbing +the iron fence and trying to gain entrance to the dwelling. Then, +deciding that nothing would be achieved by again accosting the strange +woman, she returned to the waiting taxi. + +"Where to?" asked the cabman. + +"It's still the police station," directed Penny, repeating an earlier +order. "I have twice as much to report now." + +As the cab pulled away, she noticed a movement of curtains at the front +of the estate house. Evidently the woman who had fled, was watching. + +Joe made a quick trip to Riverview, depositing Penny at the doorstep of +Central Station. + +"Will you need me any more?" he asked hopefully. + +"I may." + +"Okay," said Joe, slamming the cab door. "I'll stick around. You know, I +kinda like this job." + +Once inside the police station, Penny inquired for Chief Jalman. Unable +to see him, she asked to speak to the two detectives who had been +assigned to her father's case. Both men were away from the building. + +"Why not talk to Carl Burns?" suggested the desk sergeant. "He's familiar +with the case." + +Penny was sent to see a heavy-set man who warmed himself by a steaming +radiator. Evidently he had spent several hours in an unheated police car +for he stamped his feet to restore circulation. + +"Mr. Burns?" inquired Penny. + +The man turned, staring at her. Penny returned the stare. She had seen +the officer before and the recollection was not entirely pleasant. He was +the same officer she had met near Mattie's garage on the night of the +blizzard. + +"What may I do for you?" he asked. + +Uncomfortably aware of the officer's scrutiny, Penny began to tell of her +visit to the Williams' garage. She stammered a bit and lost confidence. + +"You say you saw some big boxes at the garage," he demanded. "What's so +suspicious about that?" + +Penny tried to explain about the tunnel of boxes which led to a hidden +storage room. Even to her own ears the story had a fantastic sound. + +"What you _think_ or _surmise_ doesn't go in this business!" the officer +said rather rudely. "Did you actually see any stolen tires?" + +"Well, no, I didn't," Penny admitted. "The door was locked." + +"Are you willing to swear out a warrant charging Mattie and her partner +with dealing in stolen merchandise?" + +"I don't suppose I'd dare do that. I thought if police would +investigate--" + +"We can't go on suspicions, Miss Parker. We act only on sound evidence." + +"Well, it doesn't matter so much about the stolen tires," Penny said +desperately. "I have another clue--a really important one. I've found the +woman who eluded Detectives Brandon and Fuller at the cemetery!" + +"Now we may get somewhere," replied the officer. "Who is the woman? Where +did you see her?" + +Penny told everything she knew about the woman who had taken her father +to Mercy Hospital. Word for word she repeated their recent conversation +together. + +"I'll turn this evidence over to Detective Fuller," the policeman +promised. "He'll probably want to question the woman himself." + +"I hope he does it right away," replied Penny. "She may take it into her +head to skip out of town." + +Officer Burns smiled wearily. "Just trust us to handle the case," he +said. "We know our business." + +Penny left the station feeling none too satisfied. Although she had +nothing against Mr. Burns, she sensed that he did not like her. She +wondered if she could depend on him to repeat her story as she had told +it. + +"If that estate house isn't investigated immediately, I'll do something +myself!" she thought. + +Joe, the cabman, still waited. Signaling him, Penny regretfully explained +that she would have no further use for his services. + +"Well, if you change your mind and want to do some more ghost huntin' +tonight, just give me a ring," Joe grinned. "My number's 20476." + +Penny carefully wrote it down. She then walked to the nearby _Star_ +building where many matters awaited her attention. There she worked +without interruption until late afternoon, taking only enough time to +call the police station. Detective Fuller was not available. So far as +she could learn, no investigation had been made of the Harrison estate. + +Thoroughly annoyed, Penny tramped home to dinner. Only a cold meal +awaited her. Mrs. Weems, ill with a headache, had set out a few dishes on +the kitchen table, and gone to bed. + +"It's nothing," the housekeeper insisted as Penny questioned her +anxiously. "I've just worried too much the past few days." + +"Let me call Doctor Barnell." + +"Indeed not," Mrs. Weems remonstrated. "I'll be all right tomorrow." + +Penny brewed a cup of tea and made the housekeeper as comfortable as she +could. By the time she had eaten a snack and washed the dishes it was +eight o'clock. Debating a long while, she went to the telephone and +summoned a cab. + +"Number 20476," she requested. + +Penny was zipping on her galoshes when the doorbell rang. Without giving +her time to answer it, Louise Sidell marched into the kitchen bearing a +freshly baked lemon pie. + +"Mother sent this over," she explained. "I slipped on the ice coming over +and nearly had a catastrophe!" + +Carefully Louise deposited the pie on the kitchen table. Cutting short +Penny's praise of it, she inquired alertly: "Going somewhere?" + +Penny explained that she intended to motor to the Harrison estate. + +"Not alone?" Louise demanded. + +"I'll have to, I guess. Mrs. Weems is sick, so I can't take her along." + +"You could invite me," Louise said eagerly. "I'll telephone mother to +come over and stay with Mrs. Weems while we're gone!" + +The arrangement proved satisfactory to everyone. Mrs. Sidell came +immediately to the house, and very shortly thereafter the girls sped away +in Joe's taxicab. + +The night was a pleasant one, mildly cold, but with a bright moon. + +"Park before you get to the estate," Penny directed the driver. "We don't +want to be seen. It might defeat our purpose." + +Joe drew up in a clump of trees some distance from the Harrison grounds. +He then walked with the girls to the spiked fence. There was no sign of +activity. + +Two hours elapsed. During that time nothing unusual occurred. No lights +were visible inside the house. Even Penny began to lose heart. + +"This is getting pretty boring," she sighed. "I don't believe the ghost +is going to show up tonight." + +"We may have been observed," suggested Louise. "One can see very plainly +tonight." + +After another half hour had elapsed Penny was willing to return to the +cab. The three started away from the fence. Just then they heard a door +slam inside the house. Instantly they froze against the screen of bushes, +waiting. + +"There's the ghost!" whispered Louise. + +A figure had appeared in the garden beyond the gate. But the one who +walked alone was not a ghost. Plainly he was garbed in street clothes +rather than white. Over his suit he wore a heavy overcoat. A snap-brimmed +hat was pulled low on his forehead. + +Penny could not see the man's face, but the silhouette seemed strangely +familiar. + +"That looks like Dad!" she whispered, clutching Louise's hand. "It is he! +I'm sure!" + +"Oh, it can't be--" + +Penny paid no heed to her chum's protest. Breaking away, she ran toward +the gate. + +The man in the garden became suddenly alert. As he heard the approaching +footsteps he gazed toward the road. Upon seeing Penny he started to +retreat. + +"Wait!" she called frantically. "Don't you know me, Dad? It's Penny!" + +The words seemed to convey nothing to the man. He shook his head in a +baffled sort of way, and walked swiftly toward the house. + +Penny ran on to the gate. It was locked, but she vaulted over, landing in +a heap on the other side. By the time she had picked herself up, the man +had vanished into the house. + +"Are you hurt?" Louise cried, hurrying to the gate. + +Penny brushed snow from her coat and did not answer. + +"That man couldn't have been your father," Louise said kindly. "Do come +back, Penny." + +"But it was Dad! I'm sure of it!" + +"You called to him," Louise argued. "If it had been Mr. Parker he +couldn't have failed to recognize your voice." + +"It was Dad," Penny insisted stubbornly. "He's being held a prisoner +here!" + +"But that's ridiculous! Whoever that man is, he could escape from the +grounds just as easily as you climbed the gate." + +Penny did not wish to believe, yet she knew her chum was right. + +"Anyway, I'm going to talk to him," she declared. "Now that I am inside +the grounds, I'll ring the doorbell." + +Leaving Louise and Joe on the other side of the fence, Penny went boldly +to the front door. She knocked several times and rang the bell. There was +no response. + +"Why doesn't someone answer?" she thought impatiently. + +At the rear of the house a door slammed. Suddenly Louise called from the +gate: "Penny! A woman is leaving the estate by the back way!" + +Penny darted to the corner of the house. The same woman she had met +earlier that day had let herself out the rear gate. Holding the skirts of +her long black coat, she fairly ran across the snowy fields. + +"Shall I nab her?" called Joe, eager for action. + +Penny's reply was surprisingly calm. + +"No, let her go," she decided. "While that woman is away, I'll get into +the house. I think Dad is in there alone, and I'm going to find him!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 18 + _THROUGH THE CELLAR WINDOW_ + + +Penny returned to the front porch and rang the doorbell many times. No +one came to admit her. She tested the door, finding it locked. Windows +above the porch level could not be raised. + +"I'll try the back door," she said, refusing to accept defeat. + +Louise and Joe followed her to the rear of the dwelling, but remained on +the outside of the fence. + +As Penny had feared, the back door also was locked. She tested eight +windows. Finally she found one which opened into the cellar. To her +delight the sash swung inward as she pushed on it. + +"Here I go!" she called to Louise. "You and Joe stay where you are and +keep watch." + +Penny crawled through the narrow opening and swung herself down to the +cellar floor. She landed with a thud beside a laundry tub. The room was +dark. Groping her way toward a stairway, she tripped over a box and made +a fearful clatter. + +"I've certainly advertised my arrival!" she thought ruefully. + +At the top of the stairway Penny found a light switch and boldly turned +it on. The kitchen door was not locked. She opened it and stepped out +into another semi-dark room. + +A doorbell at the front of the house began to ring. Penny was +dumbfounded. Then she became annoyed, thinking that Louise and the cab +driver were trying to get in. + +Groping her way through the house, she unlocked the door and flung it +open. + +"For Pity Sakes!" she exclaimed, and then her voice trailed off. + +A uniformed messenger boy stood on the porch. + +"Mrs. Botts live here?" he asked, taking a telegram from his jacket +pocket. + +Penny did not know what to answer. Thinking quickly, she replied: "This +is the Deming estate." + +The messenger boy turned the beam of his flashlight on the telegram. +"Mrs. Lennie Botts, Stop 4, Care of G. A. Deming," he read aloud. "This +is the place all right." + +"But Mrs. Botts isn't at home now." + +"I've had a lot of trouble getting here," the boy complained. "Even had +to climb over the gate. How about signing for the telegram?" + +"Oh, all right," agreed Penny, accepting the pencil. "I don't know why I +didn't think of that idea myself!" + +In return for the telegram she gave the boy a small tip. The moment he +had gone, she closed the front door and switched on a table lamp. + +Penny found herself in a luxuriously furnished living room. The rug +underfoot was Chinese, the furniture solid mahogany, hand carved. +However, she had no interest in her surroundings. Rather tensely, she +examined the telegram. Dared she open it? + +"What's ten years or so of jail in my young life?" she cajoled herself. +"I'm willing to spend it in Sing Sing if only I can find Dad!" + +Penny ripped open the envelope. The message, addressed to Mrs. Lennie +Botts was terse and none too revealing: + +"HAVE CHANGED PLANS. WILL RETURN THE TWENTY-SEVENTH BY PLANE. PLEASE HAVE +EVERYTHING IN READINESS." + +The telegram was signed by the owner of the estate, G. A. Deming. + +"Today is the twenty-seventh of the month," thought Penny. "This message +must have been several hours delayed." + +The telegram had provided little information. Evidently the woman who had +refused to tell her name was Mrs. Lennie Botts. Regretting that she had +opened the message, Penny tossed it carelessly on the table. + +Footsteps sounded on the floor directly above. Penny had taken no pains +to be quiet. Nevertheless, her pulse quickened as she heard someone pad +to the head of the stairway. A muffled voice called: "Who's there?" + +Penny's heart leaped for she was sure she recognized the tones. Fairly +trembling with excitement, she darted to the foot of the circular +staircase. On the top landing in the heavy shadows stood a man whose face +she could not see. + +"Dad!" she cried. "I'm Penny." + +"Penny?" the man demanded impatiently as if the name meant nothing to +him. "Where is Mrs. Botts?" + +"Why, she went away." + +"And how did you get into the house?" + +"Through a cellar window." + +"I thought so! Young lady, I don't know what you're doing here in Mrs. +Bott's absence. Unless you leave at once I'll summon the police." + +Penny was not to be discouraged so easily. She started slowly up the +stairway. + +"Stand where you are!" the man ordered sharply. "I've been sick, but I'm +still a match for any house-breaker. I have a revolver--" + +So dark was the stairway that Penny could not know whether or not the man +was bluffing. His voice, startlingly similar to her father's, sounded +grim and determined. Knowing that a stranger would have good reason to +treat her as a burglar, she was afraid to venture further. + +"Dad--" she began. + +"Don't keep calling me Dad!" he snapped. + +"Who are you?" asked Penny, completely baffled. + +"Who am I?" the man repeated. "Why, I'm Lester Jones, a salesman. I room +here." + +The answer dumbfounded Penny. "Then you're not being held a prisoner by +Mrs. Botts?" she faltered. + +"On the contrary, Mrs. Botts has been very kind to me. Especially since +I've been sick." + +Penny's perplexity increased. "But I've seen you wandering in the garden +at night," she murmured. "Why do you do it?" + +"Because--oh, hang it! Do I have to explain everything to you? My head's +aching again. Unless you go away and stop bothering me, I'll call the +police." + +Penny was completely crushed. She had been so sure that the man was her +father! Seemingly she had made a very stupid mistake. + +"I'll go," she said quietly. + +Retreating down the stairway, she left the opened telegram on the +living-room table and switched off the light. Then unlocking the kitchen +door, she rejoined Louise and Joe. + +"I guess you didn't have any luck," her chum commented, observing her +downcast face. + +Penny ruefully admitted that the man who had been seen in the garden was +Lester Jones. + +"I knew he wasn't your father," Louise replied. "You wouldn't listen to +reason--" + +"All the same, his voice was similar," Penny cut in. "Why, the man even +used one of Dad's pet expressions." + +"What was it?" Louise inquired curiously. + +"'Oh, hang it!' That's the expression Dad uses when he's irritated." + +Louise helped her chum over the back fence and guided her toward the +parked taxi. Midway there Penny paused to stare up at the dark windows of +the second floor. + +"Lou!" she exclaimed. "That man must have been Dad even if he didn't know +me!" + +"Oh, Penny, don't start that all over again," Louise pleaded. "You're +only torturing yourself." + +"I'm going back!" + +"No, we can't let you, Penny." + +Louise held her chum's arm firmly. Joe opened the door of the taxi and +they pushed her in. Penny protested for a moment, then submitted. + +"All right, but we're going straight to the police station!" she +announced. "I'll not be satisfied until that man positively is identified +as Lester Jones." + +A few minutes later, at the police station, Detective Fuller heard the +entire story. It was the first he had learned about Mrs. Botts, for +Penny's earlier message had not been delivered by Policeman Burns. + +"For that matter, I've not seen Burns today," the detective explained. +"I'll go to the estate at once and question the woman." + +Again Penny and Louise taxied to the estate, this time trailed by a +police car. Detective Fuller broke the padlock on the gate and led the +party to the front door. + +A light now burned in the living room. To Penny's astonishment, the door +was opened by Mrs. Botts. + +"Good evening," she greeted the visitors pleasantly. + +Detective Fuller flashed his badge. "We want to ask you a few questions," +he said. "May we come in?" + +With obvious reluctance the woman stepped aside, allowing the party to +enter the living room. Penny's gaze roved to the center table. The +telegram which she had opened no longer was there. + +Mrs. Botts did not offer chairs to the callers. Glaring at Penny with +undisguised dislike, she said coldly: "I suppose I am indebted to you for +this visit. What is it you want?" + +"I understand you have a roomer here," began Detective Fuller. + +"A roomer?" Mrs. Botts echoed blankly. + +"Yes, a man by the name of Lester Jones." + +"Ridiculous! You don't seem to realize that this is the Deming estate." + +"Are you an employee here?" + +"I am the housekeeper. During Mr. Deming's absence I look after the +property. I assure you no one but myself lives in the house at present." + +"No roomer ever has stayed here?" + +Mrs. Botts drew herself up proudly. "Would Mr. Deming be likely to annoy +himself with roomers? He has a very substantial fortune." + +"You might try to pick up a few dollars yourself." + +"Mr. Deming would not hear of such a thing! He pays me well." + +Detective Fuller asked additional questions, trying to learn whether or +not the woman was the one who had fled from the cemetery. Mrs. Botts +frankly admitted that she had taken Mr. Parker to the hospital, but she +denied ever trying to collect a ransom. + +"What you say now doesn't agree with your original story," Penny +protested. "You admitted to me--" + +"I admitted nothing," Mrs. Botts broke in indignantly. "I have no secrets +to hide!" + +"But I'm sure Mr. Jones is living in this house," Penny said stubbornly. +"He's upstairs." + +"Indeed?" mocked Mrs. Botts. "Perhaps you'd like to search the house." + +"Yes, we would," said Detective Fuller. + +Mrs. Botts remained undisturbed. Bestowing upon Penny a look of deep +contempt, she motioned toward the stairway. + +"Very well, search the house," she invited with cool assurance. "I've +told you the truth. You'll find no one here but myself." + + + + + CHAPTER + 19 + _A BAFFLING SEARCH_ + + +In systematic, unhurried fashion, Detective Fuller went through every +room in the Deming house. The bed chambers, nine in number, were in +perfect order. Only Mrs. Botts' suite over the kitchen appeared to have +been used recently. + +As the search progressed, Penny's bewilderment increased. She knew that +Lester Jones had been in the house an hour earlier, yet there was no sign +of him. Personally she inspected clothes closets and bureau drawers. Not +an article could she find that ever had belonged to her father. She did +come upon a white woolen bathrobe. Believing it to be the garment worn by +the "ghost" she called it to Detective Fuller's attention. + +"Oh, that robe belongs to my employer, Mr. Deming," explained Mrs. Botts. + +Penny indicated water stains along the hem which suggested that the +garment had been allowed to trail in the snow. + +"Sometimes I wear the robe when I go outside to bring in the washing," +replied Mrs. Botts. "It is warmer than my coat." + +Try as she would, Penny could not trip the woman into making any damaging +admissions. Mrs. Botts had changed her original story and would not +acknowledge that she had fled from the cemetery. Stubbornly, she +maintained that she had told everything she knew about Mr. Parker's +disappearance. + +"I took him to Mercy Hospital in my employer's car," she repeated to +Detective Fuller. "That's the last I saw of him." + +"In what condition was Mr. Parker when you left him?" questioned the +detective. + +"He seemed all right. Perhaps he was a bit dazed." + +"Why didn't you report to the police?" + +"Because I didn't see the newspapers for a day," Mrs. Botts replied +sullenly. "Later I read Miss Parker's offer of a reward." + +"Then you did write, requesting me to run the ad in the _Star_!" Penny +cried triumphantly. + +"No, of course not," Mrs. Botts retorted, "I merely read the item." + +Penny knew Mrs. Botts was not telling the entire truth, but to prove it +seemed an impossible matter. Neither could she establish that a man who +claimed to be Lester Jones had been living in the house. True, Louise and +the taxi driver would support her story, but it would only be their word +against Mrs. Botts'. The situation had become hopelessly confusing. + +Detective Fuller was not entirely satisfied with the housekeeper's story. +"Guess we'll have to take you along to the station for questioning," he +concluded. + +Only then did Mrs. Botts lose her composure. + +"No, don't take me away!" she pleaded anxiously. "My employer is coming +home tonight. I just received the telegram. If I'm not here when he +arrives, I may lose my job!" + +Actually Detective Fuller had little evidence against Mrs. Botts and +doubted that he could hold her many hours in jail. Far more might be +gained by allowing the woman her freedom and keeping watch of the house. + +"We'll let you stay here," he decided after a moment's thought. "However, +you'll be wanted for questioning a little later. Make no attempt to leave +the premises." + +"I won't try to go away," Mrs. Botts promised. "I want to cooperate with +the police. All I ask is that my employer, Mr. Deming, doesn't hear of +this. I'm innocent and it's not right for me to lose a good job." + +Very shortly the party bade the woman goodbye and left the estate. +Detective Fuller assigned a policeman to keep watch of the property and +then returned to Riverview. Louise and Penny, completely bewildered, left +with their driver, Joe, debated their next action. + +"Where to?" the cabman inquired. "Home?" + +"I suppose so," sighed Penny. "I never was in such a muddle in all my +life. What became of that man I thought was Dad?" + +"He must have left the house while we were at the police station," Louise +declared. "It was a surprise finding Mrs. Botts there too! She must have +returned in a hurry after we went away." + +"Mrs. Botts got rid of Lester Jones somehow," Penny said with conviction. +"Oh, she's a slick one!" + +As Joe shifted gears, the girls observed a dark figure approaching the +estate from down the road. + +"Wait!" Penny instructed the cabman. "Let's see who it is." + +A moment later the figure emerged from the shadow cast by a giant tree. +Penny was surprised to recognize Mose Johnson. The old colored man +carried a basket on his arm and evidently had been doing a little late +marketing at the crossroads store. + +"Good evening, Mose," Penny greeted him as he approached the cab. + +"Evenin', Miss Penny," he beamed, pausing. "I'se suah astonished to see +yo' all out dis way. Has yo' been lookin' for dat ghost?" + +"I'm afraid I have," Penny admitted ruefully. "I've certainly had no +luck." + +Mose shifted the market basket to his other hand. "Dat ole ghost ain't +been around so much lately," he explained. "I comes by dis spot half an +hour ago on my way to de sto' to get some victuals. Dere wasn't no ghost +around den either. If dere had a been I'd have seen him, you kin be suah +o' dat. I was mighty skittish and ready to make mahself absent in about +two shakes." + +"And you didn't see a thing?" inquired Penny. + +"Well now, I can't rightly say dat," Old Mose corrected. "I didn't see no +ghost but I did see a taxicab." + +"Ours, I suppose." + +"Not dis one, Miss. De cab I see was a yelleh one." + +The information interested Penny. "Which way was it going, Mose?" she +asked quickly. + +"It wasn't goin', Miss Penny. It was standin' right at de gate. Den I +sees two dark lookin' white men git out and go into de big house." + +"You did?" Penny demanded eagerly. "Then what happened? Did the cab drive +away?" + +"It waited 'till de two men came back, 'cept when dey comes back dere is +three of 'em!" + +"Three men?" Penny cried, her excitement mounting. "What did the third +man look like, Mose? Think hard! It's very important." + +"Well," said Mose, "he was tall and he had something in his hand. A funny +lookin' little satchel. I guess you calls it a quick-case." + +"You don't mean a brief case?" + +"Yes, dat's it," Mose grinned. "Anyways, dey all gits in de taxicab and +off dey snorts. And dat's all I sees. Dere wasn't no ghost." + +The colored man's rambling information served to confirm Penny's own +suspicions. Mrs. Botts had lied. A roomer known as Lester Jones had been +held at the house and later hustled away. Perhaps the man _was_ her +father! + +"Mose," she cried, "the person you saw may have been Dad! Did it look +like him?" + +"Why, now yo' speaks of it, dere was somethin' about dat man dat look +like Mr. Parker," the colored man agreed. "Kinda de way he walked. I +couldn't see his face cause he kept it sort o' tucked down in his +collar." + +"All the same, it must have been Dad!" Penny exclaimed. "The brief case +practically proves it! Tell me, which way did the cab go?" + +"Straight down de road," said Mose, pointing. "But de car's been gone a +long time now. If you figures on catchin' dose men, you all bettah be +travelin'." + + + + + CHAPTER + 20 + _ACCUSATIONS_ + + +Alarmed and excited by Mose Johnson's revelation, Penny glanced about for +the policeman who had been assigned to watch the Deming mansion. The +officer had taken cover somewhere and was not to be seen. + +"Joe, drive as fast as you can to the airplane spotting station!" she +ordered the cabman. "I'll telephone the police station from there." + +As the taxi bounced along over the frozen road, the girls kept close +watch for the yellow cab Mose Johnson had mentioned. They did not expect +to overtake it. If the old colored man's story was accurate, the taxi +bearing Mr. Parker had left the mansion at least a half hour earlier. + +"Dad must have been spirited away immediately after I talked to him!" +Penny said. "He's been drugged or something! Otherwise he would have +known me." + +"But according to Mose, your father must have gone willingly with those +men," Louise returned. + +"That's the queer part." + +"Of course, you're not certain the man is your father." + +"Yes, I am!" Penny insisted. "I was almost sure of it earlier this +evening. Now I know! Oh, Lou, something terrible has happened to Dad!" + +Louise drew her chum into the hollow of her arm. "Brace up!" she said +sternly. "You're not going to cave in now, are you?" + +Penny's slumping shoulders stiffened. She brushed away a tear. "Of course +I'm not going to cave in!" she replied indignantly. "I'll find +Dad--tonight, too!" + +Enroute to the airplane spotting station, the cab neither met nor passed +any vehicle. Leaving Louise in the taxi, Penny clattered up the tower +steps and burst into the overheated room where Salt Sommers was making +out a report. Her words fairly tumbled over one another as she told him +what had happened. + +"Will you notify police for me?" she pleaded. + +"Of course," Salt assured her, reaching for a telephone. "My relief's due +in five minutes now, so I'll be free to join in the search." + +While the photographer waited impatiently for a connection, Penny asked +him if he had seen a yellow taxi pass the tower. + +"Not since I've been on duty. The cab must have taken another road." + +Salt completed the call to the Riverview Police Station and was told that +every radio-equipped cruiser in the city would be ordered to watch for +the yellow cab. As he hung up the receiver, a low humming sound was heard +outside the tower. + +"Listen!" commanded Salt. "A plane!" + +Distinctly they both could hear the roar of a motor to the eastward. + +"That's an unidentified ship," Salt declared, reaching for another +telephone. Taking down the receiver he said tersely: "Army Flash," and +went on to report the position of the passing airplane. + +Penny had gone to the doorway. She could see the wing lights of the +passing ship. As she watched, the lights descended in a steep glide. + +"Salt!" she called. "The plane is landing!" + +The photographer darted to the platform to see for himself. "You're +right!" he exclaimed. "It's coming down at the Deming estate!" + +"Mr. Deming is due home tonight from the East," Penny added. "That must +be his plane." + +Salt went inside to complete his report to headquarters. As he rejoined +Penny, they saw a man trudging along the road toward the tower. + +"My relief," said the photographer. "I'm free to go." + +Gathering up his belongings, he followed Penny to the waiting taxicab. +There a brief conference was held. The girls were in favor of searching +for the yellow taxi, but Salt pointed out that the chance of finding it +was a slim one. He proposed that they return to the mansion and try to +force information from Mrs. Botts. + +"Detective Fuller had no luck," replied Penny. "She has one story and she +sticks to it. Her one fear is that she'll lose her job." + +"Then this is the time to make things merry for her!" urged the +photographer. "If Mr. Deming just arrived home, we'll toss a few +firebrands around and find out what he has to say!" + +The suggestion appealed to Penny. From the first she had distrusted Mrs. +Botts and felt that police had been entirely too lenient with her. + +"All right, let's go!" she agreed. "If Mrs. Botts loses her job, I'm sure +it's no more than she deserves." + +Joe drove the party once more to the Deming mansion. No policeman was in +evidence near the premises. Actually he had gone to the crossroads store +to report to his superiors the arrival of Mr. Deming's airplane, but at +the moment Penny assumed the man was neglecting his duties. + +"If this case ever is solved, we must do it ourselves!" she declared, +thumping on the front door. "I'm in no mood to take any slippery answers +from Mrs. Botts!" + +After a long delay the door was opened by the caretaker. Recognizing +Penny and her friends, the woman sought to lock them out. + +"Oh, no you don't!" said Salt, pushing her firmly aside. "We want to see +Mr. Deming." + +"He's not here," Mrs. Botts replied nervously. "Please leave me alone. Go +away!" + +Ignoring the plea, Penny, Louise, and the photographer walked boldly into +the living room. A fire burned in the grate and there were fresh flowers +on the table. + +"Where is Mr. Deming?" asked Salt in a loud voice. + +Footsteps sounded on the circular stairway. A portly, bald-headed man +with a pleasant face came heavily down the steps. + +"Did someone ask for me?" he inquired. + +"You're Mr. Deming?" asked Salt. + +"I am. Flew in from New York about ten minutes ago and was just changing +my clothes. What may I do for you?" + +"I've been trying to tell these folks you can't see them tonight, Mr. +Deming," broke in Mrs. Botts. "You're too tired." + +"Nonsense," replied the mansion owner impatiently. "Sit down by the fire, +everyone. Tell me what brought you here." + +Mrs. Botts began to edge toward the kitchen door. Observing the action, +Salt called sharply: + +"Don't go, Mrs. Botts. We want to talk to you in particular." + +"I've nothing to say," the caretaker retorted tartly. + +"Sit down, Mrs. Botts," ordered her employer. "For some reason you have +seemed very nervous since I arrived home tonight." + +"It was upsetting to get your telegram so late," Mrs. Botts mumbled, +sinking down on the sofa. + +"Mr. Deming," began Penny, "a great deal has happened here tonight." + +"I intended to tell you about it myself," interrupted Mrs. Botts, +addressing her employer. "I've not had a chance." + +"Be quiet, please," commanded Mr. Deming. "Do continue, Miss--" + +"Parker," supplied Penny. She introduced Salt and Louise, then resumed +her story. + +As the tale unfolded, Mr. Deming listened with increasing amazement. Now +and then he focused his gaze upon the crestfallen Mrs. Botts, but he did +not speak until Penny had finished. + +"This is a very serious charge you have made against my housekeeper," he +said then. "Mrs. Botts, what have you to say?" + +"There's not a word of truth in it!" the woman cried. "Why, I've worked +for you ten years, Mr. Deming. I've been a loyal, faithful servant. Why +should I deceive you by taking a stranger into the house?" + +"It does seem fantastic," replied the perplexed Mr. Deming. "Miss Parker, +what proof have you that your accusations are true?" + +"The proof of my own eyesight," Penny said quietly. "For that matter, a +number of persons saw the ghost wandering about the grounds." + +Mrs. Botts tossed her head. "I've already explained that part. Frequently +when I go outdoors, I put on your old white bathrobe, Mr. Deming. It's +warmer than my coat." + +"The ghost happened to be a man," Penny said. "And here is something you +don't know, Mrs. Botts. I was in this house earlier this evening while +you were away. I talked with your mysterious roomer, and I'm satisfied it +was my father." + +"So _you_ were here!" Mrs. Botts cried angrily. "Mr. Deming, this girl +opened the telegram you addressed to me!" + +"I did indeed," admitted Penny, unabashed. + +Mr. Deming arose and walking over to the fire, stood with his back to it. +"I confess I don't know what to say," he said. "I've never had reason to +distrust Mrs. Botts." + +"Thank you, sir." The housekeeper smiled triumphantly. + +Penny realized that Mr. Deming was on the verge of swinging to Mrs. +Botts' side. So far the interview had gained nothing. She had told the +entire story. There was no further information she could add. + +"I suppose we may as well go," she said, looking miserably at Salt. + +Penny arose. Suddenly her eyes lighted upon a small object lying half +hidden between the cushions of the sofa. Before Mrs. Botts realized what +she was about, she had pounced upon it. + +"Dad's spectacle case!" she cried triumphantly. + +Opening the lid, she held up a pair of dark horn-rimmed glasses. + +"I'm sure I don't know where the case came from," Mrs. Botts stammered. + +"When Dad reads on the sofa at home, he often loses his case between the +cushions!" Penny went on excitedly. "Mrs. Botts, you thought you were +very clever getting him away from here and removing all the evidence!" + +"A salesman who wore glasses was here last week--" the housekeeper began +weakly. + +"You can't talk yourself out of this," Penny cut her short, "Mr. Deming, +let me show you something." + +She reopened the lid of the case and pointed to the initials "A. P." +engraved in gold letters. + +"Anthony Parker," she said impressively. "Dad had them stamped there +because he lost the case so many times. Does this prove my story?" + +"It does," said Mr. Deming. Sternly he faced the housekeeper. "Mrs. +Botts, you have deeply humiliated me. I shall turn you over to the +police." + +Mrs. Botts began to weep. Stumbling across the room, she clutched her +employer's arm. + +"Please don't turn me away from here," she pleaded. "Just give me a +chance and I'll explain everything. Please, Mr. Deming! This time I +promise to tell the truth!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 21 + _MRS. BOTTS' REVELATION_ + + +"Very well, tell your story," Mr. Deming bade the housekeeper. "What do +you know about Mr. Parker's disappearance?" + +"It was just like I said," Mrs. Botts began in an aggrieved voice. "I was +driving not far from the railroad station when I saw the auto accident." + +"You say you were driving?" Mr. Deming interposed. "In whose car, may I +ask?" + +"I used yours, Mr. Deming. I didn't think you would care." + +"We'll skip that. Go on with your story." + +"Well, I saw the accident. A coupe driven by a young man, crowded Mr. +Parker's car off the road." + +"Purposely?" asked Penny. + +"I don't know. Two men were in the car and they were speeding. I read +part of the license number too. It was F-215 something." + +"Why didn't you give this information to the police immediately?" +demanded Mr. Deming. + +"I'm trying to explain. I stopped my car--your car, I mean. Mr. Parker +seemed stunned so I offered to take him to the hospital. Of course at +that time I didn't know who he was." + +"Dad didn't seem much hurt?" Penny inquired quickly. + +"He had a few scratches, but nothing serious. We started for the +hospital. Before we got there Mr. Parker changed his mind and decided he +didn't want to go. He asked me to take him to a hotel or a rooming +house." + +"How strange!" exclaimed Penny. "Why didn't he ask to go home?" + +"Because he didn't remember he had a home," Mrs. Botts replied. "I guess +the accident must have stunned him. Anyway, he said his name was Lester +Jones. Since he wanted a room and was willing to pay, I figured I could +bring him here." + +"So you turned my home into a hotel," Mr. Deming remarked rather grimly. + +"I--I didn't think you would be back this winter. I wouldn't have done +it, Mr. Deming, only I needed extra money. My sister in Kansas has been +sick and I've had to send her funds." + +"Mrs. Botts, I've always paid you well," her employer responded. "Had you +told me you needed more money, I would have assisted you. But go on." + +"Well, I brought Mr. Parker here and gave him a room. Right off I noticed +how queer he acted. He didn't seem to be sure who he was, and he kept +going through some papers he carried in a portfolio, trying to puzzle +things out." + +"All this while you made no attempt to contact police?" Mr. Deming +questioned severely. + +"I was wondering what to do when I saw a picture of Mr. Parker in the +paper." + +"And then you dropped an unsigned letter in my mailbox?" Penny probed. + +Mrs. Botts knew that the net was closing tightly about her. Although she +tried to slant her story in such a way that she would not appear too much +at fault, the facts remained bald and ugly. + +"Yes, I left a note at your house," she acknowledged reluctantly. "Later +I telephoned and made an appointment to meet you at the cemetery." + +"Why didn't you go through with it?" asked Penny. "Were you afraid?" + +"I began to realize I might be held for something I never intended to do. +Folks started to watch this house. I tried to keep my roomer out of +sight, but he'd do such queer things." + +"Such as stroll in the garden at night," supplied Penny. + +"Yes, I felt sorry for the poor man. He had such dreadful headaches and +was so bewildered." + +"Evidently you weren't sorry enough to tell him who he was," reprimanded +Mr. Deming. "Really Mrs. Botts, I can't understand why you acted as you +did." + +"I just kept getting in deeper and deeper," the housekeeper whined. "Mr. +Parker paid me three dollars a day for his room and board. It didn't seem +wrong to take the money as long as he was satisfied." + +"Where is my father now?" Penny broke in. "That's the important thing." + +Mrs. Botts regarded the girl with a trace of her former arrogance. "I +don't know what became of Mr. Parker after he left here," she said +coldly. + +"You sent him away when you knew Mr. Deming was coming home!" Penny +accused. "You thought you could keep the truth from your employer!" + +"And I would have too, if it hadn't been for you!" Mrs. Botts flared. +"I've not done any harm, but you've made a lot out of it, and now I'll be +discharged." + +"You are quite right about that," agreed Mr. Deming in a quiet voice. +"However, there's far more at stake than a job, Mrs. Botts. Even now you +don't seem to realize the seriousness of your offense." + +"You won't turn me over to the police, will you, Mr. Deming?" + +"It will not be in my hands to decide your fate. I strongly advise you to +tell everything you know. Where did Mr. Parker go when he left here?" + +"I've no idea." Mrs. Botts covered her face. "Oh, leave me alone--don't +ask me any more questions. My head buzzes." + +"A taxicab with two men in it was seen at the door earlier this evening," +Penny went on relentlessly. "What have you to say about that?" + +"They were friends who came for Mr. Parker." + +"Your friends?" + +"Well, no, I found the names and addresses in Mr. Parker's brief case. +They were men in the tire business." + +This latest scrap of information fairly stunned Penny. As she well knew, +her father's portfolio contained only evidence pertaining to the +tire-theft case. + +"Who were the men?" she demanded. + +"One was named Kurt Mollinberg--Ropes Mollinberg his friend called him. I +forget the other." + +"Ropes Mollinberg!" exclaimed Salt Sommers who had listened quietly to +the story. "Why, he's one of the lowest rats in this town! Connected with +the numbers racket and I don't know what else!" + +"Why did you summon those men, of all persons?" Mr. Deming questioned. + +"Well, I found their addresses in the portfolio. I had to get rid of Mr. +Parker before you came and I was afraid to call his house." + +"You're a cruel, heartless woman!" accused Penny. "You sent my father +away with two of the most notorious rascals in Riverview. Why, those men +have been waiting for a chance to waylay him! They wanted to get +possession of vital evidence Dad had in his portfolio." + +"I didn't know," murmured Mrs. Botts. "When they came in the taxi, they +offered me money." + +"And you took it?" + +"I tried not to, but they forced it on me." + +Penny sprang to her feet. Only by the greatest effort of will could she +keep from telling the housekeeper what she thought of her contemptible +actions. + +"You sent Dad away with those men," she repeated mechanically. "Didn't he +realize who they were?" + +"I told him they were his friends. I really thought so. He went willingly +enough." + +Penny was sick with despair. From the first, the situation had been +grave, but now there seemed little hope. From Mrs. Botts' story she could +only conclude that her father suffered from a brain injury. Even if she +were fortunate enough to find him, he would not be likely to recognize +her as his daughter. + +"Oh, Salt," she pleaded, turning to the photographer. "What are we to do? +What can we do?" + +His reply though prompt, was not completely reassuring. + +"We've already put every policeman in Riverview on the trail of those +men!" he answered soberly. "And we'll scour every nook and cranny of this +town ourselves! Chin up, Penny! Why, we've only started to fight!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 22 + _A PARK BENCH_ + + +Penny and her friends were heartsick with the knowledge that Mr. Parker +had fallen into the hands of ruthless members of the tire-theft gang. The +taxi which had borne him away had left the mansion fully an hour earlier. +There seemed little likelihood that the trail could be picked up quickly. + +"I'll telephone the boys at the newspaper office," Salt offered. "The +police too! We'll put a description on the radio. We'll have everybody in +Riverview watching for that yellow taxi." + +"Call the cab companies too," urged Penny. "We may be able to trace it +through the driver." + +Salt made good use of the Deming telephone which had not been +disconnected during the winter months. While he phoned, Penny ran outside +to find the policeman assigned to guard the mansion. She soon returned +with him and placed Mrs. Botts in his custody. + +"Oh, Mr. Deming, don't let them take me to jail," the housekeeper +pleaded. "I didn't mean to do anything wrong." + +"Mrs. Botts, I can't help you," her employer returned coldly. "Your +offense is a very serious one. The court must decide your fate." + +The housekeeper broke into tears again and for several minutes was quite +hysterical. When her act moved no one, she resigned herself to the +inevitable. Packing a few articles in a bag, she prepared to leave the +house in the custody of the policeman. + +"I'm sorry about everything," she said as she bade the girls goodbye. "I +hope Mr. Parker is found. I really do." + +After Mrs. Botts had gone, Penny was too upset to remain quietly in a +chair. She longed to join in an active search for the yellow taxi. Common +sense told her that the cab undoubtedly had reached its destination, yet +she hoped she might pick up a clue. + +"By questioning filling station attendants, we may be able to learn which +way it went from the crossroads," she urged. + +"Come on, then," said Salt. + +Joe, faithful as ever, waited in his cab outside the mansion. Penny chose +to ride beside him, as the front seat offered an unobstructed view of the +road. + +The cab turned away from the mansion and swept down the familiar twisting +highway. At the first bend, the bright headlights illuminated a patch of +snow along the ditch. Penny thought she saw a small, dark object lying on +the ground. + +"Stop the car!" she cried. + +Joe brought the cab to a standstill a little farther down the road. + +Penny leaped out and ran back to the ditch. Lying just at its edge was a +leather portfolio. A glance satisfied her that it had belonged to her +father. + +"Salt! Louise!" she shouted. "I've found Dad's satchel!" + +The others came running. By that time Penny had examined the portfolio. +It was empty. + +"Just as I thought," she muttered. "Those men were after the evidence Dad +carried! And they got it, too!" + +Salt and Joe examined the snowy ditches for a long distance. There were +no footprints. They could only conclude that the portfolio had been +thrown from a window of the moving cab. Evidently Mr. Parker remained a +prisoner. + +"Now that those men have what they want, maybe they'll release Dad," +Penny said hopefully. "Don't you think so, Salt?" + +The photographer glanced at Joe. Neither spoke. + +"You believe they'll harm Dad!" Penny cried, reading their faces. "Maybe +I'll never see him again--" + +"Now Penny," Salt soothed, guiding her toward the taxi. + +The cab rolled on, its tires crunching the hard-packed snow. At the +crossroads, they met a police car and hailed it. Penny turned the empty +portfolio over to one of the officers, explaining where it had been +found. + +"Every road is being watched," she was told in return. "The alarm has +been broadcast throughout the State, too. If that yellow cab still is on +the road, we'll get it." + +For an hour longer, Penny and her party scoured roads in the vicinity of +Riverview. Many times they stopped at filling stations and houses to +inquire if a yellow cab had been seen to pass. Always the answer was in +the negative. + +"Don't you think we ought to go home?" Salt suggested at length. "For all +we know, police may have found Mr. Parker by this time. We'd never learn +about it while we're touring around." + +"All right, let's go home," agreed Penny. + +The taxi turned toward Riverview. Arriving at the outskirts, Joe chose a +boulevard which wound through the park. The trees, each limb and twig +glistening with ice, were very beautiful. + +Penny gazed absently toward the frozen lake where a few boys were +skating. Suddenly her gaze fastened upon a man who sat on a park bench +beneath a street lamp. He wore no hat. His overcoat was unbuttoned. + +"That man!" she cried. "Salt, it looks like Dad! And it is he! It is!" + +The man on the bench had turned slightly so that she was able to see his +face. + +Joe brought the cab to a halt with a jerk. Penny leaped out, followed by +the others. The first to reach the bench, she fairly flung herself +headlong at the disheveled man who sat so dejectedly alone. + +"Oh, Dad, I've found you at last! How thankful I am you're safe!" + +The man on the bench stared blankly at her. + +"Who are you?" he asked in a dazed voice. + +"Why, I'm Penny--your daughter." + +"I have no daughter," the man answered bitterly. "No home. Nothing. Not +even a name." + +Salt, Louise and Joe reached the bench. + +"Who are these people?" the man asked. "Why do they stare at me?" + +"Why, Mr. Parker," said Salt, taking his arm. "You remember me, don't +you?" + +"Never saw you before in my life." + +"You're my father--Anthony Parker," Penny said desperately. "You were in +a bad accident. Don't you remember?" + +"I remember that I was taken by two men in a taxicab. They pretended to +be my friends. As soon as we were well away from Mrs. Botts' home, they +robbed me of my money and portfolio. Then they pushed me out of the cab. +I started walking. I kept on until I came here." + +"You're cold and tired," said Salt, trying to guide him toward the taxi. + +"Who are you?" Mr. Parker demanded suspiciously. "Why should I let you +take me away? You'll only try to rob me--" + +"Oh, Dad, you don't understand," Penny murmured. "You're sick." + +"Come along, sir," urged Salt. "We're your friends. We'll take you to the +doctor." + +Mr. Parker planted his feet firmly on the ground. + +"I'm not going a step!" he announced. "Not a step!" + +"Sorry, sir, but if you're so set about it, we'll have to do it this +way." + +Salt nodded to Joe. Before Mr. Parker knew what was coming, they caught +him firmly by the arms and legs. Although he resisted, they carried him +to the cab. + +"Take us home as fast as you can!" Penny directed Joe. "Then I'll want +you to go for Doctor Greer, the brain specialist. Dad's in very serious +condition." + +"Serious, my eye!" snorted the publisher. He struggled to free himself +from Salt's grip. "Let me out of here!" + +"Dad, everything will be all right now," Penny tried to soothe him. +"You're with friends. You're going home." + +"I'm being kidnaped!" Mr. Parker complained. "Twice in one night! If I +were strong enough to get out of here--" + +Again he tried to free himself. Failing, he edged into a corner of the +seat and averted his face. + + + + + CHAPTER + 23 + _FORGOTTEN EVENTS_ + + +In the upstairs bedroom, Penny moved with velvet tread. Noiselessly she +rearranged a vase of flowers and closed the slat of a Venetian blind. + +"You needn't be so quiet," said Mr. Parker from the bed. "I've been awake +a long time now." + +Penny went swiftly to his side. "How are you feeling this afternoon, +Dad?" + +"Afternoon?" Mr. Parker demanded, sitting up. "How long have I been +sleeping?" + +"Roughly, about two days." + +Mr. Parker threw off the covers. + +"Oh, no, you don't," said Penny, pressing him back against the pillow. +"Doctor Greer says you are to have absolute bed rest for several days. +It's part of the treatment." + +"Treatment for what?" grumbled Mr. Parker. "I feel fine!" + +"That's wonderful," declared Penny, with a deep sigh of relief. "I'll +have Mrs. Weems bring up something for you to eat." + +She called down the stairway to the housekeeper, and then returned to the +bedside. Her father looked more like his former self than at any time +since the strange motor accident which had caused him to lose his memory. +His voice too, was more natural. + +"Guess I must have had a bad dream," Mr. Parker murmured, his gaze roving +slowly about the room. "I seem to recall riding around in a taxi, and +being pushed out into the snow." + +"You know where you are now, don't you?" asked Penny. + +"Certainly. I'm at home." + +Mrs. Weems came into the room bearing a tray of food. Hearing Mr. +Parker's words, she looked at Penny and tears sprang to her eyes. + +"Doctor Greer was right," she whispered. "His memory is slowly coming +back. How thankful I am!" + +"What's all this?" Mr. Parker inquired alertly. "Will someone kindly tell +me why I am being imprisoned in this bed?" + +"Because you've been very, very sick," Penny said, arranging the food in +front of him. "You know who I am now, don't you?" + +"Why, certainly," replied Mr. Parker indignantly. "You're my daughter. +Your name is--now let me think--" + +"Penny." + +"To be sure," agreed Mr. Parker, in confusion. "Fancy forgetting my own +daughter's name!" + +"You've forgotten a number of other things too, Dad. But events gradually +are coming back to you. Suppose you tell me your name." + +"My name?" Mr. Parker looked bewildered. "Why, I don't remember. It's not +Jones. I took that name because I couldn't think of my own. What's wrong +with me?" + +Penny tucked a napkin beneath her father's chin and offered him a +spoonful of beef broth. + +"What's wrong with me?" Mr. Parker demanded again. "Am I a lunatic? Can't +either of you tell me the truth?" + +"You're recovering from a severe case of amnesia," revealed Penny. "The +doctor says it was brought on by overwork in combination with the shock +of being in an auto accident. Since you were hurt you've not remembered +what happened before that time." + +"I do recall the auto mishap," Mr. Parker said slowly. "Another car +crowded me off the road. The crash stunned me, and my mind was a sort of +blank. Then a pleasant woman took me to her home." + +"A pleasant woman, Dad?" + +"Why, yes, Mrs. Botts gave me a nice room and good food. I liked it +there. But one night a girl broke in--could that have been you, Penny?" + +"Indeed, it was." + +"When Mrs. Botts came home she was very excited," Mr. Parker resumed +meditatively. "She said I had to leave. She hustled me out of the house +with two strangers." + +"One of the men was Ropes Mollinberg, a member of the tire-theft gang." + +"Yes, that was his name!" Mr. Parker agreed. "Speaking of tire thieves, +I've been intending to write an editorial for the paper. Penny, please +have my secretary come in. I'll dictate the material while it is fresh in +my mind." + +Mrs. Weems looked slightly distressed. Penny, however, whisked away the +tray of food. Getting pencil and paper she again sat down beside her +father. + +"Your secretary isn't available just now, but I'll take down what you +want to say." + +Penny could not write shorthand so she only pretended to jot down notes. +Mr. Parker led off with a few crisp sentences, then wandered vaguely from +one idea to another. + +"I can't seem to think straight any more," he complained. "Type that up +please and let me see it before it goes to the compositors." + +"How shall I sign the editorial?" Penny inquired. + +"Why, with my name--Anthony Parker." + +Penny jumped up and fairly laughed with joy. + +"Dad, events are coming back to you! You've just recalled your name and +that's a big step forward." + +"Anthony Parker," the publisher murmured. "Yes, that's it! Now there's +another matter that troubles me. I had a brief case--" + +"It was stolen by those men who took you away," Penny supplied eagerly. +"Dad, if only you could remember what those lost papers contained, we'd +expose the entire tire-theft gang!" + +Mr. Parker thought for a long while, then shook his head. + +"Mind's a blank, Penny. What does the doctor say? Is there a chance my +memory ever will return?" + +"Of course," returned Penny heartily. "You've already recalled a number +of important things. Me, for instance! Doctor Greer thinks that with +rest, events will gradually return to mind. Or another shock, perhaps a +blow somewhat similar to the one you had, might bring everything back." + +"Well, what are we waiting for?" Mr. Parker joked. "Go get the sledge +hammer!" + +"It's not that easy, I'm afraid." + +"I'm afraid not, either," sighed Mr. Parker wearily. "Guess I'll sleep +some more now. I feel pretty tired." + +During the days that followed, the publisher made a slow but steady +recovery. At first Penny did not worry him by mentioning how matters had +gone at the _Star_ office. Only after Mr. Parker was well enough to spend +several hours a day at the plant, did she reveal how Harley Schirr had +sought to establish himself as editor of the paper. + +"That fellow!" exclaimed Mr. Parker in annoyance. "Why, I meant to +discharge him and he knew it. I have evidence in my safe showing that +Schirr accepted money from a local politician." + +"You did have evidence," Penny corrected. "While you were away, Mr. +Schirr went through your safe." + +Amazed by the boldness of his former employee, Mr. Parker immediately +examined the contents of both his desk and strongbox. To his chagrin he +found that Penny was right. Every document pertaining to Schirr was +missing. + +"Well, it doesn't matter," the publisher said philosophically. "He'll +never set foot in this office again, nor in any other Riverview +newspaper!" + +"Dad," said Penny, "I've wondered if Schirr may not be hooked up with the +tire-theft gang. What do you think?" + +"My poor thinker isn't much good these days. However, I very much doubt +it, Penny. Schirr always was a snoop and not above taking money for +writing biased stories. My judgment would be that he has no connection +with the Mollinberg outfit." + +"If only you could remember what was in your stolen portfolio!" Penny +sighed. + +"If only I could!" agreed Mr. Parker. "Sometimes I doubt I'll ever fully +recover my memory." + +"Oh, you will, Dad. You're doing better every day." + +Penny seldom spoke of the automobile accident which had caused her +father's trouble for the subject was a painful one to them both. Although +the publisher had been absolved of all blame, police had not succeeded in +tracing the hit-skip driver. + +Mr. Parker seemed well and strong. Each day he went to the office for +longer and longer periods. Gradually his memory was returning, yet he had +been unable to recall data which might bring about the capture of the +tire-theft gang. Strangely, he could remember nothing of his intention to +call at the State Prosecutor's office. Nor could he disclose a scrap of +evidence which had been carried in the stolen portfolio. + +"If only Jerry would wire or return from his vacation!" Penny commented +anxiously. "I can't understand why he doesn't reply to my message." + +The reporter's long absence had caused considerable worry at the _Star_ +office. Jerry was the one person who could divulge the contents of the +stolen portfolio documents, but repeated wires failed to bring any +response. + +"Jerry will show up one of these days," Mr. Parker said confidently. "The +only trouble is, by that time the higher-ups of the tire-theft gang may +have skipped town." + +"Dad, can't you remember the men who took you away in the taxi?" + +"Only vaguely. I've described them to police as best I can. So far, no +action." + +Penny was silent for a moment. In her mind she had been turning over a +way to bring the crooks to justice. It seemed to her that the men might +be identified through Black Market operators with whom they must have +dealings. + +"Now what are you keeping from me?" inquired Mr. Parker lightly. + +"I was thinking about a place known as Mattie Williams' garage," replied +Penny. "I've good reason to suspect it deals in stolen tires." + +She went on to tell of her recent adventure in the storage room of the +garage. The information did not excite Mr. Parker as she had feared it +might. Instead, it fired him with a determination to get at the truth of +the matter. + +"Penny, we'll break our story yet!" he exclaimed, reaching for his hat. +"Let's go to Mattie's place now!" + +"Unless we actually see the inside of the storage room we'll learn +nothing. You may be sure Mattie and her partner won't cooperate." + +"We'll get into that room somehow," returned Mr. Parker grimly. "I'll +take along a few pet skeleton keys just for luck." + +At the Williams' garage an hour later, they found Mattie and Sam busy +with repair work. + +"Be with you in a minute," the woman called to Mr. Parker. + +"No hurry," replied the publisher. "No hurry whatsoever." + +He and Penny wandered aimlessly about. Choosing a moment when both Sam +and Mattie were inside the office, they slipped unnoticed into the room +where the empty boxes had been stored. + +"Now show me the tunnel," urged the publisher. "We'll have to work fast!" + +Penny swung back the hinged boards of the big box. She led her father +between a high aisle of crates to the locked door of the inner room. + +"Now if only I have a key that will unlock it!" muttered Mr. Parker. + +He tried several. At length one did fit the keyhole, the lock clicked, +and he was able to push open the door. + +In the little storage room close to the outside building wall were tires +of all sizes and description. Some were new, still wrapped in clean +paper. Others appeared slightly used. + +"See, Dad!" Penny cried triumphantly. "I was right!" + +"We still have no proof this rubber was illegally obtained." + +Penny darted forward to inspect a stack of tires which rose half way to +the ceiling. + +"Here's one that might have come off my car!" she cried. "See! Mine had a +tiny cut place where I rammed the maple tree backing out of our garage!" + +"All tires look alike, Penny. Without the serial number--" + +"I do remember part of it. One was 8910 something." + +"Then this isn't your tire," replied Mr. Parker, reading the number. +"However, I shouldn't be surprised that these are stolen tires." + +Penny held up her hand as a signal for silence. + +"Quiet, Dad!" she whispered. + +Footsteps had sounded in the tunnel between the boxes. The next instant +the door was flung open. Penny and her father stood face to face with Sam +Burkholder. + + + + + CHAPTER + 24 + _TRICKERY_ + + +"What d'you think you're doing in here?" demanded Sam Burkholder harshly. +"Snoopers, eh?" + +"Call us that if you like," retorted Mr. Parker. "How long have you been +dealing in stolen tires?" + +The shot hit its target. Sam started to speak but no words came. He +looked badly frightened. Convinced that his suspicion was correct, Mr. +Parker added sternly: + +"Naturally, I'll report this to the police. You and your partner will +have to face charges." + +"Keep Mattie out of this," growled Sam. "She had nothing to do with the +tire business." + +"So you carried on crooked operations all by your lonesome?" + +"I've bought and sold a few tires," Sam said sullenly. "All these +government regulations give me a pain. A guy can't make any money these +days." + +"So you admit you've been doing an illegal business?" + +"Maybe," said Sam, watching Mr. Parker craftily. "But what's it to you? I +take it you're not a government agent?" + +"I'm interested in breaking up a gang of leeches--the men who've been +cleaning this town of tires for the past three months." + +"Those guys are crooks all right," agreed Sam. "Why the last time they +sold me a bunch of tires they charged double. When I wasn't going to take +'em they said, 'Either you do, or else!'" + +"Did you deal with Ropes Mollinberg?" + +"He's just one of the little fry. What will you give me to spill?" + +"Nothing." + +"Will you keep Mattie out of this?" + +"If she's innocent." + +"She is," insisted Sam. "Supposin' I tell you how to get the whole gang, +will you forget what you've seen here?" + +"I make no bargains with Black Market dealers," retorted Mr. Parker. +"Either you tell what you know, or I'll have you and Mattie hauled into +court." + +Sam Burkholder was silent a moment. + +"Okay," he said abruptly. "I've had enough of this business anyhow. I'll +tell you what I know, and it won't take me long. I've never seen nor +dealt direct with the big shots." + +"Then how do you get your tires?" + +"A trucker by the name of Hank Biglow delivers them to me." + +"Louise and I know that man!" cried Penny. "For whom does he work?" + +"I've never asked. But from something Hank dropped I kinda suspect the +boys are having a meeting tonight." + +"Where?" Mr. Parker demanded eagerly. + +"I'll tell you on one condition. You've got to keep Mattie out of this. +So far as she knows this garage has been run pretty much on the square." + +Mr. Parker was unwilling to make any sort of agreement with the man. +Nevertheless, he realized that Sam had it within his power to withhold +vital information. + +"Very well," he said, "I'll take your word for it that Mattie is +innocent. Now where is the meeting to be held?" + +"At Johnson's warehouse." + +"Isn't that along the river?" + +"Yeah, about eight miles from here. The boys will be loading some tires +there. If you're willing to take the risk, you may learn something. +Meeting's at seven." + +Penny glanced at her wrist watch. + +"It's after six now!" she exclaimed in dismay. "Dad, if we are to get +there in time, we've got to step!" + +"Right you are," he agreed. + +Before leaving the garage, Mr. Parker telephoned Central Police Station. +Without mentioning Sam's name, he revealed a little of what he had +learned and requested an immediate investigation of the Johnson +Warehouse. Then, intending to meet officers there, he and Penny taxied +along the winding river road. + +Although not yet seven o'clock, it was darkening fast. The driver +switched on headlights, illuminating a long stretch of icy pavement. + +"Can't you go faster?" Mr. Parker urged impatiently. + +"Don't dare, sir," replied the driver. + +Even as he spoke, a crossroads traffic light flashed red. Though the +driver applied the foot brake with quick stabs, the car went into a +disastrous skid. Out of control, it slid crosswise in the narrow road. +The front wheels rolled into a deep, slippery ditch. + +"Just our luck!" muttered Mr. Parker. + +Several times the driver tried to back the car from the ditch. Failing, +he and Mr. Parker pushed while Penny handled the steering wheel. The +tires kept spinning and would not grip the ice. + +"No use," the publisher acknowledged at last. "We're only wasting time. +We need a tow car." + +"The nearest house or filling station is at least a mile up the road," +volunteered Penny. "I'm afraid we're stalled here until the police car +comes along." + +They climbed into the taxi and waited. No vehicle of any description came +by. With increasing impatience, Mr. Parker looked at his watch. + +"It's nearly seven o'clock now!" he exclaimed. "Either the police are +waiting farther down the road, or they've taken a different route!" + +"What are we going to do?" Penny asked helplessly. "If we sit here much +longer we'll miss catching those men at their meeting." + +"I don't see what we can do. Maybe our best bet is to walk to the nearest +filling station." + +Penny suddenly was struck with an idea. "The Riverview Yacht Club is +closer!" she cried. + +"True, but it's closed for the winter." + +"My iceboat is still there," said Penny. "If you're not afraid to ride +with me, I could get you to Johnson's Warehouse in nothing flat." + +"What are we waiting for?" demanded Mr. Parker. + +Leaving the cab driver behind, Penny and her father ran most of the way +to the club. The _Icicle_, covered with snow, runners frozen to the ice, +remained where it had been abandoned. + +"The sail's here too!" Penny declared, burrowing in a box hidden deep in +the cockpit. "In this wind, we'll go places!" + +"Are you sure you can handle the boat?" Mr. Parker asked anxiously. He +had never ridden in the _Icicle_ and from his daughter's vivid +descriptions, had no great desire to do so. + +"I know I can start it going," Penny replied with a quick laugh. "I'll +worry about stopping it when the time comes!" + +They cleared the little boat of snow and pushed it out on the smooth ice +of the river. Penny made certain that all the ropes were free running. + +"Now you get in, Dad," she advised as she hoisted the flapping sail. "I +want to be sure where you are when the fireworks begin." + +The wind filled the big sail like a balloon. Nothing happened. The +iceboat did not move an inch. + +"Why don't we go?" growled Mr. Parker. "Runners dull?" + +Penny gave the boat a hard push. + +"Want me to help?" offered her father. + +"No, thanks," puffed Penny. "When this baby makes up its mind, it will go +so fast you'd be left behind." + +Once more she pushed. The sail filled again and the runners stirred. + +"It's moving!" shouted Penny. + +The _Icicle_ was pulling away from her. She clung fast, trying to +scramble aboard. Her feet went out from under her and she was dragged +over the ice. + +"Hang on!" shouted Mr. Parker. "I can't sail this thing alone!" + +Penny clung desperately. Away flew a mitten. Her scarf flapped in her +face. With a supreme effort, she pulled herself aboard, and took command +of the tiller. + +"Are you hurt?" Mr. Parker shouted anxiously in her ear. + +Penny shook her head and laughed. "Getting started always is quite a +trick," she replied. "Sit tight! We have a stiff breeze tonight." + +Penny and her father wore no protective goggles. The sharp wind stung +their eyes even though they kept their heads low. + +"How'll we know when we get to the warehouse?" Mr. Parker shouted. "I +can't see anything!" + +"Just trust me," laughed Penny. "All I worry about is stopping this +bronco when we get there!" + +The boat was moving with the speed of an express train. Penny made her +decisions with lightning-like rapidity, twice steering to avoid open +stretches of water. She was worried, but had no intention of letting her +father know. + +The boat raced on. Then far ahead loomed the dark outline of a building. + +"That's the warehouse!" shouted Mr. Parker. "Don't go past it!" + +Penny gradually slowed the _Icicle_. Approaching shore, she slacked the +main sheet and shot up into the wind. By using her overshoes for brakes, +she finally brought the boat to a standstill not far from the warehouse. + +"Well done, skipper," praised Mr. Parker. + +Scrambling from the boat, they glanced anxiously about. A dim light shone +from inside the warehouse. Not far from its side entrance stood a truck. +There were no other vehicles, no sign of the expected police car. + +"Is this the place?" Penny asked doubtfully. + +"Yes, it's the only warehouse within a mile. Queer the police aren't here +to meet us." + +The publisher waded through a shrunken snowdrift to a side door of the +building. It was not locked and he pushed it open a crack. Far down a +deserted corridor shone a dim lantern light. + +"Oughtn't we to wait for the police?" Penny whispered uneasily. + +Without answering, Mr. Parker started down the corridor. Penny quickly +overtook him, padding along close at his side. + +The corridor opened into a large storage room used in years past to house +river merchandise. Now the walls were stacked high with tires. + +On the ground floor stood a truck which several men were loading. Two +others watched the work from a balcony overhead. + +"Dad, do you recognize any of those men?" Penny whispered. + +"No, but we've evidently come to the right place," he replied. + +The men did not talk as they loaded the tires into the truck. For many +minutes Penny and her father watched the work. + +"That truck soon will be pulling out," Penny observed. "Why don't the +police come?" + +"I'm going to talk to those men," Mr. Parker decided. "You stay here." + +Before Penny could protest, her father stepped boldly into the lighted +room. Immediately work ceased. Every eye focused upon him. + +"Good evening," said Mr. Parker casually. + +The remark was greeted by a suspicious silence. Then one of the men, a +red-faced fellow with a twisted lower lip, asked: "You lookin' fer +somebody?" + +"Just passing through and noticed the light," replied Mr. Parker. +"Wondered what's going on." + +"You can see, can't you?" growled one of the workmen. "We're trying to +load tires. Now get out of here or I'll bounce one on your head! We got +work to do." + +Mr. Parker did not lack courage. However, the grim faces warned him that +the men would not hesitate to make their promise good. With Penny +unprotected in the corridor he could afford to take no chances. + +"Sorry to have bothered you," he apologized, and retreated. + +Penny waited nervously in the dark hallway. "Now what are we to do?" she +whispered as her father rejoined her. + +"We'll telephone again for the police. Let's get out of here." + +Noiselessly they stole from the building. As they huddled in the lee of a +brick wall, a car came down the road. + +"That may be the police now!" Penny murmured hopefully. + +The car turned in at the warehouse. A lone policeman alighted. As he came +over to the building, Penny recognized him as Carl Burns. + +"Where's the rest of your men?" Mr. Parker demanded. "Surely you don't +expect to handle this tire gang single handed?" + +"Aren't you a bit mixed up?" the policeman drawled. + +"Mixed up?" + +"I'm here on a routine inspection. This is a defense plant, or didn't you +know?" + +"A defense plant!" Mr. Parker echoed. + +"A warehouse for one, I should say," corrected the policeman. "Tires +intended for the Wilson war plant are earmarked and shipped out from +here. A couple of trucks are going out tonight. I'm on the job to see +they're not hijacked." + +Penny gazed blankly at her father. If the policeman's information was +correct, then they had nearly made a serious blunder. + +"Guess we've been tricked," Mr. Parker muttered. "We were told this place +operates in the Black Market." + +"That's a laugh," responded the policeman. "Who told you that yarn?" + +"I can't divulge my source." + +"Well, you sure were taken for a ride!" the policeman taunted. "Mr. +Parker, why not let the police handle the crooks while you look after +your newspaper business? You've not been yourself since you were in that +auto accident." + +Penny and her father resented the implication, but wisely allowed the +remark to pass without comment. Decidedly crestfallen, they bade the +policeman goodbye and returned to the iceboat. + +"We've made ourselves ridiculous!" Mr. Parker commented bitterly as they +shoved off down river. "Taken in by Sam Burkholder!" + +"He probably lied to get rid of us," agreed Penny. "By this time he's +likely removed every tire from Mattie's garage!" + +Mr. Parker nodded and did not speak again. His failure to learn the +identity of the key men associated with Ropes Mollinberg, had been a +bitter disappointment. + +Penny handled the _Icicle_ effortlessly and without much thought. Faster +and faster the little boat traveled, its runners throwing up a powdery +dust. + +Then without warning the _Icicle_ struck something frozen in the ice. +Before Penny could make a move, the runners leaped from the surface. The +boat tilted to a sharp angle, and went over. + +Penny felt herself sliding. Snow filled her mouth, the sleeves of her +coat. Her cap hung over one ear. Laughing shakily, she scrambled to her +feet. + +"Are you all right, Dad?" she called anxiously. + +Then she saw him. Mr. Parker was sprawled flat on the ice a few yards +away. He did not move. Terrified, she ran to him and grasped his arm. + +"Dad! Speak to me!" + +Mr. Parker stirred slightly. He raised a hand and rubbed his head. Slowly +he pulled himself to a sitting position. + +"Penny--" he mumbled, staring at her. + +"Yes, Dad." + +"It's come to me--in a flash!" + +"What has, Dad?" Penny asked, wondering how badly her father had been +stunned. + +"Why, all the evidence I had in my portfolio! Names! Pictures! I know +every man who was mixed up in the tire deal. Jerry gave it all to me." + +"You remember everything?" cried Penny. "Dad, that's wonderful! It's just +like Doctor Greer said. You've regained your memory as the result of a +sudden blow." + +"Things did seem to rush back to me after I hit my head on the ice." + +Gripping Penny's hand, Mr. Parker pulled himself to his feet. Still +giddy, he staggered and caught the iceboat for support. Then recovering, +he exclaimed: + +"We've got to go back there right away!" + +"Where, Dad?" + +"To the warehouse. We were tricked, but not by Sam Burkholder! Policeman +Burns is one of the men I aim to expose!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 25 + _FINAL EDITION_ + + +Penny and her father had no definite plan as they raced toward Johnson's +warehouse in the iceboat. Their only thought was to return and somehow +prevent the escape of the tire thieves. + +"Dad, is Harley Schirr one of the gang?" Penny shouted in Mr. Parker's +ear. + +"Schirr?" he repeated impatiently. "Of course not!" + +"Then why didn't he want you to publish the tire stories in the _Star_?" + +"Oh, Schirr's a natural-born coward," Mr. Parker answered. "He likes to +snoop and give unasked advice. Let's forget him." + +The _Icicle_ slowed to a standstill near the warehouse. Penny and her +father leaped out and climbed the slippery bank. Nearby they saw a loaded +truck about to pull away from the building. + +"We never can stop those men now!" gasped Penny. + +"Yes, we can!" cried her father. "A police car is coming, and this time +it's no fake!" + +As he spoke, an automobile bearing the notation, "Police Department" in +bold letters, skidded into the driveway. Detective Fuller was at the +wheel and at least four policemen were with him. + +"Stop that truck!" Mr. Parker shouted. "Don't let it get away!" + +Detective Fuller and four companions leaped from the police car. As the +loaded truck started off with a roar, they blocked the road. + +"Halt!" shouted Detective Fuller. + +When the order was ignored, he fired twice. The bullets pierced the rear +tires of the truck. Air whistled out and the rubber slowly flattened. + +For a few yards the truck wobbled on, then stopped. Two detectives leaped +for the cab. + +"All right, get out!" ordered Detective Fuller, covering the men. + +The truck driver and two others slouched sullenly out of the cab. As +flashlights swept their faces, Penny recognized one of the men. + +"Hank Biglow!" she identified the driver. + +"And this man is Ham Mollinberg, a brother of Ropes," said Mr. Parker, +indicating a red-faced fellow in a leather jacket. "The man beside him is +Al Brancomb, wanted for skipping parole in California." + +"Any others in the warehouse?" demanded Detective Fuller. + +"There should be," said Penny excitedly. "Where's Mr. Burns?" + +"What Burns do you mean?" questioned one of the detectives. + +"Connected with your police force, unfortunately," informed Mr. Parker. +"That's why I planned to consult the Prosecutor before I spread the story +on the _Star's_ front page. You boys have done good work in Riverview and +I didn't want to make the department look bad." + +"Burns, eh?" Detective Fuller repeated. "We'll find out what he has to +say!" + +The policeman, however, was not to be apprehended so easily. Four men, +including Ropes Mollinberg, were captured inside the warehouse. Burns had +left the building some minutes earlier and had returned to Riverview. + +"Don't worry, we'll get him!" Detective Fuller promised Mr. Parker. "How +about these other eggs? Can you identify them?" + +"They're all members of the outfit," the publisher said without +hesitation. "One of my reporters, Jerry Livingston, spent weeks watching +these men and getting wise to their methods." + +"Then he can testify against them." + +"He can if he gets back," agreed Mr. Parker. "Jerry's in Canada and for +some reason we've been unable to locate him." + +Penny and her father remained at the warehouse until the handcuffed +prisoners had been taken away. They were jubilant over the capture. Not +only would the tire-theft gang be broken up, but the _Star_ had achieved +another exclusive front-page story. + +"The best part of all is that you've recovered your memory!" Penny +declared to her father. "After this, you won't dare fuss when I tell you +I'm going ice-boating!" + +"You're right," agreed Mr. Parker. "The _Icicle_ is the best pal I ever +had!" + +Within an hour after Penny and her father left the warehouse they were +notified that Mr. Burns had been taken into custody. Evidence piled up +rapidly against the policeman. As it definitely was established that he +had accepted money from Ropes Mollinberg, he was stripped of his badge +and put behind bars. + +Police were not compelled to search the Williams' garage. Before they +could act, Sam Burkholder came voluntarily to Central Station, offering +to make a clean breast of his part in the Black Market dealings. Both he +and Mattie were held as witnesses against the tire thieves. + +"Will Mattie be kept in jail long?" Penny asked her father. + +"I doubt it," he replied. "Apparently, Sam acted alone in selling illegal +tires. Since he's showing a disposition to cooperate with police, he'll +probably escape with a heavy fine." + +With the tire theft case soon to come up for trial, Penny was disturbed +lest Jerry Livingston fail to return from Canada in time to testify. For +many days she tormented herself with wild speculations. Then one +afternoon her worries were brought to an end by the arrival of a +telegram. Nothing had happened to the young reporter. He had failed to +reply to messages only because he had been out of touch with +civilization. + +In his wire, Jerry stated that he would return to Riverview at once to +aid in the search for the publisher. + +"Jerry doesn't know yet that you've been found!" Penny said to her +father. "We must wire him right away to set his mind at rest." + +The message was sent, and within a few hours a reply arrived, addressed +to Penny. + +"COMING ANYWAY," it read. "AM BRINGING YOU A BEAR RUG TOGETHER WITH A +NICE BEAR HUG." + +As if pleasant surprises never would end, still another came Penny's way. +Police notified her that among the tires seized at the Johnson Warehouse +was a set of five belonging to her stripped car. + +"You're much better off than I," Mr. Parker teased her. "Your car now is +in running order again. Mine will be in the garage for many a day. I'll +have to pay my own repair bill, too." + +"Unless the hit-skip driver is found." + +"I'm afraid he never will be," sighed Mr. Parker. "I'll always believe +the men who crowded me off the road were hired by the tire-theft gang. No +way to prove it though." + +"The car license number Mrs. Botts gave police didn't seem to be +accurate," Penny replied. "By the way, have you decided what you'll do +about her?" + +"Mrs. Botts?" + +"Yes, so far you've placed no formal charge against her." + +Mr. Parker smiled as he reached for a final edition of the _Star_. The +paper carried not only an account of the round-up at Johnson's Warehouse, +but a full confession from Mrs. Botts. + +"I bear the woman no ill will," he said. "She's already lost her position +as caretaker at the Deming estate. That's punishment enough as far as I'm +concerned." + +Presently Mrs. Weems entered the living-room with a glass of milk. When +she tried to make the publisher take it he complained that he no longer +was an invalid. + +"Now drink your milk like a good lad," Penny scolded. "Why, you're still +as thin as a ghost." + +With a wry face Mr. Parker gulped down the drink. + +"Let's not speak of ghosts," he pleaded. "I'm well now, and I don't like +to be reminded of those disgraceful night-shirt parades." + +"Are you sure you're perfectly well?" teased Penny. + +"Of course I am. My memory is as good as it ever was!" + +"Haven't you forgotten a rather important financial item?" + +Mr. Parker looked puzzled. Then light broke over his face. + +"Your allowance! I've not paid it for a long while, have I?" + +"You certainly haven't," grinned Penny. "The old till is painfully empty. +I can use a little folding money to good advantage." + +Her father smiled and opened his pocketbook. "Here you are," he said. "Go +out and paint the town red!" + +When Penny thumbed over the little stack of "folding money" she drew in +her breath. Then she leaped to her feet in youthful exuberance. + +"Oh, Dad, you're a darling!" she cried. "Why, this will buy a brush and a +whole barrel of red paint! Look out, Riverview, here I come!" + + + + + Transcriber's Notes + + +--Silently corrected a handful of palpable typos. + +--Replaced the list of books in the series by the complete list, as in + the final book, "The Cry at Midnight". + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ghost Beyond the Gate, 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: Ghost Beyond the Gate + +Author: Mildred A. Wirt + +Release Date: November 22, 2010 [EBook #34395] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GHOST BEYOND THE GATE *** + + + + +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="Ghost Beyond the Gate" width="373" height="500" /> +</div> +<div class="box"> +<h1>Ghost +<br />Beyond the Gate</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, 1943, BY CUPPLES AND LEON CO.</span></p> +<p class="center">Ghost Beyond the Gate</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="Her feet went out from under her and she was dragged over the ice." width="480" height="736" /> +<p class="center"><span class="small">Her feet went out from under her and she was dragged over the ice. +<br />“<i>Ghost Beyond the Gate</i>” <span class="gsw">(<a href="#Page_195">See Page 195</a>)</span></span></p> +</div> +<h2><i>CONTENTS</i></h2> +<dl class="toc"> +<dt class="smaller"><span class="lj">CHAPTER</span> PAGE</dt> +<dt><a href="#c1">1 LOST ON A HILLTOP</a> 1</dt> +<dt><a href="#c2">2 AT THE LISTENING POST</a> 11</dt> +<dt><a href="#c3">3 AN UNPLEASANT DRIVER</a> 20</dt> +<dt><a href="#c4">4 STOLEN TIRES</a> 26</dt> +<dt><a href="#c5">5 AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW</a> 35</dt> +<dt><a href="#c6">6 FRONT PAGE NEWS</a> 43</dt> +<dt><a href="#c7">7 QUESTIONS WITHOUT ANSWERS</a> 52</dt> +<dt><a href="#c8">8 A FEW CHANGES</a> 58</dt> +<dt><a href="#c9">9 AN OPEN SAFE</a> 68</dt> +<dt><a href="#c10">10 TALE OF A GHOST</a> 75</dt> +<dt><a href="#c11">11 BY A CEMETERY WALL</a> 85</dt> +<dt><a href="#c12">12 FLIGHT</a> 91</dt> +<dt><a href="#c13">13 A BLACK MARKET</a> 100</dt> +<dt><a href="#c14">14 A FAMILIAR FIGURE</a> 107</dt> +<dt><a href="#c15">15 GHOST IN THE GARDEN</a> 117</dt> +<dt><a href="#c16">16 A DOOR IN A BOX</a> 125</dt> +<dt><a href="#c17">17 ADVENTURE BY MOONLIGHT</a> 134</dt> +<dt><a href="#c18">18 THROUGH THE CELLAR WINDOW</a> 142</dt> +<dt><a href="#c19">19 A BAFFLING SEARCH</a> 151</dt> +<dt><a href="#c20">20 ACCUSATIONS</a> 157</dt> +<dt><a href="#c21">21 MRS. BOTTS’ REVELATION</a> 166</dt> +<dt><a href="#c22">22 A PARK BENCH</a> 173</dt> +<dt><a href="#c23">23 FORGOTTEN EVENTS</a> 180</dt> +<dt><a href="#c24">24 TRICKERY</a> 190</dt> +<dt><a href="#c25">25 FINAL EDITION</a> 203</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>LOST ON A HILLTOP</i></h2> +<p>The little iceboat, with two laughing, shouting +girls clinging to it, sped over the frozen surface of +Big Bear River.</p> +<p>“Penny, we’re going too fast!” screamed Louise +Sidell, ducking to protect her face from the biting +wind.</p> +<p>“Only about forty an hour!” shrieked her companion +gleefully.</p> +<p>At the tiller of the <i>Icicle</i>, Penelope Parker, in fur-lined +parka, sheepskin coat and goggles, looked for +all the world like a jolly Eskimo. Always delighting +in a new sport, she had built the iceboat herself—spars +from a wood lot, the sail from an old tent.</p> +<p>“Slow down, Penny!” pleaded her chum.</p> +<p>“Can’t,” shouted Penny cheerfully. “Oh, we’re going +into a hike!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_2">[2]</div> +<p>As one runner raised off the ice, the boat tilted far +over on its side. Louise shrieked with terror, and held +tight to prevent being thrown out. Penny, hard +pressed, sought to avert disaster by a snappy starting +of the main sheet.</p> +<p>For a space the boat rushed on, runners roaring. +Then as a sudden puff of wind struck the sail, the +steering runner leaped off the ice. Instantly the <i>Icicle</i> +went into a spin from which Penny could not +straighten it.</p> +<p>“We’re going over!” screamed Louise, scrambling +to free her feet.</p> +<p>The next moment the boat capsized. Both girls +went sliding on their backs across the ice. Penny +landed in a snowdrift at the river bank, her parka +awry, goggles hanging on one ear.</p> +<p>“Are you hurt, Lou?” she called, jumping to her +feet.</p> +<p>Louise sprawled on the ice some distance away. +Slowly she pulled herself to a sitting position and +rubbed the back of her head.</p> +<p>“Maybe this is your idea of fun!” she complained. +“As for me, give me bronco busting! It would be a +mild sport in comparison.”</p> +<p>Penny chuckled, dusting snow from her clothing. +“Why, this is fun, Lou. We have to expect these little +upsets while we’re learning.”</p> +<p>The sail of the overturned iceboat was billowing +like a parachute. Slipping and sliding, Penny ran to +pull it in.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_3">[3]</div> +<p>“Take the old thing down!” urged Louise, hobbling +after her. “I’ve had enough ice-boating for this afternoon!”</p> +<p>“Oh, just one more turn down the river and back,” +coaxed Penny.</p> +<p>“No! We’re close to the club house now. If we +sail off again, there’s no telling where we’ll land. +Anyway, it’s late and it’s starting to snow.”</p> +<p>Penny reluctantly acknowledged that Louise spoke +pearls of wisdom. Large, damp snowflakes were +drifting down, dotting her red mittens. The wind +steadily was stiffening, and cold penetrated her sheepskin +coat.</p> +<p>“It will be dark within an hour,” added Louise. +Uneasily she scanned the leaden sky. “We’ve been +out here all afternoon.”</p> +<p>“Guess it is time to go home,” admitted Penny. +“Oh, well, it won’t take us long to get the <i>Icicle</i> +loaded onto the car trailer. Lucky we upset so close +to the club house.”</p> +<p>Setting to work with a will, the girls took down the +flapping sail. After much tugging and pushing, they +righted the boat and pulled it toward the Riverview +Yacht Club. Closed for the winter, the building +looked cold and forlorn. Penny, however, had left +her car in the snowy parking lot, which was convenient +to the river.</p> +<p>“Wish we could get warm somewhere,” Louise +said, shivering. “It must be ten below zero.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_4">[4]</div> +<p>Pulling the <i>Icicle</i> behind them, the girls climbed +the slippery river bank. Snow now swirled in clouds, +half-curtaining the club house.</p> +<p>“I’ll get the car and drive it down here,” Penny offered, +starting toward the parking lot. “No use dragging +the boat any farther.”</p> +<p>Abandoning the <i>Icicle</i>, Louise went with her chum. +A dozen steps took the girls to a wind-swept corner of +the deserted building. Rounding it, they both stopped +short, staring.</p> +<p>On the snow-banked parking lot where the car had +been left, there now stood only one vehicle, an unpainted, +two-wheel trailer.</p> +<p>“Great fishes!” exclaimed Penny. “Where’s the +coupe?”</p> +<p>“Maybe you forgot to set the brake and it rolled +into a ditch!”</p> +<p>“In that case, the trailer would have gone with it.” +Her face grim, Penny ran on toward the parking lot.</p> +<p>Reaching the trailer, the girls saw by tire tracks in +the snow that the car had been detached and driven +away.</p> +<p>“I knew it! I knew it!” Penny wailed, pounding +her mittens together. “The coupe’s been stolen!”</p> +<p>“What’s that across the road?” Louise demanded. +“It looks like an automobile to me. In the ditch, +too!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_5">[5]</div> +<p>Taking new hope, Penny went to investigate the +little ravine. Through a screen of bare tree branches +and bushes, she glimpsed a blur of metal.</p> +<p>“It’s the car!” she cried jubilantly. “But how did +it get across the road?”</p> +<p>Penny’s elation quickly died. Drawing nearer, she +was dismayed to see that the coupe appeared to be +lying on its stomach in the ditch. Four wheels and +a spare had been removed.</p> +<p>“Stripped of every tire!” she exclaimed. “The thief +ran the car out here on the road so we couldn’t see +him at work from the river!”</p> +<p>“What are we going to do?” Louise asked weakly. +“We’re miles from Riverview. No houses close by. +We’re half frozen and night is coming on.”</p> +<p>Penny, her face very long, had no answer. She +measured the gasoline tank with a stick. All of the +fuel had been siphoned. She lifted the hood, expecting +to find vital parts of the engine missing. However, +everything appeared to be in place.</p> +<p>Seeking protection from the penetrating wind, the +girls climbed into the car to discuss their situation.</p> +<p>“Can’t we just wait here until someone comes along +and gives us a lift to town?” suggested Louise.</p> +<p>“Yes, but we’re on a side road and few cars travel +this way during winter.”</p> +<p>“Then why not go somewhere and telephone?”</p> +<p>“The nearest stores are at Kamm’s corner, about +two miles away.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_6">[6]</div> +<p>Louise gazed thoughtfully at the soft snow which +was banking deeper on the windshield of the car.</p> +<p>“Two miles in this, facing the wind, will be a hard +hike. Think we ought to try it, Penny?”</p> +<p>“I’m sure I don’t want to. And we needn’t either! +Do you remember Salt Sommers?”</p> +<p>“The photographer who works on your father’s +newspaper?”</p> +<p>“Yes, he spends his spare time as an airplane spotter. +His station is over in the hills not more than a half +mile from here! Why not tramp over there and ask +him to telephone our folks?”</p> +<p>“Are you sure you know the way?”</p> +<p>“I was there once last summer,” Penny said confidently. +“One follows a side road through the woods. +I’m sure I can find it.”</p> +<p>“All right,” Louise consented, sliding from behind +the steering wheel. “If we’re going, let’s move right +along.”</p> +<p>Stiff with cold, the girls trudged past the club house +and on down the road. Snow was falling faster and +faster. Several times they paused to wipe their frosted +goggles.</p> +<p>“This promises to be a man-sized blizzard,” Louise +observed uneasily. “It’s getting dark early, too.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_7">[7]</div> +<p>Penny nodded, her thoughts on what she would +say to her father when she reached home. The car +had been fully insured, but even so it would not be +easy to replace five stolen tires. Ruefully she reflected +that Mrs. Weems, the kindly housekeeper who had +looked after her since her mother’s death, had not +favored the river trip.</p> +<p>“Oh, don’t take it so hard,” Louise tried to cheer +her. “Maybe the thief will be caught.”</p> +<p>“Not a chance of it,” Penny responded gloomily.</p> +<p>A hundred yards farther on the girls came to another +side road which wound upward through the +wooded hills. Already there was an ominous dusk +settling over the valley. Penny paused to take bearings.</p> +<p>“I think this is the way,” she said doubtfully.</p> +<p>“You think!”</p> +<p>“Well, I’m pretty sure,” Penny amended. “Salt’s +station is up there on top of one of those hills. If this +snow would stop we should be able to see the tower +from here.”</p> +<p>Slightly reassured, Louise followed her chum across +a wooden bridge and up a narrow, winding road. On +either side of the frozen ditches, tall frosted evergreens +provided friendly protection from the stabbing, icy +wind. Nevertheless, walking was not easy for the +roadbed bore a shell of treacherous ice.</p> +<p>Confident that they soon would come to the airplane +listening post, the girls trudged on. Penny, +anxious to make the most of the remaining daylight, +set a stiff pace.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_8">[8]</div> +<p>“Shouldn’t we be coming to the station?” Louise +presently asked. “Surely we’ve gone more than a +half mile.”</p> +<p>“The post is a little ways off from the road,” Penny +confessed, peering anxiously at the unbroken line of +evergreens. “We should be able to see it.”</p> +<p>“In this blinding snow? Why, we may have passed +the station without knowing it.”</p> +<p>“Well, I don’t think so.”</p> +<p>“You’re not one bit sure, Penny Parker!” Louise +accused. “We were crazy to start off without being +certain of the post’s location.”</p> +<p>“We always can go back to the car.”</p> +<p>“I’m nearly frozen now,” Louise complained, slapping +her mittens together. “There’s no feeling in one +of my hands.”</p> +<p>Penny paused to wipe the moisture from her goggles. +From far down the road came the sound of a +laboring motor. She listened hopefully.</p> +<p>“A car, Lou!” she cried. “Everything will be all +right now! We’ll hail it and ask the driver for a lift.”</p> +<p>Greatly encouraged, the girls waited for the approaching +vehicle. They could hear it climbing a +steep knoll, then descending. From the sound of the +engine they decided that it must be a truck and that +it might round the curve at a fast speed.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_9">[9]</div> +<p>Worried lest the driver fail to see them, the girls +stepped out into the middle of the road. As the truck +swerved around the bend, they shouted and waved +their arms.</p> +<p>The startled driver slammed on brakes, causing the +big black truck to slide like a sled. Penny and Louise +leaped aside, barely avoiding being struck.</p> +<p>As they watched anxiously, the driver recovered +control of the machine. He straightened out and +brought the truck to a standstill farther up the road.</p> +<p>Penny seized her chum’s hand. “Come on, Lou! +He’s going to give us a ride!”</p> +<p>Before they could reach the truck, the driver lowered +the cab window. Thrusting his head through +the opening he bellowed angrily:</p> +<p>“What you tryin’ to do? Wreck my truck?”</p> +<p>Giving the girls no opportunity to reply, he closed +the cab window.</p> +<p>Penny saw that the man was intending to drive on. +“Wait!” she called frantically. “Please give us a +ride! We’re lost and half frozen!”</p> +<p>The man heard for he flashed an ugly smile. Shifting +gears, he drove away.</p> +<p>“Of all the shabby tricks, that’s the worst!” Penny +said furiously. “It wasn’t our fault his old truck +skidded.”</p> +<p>“But it is our fault we’re lost on this road,” Louise +added. “How are we ever to find the listening post?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_10">[10]</div> +<p>Penny leaned against the leeward side of a giant +pine. Already it was so dark that she could see only +a few feet down the road. There were no houses, no +lights, nothing to guide her.</p> +<p>“Penny, are we really lost?” Louise demanded, suddenly +afraid.</p> +<p>“We really, truly are,” her chum answered in a +quavering voice. “The post must be somewhere near +here, but we’ll never find it. All we can do is try to +get back to the car.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_11">[11]</div> +<h2 id="c2"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">2</span> +<br /><i>AT THE LISTENING POST</i></h2> +<p>Penny’s courage did not long forsake her. +She had suggested to Louise that they return to the +stripped car, but she knew that would not solve their +problem. Staring up the dark road, she remarked +that they must be close to the summit of the hill.</p> +<p>“Then why not keep on?” urged Louise. “We set +out to find the listening post, so let’s do it!”</p> +<p>They trudged on up the winding road. At intervals, +in an attempt to restore circulation to numbed +feet, they ran a few steps. Snow fell steadily, whipping +and stinging their faces.</p> +<p>Gasping, half-winded, they kept doggedly on. +Finally they struggled into a clearing at the top of the +hill. Penny wiped her eyes and gazed down through a +gap in the white-coated evergreens. A quarter of the +way down the slope on the other side appeared a +glowing dot of light.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_12">[12]</div> +<p>“I’m afraid it’s only a cabin,” she said dubiously. +“It can’t be the airplane listening post.”</p> +<p>“Let’s go there anyway,” advised Louise. “We can +warm ourselves and ask how to get back to civilization.”</p> +<p>They pushed on, still following the road. Downhill +walking was much easier and at intervals they +were encouraged by a glimpse of the light.</p> +<p>Then, rounding a bend of the road, the girls came +to an artistic, newly constructed iron fence, banked +heavily with snow. The fence led to a high gate, and +behind the gate loomed a dark, sprawling house with +double chimneys.</p> +<p>“The place is deserted!” Louise observed in disappointment. +“What became of the light we’ve been +following?”</p> +<p>“It must be farther on. This house looks as if it had +been closed for the winter.”</p> +<p>Penny went to the gate and rattled a heavy chain +which held it in place. Peering through the palings, +she could see an unshoveled driveway which curved +gracefully to a pillared porch. The spacious grounds +were dotted with evergreens and shrubs, so layered +with snow that they resembled scraggly ghosts.</p> +<p>“Wonder who owns this place?” speculated Louise.</p> +<p>“Don’t know,” Penny answered, turning away. +“In fact, I don’t recall ever having seen it before.”</p> +<p>Her words carried special significance to Louise.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_13">[13]</div> +<p>“If you’ve never seen this house before, then we’re +on a strange road! Penny, we never will find the +listening post!”</p> +<p>“I’m beginning to suspect it myself,” Penny admitted +grimly. “But we must keep plodding on. +That light can’t be far ahead.”</p> +<p>Turning their backs upon the gloomy estate, they +again braved the penetrating wind. Soon Louise lost +her footing and fell. She remained in a dispirited little +heap until Penny pulled her off the ice.</p> +<p>“Let’s keep going, Lou,” she urged. “It won’t be +long now.”</p> +<p>Louise allowed Penny to pull her along. They +rounded a curve in the road, and there, miraculously, +the lighted cabin rose before them.</p> +<p>“At last!” exulted Louise. “The Promised Land!”</p> +<p>Staggering up a shoveled path, they pounded on +the cabin door. An old man, who held a kerosene +lamp, responded promptly.</p> +<p>“Come in, come in!” he invited heartily. “Why, +you look half frozen.”</p> +<p>“Looks aren’t deceitful either,” Penny laughed +shakily.</p> +<p>As the girls went into the warm room a little whirlpool +of wind and snow danced ahead of them. +Quickly the old man closed the door. He made +places for Penny and Louise at the stove and tossed in +a heavy stick of wood.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_14">[14]</div> +<p>“Bad night to be out,” he commented cheerfully.</p> +<p>Penny agreed that it was. “We’re lost,” she volunteered, +stripping off her wet mittens. “At least we +can’t find the airplane listening post.”</p> +<p>“Why, it’s just a piece farther on,” the old man replied. +“The tower’s right hard to see in this storm.”</p> +<p>While they thawed out, the girls explained that they +had been forced to abandon their car at the Riverview +Yacht Club. The old man, whose name was Henry +Hammill, listened with deep sympathy to their tale +of woe.</p> +<p>“I’ll hitch up my horses and take you to Riverview +in the sled,” he offered. “That is, unless you’d rather +stop at the listening tower.”</p> +<p>“It would save you a long trip,” Penny returned +politely. “If Salt Sommers is on duty, I’m sure he’ll +take us to our homes.”</p> +<p>In the end it was decided that Old Henry should +drive the girls as far as the post. Then, if arrangements +could not be made with the photographer, he +would keep on to Riverview.</p> +<p>Warm at last, Penny and Louise declared that they +were ready to start. Old Henry brought the sled to +the door and the team soon was racing down the icy +road. Above the jingle of bells arose occasional +squeals of laughter, for the young passengers enjoyed +every minute of the unexpected ride.</p> +<p>Presently Old Henry pulled up at the side of the +road.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_15">[15]</div> +<p>“There’s the tower,” he said, pointing to a two-story +wooden observatory rising above the evergreens. +“I’ll wait until you find out if your friend’s here.”</p> +<p>The girls thanked the old man for his kindly help +and scrambled from the sled. They were sure their +troubles were over, for they could see Salt Sommers +seated at a table in the lighted tower.</p> +<p>A flight of steps led to a narrow catwalk which ran +around three sides of the glass-enclosed house. Before +Penny and Louise could hammer on the door Salt +opened it.</p> +<p>“Well, see what the storm blew in!” the young man +exclaimed. “I didn’t expect you girls to pop in on a +night like this.”</p> +<p>“Salt, how soon will you be driving to Riverview?” +Penny asked breathlessly.</p> +<p>“About twenty minutes. As soon as my relief +shows up.”</p> +<p>“May we ride with you?”</p> +<p>“Why, sure.”</p> +<p>Penny called down from the catwalk to tell Old +Henry he need not wait. With a friendly wave of +his hand, the cabin owner drove away. The girls +then followed Salt into the drafty tower room.</p> +<p>Curiously they gazed at their surroundings. In the +center of the room stood a small coal stove. Above it +a tacked sign admonished: “Keep this fire going!” +There was a table, two chairs and a telephone. Also +a round clock which indicated seven-forty.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_16">[16]</div> +<p>Before Penny and Louise could explain why they +had come, Salt held up a warning finger.</p> +<p>“Listen!” he exclaimed. “Wasn’t that a plane?”</p> +<p>He ran out on the catwalk, letting in an icy blast of +wind. In a moment he came back, grinning sheepishly.</p> +<p>“A passenger airplane is due through here about this +time. Sometimes I listen for it so hard I imagine the +sound of the engine.”</p> +<p>“The job must get tiresome at times,” Penny ventured, +making herself comfortable by the glowing +stove.</p> +<p>“Oh, it does, but I’m glad to serve my trick. What +brings you girls here on such a wild night?”</p> +<p>The story was quickly told. Nevertheless, by the +time Penny had telephoned to Mrs. Weems, it was +after eight o’clock. Footsteps pounded on the stairway. +An elderly man, his hat and overcoat encrusted +with snow, swept into the room.</p> +<p>“My relief,” said Salt, presenting Nate Adams to +the girls. “I’m free to shove off now.”</p> +<p>“Hope you can start your car,” commented the +newcomer. “It’s mighty cold, and the temperature +is still dropping.”</p> +<p>Salt’s battered coupe was parked not far from the +tower. Snow blanketed the windshield. He wiped +it away and after several attempts started the engine.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_17">[17]</div> +<p>“Think I’d better stop at the first garage and have +more alcohol put in the radiator. No use in taking a +chance.”</p> +<p>Salt followed the same road over which the girls +had trudged an hour earlier. In passing the estate not +far from Old Henry’s cabin, Penny peered with renewed +interest at the big house. In the blinding snow +storm she could not be sure, but she thought a light +gleamed from an upstairs window.</p> +<p>“Salt,” she inquired, “who lives in that place?”</p> +<p>“Can’t tell you,” he replied, without turning his +head.</p> +<p>“Does anyone live there now?”</p> +<p>“Haven’t seen anyone since I took over as observer +at the tower. Nate Adams tells me the estate has a +private air field. No planes have taken off or landed +while I’ve been on duty.”</p> +<p>“I thought I saw a light just now in an upstairs +window.”</p> +<p>“Probably a reflection from the car headlights,” +Salt answered carelessly.</p> +<p>The car passed Old Henry’s cabin and crept on until +it came to a crossroad. Several buildings were +clustered on either side of the main highway.</p> +<p>“Guess I’ll stop at Mattie’s garage,” Salt said.</p> +<p>As he pulled up on a gravel runway, a masculine +looking woman came to the door of the car. She was +in her mid-thirties and wore a man’s coat much too +large for her. The girls guessed, and correctly, that +she was Mattie Williams, owner of the garage and +filling station.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_18">[18]</div> +<p>“How many will you have?” she asked Salt, briskly +clearing the windshield of snow.</p> +<p>The photographer replied that he did not require +gasoline, but wanted at least a quart of alcohol.</p> +<p>“Drive into the garage,” the woman instructed, +opening a pair of double doors. “I’ll have Sam take +care of it.”</p> +<p>As the car rolled into the building, Mattie shouted +loudly to a stoop-shouldered man who was busy in +the rear office: “Hey, Sam! Look after this customer, +will you?”</p> +<p>Sam Burkholder slouched over to the car and began +to unscrew the radiator cap. Penny and Louise +assumed that the man must be Mattie’s husband, but a +remark to that effect was corrected by Salt.</p> +<p>“Sam is Mattie’s partner,” he explained in an undertone. +“It’s hard to tell which one of them is boss of +the place.”</p> +<p>Losing interest in the pair, Penny and Louise +climbed out of the coupe. They had noticed a cafe +next door and thought they might go there for a cup +of hot coffee.</p> +<p>“Go ahead,” Salt encouraged. “I’ll stay here until +this job is finished, and join you.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_19">[19]</div> +<p>As the girls let themselves out the garage door, a +truck pulled up in front of the cafe. They would +have given it no more than a casual glance had not the +driver alighted. He was a short, ruddy-faced man +with a missing front tooth which made his facial expression +rather grotesque. Without glancing at the +girls, he entered the restaurant.</p> +<p>“That man!” exclaimed Louise. “Haven’t we seen +him somewhere?”</p> +<p>“We have indeed,” agreed Penny grimly. “He’s +the same driver who refused us a ride. Let’s march in +there and give him a piece of our minds!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_20">[20]</div> +<h2 id="c3"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">3</span> +<br /><i>AN UNPLEASANT DRIVER</i></h2> +<p>From outside the lighted cafe, the girls could +see the truck driver slouched at one of the counter +stools.</p> +<p>“I’m willing to go inside,” said Louise, “but why +start a fuss? After all, I suppose he had a right to refuse +us a ride.”</p> +<p>“We might have frozen to death!”</p> +<p>“Well, he probably didn’t realize we were lost.”</p> +<p>“I wish I had your charitable disposition,” Penny +said with a sniff. “He heard me shout, and he drove +away just to be mean.”</p> +<p>“Anyway, let’s forget it.”</p> +<p>Louise took Penny’s elbow, steering her toward the +cafe. The girls had been friends since grade school +days. They made an excellent pair, for Louise exerted +a subduing effect upon her impulsive chum.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_21">[21]</div> +<p>The only daughter of Anthony Parker, publisher +of the <i>Star</i>, Penny had a talent for innocently getting +into trouble. Inactivity bored her. When nothing +more exciting offered, she frequently tried her hand at +writing stories for her father’s newspaper. Such truly +important yarns as <i>The Vanishing Houseboat</i>, <i>The +Wishing Well</i>, <i>Behind the Green Door</i>, and <i>The +Clock Strikes Thirteen</i> had rolled from her typewriter. +Penny thoroughly enjoyed reportorial work, +but best of all she loved to take an active part in the +adventures she recounted.</p> +<p>“Now remember,” Louise warned her, “not a word +to that truck driver. We’ll just snub him.”</p> +<p>“Oh, all right. I’ll try to behave myself.”</p> +<p>Grinning, Penny allowed herself to be guided toward +the restaurant. Near the doorway they came to +the parked truck, and noticed that it was loaded with +large wooden boxes.</p> +<p>“War equipment,” commented Penny.</p> +<p>“How do you know?”</p> +<p>“Why, the boxes are unmarked except by numerals. +Haven’t you noticed, Lou, that’s the way machines +and materials are transported to and from factories. +It’s done so no one can tell what’s inside.”</p> +<p>Penny opened the door and they went into the +warm, smoky cafe. As they seated themselves at a +table the driver glanced toward them, but seemingly +without recognition.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_22">[22]</div> +<p>“How about a date tonight, Baby?” he asked the +waitress.</p> +<p>Without replying, the girl slapped a menu card on +the counter in front of him.</p> +<p>“High toned, ain’t you?” he chuckled.</p> +<p>“What will it be?” the waitress demanded impatiently.</p> +<p>“How about a nice smile, Baby?”</p> +<p>Turning away, the waitress started to serve another +customer.</p> +<p>“Gimme a cup o’ coffee and two sinkers,” the driver +hurled after her. “And make it snappy too! I’m in a +hurry.”</p> +<p>Once the coffee and doughnuts had been set before +him, the man was in no haste to consume them. +He read a newspaper and fed a dollar and a half into +a pin-ball machine.</p> +<p>Penny and Louise ordered coffee. Knowing that +Salt might be waiting for them, they swallowed the +brew scalding hot and arose to leave.</p> +<p>At the cashier’s desk Penny paid the bill. Upon impulse +she quietly asked the man behind the cash register +if he knew the driver.</p> +<p>“Fellow by the name of Hank Biglow,” he answered.</p> +<p>Before Penny could ask another question, a police +patrol car screeched to a standstill just outside the +restaurant. The cafe owner turned to stare as did the +driver.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_23">[23]</div> +<p>“What are those cops comin’ here for?” Hank Biglow +demanded.</p> +<p>“How should I know?” retorted the cafe owner. +“Maybe they want to ask you a few questions about +that cargo you carry!”</p> +<p>“What do you mean by that crack?” the driver +asked harshly.</p> +<p>As the cashier shrugged and did not reply, Hank +allowed the matter to pass. Although he remained at +the counter, he kept watching the police car through +the window.</p> +<p>The brief interchange between cafe owner and +driver had interested Penny. To delay her departure, +she bought a candy bar and began to unwrap it.</p> +<p>Only one policeman had alighted from the car. +Tramping into the cafe, he pounded his hands together +and sought the warmth of a radiator.</p> +<p>“Mind if I have a little of your heat?” he asked the +cafe owner.</p> +<p>“Help yourself.”</p> +<p>Penny had been watching Hank Biglow. A moment +before the man had sat tense and nervous at the +counter. Now he seemed completely relaxed and at +ease as he sipped his coffee.</p> +<p>“Hello, Hank,” the policeman greeted him. “Didn’t +see you at first. How’s the trucking business?”</p> +<p>“Okay,” the trucker growled. “Workin’ me night +and day.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_24">[24]</div> +<p>The casual conversation disappointed Penny. Her +first thought had been that Hank Biglow feared a +police investigation. Seemingly, she had indulged in +wishful thinking.</p> +<p>Having no further reason for remaining in the cafe, +the girls stepped out into the storm.</p> +<p>“A pity that policeman wasn’t looking for Hank +Biglow,” Penny muttered.</p> +<p>“I thought for a minute he was,” responded Louise, +stooping to fasten the buckle of her heavy overshoe. +“At least Hank acted peculiar.”</p> +<p>“You heard what the cashier said to him?”</p> +<p>“About the cargo he carried?”</p> +<p>“Yes,” nodded Penny, “what do you suppose he +meant?”</p> +<p>“Don’t you think it was intended as a joke?”</p> +<p>“It didn’t seem that way to me, Lou. Hank took +offense at the remark. He was as nervous as a cat, +too.”</p> +<p>Penny stared curiously at the big truck which was +parked not far from the police car.</p> +<p>“I wonder what can be in those big boxes, Lou?”</p> +<p>“A few minutes ago you said they contained tools +or defense plant products.”</p> +<p>“That was only my guess. I assumed it from the +lack of marking on the boxes.”</p> +<p>Penny paused beside the big truck. Pressing her +face close to an opening between the slats, she counted +ten large crates, all the same size and shape.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_25">[25]</div> +<p>“Lou, maybe this isn’t defense plant merchandise,” +she speculated. “Maybe it’s some sort of contraband....”</p> +<p>Penny’s words trailed off. Someone had touched +her on the shoulder.</p> +<p>Whirling around, she faced the same policeman +who a moment before had entered the cafe.</p> +<p>“What do you think you’re doing?” he inquired.</p> +<p>“Why, just looking,” stammered Penny. “We +were wondering what’s inside these boxes.”</p> +<p>“Machinery,” replied the policeman. “Now skidoo! +Behave yourselves or I’ll have to speak to your +parents.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_26">[26]</div> +<h2 id="c4"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">4</span> +<br /><i>STOLEN TIRES</i></h2> +<p>“We’re very sorry,” Louise apologized to the +policeman. “We didn’t suppose it would do any harm +to look at the outside of the boxes.”</p> +<p>“Run along, run along,” the officer said impatiently.</p> +<p>Penny was tempted to make a rather pointed remark, +but Louise pulled her away.</p> +<p>“Never argue with a policeman,” she whispered. +“You always lose.”</p> +<p>“We weren’t doing any harm,” Penny scowled. +“What does he think we are, a couple of female spies?”</p> +<p>Entering the garage, the girls saw that the car had +been serviced. Salt could be seen inside the little glass-enclosed +office.</p> +<p>“I’m waiting for Sam Burkholder,” he explained as +they joined him. “He took care of the radiator and +then disappeared.”</p> +<p>Penny and Louise loitered about the office, reading +the evening newspaper. After a little delay, Mattie +Williams appeared.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_27">[27]</div> +<p>“Can you give me my bill?” Salt requested. +“We’re in a hurry to get to Riverview.”</p> +<p>“I thought Sam was looking after you,” Mattie replied, +making out the slip.</p> +<p>The bill settled, Salt backed the car from the garage. +Penny noticed that Hank Biglow’s truck no longer +stood in front of the cafe. The police car also had +gone. She would have thought no more of it, had not +Louise at that moment exclaimed:</p> +<p>“Penny, that truck is parked at the rear of the +garage now! And they’re unloading the boxes!”</p> +<p>Penny twisted around to see for herself. It was true +that the big truck had been backed up close to the +rear entrance of the garage. Through the blinding +snow, she could just see Hank Biglow and Sam Burkholder +carrying one of the boxes into the building.</p> +<p>“Well, that’s funny!” she exclaimed. “Those crates +can’t contain defense machinery or materials. Otherwise +Hank wouldn’t be delivering them here.”</p> +<p>“What crates?” inquired Salt, shifting gears.</p> +<p>Penny told him what had transpired in the cafe, +and revealed that she and Louise had been rebuked by +the policeman. Salt, occupied with driving, did not +consider the incident in any way significant.</p> +<p>“Oh, you know how some cops are,” he commented +carelessly.</p> +<p>The car went into a wild skid and Salt thereafter +devoted his attention strictly to driving.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_28">[28]</div> +<p>Without further mishap, the party arrived safely +at Riverview. Louise alighted at her own home, and +then Salt took Penny to the Parker residence.</p> +<p>“Won’t you come in for a cup of chocolate?” she +invited.</p> +<p>“Thanks, not tonight,” Salt replied. “I’m dead +tired. Think I’ll hit the hay early.”</p> +<p>Only one light burned in the living-room as Penny +stomped in out of the cold. Mrs. Weems, the plump +housekeeper who had served the Parkers for many +years, sat beside the hearth, sewing.</p> +<p>“I’m glad you’re home at last!” she exclaimed, getting +up quickly. “You’ve no idea how worried I’ve +been.”</p> +<p>“But Louise and I telephoned.”</p> +<p>“I couldn’t hear you very well. I barely was able +to make out that something had happened to your +car.”</p> +<p>“A major catastrophe, Mrs. Weems. Every tire +was stolen!”</p> +<p>While the housekeeper bombarded her with questions, +Penny stripped off overshoes and heavy outer +clothing. Pools of water began to form on the rug.</p> +<p>“Take everything out to the kitchen,” Mrs. Weems +said hastily. “Have you had your supper?”</p> +<p>“Not even a nibble. And I’m starving!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_29">[29]</div> +<p>As Mrs. Weems began to prepare a hot meal, Penny +perched herself on the kitchen table, alternately talking, +and chewing on a sugared bun.</p> +<p>“If you ever were lost in an Arctic blizzard you +have a good picture of what Louise and I endured,” +she narrated grandly. “Oh, it was awful!”</p> +<p>“Losing five practically new tires is a mere detail +in comparison?”</p> +<p>“It’s nothing less than a tragedy! I was thinking—maybe +you ought to break the sad news to Dad.”</p> +<p>“Indeed not. You’ll have to tell him yourself. +However, he’s attending a meeting and won’t be home +until eleven.”</p> +<p>“That’s much too late for me,” Penny said quickly. +“I’ll see him in the morning. And I do hope you cooperate +by giving him a dandy breakfast.”</p> +<p>“Just see to it that you don’t oversleep,” suggested +the housekeeper dryly.</p> +<p>Penny consumed an enormous supper and then +slipped off to bed. She did not hear her father come +home a few hours later. In the morning when Mrs. +Weems called her, it seemed advisable to take a long +time in dressing. Her father had gone by the time +she strolled downstairs.</p> +<p>“Did you tell Dad?” she asked the housekeeper +hopefully.</p> +<p>“You knew I would,” chided Mrs. Weems. “Your +father expects to see you at his office at nine o’clock.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_30">[30]</div> +<p>“How’d he take the blow?”</p> +<p>“Naturally one couldn’t expect him to be pleased.”</p> +<p>With a deep sigh, Penny sat down to breakfast. +Worry over the coming interview did not interfere +with her usual excellent appetite. She had orange +juice, two slices of toast, four pancakes, and then, +somewhat concerned lest she lose her slim figure, debated +whether to ask for another helping.</p> +<p>“The batter’s all gone,” Mrs. Weems settled the +matter. “Do stop dawdling and get on to the office. +Your father shouldn’t be kept waiting.”</p> +<p>With anything but enthusiasm, Penny took herself +to the plant of the Riverview <i>Star</i>. Passing through +the busy newsroom where reporters pounded at their +typewriters, she entered her father’s private office.</p> +<p>“Hello, Dad,” she greeted him with forced cheerfulness. +“Mrs. Weems said you wanted to see me.”</p> +<p>“So you lost five tires last night?” the editor barked. +Mr. Parker was a lean, keen-eyed man of early middle +age, known throughout the state as a fearless newspaper +man. At the moment, Penny decided that +“fearful” would prove a more descriptive term.</p> +<p>“Well, Dad, it was this way—” she began meekly.</p> +<p>“Never mind a long-winded explanation,” he interrupted, +smiling. “It wasn’t your fault—the car was +stripped.”</p> +<p>Penny wondered if she had heard correctly.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_31">[31]</div> +<p>“Your tires weren’t the only ones stolen yesterday,” +Mr. Parker resumed. “A half dozen other thefts +were reported. In fact, I’ve known for several weeks +that a professional gang of tire thieves has been operating +in Riverview.”</p> +<p>“Oh, Dad, you’re a peach!” Penny cried, making a +dive for him. “I’m going to give you a great big kiss!”</p> +<p>“You are not,” Mr. Parker grinned, pushing her +away. “Try to remember, this is an office.”</p> +<p>Penny resigned herself to a chair. Questioned by +her father, she gave a straightforward account of how +the car had been stripped at the Yacht Club grounds.</p> +<p>“The tire gang is getting bolder every day!” Mr. +Parker exclaimed wrathfully. “But we’ll soon put a +stop to their little game!”</p> +<p>“How, Dad?”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker hesitated and then said: “I can trust you, +can’t I, Penny?”</p> +<p>“Of course.”</p> +<p>“Then I’ll tell you this in confidence. For weeks +Jerry Livingston, our star reporter, has been working +on the case. He’s rounded up a lot of evidence against +the outfit.”</p> +<p>“Then we have a chance to get those tires back!”</p> +<p>“I’m not thinking about that,” Mr. Parker said impatiently. +“Jerry’s gathered enough evidence to +smash the entire gang. It will be as big a story as the +<i>Star</i> ever published.”</p> +<p>“When are you breaking it, Dad?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_32">[32]</div> +<p>“Perhaps tomorrow. Depends on the state prosecutor.”</p> +<p>“John Gilmore? What does he have to do with it?”</p> +<p>“This story is loaded with dynamite, Penny. If we +spread it over our front page before police have a +chance to act, the guilty parties are apt to make a +getaway.”</p> +<p>“That’s so,” nodded Penny.</p> +<p>“There’s another reason I want to consult the Prosecutor +before I use the story,” Mr. Parker resumed. +“Some of the men involved—”</p> +<p>A tap sounded on the door. Without completing +what he had started to say, the editor called, “Come in.”</p> +<p>Jerry Livingston entered the office. He was a +good-looking young man, alert and clean-cut. Smiling +at Penny, he slapped a folded paper on Mr. Parker’s +desk.</p> +<p>“Here’s my story on the tire thefts, Chief,” he said. +“As far as I’m concerned, this winds up the case.”</p> +<p>“You’ve done fine work, Jerry,” Mr. Parker praised. +“Thanks to your work, we ought to clean out the +gang.”</p> +<p>“I hope so, Chief. Guess you have all the proofs +needed to back up the story.”</p> +<p>“All the evidence is locked in my safe. I have an +appointment scheduled with the Prosecutor. If he +Okays the story, we’ll publish it tomorrow. By the +way, Jerry, what are your plans?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_33">[33]</div> +<p>“Well, I have a couple of weeks before I go into +the Army Air Corps.”</p> +<p>“Then treat yourself to a vacation, starting right +now,” said Mr. Parker. “Can you use it?”</p> +<p>“Can I?” grinned Jerry. “Know what I’ll do? I’ll +hop the noon train and head for the Canadian wilds on +a hunting trip.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker wrote out a check which he presented +to the young man.</p> +<p>“We’ll be sorry to lose you, Jerry,” he said regretfully. +“But remember, a job always will be waiting +when you return.”</p> +<p>The reporter shook hands with Mr. Parker and +Penny, then left the office.</p> +<p>“We’ll miss Jerry around here,” the editor remarked.</p> +<p>Penny nodded. She and Jerry had shared many an +adventure together, and he was one of her truest +friends. The office would not seem the same without +him.</p> +<p>“My appointment with the Prosecutor is at ten-thirty,” +said Mr. Parker briskly. “I’ll gather my +papers and be on my way.”</p> +<p>The editor placed Jerry’s signed story in a leather +portfolio. Next he went to the safe and fumbled with +the dial.</p> +<p>“Want me to open it for you?” Penny asked, after +he had tried several times.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_34">[34]</div> +<p>Without waiting for a reply, she stooped down, +twisted the dial a few times, and opened the heavy +door.</p> +<p>“Young lady, how did you learn the combination?” +Mr. Parker demanded in chagrin.</p> +<p>“Oh, the numbers are written on the under side of +your desk,” Penny grinned. “Not a very good place +either! You must trust your office help.”</p> +<p>“Fortunately my reporters aren’t quite as observing +as a certain daughter,” Mr. Parker retorted grimly.</p> +<p>The editor removed a fat brown envelope from +one of the drawers of the safe. Glancing at the papers +it contained, he added them to the contents of the +portfolio. He then locked the safe.</p> +<p>“How about letting me see that story?” Penny +asked.</p> +<p>Mr. Parker smiled but shook his head. “Only two +persons know the facts of the case—Jerry and myself.”</p> +<p>“Let’s make it a trio.”</p> +<p>“It will be after I’ve talked to the Prosecutor. I’ve +got to step right along, too, or I’ll be late.”</p> +<p>“But Dad—”</p> +<p>“You’ll read the story in tomorrow’s <i>Star</i>—I hope,” +her father laughed. Picking up the portfolio, he +started for the door. “Just contain your impatience +until I get back. And please keep those slippery little +fingers away from my safe!”</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>AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW</i></h2> +<p>After her father had gone, Penny remained in +the private office. Eager to be off, Mr. Parker had +neglected to make any arrangements concerning the +stripped car at the Riverview Yacht Club.</p> +<p>“Oh, bother!” she thought impatiently. “Now I +must wait here until he comes back to learn what I’m +to do. The car should be hauled home.”</p> +<p>Penny wrote a letter on the typewriter. As she +searched for a stamp, the door swung open. A slightly +bald, angular man with hard brown eyes, paused on +the threshold. The man was Harley Schirr, an assistant +editor, next in authority to Mr. DeWitt. Of +the entire <i>Star</i> staff, he was the only person Penny +actively disliked.</p> +<p>“Oh, good morning, Miss Parker,” he said with +elaborate courtesy. “Your father isn’t here?”</p> +<p>“No, he went away a few minutes ago.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_36">[36]</div> +<p>“And you are taking care of the office in his absence?” +Mr. Schirr smiled. Even so, to Penny’s +sensitive ears, the words had an insolent ring.</p> +<p>“I’m merely waiting for him to return,” she answered +briefly. “I came to find out what to do about +the car.”</p> +<p>“Oh, yes, I heard that all of your tires were stolen +last night.” Mr. Schirr’s lips twitched. “Too bad.”</p> +<p>“I may get them back again. Dad says—” Penny +checked herself, remembering that the information +given her by her father was to be kept secret.</p> +<p>“Yes?” encouraged the assistant editor.</p> +<p>“Perhaps police will catch the thieves,” she completed.</p> +<p>“I shouldn’t count on it if I were you, Miss Parker. +Black Markets have flourished in this city for months. +Nothing’s been done to stop it.”</p> +<p>“Just what do you mean by a Black Market, Mr. +Schirr?”</p> +<p>“Illegal trading in various scarce commodities. +Tires either stolen or hijacked, are sold by the crooks +to so-called honest dealers who serve the public. It’s +now a big-time business.”</p> +<p>“What does Dad think about it?”</p> +<p>“Well, now, I really couldn’t tell you. Your father +doesn’t discuss his editorial policy with me. If he did, +I’d warn him to lay off all those tire-theft stories.”</p> +<p>Penny gazed quickly at the assistant editor, wondering +how much he knew of her father’s plan.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_37">[37]</div> +<p>“Dad usually prints all the news,” she said. “Why +should he soft-pedal the tire stories?”</p> +<p>“For his health’s sake.”</p> +<p>“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Schirr.”</p> +<p>The assistant editor had closed the door behind +him. Warming to his subject, he replied: “The men +who have muscled into the tire theft racket are ugly +lads without scruples. If your father stupidly insists +upon trying to smash the outfit, he may not wake up +some morning.”</p> +<p>The suggestion that her father might ruthlessly be +done away with shocked Penny. And a canny corner +of her mind demanded to know how Mr. Schirr could +be so well informed. She was quite certain her father +had not taken him into his confidence.</p> +<p>“Dad is no coward,” she said proudly.</p> +<p>“Oh, no one ever questioned his bravery, Miss +Parker. Your father is courageous to the point of +rashness. But if he prints an exposé story about the +tire theft gang, it’s apt to prove the most foolish act +of his life.”</p> +<p>“How do you know he intends to do such a thing?”</p> +<p>The question, sharply put, surprised Mr. Schirr.</p> +<p>“Oh, I don’t,” he denied hastily. “I merely heard +the rumor around the office.”</p> +<p>Penny made no reply. As the silence became noticeable, +the assistant editor murmured that he would +return to see Mr. Parker later and left the office.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_38">[38]</div> +<p>Penny glared at the man’s retreating back. Even +more intensely than before, she disliked Harley Schirr.</p> +<p>“The old sneak cat!” she thought. “I’ll bet a cent +he’s been listening at the door or prying in Dad’s +papers! I’m sure no rumors have been circulating +around the office.”</p> +<p>The telephone rang. Automatically Penny took +down the receiver.</p> +<p>“Mr. Parker?” inquired a masculine voice.</p> +<p>“He’s not here now. This is his daughter speaking. +May I take a message?”</p> +<p>“No message,” said the purring voice. “Mr. Parker +may hear from me later.”</p> +<p>“Who is this, please?” asked Penny quickly.</p> +<p>There was no answer, only the click of a receiver +being hung on its hook.</p> +<p>The incident, although trifling, annoyed Penny. +Getting up from the desk, she walked to the window. +Mr. Schirr’s intimation had alarmed her, and now the +telephone call added to her uneasiness.</p> +<p>“Probably the man who telephoned is well known +to Dad,” she tried to assure herself. “I’m just imagining +that his voice sounded sinister.”</p> +<p>Feeling the need of an occupation, Penny wandered +out into the editorial room. She chatted with the +society editor and for a time watched the world news +reports coming in on the noisy teletype machines.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_39">[39]</div> +<p>“Need a job?” inquired Editor DeWitt at the slot +of the circular copy desk. “How about writing a few +headlines for me?”</p> +<p>“No, thanks,” Penny declined. “I’m just waiting +for Dad. He should be back any minute now.”</p> +<p>It was eleven-forty by the office clock. Never had +time seemed to pass so slowly. As Penny debated +whether or not to wait any longer, there was a sudden +stir in the room. Glancing toward the outside door, +she saw that Jerry Livingston, suitcase in hand, had +entered.</p> +<p>Immediately reporters and editors left their desks +to shake his hand.</p> +<p>“Jerry, you’re the best reporter this paper ever +had,” Mr. DeWitt told him warmly. “We surely hate +to see you go.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I’ll be back,” the reporter answered. “You +can bet on that!”</p> +<p>Penny crossed the room to say goodbye. Jerry +surprisingly tucked her arm through his.</p> +<p>“Come along and see me off on the train,” he invited, +pulling her along. “Not doing anything special, +are you?”</p> +<p>“Just waiting for Dad.”</p> +<p>“Then come on,” Jerry grinned. “I’ve got a lot +to say to you.”</p> +<p>However, once in the taxi, speeding toward the +railroad station, the reporter scarcely spoke. He +reached out and captured her hand.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_40">[40]</div> +<p>“I’m going to miss you, little twirp,” he sighed. +“No telling when I’ll get back to the <i>Star</i>. Maybe—”</p> +<p>“Now don’t try to work on my sympathies,” +laughed Penny, though a lump came in her throat. +“Oh, Jerry—”</p> +<p>“At your command. Just break down and confess +how desolate you’ll be without me.”</p> +<p>The railroad station was close by and Penny had +only a moment to talk.</p> +<p>“Riverview will be a blank without you,” she admitted. +“But it’s that tire-theft story I want to ask +you about. Did you ever tell anyone that Dad is +planning to expose the gang?”</p> +<p>“Of course not!”</p> +<p>“I knew you wouldn’t give out any information,” +Penny said in relief. “But somehow Harley Schirr +has learned about it.”</p> +<p>“Schirr! That egg? How could he have found +out?”</p> +<p>“I’d like to know myself. He hinted that something +dreadful might happen to Dad if the story is +printed.”</p> +<p>Jerry patted Penny’s hand. “Don’t give it a +thought, kid,” he said. “Schirr does a lot of wild talking. +Probably whatever he said to you was pure +bluff. He doesn’t know a thing.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_41">[41]</div> +<p>The arrival of the cab at the station put an end to +the conversation. Jerry paid the driver and hustled +Penny inside. He barely had time to purchase a +ticket before the train was called.</p> +<p>“Well, goodbye,” Jerry said, squeezing her hand.</p> +<p>“Have a good time in Canada,” Penny replied. +“And bring me a nice bear rug!”</p> +<p>“Sure, I’ll catch him with my bare hands,” Jerry +rejoined, making a feeble attempt at a joke.</p> +<p>The train began to move. The reporter swung +himself aboard the last Pullman. As he waved from +the steps, Penny realized that she had forgotten to +ask for his Canadian address.</p> +<p>Soon the train was only a blur down the frosty +tracks. Penny climbed a steep ramp to the street. +She felt lonesome, and for some reason, discouraged.</p> +<p>“First I lose my car wheels, and now it’s Jerry,” +she reflected sadly. “What a week!”</p> +<p>Penny scarcely knew whether to go home or to the +<i>Star</i> office. As she debated the matter, her ears were +assaulted by the shrill scream of a siren.</p> +<p>“A fire,” thought Penny.</p> +<p>An ambulance rushed past. It raced to the end of +the short street and pulled up.</p> +<p>“Probably an accident,” amended Penny.</p> +<p>Curious to learn what had happened, she began to +run. At the end of the street a large crowd had +gathered. A car with a smashed fender and damaged +front grillwork, had piled against a street lamp.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_42">[42]</div> +<p>“What happened?” Penny asked a man who stood +beside her.</p> +<p>“Two cars in a smash-up,” he answered. “Didn’t +see the accident myself.”</p> +<p>“But what became of the other automobile?” asked +Penny.</p> +<p>She pushed through the gathering crowd to the +curb. Broken glass was scattered over the pavement. +Ambulance men were searching the wreckage of the +car which had struck the lamp post. The other automobile, +apparently, had driven away.</p> +<p>Suddenly, Penny’s gaze riveted on the rear license +plate of the smashed car. In horror she read the number—P-619-10.</p> +<p>“Dad’s car!” she whispered. “He’s been hurt!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_43">[43]</div> +<h2 id="c6"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">6</span> +<br /><i>FRONT PAGE NEWS</i></h2> +<p>Never in her life had Penny been more frightened. +Breaking away from the group of people at the curb, +she ran to the parked ambulance. A glance into the +interior assured her that Mr. Parker had not been +placed inside on a stretcher.</p> +<p>“Where is he?” she asked wildly. “Where’s my +father?”</p> +<p>A white-garbed ambulance attendant turned to +stare at her.</p> +<p>“That’s my father’s car!” Penny cried, pointing to +the battered sedan. “Tell me, was he badly hurt?”</p> +<p>The attendant tried to be kind. “We don’t know, +Miss. Someone put in a call for us. Said we were to +pick up an injured man. Evidently he was taken to +a hospital before we could get here.”</p> +<p>“That’s what happened,” contributed a small boy +who stood close by. “A woman drove by in an auto. +She offered to take the man to the hospital and he +went with her.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_44">[44]</div> +<p>“A tall, lean man in a gray suit?” Penny asked +quickly.</p> +<p>“Yes. He had a leather case in his hand.”</p> +<p>“Then it was my father!” Penny cried. “How +badly was he hurt?”</p> +<p>“Oh, he could walk all right,” the boy replied. “He +seemed kinda dazed though.”</p> +<p>Greatly relieved to learn that her father had escaped +serious injury, Penny sought more information. The +boy who had witnessed the accident, told her that +the car which had caused the smash-up, was a blue +sedan.</p> +<p>“Two men were in it,” he revealed. “They started +to go around your father’s car and crowded him toward +the curb. Next thing I saw, he’d plowed into +the lamp post.”</p> +<p>“The other car didn’t stop?”</p> +<p>“I’ll say it didn’t! You should have seen ’em +go!”</p> +<p>“Didn’t you notice the license number?” Penny +asked hopefully.</p> +<p>The boy shook his head.</p> +<p>Having learned all she could from him, Penny questioned +other persons. Only one woman in the crowd +was able to provide additional information. Her eye-witness +account differed slightly from the boy’s, but +she confirmed that a middle-aged woman in a black +coupe had taken the accident victim to a hospital.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_45">[45]</div> +<p>“Which hospital?” asked Penny.</p> +<p>The woman could not tell her. She did say, however, +that the accident victim seemingly had suffered +only minor scratches.</p> +<p>A police car drove up. Penny, frantic to find her +father, did not wish to be delayed by questions. +Without revealing who she was to members of the +investigation squad, she hailed a taxi. Mercy Hospital +was only a few blocks away. It seemed reasonable +that her father would be taken there for treatment.</p> +<p>A few minutes later, standing anxiously at the information +desk of that institution, she learned that +Mr. Parker had not been admitted as a patient. The +nurse in charge, noting the girl’s agitation, kindly +offered to telephone other hospitals. After six calls, +she reported that she was unable to trace the accident +victim.</p> +<p>“Are you sure that your father sought hospital +treatment?” she asked Penny.</p> +<p>“Perhaps not. Dad wasn’t badly hurt according to +witnesses. He may have gone elsewhere.”</p> +<p>Thanking the nurse for her help, Penny taxied +swiftly home. Mrs. Weems, in an old coat and a +turban, was pouring salt on the icy sidewalk in front +of the house. From the look on her face it was evident +she had not heard the news.</p> +<p>“Mrs. Weems, Dad’s been hurt!” Penny cried, leaping +from the cab. “In an auto accident!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_46">[46]</div> +<p>“My land!” the housekeeper gasped and allowed the +bag of salt to fall from her gloved hand. “How bad +is it?”</p> +<p>“I think he was more stunned than anything else. +But I’ve not been able to learn where he was taken. +He didn’t telephone here?”</p> +<p>“Not unless it was since I’ve been outdoors.”</p> +<p>Picking up the bag of salt, Mrs. Weems followed +Penny into the house. Without removing coat or +hat, the girl dialed the <i>Star</i> office. Editor DeWitt +answered.</p> +<p>“Has Dad arrived there?” Penny asked abruptly.</p> +<p>“No, he hasn’t returned. Anything wrong?”</p> +<p>Tersely Penny revealed what had occurred. The +news shocked the editor for he bore Mr. Parker a +genuine affection.</p> +<p>“Now don’t you worry,” he tried to cheer her. +“Your father can’t be badly hurt or he never would +have walked away from that accident. Just sit tight +and our reporters will locate him for you.”</p> +<p>During the next hour Penny and Mrs. Weems remained +near the telephone. Each moment they +waited, their anxiety increased. Mr. DeWitt did not +phone. There was no word from the police station. +They refused to believe that Mr. Parker had been +seriously injured, yet it seemed strange he could not be +found.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_47">[47]</div> +<p>“It’s not like him to allow anyone to worry,” declared +the housekeeper. “I simply can’t understand +why he doesn’t call to relieve our minds.”</p> +<p>Just then the telephone bell jingled. Penny +snatched the receiver from its hook.</p> +<p>“DeWitt speaking,” said the familiar voice of the +editor.</p> +<p>“Any news?” Penny asked quickly. “Did you find +Dad?”</p> +<p>“So far we haven’t,” the editor confessed. “I’ve +personally called the police station, every hospital +and private nursing home in Riverview.”</p> +<p>“Dad may have gone to a doctor’s office for treatment.”</p> +<p>“I thought of that,” replied DeWitt. “We’ve +checked all the likely ones.”</p> +<p>“What could have become of him?” Penny asked +desperately. “Mrs. Weems and I are dreadfully worried.”</p> +<p>“Oh, he’ll show up any minute,” comforted Mr. +DeWitt. “Probably he doesn’t realize anyone is looking +for him.”</p> +<p>Penny asked the editor if he had learned the identity +of the hit-skip driver.</p> +<p>“No one took down the license number of the car,” +Mr. DeWitt returned regretfully. “Our reporters +are still working on the story though.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_48">[48]</div> +<p>“The story,” murmured Penny faintly. For the +first time it occurred to her that her father’s accident +and subsequent disappearance would be regarded as +front page news.</p> +<p>“I don’t expect to run an account of the accident +until I’ve talked to your father,” DeWitt said hastily. +“Now don’t worry about anything. I’ll let you know +the minute I have any news.”</p> +<p>Penny hung up the receiver and reported the conversation +to Mrs. Weems. A clock on the mantel +chimed one-thirty, reminding the housekeeper that +lunch had not been prepared.</p> +<p>“No food for me,” pleaded Penny. “I don’t feel +like eating.”</p> +<p>“I’ve rather lost my own appetite,” confessed the +housekeeper. “However, it’s foolish of us to worry. +Your father must be safe. No doubt he had an appointment.”</p> +<p>Penny’s face brightened. “Why, of course!” she +exclaimed. “Don’t know why I’ve been so dumb! +Dad may still be in conference with Prosecutor Gilmore! +I’ll call there.”</p> +<p>Darting to the telephone, she waited patiently until +she was connected with the State prosecutor’s office. +The lawyer himself talked to her.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_49">[49]</div> +<p>“Why, no, Mr. Parker hasn’t been here,” he replied +to her eager inquiry. “I expected him at ten-thirty. +Then he telephoned that he had been delayed +and would see me at eleven-thirty. He failed +to keep that appointment also.”</p> +<p>The information sent Penny’s hopes glimmering. +She explained about the accident and listened to the +Prosecutor’s expression of sympathy. Replacing the +receiver, she turned once more to Mrs. Weems.</p> +<p>“I’m more worried than ever now,” she quavered. +“Dad didn’t keep his appointment with Prosecutor +Gilmore, and it was a vitally important one.”</p> +<p>“We’ll hear from him soon—”</p> +<p>“Perhaps we won’t.” Penny took a quick turn +across the room.</p> +<p>“Why, such a thing to say! What do you mean, +Penny?”</p> +<p>“Dad has enemies. Harley Schirr told me today +that if any attempt was made to expose a certain gang +of thieves, it would mean real trouble.”</p> +<p>“But your father has had no connection with such +persons.”</p> +<p>“He and Jerry worked on a case together,” Penny +explained. “Today at the time of the accident, Dad +carried a brief case with all the evidence in it!”</p> +<p>“Even so, I fail to see—”</p> +<p>“According to the report, Dad’s car was practically +forced off the road,” Penny added excitedly. “I +think that auto crash was deliberately engineered! +Don’t you understand, Mrs. Weems? He’s fallen +into the clutches of his enemies!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_50">[50]</div> +<p>“Now, Penny,” soothed the housekeeper. “I’m +sure we’re making far too much of the accident. +We’ll soon hear from your father.”</p> +<p>“You’re saying that to comfort me, Mrs. Weems. +Something dreadful has happened! I can <i>feel</i> it.”</p> +<p>Penny ceased pacing the floor and went to the hall +closet for her hat and coat.</p> +<p>“Where are you going?” asked the housekeeper, +her eyes troubled.</p> +<p>“To the newspaper office. If word comes, I want +to be there to get it the very first minute.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Weems started to protest, then changed her +mind. She merely said: “Telephone me the moment +you have any news.”</p> +<p>A brisk walk to the <i>Star</i> office did much to restore +Penny’s sagging courage. As she entered the newsroom, +brushing snow from her coat, she saw a group +of reporters gathered about Mr. DeWitt’s desk.</p> +<p>“News of Dad!” she thought, her pulse pounding.</p> +<p>Glimpsing Penny, the men at the desk began to +scatter. They gazed at her in such a kind, sympathetic +manner that she became frightened again.</p> +<p>“What is it, Mr. DeWitt?” she asked the editor. +“Has Dad been found?”</p> +<p>He shook his head.</p> +<p>“But you must have had some news,” she insisted, +her gaze on a folded paper which he held. “Please +don’t hide anything from me.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_51">[51]</div> +<p>“Very well,” DeWitt responded quietly. “We +found this letter in your father’s waste-basket.”</p> +<p>Penny took the paper. Silently she read the message +which had been typed in capital letters.</p> +<p>“MR. PARKER,” it warned, “THIS IS TO ADVISE +YOU TO LAY OFF ON TIRE THEFT +STORIES IN YOUR PAPER. UNLESS YOU +CHANGE YOUR POLICY YOU MAY WAKE +UP IN A DITCH.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_52">[52]</div> +<h2 id="c7"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">7</span> +<br /><i>QUESTIONS WITHOUT ANSWERS</i></h2> +<p>“I’d rather not have shown that note to you,” +Mr. DeWitt said quietly. “We found it only a +moment ago.”</p> +<p>“How did it get in Dad’s waste-basket?” Penny +asked. “Do you suppose he threw it there himself?”</p> +<p>“That’s my guess. Your father never paid any attention +to unsigned letters.”</p> +<p>Penny reread the threatening note, trying not to +show how much it disturbed her. “I wonder if this +came by mail?” she remarked.</p> +<p>“We don’t know,” DeWitt replied. “There was +no envelope in the basket.”</p> +<p>“Dad never mentioned such a note to me,” Penny +resumed, frowning. “Probably thought I’d worry +about it. This makes the situation look bad, doesn’t +it, Mr. DeWitt?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_53">[53]</div> +<p>The editor weighed his words carefully before he +spoke. “It doesn’t prove that your father was waylaid +by enemies, Penny. Not at all. According to reports, +Mr. Parker was involved in an ordinary automobile +accident, and left the scene of his own free will.”</p> +<p>“With a woman who drove a black car.”</p> +<p>“Yes, according to eye-witnesses she offered to take +him to a hospital for treatment.”</p> +<p>“What became of that woman?” demanded Penny. +“Can’t the police find her?”</p> +<p>“Not so far.”</p> +<p>Before Penny could say more, Harley Schirr came +to the desk, spreading a dummy sheet for the editor +to inspect.</p> +<p>“Here’s the front-page layout,” he explained. “For +the banner we’ll give ’em, ‘Anthony Parker Mysteriously +Disappears,’ and beneath it, a double column +story. I dug a good picture out of the morgue—the +one with Parker dedicating the Riverview Orphans’ +Home.”</p> +<p>DeWitt frowned as he studied the layout. “Parker +wouldn’t like this, Schirr. It’s too sensational. Bust +that banner and cut the story down to the bare facts.”</p> +<p>“But this is a big story—”</p> +<p>“I’m expecting Mr. Parker to walk in here any +minute,” retorted DeWitt. “A ‘disappearance’ spread +would make the <i>Star</i> look silly.”</p> +<p>“Mr. Parker’s not going to show up!” Schirr refuted, +his eyes blazing. “I say we should play the +story for all it’s worth.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_54">[54]</div> +<p>“I’m sure Dad would hate sensationalism,” Penny +said, siding with Mr. DeWitt.</p> +<p>The assistant editor turned to glare at her. Although +he made no reply, she read anger and dislike +in his flashing eyes.</p> +<p>“Cut the story down,” DeWitt ordered curtly. +“And try to find a more suitable picture of Mr. +Parker.”</p> +<p>Schirr swept the dummy sheet from the desk, +crumpling it in his hand. As he started for the +morgue where pictures were filed, he muttered to +himself.</p> +<p>“Don’t know what’s got into that fellow lately,” +DeWitt sighed.</p> +<p>The editor sat down rather heavily and Penny +noticed that he looked tired and pale. For fifteen +years he had been closely associated with Mr. Parker, +regarding his chief with deep affection.</p> +<p>“Do you feel well, Mr. DeWitt?” she inquired.</p> +<p>“Not so hot,” he admitted, reaching for a pencil. +“Lately I’ve been having a little pain in my side—it’s +nothing though. Just getting old, that’s all.”</p> +<p>“Why not take the day off, Mr. DeWitt? You’ve +been working too hard.”</p> +<p>“Now wouldn’t this be a fine time to go home?” +the editor barked. “Hard work agrees with me.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_55">[55]</div> +<p>Reminded that she was keeping Mr. DeWitt from +his duties, Penny soon left the <i>Star</i> office. Debating a +moment, she walked to the nearby police station. +There she was courteously received by Chief Jalman, +a personal friend of her father’s.</p> +<p>“We’ll find Mr. Parker,” he assured her confidently. +“His description has been broadcast over the radio. +We’ve instructed all our men to be on the watch for +him.”</p> +<p>Penny broached the possibility that her father had +been waylaid by enemies.</p> +<p>“Facts fail to support such a theory,” replied Chief +Jalman. “It’s my opinion your father will show up +any hour, wondering what the fuss is all about.”</p> +<p>Penny left the police station rather cheered. Almost +without thinking, she chose a route which led +toward the scene of the accident. Reaching the familiar +street, she noted that her father’s battered car +had been towed away. All broken glass had been +swept from the pavement.</p> +<p>“When I was here before I should have questioned +more people,” she thought. “It never occurred to +me then that Dad would fail to show up.”</p> +<p>Noticing a candy store which fronted the street +close to the bent lamp post, Penny went inside. A +friendly looking woman with gray hair came to serve +her.</p> +<p>“I’m not a customer,” Penny explained. She added +that her father had been injured in the car accident, +and that she was seeking information.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_56">[56]</div> +<p>“I’ve already been questioned by police detectives,” +replied the owner of the candy shop. “I’m afraid I +can’t tell you very much.”</p> +<p>“Did you witness the accident?”</p> +<p>“Oh, yes, I saw it, but it happened so fast I wasn’t +sure whose fault it was.”</p> +<p>“You didn’t take down the license number of the +blue hit-skip car?”</p> +<p>“Was it blue?” the woman inquired. “Now I told +the police, maroon.”</p> +<p>“My information came from a small boy, so he may +have been mistaken. Did you notice the woman who +offered my father a ride?”</p> +<p>“Oh, yes, she was about my age—around forty.”</p> +<p>“Well dressed?”</p> +<p>“Rather plainly, I would say. But she drove a fine, +late-model car.”</p> +<p>“Would you consider her a woman of means?”</p> +<p>“Judging from the car—yes.”</p> +<p>Penny asked many more questions, trying to gain +an accurate picture of the woman who had aided her +father. She was somewhat reassured when the candy +shop owner insisted that Mr. Parker had entered the +car of his own free will.</p> +<p>“Did he seem dazed by the accident?” she asked +thoughtfully.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_57">[57]</div> +<p>“Well, yes, he did. I saw your father get into the +car sort of holding his head. Then he asked the +woman to stop at the curb.”</p> +<p>“Why was that?”</p> +<p>“He’d forgotten something—a leather carrying +case. At any rate, he returned to his own auto for it. +Then he drove away with the woman.”</p> +<p>As puzzled as ever, Penny went out on the street +once more. The weather had turned colder, but she +scarcely felt the icy blast which whipped her face.</p> +<p>It was silly to worry, she told herself sternly. Why, +all the facts supported Police Chief Jalman’s belief +that her father soon would return home. Mrs. +Weems was confident he would be found safe—so was +Mr. DeWitt. After all, only five hours had elapsed +since the accident. A disappearance couldn’t be considered +serious in such a short period.</p> +<p>But try as she might, Penny could not free her +mind of grave misgivings. She could not forget the +mysterious telephone call, the threatening letter, and +Harley Schirr’s cocksure opinion that her father +would not be found.</p> +<p>She stood disconsolate, gazing into the whirling +snow storm. At the end of the street the railroad station +loomed as a dark blur, reminding her of Jerry. +If only he hadn’t gone away! Jerry was the one person +who might help her, and she knew of no way to +reach him.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_58">[58]</div> +<h2 id="c8"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">8</span> +<br /><i>A FEW CHANGES</i></h2> +<p>Next morning, Penny, red-eyed because she +had slept little, walked slowly toward the <i>Star</i> office. +Throughout the long night there had been no word +from Mr. Parker.</p> +<p>At every street corner newsboys shouted the latest +headlines—that the publisher had been missing nearly +twenty-four hours. Even the <i>Star</i> carried a black, +ugly banner across its front page.</p> +<p>Penny bought a copy, reading with displeasure +the story of Mr. Parker’s disappearance.</p> +<p>“I can’t understand why Mr. DeWitt let this go +through,” she thought. “If Dad were here, he’d certainly +hate it.”</p> +<p>Entering the lobby of the <i>Star</i> building, Penny +pressed the elevator button. A long time elapsed before +the cage descended. To her surprise she saw +that it was operated, not by Mose Johnson, the colored +man, but by the janitor.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_59">[59]</div> +<p>“Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Penny,” the man +apologized. “I’m not much good at operating this +contraption.”</p> +<p>“Where is Mose this morning, Charley?”</p> +<p>“Fired.”</p> +<p>Penny could not hide her amazement. The old +colored man had been employed ten years at the <i>Star</i> +plant. Although not strictly efficient, Mose’s habits +were good, and Mr. Parker had taken an affectionate +interest in him.</p> +<p>“It’s a shame, if you ask me,” the janitor added.</p> +<p>“What happened, Charley? Who discharged +him?”</p> +<p>“That guy Schirr.”</p> +<p>“Harley Schirr? But he has no authority.”</p> +<p>“An editor can fire and hire. I think he was just +tryin’ out his stuff on poor old Mose.”</p> +<p>“During my father’s absence, Mr. DeWitt is in +full charge here,” Penny said emphatically.</p> +<p>“DeWitt <i>was</i> in charge. But they hauled him off +to the hospital last night with a bad pain in his tummy. +Seems he had an appendicitis attack. The doctor +rushed him off and didn’t even wait until morning to +operate.”</p> +<p>The news stunned Penny. She murmured that she +hoped Mr. DeWitt was doing well.</p> +<p>“Reckon he is,” agreed the janitor. “We all +chipped in and sent him some flowers—roses. Mose +gave fifty cents, too.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_60">[60]</div> +<p>Penny’s mind came back to the problem of the +colored man.</p> +<p>“So Mr. Schirr discharged him,” she commented. +“I wonder why?”</p> +<p>The janitor pressed a button and the cage moved +slowly upward.</p> +<p>“Mose was due on at midnight,” he explained. “He +didn’t get here until after two o’clock.”</p> +<p>“Didn’t he have a reason for being so late?”</p> +<p>The cage stopped with a jerk. “Sure, Mose had a +pip this time! Something about being detained by a +ghost! Schirr didn’t go for it at all. Swelled up like +a poisoned pup and fired Mose on the spot.”</p> +<p>“I’m sorry,” Penny replied. “Dad liked Mose a lot.”</p> +<p>“Any news from your father?”</p> +<p>Penny shook her head. As far as possible she was +determined to keep her troubles to herself. Turning +to leave the cage, she inquired:</p> +<p>“Where is Mose now? At home?”</p> +<p>“He’s down in the boiler room, sittin’ by the furnace. +Says he’s afraid to go home for fear his old +lady will give him the works.”</p> +<p>“Will you please ask Mose to wait there for me?” +Penny requested. “I want to talk to him before he +leaves the building.”</p> +<p>“I’ll be glad to tell him,” the janitor said. Hesitating, +he added: “If you’ve got any influence with +Schirr, you might speak a good word for me.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_61">[61]</div> +<p>“Why for you?” smiled Penny. “Surely your job +is safe.”</p> +<p>“I don’t know about that,” the janitor responded +gloomily. “This morning when Schirr was comin’ +up in the elevator he said to me: ‘Charley, there’s +going to be a few changes made around here. I’m going +to cut out all the old, useless timber.’ He looked +at me kinda funny-like too. You know, I passed my +sixty-eighth birthday last August.”</p> +<p>“Now don’t start worrying, Charley,” Penny +cheered him. “We couldn’t run this building without +you.”</p> +<p>Deeply troubled, she tramped down the hall to the +newsroom. Reporters were in a fever of activity, +pounding out their stories. Copy boys had a nervous, +tense expression as they ran to and fro on their errands. +Harley Schirr, however, was not in evidence.</p> +<p>“The Big Shot has sealed himself in your father’s +office!” informed one of the copy desk men in a +muted voice. “Guess you heard about DeWitt?”</p> +<p>Penny nodded.</p> +<p>“The Great Genius has taken over, and how! This +place is operating on an efficiency-plus basis now. +Why, he’s got me so cockeyed, I compose poetry.”</p> +<p>Penny crossed to her father’s office, tapping on the +frosted glass door.</p> +<p>“Who is it?” demanded Schirr, his voice loud and +unpleasant.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_62">[62]</div> +<p>Penny spoke her name. In a moment the door +opened, and the editor bowed and smiled. As if she +were a guest of honor, he motioned her to a seat.</p> +<p>“We’re doing everything we can to trace your +father,” he said. “So far, we’ve had no luck and the +police admit they are baffled. I can’t express to you +how sorry I am.”</p> +<p>To Penny’s ears the words were words only, lacking +sincerity. Determining to waste no time, she +spoke of DeWitt’s sudden illness.</p> +<p>“Oh yes, he’ll be off duty for at least a month,” +replied Mr. Schirr. “Naturally in his absence I have +assumed charge. We put out a real paper this morning.”</p> +<p>“I saw the front page.”</p> +<p>Penny longed to say that the story about her father +had displeased her. However, she knew it would do +no good. The account, once printed, could not be +recalled. Far better, she reasoned, to let the matter +pass.</p> +<p>“I hear Mose Johnson has been discharged,” she +remarked.</p> +<p>“Yes, we had to let him go.” Mr. Schirr opened a +desk drawer, helping himself to one of Mr. Parker’s +cigars. “Mose is indolent, irresponsible—a drag on +the payroll.”</p> +<p>“My father always liked him.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_63">[63]</div> +<p>“Yes, he did seem to favor the old coot,” agreed +Schirr with a shrug. “Well, thank you for dropping +in, Miss Parker. If we have any encouraging news, +I’ll see that you are notified at once.”</p> +<p>Well aware that she had been dismissed, Penny left +the office. Schirr’s attitude angered her. He had +made her feel unwelcome in her own father’s newspaper +plant.</p> +<p>As she closed the door behind her, she realized that +nearly every eye in the apparently-busy newsroom, +had focused upon her. Deliberately, she composed +herself. Acting undisturbed, she swept past the rows +of desks to a rear stairway leading to the basement.</p> +<p>The janitor had delivered her message to Mose +Johnson. She found the old colored man curled up +fast asleep on a crate by the warm stove.</p> +<p>Penny touched Mose on the arm. He straightened +up as suddenly as if someone had set off a fire-cracker.</p> +<p>“Oh, Miss Penny!” he beamed. “I’se suah su’prised +at seein’ you down heah in dis dumpy fu’nace room. +But I thanks you just the same fo’ wakin’ me up out +o’ dat ghost dream.”</p> +<p>“Were you having a ghost dream?” echoed Penny.</p> +<p>“Yes, Miss. Yo’ see I was dreamin’ about dat same +ghost I saw last night on de way to work.”</p> +<p>Penny, fully aware that Mose was directing the conversation +where he wished it to go, hid a smile.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_64">[64]</div> +<p>“I heard about that, Mose,” she commented. “It +must have been quite a lively ghost to make you two +hours late.”</p> +<p>“It suah was a lively ghost,” Mose confirmed, bobbing +his woolly head. “Why, it walked around jest +like a live pu’son.”</p> +<p>“Aren’t you being a bit superstitious, Mose?”</p> +<p>“Deedy not, Miss. You is supe’stitious when you +sees a ghost dat ain’t dar. But when you sees one dat +is dar you ain’t supe’stitious. You is jest plain scared!”</p> +<p>“Suppose you tell me about it,” Penny invited.</p> +<p>“Well, Miss Penny, it was like dis,” began the old +colored man. “At half past eleven I starts off fo’ work +same as always. I picks up mah lunch box de ole lady +packed fo’ me, an’ scoots off toward de bus stop to get +de 11:45. But I nevah get dar. When I was goin’ +down dat road runnin’ past de old Harrison place, I +seen de ghost.”</p> +<p>“The Harrison place?” interrupted Penny. “Where +is that?”</p> +<p>“You know de road that winds up Craig Hill? It’s +out towa’d de boat club.”</p> +<p>“You don’t mean that big estate house with the +fence surrounding it?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_65">[65]</div> +<p>“Dat’s de place! Well, I seed dis heah ghost a cavortin’ +around behind de big iron gate dat goes in to +de old Harrison place. De ghost nevah sees me, but +I gets a good close-up of him. He was dressed in +white and he was carryin’ his own tombstone around +in his arms jes’ like it doan weigh nothin’.”</p> +<p>“Oh, Mose!” protested Penny. “And then what +happened? Did the ghost disappear?”</p> +<p>“No, Miss,” grinned the colored man, “but I did! +I turns tail an’ runs as fast as a man half mah age could +go, an’ I nevah stops fo’ nuthin’ till I gits back to mah +own place.</p> +<p>“When I tells mah ole lady what was goin’ on she +says, ‘Mose, you sees white ghosts ’cause you been a +drinkin’ some mo’ o’ dat white-eye. It’s twelve +o’clock dis minute and you’se missed de last bus. +Now you start walkin’! And if you is fired, don’t +nevah da’ken dat do’ no mo’.’”</p> +<p>Old Mose drew a deep sigh. “And dat’s jest what +happened, Miss Penny. I ain’t got no job an’ no mo’ +home than a rabbit. I’se suah bubblin’ oveh with +trouble. It all come from seein’ dat ghost you says I +didn’t see.”</p> +<p>“I’m sure you thought you saw one,” replied Penny. +“If you’ll promise to attend strictly to your duties +hereafter, I’ll ask Mr. Schirr to reinstate you on the +payroll.”</p> +<p>Old Mose brightened. “I suah nuff will!” he said +jubilantly. “I won’t have no mo’ truck with dat +ghost. No sir!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_66">[66]</div> +<p>To face Mr. Schirr once more, was a most unpleasant +ordeal for Penny. Nevertheless, she sought his +office, apologizing for the intrusion.</p> +<p>“I <i>am</i> busy,” the editor said pointedly. “What is +it you want?”</p> +<p>Penny explained that she had talked with Mose +Johnson and was convinced that his offense would +not be repeated.</p> +<p>“I want you to put him back on his old job,” she +requested.</p> +<p>“Impossible!”</p> +<p>“Why do you take that attitude?” inquired Penny, +stiffening for an argument. “Dad always liked +Mose.”</p> +<p>“One can’t mix sentiment with business. I have a +job to do here and I intend to do it efficiently.”</p> +<p>“Dad probably will show up before another day.”</p> +<p>“I don’t like to dash your hopes,” said Mr. Schirr. +“We’ve tried to spare your feelings. Perhaps your +father will be found, but you know I tried to warn +him he was inviting trouble when he mixed with the +tire-theft gang.”</p> +<p>“So you believe Dad has fallen into the clutches of +those men?”</p> +<p>“I do.”</p> +<p>“What makes you think so? Have you any evidence?”</p> +<p>“Not a scrap.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_67">[67]</div> +<p>“And how did you learn Dad intended to expose +the higher-ups?”</p> +<p>“I don’t mind telling you I heard him talking to +Jerry Livingston about it.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I see.”</p> +<p>“We’re getting nowhere with this discussion,” Mr. +Schirr said impatiently. “I really am busy—”</p> +<p>“Will you reinstate Mose?” Penny asked, reverting +to the original subject.</p> +<p>“I’ve already given my answer.”</p> +<p>“After all, this is my father’s paper,” Penny said, +trying to control her voice. “It’s not a corporation. +Only Dad’s money is invested here.”</p> +<p>“So what?”</p> +<p>“As a personal favor I ask you to reinstate Mose.”</p> +<p>“You’re making an issue of it?”</p> +<p>“Call it that if you like.”</p> +<p>Mr. Schirr’s dark eyes blazed. He slammed a paper +weight across the desk and it dropped to the floor +with a hard thud.</p> +<p>“Very well,” he said stiffly, “we’ll restore your pet +to the payroll.”</p> +<p>“Thank you, Mr. Schirr.”</p> +<p>“But get this, Miss Parker,” the editor completed. +“We may as well have an understanding. While your +father is absent, I’m in full charge here. In the future +I’ll have no interference from you or any other +person.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_68">[68]</div> +<h2 id="c9"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">9</span> +<br /><i>AN OPEN SAFE</i></h2> +<p>Rather flattened by the interview with Mr. +Schirr, Penny was glad to leave the <i>Star</i> plant. Going +down in the elevator, she requested Charley to +tell Mose Johnson that he had been restored to his +old job.</p> +<p>“That’s fine!” the janitor beamed. “Mighty glad +to hear it.” Opening the cage door, he inquired: +“Will you be going to see Mr. DeWitt?”</p> +<p>“I thought I would.”</p> +<p>“He’s at City Hospital. You might tell him that +we all miss him around here.”</p> +<p>“I’ll certainly deliver the message,” promised Penny.</p> +<p>City Hospital was only six blocks away. Penny +bought flowers and then presented herself at the institution. +After a brief wait in the lobby, she was +allowed to see Mr. DeWitt for a few minutes.</p> +<p>“Good morning,” she said cheerfully, handing the +box of flowers to a nurse.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_69">[69]</div> +<p>Mr. DeWitt, pale and weak, stirred and turned his +head so that he could see her.</p> +<p>“What’s good about it?” he muttered with a trace +of his old spirit. “They won’t even let me sit up!”</p> +<p>“I should think not,” smiled Penny. She sat down +in a chair beside the bed.</p> +<p>“Of all times to get laid up!” the editor went on. +“Heard from your father?”</p> +<p>Penny shook her head. A long silence followed, +and then she said brightly:</p> +<p>“But he’ll be found—probably today.”</p> +<p>Mr. DeWitt lay with his eyes closed. “I’ve been +thinking—” he mumbled drowsily.</p> +<p>“Yes?” Penny waited.</p> +<p>“Mind’s still fogged with that blamed ether,” DeWitt +muttered. “About your father—” His voice +trailed off.</p> +<p>“Do you think he could have been waylaid by enemies?” +Penny asked after a moment. “Mr. Schirr +believes his disappearance has a connection with the +tire-theft gang.”</p> +<p>Mr. DeWitt’s eyes opened again. “I don’t know,” +he mumbled. “Your father was planning to break a +big story—didn’t tell me much about it.”</p> +<p>“You don’t know what evidence he carried in the +portfolio when he went to see the State Prosecutor?”</p> +<p>DeWitt shook his head. “Jerry’ll know.”</p> +<p>“But how can I reach him?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_70">[70]</div> +<p>“Didn’t he leave an address at the office?”</p> +<p>“I don’t think so.”</p> +<p>“Then there’s no way to reach him.” Exhausted +from so much talking, DeWitt fell silent. At length +however, he aroused himself and asked: “Have you +tried your father’s safe?”</p> +<p>“For Jerry’s address?”</p> +<p>“No, the names of the tire-theft gang. If the police +had something to work on—”</p> +<p>“Dad took a lot of papers out just before he started +for the Prosecutor’s office,” Penny replied thoughtfully. +“But some of the evidence may have been left. +It’s worth investigating.”</p> +<p>The nurse returned to the room with a vase for +the flowers.</p> +<p>“I’m afraid I can’t allow you to remain much +longer,” she said regretfully.</p> +<p>As she arose to go, Penny remembered to deliver +Old Charley’s message.</p> +<p>“How’s everything at the office?” Mr. DeWitt +asked. “Who’s in charge?”</p> +<p>“Harley Schirr.”</p> +<p>Mr. DeWitt’s forehead wrinkled. “Now I know +I’ve got to roll out of here!” he declared. “Things +will be in a nice state by the time I get back.”</p> +<p>Penny did not wish to worry him. “Oh, everything +will go along,” she soothed. “Mr. Schirr is very +efficient in his methods.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_71">[71]</div> +<p>“And opinionated,” muttered DeWitt. “Oh, well, +I’ll be back on the job in ten days.”</p> +<p>Penny did not disillusion him. Saying goodbye, +she returned to the newspaper office. Pausing at the +downstairs advertising department, she talked to Bud +Corbin, a close friend of Jerry’s.</p> +<p>“This is the only address Jerry gave me,” Mr. Corbin +said, taking a card from his billfold. “A wire +might reach him. But there’s a good chance it won’t. +When he left here, he wasn’t sure he’d stop at Elk +Horn Lodge.”</p> +<p>Grateful for the address, Penny composed a telegram +which the advertising man offered to send for +her. In the message she not only told of her father’s +strange disappearance, but asked for a complete duplication +of material lost in the portfolio.</p> +<p>“At least I’ve started the ball rolling,” she thought, +with renewed hope in her efforts. “I believe Jerry +can help if only he gets the wire.”</p> +<p>Penny had not forgotten Mr. DeWitt’s suggestion +that some evidence against the tire-theft gang might +be found in Mr. Parker’s safe.</p> +<p>“I hate to open it while Dad is away,” she reflected. +“Still, I know the combination, and I’m sure he would +want me to do it.”</p> +<p>To brave Harley Schirr a second time was a duty +not to Penny’s liking. She debated waiting until +after four o’clock when the editor doubtless would +leave the building. But time was precious and she +could not afford to wait.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_72">[72]</div> +<p>“What am I, a coward?” she prodded herself. +“Why should I be afraid of Harley Schirr? When +Dad gets back on the job, he’ll bounce him back +where he belongs.”</p> +<p>Penny’s reappearance in the newsroom created a +slight stir. However, no one spoke to her as she +walked straight to her father’s office. The door was +closed.</p> +<p>“Mr. Schirr isn’t in conference?” she asked one of +the copy readers.</p> +<p>“No, just go right on in,” the man returned carelessly.</p> +<p>Without knocking, Penny opened the door. On +the threshold, she paused, startled. Harley Schirr was +down on his knees in front of the open safe. Evidently +he had been going through Mr. Parker’s private +papers in systematic fashion for he was circled +by little piles of manila envelopes.</p> +<p>Mr. Schirr was even more startled than Penny. He +sprang to his feet, the picture of guilt. Then, recovering +his poise, he scowled and demanded: “Here +again?”</p> +<p>Penny carefully closed the office door before she +spoke. Then her words were terse.</p> +<p>“Mr. Schirr, kindly explain what you are doing in +my father’s safe.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_73">[73]</div> +<p>“Looking for information about the tire-theft +gang.”</p> +<p>“A story you say the <i>Star</i> never should print.”</p> +<p>“That’s neither here nor there.” A deep flush had +crept over Schirr’s cheeks but his manner remained +confident. “As editor I have to know what’s going +on.”</p> +<p>“Who gave you permission to open the safe?”</p> +<p>“You forget that I am editor here, Miss Parker.”</p> +<p>“At least I’ve been reminded of it enough times,” +Penny retorted. “How did you learn the combination?”</p> +<p>“I’ve known it.”</p> +<p>“You saw the numbers written on Dad’s desk,” +Penny accused.</p> +<p>Mr. Schirr did not deny the charge. Turning his +back, he started to remove a rubber band from a small +stack of yellowed letters. The act infuriated Penny, +for she recognized the packet. Years before, the letters +had been written by her own mother, and Mr. +Parker always had treasured them.</p> +<p>“Don’t you touch those!” she cried, darting forward. +“They’re personal.”</p> +<p>Snatching the packet from Mr. Schirr, she gathered +up the other papers and envelopes from the floor. +Thrusting everything into the safe, she closed and +locked the door.</p> +<p>“Well!” commented the editor scathingly.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_74">[74]</div> +<p>“You’re through here!” said Penny, facing him with +blazing eyes. “Do you understand? I’m discharging +you.”</p> +<p>Mr. Schirr looked stunned. Then he laughed unpleasantly.</p> +<p>“So <i>you’re</i> discharging me,” he mocked. “By what +right may I ask?”</p> +<p>“This is my father’s plant.”</p> +<p>“Which doesn’t necessarily make you the editor or +the owner, Miss Penelope Parker. You’re a minor as +well as a nuisance. If your father proves to be dead, +the court will step in—”</p> +<p>“Get out!” cried Penny, fighting to keep back the +tears. “You don’t care about Dad, or anything but +your own selfish interests!”</p> +<p>“Now you’re hysterical.”</p> +<p>Penny’s anger subsided, to be replaced by a cool +determination that Harley Schirr should not remain +in charge of the <i>Star</i> another hour.</p> +<p>“I meant just what I said,” she told him quietly. +“Please go.”</p> +<p>Schirr smiled grimly. Seating himself at the desk, +his eyes challenged hers.</p> +<p>“I remain as editor here,” he announced. “If you +wish to contest my right, take your case to court. +In the meantime, keep out of my private office.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_75">[75]</div> +<h2 id="c10"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">10</span> +<br /><i>TALE OF A GHOST</i></h2> +<p>Beaten and close to tears, Penny stumbled out +of Harley Schirr’s office. As she paused just beyond +the closed door, every eye in the newsroom focused +upon her. Salt Sommers, camera box slung over his +shoulder, went over and spoke to her.</p> +<p>“Penny, we all heard that row. If you say the +word, we’ll walk out of here in a body.”</p> +<p>Penny smiled, touched by the expression of loyalty. +“That would do no good,” she replied. “Thanks just +the same.”</p> +<p>“We’re through taking orders from Schirr!” Salt +went on. “He always has been a pain in the neck, +and now that he has authority, there’s no holding him +down. How about it, boys?”</p> +<p>A chorus of approval greeted his words. One of +the reporters picked up a paper weight and would +have hurled it against the closed door, had not another +restrained him.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_76">[76]</div> +<p>“I’m sure Dad would want everyone to carry on,” +Penny said quietly. “The paper must be published +the same as always.”</p> +<p>“We could do our work and do it well, if Schirr +would just leave us alone,” growled one of the copy +readers.</p> +<p>“That’s right!” added another. “Why don’t you +take over, Penny?”</p> +<p>“Mr. Schirr just reminded me that I’m not the editor. +I know nothing about running a newspaper.”</p> +<p>“How about the time you ran the High School +weekly?” Salt reminded her. “Why, you did a bang +up job of it, and uncovered <i>The Secret Pact</i> story to +boot! Don’t try to tell us you don’t know how to +run a newspaper!”</p> +<p>“A weekly high school sheet and the <i>Star</i> are two +different propositions.”</p> +<p>“But your father has a fine organization here,” Salt +argued. “If Schirr can be kept from breaking it up, +everything will go along. The boys all know their +jobs.”</p> +<p>Penny’s eyes began to sparkle. But she said: “I +don’t see how I could take over, much as I would like +to do it. Schirr has staked out rights in Dad’s office +and nothing will move him short of a court order.”</p> +<p>“You don’t need a fancy office to run a paper,” +Salt grinned. “We’ll just take our orders from you. +Schirr can sit until he’s had enough of it.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_77">[77]</div> +<p>Penny gazed at the eager, loyal faces about her. +Nearly all of the men were old employees, personally +trained by her father and Mr. DeWitt. She knew +she could depend on them.</p> +<p>“We’ll do it!” she exclaimed suddenly. “As your +new editor, I wish to issue my first order. Please, +let’s not publish any more sensational stories about +Dad’s disappearance.”</p> +<p>“Okay Chief,” grinned one of the desk men. “That +suits us all fine.”</p> +<p>Penny was given a seat of honor at the slot of the +circular copy desk. There she was able to read and +pass upon every story which flowed from the typewriters +of the various reporters. With the courteous +help of one of the deskmen, she remade the front page +of the noon edition. A particularly sensational story +about Mr. Parker, prepared earlier in the day, was +promptly “busted.”</p> +<p>Penny found her new duties exacting, but surprisingly +easy. Over the years it was astonishing how +much she had learned about the workings of a newspaper +plant. At different times she had served as reporter, +society editor and special feature writer. As +for the editorial policy of the <i>Star</i>, she was thoroughly +familiar with it, for her father frequently aired his +views at home.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_78">[78]</div> +<p>Shortly after the noon edition rolled from the press, +the buzzer in Mr. Schirr’s office sounded. Mr. Parker’s +private secretary did not answer. The buzzer +kept on for nearly five minutes. Then the door was +flung open.</p> +<p>“What the blazes is the matter with everyone?” +Schirr shouted.</p> +<p>His gaze fastened upon Penny at the copy desk.</p> +<p>“Meet our new editor, Mr. Schirr,” said Salt, who +had that moment come out of the camera room.</p> +<p>Schirr ignored Penny. Snatching up one of the +noon editions, still fresh with wet ink, he glanced at +the front page. His eyes flashed.</p> +<p>“Eckert,” he said to the head copy man, “come into +my office. I want to talk to you.”</p> +<p>“Oh, sure,” said Eckert, but he did not follow +Schirr into the adjoining room.</p> +<p>Soon the ex-editor came storming out to learn what +was wrong. This time his expression was baffled.</p> +<p>“Mr. Eckert,” he said with exaggerated politeness. +“Will you please step into my office?”</p> +<p>“Sorry,” replied the copy reader. “You may as +well know right now that you’re not giving the orders +around here!”</p> +<p>“We’ll see about that!” cried Schirr.</p> +<p>Darting to one of the speaking tubes, he called the +foreman of the press room.</p> +<p>“Schirr talking!” he said curtly. “Stop the presses! +Kill that noon edition! We’re making over the front +page!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_79">[79]</div> +<p>“Can’t hear you,” was the reply, for word had been +passed to the men in the pressroom. “Louder!”</p> +<p>Schirr shouted until he was nearly hoarse. Then +suddenly conscious that he was making a spectacle of +himself, he slammed into his office. A minute later +he reappeared, hat jammed low over his eyes.</p> +<p>“This is a very clever scheme, Miss Parker,” he +said, facing her. “Well, it won’t work. I’m leaving, +but I’ll be back. With a lawyer!”</p> +<p>He strode from the newsroom, banging the door so +hard the glass rattled.</p> +<p>“Don’t worry about that egg,” Salt advised Penny. +“He’s mostly bluff.”</p> +<p>“I think he does mean to get a court order,” she +returned soberly.</p> +<p>“He may try,” Salt shrugged. “We can handle +him.”</p> +<p>Following Schirr’s departure, everything moved +smoothly at the <i>Star</i> plant. One edition after another +rolled from the presses. Penny was kept busy, and +frequently she was worried and in doubt. Nevertheless, +everyone made the way easy for her, and as the +day wore on she gained confidence.</p> +<p>Throughout the afternoon, news stories kept pouring +into the <i>Star</i> office, but no encouraging information +came in regard to Mr. Parker. Several times +Penny called the police station and also talked with +Mrs. Weems. The housekeeper, fearful that the girl +would become ill, insisted upon bringing a hot evening +meal to the office.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_80">[80]</div> +<p>“Penny, you’ve been here all day,” she chided anxiously. +“You must come home with me.”</p> +<p>“I can’t just yet,” Penny replied. “There’s too +much to do. By tomorrow, if Schirr doesn’t make +trouble, things will smooth out.”</p> +<p>“You’re working so hard you’ll be sick abed!”</p> +<p>“I want to work,” Penny said grimly. “It keeps +me from thinking. Anyway, Dad would want me to +do it.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Weems sighed as she gathered up the lunch +basket and thermos bottle. Penny barely had tasted +the food.</p> +<p>“When will you be home?” the housekeeper asked.</p> +<p>“I can’t say exactly. After the night editions are +out. Don’t sit up for me.”</p> +<p>“You know I couldn’t go to bed until you are +home,” Mrs. Weems responded. “You’ll take a taxi?”</p> +<p>“Of course,” promised Penny.</p> +<p>After the housekeeper had gone, she plunged into +her duties once more. With the force short of two +men, DeWitt and Schirr, there really was too much +work for the desk men to do unassisted. Penny wrote +headlines, copy-read stories, and passed on all matters +of policy. So busy did she keep, that when at length +she glanced at her watch, it was eleven-thirty.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_81">[81]</div> +<p>“Gracious!” she thought. “And Mrs. Weems will +be waiting up for me!”</p> +<p>Saying goodnight to the men who would carry on +in her absence, she went down the back stairs to the +street. As she glanced about for a taxicab, she saw +Old Mose Johnson shuffling toward the loading dock.</p> +<p>“Good evening,” she greeted him. “I’m glad to +see you’re ahead of time tonight.”</p> +<p>“Good evenin’, Miss Penny,” the colored man said, +doffing his tattered hat. “Yas’m. I’se heah, but I seed +dat same ghost a-lurkin’ behind de gate!”</p> +<p>“I hope that ghost isn’t becoming a habit with you, +Mose.”</p> +<p>“Deed Miss Penny, he’s mo’ dan a habit,” the colored +man sighed. “He’s a suah-nuff live ghost. De +fust time I seed him I thought he wasn’t no imagination +ghost. But when I saw him agin’ tonight I was +dead suah of it.”</p> +<p>“What happened this time, Mose?”</p> +<p>“Well, Miss Penny, I was a walking along dat same +road, down by de ole Harrison place when I seed him +again. He was a-cavortin’ behind dat same iron gate. +And he was dressed de same too, in a long white robe.”</p> +<p>“And you ran the same too, I suppose?” smiled +Penny.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_82">[82]</div> +<p>“Ah made myself scarce around dat gate, but I +didn’t run home dis time. I was a-skeered of mah ole +woman. I beats it to de restaurant on de co’ner and +waits dere ’till a bus comes. Oh, I’se gettin’ good, +Miss Penny! I can see a ghost and git to work on +time, all de same evenin’!”</p> +<p>“Well, keep up the good work,” Penny said jokingly +as she turned away.</p> +<p>The meeting with Old Mose had served to divert +the girl’s mind from her own difficulties. Riding +home by taxi, she caught herself reviewing the details +of the colored man’s outlandish tale.</p> +<p>“Mose couldn’t have seen a ghost,” she thought, +“but he’s honest about being frightened. If I didn’t +have so many serious troubles, I’d be tempted to investigate +the old Harrison estate myself.”</p> +<p>Penny alighted at her home and walked wearily up +the shoveled path. Snow was falling once more. +Already the exposed porch was covered with a half-inch +coating of feathery flakes.</p> +<p>Inside the house a light flashed on. The bright +beam shining through the window drew Penny’s attention +to a series of freshly-made footprints criss-crossing +the porch.</p> +<p>“Mrs. Weems must have had a visitor,” she thought, +observing that the heel marks were made by a woman’s +shoe.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_83">[83]</div> +<p>As Penny reached for the door knob, her glance +fell upon a long, narrow envelope which protruded +from the tin mailbox. She removed it, wondering +why the housekeeper had neglected to do so.</p> +<p>Mrs. Weems opened the door.</p> +<p>“Thank goodness, you’re home at last, Penny. I +fell asleep on the davenport. There isn’t any word—”</p> +<p>“Not a scrap of news,” Penny completed.</p> +<p>Dropping the letter on the center table, she removed +her wraps and flung herself full length on the +davenport.</p> +<p>“You poor child!” Mrs. Weems murmured. +“You’re practically exhausted. Please go straight to +bed. I’ll fix some warm milk and perhaps you can +sleep.”</p> +<p>“I don’t feel as if I’d ever sleep again,” Penny declared. +“I’m tired, but I feel so excited and tense.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Weems picked up the girl’s coat and cap. +Shaking them free of snow, she hung the garments in +the closet.</p> +<p>“Did you have a bad time of it today?” Penny +asked after a moment.</p> +<p>“It wasn’t exactly pleasant,” Mrs. Weems replied. +“Reporters and photographers came from every paper +in Riverview. The police too—although I was glad +to have them. And the telephone! I counted twelve +calls in an hour.”</p> +<p>“You must be dead. You shouldn’t have waited up +for me.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_84">[84]</div> +<p>“I wanted to, Penny. About an hour ago I thought +I heard your step on the porch, but I was mistaken.”</p> +<p>Penny sat up. “Haven’t you had a caller during +the last hour, Mrs. Weems?”</p> +<p>“No, I’ve been alone.”</p> +<p>“But I saw footprints on the porch! And I found +this in the mailbox!”</p> +<p>Penny snatched the long envelope from the table. +Holding it beneath the bridge lamp, she noticed for +the first time that it bore no stamp. Strangely, it was +addressed to her.</p> +<p>“Why, where did you get that letter?” cried Mrs. +Weems.</p> +<p>“Found it in the mailbox.” Penny’s hand trembled +as she ripped open the flap.</p> +<p>A sheet of writing paper, high quality and slightly +perfumed, slid from the envelope. The message was +terse and bore no signature at the end. It read:</p> +<div class="bq"> +<p class="bq">“Offer a suitable reward and information will be +provided as to the whereabouts of your father. Make +your offer known in the <i>Star</i>.”</p> +</div> +<div class="pb" id="Page_85">[85]</div> +<h2 id="c11"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">11</span> +<br /><i>BY A CEMETERY WALL</i></h2> +<p>Penny and Mrs. Weems reread the anonymous +message many times, analyzing every word.</p> +<p>“Plainly this note was written by a woman of some +means for the paper is fine quality,” Penny commented. +“She must have sneaked up on the porch +about an hour ago.”</p> +<p>“Call the police at once,” urged Mrs. Weems. +“They’ll tell us what we should do.”</p> +<p>“Whoever left the note may be watching the +house.”</p> +<p>“We must risk that, Penny. I’ll call the station +myself.”</p> +<p>While Mrs. Weems busied herself at the telephone, +Penny switched off the living-room light. She could +see no one loitering anywhere near the house. Slipping +on her coat, she went outside to inspect the footprints +left on the porch. Only a few remained uncovered +by snow. There was no way to tell in which +direction the writer of the anonymous message had +gone.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_86">[86]</div> +<p>Mrs. Weems had completed her telephone call by +the time Penny reentered the house.</p> +<p>“Two detectives will be here in a few minutes,” +she revealed. “You keep watch for them while I run +upstairs and get into something more suitable than a +lounging robe.”</p> +<p>Within ten minutes a car drew up in front of the +house. Penny already was acquainted with Detectives +Dick Brandon and George Fuller, and had great confidence +in their judgment. Anxiously she and Mrs. +Weems waited while the men scanned the anonymous +message.</p> +<p>“This might be only a crank note,” commented +Brandon. “Someone who’s read of Mr. Parker’s disappearance, +and hopes to pick up a little cash.”</p> +<p>“Then you don’t think it came from the tire-theft +gang?” Penny asked.</p> +<p>“Not likely. A professional kidnaper never would +have sent a note like this. The handwriting hasn’t +even been disguised.”</p> +<p>“Will it be possible to trace the person?”</p> +<p>“It should be if we have a little luck.” Detective +Brandon pocketed the letter. “Now this is what you +must do, Miss Parker. Offer a reward—say five thousand +dollars—for information about your father.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_87">[87]</div> +<p>“I’ll get the story in every edition of the <i>Star</i> tomorrow. +And then what am I to do?”</p> +<p>“You’ll likely hear from the writer of this anonymous +message, either by letter or telephone. If you +contact the woman, arrange a meeting. Then notify +us immediately.”</p> +<p>The discussion went on. When at length the two +detectives left, Penny and Mrs. Weems were hopeful +that within another twenty-four hours they might +know Mr. Parker’s fate.</p> +<p>In the morning, after only five hours of sleep, Penny +was back at her desk. Her first act was to dictate the +story offering a five-thousand-dollar reward for information +about her father. Not even to Salt Sommers +did she confide that she had received an anonymous +message.</p> +<p>“Everything’s going well here at the plant,” he assured +her. “Harley Schirr hasn’t so much as stuck +his nose through the door.”</p> +<p>“I hope we’re through with him,” replied Penny +soberly. “However, I don’t feel that we are. By the +way, no telegram has come from Jerry?”</p> +<p>“No message yet. Guess he didn’t get your wire.”</p> +<p>Throughout the morning, Penny worked tirelessly +at her desk. Although her father’s office now was +vacant, she did not take possession. Even when she +occasionally entered to get papers from the file, it +gave her a queer, tight feeling. Her father’s old neck-scarf +still hung on the clothes tree. The rubbers he +hated to wear stood heel to heel against the wall.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_88">[88]</div> +<p>“Dad is alive and well,” she told herself whenever +her courage faltered. “By tomorrow he’ll be back. +I know he will.”</p> +<p>At noon Salt brought Penny a sandwich which she +ate without leaving her desk. As she struggled with +the last mouthful, the telephone rang.</p> +<p>“Is this Miss Parker?” inquired a woman’s voice.</p> +<p>Penny gripped the receiver tightly. Her pulse began +to pound. Although she had no real reason for +thinking so, she suddenly knew that she was in contact +with the mysterious writer of the anonymous message.</p> +<p>“Yes,” she replied, keeping her voice calm.</p> +<p>“You offered a reward in your paper today. Five +thousand dollars for information about Mr. Parker.”</p> +<p>“True. Can you tell me anything about his disappearance?”</p> +<p>“I can if you’re willing to pay the money.”</p> +<p>“I’ll be glad to do it.”</p> +<p>“And no questions asked?”</p> +<p>“No questions,” Penny promised. “If you actually +can provide information that will help me find my +father, I’ll be happy to give you the money.”</p> +<p>There was a long silence. Fearful lest the woman +had lost her nerve and was about to hang up, Penny +said anxiously:</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_89">[89]</div> +<p>“Where shall I meet you? Will you come to my +home?”</p> +<p>“That’s too risky.”</p> +<p>“Then where shall I meet you?”</p> +<p>“Tonight at eight. You know the cemetery out on +Baldiff Road?”</p> +<p>“Baldiff Road?” Penny repeated doubtfully.</p> +<p>“You’ll find it on a county map,” the woman instructed. +“Meet me at the cemetery wall promptly +at eight. And don’t bring anyone with you. Just +the money. I’ll guarantee to tell you where you can +find your father.”</p> +<p>The receiver clicked.</p> +<p>Greatly excited, Penny made a futile attempt to +trace the telephone call. Failing, she set off for the +police station to talk to Detectives Fuller and Brandon.</p> +<p>“The woman must be a rank amateur or she +wouldn’t have arranged a meeting in the way she did!” +Detective Brandon assured Penny. “Now let’s find +out where Baldiff Road is located.”</p> +<p>Using a large map, he circled an area several miles +south of Riverview. Penny was surprised to note +that Baldiff Road branched off from the same deserted +thoroughfare which she and Louise had followed on +the night of the blizzard. The cemetery, Oakland +Hills, was situated perhaps a mile from the old Harrison +place where Mose Johnson had claimed to have +seen a ghost.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_90">[90]</div> +<p>“It shouldn’t be hard to nab the woman when she +shows up,” Detective Fuller declared. “Dick and I +will get there early and keep watch.”</p> +<p>“Just what am I to do?” Penny inquired. “Shall I +take the reward money with me?”</p> +<p>“We’ll give you a package of fake money,” the detective +answered. “Drive to the cemetery alone at +the appointed hour. If the woman shows up, talk to +her, try to learn what she knows. We’ll attend to +the rest.”</p> +<p>Penny returned home to consult with Mrs. Weems. +How to reach the cemetery was something of a problem. +Her own car, minus its wheels, remained at the +Yacht Club, and Mr. Parker’s automobile had been +hauled to a garage for extensive repairs.</p> +<p>“Can’t you borrow a car from someone at the <i>Star</i> +office?” suggested the housekeeper. “And do take a +man with you when you drive to the cemetery.”</p> +<p>“No, I must go alone,” insisted Penny. “That part +is very important.”</p> +<p>In the end she was able to borrow Salt Sommer’s +coupe. A little after seven o’clock she set off for +Baldiff Road with the package of fake money in her +possession. The night was not cold, but a stiff wind +blew through the evergreens; whirlwinds of snow +chased one another across the untraveled road.</p> +<p>“What a dreary place for a meeting,” Penny shivered +as she glimpsed the bleak cemetery on a hilltop.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_91">[91]</div> +<p>The area, a full half-mile from any house, was +bounded by a high snow-covered brick wall. Beyond +the barrier, starlight revealed a cluster of rounding +tombstones layered with white. No one was visible, +neither the woman nor members of the police force.</p> +<p>Penny glanced at her watch. It lacked ten minutes +of eight o’clock. She parked not far from the cemetery +entrance and switched off the engine.</p> +<p>Twenty minutes elapsed. Nervous and cold, Penny +climbed from the car and tramped back and forth to +restore circulation. She had begun to doubt that the +woman would keep the appointment.</p> +<p>Then, coming swiftly down the road, she saw a +strange looking figure. The one who approached +wore a long, tight-fitting coat. A hat with a dark +veil covered the woman’s face.</p> +<p>“There she is!” thought Penny, every nerve tense.</p> +<p>The woman came closer. While still some distance +from the cemetery entrance, she suddenly paused. +Her head jerked sideways. Then to Penny’s dismay, +she turned and fled toward the woods.</p> +<p>“Wait!” Penny shouted. “Don’t be afraid! +Wait!”</p> +<p>The woman paid no heed. Lifting her coat the better +to run, she disappeared among the trees.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_92">[92]</div> +<h2 id="c12"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">12</span> +<br /><i>FLIGHT</i></h2> +<p>As Penny wondered what to do, Detectives +Brandon and Fuller leaped from their hiding place +behind the cemetery wall. Their car had been secreted +in a clump of bushes farther down the road. +By pure mischance, the woman in the black veil had +seen it as she approached, and fearing treachery, had +fled.</p> +<p>“Quick, Dick, or she’ll get away!” Fuller shouted.</p> +<p>Penny did not join in the pursuit. Reentering her +car, she waited anxiously. From the crashing of underbrush, +she knew the detectives were having difficulty +in following the woman. In the dark forest it +would be very easy for her to elude the officers.</p> +<p>Three quarters of an hour elapsed before the men +returned.</p> +<p>“We lost her,” Detective Brandon reported. “No +use searching any longer.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_93">[93]</div> +<p>Sick at heart, Penny drove slowly toward home. +Her hopes had been completely dashed. Not only +had she failed to contact the mysterious woman, but +there now seemed little likelihood of doing so.</p> +<p>“I may receive another telephone message,” she +thought, “but I doubt it. That woman probably will +be too badly frightened to try to contact me again.”</p> +<p>At the exit of Baldiff Road, Penny headed down +the winding hillside highway which she and Louise +had followed on the night of the blizzard. The route, +although slightly longer, would take her close to the +Riverview Yacht Club.</p> +<p>“I’ll go that way and see if my car is still there,” +she decided. “Then tomorrow I can have it hauled +home and jacked up. I should have looked after the +matter long ago.”</p> +<p>The coupe rounded a curve and the road dipped +between an avenue of swaying, whispering pines. To +the left, shrouded in snow, loomed the old Harrison +house. The estate was picturesque in itself, and Mose +Johnson’s tale about a ghost had intensified the girl’s +interest.</p> +<p>“Wonder who owns the place now?” she speculated. +“Probably not any member of the Harrison +family, as I believe they were old-timers in Riverview.”</p> +<p>Penny slowed the car to idling speed. Deliberately +keeping to the left hand side of the road, she studied +with deep interest the long, snow-frosted fence which +bounded the grounds. The barrier was an unfriendly +one, high and spiked at the top.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_94">[94]</div> +<p>Suddenly her attention focused upon a well-beaten +path in the snow just inside the fence. The footprints, +plainly visible in the bright moonlight, extended +the full width of the grounds.</p> +<p>Into Penny’s mind flashed the wild yarn told by +Mose Johnson.</p> +<p>“Ghost tracks!” she thought. “At least those prints +must have been made by whatever he saw beyond the +gate.”</p> +<p>So interested was Penny in the path that for an instant +she completely forgot her driving. The front +left wheel of the car struck a tiny mound of ice and +snow at the road’s edge.</p> +<p>Barely in time to avoid an accident, the girl twisted +the steering wheel and brought the car back on the +highway.</p> +<p>“Another second and I’d have been in the ditch!” +she thought shakily. “If I must look for a ghost, +guess I’ll do the job right.”</p> +<p>Penny pulled up, this time at the opposite side of +the road. Getting out, she crossed to the iron fence +and peered through it. The path which had attracted +her attention had been pounded hard by someone who +had walked just inside the enclosure.</p> +<p>“Odd!” she reflected. “Maybe Old Mose’s ghost +has more substance than I thought.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_95">[95]</div> +<p>Penny glanced toward the big house, dark and majestic +in its setting of evergreens. Obviously the place +had been closed for the winter. Walks were not +shoveled, blinds had been drawn, and no tire tracks +led to and from the three-car garage.</p> +<p>“Wonder who or what could have made that +path?” she mused. “Certainly not an animal.”</p> +<p>Unable to solve the mystery, Penny turned to re-enter +the parked coupe. Before she could cross the +road, a light went on in a third floor room of the +estate house. Startled, she stared at it. As she +watched, it was extinguished.</p> +<p>“Someone must live here!” thought Penny. “Or +am I seeing spooks myself?”</p> +<p>For a long while she watched the upper floor of +the house. The light did not reappear. At length, +wearying of the vigil, she returned to the car.</p> +<p>Penny started the engine and bent down to open +the fins of the heater. Straightening, she cast a last, +careless glance toward the old estate. Her heart did +a flip-flop.</p> +<p>Beyond the iron gate, in the garden area, a white-robed +figure slowly paced back and forth!</p> +<p>“My Aunt!” whispered Penny. “Am I seeing +things or am I seeing things?”</p> +<p>For a moment she sat very straight, watching. The +ghostly figure, white from head to toe, moved with +measured steps toward the high gate.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_96">[96]</div> +<p>“There aren’t any ghosts,” she encouraged herself. +“But if that’s not a spook, it must be someone dressed +up like one! And who would play Hallowe’en games +on a cold night like this?”</p> +<p>Alone, frankly nervous, Penny had no overpowering +desire to investigate the white-robed figure at +close range. A large, spreading evergreen half-blocked +her view of the gate. She could not see the +ghost plainly, but she distinctly heard the rattle of a +chain as the apparition tested the lock.</p> +<p>“Real or imaginary, that spook is trying to get out!” +Penny thought with a shiver. “If Mose were here +now I’d challenge him to a race!”</p> +<p>The white-gowned figure shook the gate chain a +second time, then slowly retreated. Penny watched +for a moment, before abruptly swinging open the car +door. She had decided to investigate.</p> +<p>As she crossed the road, the white figure moved +away from her. By the time she reached the gate, it +had disappeared around a corner of the house.</p> +<p>“At least Mr. Spook wasn’t carrying his own tombstone!” +Penny observed to herself. “Mose exaggerated +that part.”</p> +<p>She waited, leaning against the gate post. Within +three minutes a light went on in the upper part of the +house. For a fleeting instant before the blind was +pulled, she saw someone standing in front of an old-fashioned +dresser.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_97">[97]</div> +<p>“Mr. Ghost seemingly has turned in for the night,” +thought Penny. “But is it a he, she, or it?”</p> +<p>Soon the bedroom light was extinguished. Cold +and tired, Penny decided that the mystery must remain +unsolved. However, as she drove on, she kept thinking +about what she had seen. Of one thing she now +was certain. The estate was not deserted!</p> +<p>Without stopping at the Yacht Club grounds, +Penny made certain that her stripped car and ice boat +remained as she last had seen them. Driving on to +Riverview, she left Salt’s car at the <i>Star</i> plant, then +taxied home to tell Mrs. Weems of her failure at the +cemetery.</p> +<p>“Don’t feel badly about it,” the housekeeper comforted. +“Surely the woman who telephoned will +make another attempt to reach you.”</p> +<p>“I doubt it,” Penny replied gloomily. “She’ll know +now that the police are watching for her.”</p> +<p>“This entire affair is so bewildering,” sighed Mrs. +Weems. “How could your father have been kidnaped? +If what we’ve learned is true, he left the +scene of the accident of his own free will.”</p> +<p>“I never was so baffled in my life,” Penny returned, +throwing herself on the davenport. “I used to think +I was good at solving puzzles. Now I know I’m just +plain dumb.”</p> +<p>“Have you thought about employing a private detective?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_98">[98]</div> +<p>“It might be a good idea!” Penny agreed, encouraged. +“I’ll see what I can do tomorrow.”</p> +<p>As she started wearily up the stairs to bed, Mrs. +Weems called after her to say that Louise Sidell had +telephoned earlier in the evening. Penny nodded absently, +assuming that her chum had phoned to express +sympathy. She did not think of the matter again until +the next morning at breakfast. As she was leaving +the table, Mrs. Weems came in to report that Louise +once more was on the telephone.</p> +<p>“Penny, I can’t tell you how shocked I was to learn +about your father,” her chum began breathlessly. “Is +there anything I can do to help?”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid not, Lou.”</p> +<p>“What are you using for a car? You must need +one badly.”</p> +<p>“Salt Sommers let me have his last night. I’ll get +along.”</p> +<p>“Penny, I know how you can buy tires!” Louise +went on. “In fact, that’s what I wanted to talk to +you about.”</p> +<p>“How can I buy tires? Rubber is supposed to be +scarce.”</p> +<p>“When I was having my hair fixed at the beauty +parlor yesterday I heard two women talking!” Louise +declared excitedly. “It seems there’s a garage where +you can get them if you pull the right strings!”</p> +<p>“Oh! A Black Market place?”</p> +<p>“I suppose that’s what you would call it.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_99">[99]</div> +<p>“I don’t want to get tires illegally,” Penny said. +“I’m not interested, Lou.”</p> +<p>“You don’t even care to know the name of the +garage?”</p> +<p>“What good would it do?”</p> +<p>“None perhaps, but it might give you a surprise.”</p> +<p>“A surprise?” Penny repeated. She glanced at the +clock, impatient because the conversation was being +prolonged. A great deal of important work awaited +her.</p> +<p>“You don’t want to know the name of the place?” +Louise persisted.</p> +<p>“Yes, I do. On second thought, it might be well +worth while to find out what I can about Black +Market operations in tires.”</p> +<p>The conviction had come suddenly to Penny that +all the evidence contained in her father’s lost portfolio +must be gathered anew. No word had been received +from Jerry Livingston. In the quest for information, +she must depend upon her own efforts.</p> +<p>“It’s going to give you a real shock to learn the +name of the place,” Louise went on.</p> +<p>“I’m shock proof by this time,” answered Penny. +“Let ’er fly.”</p> +<p>But Louise was unwilling to divulge the information +over the telephone.</p> +<p>“I don’t dare tell you now,” she replied. “Just sit +tight for ten minutes and I’ll deliver my bombshell in +person.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_100">[100]</div> +<h2 id="c13"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">13</span> +<br /><i>A BLACK MARKET</i></h2> +<p>Ten minutes later Louise was at the front door +with the Sidell family car. She tooted the horn until +Penny put on her coat and went outside.</p> +<p>“Jump in and I’ll take you to the place of mystery,” +Louise greeted her. “On second thought, you’d better +drive. I hate icy roads.”</p> +<p>Penny slid behind the steering wheel. “But where +are we going?” she protested. “Honestly, Lou, I +haven’t much time—”</p> +<p>“Mattie Williams’ garage is the place that sells the +tires! Now, are you interested?”</p> +<p>“Am I? Why, we stopped there with Salt Sommers!”</p> +<p>“We did indeed. Remember the big truck?”</p> +<p>“Lou, you may have stumbled into something really +important!”</p> +<p>“Glad you think so, chum. But you’re not interested +in Black Markets.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_101">[101]</div> +<p>“I’ve changed my mind! I want to talk to Mattie +Williams right away!”</p> +<p>Penny started the car. Driving with a mechanical, +unthinking efficiency born of many years’ practice, +she questioned Louise as to the source of her information. +The girls were deep in a discussion when they +heard someone shout. Salt Sommers had hailed them +from the curb.</p> +<p>“Why, hello,” Penny greeted him, stopping the car +with a jerk. “Any trouble at the <i>Star</i>?”</p> +<p>“Not from Schirr,” grinned Salt. “I’m hot-footing +it to the Ladies Club to mug some dames pouring tea! +For the society page.”</p> +<p>“Poor Salt!” smiled Penny, knowing how he hated +trivial assignments.</p> +<p>“On your way to the office?” the photographer +questioned.</p> +<p>Penny hesitated, then decided to confide in Salt. +She repeated what Louise had told her about the Mattie +Williams’ garage.</p> +<p>“Well, can you beat that!” the photographer exclaimed. +“I don’t know Mattie and her partner well, +but I always supposed they were honest. So they’re +dealing in stolen tires!”</p> +<p>“We don’t know for sure,” Penny said hastily. +“Our information is mostly founded on rumor.”</p> +<p>“And the tires may not be stolen ones,” contributed +Louise. “I only heard they can be bought there.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_102">[102]</div> +<p>Penny added that she would not take time to run +down the Black Market story save that her father’s +disappearance might have a connection with the tire-thief +gang.</p> +<p>“I aim to learn the names of those men Dad intended +to expose,” she said earnestly.</p> +<p>Somewhat startled by the grim note of Penny’s +voice, Salt warned her that she might be venturing on +dangerous ground.</p> +<p>“We all admire your courage,” he said, “but you +mustn’t take foolish risks. Your father would turn +thumbs down on that idea.”</p> +<p>“It’s because of Dad that I must investigate every +angle of the tire-theft racket.”</p> +<p>“Quite an ambitious assignment,” Salt said dryly. +“Now as soon as Jerry gets back from Canada—”</p> +<p>“We can’t wait! Something has to be done right +away!”</p> +<p>“I know how you feel,” responded Salt, “but there’s +such a thing as being too courageous.”</p> +<p>“I’m not courageous,” Penny denied. “Last night +at the cemetery I was scared half to death. And then +when I saw the ghost—”</p> +<p>“What ghost?” interrupted Louise.</p> +<p>Penny had not intended to speak of what she had +seen at the Harrison estate. The slip of tongue made +it necessary to tell of the path by the gate, the retreating +figure, and the mysterious light.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_103">[103]</div> +<p>“That’s funny,” commented the photographer, regarding +her with a peculiar expression. “Since I’ve +been on duty at the observation tower I’ve never seen +any activity at the estate.”</p> +<p>“I don’t believe in ghosts, but I saw one all that +same!” Penny insisted. “Just watch some night and +see for yourself!”</p> +<p>Annoyed by Salt’s smile, she shifted gears and drove +on down the street. Turning to Louise, she asked +earnestly: “You believe I saw something wandering +about the estate last night, don’t you?”</p> +<p>“Well,” Louise hesitated, unwilling to offend her +chum. “You must have been quite upset after failing +to meet that woman at the cemetery. Under the circumstances....”</p> +<p>“I was as calm as I am now,” Penny cried indignantly. +“I saw it, I tell you!”</p> +<p>“Of course you did, dear,” Louise soothed. “Do +please watch your driving more carefully, or I’ll have +to take over.”</p> +<p>Penny suddenly relaxed. “Okay, have it your own +way,” she shrugged. “I wouldn’t believe Mose Johnson, +so why should you believe me? It’s just one of +those things.”</p> +<p>For a long while they rode in silence. Few cars +were on the road and there was little business activity +at Kamm’s Corner. Penny parked in front of the +Mattie Williams’ garage.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_104">[104]</div> +<p>“What excuse will we have for questioning her?” +Louise asked dubiously.</p> +<p>“I’m not going to make an excuse,” said Penny. +“I’ll just come right out and ask her if she sells tires +without a special order.”</p> +<p>The girls entered the warm little office, stamping +snow from their galoshes.</p> +<p>“Just a minute,” called a voice which belonged to +Mattie Williams.</p> +<p>The garage owner was busy with a customer. +Soon however, she came in from the main part of the +building, wiping her oily hands on a piece of waste.</p> +<p>“What can I do for you?” she inquired briskly.</p> +<p>“You remember us, don’t you?” asked Penny, leading +into the subject of tires as gradually as possible. +“We’re friends of Salt Sommers.”</p> +<p>“Oh, sure!” the woman’s face lighted. “You came +in with him the night of the bad storm.”</p> +<p>“My car had been stripped of its tires. Ever since, +I’ve been wondering how to get new ones.”</p> +<p>A slightly guarded expression came over Mattie +Williams’ face. She said nothing.</p> +<p>“I was told I might obtain some here,” Penny +plunged on.</p> +<p>“You can,” said Mattie. “Provided you have an +order from your Ration Board.”</p> +<p>“Not without it?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_105">[105]</div> +<p>Mattie gazed at Penny with undisguised scorn. +“What sort of a place do you think we run here?” +she demanded. “Of course we don’t sell tires without +an order.”</p> +<p>“But we were told—”</p> +<p>“Well, you were told wrong,” snapped Mattie. +“Sorry. I can’t help you.”</p> +<p>Picking up a wrench from the desk top, the woman +left the office.</p> +<p>“I guess I didn’t approach her the right way,” remarked +Penny sadly. “Either that, or our information +was incorrect. Louise, are you sure—”</p> +<p>“Oh, I am!” her chum insisted. “The two women +I overheard, distinctly said Mattie Williams’ garage. +Of course, they might have been wrong about it.”</p> +<p>Before Penny and Louise could leave the office, a +middle-aged man with glasses came in through the +street door.</p> +<p>“Sam Burkholder here?” he demanded, warming +himself by the stove.</p> +<p>Penny started to say that she did not know. Just +then Mattie Williams’ partner came in the other door.</p> +<p>“Hi, Sam!” the stranger greeted him. “I’ve got the +car parked around back. Are you ready to put on +that tire?”</p> +<p>Sam frowned, darting a quick glance at the two +girls.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_106">[106]</div> +<p>“Oh, the one I patched for you!” he returned. +“Sure, it’s fixed. Drive your car in the back entrance +and I’ll take care of it.”</p> +<p>Both men went out into the main part of the garage. +Just beyond the door they paused for a whispered +conference, then separated.</p> +<p>“Shall we go?” inquired Louise, glancing at her +chum.</p> +<p>“Not just yet,” replied Penny. “I’m curious to see +that patched tire. Let’s kill a little more time here.”</p> +<p>Pretending to warm themselves by the stove, they +waited ten minutes. Then, without attracting attention, +they sauntered out onto the main garage floor. +Mattie Williams was busy washing a car and did not +see them.</p> +<p>The garage workroom was divided into sections, +separated by a double door which was closed. Penny +strolled over and pushed it open just enough to see +through the crack.</p> +<p>Sam Burkholder was working on the stranger’s car. +He had removed an old tire and wheel, and was replacing +it with one whose tread appeared new.</p> +<p>“A patched tire, my left eye!” Penny whispered to +Louise. “It’s just as we thought! This garage must +be a Black Market place!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_107">[107]</div> +<h2 id="c14"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">14</span> +<br /><i>A FAMILIAR FIGURE</i></h2> +<p>Only for a moment did the girls dare remain at +the door watching Sam Burkholder mount the tire. +Then, their curiosity satisfied, they moved quietly +away. Without speaking to Mattie Williams, they +returned to the parked automobile.</p> +<p>“Well, wasn’t I right?” Louise demanded triumphantly. +“What do you think we should do?”</p> +<p>The question plagued Penny. “I don’t know,” she +confessed. “If only we were absolutely sure the tire +was new—”</p> +<p>“It certainly looked new.”</p> +<p>“Yes, but it could have had some wear. It’s possible, +too, that the customer had a legal right to buy a +new tire.”</p> +<p>“Then you don’t intend to report to the police, +Penny?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_108">[108]</div> +<p>“I want to talk to Salt about it first. We must +move carefully, Lou. You see, my main objective is +to learn the names of the higher-ups involved in the +tire-theft racket.”</p> +<p>“And where does this garage fit into the picture?”</p> +<p>“If it fits at all, my guess is that Sam and Mattie are +buying illegal tires—perhaps from the same men who +stripped my car and threatened Dad.”</p> +<p>Driving slowly toward Riverview, Penny reviewed +what she had seen. She was convinced the information +was valuable, yet she scarcely knew how to +use it.</p> +<p>“If Salt suggests that I report to the police, that’s +what I’ll do,” she decided.</p> +<p>Enroute home, Penny stopped at another garage +to make arrangements to have her stripped coupe +hauled into the city.</p> +<p>“How about the <i>Icicle</i>?” Louise asked, thinking her +chum had forgotten the iceboat.</p> +<p>“It will have to stay where it is for the time being,” +Penny replied. “If it’s stolen, I won’t much care.”</p> +<p>At the Sidell home, the girls separated. Thanking +Louise for the use of the car, Penny returned afoot to +the <i>Star</i> office. Salt Sommers was absent on assignment, +so she did not linger long. As she rounded a +street corner on her way home, a newsboy for a rival +paper blocked her path.</p> +<p>“Read all about it!” he shouted. “Anthony Parker +Believed Kidnaped! Paper, Miss?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_109">[109]</div> +<p>Penny dropped a coin into the lad’s hand and +hastily scanned the front page. The story of her +father’s disappearance was a highly colored account, +but contained not a useful item of information. Tossing +the sheet into a street paper-container, she +moved on.</p> +<p>She was passing the Gillman Department Store +when her attention was drawn to a woman who +waited for a bus.</p> +<p>“I’ve seen her somewhere before,” thought Penny, +pausing. “Last night—”</p> +<p>The woman wore a small black hat and a long, old-fashioned +dark coat which came nearly to her ankles. +It was the shape of the garment and its unusual length +which struck Penny as familiar. Why, the woman +resembled the one who had fled from the cemetery!</p> +<p>Penny pretended to gaze into the store window. +Actually she studied the woman from every angle. +She might have been forty-seven years of age and was +large-boned. Her face was heavily lined, and her long +hands were covered by a pair of cheap, black cotton +gloves.</p> +<p>“Can it be the same woman?” thought Penny in +perplexity.</p> +<p>A bus bearing a county placard glided up to the +curb. The woman in black was the only passenger to +board it.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_110">[110]</div> +<p>“That bus goes out toward Baldiff Road and the +cemetery!” Penny told herself. “And that’s where +I’m going too!”</p> +<p>An instant before the folding doors slammed shut, +she sprang aboard. Paying her fare, she sought a seat +at the rear of the bus.</p> +<p>No sooner was the coach in motion than Penny regretted +her hasty action. What could she hope to +gain by pursuing the strange woman? She was not +certain enough of her identification to make a direct +accusation. County buses ran infrequently. In all +likelihood, she would find herself stranded in the +country.</p> +<p>Penny arose to leave the bus. Then changing her +mind a second time, she sat down. Try as she would, +she could not rid herself of a conviction that the +woman she followed was the same one who had visited +the cemetery.</p> +<p>The bus made few stops in the city. Once beyond +the city limits, it sped along at a brisk speed. To +Penny’s satisfaction, the woman in black soon began +to gather up her packages. She pressed a button and +the bus skidded to a stop at a crossroads.</p> +<p>With no show of haste, Penny followed the woman +from the bus. Pretending to enter a grocery store at +the corner, she waited and watched.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_111">[111]</div> +<p>Apparently the woman lived nearby, for she started +off down a narrow, winding road which ran at right +angles to the main highway.</p> +<p>“Why that’s the road that runs past the Harrison +place,” Penny thought. “Wonder if she can be going +there?”</p> +<p>Waiting until the woman was nearly out of sight, +she trudged after her. Walking was difficult for the +road had not been cleared by a snow plow. Fortunately +for Penny, the woman did not once glance +behind her. She kept steadily on until she came +within view of the big estate house on the hill. Just +before she reached the boundary fence, she cut across +a field, approaching the dwelling from the rear.</p> +<p>Penny remained at the road, watching. The woman +took a key from her pocket, unlocking a small, padlocked +gate at the rear of the grounds. She snapped +the lock shut again, and disappeared into the house.</p> +<p>Penny perched herself on top of an old-fashioned +rail fence to think over what she had seen. The +woman, whoever she was, obviously lived at the estate. +Yet the cheap quality of her clothing suggested +that she could not be the owner of such an expensive +establishment.</p> +<p>“Probably a servant or caretaker,” Penny reasoned. +“But is she the one who ran away last night?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_112">[112]</div> +<p>Far over the hills in a lonely grove of pines stood +Oakland Cemetery. On either side of Baldiff Road +stretched dense woods, a growth that crept to the very +boundaries of the Harrison estate. Penny instantly +noted that it would be possible for a person to flee +from the cemetery to the very door of the estate without +once leaving the shelter of trees.</p> +<p>“Perhaps it was the same woman!” she thought. +“If she lives here, it would be logical for her to specify +Oakland Cemetery as a meeting place! And escape +would be easy for her, too!”</p> +<p>Penny slid down from the fence. It would do no +good to question the woman. Rather, if she were +guilty, questions might serve to place her on the alert. +Far better, she reasoned, to bide her time.</p> +<p>“I’ll learn everything I can about that woman,” she +thought. “Tonight I’ll watch the house.”</p> +<p>In making her plans, Penny did not take into account +Mrs. Weems’ attitude. Upon reaching home +late in the afternoon, she found the housekeeper in a +most discouraged mood. No favorable news had been +received from any source.</p> +<p>“I’ve been worried about you too, Penny,” Mrs. +Weems confessed. “Where did you go after you left +the <i>Star</i> office?”</p> +<p>Penny told of her trip to Mattie Williams’ garage +and later to the Harrison estate. In particular she described +the mysterious woman she had followed by +bus.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_113">[113]</div> +<p>“I plan to go back there tonight,” she concluded. +“For the first time since Dad disappeared, I feel I may +have stumbled into a valuable clue!”</p> +<p>Mrs. Weems looked troubled. “But Penny,” she +protested, “you can’t go to the estate alone!”</p> +<p>“I thought perhaps Louise would accompany me.”</p> +<p>“Two girls alone at night! I can’t give my consent, +Penny. It’s not safe.”</p> +<p>“But I don’t wish to call the police just yet, Mrs. +Weems. I’ve no real evidence. Will you come with +me?”</p> +<p>The housekeeper hesitated. Naturally a timid +woman, she had no desire to stir from her own fireside +that night. But she knew where her duty lay.</p> +<p>“Yes, I’ll go with you, Penny,” she consented. +“Shall we start soon?”</p> +<p>“Not until after dark. One can’t expect a ghost to +show up in broad daylight.”</p> +<p>“A ghost!” Mrs. Weems quavered. “Penny, what +are you letting me in for?”</p> +<p>“Frankly, I don’t know. Some strange things have +been going on at the Harrison estate. Tonight I hope +to solve part of the mystery at least.”</p> +<p>Pressed for an explanation, Penny repeated Mose +Johnson’s story and told of seeing the strange white-robed +figure with her own eyes. The tale did not +add to Mrs. Weems’ comfort of mind.</p> +<p>“We’re crazy to go out there,” the housekeeper +protested. “Must we do it?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_114">[114]</div> +<p>“I think it may be our one hope of gaining a clue +which will lead to Dad.”</p> +<p>“Then I’m willing to risk it,” agreed Mrs. Weems. +“However, we’ll drive out in a taxi. And I shall personally +select the driver—a man to be depended on in +an emergency.”</p> +<p>So excited was the housekeeper that she had difficulty +in preparing the evening meal. In the end +Penny took over, shooing her out of the kitchen.</p> +<p>“I declare I don’t know why I am so nervous,” Mrs. +Weems shivered. “I haven’t felt so shaky since the +time I attended a seance at Osandra’s.”</p> +<p>“You saw ghosts a-plenty on that occasion,” smiled +Penny. “I only hope we have as much luck tonight.”</p> +<p>By eight o’clock everything was in readiness for the +journey into the country. Dressing warmly and carrying +an extra blanket, Penny and Mrs. Weems +walked to a nearby cab station. There the housekeeper +selected a driver, a burly man who looked as +if he might have been an ex-prizefighter.</p> +<p>“Sure, Ma’am,” he said as Mrs. Weems questioned +him, “you can depend on me to look after you.”</p> +<p>“How are you at capturing ghosts?” inquired +Penny, climbing into the cab.</p> +<p>The driver looked a trifle startled. “Swell!” he +rejoined. “Bring on your spook, and if he don’t +weigh no more than two hundred pounds, I’ll nail +him!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_115">[115]</div> +<p>Penny and Mrs. Weems were satisfied that they +were in good hands. They instructed the man, Joe +Henkell, to drive directly to the old Harrison estate.</p> +<p>“By the way, do you know who owns the property?” +Penny asked as the cab rolled toward the +country.</p> +<p>“Fellow from the East,” Joe flung over his shoulder. +“I’m not sure. Think his name is Deming—George +Allan Deming. Wealthy sportsman. Has his +own plane an’ everything.”</p> +<p>“Married?”</p> +<p>“Couldn’t tell you. The estate has been closed up +this winter.”</p> +<p>The cab soon approached the familiar grounds. +Penny directed the driver to pull up some distance +from the dark house.</p> +<p>“Switch off the headlights,” she instructed. “We’ll +wait here. It may be a long time too, so make yourself +comfortable.”</p> +<p>Joe, taking Penny at her word, began to smoke a +vile-smelling cigar which nearly drove Mrs. Weems to +distraction. After an hour had elapsed, the housekeeper +scarcely could endure the stuffy air of the cab.</p> +<p>“Penny, must we wait any longer?” she asked +plaintively.</p> +<p>“Why, it’s early, Mrs. Weems. I expect to stay +until midnight at least.”</p> +<p>“Midnight!” The housekeeper quietly collapsed.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_116">[116]</div> +<p>Just then the cab driver turned around, touching +Penny’s arm. He directed her attention to the house +by saying briefly: “A light just went on.”</p> +<p>Penny and Mrs. Weems focused their attention on +the upper floor of the estate. A single light could be +seen burning there, but as they watched it blinked off.</p> +<p>“Now if a ghost is to appear this is the time!” announced +Penny. “Why don’t we get closer?”</p> +<p>She sprang from the cab. Mrs. Weems and the +taxi driver followed with less enthusiasm. The +housekeeper, quivering and shaking, clutched the +man’s arm as she struggled against the wind.</p> +<p>“Joe, you stay right beside me!” she ordered.</p> +<p>“Sure, Ma’am,” he said soothingly. “I couldn’t get +away if I had a mind to.”</p> +<p>Penny, a step ahead, held up her hand as a warning +for silence. She had seen the familiar white figure +rounding a corner of the house.</p> +<p>“There’s the ghost!” she whispered. “See! Beyond +the gate!”</p> +<p>Joe whistled softly.</p> +<p>“A spook, sure’s I’m alive!” he muttered.</p> +<p>“And you promised to nail him,” reminded Penny, +starting forward along the fence. “We’ll creep a little +closer. Then Joe, I shall expect you to do your +stuff!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_117">[117]</div> +<h2 id="c15"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">15</span> +<br /><i>GHOST IN THE GARDEN</i></h2> +<p>The three investigators moved stealthily along +the high fence. Through the iron palings they could +see a white-garbed figure walking with measured tread +amid the shrubs of the frozen garden. Back and forth +the apparition strolled, following a well-trod path between +the shrunken snowdrifts.</p> +<p>Penny, Mrs. Weems, and the taxi driver crept +closer. The ghostly one did not note their approach. +Hooded head bent low, he glided to the gate, testing +chain and padlock.</p> +<p>“Poor restless soul!” whispered Mrs. Weems.</p> +<p>Penny gave the housekeeper a tiny pinch to break +the spell which had fallen upon her. “That’s no +ghost,” she whispered. “Don’t you see! It’s a man +wearing a heavy white bathrobe over his clothing. +He’s pulled the wide collar up over his head like a +hood!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_118">[118]</div> +<p>“It’s a man all right,” added the taxi driver. “You +can tell by the way he walks. Ghosts kinda slither, +don’t they?”</p> +<p>“I believe it’s someone imprisoned on the grounds!” +Penny whispered tensely. “Watch!”</p> +<p>The ghost, his face shadowed, rattled the chain +again. Then with a distinct, audible sigh, he turned +and tramped back along the fence away from the gate.</p> +<p>“Aw, that spook could get out if he wanted to,” +muttered the taxi driver. “Why don’t he climb over +the fence?”</p> +<p>“Perhaps the man is a sleep walker,” suggested Mrs. +Weems nervously. “Whoever he is, the poor fellow +should be in his bed.”</p> +<p>Penny was determined to learn the identity of the +man. Moving to the gate, she called softly. The +figure in white whirled around, looking straight toward +her.</p> +<p>Penny caught a fleeting impression of a lean, startled +face. Then the man turned and fled toward the +house. No longer could there be any doubt that he +was a man, for as he ran the legs of his woolen pajamas +showed beneath the white robe.</p> +<p>“Wait!” Penny called. “Please wait!”</p> +<p>The ghostly one hesitated, and glanced over his +shoulder. But the next moment he was gone, having +vanished through a side door into the house.</p> +<p>Penny, weak from excitement, clung to the gate. +“Mrs. Weems!” she cried. “Did you see him?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_119">[119]</div> +<p>“Yes, you frightened him away when you shouted.”</p> +<p>“But didn’t you notice his face? As he turned toward +me, I caught a glimpse of it. Mrs. Weems, the +man looked like Dad!”</p> +<p>“Oh, Penny,” the housekeeper murmured, taking +her arm, “you can’t be right. How could it be your +father?”</p> +<p>“It looked like him.”</p> +<p>“Not to me,” said Mrs. Weems firmly. “Why, if +it had been Mr. Parker, he would have answered when +you called. He wouldn’t have run away.”</p> +<p>Penny was compelled to acknowledge the logic of +the housekeeper’s reasoning. “I guess that’s true,” she +said reluctantly. “I’ll admit I didn’t see his face +plainly. I wanted it to be Dad so badly I may have +imagined the resemblance.”</p> +<p>A light was switched on in an upstairs room of the +estate house. However, blinds were lowered, and +those on the ground did not obtain another glimpse of +the mysterious man who haunted the snowy garden. +Finally Mrs. Weems induced Penny to return to the +taxi.</p> +<p>Speeding toward Riverview, neither of them had +much to say. Penny could not blot from her mind +the vision of a startled, bewildered face. Reason told +her that Mrs. Weems was right—the man could not +be her father. Who then, was he? Why had he refused +to talk to her at the gate?</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_120">[120]</div> +<p>“The man may have been a sleep walker,” she +thought. “Possibly the owner of the estate, Mr. +Deming.”</p> +<p>The cab had reached the business section of Riverview. +Upon impulse Penny decided to stop at the +<i>Star</i> plant to make sure that everything was going +well.</p> +<p>“It won’t take me long,” she assured Mrs. Weems. +“Why don’t you wait in the cab?”</p> +<p>Only a skeleton night force was on duty at the +<i>Star</i> office. The advertising department had been +closed, and on the floor above, scrub women were +busy mopping up. A sleepy-eyed desk man greeted +Penny as she entered the deserted newsroom.</p> +<p>“Everything’s Okay,” he assured her. “The final +edition’s out, and most of the boys have gone home. +I was just taking a little cat nap.”</p> +<p>“Any news?”</p> +<p>“Not about your father. The police have been +kept busy chasing down false rumors. About four +hours ago a report came in your father had been seen +in Chicago.”</p> +<p>“Chicago!”</p> +<p>“Just a fake report.”</p> +<p>“Oh, I see,” said Penny weakly. “No word from +Jerry, I suppose?”</p> +<p>The deskman shook his head. “Plenty of mail for +you though.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_121">[121]</div> +<p>“Anything important?”</p> +<p>“Mostly replies to that reward offer you made. A +lot of ’em are screwball letters. Your father’s been +seen in every section of the city from the river to the +Heights.”</p> +<p>“Where is the mail?”</p> +<p>“I dumped it on your father’s desk.”</p> +<p>“I’ll take it home to read,” Penny said. “By going +through every letter carefully I may stumble upon a +clue.”</p> +<p>She crossed the newsroom and opened the door of +her father’s office.</p> +<p>The light was not on. Groping for the wall switch, +her keen ears detected stealthy steps moving away +from her. Sensing the presence of someone in the +room she called sharply: “Who’s here?”</p> +<p>There was no reply. Across the room, a door softly +opened and clicked shut. Penny was startled. Although +the private office had two entrances, one leading +directly into the hall, the latter had not been used +in years. Usually the door was locked and a clothes +tree stood in front of it.</p> +<p>Her groping fingers found the switch and she +flooded the room with light. A glance revealed that +mail lying on the desk had been disturbed. One of +the top drawers remained open. The clothes tree had +been moved from in front of the hall door. Plainly, +someone had just fled from the room!</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_122">[122]</div> +<p>Darting to the corridor door, Penny jerked it open. +No one was in sight. However, at the end of the deserted +hall, she saw the elevator cage moving slowly +downward.</p> +<p>“I’ll get that fellow yet!” she thought grimly.</p> +<p>Taking the hall at a run, she plunged down the stairway +two steps at a time. Breathless but triumphant, +she reached the lower corridor just as the cage stopped +with a jerk.</p> +<p>Harley Schirr stepped out, closing the grilled door +behind him.</p> +<p>“Fancy meeting you here!” said Penny, her eyes +flashing. “What were you doing in my father’s office?”</p> +<p>Schirr regarded her coolly. Without answering, he +tried to brush past her.</p> +<p>“You were looking for something in Dad’s desk!” +Penny accused, blocking the way. “I know how you +got in too! Through the hall entrance. You’re such +a professional snooper you probably have a skeleton +key that unlocks half the doors in the building!”</p> +<p>“I’ve had about enough of your insolence!” Schirr +retorted. “There’s no law which says I can’t come to +this plant. And speaking of law, I may sue you for +libel.”</p> +<p>“What a laugh.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_123">[123]</div> +<p>“You’ll not be laughing in a few days, Miss Parker! +Oh, no! I’ve hired a lawyer, and we’re preparing our +case. You’ve insulted me, humiliated me in the eyes +of my fellow newspapermen, but you’ll have to pay. +And pay handsomely!”</p> +<p>The threat failed to disturb Penny. Schirr, determined +to wound her deeply, went on with grim +satisfaction.</p> +<p>“You kid yourself you’ll see your father again,” he +jeered. “Well, you won’t! Mr. Parker is dead and +you may as well get used to the idea.”</p> +<p>Penny’s eyes burned. “You say that only to +torture me!”</p> +<p>“It’s the truth. If you weren’t so blind you’d acknowledge +it. Your father tried to run a gang of +professional tire-thieves out of this town, and they did +for him.”</p> +<p>“You seem very certain of your facts, Mr. Schirr. +Perhaps you know some of the higher-ups personally.”</p> +<p>“How would I?”</p> +<p>“Your knowledge is so complete,” Penny said scathingly.</p> +<p>“I’m only telling you my opinion,” Schirr growled, +now on the defensive. “If you want to ride along in +a sweet dream that’s Okay with me.”</p> +<p>“I want to get at the truth,” said Penny shortly. +“Do you have one scrap of evidence that Dad has +fallen into the hands of enemies?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_124">[124]</div> +<p>Schirr hesitated, knowing well that an affirmative +answer might lead to questioning from the police.</p> +<p>“I don’t have any knowledge of the case,” he said. +“At least not for publication!”</p> +<p>Flashing a superior smile, he pushed past Penny, +and went out of the building.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_125">[125]</div> +<h2 id="c16"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">16</span> +<br /><i>A DOOR IN A BOX</i></h2> +<p>Penny scarcely knew what to think of Harley +Schirr’s actions. All her accusations were true, of +that she was sure. But she was unable to decide +whether or not he had any information about her +father’s strange disappearance.</p> +<p>“The old snooper may be hand in glove with the +tire thieves!” she thought bitterly. “I wouldn’t put +it past him. If I could prove anything, wouldn’t I like +to turn him over to the police!”</p> +<p>Climbing the stairs, Penny explained briefly to the +<i>Star</i> deskman what had occurred.</p> +<p>“Shirr here again!” he exclaimed. “Why, I’m sure +he never came through the newsroom.”</p> +<p>“No, he got into Dad’s office by means of that old +hall door. Tomorrow I want a new lock put on.”</p> +<p>“I’ll have it taken care of myself,” promised the +deskman.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_126">[126]</div> +<p>Reentering her father’s office, Penny gathered up +the mail and carefully locked both doors. She then +returned to the waiting taxicab. During the ride +home she made no mention of Mr. Schirr, preferring +not to worry the housekeeper.</p> +<p>Later in Mr. Parker’s study, she and Mrs. Weems +examined every letter written in response to the reward +offer. Not even one of them offered the slightest +promise.</p> +<p>“I’ll turn everything over to the police,” Penny said +with a sigh. “Maybe they’ll find a clue I’ve not considered +important.”</p> +<p>Both she and Mrs. Weems were feeling the effects +of such a long period of strain. Meals had been irregular, +appetites poor. Penny in particular had lost +so much weight that she looked thin and sallow. Yet +somehow she managed to keep up her strength and to +face each day with hope.</p> +<p>“Mrs. Weems,” she said the next morning at breakfast, +“if you’ll advance me some money, I’m going on +another taxi jaunt today.”</p> +<p>“Not to the Harrison place.”</p> +<p>“No, out to Mattie Williams’ garage. I’m convinced +that place is dealing in stolen tires. If only I +can reconstruct the evidence which disappeared in +Dad’s portfolio, I may get a clue that will lead to him.”</p> +<p>Without protest, Mrs. Weems gave Penny the +money. Secretly she thought that the girl would do +much better to turn all of her information over to the +police. However, she realized that Penny needed activity +to keep her from brooding, so she wisely did not +discourage her.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_127">[127]</div> +<p>“Don’t get into any trouble,” she warned anxiously.</p> +<p>“No danger of that, Mrs. Weems. I’ve not enough +pep for it these days.”</p> +<p>Engaging the same cabman who had served her so +well the previous night, Penny motored to the Williams’ +garage. She had made no plans and scarcely +knew what she would say when she entered the place. +As she debated, the big doors of the building opened, +and a tow car drove away with Mattie at the wheel.</p> +<p>“There she goes!” thought Penny, disappointed. +“I’m afraid my interview will have to wait.”</p> +<p>Getting out, she sauntered into the garage office. +Mattie’s partner, Sam, was nowhere to be seen. Nor +did he appear to be working in the main part of the +building.</p> +<p>Penny waited a few minutes, then wandered about +the floor where a number of cars had been stored. No +workmen were in evidence.</p> +<p>“This might be a good time to do a bit of looking +around!” she thought suddenly. “I’ll never have a +better chance.”</p> +<p>Penny opened the doors into the room where she +had observed Sam Burkholder mount a new tire on the +car of a customer. One wall was stacked high with +large wooden boxes, not unlike those she and Louise +had seen delivered by the truck driver, Hank Biglow, +on the night of the blizzard.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_128">[128]</div> +<p>She thumped one of the boxes with her knuckles. +It gave off a hollow, empty sound. She tried another +box with no better luck. Some of the big crates had +been opened. They contained nothing except a little +brown wrapping paper.</p> +<p>Disappointed, Penny turned away. But as she +moved toward the exit, her eyes flashed upon one of +the boxes which had escaped her attention. Boards +were loose at one end, and could be hinged back on +their nails like a door.</p> +<p>Intrigued, Penny crossed to the crate. As she pulled +on one of the boards, all swung back as a unit.</p> +<p>“Why, it’s like a door!” she thought. “A door in +a box!”</p> +<p>Penny gazed into the box and was further amazed. +It had no back wall. Instead, she saw a long, empty +tunnel formed by several crates piled one in front of +the other. And at the very end stood a real door!</p> +<p>“Maybe this is the pay-off!” thought Penny excitedly.</p> +<p>Pulling the boards into place behind her, she stooped +and made her way through the tunnel to the door. It +was locked.</p> +<p>“I’ll bet a cent stolen tires are stored in that room!” +reasoned Penny. “If only I could get in there!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_129">[129]</div> +<p>Her mind did not dwell long on the problem. A +moment later she was alarmed to hear a low murmur +of voices. Someone was approaching the storage +room from the main part of the garage. Unless she +wished to be trapped in the tunnel of boxes, she must +abandon the investigation!</p> +<p>Penny started hurriedly toward the opening. Before +she could get through the tunnel, the big double +doors squeaked open and she heard heavy footsteps in +the room. Peering out through a knothole in one of +the boxes, she saw Mattie Williams and her partner, +Sam. They were arguing and their voices came to her +plainly:</p> +<p>“Guess you didn’t look for me back quite so soon, +Sam,” Mattie reprimanded her partner. “When I +went off in the tow car you figured I’d be gone a long +time. Thought it would give you a good chance to +tamper with the books!”</p> +<p>“That’s not so, Mattie. I was marking up some expenses +like I always do.”</p> +<p>“I’ve been aiming to have a straight talk with you +for a long time, Sam,” the woman resumed. “That’s +why I asked you to step back here in the storage +room. No use having the customers know about our +differences.”</p> +<p>“I don’t see what you’ve got to squawk about,” Sam +retorted. “Ain’t you made more money since I +teamed up with you than you ever did before?”</p> +<p>“Yes.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_130">[130]</div> +<p>“But you’re always afraid I’ll cheat you out of a +penny.”</p> +<p>“I’ve caught you in some dishonest tricks. About +those tires—”</p> +<p>A loud, insistent tooting of an automobile horn +broke up the conversation. Abandoning the argument, +Mattie and Sam went to serve the impatient +customer.</p> +<p>Penny did not tarry. Crawling from the tunnel, +she glanced about for a means of escape. Fortunately, +the room had an outside exit. Making use of it, she +returned to the waiting taxi, without seeing either +Sam or Mattie again.</p> +<p>“Police station, Joe,” she instructed.</p> +<p>“How do you want to go?” the cab driver inquired. +“This road or No. 32?”</p> +<p>“Let’s drive past the old Harrison place.”</p> +<p>“Sure,” grinned Joe. “Maybe we’ll see that spook +again!”</p> +<p>The cab bumped along the frozen road, soon coming +within view of the hillside estate. Joe slowed +down without being requested to do so.</p> +<p>“I was tellin’ the boys about that place last night,” +he flung over his shoulder. “They tell me the owner +is this guy Deming. He’s gone East for the winter. +A big, fat, bald-headed man.”</p> +<p>“Our ghost was a thin person.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_131">[131]</div> +<p>“Yeah, I was thinking that,” agreed Joe. “Maybe +Deming’s got a sick relative or something.”</p> +<p>The explanation did not satisfy Penny. With +troubled eyes she gazed toward the rambling old +house which by daylight looked so deserted. No +smoke curled from the chimneys. Had it not been for +a trail of footprints along the fence, she easily could +have convinced herself that she had imagined the +events of the previous night.</p> +<p>“Say, who’s that trackin’ through the fields?” Joe +suddenly demanded.</p> +<p>Penny turned to glance in the direction that the +cabman pointed. Her heart did a little flip-flop. A +woman in a long black coat, market basket on her arm, +was hastening toward the rear door of the estate house.</p> +<p>“Stop the cab, Joe!” she cried.</p> +<p>The car came to a halt with a little sideways skid. +Leaping out, Penny plunged through the drifts and +was able to confront the woman at the rear gate of the +premises.</p> +<p>“How do you do,” she greeted her breathlessly.</p> +<p>The woman was so startled that she nearly dropped +her market basket. Confused, she stammered a reply +and started to unlock the gate.</p> +<p>“Just a moment, please,” requested Penny. “May I +come inside and talk to you?”</p> +<p>“About what?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_132">[132]</div> +<p>“My father’s disappearance. You made an appointment +to meet me at the cemetery. Why did you run +away?”</p> +<p>The bold attack was not without an effect. The +woman gasped, and fumbled nervously with the key to +the padlock.</p> +<p>“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” she muttered.</p> +<p>“Unless you tell me everything you know regarding +my father’s disappearance, I’ll call the police!”</p> +<p>“The police—” the woman repeated, plainly +frightened.</p> +<p>“Yes,” Penny went on relentlessly, “this is a serious +matter. It will do you no good to bluff.”</p> +<p>The woman gave up trying to unlock the gate. +Setting her basket down in the snow she said weakly: +“You advertised a reward—”</p> +<p>“I’ll still be glad to pay it for worthwhile information. +What do you know about my father?”</p> +<p>The woman drew a deep breath. “Well, I picked +him up in my car after the accident.”</p> +<p>“You did?” Penny became jubilant. “Where is he +now?”</p> +<p>“I can’t tell you that. Mr. Parker asked me to take +him to Mercy Hospital. I let him off at the entrance +to the grounds. That’s the last I saw of him.”</p> +<p>“My father entered the hospital?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know. I didn’t remain to watch.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_133">[133]</div> +<p>The story was disappointing. If true, Mr. Parker’s +disappearance remained as mysterious as ever. Penny +was silent a moment and then she asked the woman +why she had fled from the cemetery.</p> +<p>“Because I saw a police car parked behind the +bushes,” the other answered defiantly. “And those +detectives chased me, too! I only intended to be +helpful and maybe win a reward. Now I want nothing +to do with the case. I’ve told you everything I +know.”</p> +<p>The woman unlocked the gate and started to enter +the grounds.</p> +<p>“You’re not Mrs. Deming?” Penny asked quickly.</p> +<p>“Who I am is my own business.”</p> +<p>“I suppose the ghost is your own affair too!”</p> +<p>“Ghost? What ghost?”</p> +<p>“You live here, yet you haven’t learned that the +grounds are haunted?” Penny inquired significantly. +“Nearly every night a man in white wanders back +and forth in the garden.”</p> +<p>“I don’t know anything about it!” the woman said +nervously. “I’ll not answer any more questions +either!”</p> +<p>Plainly frightened, she snapped shut the padlock of +the gate and fled into the house.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_134">[134]</div> +<h2 id="c17"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">17</span> +<br /><i>ADVENTURE BY MOONLIGHT</i></h2> +<p>A moment Penny stood gazing at the estate house. +She considered climbing the iron fence and trying to +gain entrance to the dwelling. Then, deciding that +nothing would be achieved by again accosting the +strange woman, she returned to the waiting taxi.</p> +<p>“Where to?” asked the cabman.</p> +<p>“It’s still the police station,” directed Penny, repeating +an earlier order. “I have twice as much to report +now.”</p> +<p>As the cab pulled away, she noticed a movement of +curtains at the front of the estate house. Evidently +the woman who had fled, was watching.</p> +<p>Joe made a quick trip to Riverview, depositing +Penny at the doorstep of Central Station.</p> +<p>“Will you need me any more?” he asked hopefully.</p> +<p>“I may.”</p> +<p>“Okay,” said Joe, slamming the cab door. “I’ll +stick around. You know, I kinda like this job.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_135">[135]</div> +<p>Once inside the police station, Penny inquired for +Chief Jalman. Unable to see him, she asked to speak +to the two detectives who had been assigned to her +father’s case. Both men were away from the building.</p> +<p>“Why not talk to Carl Burns?” suggested the desk +sergeant. “He’s familiar with the case.”</p> +<p>Penny was sent to see a heavy-set man who warmed +himself by a steaming radiator. Evidently he had +spent several hours in an unheated police car for he +stamped his feet to restore circulation.</p> +<p>“Mr. Burns?” inquired Penny.</p> +<p>The man turned, staring at her. Penny returned +the stare. She had seen the officer before and the +recollection was not entirely pleasant. He was the +same officer she had met near Mattie’s garage on the +night of the blizzard.</p> +<p>“What may I do for you?” he asked.</p> +<p>Uncomfortably aware of the officer’s scrutiny, +Penny began to tell of her visit to the Williams’ +garage. She stammered a bit and lost confidence.</p> +<p>“You say you saw some big boxes at the garage,” he +demanded. “What’s so suspicious about that?”</p> +<p>Penny tried to explain about the tunnel of boxes +which led to a hidden storage room. Even to her own +ears the story had a fantastic sound.</p> +<p>“What you <i>think</i> or <i>surmise</i> doesn’t go in this business!” +the officer said rather rudely. “Did you actually +see any stolen tires?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_136">[136]</div> +<p>“Well, no, I didn’t,” Penny admitted. “The door +was locked.”</p> +<p>“Are you willing to swear out a warrant charging +Mattie and her partner with dealing in stolen merchandise?”</p> +<p>“I don’t suppose I’d dare do that. I thought if +police would investigate—”</p> +<p>“We can’t go on suspicions, Miss Parker. We act +only on sound evidence.”</p> +<p>“Well, it doesn’t matter so much about the stolen +tires,” Penny said desperately. “I have another clue—a +really important one. I’ve found the woman who +eluded Detectives Brandon and Fuller at the cemetery!”</p> +<p>“Now we may get somewhere,” replied the officer. +“Who is the woman? Where did you see her?”</p> +<p>Penny told everything she knew about the woman +who had taken her father to Mercy Hospital. Word +for word she repeated their recent conversation together.</p> +<p>“I’ll turn this evidence over to Detective Fuller,” +the policeman promised. “He’ll probably want to +question the woman himself.”</p> +<p>“I hope he does it right away,” replied Penny. +“She may take it into her head to skip out of town.”</p> +<p>Officer Burns smiled wearily. “Just trust us to +handle the case,” he said. “We know our business.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_137">[137]</div> +<p>Penny left the station feeling none too satisfied. Although +she had nothing against Mr. Burns, she sensed +that he did not like her. She wondered if she could +depend on him to repeat her story as she had told it.</p> +<p>“If that estate house isn’t investigated immediately, +I’ll do something myself!” she thought.</p> +<p>Joe, the cabman, still waited. Signaling him, Penny +regretfully explained that she would have no further +use for his services.</p> +<p>“Well, if you change your mind and want to do +some more ghost huntin’ tonight, just give me a ring,” +Joe grinned. “My number’s 20476.”</p> +<p>Penny carefully wrote it down. She then walked +to the nearby <i>Star</i> building where many matters +awaited her attention. There she worked without +interruption until late afternoon, taking only enough +time to call the police station. Detective Fuller was +not available. So far as she could learn, no investigation +had been made of the Harrison estate.</p> +<p>Thoroughly annoyed, Penny tramped home to dinner. +Only a cold meal awaited her. Mrs. Weems, ill +with a headache, had set out a few dishes on the +kitchen table, and gone to bed.</p> +<p>“It’s nothing,” the housekeeper insisted as Penny +questioned her anxiously. “I’ve just worried too +much the past few days.”</p> +<p>“Let me call Doctor Barnell.”</p> +<p>“Indeed not,” Mrs. Weems remonstrated. “I’ll be +all right tomorrow.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_138">[138]</div> +<p>Penny brewed a cup of tea and made the housekeeper +as comfortable as she could. By the time she +had eaten a snack and washed the dishes it was eight +o’clock. Debating a long while, she went to the telephone +and summoned a cab.</p> +<p>“Number 20476,” she requested.</p> +<p>Penny was zipping on her galoshes when the doorbell +rang. Without giving her time to answer it, +Louise Sidell marched into the kitchen bearing a +freshly baked lemon pie.</p> +<p>“Mother sent this over,” she explained. “I slipped +on the ice coming over and nearly had a catastrophe!”</p> +<p>Carefully Louise deposited the pie on the kitchen +table. Cutting short Penny’s praise of it, she inquired +alertly: “Going somewhere?”</p> +<p>Penny explained that she intended to motor to the +Harrison estate.</p> +<p>“Not alone?” Louise demanded.</p> +<p>“I’ll have to, I guess. Mrs. Weems is sick, so I +can’t take her along.”</p> +<p>“You could invite me,” Louise said eagerly. “I’ll +telephone mother to come over and stay with Mrs. +Weems while we’re gone!”</p> +<p>The arrangement proved satisfactory to everyone. +Mrs. Sidell came immediately to the house, and very +shortly thereafter the girls sped away in Joe’s taxicab.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_139">[139]</div> +<p>The night was a pleasant one, mildly cold, but with +a bright moon.</p> +<p>“Park before you get to the estate,” Penny directed +the driver. “We don’t want to be seen. It might defeat +our purpose.”</p> +<p>Joe drew up in a clump of trees some distance from +the Harrison grounds. He then walked with the +girls to the spiked fence. There was no sign of activity.</p> +<p>Two hours elapsed. During that time nothing unusual +occurred. No lights were visible inside the +house. Even Penny began to lose heart.</p> +<p>“This is getting pretty boring,” she sighed. “I don’t +believe the ghost is going to show up tonight.”</p> +<p>“We may have been observed,” suggested Louise. +“One can see very plainly tonight.”</p> +<p>After another half hour had elapsed Penny was +willing to return to the cab. The three started away +from the fence. Just then they heard a door slam inside +the house. Instantly they froze against the screen +of bushes, waiting.</p> +<p>“There’s the ghost!” whispered Louise.</p> +<p>A figure had appeared in the garden beyond the +gate. But the one who walked alone was not a ghost. +Plainly he was garbed in street clothes rather than +white. Over his suit he wore a heavy overcoat. A +snap-brimmed hat was pulled low on his forehead.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_140">[140]</div> +<p>Penny could not see the man’s face, but the silhouette +seemed strangely familiar.</p> +<p>“That looks like Dad!” she whispered, clutching +Louise’s hand. “It is he! I’m sure!”</p> +<p>“Oh, it can’t be—”</p> +<p>Penny paid no heed to her chum’s protest. Breaking +away, she ran toward the gate.</p> +<p>The man in the garden became suddenly alert. As +he heard the approaching footsteps he gazed toward +the road. Upon seeing Penny he started to retreat.</p> +<p>“Wait!” she called frantically. “Don’t you know +me, Dad? It’s Penny!”</p> +<p>The words seemed to convey nothing to the man. +He shook his head in a baffled sort of way, and walked +swiftly toward the house.</p> +<p>Penny ran on to the gate. It was locked, but she +vaulted over, landing in a heap on the other side. By +the time she had picked herself up, the man had +vanished into the house.</p> +<p>“Are you hurt?” Louise cried, hurrying to the gate.</p> +<p>Penny brushed snow from her coat and did not +answer.</p> +<p>“That man couldn’t have been your father,” Louise +said kindly. “Do come back, Penny.”</p> +<p>“But it was Dad! I’m sure of it!”</p> +<p>“You called to him,” Louise argued. “If it had been +Mr. Parker he couldn’t have failed to recognize your +voice.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_141">[141]</div> +<p>“It was Dad,” Penny insisted stubbornly. “He’s +being held a prisoner here!”</p> +<p>“But that’s ridiculous! Whoever that man is, he +could escape from the grounds just as easily as you +climbed the gate.”</p> +<p>Penny did not wish to believe, yet she knew her +chum was right.</p> +<p>“Anyway, I’m going to talk to him,” she declared. +“Now that I am inside the grounds, I’ll ring the doorbell.”</p> +<p>Leaving Louise and Joe on the other side of the +fence, Penny went boldly to the front door. She +knocked several times and rang the bell. There was +no response.</p> +<p>“Why doesn’t someone answer?” she thought impatiently.</p> +<p>At the rear of the house a door slammed. Suddenly +Louise called from the gate: “Penny! A woman is +leaving the estate by the back way!”</p> +<p>Penny darted to the corner of the house. The +same woman she had met earlier that day had let herself +out the rear gate. Holding the skirts of her long +black coat, she fairly ran across the snowy fields.</p> +<p>“Shall I nab her?” called Joe, eager for action.</p> +<p>Penny’s reply was surprisingly calm.</p> +<p>“No, let her go,” she decided. “While that woman +is away, I’ll get into the house. I think Dad is in there +alone, and I’m going to find him!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_142">[142]</div> +<h2 id="c18"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">18</span> +<br /><i>THROUGH THE CELLAR WINDOW</i></h2> +<p>Penny returned to the front porch and rang +the doorbell many times. No one came to admit her. +She tested the door, finding it locked. Windows +above the porch level could not be raised.</p> +<p>“I’ll try the back door,” she said, refusing to accept +defeat.</p> +<p>Louise and Joe followed her to the rear of the +dwelling, but remained on the outside of the fence.</p> +<p>As Penny had feared, the back door also was locked. +She tested eight windows. Finally she found one +which opened into the cellar. To her delight the +sash swung inward as she pushed on it.</p> +<p>“Here I go!” she called to Louise. “You and Joe +stay where you are and keep watch.”</p> +<p>Penny crawled through the narrow opening and +swung herself down to the cellar floor. She landed +with a thud beside a laundry tub. The room was +dark. Groping her way toward a stairway, she +tripped over a box and made a fearful clatter.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_143">[143]</div> +<p>“I’ve certainly advertised my arrival!” she thought +ruefully.</p> +<p>At the top of the stairway Penny found a light +switch and boldly turned it on. The kitchen door +was not locked. She opened it and stepped out into +another semi-dark room.</p> +<p>A doorbell at the front of the house began to ring. +Penny was dumbfounded. Then she became annoyed, +thinking that Louise and the cab driver were +trying to get in.</p> +<p>Groping her way through the house, she unlocked +the door and flung it open.</p> +<p>“For Pity Sakes!” she exclaimed, and then her voice +trailed off.</p> +<p>A uniformed messenger boy stood on the porch.</p> +<p>“Mrs. Botts live here?” he asked, taking a telegram +from his jacket pocket.</p> +<p>Penny did not know what to answer. Thinking +quickly, she replied: “This is the Deming estate.”</p> +<p>The messenger boy turned the beam of his flashlight +on the telegram. “Mrs. Lennie Botts, Stop 4, Care of +G. A. Deming,” he read aloud. “This is the place all +right.”</p> +<p>“But Mrs. Botts isn’t at home now.”</p> +<p>“I’ve had a lot of trouble getting here,” the boy +complained. “Even had to climb over the gate. How +about signing for the telegram?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_144">[144]</div> +<p>“Oh, all right,” agreed Penny, accepting the pencil. +“I don’t know why I didn’t think of that idea myself!”</p> +<p>In return for the telegram she gave the boy a small +tip. The moment he had gone, she closed the front +door and switched on a table lamp.</p> +<p>Penny found herself in a luxuriously furnished living +room. The rug underfoot was Chinese, the furniture +solid mahogany, hand carved. However, she had +no interest in her surroundings. Rather tensely, she +examined the telegram. Dared she open it?</p> +<p>“What’s ten years or so of jail in my young life?” +she cajoled herself. “I’m willing to spend it in Sing +Sing if only I can find Dad!”</p> +<p>Penny ripped open the envelope. The message, addressed +to Mrs. Lennie Botts was terse and none too +revealing:</p> +<p>“HAVE CHANGED PLANS. WILL RETURN +THE TWENTY-SEVENTH BY PLANE. +PLEASE HAVE EVERYTHING IN READINESS.”</p> +<p>The telegram was signed by the owner of the estate, +G. A. Deming.</p> +<p>“Today is the twenty-seventh of the month,” +thought Penny. “This message must have been several +hours delayed.”</p> +<p>The telegram had provided little information. +Evidently the woman who had refused to tell her +name was Mrs. Lennie Botts. Regretting that she had +opened the message, Penny tossed it carelessly on the +table.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_145">[145]</div> +<p>Footsteps sounded on the floor directly above. +Penny had taken no pains to be quiet. Nevertheless, +her pulse quickened as she heard someone pad to the +head of the stairway. A muffled voice called: “Who’s +there?”</p> +<p>Penny’s heart leaped for she was sure she recognized +the tones. Fairly trembling with excitement, +she darted to the foot of the circular staircase. On +the top landing in the heavy shadows stood a man +whose face she could not see.</p> +<p>“Dad!” she cried. “I’m Penny.”</p> +<p>“Penny?” the man demanded impatiently as if the +name meant nothing to him. “Where is Mrs. Botts?”</p> +<p>“Why, she went away.”</p> +<p>“And how did you get into the house?”</p> +<p>“Through a cellar window.”</p> +<p>“I thought so! Young lady, I don’t know what +you’re doing here in Mrs. Bott’s absence. Unless you +leave at once I’ll summon the police.”</p> +<p>Penny was not to be discouraged so easily. She +started slowly up the stairway.</p> +<p>“Stand where you are!” the man ordered sharply. +“I’ve been sick, but I’m still a match for any house-breaker. +I have a revolver—”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_146">[146]</div> +<p>So dark was the stairway that Penny could not know +whether or not the man was bluffing. His voice, +startlingly similar to her father’s, sounded grim and +determined. Knowing that a stranger would have +good reason to treat her as a burglar, she was afraid to +venture further.</p> +<p>“Dad—” she began.</p> +<p>“Don’t keep calling me Dad!” he snapped.</p> +<p>“Who are you?” asked Penny, completely baffled.</p> +<p>“Who am I?” the man repeated. “Why, I’m Lester +Jones, a salesman. I room here.”</p> +<p>The answer dumbfounded Penny. “Then you’re +not being held a prisoner by Mrs. Botts?” she faltered.</p> +<p>“On the contrary, Mrs. Botts has been very kind to +me. Especially since I’ve been sick.”</p> +<p>Penny’s perplexity increased. “But I’ve seen you +wandering in the garden at night,” she murmured. +“Why do you do it?”</p> +<p>“Because—oh, hang it! Do I have to explain everything +to you? My head’s aching again. Unless you +go away and stop bothering me, I’ll call the police.”</p> +<p>Penny was completely crushed. She had been so +sure that the man was her father! Seemingly she had +made a very stupid mistake.</p> +<p>“I’ll go,” she said quietly.</p> +<p>Retreating down the stairway, she left the opened +telegram on the living-room table and switched off +the light. Then unlocking the kitchen door, she rejoined +Louise and Joe.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_147">[147]</div> +<p>“I guess you didn’t have any luck,” her chum commented, +observing her downcast face.</p> +<p>Penny ruefully admitted that the man who had been +seen in the garden was Lester Jones.</p> +<p>“I knew he wasn’t your father,” Louise replied. +“You wouldn’t listen to reason—”</p> +<p>“All the same, his voice was similar,” Penny cut in. +“Why, the man even used one of Dad’s pet expressions.”</p> +<p>“What was it?” Louise inquired curiously.</p> +<p>“‘Oh, hang it!’ That’s the expression Dad uses +when he’s irritated.”</p> +<p>Louise helped her chum over the back fence and +guided her toward the parked taxi. Midway there +Penny paused to stare up at the dark windows of the +second floor.</p> +<p>“Lou!” she exclaimed. “That man must have been +Dad even if he didn’t know me!”</p> +<p>“Oh, Penny, don’t start that all over again,” Louise +pleaded. “You’re only torturing yourself.”</p> +<p>“I’m going back!”</p> +<p>“No, we can’t let you, Penny.”</p> +<p>Louise held her chum’s arm firmly. Joe opened the +door of the taxi and they pushed her in. Penny protested +for a moment, then submitted.</p> +<p>“All right, but we’re going straight to the police +station!” she announced. “I’ll not be satisfied until +that man positively is identified as Lester Jones.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_148">[148]</div> +<p>A few minutes later, at the police station, Detective +Fuller heard the entire story. It was the first he had +learned about Mrs. Botts, for Penny’s earlier message +had not been delivered by Policeman Burns.</p> +<p>“For that matter, I’ve not seen Burns today,” the +detective explained. “I’ll go to the estate at once and +question the woman.”</p> +<p>Again Penny and Louise taxied to the estate, this +time trailed by a police car. Detective Fuller broke +the padlock on the gate and led the party to the front +door.</p> +<p>A light now burned in the living room. To Penny’s +astonishment, the door was opened by Mrs. Botts.</p> +<p>“Good evening,” she greeted the visitors pleasantly.</p> +<p>Detective Fuller flashed his badge. “We want to +ask you a few questions,” he said. “May we come +in?”</p> +<p>With obvious reluctance the woman stepped aside, +allowing the party to enter the living room. Penny’s +gaze roved to the center table. The telegram which +she had opened no longer was there.</p> +<p>Mrs. Botts did not offer chairs to the callers. +Glaring at Penny with undisguised dislike, she said +coldly: “I suppose I am indebted to you for this visit. +What is it you want?”</p> +<p>“I understand you have a roomer here,” began Detective +Fuller.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_149">[149]</div> +<p>“A roomer?” Mrs. Botts echoed blankly.</p> +<p>“Yes, a man by the name of Lester Jones.”</p> +<p>“Ridiculous! You don’t seem to realize that this +is the Deming estate.”</p> +<p>“Are you an employee here?”</p> +<p>“I am the housekeeper. During Mr. Deming’s absence +I look after the property. I assure you no one +but myself lives in the house at present.”</p> +<p>“No roomer ever has stayed here?”</p> +<p>Mrs. Botts drew herself up proudly. “Would Mr. +Deming be likely to annoy himself with roomers? He +has a very substantial fortune.”</p> +<p>“You might try to pick up a few dollars yourself.”</p> +<p>“Mr. Deming would not hear of such a thing! He +pays me well.”</p> +<p>Detective Fuller asked additional questions, trying +to learn whether or not the woman was the one who +had fled from the cemetery. Mrs. Botts frankly admitted +that she had taken Mr. Parker to the hospital, +but she denied ever trying to collect a ransom.</p> +<p>“What you say now doesn’t agree with your original +story,” Penny protested. “You admitted to me—”</p> +<p>“I admitted nothing,” Mrs. Botts broke in indignantly. +“I have no secrets to hide!”</p> +<p>“But I’m sure Mr. Jones is living in this house,” +Penny said stubbornly. “He’s upstairs.”</p> +<p>“Indeed?” mocked Mrs. Botts. “Perhaps you’d like +to search the house.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_150">[150]</div> +<p>“Yes, we would,” said Detective Fuller.</p> +<p>Mrs. Botts remained undisturbed. Bestowing upon +Penny a look of deep contempt, she motioned toward +the stairway.</p> +<p>“Very well, search the house,” she invited with cool +assurance. “I’ve told you the truth. You’ll find no +one here but myself.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_151">[151]</div> +<h2 id="c19"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">19</span> +<br /><i>A BAFFLING SEARCH</i></h2> +<p>In systematic, unhurried fashion, Detective +Fuller went through every room in the Deming house. +The bed chambers, nine in number, were in perfect +order. Only Mrs. Botts’ suite over the kitchen appeared +to have been used recently.</p> +<p>As the search progressed, Penny’s bewilderment increased. +She knew that Lester Jones had been in the +house an hour earlier, yet there was no sign of him. +Personally she inspected clothes closets and bureau +drawers. Not an article could she find that ever had +belonged to her father. She did come upon a white +woolen bathrobe. Believing it to be the garment worn +by the “ghost” she called it to Detective Fuller’s attention.</p> +<p>“Oh, that robe belongs to my employer, Mr. Deming,” +explained Mrs. Botts.</p> +<p>Penny indicated water stains along the hem which +suggested that the garment had been allowed to trail +in the snow.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_152">[152]</div> +<p>“Sometimes I wear the robe when I go outside to +bring in the washing,” replied Mrs. Botts. “It is +warmer than my coat.”</p> +<p>Try as she would, Penny could not trip the woman +into making any damaging admissions. Mrs. Botts had +changed her original story and would not acknowledge +that she had fled from the cemetery. Stubbornly, +she maintained that she had told everything +she knew about Mr. Parker’s disappearance.</p> +<p>“I took him to Mercy Hospital in my employer’s +car,” she repeated to Detective Fuller. “That’s the +last I saw of him.”</p> +<p>“In what condition was Mr. Parker when you left +him?” questioned the detective.</p> +<p>“He seemed all right. Perhaps he was a bit dazed.”</p> +<p>“Why didn’t you report to the police?”</p> +<p>“Because I didn’t see the newspapers for a day,” +Mrs. Botts replied sullenly. “Later I read Miss Parker’s +offer of a reward.”</p> +<p>“Then you did write, requesting me to run the ad +in the <i>Star</i>!” Penny cried triumphantly.</p> +<p>“No, of course not,” Mrs. Botts retorted, “I merely +read the item.”</p> +<p>Penny knew Mrs. Botts was not telling the entire +truth, but to prove it seemed an impossible matter. +Neither could she establish that a man who claimed to +be Lester Jones had been living in the house. True, +Louise and the taxi driver would support her story, +but it would only be their word against Mrs. Botts’. +The situation had become hopelessly confusing.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_153">[153]</div> +<p>Detective Fuller was not entirely satisfied with the +housekeeper’s story. “Guess we’ll have to take you +along to the station for questioning,” he concluded.</p> +<p>Only then did Mrs. Botts lose her composure.</p> +<p>“No, don’t take me away!” she pleaded anxiously. +“My employer is coming home tonight. I just received +the telegram. If I’m not here when he arrives, +I may lose my job!”</p> +<p>Actually Detective Fuller had little evidence against +Mrs. Botts and doubted that he could hold her many +hours in jail. Far more might be gained by allowing +the woman her freedom and keeping watch of the +house.</p> +<p>“We’ll let you stay here,” he decided after a moment’s +thought. “However, you’ll be wanted for +questioning a little later. Make no attempt to leave +the premises.”</p> +<p>“I won’t try to go away,” Mrs. Botts promised. +“I want to cooperate with the police. All I ask is +that my employer, Mr. Deming, doesn’t hear of this. +I’m innocent and it’s not right for me to lose a good +job.”</p> +<p>Very shortly the party bade the woman goodbye +and left the estate. Detective Fuller assigned a policeman +to keep watch of the property and then returned +to Riverview. Louise and Penny, completely bewildered, +left with their driver, Joe, debated their next +action.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_154">[154]</div> +<p>“Where to?” the cabman inquired. “Home?”</p> +<p>“I suppose so,” sighed Penny. “I never was in such +a muddle in all my life. What became of that man +I thought was Dad?”</p> +<p>“He must have left the house while we were at the +police station,” Louise declared. “It was a surprise +finding Mrs. Botts there too! She must have returned +in a hurry after we went away.”</p> +<p>“Mrs. Botts got rid of Lester Jones somehow,” +Penny said with conviction. “Oh, she’s a slick one!”</p> +<p>As Joe shifted gears, the girls observed a dark figure +approaching the estate from down the road.</p> +<p>“Wait!” Penny instructed the cabman. “Let’s see +who it is.”</p> +<p>A moment later the figure emerged from the shadow +cast by a giant tree. Penny was surprised to recognize +Mose Johnson. The old colored man carried a +basket on his arm and evidently had been doing a little +late marketing at the crossroads store.</p> +<p>“Good evening, Mose,” Penny greeted him as he +approached the cab.</p> +<p>“Evenin’, Miss Penny,” he beamed, pausing. “I’se +suah astonished to see yo’ all out dis way. Has yo’ +been lookin’ for dat ghost?”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid I have,” Penny admitted ruefully. “I’ve +certainly had no luck.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_155">[155]</div> +<p>Mose shifted the market basket to his other hand. +“Dat ole ghost ain’t been around so much lately,” he +explained. “I comes by dis spot half an hour ago on +my way to de sto’ to get some victuals. Dere wasn’t +no ghost around den either. If dere had a been I’d +have seen him, you kin be suah o’ dat. I was mighty +skittish and ready to make mahself absent in about two +shakes.”</p> +<p>“And you didn’t see a thing?” inquired Penny.</p> +<p>“Well now, I can’t rightly say dat,” Old Mose corrected. +“I didn’t see no ghost but I did see a taxicab.”</p> +<p>“Ours, I suppose.”</p> +<p>“Not dis one, Miss. De cab I see was a yelleh one.”</p> +<p>The information interested Penny. “Which way +was it going, Mose?” she asked quickly.</p> +<p>“It wasn’t goin’, Miss Penny. It was standin’ right +at de gate. Den I sees two dark lookin’ white men +git out and go into de big house.”</p> +<p>“You did?” Penny demanded eagerly. “Then what +happened? Did the cab drive away?”</p> +<p>“It waited ’till de two men came back, ’cept when +dey comes back dere is three of ’em!”</p> +<p>“Three men?” Penny cried, her excitement mounting. +“What did the third man look like, Mose? +Think hard! It’s very important.”</p> +<p>“Well,” said Mose, “he was tall and he had something +in his hand. A funny lookin’ little satchel. I +guess you calls it a quick-case.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_156">[156]</div> +<p>“You don’t mean a brief case?”</p> +<p>“Yes, dat’s it,” Mose grinned. “Anyways, dey all +gits in de taxicab and off dey snorts. And dat’s all I +sees. Dere wasn’t no ghost.”</p> +<p>The colored man’s rambling information served to +confirm Penny’s own suspicions. Mrs. Botts had lied. +A roomer known as Lester Jones had been held at the +house and later hustled away. Perhaps the man <i>was</i> +her father!</p> +<p>“Mose,” she cried, “the person you saw may have +been Dad! Did it look like him?”</p> +<p>“Why, now yo’ speaks of it, dere was somethin’ +about dat man dat look like Mr. Parker,” the colored +man agreed. “Kinda de way he walked. I couldn’t +see his face cause he kept it sort o’ tucked down in his +collar.”</p> +<p>“All the same, it must have been Dad!” Penny exclaimed. +“The brief case practically proves it! Tell +me, which way did the cab go?”</p> +<p>“Straight down de road,” said Mose, pointing. “But +de car’s been gone a long time now. If you figures +on catchin’ dose men, you all bettah be travelin’.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_157">[157]</div> +<h2 id="c20"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">20</span> +<br /><i>ACCUSATIONS</i></h2> +<p>Alarmed and excited by Mose Johnson’s revelation, +Penny glanced about for the policeman who had +been assigned to watch the Deming mansion. The +officer had taken cover somewhere and was not to be +seen.</p> +<p>“Joe, drive as fast as you can to the airplane spotting +station!” she ordered the cabman. “I’ll telephone the +police station from there.”</p> +<p>As the taxi bounced along over the frozen road, the +girls kept close watch for the yellow cab Mose Johnson +had mentioned. They did not expect to overtake +it. If the old colored man’s story was accurate, the +taxi bearing Mr. Parker had left the mansion at least +a half hour earlier.</p> +<p>“Dad must have been spirited away immediately +after I talked to him!” Penny said. “He’s been +drugged or something! Otherwise he would have +known me.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_158">[158]</div> +<p>“But according to Mose, your father must have +gone willingly with those men,” Louise returned.</p> +<p>“That’s the queer part.”</p> +<p>“Of course, you’re not certain the man is your +father.”</p> +<p>“Yes, I am!” Penny insisted. “I was almost sure of +it earlier this evening. Now I know! Oh, Lou, something +terrible has happened to Dad!”</p> +<p>Louise drew her chum into the hollow of her arm. +“Brace up!” she said sternly. “You’re not going to +cave in now, are you?”</p> +<p>Penny’s slumping shoulders stiffened. She brushed +away a tear. “Of course I’m not going to cave in!” +she replied indignantly. “I’ll find Dad—tonight, too!”</p> +<p>Enroute to the airplane spotting station, the cab +neither met nor passed any vehicle. Leaving Louise +in the taxi, Penny clattered up the tower steps and +burst into the overheated room where Salt Sommers +was making out a report. Her words fairly tumbled +over one another as she told him what had happened.</p> +<p>“Will you notify police for me?” she pleaded.</p> +<p>“Of course,” Salt assured her, reaching for a telephone. +“My relief’s due in five minutes now, so I’ll +be free to join in the search.”</p> +<p>While the photographer waited impatiently for a +connection, Penny asked him if he had seen a yellow +taxi pass the tower.</p> +<p>“Not since I’ve been on duty. The cab must have +taken another road.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_159">[159]</div> +<p>Salt completed the call to the Riverview Police Station +and was told that every radio-equipped cruiser in +the city would be ordered to watch for the yellow +cab. As he hung up the receiver, a low humming +sound was heard outside the tower.</p> +<p>“Listen!” commanded Salt. “A plane!”</p> +<p>Distinctly they both could hear the roar of a motor +to the eastward.</p> +<p>“That’s an unidentified ship,” Salt declared, reaching +for another telephone. Taking down the receiver +he said tersely: “Army Flash,” and went on to report +the position of the passing airplane.</p> +<p>Penny had gone to the doorway. She could see the +wing lights of the passing ship. As she watched, the +lights descended in a steep glide.</p> +<p>“Salt!” she called. “The plane is landing!”</p> +<p>The photographer darted to the platform to see for +himself. “You’re right!” he exclaimed. “It’s coming +down at the Deming estate!”</p> +<p>“Mr. Deming is due home tonight from the East,” +Penny added. “That must be his plane.”</p> +<p>Salt went inside to complete his report to headquarters. +As he rejoined Penny, they saw a man +trudging along the road toward the tower.</p> +<p>“My relief,” said the photographer. “I’m free to +go.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_160">[160]</div> +<p>Gathering up his belongings, he followed Penny +to the waiting taxicab. There a brief conference was +held. The girls were in favor of searching for the +yellow taxi, but Salt pointed out that the chance of +finding it was a slim one. He proposed that they return +to the mansion and try to force information from +Mrs. Botts.</p> +<p>“Detective Fuller had no luck,” replied Penny. +“She has one story and she sticks to it. Her one fear +is that she’ll lose her job.”</p> +<p>“Then this is the time to make things merry for +her!” urged the photographer. “If Mr. Deming just +arrived home, we’ll toss a few firebrands around and +find out what he has to say!”</p> +<p>The suggestion appealed to Penny. From the first +she had distrusted Mrs. Botts and felt that police had +been entirely too lenient with her.</p> +<p>“All right, let’s go!” she agreed. “If Mrs. Botts +loses her job, I’m sure it’s no more than she deserves.”</p> +<p>Joe drove the party once more to the Deming mansion. +No policeman was in evidence near the premises. +Actually he had gone to the crossroads store to +report to his superiors the arrival of Mr. Deming’s +airplane, but at the moment Penny assumed the man +was neglecting his duties.</p> +<p>“If this case ever is solved, we must do it ourselves!” +she declared, thumping on the front door. “I’m in no +mood to take any slippery answers from Mrs. Botts!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_161">[161]</div> +<p>After a long delay the door was opened by the caretaker. +Recognizing Penny and her friends, the woman +sought to lock them out.</p> +<p>“Oh, no you don’t!” said Salt, pushing her firmly +aside. “We want to see Mr. Deming.”</p> +<p>“He’s not here,” Mrs. Botts replied nervously. +“Please leave me alone. Go away!”</p> +<p>Ignoring the plea, Penny, Louise, and the photographer +walked boldly into the living room. A fire +burned in the grate and there were fresh flowers on +the table.</p> +<p>“Where is Mr. Deming?” asked Salt in a loud voice.</p> +<p>Footsteps sounded on the circular stairway. A +portly, bald-headed man with a pleasant face came +heavily down the steps.</p> +<p>“Did someone ask for me?” he inquired.</p> +<p>“You’re Mr. Deming?” asked Salt.</p> +<p>“I am. Flew in from New York about ten minutes +ago and was just changing my clothes. What may I +do for you?”</p> +<p>“I’ve been trying to tell these folks you can’t see +them tonight, Mr. Deming,” broke in Mrs. Botts. +“You’re too tired.”</p> +<p>“Nonsense,” replied the mansion owner impatiently. +“Sit down by the fire, everyone. Tell me what +brought you here.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Botts began to edge toward the kitchen door. +Observing the action, Salt called sharply:</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_162">[162]</div> +<p>“Don’t go, Mrs. Botts. We want to talk to you in +particular.”</p> +<p>“I’ve nothing to say,” the caretaker retorted tartly.</p> +<p>“Sit down, Mrs. Botts,” ordered her employer. +“For some reason you have seemed very nervous since +I arrived home tonight.”</p> +<p>“It was upsetting to get your telegram so late,” +Mrs. Botts mumbled, sinking down on the sofa.</p> +<p>“Mr. Deming,” began Penny, “a great deal has happened +here tonight.”</p> +<p>“I intended to tell you about it myself,” interrupted +Mrs. Botts, addressing her employer. “I’ve not had +a chance.”</p> +<p>“Be quiet, please,” commanded Mr. Deming. “Do +continue, Miss—”</p> +<p>“Parker,” supplied Penny. She introduced Salt and +Louise, then resumed her story.</p> +<p>As the tale unfolded, Mr. Deming listened with increasing +amazement. Now and then he focused his +gaze upon the crestfallen Mrs. Botts, but he did not +speak until Penny had finished.</p> +<p>“This is a very serious charge you have made against +my housekeeper,” he said then. “Mrs. Botts, what +have you to say?”</p> +<p>“There’s not a word of truth in it!” the woman +cried. “Why, I’ve worked for you ten years, Mr. +Deming. I’ve been a loyal, faithful servant. Why +should I deceive you by taking a stranger into the +house?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_163">[163]</div> +<p>“It does seem fantastic,” replied the perplexed Mr. +Deming. “Miss Parker, what proof have you that +your accusations are true?”</p> +<p>“The proof of my own eyesight,” Penny said +quietly. “For that matter, a number of persons saw +the ghost wandering about the grounds.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Botts tossed her head. “I’ve already explained +that part. Frequently when I go outdoors, I put on +your old white bathrobe, Mr. Deming. It’s warmer +than my coat.”</p> +<p>“The ghost happened to be a man,” Penny said. +“And here is something you don’t know, Mrs. Botts. +I was in this house earlier this evening while you were +away. I talked with your mysterious roomer, and +I’m satisfied it was my father.”</p> +<p>“So <i>you</i> were here!” Mrs. Botts cried angrily. +“Mr. Deming, this girl opened the telegram you addressed +to me!”</p> +<p>“I did indeed,” admitted Penny, unabashed.</p> +<p>Mr. Deming arose and walking over to the fire, +stood with his back to it. “I confess I don’t know +what to say,” he said. “I’ve never had reason to distrust +Mrs. Botts.”</p> +<p>“Thank you, sir.” The housekeeper smiled triumphantly.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_164">[164]</div> +<p>Penny realized that Mr. Deming was on the verge +of swinging to Mrs. Botts’ side. So far the interview +had gained nothing. She had told the entire story. +There was no further information she could add.</p> +<p>“I suppose we may as well go,” she said, looking +miserably at Salt.</p> +<p>Penny arose. Suddenly her eyes lighted upon a +small object lying half hidden between the cushions +of the sofa. Before Mrs. Botts realized what she was +about, she had pounced upon it.</p> +<p>“Dad’s spectacle case!” she cried triumphantly.</p> +<p>Opening the lid, she held up a pair of dark horn-rimmed +glasses.</p> +<p>“I’m sure I don’t know where the case came from,” +Mrs. Botts stammered.</p> +<p>“When Dad reads on the sofa at home, he often +loses his case between the cushions!” Penny went on +excitedly. “Mrs. Botts, you thought you were very +clever getting him away from here and removing all +the evidence!”</p> +<p>“A salesman who wore glasses was here last +week—” the housekeeper began weakly.</p> +<p>“You can’t talk yourself out of this,” Penny cut her +short, “Mr. Deming, let me show you something.”</p> +<p>She reopened the lid of the case and pointed to the +initials “A. P.” engraved in gold letters.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_165">[165]</div> +<p>“Anthony Parker,” she said impressively. “Dad +had them stamped there because he lost the case so +many times. Does this prove my story?”</p> +<p>“It does,” said Mr. Deming. Sternly he faced the +housekeeper. “Mrs. Botts, you have deeply humiliated +me. I shall turn you over to the police.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Botts began to weep. Stumbling across the +room, she clutched her employer’s arm.</p> +<p>“Please don’t turn me away from here,” she pleaded. +“Just give me a chance and I’ll explain everything. +Please, Mr. Deming! This time I promise to tell the +truth!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_166">[166]</div> +<h2 id="c21"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">21</span> +<br /><i>MRS. BOTTS’ REVELATION</i></h2> +<p>“Very well, tell your story,” Mr. Deming bade +the housekeeper. “What do you know about Mr. +Parker’s disappearance?”</p> +<p>“It was just like I said,” Mrs. Botts began in an aggrieved +voice. “I was driving not far from the railroad +station when I saw the auto accident.”</p> +<p>“You say you were driving?” Mr. Deming interposed. +“In whose car, may I ask?”</p> +<p>“I used yours, Mr. Deming. I didn’t think you +would care.”</p> +<p>“We’ll skip that. Go on with your story.”</p> +<p>“Well, I saw the accident. A coupe driven by a +young man, crowded Mr. Parker’s car off the road.”</p> +<p>“Purposely?” asked Penny.</p> +<p>“I don’t know. Two men were in the car and they +were speeding. I read part of the license number +too. It was F-215 something.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_167">[167]</div> +<p>“Why didn’t you give this information to the police +immediately?” demanded Mr. Deming.</p> +<p>“I’m trying to explain. I stopped my car—your +car, I mean. Mr. Parker seemed stunned so I offered +to take him to the hospital. Of course at that time +I didn’t know who he was.”</p> +<p>“Dad didn’t seem much hurt?” Penny inquired +quickly.</p> +<p>“He had a few scratches, but nothing serious. We +started for the hospital. Before we got there Mr. +Parker changed his mind and decided he didn’t want +to go. He asked me to take him to a hotel or a rooming +house.”</p> +<p>“How strange!” exclaimed Penny. “Why didn’t +he ask to go home?”</p> +<p>“Because he didn’t remember he had a home,” Mrs. +Botts replied. “I guess the accident must have stunned +him. Anyway, he said his name was Lester Jones. +Since he wanted a room and was willing to pay, I +figured I could bring him here.”</p> +<p>“So you turned my home into a hotel,” Mr. Deming +remarked rather grimly.</p> +<p>“I—I didn’t think you would be back this winter. +I wouldn’t have done it, Mr. Deming, only I needed +extra money. My sister in Kansas has been sick and +I’ve had to send her funds.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_168">[168]</div> +<p>“Mrs. Botts, I’ve always paid you well,” her +employer responded. “Had you told me you needed +more money, I would have assisted you. But go on.”</p> +<p>“Well, I brought Mr. Parker here and gave him a +room. Right off I noticed how queer he acted. He +didn’t seem to be sure who he was, and he kept +going through some papers he carried in a portfolio, +trying to puzzle things out.”</p> +<p>“All this while you made no attempt to contact +police?” Mr. Deming questioned severely.</p> +<p>“I was wondering what to do when I saw a picture +of Mr. Parker in the paper.”</p> +<p>“And then you dropped an unsigned letter in my +mailbox?” Penny probed.</p> +<p>Mrs. Botts knew that the net was closing tightly +about her. Although she tried to slant her story in +such a way that she would not appear too much at +fault, the facts remained bald and ugly.</p> +<p>“Yes, I left a note at your house,” she acknowledged +reluctantly. “Later I telephoned and made an appointment +to meet you at the cemetery.”</p> +<p>“Why didn’t you go through with it?” asked Penny. +“Were you afraid?”</p> +<p>“I began to realize I might be held for something +I never intended to do. Folks started to watch this +house. I tried to keep my roomer out of sight, but +he’d do such queer things.”</p> +<p>“Such as stroll in the garden at night,” supplied +Penny.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_169">[169]</div> +<p>“Yes, I felt sorry for the poor man. He had such +dreadful headaches and was so bewildered.”</p> +<p>“Evidently you weren’t sorry enough to tell him +who he was,” reprimanded Mr. Deming. “Really +Mrs. Botts, I can’t understand why you acted as you +did.”</p> +<p>“I just kept getting in deeper and deeper,” the +housekeeper whined. “Mr. Parker paid me three +dollars a day for his room and board. It didn’t seem +wrong to take the money as long as he was satisfied.”</p> +<p>“Where is my father now?” Penny broke in. +“That’s the important thing.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Botts regarded the girl with a trace of her +former arrogance. “I don’t know what became of +Mr. Parker after he left here,” she said coldly.</p> +<p>“You sent him away when you knew Mr. Deming +was coming home!” Penny accused. “You thought +you could keep the truth from your employer!”</p> +<p>“And I would have too, if it hadn’t been for you!” +Mrs. Botts flared. “I’ve not done any harm, but +you’ve made a lot out of it, and now I’ll be discharged.”</p> +<p>“You are quite right about that,” agreed Mr. Deming +in a quiet voice. “However, there’s far more at +stake than a job, Mrs. Botts. Even now you don’t +seem to realize the seriousness of your offense.”</p> +<p>“You won’t turn me over to the police, will you, +Mr. Deming?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_170">[170]</div> +<p>“It will not be in my hands to decide your fate. I +strongly advise you to tell everything you know. +Where did Mr. Parker go when he left here?”</p> +<p>“I’ve no idea.” Mrs. Botts covered her face. “Oh, +leave me alone—don’t ask me any more questions. My +head buzzes.”</p> +<p>“A taxicab with two men in it was seen at the door +earlier this evening,” Penny went on relentlessly. +“What have you to say about that?”</p> +<p>“They were friends who came for Mr. Parker.”</p> +<p>“Your friends?”</p> +<p>“Well, no, I found the names and addresses in Mr. +Parker’s brief case. They were men in the tire business.”</p> +<p>This latest scrap of information fairly stunned +Penny. As she well knew, her father’s portfolio contained +only evidence pertaining to the tire-theft case.</p> +<p>“Who were the men?” she demanded.</p> +<p>“One was named Kurt Mollinberg—Ropes Mollinberg +his friend called him. I forget the other.”</p> +<p>“Ropes Mollinberg!” exclaimed Salt Sommers who +had listened quietly to the story. “Why, he’s one of +the lowest rats in this town! Connected with the +numbers racket and I don’t know what else!”</p> +<p>“Why did you summon those men, of all persons?” +Mr. Deming questioned.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_171">[171]</div> +<p>“Well, I found their addresses in the portfolio. I +had to get rid of Mr. Parker before you came and I +was afraid to call his house.”</p> +<p>“You’re a cruel, heartless woman!” accused Penny. +“You sent my father away with two of the most notorious +rascals in Riverview. Why, those men have +been waiting for a chance to waylay him! They +wanted to get possession of vital evidence Dad had in +his portfolio.”</p> +<p>“I didn’t know,” murmured Mrs. Botts. “When +they came in the taxi, they offered me money.”</p> +<p>“And you took it?”</p> +<p>“I tried not to, but they forced it on me.”</p> +<p>Penny sprang to her feet. Only by the greatest +effort of will could she keep from telling the housekeeper +what she thought of her contemptible actions.</p> +<p>“You sent Dad away with those men,” she repeated +mechanically. “Didn’t he realize who they were?”</p> +<p>“I told him they were his friends. I really thought +so. He went willingly enough.”</p> +<p>Penny was sick with despair. From the first, the +situation had been grave, but now there seemed little +hope. From Mrs. Botts’ story she could only conclude +that her father suffered from a brain injury. +Even if she were fortunate enough to find him, he +would not be likely to recognize her as his daughter.</p> +<p>“Oh, Salt,” she pleaded, turning to the photographer. +“What are we to do? What can we do?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_172">[172]</div> +<p>His reply though prompt, was not completely reassuring.</p> +<p>“We’ve already put every policeman in Riverview +on the trail of those men!” he answered soberly. +“And we’ll scour every nook and cranny of this +town ourselves! Chin up, Penny! Why, we’ve only +started to fight!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_173">[173]</div> +<h2 id="c22"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">22</span> +<br /><i>A PARK BENCH</i></h2> +<p>Penny and her friends were heartsick with the +knowledge that Mr. Parker had fallen into the hands +of ruthless members of the tire-theft gang. The taxi +which had borne him away had left the mansion fully +an hour earlier. There seemed little likelihood that +the trail could be picked up quickly.</p> +<p>“I’ll telephone the boys at the newspaper office,” +Salt offered. “The police too! We’ll put a description +on the radio. We’ll have everybody in Riverview +watching for that yellow taxi.”</p> +<p>“Call the cab companies too,” urged Penny. “We +may be able to trace it through the driver.”</p> +<p>Salt made good use of the Deming telephone which +had not been disconnected during the winter months. +While he phoned, Penny ran outside to find the +policeman assigned to guard the mansion. She soon +returned with him and placed Mrs. Botts in his custody.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_174">[174]</div> +<p>“Oh, Mr. Deming, don’t let them take me to jail,” +the housekeeper pleaded. “I didn’t mean to do anything +wrong.”</p> +<p>“Mrs. Botts, I can’t help you,” her employer returned +coldly. “Your offense is a very serious one. +The court must decide your fate.”</p> +<p>The housekeeper broke into tears again and for several +minutes was quite hysterical. When her act +moved no one, she resigned herself to the inevitable. +Packing a few articles in a bag, she prepared to leave +the house in the custody of the policeman.</p> +<p>“I’m sorry about everything,” she said as she bade +the girls goodbye. “I hope Mr. Parker is found. I +really do.”</p> +<p>After Mrs. Botts had gone, Penny was too upset to +remain quietly in a chair. She longed to join in an +active search for the yellow taxi. Common sense +told her that the cab undoubtedly had reached its +destination, yet she hoped she might pick up a clue.</p> +<p>“By questioning filling station attendants, we may +be able to learn which way it went from the crossroads,” +she urged.</p> +<p>“Come on, then,” said Salt.</p> +<p>Joe, faithful as ever, waited in his cab outside the +mansion. Penny chose to ride beside him, as the +front seat offered an unobstructed view of the road.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_175">[175]</div> +<p>The cab turned away from the mansion and swept +down the familiar twisting highway. At the first +bend, the bright headlights illuminated a patch of +snow along the ditch. Penny thought she saw a small, +dark object lying on the ground.</p> +<p>“Stop the car!” she cried.</p> +<p>Joe brought the cab to a standstill a little farther +down the road.</p> +<p>Penny leaped out and ran back to the ditch. Lying +just at its edge was a leather portfolio. A glance satisfied +her that it had belonged to her father.</p> +<p>“Salt! Louise!” she shouted. “I’ve found Dad’s +satchel!”</p> +<p>The others came running. By that time Penny had +examined the portfolio. It was empty.</p> +<p>“Just as I thought,” she muttered. “Those men +were after the evidence Dad carried! And they got +it, too!”</p> +<p>Salt and Joe examined the snowy ditches for a long +distance. There were no footprints. They could +only conclude that the portfolio had been thrown +from a window of the moving cab. Evidently Mr. +Parker remained a prisoner.</p> +<p>“Now that those men have what they want, maybe +they’ll release Dad,” Penny said hopefully. “Don’t +you think so, Salt?”</p> +<p>The photographer glanced at Joe. Neither spoke.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_176">[176]</div> +<p>“You believe they’ll harm Dad!” Penny cried, +reading their faces. “Maybe I’ll never see him +again—”</p> +<p>“Now Penny,” Salt soothed, guiding her toward +the taxi.</p> +<p>The cab rolled on, its tires crunching the hard-packed +snow. At the crossroads, they met a police +car and hailed it. Penny turned the empty portfolio +over to one of the officers, explaining where it had +been found.</p> +<p>“Every road is being watched,” she was told in +return. “The alarm has been broadcast throughout +the State, too. If that yellow cab still is on the road, +we’ll get it.”</p> +<p>For an hour longer, Penny and her party scoured +roads in the vicinity of Riverview. Many times they +stopped at filling stations and houses to inquire if a +yellow cab had been seen to pass. Always the answer +was in the negative.</p> +<p>“Don’t you think we ought to go home?” Salt suggested +at length. “For all we know, police may have +found Mr. Parker by this time. We’d never learn +about it while we’re touring around.”</p> +<p>“All right, let’s go home,” agreed Penny.</p> +<p>The taxi turned toward Riverview. Arriving at +the outskirts, Joe chose a boulevard which wound +through the park. The trees, each limb and twig +glistening with ice, were very beautiful.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_177">[177]</div> +<p>Penny gazed absently toward the frozen lake where +a few boys were skating. Suddenly her gaze fastened +upon a man who sat on a park bench beneath a street +lamp. He wore no hat. His overcoat was unbuttoned.</p> +<p>“That man!” she cried. “Salt, it looks like Dad! +And it is he! It is!”</p> +<p>The man on the bench had turned slightly so that +she was able to see his face.</p> +<p>Joe brought the cab to a halt with a jerk. Penny +leaped out, followed by the others. The first to +reach the bench, she fairly flung herself headlong at +the disheveled man who sat so dejectedly alone.</p> +<p>“Oh, Dad, I’ve found you at last! How thankful +I am you’re safe!”</p> +<p>The man on the bench stared blankly at her.</p> +<p>“Who are you?” he asked in a dazed voice.</p> +<p>“Why, I’m Penny—your daughter.”</p> +<p>“I have no daughter,” the man answered bitterly. +“No home. Nothing. Not even a name.”</p> +<p>Salt, Louise and Joe reached the bench.</p> +<p>“Who are these people?” the man asked. “Why +do they stare at me?”</p> +<p>“Why, Mr. Parker,” said Salt, taking his arm. “You +remember me, don’t you?”</p> +<p>“Never saw you before in my life.”</p> +<p>“You’re my father—Anthony Parker,” Penny +said desperately. “You were in a bad accident. Don’t +you remember?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_178">[178]</div> +<p>“I remember that I was taken by two men in a taxicab. +They pretended to be my friends. As soon as +we were well away from Mrs. Botts’ home, they +robbed me of my money and portfolio. Then they +pushed me out of the cab. I started walking. I kept +on until I came here.”</p> +<p>“You’re cold and tired,” said Salt, trying to guide +him toward the taxi.</p> +<p>“Who are you?” Mr. Parker demanded suspiciously. +“Why should I let you take me away? You’ll only +try to rob me—”</p> +<p>“Oh, Dad, you don’t understand,” Penny murmured. +“You’re sick.”</p> +<p>“Come along, sir,” urged Salt. “We’re your +friends. We’ll take you to the doctor.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker planted his feet firmly on the ground.</p> +<p>“I’m not going a step!” he announced. “Not a +step!”</p> +<p>“Sorry, sir, but if you’re so set about it, we’ll have +to do it this way.”</p> +<p>Salt nodded to Joe. Before Mr. Parker knew what +was coming, they caught him firmly by the arms and +legs. Although he resisted, they carried him to the +cab.</p> +<p>“Take us home as fast as you can!” Penny directed +Joe. “Then I’ll want you to go for Doctor Greer, the +brain specialist. Dad’s in very serious condition.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_179">[179]</div> +<p>“Serious, my eye!” snorted the publisher. He +struggled to free himself from Salt’s grip. “Let me +out of here!”</p> +<p>“Dad, everything will be all right now,” Penny +tried to soothe him. “You’re with friends. You’re +going home.”</p> +<p>“I’m being kidnaped!” Mr. Parker complained. +“Twice in one night! If I were strong enough to get +out of here—”</p> +<p>Again he tried to free himself. Failing, he edged +into a corner of the seat and averted his face.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_180">[180]</div> +<h2 id="c23"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">23</span> +<br /><i>FORGOTTEN EVENTS</i></h2> +<p>In the upstairs bedroom, Penny moved with velvet +tread. Noiselessly she rearranged a vase of flowers +and closed the slat of a Venetian blind.</p> +<p>“You needn’t be so quiet,” said Mr. Parker from +the bed. “I’ve been awake a long time now.”</p> +<p>Penny went swiftly to his side. “How are you +feeling this afternoon, Dad?”</p> +<p>“Afternoon?” Mr. Parker demanded, sitting up. +“How long have I been sleeping?”</p> +<p>“Roughly, about two days.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker threw off the covers.</p> +<p>“Oh, no, you don’t,” said Penny, pressing him back +against the pillow. “Doctor Greer says you are to +have absolute bed rest for several days. It’s part of +the treatment.”</p> +<p>“Treatment for what?” grumbled Mr. Parker. “I +feel fine!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_181">[181]</div> +<p>“That’s wonderful,” declared Penny, with a deep +sigh of relief. “I’ll have Mrs. Weems bring up something +for you to eat.”</p> +<p>She called down the stairway to the housekeeper, +and then returned to the bedside. Her father looked +more like his former self than at any time since the +strange motor accident which had caused him to lose +his memory. His voice too, was more natural.</p> +<p>“Guess I must have had a bad dream,” Mr. Parker +murmured, his gaze roving slowly about the room. +“I seem to recall riding around in a taxi, and being +pushed out into the snow.”</p> +<p>“You know where you are now, don’t you?” asked +Penny.</p> +<p>“Certainly. I’m at home.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Weems came into the room bearing a tray of +food. Hearing Mr. Parker’s words, she looked at +Penny and tears sprang to her eyes.</p> +<p>“Doctor Greer was right,” she whispered. “His +memory is slowly coming back. How thankful I +am!”</p> +<p>“What’s all this?” Mr. Parker inquired alertly. +“Will someone kindly tell me why I am being imprisoned +in this bed?”</p> +<p>“Because you’ve been very, very sick,” Penny said, +arranging the food in front of him. “You know who +I am now, don’t you?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_182">[182]</div> +<p>“Why, certainly,” replied Mr. Parker indignantly. +“You’re my daughter. Your name is—now let me +think—”</p> +<p>“Penny.”</p> +<p>“To be sure,” agreed Mr. Parker, in confusion. +“Fancy forgetting my own daughter’s name!”</p> +<p>“You’ve forgotten a number of other things too, +Dad. But events gradually are coming back to you. +Suppose you tell me your name.”</p> +<p>“My name?” Mr. Parker looked bewildered. +“Why, I don’t remember. It’s not Jones. I took that +name because I couldn’t think of my own. What’s +wrong with me?”</p> +<p>Penny tucked a napkin beneath her father’s chin +and offered him a spoonful of beef broth.</p> +<p>“What’s wrong with me?” Mr. Parker demanded +again. “Am I a lunatic? Can’t either of you tell me +the truth?”</p> +<p>“You’re recovering from a severe case of amnesia,” +revealed Penny. “The doctor says it was brought on +by overwork in combination with the shock of being +in an auto accident. Since you were hurt you’ve not +remembered what happened before that time.”</p> +<p>“I do recall the auto mishap,” Mr. Parker said +slowly. “Another car crowded me off the road. The +crash stunned me, and my mind was a sort of blank. +Then a pleasant woman took me to her home.”</p> +<p>“A pleasant woman, Dad?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_183">[183]</div> +<p>“Why, yes, Mrs. Botts gave me a nice room and +good food. I liked it there. But one night a girl +broke in—could that have been you, Penny?”</p> +<p>“Indeed, it was.”</p> +<p>“When Mrs. Botts came home she was very excited,” +Mr. Parker resumed meditatively. “She said +I had to leave. She hustled me out of the house with +two strangers.”</p> +<p>“One of the men was Ropes Mollinberg, a member +of the tire-theft gang.”</p> +<p>“Yes, that was his name!” Mr. Parker agreed. +“Speaking of tire thieves, I’ve been intending to write +an editorial for the paper. Penny, please have my +secretary come in. I’ll dictate the material while it +is fresh in my mind.”</p> +<p>Mrs. Weems looked slightly distressed. Penny, +however, whisked away the tray of food. Getting +pencil and paper she again sat down beside her father.</p> +<p>“Your secretary isn’t available just now, but I’ll +take down what you want to say.”</p> +<p>Penny could not write shorthand so she only pretended +to jot down notes. Mr. Parker led off with +a few crisp sentences, then wandered vaguely from +one idea to another.</p> +<p>“I can’t seem to think straight any more,” he complained. +“Type that up please and let me see it before +it goes to the compositors.”</p> +<p>“How shall I sign the editorial?” Penny inquired.</p> +<p>“Why, with my name—Anthony Parker.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_184">[184]</div> +<p>Penny jumped up and fairly laughed with joy.</p> +<p>“Dad, events are coming back to you! You’ve just +recalled your name and that’s a big step forward.”</p> +<p>“Anthony Parker,” the publisher murmured. “Yes, +that’s it! Now there’s another matter that troubles +me. I had a brief case—”</p> +<p>“It was stolen by those men who took you away,” +Penny supplied eagerly. “Dad, if only you could remember +what those lost papers contained, we’d expose +the entire tire-theft gang!”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker thought for a long while, then shook +his head.</p> +<p>“Mind’s a blank, Penny. What does the doctor +say? Is there a chance my memory ever will return?”</p> +<p>“Of course,” returned Penny heartily. “You’ve +already recalled a number of important things. Me, +for instance! Doctor Greer thinks that with rest, +events will gradually return to mind. Or another +shock, perhaps a blow somewhat similar to the one +you had, might bring everything back.”</p> +<p>“Well, what are we waiting for?” Mr. Parker +joked. “Go get the sledge hammer!”</p> +<p>“It’s not that easy, I’m afraid.”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid not, either,” sighed Mr. Parker wearily. +“Guess I’ll sleep some more now. I feel pretty tired.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_185">[185]</div> +<p>During the days that followed, the publisher made +a slow but steady recovery. At first Penny did not +worry him by mentioning how matters had gone at +the <i>Star</i> office. Only after Mr. Parker was well +enough to spend several hours a day at the plant, did +she reveal how Harley Schirr had sought to establish +himself as editor of the paper.</p> +<p>“That fellow!” exclaimed Mr. Parker in annoyance. +“Why, I meant to discharge him and he knew it. I +have evidence in my safe showing that Schirr accepted +money from a local politician.”</p> +<p>“You did have evidence,” Penny corrected. +“While you were away, Mr. Schirr went through +your safe.”</p> +<p>Amazed by the boldness of his former employee, +Mr. Parker immediately examined the contents of +both his desk and strongbox. To his chagrin he found +that Penny was right. Every document pertaining to +Schirr was missing.</p> +<p>“Well, it doesn’t matter,” the publisher said philosophically. +“He’ll never set foot in this office again, +nor in any other Riverview newspaper!”</p> +<p>“Dad,” said Penny, “I’ve wondered if Schirr may +not be hooked up with the tire-theft gang. What do +you think?”</p> +<p>“My poor thinker isn’t much good these days. +However, I very much doubt it, Penny. Schirr always +was a snoop and not above taking money for +writing biased stories. My judgment would be that +he has no connection with the Mollinberg outfit.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_186">[186]</div> +<p>“If only you could remember what was in your +stolen portfolio!” Penny sighed.</p> +<p>“If only I could!” agreed Mr. Parker. “Sometimes +I doubt I’ll ever fully recover my memory.”</p> +<p>“Oh, you will, Dad. You’re doing better every +day.”</p> +<p>Penny seldom spoke of the automobile accident +which had caused her father’s trouble for the subject +was a painful one to them both. Although the publisher +had been absolved of all blame, police had not +succeeded in tracing the hit-skip driver.</p> +<p>Mr. Parker seemed well and strong. Each day he +went to the office for longer and longer periods. +Gradually his memory was returning, yet he had been +unable to recall data which might bring about the +capture of the tire-theft gang. Strangely, he could +remember nothing of his intention to call at the State +Prosecutor’s office. Nor could he disclose a scrap of +evidence which had been carried in the stolen portfolio.</p> +<p>“If only Jerry would wire or return from his vacation!” +Penny commented anxiously. “I can’t understand +why he doesn’t reply to my message.”</p> +<p>The reporter’s long absence had caused considerable +worry at the <i>Star</i> office. Jerry was the one person +who could divulge the contents of the stolen portfolio +documents, but repeated wires failed to bring +any response.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_187">[187]</div> +<p>“Jerry will show up one of these days,” Mr. Parker +said confidently. “The only trouble is, by that time +the higher-ups of the tire-theft gang may have skipped +town.”</p> +<p>“Dad, can’t you remember the men who took you +away in the taxi?”</p> +<p>“Only vaguely. I’ve described them to police as +best I can. So far, no action.”</p> +<p>Penny was silent for a moment. In her mind she +had been turning over a way to bring the crooks to +justice. It seemed to her that the men might be identified +through Black Market operators with whom they +must have dealings.</p> +<p>“Now what are you keeping from me?” inquired +Mr. Parker lightly.</p> +<p>“I was thinking about a place known as Mattie Williams’ +garage,” replied Penny. “I’ve good reason to +suspect it deals in stolen tires.”</p> +<p>She went on to tell of her recent adventure in the +storage room of the garage. The information did +not excite Mr. Parker as she had feared it might. Instead, +it fired him with a determination to get at the +truth of the matter.</p> +<p>“Penny, we’ll break our story yet!” he exclaimed, +reaching for his hat. “Let’s go to Mattie’s place now!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_188">[188]</div> +<p>“Unless we actually see the inside of the storage +room we’ll learn nothing. You may be sure Mattie +and her partner won’t cooperate.”</p> +<p>“We’ll get into that room somehow,” returned Mr. +Parker grimly. “I’ll take along a few pet skeleton +keys just for luck.”</p> +<p>At the Williams’ garage an hour later, they found +Mattie and Sam busy with repair work.</p> +<p>“Be with you in a minute,” the woman called to Mr. +Parker.</p> +<p>“No hurry,” replied the publisher. “No hurry +whatsoever.”</p> +<p>He and Penny wandered aimlessly about. Choosing +a moment when both Sam and Mattie were inside +the office, they slipped unnoticed into the room where +the empty boxes had been stored.</p> +<p>“Now show me the tunnel,” urged the publisher. +“We’ll have to work fast!”</p> +<p>Penny swung back the hinged boards of the big +box. She led her father between a high aisle of crates +to the locked door of the inner room.</p> +<p>“Now if only I have a key that will unlock it!” +muttered Mr. Parker.</p> +<p>He tried several. At length one did fit the keyhole, +the lock clicked, and he was able to push open the +door.</p> +<p>In the little storage room close to the outside building +wall were tires of all sizes and description. Some +were new, still wrapped in clean paper. Others appeared +slightly used.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_189">[189]</div> +<p>“See, Dad!” Penny cried triumphantly. “I was +right!”</p> +<p>“We still have no proof this rubber was illegally +obtained.”</p> +<p>Penny darted forward to inspect a stack of tires +which rose half way to the ceiling.</p> +<p>“Here’s one that might have come off my car!” +she cried. “See! Mine had a tiny cut place where I +rammed the maple tree backing out of our garage!”</p> +<p>“All tires look alike, Penny. Without the serial +number—”</p> +<p>“I do remember part of it. One was 8910 something.”</p> +<p>“Then this isn’t your tire,” replied Mr. Parker, +reading the number. “However, I shouldn’t be surprised +that these are stolen tires.”</p> +<p>Penny held up her hand as a signal for silence.</p> +<p>“Quiet, Dad!” she whispered.</p> +<p>Footsteps had sounded in the tunnel between the +boxes. The next instant the door was flung open. +Penny and her father stood face to face with Sam +Burkholder.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_190">[190]</div> +<h2 id="c24"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span> +<br /><span class="large">24</span> +<br /><i>TRICKERY</i></h2> +<p>“What d’you think you’re doing in here?” demanded +Sam Burkholder harshly. “Snoopers, eh?”</p> +<p>“Call us that if you like,” retorted Mr. Parker. +“How long have you been dealing in stolen tires?”</p> +<p>The shot hit its target. Sam started to speak but +no words came. He looked badly frightened. Convinced +that his suspicion was correct, Mr. Parker +added sternly:</p> +<p>“Naturally, I’ll report this to the police. You and +your partner will have to face charges.”</p> +<p>“Keep Mattie out of this,” growled Sam. “She +had nothing to do with the tire business.”</p> +<p>“So you carried on crooked operations all by your +lonesome?”</p> +<p>“I’ve bought and sold a few tires,” Sam said sullenly. +“All these government regulations give me a +pain. A guy can’t make any money these days.”</p> +<p>“So you admit you’ve been doing an illegal business?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_191">[191]</div> +<p>“Maybe,” said Sam, watching Mr. Parker craftily. +“But what’s it to you? I take it you’re not a government +agent?”</p> +<p>“I’m interested in breaking up a gang of leeches—the +men who’ve been cleaning this town of tires for +the past three months.”</p> +<p>“Those guys are crooks all right,” agreed Sam. +“Why the last time they sold me a bunch of tires they +charged double. When I wasn’t going to take ’em +they said, ‘Either you do, or else!’”</p> +<p>“Did you deal with Ropes Mollinberg?”</p> +<p>“He’s just one of the little fry. What will you give +me to spill?”</p> +<p>“Nothing.”</p> +<p>“Will you keep Mattie out of this?”</p> +<p>“If she’s innocent.”</p> +<p>“She is,” insisted Sam. “Supposin’ I tell you how +to get the whole gang, will you forget what you’ve +seen here?”</p> +<p>“I make no bargains with Black Market dealers,” +retorted Mr. Parker. “Either you tell what you +know, or I’ll have you and Mattie hauled into court.”</p> +<p>Sam Burkholder was silent a moment.</p> +<p>“Okay,” he said abruptly. “I’ve had enough of +this business anyhow. I’ll tell you what I know, and +it won’t take me long. I’ve never seen nor dealt direct +with the big shots.”</p> +<p>“Then how do you get your tires?”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_192">[192]</div> +<p>“A trucker by the name of Hank Biglow delivers +them to me.”</p> +<p>“Louise and I know that man!” cried Penny. “For +whom does he work?”</p> +<p>“I’ve never asked. But from something Hank +dropped I kinda suspect the boys are having a meeting +tonight.”</p> +<p>“Where?” Mr. Parker demanded eagerly.</p> +<p>“I’ll tell you on one condition. You’ve got to keep +Mattie out of this. So far as she knows this garage +has been run pretty much on the square.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker was unwilling to make any sort of +agreement with the man. Nevertheless, he realized +that Sam had it within his power to withhold vital +information.</p> +<p>“Very well,” he said, “I’ll take your word for it that +Mattie is innocent. Now where is the meeting to be +held?”</p> +<p>“At Johnson’s warehouse.”</p> +<p>“Isn’t that along the river?”</p> +<p>“Yeah, about eight miles from here. The boys will +be loading some tires there. If you’re willing to take +the risk, you may learn something. Meeting’s at +seven.”</p> +<p>Penny glanced at her wrist watch.</p> +<p>“It’s after six now!” she exclaimed in dismay. “Dad, +if we are to get there in time, we’ve got to step!”</p> +<p>“Right you are,” he agreed.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_193">[193]</div> +<p>Before leaving the garage, Mr. Parker telephoned +Central Police Station. Without mentioning Sam’s +name, he revealed a little of what he had learned and +requested an immediate investigation of the Johnson +Warehouse. Then, intending to meet officers there, +he and Penny taxied along the winding river road.</p> +<p>Although not yet seven o’clock, it was darkening +fast. The driver switched on headlights, illuminating +a long stretch of icy pavement.</p> +<p>“Can’t you go faster?” Mr. Parker urged impatiently.</p> +<p>“Don’t dare, sir,” replied the driver.</p> +<p>Even as he spoke, a crossroads traffic light flashed +red. Though the driver applied the foot brake with +quick stabs, the car went into a disastrous skid. Out +of control, it slid crosswise in the narrow road. The +front wheels rolled into a deep, slippery ditch.</p> +<p>“Just our luck!” muttered Mr. Parker.</p> +<p>Several times the driver tried to back the car from +the ditch. Failing, he and Mr. Parker pushed while +Penny handled the steering wheel. The tires kept +spinning and would not grip the ice.</p> +<p>“No use,” the publisher acknowledged at last. +“We’re only wasting time. We need a tow car.”</p> +<p>“The nearest house or filling station is at least a mile +up the road,” volunteered Penny. “I’m afraid we’re +stalled here until the police car comes along.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_194">[194]</div> +<p>They climbed into the taxi and waited. No vehicle +of any description came by. With increasing +impatience, Mr. Parker looked at his watch.</p> +<p>“It’s nearly seven o’clock now!” he exclaimed. +“Either the police are waiting farther down the road, +or they’ve taken a different route!”</p> +<p>“What are we going to do?” Penny asked helplessly. +“If we sit here much longer we’ll miss catching +those men at their meeting.”</p> +<p>“I don’t see what we can do. Maybe our best bet +is to walk to the nearest filling station.”</p> +<p>Penny suddenly was struck with an idea. “The +Riverview Yacht Club is closer!” she cried.</p> +<p>“True, but it’s closed for the winter.”</p> +<p>“My iceboat is still there,” said Penny. “If you’re +not afraid to ride with me, I could get you to Johnson’s +Warehouse in nothing flat.”</p> +<p>“What are we waiting for?” demanded Mr. Parker.</p> +<p>Leaving the cab driver behind, Penny and her +father ran most of the way to the club. The <i>Icicle</i>, +covered with snow, runners frozen to the ice, remained +where it had been abandoned.</p> +<p>“The sail’s here too!” Penny declared, burrowing +in a box hidden deep in the cockpit. “In this wind, +we’ll go places!”</p> +<p>“Are you sure you can handle the boat?” Mr. +Parker asked anxiously. He had never ridden in the +<i>Icicle</i> and from his daughter’s vivid descriptions, had +no great desire to do so.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_195">[195]</div> +<p>“I know I can start it going,” Penny replied with a +quick laugh. “I’ll worry about stopping it when the +time comes!”</p> +<p>They cleared the little boat of snow and pushed it +out on the smooth ice of the river. Penny made certain +that all the ropes were free running.</p> +<p>“Now you get in, Dad,” she advised as she hoisted +the flapping sail. “I want to be sure where you are +when the fireworks begin.”</p> +<p>The wind filled the big sail like a balloon. Nothing +happened. The iceboat did not move an inch.</p> +<p>“Why don’t we go?” growled Mr. Parker. “Runners +dull?”</p> +<p>Penny gave the boat a hard push.</p> +<p>“Want me to help?” offered her father.</p> +<p>“No, thanks,” puffed Penny. “When this baby +makes up its mind, it will go so fast you’d be left behind.”</p> +<p>Once more she pushed. The sail filled again and +the runners stirred.</p> +<p>“It’s moving!” shouted Penny.</p> +<p>The <i>Icicle</i> was pulling away from her. She clung +fast, trying to scramble aboard. <a href="#front">Her feet went out +from under her and she was dragged over the ice.</a></p> +<p>“Hang on!” shouted Mr. Parker. “I can’t sail this +thing alone!”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_196">[196]</div> +<p>Penny clung desperately. Away flew a mitten. +Her scarf flapped in her face. With a supreme effort, +she pulled herself aboard, and took command of the +tiller.</p> +<p>“Are you hurt?” Mr. Parker shouted anxiously in +her ear.</p> +<p>Penny shook her head and laughed. “Getting +started always is quite a trick,” she replied. “Sit +tight! We have a stiff breeze tonight.”</p> +<p>Penny and her father wore no protective goggles. +The sharp wind stung their eyes even though they +kept their heads low.</p> +<p>“How’ll we know when we get to the warehouse?” +Mr. Parker shouted. “I can’t see anything!”</p> +<p>“Just trust me,” laughed Penny. “All I worry +about is stopping this bronco when we get there!”</p> +<p>The boat was moving with the speed of an express +train. Penny made her decisions with lightning-like +rapidity, twice steering to avoid open stretches of +water. She was worried, but had no intention of letting +her father know.</p> +<p>The boat raced on. Then far ahead loomed the +dark outline of a building.</p> +<p>“That’s the warehouse!” shouted Mr. Parker. +“Don’t go past it!”</p> +<p>Penny gradually slowed the <i>Icicle</i>. Approaching +shore, she slacked the main sheet and shot up into +the wind. By using her overshoes for brakes, she +finally brought the boat to a standstill not far from +the warehouse.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_197">[197]</div> +<p>“Well done, skipper,” praised Mr. Parker.</p> +<p>Scrambling from the boat, they glanced anxiously +about. A dim light shone from inside the warehouse. +Not far from its side entrance stood a truck. There +were no other vehicles, no sign of the expected police +car.</p> +<p>“Is this the place?” Penny asked doubtfully.</p> +<p>“Yes, it’s the only warehouse within a mile. Queer +the police aren’t here to meet us.”</p> +<p>The publisher waded through a shrunken snowdrift +to a side door of the building. It was not locked and +he pushed it open a crack. Far down a deserted corridor +shone a dim lantern light.</p> +<p>“Oughtn’t we to wait for the police?” Penny whispered +uneasily.</p> +<p>Without answering, Mr. Parker started down the +corridor. Penny quickly overtook him, padding along +close at his side.</p> +<p>The corridor opened into a large storage room +used in years past to house river merchandise. Now +the walls were stacked high with tires.</p> +<p>On the ground floor stood a truck which several +men were loading. Two others watched the work +from a balcony overhead.</p> +<p>“Dad, do you recognize any of those men?” Penny +whispered.</p> +<p>“No, but we’ve evidently come to the right place,” +he replied.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_198">[198]</div> +<p>The men did not talk as they loaded the tires into +the truck. For many minutes Penny and her father +watched the work.</p> +<p>“That truck soon will be pulling out,” Penny observed. +“Why don’t the police come?”</p> +<p>“I’m going to talk to those men,” Mr. Parker decided. +“You stay here.”</p> +<p>Before Penny could protest, her father stepped +boldly into the lighted room. Immediately work +ceased. Every eye focused upon him.</p> +<p>“Good evening,” said Mr. Parker casually.</p> +<p>The remark was greeted by a suspicious silence. +Then one of the men, a red-faced fellow with a +twisted lower lip, asked: “You lookin’ fer somebody?”</p> +<p>“Just passing through and noticed the light,” replied +Mr. Parker. “Wondered what’s going on.”</p> +<p>“You can see, can’t you?” growled one of the workmen. +“We’re trying to load tires. Now get out of +here or I’ll bounce one on your head! We got work +to do.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker did not lack courage. However, the +grim faces warned him that the men would not +hesitate to make their promise good. With Penny unprotected +in the corridor he could afford to take no +chances.</p> +<p>“Sorry to have bothered you,” he apologized, and +retreated.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_199">[199]</div> +<p>Penny waited nervously in the dark hallway. +“Now what are we to do?” she whispered as her +father rejoined her.</p> +<p>“We’ll telephone again for the police. Let’s get out +of here.”</p> +<p>Noiselessly they stole from the building. As they +huddled in the lee of a brick wall, a car came down +the road.</p> +<p>“That may be the police now!” Penny murmured +hopefully.</p> +<p>The car turned in at the warehouse. A lone policeman +alighted. As he came over to the building, Penny +recognized him as Carl Burns.</p> +<p>“Where’s the rest of your men?” Mr. Parker demanded. +“Surely you don’t expect to handle this tire +gang single handed?”</p> +<p>“Aren’t you a bit mixed up?” the policeman +drawled.</p> +<p>“Mixed up?”</p> +<p>“I’m here on a routine inspection. This is a defense +plant, or didn’t you know?”</p> +<p>“A defense plant!” Mr. Parker echoed.</p> +<p>“A warehouse for one, I should say,” corrected the +policeman. “Tires intended for the Wilson war plant +are earmarked and shipped out from here. A couple +of trucks are going out tonight. I’m on the job to see +they’re not hijacked.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_200">[200]</div> +<p>Penny gazed blankly at her father. If the policeman’s +information was correct, then they had nearly +made a serious blunder.</p> +<p>“Guess we’ve been tricked,” Mr. Parker muttered. +“We were told this place operates in the Black Market.”</p> +<p>“That’s a laugh,” responded the policeman. “Who +told you that yarn?”</p> +<p>“I can’t divulge my source.”</p> +<p>“Well, you sure were taken for a ride!” the policeman +taunted. “Mr. Parker, why not let the police +handle the crooks while you look after your newspaper +business? You’ve not been yourself since you +were in that auto accident.”</p> +<p>Penny and her father resented the implication, but +wisely allowed the remark to pass without comment. +Decidedly crestfallen, they bade the policeman goodbye +and returned to the iceboat.</p> +<p>“We’ve made ourselves ridiculous!” Mr. Parker +commented bitterly as they shoved off down river. +“Taken in by Sam Burkholder!”</p> +<p>“He probably lied to get rid of us,” agreed Penny. +“By this time he’s likely removed every tire from +Mattie’s garage!”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker nodded and did not speak again. His +failure to learn the identity of the key men associated +with Ropes Mollinberg, had been a bitter disappointment.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_201">[201]</div> +<p>Penny handled the <i>Icicle</i> effortlessly and without +much thought. Faster and faster the little boat +traveled, its runners throwing up a powdery dust.</p> +<p>Then without warning the <i>Icicle</i> struck something +frozen in the ice. Before Penny could make a move, +the runners leaped from the surface. The boat tilted +to a sharp angle, and went over.</p> +<p>Penny felt herself sliding. Snow filled her mouth, +the sleeves of her coat. Her cap hung over one ear. +Laughing shakily, she scrambled to her feet.</p> +<p>“Are you all right, Dad?” she called anxiously.</p> +<p>Then she saw him. Mr. Parker was sprawled flat +on the ice a few yards away. He did not move. Terrified, +she ran to him and grasped his arm.</p> +<p>“Dad! Speak to me!”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker stirred slightly. He raised a hand and +rubbed his head. Slowly he pulled himself to a sitting +position.</p> +<p>“Penny—” he mumbled, staring at her.</p> +<p>“Yes, Dad.”</p> +<p>“It’s come to me—in a flash!”</p> +<p>“What has, Dad?” Penny asked, wondering how +badly her father had been stunned.</p> +<p>“Why, all the evidence I had in my portfolio! +Names! Pictures! I know every man who was mixed +up in the tire deal. Jerry gave it all to me.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_202">[202]</div> +<p>“You remember everything?” cried Penny. “Dad, +that’s wonderful! It’s just like Doctor Greer said. +You’ve regained your memory as the result of a sudden +blow.”</p> +<p>“Things did seem to rush back to me after I hit my +head on the ice.”</p> +<p>Gripping Penny’s hand, Mr. Parker pulled himself +to his feet. Still giddy, he staggered and caught the +iceboat for support. Then recovering, he exclaimed:</p> +<p>“We’ve got to go back there right away!”</p> +<p>“Where, Dad?”</p> +<p>“To the warehouse. We were tricked, but not by +Sam Burkholder! Policeman Burns is one of the men +I aim to expose!”</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>FINAL EDITION</i></h2> +<p>Penny and her father had no definite plan as they +raced toward Johnson’s warehouse in the iceboat. +Their only thought was to return and somehow prevent +the escape of the tire thieves.</p> +<p>“Dad, is Harley Schirr one of the gang?” Penny +shouted in Mr. Parker’s ear.</p> +<p>“Schirr?” he repeated impatiently. “Of course +not!”</p> +<p>“Then why didn’t he want you to publish the +tire stories in the <i>Star</i>?”</p> +<p>“Oh, Schirr’s a natural-born coward,” Mr. Parker +answered. “He likes to snoop and give unasked advice. +Let’s forget him.”</p> +<p>The <i>Icicle</i> slowed to a standstill near the warehouse. +Penny and her father leaped out and climbed the +slippery bank. Nearby they saw a loaded truck about +to pull away from the building.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_204">[204]</div> +<p>“We never can stop those men now!” gasped +Penny.</p> +<p>“Yes, we can!” cried her father. “A police car is +coming, and this time it’s no fake!”</p> +<p>As he spoke, an automobile bearing the notation, +“Police Department” in bold letters, skidded into the +driveway. Detective Fuller was at the wheel and at +least four policemen were with him.</p> +<p>“Stop that truck!” Mr. Parker shouted. “Don’t let +it get away!”</p> +<p>Detective Fuller and four companions leaped from +the police car. As the loaded truck started off with +a roar, they blocked the road.</p> +<p>“Halt!” shouted Detective Fuller.</p> +<p>When the order was ignored, he fired twice. The +bullets pierced the rear tires of the truck. Air +whistled out and the rubber slowly flattened.</p> +<p>For a few yards the truck wobbled on, then +stopped. Two detectives leaped for the cab.</p> +<p>“All right, get out!” ordered Detective Fuller, +covering the men.</p> +<p>The truck driver and two others slouched sullenly +out of the cab. As flashlights swept their faces, Penny +recognized one of the men.</p> +<p>“Hank Biglow!” she identified the driver.</p> +<p>“And this man is Ham Mollinberg, a brother of +Ropes,” said Mr. Parker, indicating a red-faced fellow +in a leather jacket. “The man beside him is Al +Brancomb, wanted for skipping parole in California.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_205">[205]</div> +<p>“Any others in the warehouse?” demanded Detective +Fuller.</p> +<p>“There should be,” said Penny excitedly. “Where’s +Mr. Burns?”</p> +<p>“What Burns do you mean?” questioned one of the +detectives.</p> +<p>“Connected with your police force, unfortunately,” +informed Mr. Parker. “That’s why I planned to consult +the Prosecutor before I spread the story on the +<i>Star’s</i> front page. You boys have done good work in +Riverview and I didn’t want to make the department +look bad.”</p> +<p>“Burns, eh?” Detective Fuller repeated. “We’ll +find out what he has to say!”</p> +<p>The policeman, however, was not to be apprehended +so easily. Four men, including Ropes Mollinberg, +were captured inside the warehouse. Burns had +left the building some minutes earlier and had returned +to Riverview.</p> +<p>“Don’t worry, we’ll get him!” Detective Fuller +promised Mr. Parker. “How about these other eggs? +Can you identify them?”</p> +<p>“They’re all members of the outfit,” the publisher +said without hesitation. “One of my reporters, Jerry +Livingston, spent weeks watching these men and getting +wise to their methods.”</p> +<p>“Then he can testify against them.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_206">[206]</div> +<p>“He can if he gets back,” agreed Mr. Parker. +“Jerry’s in Canada and for some reason we’ve been +unable to locate him.”</p> +<p>Penny and her father remained at the warehouse +until the handcuffed prisoners had been taken away. +They were jubilant over the capture. Not only +would the tire-theft gang be broken up, but the <i>Star</i> +had achieved another exclusive front-page story.</p> +<p>“The best part of all is that you’ve recovered your +memory!” Penny declared to her father. “After this, +you won’t dare fuss when I tell you I’m going ice-boating!”</p> +<p>“You’re right,” agreed Mr. Parker. “The <i>Icicle</i> is +the best pal I ever had!”</p> +<p>Within an hour after Penny and her father left the +warehouse they were notified that Mr. Burns had been +taken into custody. Evidence piled up rapidly against +the policeman. As it definitely was established that +he had accepted money from Ropes Mollinberg, he +was stripped of his badge and put behind bars.</p> +<p>Police were not compelled to search the Williams’ +garage. Before they could act, Sam Burkholder came +voluntarily to Central Station, offering to make a +clean breast of his part in the Black Market dealings. +Both he and Mattie were held as witnesses against the +tire thieves.</p> +<p>“Will Mattie be kept in jail long?” Penny asked her +father.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_207">[207]</div> +<p>“I doubt it,” he replied. “Apparently, Sam acted +alone in selling illegal tires. Since he’s showing a disposition +to cooperate with police, he’ll probably escape +with a heavy fine.”</p> +<p>With the tire theft case soon to come up for trial, +Penny was disturbed lest Jerry Livingston fail to return +from Canada in time to testify. For many days +she tormented herself with wild speculations. Then +one afternoon her worries were brought to an end by +the arrival of a telegram. Nothing had happened to +the young reporter. He had failed to reply to messages +only because he had been out of touch with +civilization.</p> +<p>In his wire, Jerry stated that he would return to +Riverview at once to aid in the search for the publisher.</p> +<p>“Jerry doesn’t know yet that you’ve been found!” +Penny said to her father. “We must wire him right +away to set his mind at rest.”</p> +<p>The message was sent, and within a few hours a reply +arrived, addressed to Penny.</p> +<p>“COMING ANYWAY,” it read. “AM BRINGING +YOU A BEAR RUG TOGETHER WITH A +NICE BEAR HUG.”</p> +<p>As if pleasant surprises never would end, still another +came Penny’s way. Police notified her that +among the tires seized at the Johnson Warehouse was +a set of five belonging to her stripped car.</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_208">[208]</div> +<p>“You’re much better off than I,” Mr. Parker teased +her. “Your car now is in running order again. Mine +will be in the garage for many a day. I’ll have to pay +my own repair bill, too.”</p> +<p>“Unless the hit-skip driver is found.”</p> +<p>“I’m afraid he never will be,” sighed Mr. Parker. +“I’ll always believe the men who crowded me off the +road were hired by the tire-theft gang. No way to +prove it though.”</p> +<p>“The car license number Mrs. Botts gave police +didn’t seem to be accurate,” Penny replied. “By the +way, have you decided what you’ll do about her?”</p> +<p>“Mrs. Botts?”</p> +<p>“Yes, so far you’ve placed no formal charge against +her.”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker smiled as he reached for a final edition +of the <i>Star</i>. The paper carried not only an account of +the round-up at Johnson’s Warehouse, but a full confession +from Mrs. Botts.</p> +<p>“I bear the woman no ill will,” he said. “She’s already +lost her position as caretaker at the Deming +estate. That’s punishment enough as far as I’m concerned.”</p> +<p>Presently Mrs. Weems entered the living-room with +a glass of milk. When she tried to make the publisher +take it he complained that he no longer was an invalid.</p> +<p>“Now drink your milk like a good lad,” Penny +scolded. “Why, you’re still as thin as a ghost.”</p> +<div class="pb" id="Page_209">[209]</div> +<p>With a wry face Mr. Parker gulped down the drink.</p> +<p>“Let’s not speak of ghosts,” he pleaded. +“I’m well now, and I don’t like to be reminded +of those disgraceful night-shirt parades.”</p> +<p>“Are you sure you’re perfectly well?” teased +Penny.</p> +<p>“Of course I am. My memory is as good as it ever +was!”</p> +<p>“Haven’t you forgotten a rather important financial +item?”</p> +<p>Mr. Parker looked puzzled. Then light broke over +his face.</p> +<p>“Your allowance! I’ve not paid it for a long while, +have I?”</p> +<p>“You certainly haven’t,” grinned Penny. +“The old till is painfully empty. I can use a little +folding money to good advantage.”</p> +<p>Her father smiled and opened his pocketbook. “Here +you are,” he said. “Go out and paint the town +red!”</p> +<p>When Penny thumbed over the little stack of “folding +money” she drew in her breath. Then she leaped +to her feet in youthful exuberance.</p> +<p>“Oh, Dad, you’re a darling!” she cried. “Why, this +will buy a brush and a whole barrel of red paint! +Look out, Riverview, here I come!”</p> +<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> +<ul> +<li>Silently corrected a handful of palpable typos.</li> +<li>Replaced the list of books in the series by the complete list, +as in the final book, “The Cry at Midnight”.</li> +</ul> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ghost Beyond the Gate, 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: Ghost Beyond the Gate + +Author: Mildred A. Wirt + +Release Date: November 22, 2010 [EBook #34395] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GHOST BEYOND THE GATE *** + + + + +Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Brenda Lewis and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + Ghost + Beyond the Gate + + + _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, 1943, BY CUPPLES AND LEON CO. + + Ghost Beyond the Gate + + PRINTED IN U. S. A. + + + + + _CONTENTS_ + + + CHAPTER PAGE + 1 LOST ON A HILLTOP 1 + 2 AT THE LISTENING POST 11 + 3 AN UNPLEASANT DRIVER 20 + 4 STOLEN TIRES 26 + 5 AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW 35 + 6 FRONT PAGE NEWS 43 + 7 QUESTIONS WITHOUT ANSWERS 52 + 8 A FEW CHANGES 58 + 9 AN OPEN SAFE 68 + 10 TALE OF A GHOST 75 + 11 BY A CEMETERY WALL 85 + 12 FLIGHT 91 + 13 A BLACK MARKET 100 + 14 A FAMILIAR FIGURE 107 + 15 GHOST IN THE GARDEN 117 + 16 A DOOR IN A BOX 125 + 17 ADVENTURE BY MOONLIGHT 134 + 18 THROUGH THE CELLAR WINDOW 142 + 19 A BAFFLING SEARCH 151 + 20 ACCUSATIONS 157 + 21 MRS. BOTTS' REVELATION 166 + 22 A PARK BENCH 173 + 23 FORGOTTEN EVENTS 180 + 24 TRICKERY 190 + 25 FINAL EDITION 203 + + + + + CHAPTER + 1 + _LOST ON A HILLTOP_ + + +The little iceboat, with two laughing, shouting girls clinging to it, +sped over the frozen surface of Big Bear River. + +"Penny, we're going too fast!" screamed Louise Sidell, ducking to protect +her face from the biting wind. + +"Only about forty an hour!" shrieked her companion gleefully. + +At the tiller of the _Icicle_, Penelope Parker, in fur-lined parka, +sheepskin coat and goggles, looked for all the world like a jolly Eskimo. +Always delighting in a new sport, she had built the iceboat +herself--spars from a wood lot, the sail from an old tent. + +"Slow down, Penny!" pleaded her chum. + +"Can't," shouted Penny cheerfully. "Oh, we're going into a hike!" + +As one runner raised off the ice, the boat tilted far over on its side. +Louise shrieked with terror, and held tight to prevent being thrown out. +Penny, hard pressed, sought to avert disaster by a snappy starting of the +main sheet. + +For a space the boat rushed on, runners roaring. Then as a sudden puff of +wind struck the sail, the steering runner leaped off the ice. Instantly +the _Icicle_ went into a spin from which Penny could not straighten it. + +"We're going over!" screamed Louise, scrambling to free her feet. + +The next moment the boat capsized. Both girls went sliding on their backs +across the ice. Penny landed in a snowdrift at the river bank, her parka +awry, goggles hanging on one ear. + +"Are you hurt, Lou?" she called, jumping to her feet. + +Louise sprawled on the ice some distance away. Slowly she pulled herself +to a sitting position and rubbed the back of her head. + +"Maybe this is your idea of fun!" she complained. "As for me, give me +bronco busting! It would be a mild sport in comparison." + +Penny chuckled, dusting snow from her clothing. "Why, this is fun, Lou. +We have to expect these little upsets while we're learning." + +The sail of the overturned iceboat was billowing like a parachute. +Slipping and sliding, Penny ran to pull it in. + +"Take the old thing down!" urged Louise, hobbling after her. "I've had +enough ice-boating for this afternoon!" + +"Oh, just one more turn down the river and back," coaxed Penny. + +"No! We're close to the club house now. If we sail off again, there's no +telling where we'll land. Anyway, it's late and it's starting to snow." + +Penny reluctantly acknowledged that Louise spoke pearls of wisdom. Large, +damp snowflakes were drifting down, dotting her red mittens. The wind +steadily was stiffening, and cold penetrated her sheepskin coat. + +"It will be dark within an hour," added Louise. Uneasily she scanned the +leaden sky. "We've been out here all afternoon." + +"Guess it is time to go home," admitted Penny. "Oh, well, it won't take +us long to get the _Icicle_ loaded onto the car trailer. Lucky we upset +so close to the club house." + +Setting to work with a will, the girls took down the flapping sail. After +much tugging and pushing, they righted the boat and pulled it toward the +Riverview Yacht Club. Closed for the winter, the building looked cold and +forlorn. Penny, however, had left her car in the snowy parking lot, which +was convenient to the river. + +"Wish we could get warm somewhere," Louise said, shivering. "It must be +ten below zero." + +Pulling the _Icicle_ behind them, the girls climbed the slippery river +bank. Snow now swirled in clouds, half-curtaining the club house. + +"I'll get the car and drive it down here," Penny offered, starting toward +the parking lot. "No use dragging the boat any farther." + +Abandoning the _Icicle_, Louise went with her chum. A dozen steps took +the girls to a wind-swept corner of the deserted building. Rounding it, +they both stopped short, staring. + +On the snow-banked parking lot where the car had been left, there now +stood only one vehicle, an unpainted, two-wheel trailer. + +"Great fishes!" exclaimed Penny. "Where's the coupe?" + +"Maybe you forgot to set the brake and it rolled into a ditch!" + +"In that case, the trailer would have gone with it." Her face grim, Penny +ran on toward the parking lot. + +Reaching the trailer, the girls saw by tire tracks in the snow that the +car had been detached and driven away. + +"I knew it! I knew it!" Penny wailed, pounding her mittens together. "The +coupe's been stolen!" + +"What's that across the road?" Louise demanded. "It looks like an +automobile to me. In the ditch, too!" + +Taking new hope, Penny went to investigate the little ravine. Through a +screen of bare tree branches and bushes, she glimpsed a blur of metal. + +"It's the car!" she cried jubilantly. "But how did it get across the +road?" + +Penny's elation quickly died. Drawing nearer, she was dismayed to see +that the coupe appeared to be lying on its stomach in the ditch. Four +wheels and a spare had been removed. + +"Stripped of every tire!" she exclaimed. "The thief ran the car out here +on the road so we couldn't see him at work from the river!" + +"What are we going to do?" Louise asked weakly. "We're miles from +Riverview. No houses close by. We're half frozen and night is coming on." + +Penny, her face very long, had no answer. She measured the gasoline tank +with a stick. All of the fuel had been siphoned. She lifted the hood, +expecting to find vital parts of the engine missing. However, everything +appeared to be in place. + +Seeking protection from the penetrating wind, the girls climbed into the +car to discuss their situation. + +"Can't we just wait here until someone comes along and gives us a lift to +town?" suggested Louise. + +"Yes, but we're on a side road and few cars travel this way during +winter." + +"Then why not go somewhere and telephone?" + +"The nearest stores are at Kamm's corner, about two miles away." + +Louise gazed thoughtfully at the soft snow which was banking deeper on +the windshield of the car. + +"Two miles in this, facing the wind, will be a hard hike. Think we ought +to try it, Penny?" + +"I'm sure I don't want to. And we needn't either! Do you remember Salt +Sommers?" + +"The photographer who works on your father's newspaper?" + +"Yes, he spends his spare time as an airplane spotter. His station is +over in the hills not more than a half mile from here! Why not tramp over +there and ask him to telephone our folks?" + +"Are you sure you know the way?" + +"I was there once last summer," Penny said confidently. "One follows a +side road through the woods. I'm sure I can find it." + +"All right," Louise consented, sliding from behind the steering wheel. +"If we're going, let's move right along." + +Stiff with cold, the girls trudged past the club house and on down the +road. Snow was falling faster and faster. Several times they paused to +wipe their frosted goggles. + +"This promises to be a man-sized blizzard," Louise observed uneasily. +"It's getting dark early, too." + +Penny nodded, her thoughts on what she would say to her father when she +reached home. The car had been fully insured, but even so it would not be +easy to replace five stolen tires. Ruefully she reflected that Mrs. +Weems, the kindly housekeeper who had looked after her since her mother's +death, had not favored the river trip. + +"Oh, don't take it so hard," Louise tried to cheer her. "Maybe the thief +will be caught." + +"Not a chance of it," Penny responded gloomily. + +A hundred yards farther on the girls came to another side road which +wound upward through the wooded hills. Already there was an ominous dusk +settling over the valley. Penny paused to take bearings. + +"I think this is the way," she said doubtfully. + +"You think!" + +"Well, I'm pretty sure," Penny amended. "Salt's station is up there on +top of one of those hills. If this snow would stop we should be able to +see the tower from here." + +Slightly reassured, Louise followed her chum across a wooden bridge and +up a narrow, winding road. On either side of the frozen ditches, tall +frosted evergreens provided friendly protection from the stabbing, icy +wind. Nevertheless, walking was not easy for the roadbed bore a shell of +treacherous ice. + +Confident that they soon would come to the airplane listening post, the +girls trudged on. Penny, anxious to make the most of the remaining +daylight, set a stiff pace. + +"Shouldn't we be coming to the station?" Louise presently asked. "Surely +we've gone more than a half mile." + +"The post is a little ways off from the road," Penny confessed, peering +anxiously at the unbroken line of evergreens. "We should be able to see +it." + +"In this blinding snow? Why, we may have passed the station without +knowing it." + +"Well, I don't think so." + +"You're not one bit sure, Penny Parker!" Louise accused. "We were crazy +to start off without being certain of the post's location." + +"We always can go back to the car." + +"I'm nearly frozen now," Louise complained, slapping her mittens +together. "There's no feeling in one of my hands." + +Penny paused to wipe the moisture from her goggles. From far down the +road came the sound of a laboring motor. She listened hopefully. + +"A car, Lou!" she cried. "Everything will be all right now! We'll hail it +and ask the driver for a lift." + +Greatly encouraged, the girls waited for the approaching vehicle. They +could hear it climbing a steep knoll, then descending. From the sound of +the engine they decided that it must be a truck and that it might round +the curve at a fast speed. + +Worried lest the driver fail to see them, the girls stepped out into the +middle of the road. As the truck swerved around the bend, they shouted +and waved their arms. + +The startled driver slammed on brakes, causing the big black truck to +slide like a sled. Penny and Louise leaped aside, barely avoiding being +struck. + +As they watched anxiously, the driver recovered control of the machine. +He straightened out and brought the truck to a standstill farther up the +road. + +Penny seized her chum's hand. "Come on, Lou! He's going to give us a +ride!" + +Before they could reach the truck, the driver lowered the cab window. +Thrusting his head through the opening he bellowed angrily: + +"What you tryin' to do? Wreck my truck?" + +Giving the girls no opportunity to reply, he closed the cab window. + +Penny saw that the man was intending to drive on. "Wait!" she called +frantically. "Please give us a ride! We're lost and half frozen!" + +The man heard for he flashed an ugly smile. Shifting gears, he drove +away. + +"Of all the shabby tricks, that's the worst!" Penny said furiously. "It +wasn't our fault his old truck skidded." + +"But it is our fault we're lost on this road," Louise added. "How are we +ever to find the listening post?" + +Penny leaned against the leeward side of a giant pine. Already it was so +dark that she could see only a few feet down the road. There were no +houses, no lights, nothing to guide her. + +"Penny, are we really lost?" Louise demanded, suddenly afraid. + +"We really, truly are," her chum answered in a quavering voice. "The post +must be somewhere near here, but we'll never find it. All we can do is +try to get back to the car." + + + + + CHAPTER + 2 + _AT THE LISTENING POST_ + + +Penny's courage did not long forsake her. She had suggested to Louise +that they return to the stripped car, but she knew that would not solve +their problem. Staring up the dark road, she remarked that they must be +close to the summit of the hill. + +"Then why not keep on?" urged Louise. "We set out to find the listening +post, so let's do it!" + +They trudged on up the winding road. At intervals, in an attempt to +restore circulation to numbed feet, they ran a few steps. Snow fell +steadily, whipping and stinging their faces. + +Gasping, half-winded, they kept doggedly on. Finally they struggled into +a clearing at the top of the hill. Penny wiped her eyes and gazed down +through a gap in the white-coated evergreens. A quarter of the way down +the slope on the other side appeared a glowing dot of light. + +"I'm afraid it's only a cabin," she said dubiously. "It can't be the +airplane listening post." + +"Let's go there anyway," advised Louise. "We can warm ourselves and ask +how to get back to civilization." + +They pushed on, still following the road. Downhill walking was much +easier and at intervals they were encouraged by a glimpse of the light. + +Then, rounding a bend of the road, the girls came to an artistic, newly +constructed iron fence, banked heavily with snow. The fence led to a high +gate, and behind the gate loomed a dark, sprawling house with double +chimneys. + +"The place is deserted!" Louise observed in disappointment. "What became +of the light we've been following?" + +"It must be farther on. This house looks as if it had been closed for the +winter." + +Penny went to the gate and rattled a heavy chain which held it in place. +Peering through the palings, she could see an unshoveled driveway which +curved gracefully to a pillared porch. The spacious grounds were dotted +with evergreens and shrubs, so layered with snow that they resembled +scraggly ghosts. + +"Wonder who owns this place?" speculated Louise. + +"Don't know," Penny answered, turning away. "In fact, I don't recall ever +having seen it before." + +Her words carried special significance to Louise. + +"If you've never seen this house before, then we're on a strange road! +Penny, we never will find the listening post!" + +"I'm beginning to suspect it myself," Penny admitted grimly. "But we must +keep plodding on. That light can't be far ahead." + +Turning their backs upon the gloomy estate, they again braved the +penetrating wind. Soon Louise lost her footing and fell. She remained in +a dispirited little heap until Penny pulled her off the ice. + +"Let's keep going, Lou," she urged. "It won't be long now." + +Louise allowed Penny to pull her along. They rounded a curve in the road, +and there, miraculously, the lighted cabin rose before them. + +"At last!" exulted Louise. "The Promised Land!" + +Staggering up a shoveled path, they pounded on the cabin door. An old +man, who held a kerosene lamp, responded promptly. + +"Come in, come in!" he invited heartily. "Why, you look half frozen." + +"Looks aren't deceitful either," Penny laughed shakily. + +As the girls went into the warm room a little whirlpool of wind and snow +danced ahead of them. Quickly the old man closed the door. He made places +for Penny and Louise at the stove and tossed in a heavy stick of wood. + +"Bad night to be out," he commented cheerfully. + +Penny agreed that it was. "We're lost," she volunteered, stripping off +her wet mittens. "At least we can't find the airplane listening post." + +"Why, it's just a piece farther on," the old man replied. "The tower's +right hard to see in this storm." + +While they thawed out, the girls explained that they had been forced to +abandon their car at the Riverview Yacht Club. The old man, whose name +was Henry Hammill, listened with deep sympathy to their tale of woe. + +"I'll hitch up my horses and take you to Riverview in the sled," he +offered. "That is, unless you'd rather stop at the listening tower." + +"It would save you a long trip," Penny returned politely. "If Salt +Sommers is on duty, I'm sure he'll take us to our homes." + +In the end it was decided that Old Henry should drive the girls as far as +the post. Then, if arrangements could not be made with the photographer, +he would keep on to Riverview. + +Warm at last, Penny and Louise declared that they were ready to start. +Old Henry brought the sled to the door and the team soon was racing down +the icy road. Above the jingle of bells arose occasional squeals of +laughter, for the young passengers enjoyed every minute of the unexpected +ride. + +Presently Old Henry pulled up at the side of the road. + +"There's the tower," he said, pointing to a two-story wooden observatory +rising above the evergreens. "I'll wait until you find out if your +friend's here." + +The girls thanked the old man for his kindly help and scrambled from the +sled. They were sure their troubles were over, for they could see Salt +Sommers seated at a table in the lighted tower. + +A flight of steps led to a narrow catwalk which ran around three sides of +the glass-enclosed house. Before Penny and Louise could hammer on the +door Salt opened it. + +"Well, see what the storm blew in!" the young man exclaimed. "I didn't +expect you girls to pop in on a night like this." + +"Salt, how soon will you be driving to Riverview?" Penny asked +breathlessly. + +"About twenty minutes. As soon as my relief shows up." + +"May we ride with you?" + +"Why, sure." + +Penny called down from the catwalk to tell Old Henry he need not wait. +With a friendly wave of his hand, the cabin owner drove away. The girls +then followed Salt into the drafty tower room. + +Curiously they gazed at their surroundings. In the center of the room +stood a small coal stove. Above it a tacked sign admonished: "Keep this +fire going!" There was a table, two chairs and a telephone. Also a round +clock which indicated seven-forty. + +Before Penny and Louise could explain why they had come, Salt held up a +warning finger. + +"Listen!" he exclaimed. "Wasn't that a plane?" + +He ran out on the catwalk, letting in an icy blast of wind. In a moment +he came back, grinning sheepishly. + +"A passenger airplane is due through here about this time. Sometimes I +listen for it so hard I imagine the sound of the engine." + +"The job must get tiresome at times," Penny ventured, making herself +comfortable by the glowing stove. + +"Oh, it does, but I'm glad to serve my trick. What brings you girls here +on such a wild night?" + +The story was quickly told. Nevertheless, by the time Penny had +telephoned to Mrs. Weems, it was after eight o'clock. Footsteps pounded +on the stairway. An elderly man, his hat and overcoat encrusted with +snow, swept into the room. + +"My relief," said Salt, presenting Nate Adams to the girls. "I'm free to +shove off now." + +"Hope you can start your car," commented the newcomer. "It's mighty cold, +and the temperature is still dropping." + +Salt's battered coupe was parked not far from the tower. Snow blanketed +the windshield. He wiped it away and after several attempts started the +engine. + +"Think I'd better stop at the first garage and have more alcohol put in +the radiator. No use in taking a chance." + +Salt followed the same road over which the girls had trudged an hour +earlier. In passing the estate not far from Old Henry's cabin, Penny +peered with renewed interest at the big house. In the blinding snow storm +she could not be sure, but she thought a light gleamed from an upstairs +window. + +"Salt," she inquired, "who lives in that place?" + +"Can't tell you," he replied, without turning his head. + +"Does anyone live there now?" + +"Haven't seen anyone since I took over as observer at the tower. Nate +Adams tells me the estate has a private air field. No planes have taken +off or landed while I've been on duty." + +"I thought I saw a light just now in an upstairs window." + +"Probably a reflection from the car headlights," Salt answered +carelessly. + +The car passed Old Henry's cabin and crept on until it came to a +crossroad. Several buildings were clustered on either side of the main +highway. + +"Guess I'll stop at Mattie's garage," Salt said. + +As he pulled up on a gravel runway, a masculine looking woman came to the +door of the car. She was in her mid-thirties and wore a man's coat much +too large for her. The girls guessed, and correctly, that she was Mattie +Williams, owner of the garage and filling station. + +"How many will you have?" she asked Salt, briskly clearing the windshield +of snow. + +The photographer replied that he did not require gasoline, but wanted at +least a quart of alcohol. + +"Drive into the garage," the woman instructed, opening a pair of double +doors. "I'll have Sam take care of it." + +As the car rolled into the building, Mattie shouted loudly to a +stoop-shouldered man who was busy in the rear office: "Hey, Sam! Look +after this customer, will you?" + +Sam Burkholder slouched over to the car and began to unscrew the radiator +cap. Penny and Louise assumed that the man must be Mattie's husband, but +a remark to that effect was corrected by Salt. + +"Sam is Mattie's partner," he explained in an undertone. "It's hard to +tell which one of them is boss of the place." + +Losing interest in the pair, Penny and Louise climbed out of the coupe. +They had noticed a cafe next door and thought they might go there for a +cup of hot coffee. + +"Go ahead," Salt encouraged. "I'll stay here until this job is finished, +and join you." + +As the girls let themselves out the garage door, a truck pulled up in +front of the cafe. They would have given it no more than a casual glance +had not the driver alighted. He was a short, ruddy-faced man with a +missing front tooth which made his facial expression rather grotesque. +Without glancing at the girls, he entered the restaurant. + +"That man!" exclaimed Louise. "Haven't we seen him somewhere?" + +"We have indeed," agreed Penny grimly. "He's the same driver who refused +us a ride. Let's march in there and give him a piece of our minds!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 3 + _AN UNPLEASANT DRIVER_ + + +From outside the lighted cafe, the girls could see the truck driver +slouched at one of the counter stools. + +"I'm willing to go inside," said Louise, "but why start a fuss? After +all, I suppose he had a right to refuse us a ride." + +"We might have frozen to death!" + +"Well, he probably didn't realize we were lost." + +"I wish I had your charitable disposition," Penny said with a sniff. "He +heard me shout, and he drove away just to be mean." + +"Anyway, let's forget it." + +Louise took Penny's elbow, steering her toward the cafe. The girls had +been friends since grade school days. They made an excellent pair, for +Louise exerted a subduing effect upon her impulsive chum. + +The only daughter of Anthony Parker, publisher of the _Star_, Penny had a +talent for innocently getting into trouble. Inactivity bored her. When +nothing more exciting offered, she frequently tried her hand at writing +stories for her father's newspaper. Such truly important yarns as _The +Vanishing Houseboat_, _The Wishing Well_, _Behind the Green Door_, and +_The Clock Strikes Thirteen_ had rolled from her typewriter. Penny +thoroughly enjoyed reportorial work, but best of all she loved to take an +active part in the adventures she recounted. + +"Now remember," Louise warned her, "not a word to that truck driver. +We'll just snub him." + +"Oh, all right. I'll try to behave myself." + +Grinning, Penny allowed herself to be guided toward the restaurant. Near +the doorway they came to the parked truck, and noticed that it was loaded +with large wooden boxes. + +"War equipment," commented Penny. + +"How do you know?" + +"Why, the boxes are unmarked except by numerals. Haven't you noticed, +Lou, that's the way machines and materials are transported to and from +factories. It's done so no one can tell what's inside." + +Penny opened the door and they went into the warm, smoky cafe. As they +seated themselves at a table the driver glanced toward them, but +seemingly without recognition. + +"How about a date tonight, Baby?" he asked the waitress. + +Without replying, the girl slapped a menu card on the counter in front of +him. + +"High toned, ain't you?" he chuckled. + +"What will it be?" the waitress demanded impatiently. + +"How about a nice smile, Baby?" + +Turning away, the waitress started to serve another customer. + +"Gimme a cup o' coffee and two sinkers," the driver hurled after her. +"And make it snappy too! I'm in a hurry." + +Once the coffee and doughnuts had been set before him, the man was in no +haste to consume them. He read a newspaper and fed a dollar and a half +into a pin-ball machine. + +Penny and Louise ordered coffee. Knowing that Salt might be waiting for +them, they swallowed the brew scalding hot and arose to leave. + +At the cashier's desk Penny paid the bill. Upon impulse she quietly asked +the man behind the cash register if he knew the driver. + +"Fellow by the name of Hank Biglow," he answered. + +Before Penny could ask another question, a police patrol car screeched to +a standstill just outside the restaurant. The cafe owner turned to stare +as did the driver. + +"What are those cops comin' here for?" Hank Biglow demanded. + +"How should I know?" retorted the cafe owner. "Maybe they want to ask you +a few questions about that cargo you carry!" + +"What do you mean by that crack?" the driver asked harshly. + +As the cashier shrugged and did not reply, Hank allowed the matter to +pass. Although he remained at the counter, he kept watching the police +car through the window. + +The brief interchange between cafe owner and driver had interested Penny. +To delay her departure, she bought a candy bar and began to unwrap it. + +Only one policeman had alighted from the car. Tramping into the cafe, he +pounded his hands together and sought the warmth of a radiator. + +"Mind if I have a little of your heat?" he asked the cafe owner. + +"Help yourself." + +Penny had been watching Hank Biglow. A moment before the man had sat +tense and nervous at the counter. Now he seemed completely relaxed and at +ease as he sipped his coffee. + +"Hello, Hank," the policeman greeted him. "Didn't see you at first. How's +the trucking business?" + +"Okay," the trucker growled. "Workin' me night and day." + +The casual conversation disappointed Penny. Her first thought had been +that Hank Biglow feared a police investigation. Seemingly, she had +indulged in wishful thinking. + +Having no further reason for remaining in the cafe, the girls stepped out +into the storm. + +"A pity that policeman wasn't looking for Hank Biglow," Penny muttered. + +"I thought for a minute he was," responded Louise, stooping to fasten the +buckle of her heavy overshoe. "At least Hank acted peculiar." + +"You heard what the cashier said to him?" + +"About the cargo he carried?" + +"Yes," nodded Penny, "what do you suppose he meant?" + +"Don't you think it was intended as a joke?" + +"It didn't seem that way to me, Lou. Hank took offense at the remark. He +was as nervous as a cat, too." + +Penny stared curiously at the big truck which was parked not far from the +police car. + +"I wonder what can be in those big boxes, Lou?" + +"A few minutes ago you said they contained tools or defense plant +products." + +"That was only my guess. I assumed it from the lack of marking on the +boxes." + +Penny paused beside the big truck. Pressing her face close to an opening +between the slats, she counted ten large crates, all the same size and +shape. + +"Lou, maybe this isn't defense plant merchandise," she speculated. "Maybe +it's some sort of contraband...." + +Penny's words trailed off. Someone had touched her on the shoulder. + +Whirling around, she faced the same policeman who a moment before had +entered the cafe. + +"What do you think you're doing?" he inquired. + +"Why, just looking," stammered Penny. "We were wondering what's inside +these boxes." + +"Machinery," replied the policeman. "Now skidoo! Behave yourselves or +I'll have to speak to your parents." + + + + + CHAPTER + 4 + _STOLEN TIRES_ + + +"We're very sorry," Louise apologized to the policeman. "We didn't +suppose it would do any harm to look at the outside of the boxes." + +"Run along, run along," the officer said impatiently. + +Penny was tempted to make a rather pointed remark, but Louise pulled her +away. + +"Never argue with a policeman," she whispered. "You always lose." + +"We weren't doing any harm," Penny scowled. "What does he think we are, a +couple of female spies?" + +Entering the garage, the girls saw that the car had been serviced. Salt +could be seen inside the little glass-enclosed office. + +"I'm waiting for Sam Burkholder," he explained as they joined him. "He +took care of the radiator and then disappeared." + +Penny and Louise loitered about the office, reading the evening +newspaper. After a little delay, Mattie Williams appeared. + +"Can you give me my bill?" Salt requested. "We're in a hurry to get to +Riverview." + +"I thought Sam was looking after you," Mattie replied, making out the +slip. + +The bill settled, Salt backed the car from the garage. Penny noticed that +Hank Biglow's truck no longer stood in front of the cafe. The police car +also had gone. She would have thought no more of it, had not Louise at +that moment exclaimed: + +"Penny, that truck is parked at the rear of the garage now! And they're +unloading the boxes!" + +Penny twisted around to see for herself. It was true that the big truck +had been backed up close to the rear entrance of the garage. Through the +blinding snow, she could just see Hank Biglow and Sam Burkholder carrying +one of the boxes into the building. + +"Well, that's funny!" she exclaimed. "Those crates can't contain defense +machinery or materials. Otherwise Hank wouldn't be delivering them here." + +"What crates?" inquired Salt, shifting gears. + +Penny told him what had transpired in the cafe, and revealed that she and +Louise had been rebuked by the policeman. Salt, occupied with driving, +did not consider the incident in any way significant. + +"Oh, you know how some cops are," he commented carelessly. + +The car went into a wild skid and Salt thereafter devoted his attention +strictly to driving. + +Without further mishap, the party arrived safely at Riverview. Louise +alighted at her own home, and then Salt took Penny to the Parker +residence. + +"Won't you come in for a cup of chocolate?" she invited. + +"Thanks, not tonight," Salt replied. "I'm dead tired. Think I'll hit the +hay early." + +Only one light burned in the living-room as Penny stomped in out of the +cold. Mrs. Weems, the plump housekeeper who had served the Parkers for +many years, sat beside the hearth, sewing. + +"I'm glad you're home at last!" she exclaimed, getting up quickly. +"You've no idea how worried I've been." + +"But Louise and I telephoned." + +"I couldn't hear you very well. I barely was able to make out that +something had happened to your car." + +"A major catastrophe, Mrs. Weems. Every tire was stolen!" + +While the housekeeper bombarded her with questions, Penny stripped off +overshoes and heavy outer clothing. Pools of water began to form on the +rug. + +"Take everything out to the kitchen," Mrs. Weems said hastily. "Have you +had your supper?" + +"Not even a nibble. And I'm starving!" + +As Mrs. Weems began to prepare a hot meal, Penny perched herself on the +kitchen table, alternately talking, and chewing on a sugared bun. + +"If you ever were lost in an Arctic blizzard you have a good picture of +what Louise and I endured," she narrated grandly. "Oh, it was awful!" + +"Losing five practically new tires is a mere detail in comparison?" + +"It's nothing less than a tragedy! I was thinking--maybe you ought to +break the sad news to Dad." + +"Indeed not. You'll have to tell him yourself. However, he's attending a +meeting and won't be home until eleven." + +"That's much too late for me," Penny said quickly. "I'll see him in the +morning. And I do hope you cooperate by giving him a dandy breakfast." + +"Just see to it that you don't oversleep," suggested the housekeeper +dryly. + +Penny consumed an enormous supper and then slipped off to bed. She did +not hear her father come home a few hours later. In the morning when Mrs. +Weems called her, it seemed advisable to take a long time in dressing. +Her father had gone by the time she strolled downstairs. + +"Did you tell Dad?" she asked the housekeeper hopefully. + +"You knew I would," chided Mrs. Weems. "Your father expects to see you at +his office at nine o'clock." + +"How'd he take the blow?" + +"Naturally one couldn't expect him to be pleased." + +With a deep sigh, Penny sat down to breakfast. Worry over the coming +interview did not interfere with her usual excellent appetite. She had +orange juice, two slices of toast, four pancakes, and then, somewhat +concerned lest she lose her slim figure, debated whether to ask for +another helping. + +"The batter's all gone," Mrs. Weems settled the matter. "Do stop dawdling +and get on to the office. Your father shouldn't be kept waiting." + +With anything but enthusiasm, Penny took herself to the plant of the +Riverview _Star_. Passing through the busy newsroom where reporters +pounded at their typewriters, she entered her father's private office. + +"Hello, Dad," she greeted him with forced cheerfulness. "Mrs. Weems said +you wanted to see me." + +"So you lost five tires last night?" the editor barked. Mr. Parker was a +lean, keen-eyed man of early middle age, known throughout the state as a +fearless newspaper man. At the moment, Penny decided that "fearful" would +prove a more descriptive term. + +"Well, Dad, it was this way--" she began meekly. + +"Never mind a long-winded explanation," he interrupted, smiling. "It +wasn't your fault--the car was stripped." + +Penny wondered if she had heard correctly. + +"Your tires weren't the only ones stolen yesterday," Mr. Parker resumed. +"A half dozen other thefts were reported. In fact, I've known for several +weeks that a professional gang of tire thieves has been operating in +Riverview." + +"Oh, Dad, you're a peach!" Penny cried, making a dive for him. "I'm going +to give you a great big kiss!" + +"You are not," Mr. Parker grinned, pushing her away. "Try to remember, +this is an office." + +Penny resigned herself to a chair. Questioned by her father, she gave a +straightforward account of how the car had been stripped at the Yacht +Club grounds. + +"The tire gang is getting bolder every day!" Mr. Parker exclaimed +wrathfully. "But we'll soon put a stop to their little game!" + +"How, Dad?" + +Mr. Parker hesitated and then said: "I can trust you, can't I, Penny?" + +"Of course." + +"Then I'll tell you this in confidence. For weeks Jerry Livingston, our +star reporter, has been working on the case. He's rounded up a lot of +evidence against the outfit." + +"Then we have a chance to get those tires back!" + +"I'm not thinking about that," Mr. Parker said impatiently. "Jerry's +gathered enough evidence to smash the entire gang. It will be as big a +story as the _Star_ ever published." + +"When are you breaking it, Dad?" + +"Perhaps tomorrow. Depends on the state prosecutor." + +"John Gilmore? What does he have to do with it?" + +"This story is loaded with dynamite, Penny. If we spread it over our +front page before police have a chance to act, the guilty parties are apt +to make a getaway." + +"That's so," nodded Penny. + +"There's another reason I want to consult the Prosecutor before I use the +story," Mr. Parker resumed. "Some of the men involved--" + +A tap sounded on the door. Without completing what he had started to say, +the editor called, "Come in." + +Jerry Livingston entered the office. He was a good-looking young man, +alert and clean-cut. Smiling at Penny, he slapped a folded paper on Mr. +Parker's desk. + +"Here's my story on the tire thefts, Chief," he said. "As far as I'm +concerned, this winds up the case." + +"You've done fine work, Jerry," Mr. Parker praised. "Thanks to your work, +we ought to clean out the gang." + +"I hope so, Chief. Guess you have all the proofs needed to back up the +story." + +"All the evidence is locked in my safe. I have an appointment scheduled +with the Prosecutor. If he Okays the story, we'll publish it tomorrow. By +the way, Jerry, what are your plans?" + +"Well, I have a couple of weeks before I go into the Army Air Corps." + +"Then treat yourself to a vacation, starting right now," said Mr. Parker. +"Can you use it?" + +"Can I?" grinned Jerry. "Know what I'll do? I'll hop the noon train and +head for the Canadian wilds on a hunting trip." + +Mr. Parker wrote out a check which he presented to the young man. + +"We'll be sorry to lose you, Jerry," he said regretfully. "But remember, +a job always will be waiting when you return." + +The reporter shook hands with Mr. Parker and Penny, then left the office. + +"We'll miss Jerry around here," the editor remarked. + +Penny nodded. She and Jerry had shared many an adventure together, and he +was one of her truest friends. The office would not seem the same without +him. + +"My appointment with the Prosecutor is at ten-thirty," said Mr. Parker +briskly. "I'll gather my papers and be on my way." + +The editor placed Jerry's signed story in a leather portfolio. Next he +went to the safe and fumbled with the dial. + +"Want me to open it for you?" Penny asked, after he had tried several +times. + +Without waiting for a reply, she stooped down, twisted the dial a few +times, and opened the heavy door. + +"Young lady, how did you learn the combination?" Mr. Parker demanded in +chagrin. + +"Oh, the numbers are written on the under side of your desk," Penny +grinned. "Not a very good place either! You must trust your office help." + +"Fortunately my reporters aren't quite as observing as a certain +daughter," Mr. Parker retorted grimly. + +The editor removed a fat brown envelope from one of the drawers of the +safe. Glancing at the papers it contained, he added them to the contents +of the portfolio. He then locked the safe. + +"How about letting me see that story?" Penny asked. + +Mr. Parker smiled but shook his head. "Only two persons know the facts of +the case--Jerry and myself." + +"Let's make it a trio." + +"It will be after I've talked to the Prosecutor. I've got to step right +along, too, or I'll be late." + +"But Dad--" + +"You'll read the story in tomorrow's _Star_--I hope," her father laughed. +Picking up the portfolio, he started for the door. "Just contain your +impatience until I get back. And please keep those slippery little +fingers away from my safe!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 5 + _AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW_ + + +After her father had gone, Penny remained in the private office. Eager to +be off, Mr. Parker had neglected to make any arrangements concerning the +stripped car at the Riverview Yacht Club. + +"Oh, bother!" she thought impatiently. "Now I must wait here until he +comes back to learn what I'm to do. The car should be hauled home." + +Penny wrote a letter on the typewriter. As she searched for a stamp, the +door swung open. A slightly bald, angular man with hard brown eyes, +paused on the threshold. The man was Harley Schirr, an assistant editor, +next in authority to Mr. DeWitt. Of the entire _Star_ staff, he was the +only person Penny actively disliked. + +"Oh, good morning, Miss Parker," he said with elaborate courtesy. "Your +father isn't here?" + +"No, he went away a few minutes ago." + +"And you are taking care of the office in his absence?" Mr. Schirr +smiled. Even so, to Penny's sensitive ears, the words had an insolent +ring. + +"I'm merely waiting for him to return," she answered briefly. "I came to +find out what to do about the car." + +"Oh, yes, I heard that all of your tires were stolen last night." Mr. +Schirr's lips twitched. "Too bad." + +"I may get them back again. Dad says--" Penny checked herself, +remembering that the information given her by her father was to be kept +secret. + +"Yes?" encouraged the assistant editor. + +"Perhaps police will catch the thieves," she completed. + +"I shouldn't count on it if I were you, Miss Parker. Black Markets have +flourished in this city for months. Nothing's been done to stop it." + +"Just what do you mean by a Black Market, Mr. Schirr?" + +"Illegal trading in various scarce commodities. Tires either stolen or +hijacked, are sold by the crooks to so-called honest dealers who serve +the public. It's now a big-time business." + +"What does Dad think about it?" + +"Well, now, I really couldn't tell you. Your father doesn't discuss his +editorial policy with me. If he did, I'd warn him to lay off all those +tire-theft stories." + +Penny gazed quickly at the assistant editor, wondering how much he knew +of her father's plan. + +"Dad usually prints all the news," she said. "Why should he soft-pedal +the tire stories?" + +"For his health's sake." + +"I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Mr. Schirr." + +The assistant editor had closed the door behind him. Warming to his +subject, he replied: "The men who have muscled into the tire theft racket +are ugly lads without scruples. If your father stupidly insists upon +trying to smash the outfit, he may not wake up some morning." + +The suggestion that her father might ruthlessly be done away with shocked +Penny. And a canny corner of her mind demanded to know how Mr. Schirr +could be so well informed. She was quite certain her father had not taken +him into his confidence. + +"Dad is no coward," she said proudly. + +"Oh, no one ever questioned his bravery, Miss Parker. Your father is +courageous to the point of rashness. But if he prints an expose story +about the tire theft gang, it's apt to prove the most foolish act of his +life." + +"How do you know he intends to do such a thing?" + +The question, sharply put, surprised Mr. Schirr. + +"Oh, I don't," he denied hastily. "I merely heard the rumor around the +office." + +Penny made no reply. As the silence became noticeable, the assistant +editor murmured that he would return to see Mr. Parker later and left the +office. + +Penny glared at the man's retreating back. Even more intensely than +before, she disliked Harley Schirr. + +"The old sneak cat!" she thought. "I'll bet a cent he's been listening at +the door or prying in Dad's papers! I'm sure no rumors have been +circulating around the office." + +The telephone rang. Automatically Penny took down the receiver. + +"Mr. Parker?" inquired a masculine voice. + +"He's not here now. This is his daughter speaking. May I take a message?" + +"No message," said the purring voice. "Mr. Parker may hear from me +later." + +"Who is this, please?" asked Penny quickly. + +There was no answer, only the click of a receiver being hung on its hook. + +The incident, although trifling, annoyed Penny. Getting up from the desk, +she walked to the window. Mr. Schirr's intimation had alarmed her, and +now the telephone call added to her uneasiness. + +"Probably the man who telephoned is well known to Dad," she tried to +assure herself. "I'm just imagining that his voice sounded sinister." + +Feeling the need of an occupation, Penny wandered out into the editorial +room. She chatted with the society editor and for a time watched the +world news reports coming in on the noisy teletype machines. + +"Need a job?" inquired Editor DeWitt at the slot of the circular copy +desk. "How about writing a few headlines for me?" + +"No, thanks," Penny declined. "I'm just waiting for Dad. He should be +back any minute now." + +It was eleven-forty by the office clock. Never had time seemed to pass so +slowly. As Penny debated whether or not to wait any longer, there was a +sudden stir in the room. Glancing toward the outside door, she saw that +Jerry Livingston, suitcase in hand, had entered. + +Immediately reporters and editors left their desks to shake his hand. + +"Jerry, you're the best reporter this paper ever had," Mr. DeWitt told +him warmly. "We surely hate to see you go." + +"Oh, I'll be back," the reporter answered. "You can bet on that!" + +Penny crossed the room to say goodbye. Jerry surprisingly tucked her arm +through his. + +"Come along and see me off on the train," he invited, pulling her along. +"Not doing anything special, are you?" + +"Just waiting for Dad." + +"Then come on," Jerry grinned. "I've got a lot to say to you." + +However, once in the taxi, speeding toward the railroad station, the +reporter scarcely spoke. He reached out and captured her hand. + +"I'm going to miss you, little twirp," he sighed. "No telling when I'll +get back to the _Star_. Maybe--" + +"Now don't try to work on my sympathies," laughed Penny, though a lump +came in her throat. "Oh, Jerry--" + +"At your command. Just break down and confess how desolate you'll be +without me." + +The railroad station was close by and Penny had only a moment to talk. + +"Riverview will be a blank without you," she admitted. "But it's that +tire-theft story I want to ask you about. Did you ever tell anyone that +Dad is planning to expose the gang?" + +"Of course not!" + +"I knew you wouldn't give out any information," Penny said in relief. +"But somehow Harley Schirr has learned about it." + +"Schirr! That egg? How could he have found out?" + +"I'd like to know myself. He hinted that something dreadful might happen +to Dad if the story is printed." + +Jerry patted Penny's hand. "Don't give it a thought, kid," he said. +"Schirr does a lot of wild talking. Probably whatever he said to you was +pure bluff. He doesn't know a thing." + +The arrival of the cab at the station put an end to the conversation. +Jerry paid the driver and hustled Penny inside. He barely had time to +purchase a ticket before the train was called. + +"Well, goodbye," Jerry said, squeezing her hand. + +"Have a good time in Canada," Penny replied. "And bring me a nice bear +rug!" + +"Sure, I'll catch him with my bare hands," Jerry rejoined, making a +feeble attempt at a joke. + +The train began to move. The reporter swung himself aboard the last +Pullman. As he waved from the steps, Penny realized that she had +forgotten to ask for his Canadian address. + +Soon the train was only a blur down the frosty tracks. Penny climbed a +steep ramp to the street. She felt lonesome, and for some reason, +discouraged. + +"First I lose my car wheels, and now it's Jerry," she reflected sadly. +"What a week!" + +Penny scarcely knew whether to go home or to the _Star_ office. As she +debated the matter, her ears were assaulted by the shrill scream of a +siren. + +"A fire," thought Penny. + +An ambulance rushed past. It raced to the end of the short street and +pulled up. + +"Probably an accident," amended Penny. + +Curious to learn what had happened, she began to run. At the end of the +street a large crowd had gathered. A car with a smashed fender and +damaged front grillwork, had piled against a street lamp. + +"What happened?" Penny asked a man who stood beside her. + +"Two cars in a smash-up," he answered. "Didn't see the accident myself." + +"But what became of the other automobile?" asked Penny. + +She pushed through the gathering crowd to the curb. Broken glass was +scattered over the pavement. Ambulance men were searching the wreckage of +the car which had struck the lamp post. The other automobile, apparently, +had driven away. + +Suddenly, Penny's gaze riveted on the rear license plate of the smashed +car. In horror she read the number--P-619-10. + +"Dad's car!" she whispered. "He's been hurt!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 6 + _FRONT PAGE NEWS_ + + +Never in her life had Penny been more frightened. Breaking away from the +group of people at the curb, she ran to the parked ambulance. A glance +into the interior assured her that Mr. Parker had not been placed inside +on a stretcher. + +"Where is he?" she asked wildly. "Where's my father?" + +A white-garbed ambulance attendant turned to stare at her. + +"That's my father's car!" Penny cried, pointing to the battered sedan. +"Tell me, was he badly hurt?" + +The attendant tried to be kind. "We don't know, Miss. Someone put in a +call for us. Said we were to pick up an injured man. Evidently he was +taken to a hospital before we could get here." + +"That's what happened," contributed a small boy who stood close by. "A +woman drove by in an auto. She offered to take the man to the hospital +and he went with her." + +"A tall, lean man in a gray suit?" Penny asked quickly. + +"Yes. He had a leather case in his hand." + +"Then it was my father!" Penny cried. "How badly was he hurt?" + +"Oh, he could walk all right," the boy replied. "He seemed kinda dazed +though." + +Greatly relieved to learn that her father had escaped serious injury, +Penny sought more information. The boy who had witnessed the accident, +told her that the car which had caused the smash-up, was a blue sedan. + +"Two men were in it," he revealed. "They started to go around your +father's car and crowded him toward the curb. Next thing I saw, he'd +plowed into the lamp post." + +"The other car didn't stop?" + +"I'll say it didn't! You should have seen 'em go!" + +"Didn't you notice the license number?" Penny asked hopefully. + +The boy shook his head. + +Having learned all she could from him, Penny questioned other persons. +Only one woman in the crowd was able to provide additional information. +Her eye-witness account differed slightly from the boy's, but she +confirmed that a middle-aged woman in a black coupe had taken the +accident victim to a hospital. + +"Which hospital?" asked Penny. + +The woman could not tell her. She did say, however, that the accident +victim seemingly had suffered only minor scratches. + +A police car drove up. Penny, frantic to find her father, did not wish to +be delayed by questions. Without revealing who she was to members of the +investigation squad, she hailed a taxi. Mercy Hospital was only a few +blocks away. It seemed reasonable that her father would be taken there +for treatment. + +A few minutes later, standing anxiously at the information desk of that +institution, she learned that Mr. Parker had not been admitted as a +patient. The nurse in charge, noting the girl's agitation, kindly offered +to telephone other hospitals. After six calls, she reported that she was +unable to trace the accident victim. + +"Are you sure that your father sought hospital treatment?" she asked +Penny. + +"Perhaps not. Dad wasn't badly hurt according to witnesses. He may have +gone elsewhere." + +Thanking the nurse for her help, Penny taxied swiftly home. Mrs. Weems, +in an old coat and a turban, was pouring salt on the icy sidewalk in +front of the house. From the look on her face it was evident she had not +heard the news. + +"Mrs. Weems, Dad's been hurt!" Penny cried, leaping from the cab. "In an +auto accident!" + +"My land!" the housekeeper gasped and allowed the bag of salt to fall +from her gloved hand. "How bad is it?" + +"I think he was more stunned than anything else. But I've not been able +to learn where he was taken. He didn't telephone here?" + +"Not unless it was since I've been outdoors." + +Picking up the bag of salt, Mrs. Weems followed Penny into the house. +Without removing coat or hat, the girl dialed the _Star_ office. Editor +DeWitt answered. + +"Has Dad arrived there?" Penny asked abruptly. + +"No, he hasn't returned. Anything wrong?" + +Tersely Penny revealed what had occurred. The news shocked the editor for +he bore Mr. Parker a genuine affection. + +"Now don't you worry," he tried to cheer her. "Your father can't be badly +hurt or he never would have walked away from that accident. Just sit +tight and our reporters will locate him for you." + +During the next hour Penny and Mrs. Weems remained near the telephone. +Each moment they waited, their anxiety increased. Mr. DeWitt did not +phone. There was no word from the police station. They refused to believe +that Mr. Parker had been seriously injured, yet it seemed strange he +could not be found. + +"It's not like him to allow anyone to worry," declared the housekeeper. +"I simply can't understand why he doesn't call to relieve our minds." + +Just then the telephone bell jingled. Penny snatched the receiver from +its hook. + +"DeWitt speaking," said the familiar voice of the editor. + +"Any news?" Penny asked quickly. "Did you find Dad?" + +"So far we haven't," the editor confessed. "I've personally called the +police station, every hospital and private nursing home in Riverview." + +"Dad may have gone to a doctor's office for treatment." + +"I thought of that," replied DeWitt. "We've checked all the likely ones." + +"What could have become of him?" Penny asked desperately. "Mrs. Weems and +I are dreadfully worried." + +"Oh, he'll show up any minute," comforted Mr. DeWitt. "Probably he +doesn't realize anyone is looking for him." + +Penny asked the editor if he had learned the identity of the hit-skip +driver. + +"No one took down the license number of the car," Mr. DeWitt returned +regretfully. "Our reporters are still working on the story though." + +"The story," murmured Penny faintly. For the first time it occurred to +her that her father's accident and subsequent disappearance would be +regarded as front page news. + +"I don't expect to run an account of the accident until I've talked to +your father," DeWitt said hastily. "Now don't worry about anything. I'll +let you know the minute I have any news." + +Penny hung up the receiver and reported the conversation to Mrs. Weems. A +clock on the mantel chimed one-thirty, reminding the housekeeper that +lunch had not been prepared. + +"No food for me," pleaded Penny. "I don't feel like eating." + +"I've rather lost my own appetite," confessed the housekeeper. "However, +it's foolish of us to worry. Your father must be safe. No doubt he had an +appointment." + +Penny's face brightened. "Why, of course!" she exclaimed. "Don't know why +I've been so dumb! Dad may still be in conference with Prosecutor +Gilmore! I'll call there." + +Darting to the telephone, she waited patiently until she was connected +with the State prosecutor's office. The lawyer himself talked to her. + +"Why, no, Mr. Parker hasn't been here," he replied to her eager inquiry. +"I expected him at ten-thirty. Then he telephoned that he had been +delayed and would see me at eleven-thirty. He failed to keep that +appointment also." + +The information sent Penny's hopes glimmering. She explained about the +accident and listened to the Prosecutor's expression of sympathy. +Replacing the receiver, she turned once more to Mrs. Weems. + +"I'm more worried than ever now," she quavered. "Dad didn't keep his +appointment with Prosecutor Gilmore, and it was a vitally important one." + +"We'll hear from him soon--" + +"Perhaps we won't." Penny took a quick turn across the room. + +"Why, such a thing to say! What do you mean, Penny?" + +"Dad has enemies. Harley Schirr told me today that if any attempt was +made to expose a certain gang of thieves, it would mean real trouble." + +"But your father has had no connection with such persons." + +"He and Jerry worked on a case together," Penny explained. "Today at the +time of the accident, Dad carried a brief case with all the evidence in +it!" + +"Even so, I fail to see--" + +"According to the report, Dad's car was practically forced off the road," +Penny added excitedly. "I think that auto crash was deliberately +engineered! Don't you understand, Mrs. Weems? He's fallen into the +clutches of his enemies!" + +"Now, Penny," soothed the housekeeper. "I'm sure we're making far too +much of the accident. We'll soon hear from your father." + +"You're saying that to comfort me, Mrs. Weems. Something dreadful has +happened! I can _feel_ it." + +Penny ceased pacing the floor and went to the hall closet for her hat and +coat. + +"Where are you going?" asked the housekeeper, her eyes troubled. + +"To the newspaper office. If word comes, I want to be there to get it the +very first minute." + +Mrs. Weems started to protest, then changed her mind. She merely said: +"Telephone me the moment you have any news." + +A brisk walk to the _Star_ office did much to restore Penny's sagging +courage. As she entered the newsroom, brushing snow from her coat, she +saw a group of reporters gathered about Mr. DeWitt's desk. + +"News of Dad!" she thought, her pulse pounding. + +Glimpsing Penny, the men at the desk began to scatter. They gazed at her +in such a kind, sympathetic manner that she became frightened again. + +"What is it, Mr. DeWitt?" she asked the editor. "Has Dad been found?" + +He shook his head. + +"But you must have had some news," she insisted, her gaze on a folded +paper which he held. "Please don't hide anything from me." + +"Very well," DeWitt responded quietly. "We found this letter in your +father's waste-basket." + +Penny took the paper. Silently she read the message which had been typed +in capital letters. + +"MR. PARKER," it warned, "THIS IS TO ADVISE YOU TO LAY OFF ON TIRE THEFT +STORIES IN YOUR PAPER. UNLESS YOU CHANGE YOUR POLICY YOU MAY WAKE UP IN A +DITCH." + + + + + CHAPTER + 7 + _QUESTIONS WITHOUT ANSWERS_ + + +"I'd rather not have shown that note to you," Mr. DeWitt said quietly. +"We found it only a moment ago." + +"How did it get in Dad's waste-basket?" Penny asked. "Do you suppose he +threw it there himself?" + +"That's my guess. Your father never paid any attention to unsigned +letters." + +Penny reread the threatening note, trying not to show how much it +disturbed her. "I wonder if this came by mail?" she remarked. + +"We don't know," DeWitt replied. "There was no envelope in the basket." + +"Dad never mentioned such a note to me," Penny resumed, frowning. +"Probably thought I'd worry about it. This makes the situation look bad, +doesn't it, Mr. DeWitt?" + +The editor weighed his words carefully before he spoke. "It doesn't prove +that your father was waylaid by enemies, Penny. Not at all. According to +reports, Mr. Parker was involved in an ordinary automobile accident, and +left the scene of his own free will." + +"With a woman who drove a black car." + +"Yes, according to eye-witnesses she offered to take him to a hospital +for treatment." + +"What became of that woman?" demanded Penny. "Can't the police find her?" + +"Not so far." + +Before Penny could say more, Harley Schirr came to the desk, spreading a +dummy sheet for the editor to inspect. + +"Here's the front-page layout," he explained. "For the banner we'll give +'em, 'Anthony Parker Mysteriously Disappears,' and beneath it, a double +column story. I dug a good picture out of the morgue--the one with Parker +dedicating the Riverview Orphans' Home." + +DeWitt frowned as he studied the layout. "Parker wouldn't like this, +Schirr. It's too sensational. Bust that banner and cut the story down to +the bare facts." + +"But this is a big story--" + +"I'm expecting Mr. Parker to walk in here any minute," retorted DeWitt. +"A 'disappearance' spread would make the _Star_ look silly." + +"Mr. Parker's not going to show up!" Schirr refuted, his eyes blazing. "I +say we should play the story for all it's worth." + +"I'm sure Dad would hate sensationalism," Penny said, siding with Mr. +DeWitt. + +The assistant editor turned to glare at her. Although he made no reply, +she read anger and dislike in his flashing eyes. + +"Cut the story down," DeWitt ordered curtly. "And try to find a more +suitable picture of Mr. Parker." + +Schirr swept the dummy sheet from the desk, crumpling it in his hand. As +he started for the morgue where pictures were filed, he muttered to +himself. + +"Don't know what's got into that fellow lately," DeWitt sighed. + +The editor sat down rather heavily and Penny noticed that he looked tired +and pale. For fifteen years he had been closely associated with Mr. +Parker, regarding his chief with deep affection. + +"Do you feel well, Mr. DeWitt?" she inquired. + +"Not so hot," he admitted, reaching for a pencil. "Lately I've been +having a little pain in my side--it's nothing though. Just getting old, +that's all." + +"Why not take the day off, Mr. DeWitt? You've been working too hard." + +"Now wouldn't this be a fine time to go home?" the editor barked. "Hard +work agrees with me." + +Reminded that she was keeping Mr. DeWitt from his duties, Penny soon left +the _Star_ office. Debating a moment, she walked to the nearby police +station. There she was courteously received by Chief Jalman, a personal +friend of her father's. + +"We'll find Mr. Parker," he assured her confidently. "His description has +been broadcast over the radio. We've instructed all our men to be on the +watch for him." + +Penny broached the possibility that her father had been waylaid by +enemies. + +"Facts fail to support such a theory," replied Chief Jalman. "It's my +opinion your father will show up any hour, wondering what the fuss is all +about." + +Penny left the police station rather cheered. Almost without thinking, +she chose a route which led toward the scene of the accident. Reaching +the familiar street, she noted that her father's battered car had been +towed away. All broken glass had been swept from the pavement. + +"When I was here before I should have questioned more people," she +thought. "It never occurred to me then that Dad would fail to show up." + +Noticing a candy store which fronted the street close to the bent lamp +post, Penny went inside. A friendly looking woman with gray hair came to +serve her. + +"I'm not a customer," Penny explained. She added that her father had been +injured in the car accident, and that she was seeking information. + +"I've already been questioned by police detectives," replied the owner of +the candy shop. "I'm afraid I can't tell you very much." + +"Did you witness the accident?" + +"Oh, yes, I saw it, but it happened so fast I wasn't sure whose fault it +was." + +"You didn't take down the license number of the blue hit-skip car?" + +"Was it blue?" the woman inquired. "Now I told the police, maroon." + +"My information came from a small boy, so he may have been mistaken. Did +you notice the woman who offered my father a ride?" + +"Oh, yes, she was about my age--around forty." + +"Well dressed?" + +"Rather plainly, I would say. But she drove a fine, late-model car." + +"Would you consider her a woman of means?" + +"Judging from the car--yes." + +Penny asked many more questions, trying to gain an accurate picture of +the woman who had aided her father. She was somewhat reassured when the +candy shop owner insisted that Mr. Parker had entered the car of his own +free will. + +"Did he seem dazed by the accident?" she asked thoughtfully. + +"Well, yes, he did. I saw your father get into the car sort of holding +his head. Then he asked the woman to stop at the curb." + +"Why was that?" + +"He'd forgotten something--a leather carrying case. At any rate, he +returned to his own auto for it. Then he drove away with the woman." + +As puzzled as ever, Penny went out on the street once more. The weather +had turned colder, but she scarcely felt the icy blast which whipped her +face. + +It was silly to worry, she told herself sternly. Why, all the facts +supported Police Chief Jalman's belief that her father soon would return +home. Mrs. Weems was confident he would be found safe--so was Mr. DeWitt. +After all, only five hours had elapsed since the accident. A +disappearance couldn't be considered serious in such a short period. + +But try as she might, Penny could not free her mind of grave misgivings. +She could not forget the mysterious telephone call, the threatening +letter, and Harley Schirr's cocksure opinion that her father would not be +found. + +She stood disconsolate, gazing into the whirling snow storm. At the end +of the street the railroad station loomed as a dark blur, reminding her +of Jerry. If only he hadn't gone away! Jerry was the one person who might +help her, and she knew of no way to reach him. + + + + + CHAPTER + 8 + _A FEW CHANGES_ + + +Next morning, Penny, red-eyed because she had slept little, walked slowly +toward the _Star_ office. Throughout the long night there had been no +word from Mr. Parker. + +At every street corner newsboys shouted the latest headlines--that the +publisher had been missing nearly twenty-four hours. Even the _Star_ +carried a black, ugly banner across its front page. + +Penny bought a copy, reading with displeasure the story of Mr. Parker's +disappearance. + +"I can't understand why Mr. DeWitt let this go through," she thought. "If +Dad were here, he'd certainly hate it." + +Entering the lobby of the _Star_ building, Penny pressed the elevator +button. A long time elapsed before the cage descended. To her surprise +she saw that it was operated, not by Mose Johnson, the colored man, but +by the janitor. + +"Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Penny," the man apologized. "I'm not +much good at operating this contraption." + +"Where is Mose this morning, Charley?" + +"Fired." + +Penny could not hide her amazement. The old colored man had been employed +ten years at the _Star_ plant. Although not strictly efficient, Mose's +habits were good, and Mr. Parker had taken an affectionate interest in +him. + +"It's a shame, if you ask me," the janitor added. + +"What happened, Charley? Who discharged him?" + +"That guy Schirr." + +"Harley Schirr? But he has no authority." + +"An editor can fire and hire. I think he was just tryin' out his stuff on +poor old Mose." + +"During my father's absence, Mr. DeWitt is in full charge here," Penny +said emphatically. + +"DeWitt _was_ in charge. But they hauled him off to the hospital last +night with a bad pain in his tummy. Seems he had an appendicitis attack. +The doctor rushed him off and didn't even wait until morning to operate." + +The news stunned Penny. She murmured that she hoped Mr. DeWitt was doing +well. + +"Reckon he is," agreed the janitor. "We all chipped in and sent him some +flowers--roses. Mose gave fifty cents, too." + +Penny's mind came back to the problem of the colored man. + +"So Mr. Schirr discharged him," she commented. "I wonder why?" + +The janitor pressed a button and the cage moved slowly upward. + +"Mose was due on at midnight," he explained. "He didn't get here until +after two o'clock." + +"Didn't he have a reason for being so late?" + +The cage stopped with a jerk. "Sure, Mose had a pip this time! Something +about being detained by a ghost! Schirr didn't go for it at all. Swelled +up like a poisoned pup and fired Mose on the spot." + +"I'm sorry," Penny replied. "Dad liked Mose a lot." + +"Any news from your father?" + +Penny shook her head. As far as possible she was determined to keep her +troubles to herself. Turning to leave the cage, she inquired: + +"Where is Mose now? At home?" + +"He's down in the boiler room, sittin' by the furnace. Says he's afraid +to go home for fear his old lady will give him the works." + +"Will you please ask Mose to wait there for me?" Penny requested. "I want +to talk to him before he leaves the building." + +"I'll be glad to tell him," the janitor said. Hesitating, he added: "If +you've got any influence with Schirr, you might speak a good word for +me." + +"Why for you?" smiled Penny. "Surely your job is safe." + +"I don't know about that," the janitor responded gloomily. "This morning +when Schirr was comin' up in the elevator he said to me: 'Charley, +there's going to be a few changes made around here. I'm going to cut out +all the old, useless timber.' He looked at me kinda funny-like too. You +know, I passed my sixty-eighth birthday last August." + +"Now don't start worrying, Charley," Penny cheered him. "We couldn't run +this building without you." + +Deeply troubled, she tramped down the hall to the newsroom. Reporters +were in a fever of activity, pounding out their stories. Copy boys had a +nervous, tense expression as they ran to and fro on their errands. Harley +Schirr, however, was not in evidence. + +"The Big Shot has sealed himself in your father's office!" informed one +of the copy desk men in a muted voice. "Guess you heard about DeWitt?" + +Penny nodded. + +"The Great Genius has taken over, and how! This place is operating on an +efficiency-plus basis now. Why, he's got me so cockeyed, I compose +poetry." + +Penny crossed to her father's office, tapping on the frosted glass door. + +"Who is it?" demanded Schirr, his voice loud and unpleasant. + +Penny spoke her name. In a moment the door opened, and the editor bowed +and smiled. As if she were a guest of honor, he motioned her to a seat. + +"We're doing everything we can to trace your father," he said. "So far, +we've had no luck and the police admit they are baffled. I can't express +to you how sorry I am." + +To Penny's ears the words were words only, lacking sincerity. Determining +to waste no time, she spoke of DeWitt's sudden illness. + +"Oh yes, he'll be off duty for at least a month," replied Mr. Schirr. +"Naturally in his absence I have assumed charge. We put out a real paper +this morning." + +"I saw the front page." + +Penny longed to say that the story about her father had displeased her. +However, she knew it would do no good. The account, once printed, could +not be recalled. Far better, she reasoned, to let the matter pass. + +"I hear Mose Johnson has been discharged," she remarked. + +"Yes, we had to let him go." Mr. Schirr opened a desk drawer, helping +himself to one of Mr. Parker's cigars. "Mose is indolent, +irresponsible--a drag on the payroll." + +"My father always liked him." + +"Yes, he did seem to favor the old coot," agreed Schirr with a shrug. +"Well, thank you for dropping in, Miss Parker. If we have any encouraging +news, I'll see that you are notified at once." + +Well aware that she had been dismissed, Penny left the office. Schirr's +attitude angered her. He had made her feel unwelcome in her own father's +newspaper plant. + +As she closed the door behind her, she realized that nearly every eye in +the apparently-busy newsroom, had focused upon her. Deliberately, she +composed herself. Acting undisturbed, she swept past the rows of desks to +a rear stairway leading to the basement. + +The janitor had delivered her message to Mose Johnson. She found the old +colored man curled up fast asleep on a crate by the warm stove. + +Penny touched Mose on the arm. He straightened up as suddenly as if +someone had set off a fire-cracker. + +"Oh, Miss Penny!" he beamed. "I'se suah su'prised at seein' you down heah +in dis dumpy fu'nace room. But I thanks you just the same fo' wakin' me +up out o' dat ghost dream." + +"Were you having a ghost dream?" echoed Penny. + +"Yes, Miss. Yo' see I was dreamin' about dat same ghost I saw last night +on de way to work." + +Penny, fully aware that Mose was directing the conversation where he +wished it to go, hid a smile. + +"I heard about that, Mose," she commented. "It must have been quite a +lively ghost to make you two hours late." + +"It suah was a lively ghost," Mose confirmed, bobbing his woolly head. +"Why, it walked around jest like a live pu'son." + +"Aren't you being a bit superstitious, Mose?" + +"Deedy not, Miss. You is supe'stitious when you sees a ghost dat ain't +dar. But when you sees one dat is dar you ain't supe'stitious. You is +jest plain scared!" + +"Suppose you tell me about it," Penny invited. + +"Well, Miss Penny, it was like dis," began the old colored man. "At half +past eleven I starts off fo' work same as always. I picks up mah lunch +box de ole lady packed fo' me, an' scoots off toward de bus stop to get +de 11:45. But I nevah get dar. When I was goin' down dat road runnin' +past de old Harrison place, I seen de ghost." + +"The Harrison place?" interrupted Penny. "Where is that?" + +"You know de road that winds up Craig Hill? It's out towa'd de boat +club." + +"You don't mean that big estate house with the fence surrounding it?" + +"Dat's de place! Well, I seed dis heah ghost a cavortin' around behind de +big iron gate dat goes in to de old Harrison place. De ghost nevah sees +me, but I gets a good close-up of him. He was dressed in white and he was +carryin' his own tombstone around in his arms jes' like it doan weigh +nothin'." + +"Oh, Mose!" protested Penny. "And then what happened? Did the ghost +disappear?" + +"No, Miss," grinned the colored man, "but I did! I turns tail an' runs as +fast as a man half mah age could go, an' I nevah stops fo' nuthin' till I +gits back to mah own place. + +"When I tells mah ole lady what was goin' on she says, 'Mose, you sees +white ghosts 'cause you been a drinkin' some mo' o' dat white-eye. It's +twelve o'clock dis minute and you'se missed de last bus. Now you start +walkin'! And if you is fired, don't nevah da'ken dat do' no mo'.'" + +Old Mose drew a deep sigh. "And dat's jest what happened, Miss Penny. I +ain't got no job an' no mo' home than a rabbit. I'se suah bubblin' oveh +with trouble. It all come from seein' dat ghost you says I didn't see." + +"I'm sure you thought you saw one," replied Penny. "If you'll promise to +attend strictly to your duties hereafter, I'll ask Mr. Schirr to +reinstate you on the payroll." + +Old Mose brightened. "I suah nuff will!" he said jubilantly. "I won't +have no mo' truck with dat ghost. No sir!" + +To face Mr. Schirr once more, was a most unpleasant ordeal for Penny. +Nevertheless, she sought his office, apologizing for the intrusion. + +"I _am_ busy," the editor said pointedly. "What is it you want?" + +Penny explained that she had talked with Mose Johnson and was convinced +that his offense would not be repeated. + +"I want you to put him back on his old job," she requested. + +"Impossible!" + +"Why do you take that attitude?" inquired Penny, stiffening for an +argument. "Dad always liked Mose." + +"One can't mix sentiment with business. I have a job to do here and I +intend to do it efficiently." + +"Dad probably will show up before another day." + +"I don't like to dash your hopes," said Mr. Schirr. "We've tried to spare +your feelings. Perhaps your father will be found, but you know I tried to +warn him he was inviting trouble when he mixed with the tire-theft gang." + +"So you believe Dad has fallen into the clutches of those men?" + +"I do." + +"What makes you think so? Have you any evidence?" + +"Not a scrap." + +"And how did you learn Dad intended to expose the higher-ups?" + +"I don't mind telling you I heard him talking to Jerry Livingston about +it." + +"Oh, I see." + +"We're getting nowhere with this discussion," Mr. Schirr said +impatiently. "I really am busy--" + +"Will you reinstate Mose?" Penny asked, reverting to the original +subject. + +"I've already given my answer." + +"After all, this is my father's paper," Penny said, trying to control her +voice. "It's not a corporation. Only Dad's money is invested here." + +"So what?" + +"As a personal favor I ask you to reinstate Mose." + +"You're making an issue of it?" + +"Call it that if you like." + +Mr. Schirr's dark eyes blazed. He slammed a paper weight across the desk +and it dropped to the floor with a hard thud. + +"Very well," he said stiffly, "we'll restore your pet to the payroll." + +"Thank you, Mr. Schirr." + +"But get this, Miss Parker," the editor completed. "We may as well have +an understanding. While your father is absent, I'm in full charge here. +In the future I'll have no interference from you or any other person." + + + + + CHAPTER + 9 + _AN OPEN SAFE_ + + +Rather flattened by the interview with Mr. Schirr, Penny was glad to +leave the _Star_ plant. Going down in the elevator, she requested Charley +to tell Mose Johnson that he had been restored to his old job. + +"That's fine!" the janitor beamed. "Mighty glad to hear it." Opening the +cage door, he inquired: "Will you be going to see Mr. DeWitt?" + +"I thought I would." + +"He's at City Hospital. You might tell him that we all miss him around +here." + +"I'll certainly deliver the message," promised Penny. + +City Hospital was only six blocks away. Penny bought flowers and then +presented herself at the institution. After a brief wait in the lobby, +she was allowed to see Mr. DeWitt for a few minutes. + +"Good morning," she said cheerfully, handing the box of flowers to a +nurse. + +Mr. DeWitt, pale and weak, stirred and turned his head so that he could +see her. + +"What's good about it?" he muttered with a trace of his old spirit. "They +won't even let me sit up!" + +"I should think not," smiled Penny. She sat down in a chair beside the +bed. + +"Of all times to get laid up!" the editor went on. "Heard from your +father?" + +Penny shook her head. A long silence followed, and then she said +brightly: + +"But he'll be found--probably today." + +Mr. DeWitt lay with his eyes closed. "I've been thinking--" he mumbled +drowsily. + +"Yes?" Penny waited. + +"Mind's still fogged with that blamed ether," DeWitt muttered. "About +your father--" His voice trailed off. + +"Do you think he could have been waylaid by enemies?" Penny asked after a +moment. "Mr. Schirr believes his disappearance has a connection with the +tire-theft gang." + +Mr. DeWitt's eyes opened again. "I don't know," he mumbled. "Your father +was planning to break a big story--didn't tell me much about it." + +"You don't know what evidence he carried in the portfolio when he went to +see the State Prosecutor?" + +DeWitt shook his head. "Jerry'll know." + +"But how can I reach him?" + +"Didn't he leave an address at the office?" + +"I don't think so." + +"Then there's no way to reach him." Exhausted from so much talking, +DeWitt fell silent. At length however, he aroused himself and asked: +"Have you tried your father's safe?" + +"For Jerry's address?" + +"No, the names of the tire-theft gang. If the police had something to +work on--" + +"Dad took a lot of papers out just before he started for the Prosecutor's +office," Penny replied thoughtfully. "But some of the evidence may have +been left. It's worth investigating." + +The nurse returned to the room with a vase for the flowers. + +"I'm afraid I can't allow you to remain much longer," she said +regretfully. + +As she arose to go, Penny remembered to deliver Old Charley's message. + +"How's everything at the office?" Mr. DeWitt asked. "Who's in charge?" + +"Harley Schirr." + +Mr. DeWitt's forehead wrinkled. "Now I know I've got to roll out of +here!" he declared. "Things will be in a nice state by the time I get +back." + +Penny did not wish to worry him. "Oh, everything will go along," she +soothed. "Mr. Schirr is very efficient in his methods." + +"And opinionated," muttered DeWitt. "Oh, well, I'll be back on the job in +ten days." + +Penny did not disillusion him. Saying goodbye, she returned to the +newspaper office. Pausing at the downstairs advertising department, she +talked to Bud Corbin, a close friend of Jerry's. + +"This is the only address Jerry gave me," Mr. Corbin said, taking a card +from his billfold. "A wire might reach him. But there's a good chance it +won't. When he left here, he wasn't sure he'd stop at Elk Horn Lodge." + +Grateful for the address, Penny composed a telegram which the advertising +man offered to send for her. In the message she not only told of her +father's strange disappearance, but asked for a complete duplication of +material lost in the portfolio. + +"At least I've started the ball rolling," she thought, with renewed hope +in her efforts. "I believe Jerry can help if only he gets the wire." + +Penny had not forgotten Mr. DeWitt's suggestion that some evidence +against the tire-theft gang might be found in Mr. Parker's safe. + +"I hate to open it while Dad is away," she reflected. "Still, I know the +combination, and I'm sure he would want me to do it." + +To brave Harley Schirr a second time was a duty not to Penny's liking. +She debated waiting until after four o'clock when the editor doubtless +would leave the building. But time was precious and she could not afford +to wait. + +"What am I, a coward?" she prodded herself. "Why should I be afraid of +Harley Schirr? When Dad gets back on the job, he'll bounce him back where +he belongs." + +Penny's reappearance in the newsroom created a slight stir. However, no +one spoke to her as she walked straight to her father's office. The door +was closed. + +"Mr. Schirr isn't in conference?" she asked one of the copy readers. + +"No, just go right on in," the man returned carelessly. + +Without knocking, Penny opened the door. On the threshold, she paused, +startled. Harley Schirr was down on his knees in front of the open safe. +Evidently he had been going through Mr. Parker's private papers in +systematic fashion for he was circled by little piles of manila +envelopes. + +Mr. Schirr was even more startled than Penny. He sprang to his feet, the +picture of guilt. Then, recovering his poise, he scowled and demanded: +"Here again?" + +Penny carefully closed the office door before she spoke. Then her words +were terse. + +"Mr. Schirr, kindly explain what you are doing in my father's safe." + +"Looking for information about the tire-theft gang." + +"A story you say the _Star_ never should print." + +"That's neither here nor there." A deep flush had crept over Schirr's +cheeks but his manner remained confident. "As editor I have to know +what's going on." + +"Who gave you permission to open the safe?" + +"You forget that I am editor here, Miss Parker." + +"At least I've been reminded of it enough times," Penny retorted. "How +did you learn the combination?" + +"I've known it." + +"You saw the numbers written on Dad's desk," Penny accused. + +Mr. Schirr did not deny the charge. Turning his back, he started to +remove a rubber band from a small stack of yellowed letters. The act +infuriated Penny, for she recognized the packet. Years before, the +letters had been written by her own mother, and Mr. Parker always had +treasured them. + +"Don't you touch those!" she cried, darting forward. "They're personal." + +Snatching the packet from Mr. Schirr, she gathered up the other papers +and envelopes from the floor. Thrusting everything into the safe, she +closed and locked the door. + +"Well!" commented the editor scathingly. + +"You're through here!" said Penny, facing him with blazing eyes. "Do you +understand? I'm discharging you." + +Mr. Schirr looked stunned. Then he laughed unpleasantly. + +"So _you're_ discharging me," he mocked. "By what right may I ask?" + +"This is my father's plant." + +"Which doesn't necessarily make you the editor or the owner, Miss +Penelope Parker. You're a minor as well as a nuisance. If your father +proves to be dead, the court will step in--" + +"Get out!" cried Penny, fighting to keep back the tears. "You don't care +about Dad, or anything but your own selfish interests!" + +"Now you're hysterical." + +Penny's anger subsided, to be replaced by a cool determination that +Harley Schirr should not remain in charge of the _Star_ another hour. + +"I meant just what I said," she told him quietly. "Please go." + +Schirr smiled grimly. Seating himself at the desk, his eyes challenged +hers. + +"I remain as editor here," he announced. "If you wish to contest my +right, take your case to court. In the meantime, keep out of my private +office." + + + + + CHAPTER + 10 + _TALE OF A GHOST_ + + +Beaten and close to tears, Penny stumbled out of Harley Schirr's office. +As she paused just beyond the closed door, every eye in the newsroom +focused upon her. Salt Sommers, camera box slung over his shoulder, went +over and spoke to her. + +"Penny, we all heard that row. If you say the word, we'll walk out of +here in a body." + +Penny smiled, touched by the expression of loyalty. "That would do no +good," she replied. "Thanks just the same." + +"We're through taking orders from Schirr!" Salt went on. "He always has +been a pain in the neck, and now that he has authority, there's no +holding him down. How about it, boys?" + +A chorus of approval greeted his words. One of the reporters picked up a +paper weight and would have hurled it against the closed door, had not +another restrained him. + +"I'm sure Dad would want everyone to carry on," Penny said quietly. "The +paper must be published the same as always." + +"We could do our work and do it well, if Schirr would just leave us +alone," growled one of the copy readers. + +"That's right!" added another. "Why don't you take over, Penny?" + +"Mr. Schirr just reminded me that I'm not the editor. I know nothing +about running a newspaper." + +"How about the time you ran the High School weekly?" Salt reminded her. +"Why, you did a bang up job of it, and uncovered _The Secret Pact_ story +to boot! Don't try to tell us you don't know how to run a newspaper!" + +"A weekly high school sheet and the _Star_ are two different +propositions." + +"But your father has a fine organization here," Salt argued. "If Schirr +can be kept from breaking it up, everything will go along. The boys all +know their jobs." + +Penny's eyes began to sparkle. But she said: "I don't see how I could +take over, much as I would like to do it. Schirr has staked out rights in +Dad's office and nothing will move him short of a court order." + +"You don't need a fancy office to run a paper," Salt grinned. "We'll just +take our orders from you. Schirr can sit until he's had enough of it." + +Penny gazed at the eager, loyal faces about her. Nearly all of the men +were old employees, personally trained by her father and Mr. DeWitt. She +knew she could depend on them. + +"We'll do it!" she exclaimed suddenly. "As your new editor, I wish to +issue my first order. Please, let's not publish any more sensational +stories about Dad's disappearance." + +"Okay Chief," grinned one of the desk men. "That suits us all fine." + +Penny was given a seat of honor at the slot of the circular copy desk. +There she was able to read and pass upon every story which flowed from +the typewriters of the various reporters. With the courteous help of one +of the deskmen, she remade the front page of the noon edition. A +particularly sensational story about Mr. Parker, prepared earlier in the +day, was promptly "busted." + +Penny found her new duties exacting, but surprisingly easy. Over the +years it was astonishing how much she had learned about the workings of a +newspaper plant. At different times she had served as reporter, society +editor and special feature writer. As for the editorial policy of the +_Star_, she was thoroughly familiar with it, for her father frequently +aired his views at home. + +Shortly after the noon edition rolled from the press, the buzzer in Mr. +Schirr's office sounded. Mr. Parker's private secretary did not answer. +The buzzer kept on for nearly five minutes. Then the door was flung open. + +"What the blazes is the matter with everyone?" Schirr shouted. + +His gaze fastened upon Penny at the copy desk. + +"Meet our new editor, Mr. Schirr," said Salt, who had that moment come +out of the camera room. + +Schirr ignored Penny. Snatching up one of the noon editions, still fresh +with wet ink, he glanced at the front page. His eyes flashed. + +"Eckert," he said to the head copy man, "come into my office. I want to +talk to you." + +"Oh, sure," said Eckert, but he did not follow Schirr into the adjoining +room. + +Soon the ex-editor came storming out to learn what was wrong. This time +his expression was baffled. + +"Mr. Eckert," he said with exaggerated politeness. "Will you please step +into my office?" + +"Sorry," replied the copy reader. "You may as well know right now that +you're not giving the orders around here!" + +"We'll see about that!" cried Schirr. + +Darting to one of the speaking tubes, he called the foreman of the press +room. + +"Schirr talking!" he said curtly. "Stop the presses! Kill that noon +edition! We're making over the front page!" + +"Can't hear you," was the reply, for word had been passed to the men in +the pressroom. "Louder!" + +Schirr shouted until he was nearly hoarse. Then suddenly conscious that +he was making a spectacle of himself, he slammed into his office. A +minute later he reappeared, hat jammed low over his eyes. + +"This is a very clever scheme, Miss Parker," he said, facing her. "Well, +it won't work. I'm leaving, but I'll be back. With a lawyer!" + +He strode from the newsroom, banging the door so hard the glass rattled. + +"Don't worry about that egg," Salt advised Penny. "He's mostly bluff." + +"I think he does mean to get a court order," she returned soberly. + +"He may try," Salt shrugged. "We can handle him." + +Following Schirr's departure, everything moved smoothly at the _Star_ +plant. One edition after another rolled from the presses. Penny was kept +busy, and frequently she was worried and in doubt. Nevertheless, everyone +made the way easy for her, and as the day wore on she gained confidence. + +Throughout the afternoon, news stories kept pouring into the _Star_ +office, but no encouraging information came in regard to Mr. Parker. +Several times Penny called the police station and also talked with Mrs. +Weems. The housekeeper, fearful that the girl would become ill, insisted +upon bringing a hot evening meal to the office. + +"Penny, you've been here all day," she chided anxiously. "You must come +home with me." + +"I can't just yet," Penny replied. "There's too much to do. By tomorrow, +if Schirr doesn't make trouble, things will smooth out." + +"You're working so hard you'll be sick abed!" + +"I want to work," Penny said grimly. "It keeps me from thinking. Anyway, +Dad would want me to do it." + +Mrs. Weems sighed as she gathered up the lunch basket and thermos bottle. +Penny barely had tasted the food. + +"When will you be home?" the housekeeper asked. + +"I can't say exactly. After the night editions are out. Don't sit up for +me." + +"You know I couldn't go to bed until you are home," Mrs. Weems responded. +"You'll take a taxi?" + +"Of course," promised Penny. + +After the housekeeper had gone, she plunged into her duties once more. +With the force short of two men, DeWitt and Schirr, there really was too +much work for the desk men to do unassisted. Penny wrote headlines, +copy-read stories, and passed on all matters of policy. So busy did she +keep, that when at length she glanced at her watch, it was eleven-thirty. + +"Gracious!" she thought. "And Mrs. Weems will be waiting up for me!" + +Saying goodnight to the men who would carry on in her absence, she went +down the back stairs to the street. As she glanced about for a taxicab, +she saw Old Mose Johnson shuffling toward the loading dock. + +"Good evening," she greeted him. "I'm glad to see you're ahead of time +tonight." + +"Good evenin', Miss Penny," the colored man said, doffing his tattered +hat. "Yas'm. I'se heah, but I seed dat same ghost a-lurkin' behind de +gate!" + +"I hope that ghost isn't becoming a habit with you, Mose." + +"Deed Miss Penny, he's mo' dan a habit," the colored man sighed. "He's a +suah-nuff live ghost. De fust time I seed him I thought he wasn't no +imagination ghost. But when I saw him agin' tonight I was dead suah of +it." + +"What happened this time, Mose?" + +"Well, Miss Penny, I was a walking along dat same road, down by de ole +Harrison place when I seed him again. He was a-cavortin' behind dat same +iron gate. And he was dressed de same too, in a long white robe." + +"And you ran the same too, I suppose?" smiled Penny. + +"Ah made myself scarce around dat gate, but I didn't run home dis time. I +was a-skeered of mah ole woman. I beats it to de restaurant on de co'ner +and waits dere 'till a bus comes. Oh, I'se gettin' good, Miss Penny! I +can see a ghost and git to work on time, all de same evenin'!" + +"Well, keep up the good work," Penny said jokingly as she turned away. + +The meeting with Old Mose had served to divert the girl's mind from her +own difficulties. Riding home by taxi, she caught herself reviewing the +details of the colored man's outlandish tale. + +"Mose couldn't have seen a ghost," she thought, "but he's honest about +being frightened. If I didn't have so many serious troubles, I'd be +tempted to investigate the old Harrison estate myself." + +Penny alighted at her home and walked wearily up the shoveled path. Snow +was falling once more. Already the exposed porch was covered with a +half-inch coating of feathery flakes. + +Inside the house a light flashed on. The bright beam shining through the +window drew Penny's attention to a series of freshly-made footprints +criss-crossing the porch. + +"Mrs. Weems must have had a visitor," she thought, observing that the +heel marks were made by a woman's shoe. + +As Penny reached for the door knob, her glance fell upon a long, narrow +envelope which protruded from the tin mailbox. She removed it, wondering +why the housekeeper had neglected to do so. + +Mrs. Weems opened the door. + +"Thank goodness, you're home at last, Penny. I fell asleep on the +davenport. There isn't any word--" + +"Not a scrap of news," Penny completed. + +Dropping the letter on the center table, she removed her wraps and flung +herself full length on the davenport. + +"You poor child!" Mrs. Weems murmured. "You're practically exhausted. +Please go straight to bed. I'll fix some warm milk and perhaps you can +sleep." + +"I don't feel as if I'd ever sleep again," Penny declared. "I'm tired, +but I feel so excited and tense." + +Mrs. Weems picked up the girl's coat and cap. Shaking them free of snow, +she hung the garments in the closet. + +"Did you have a bad time of it today?" Penny asked after a moment. + +"It wasn't exactly pleasant," Mrs. Weems replied. "Reporters and +photographers came from every paper in Riverview. The police +too--although I was glad to have them. And the telephone! I counted +twelve calls in an hour." + +"You must be dead. You shouldn't have waited up for me." + +"I wanted to, Penny. About an hour ago I thought I heard your step on the +porch, but I was mistaken." + +Penny sat up. "Haven't you had a caller during the last hour, Mrs. +Weems?" + +"No, I've been alone." + +"But I saw footprints on the porch! And I found this in the mailbox!" + +Penny snatched the long envelope from the table. Holding it beneath the +bridge lamp, she noticed for the first time that it bore no stamp. +Strangely, it was addressed to her. + +"Why, where did you get that letter?" cried Mrs. Weems. + +"Found it in the mailbox." Penny's hand trembled as she ripped open the +flap. + +A sheet of writing paper, high quality and slightly perfumed, slid from +the envelope. The message was terse and bore no signature at the end. It +read: + + "Offer a suitable reward and information will be provided as to the + whereabouts of your father. Make your offer known in the _Star_." + + + + + CHAPTER + 11 + _BY A CEMETERY WALL_ + + +Penny and Mrs. Weems reread the anonymous message many times, analyzing +every word. + +"Plainly this note was written by a woman of some means for the paper is +fine quality," Penny commented. "She must have sneaked up on the porch +about an hour ago." + +"Call the police at once," urged Mrs. Weems. "They'll tell us what we +should do." + +"Whoever left the note may be watching the house." + +"We must risk that, Penny. I'll call the station myself." + +While Mrs. Weems busied herself at the telephone, Penny switched off the +living-room light. She could see no one loitering anywhere near the +house. Slipping on her coat, she went outside to inspect the footprints +left on the porch. Only a few remained uncovered by snow. There was no +way to tell in which direction the writer of the anonymous message had +gone. + +Mrs. Weems had completed her telephone call by the time Penny reentered +the house. + +"Two detectives will be here in a few minutes," she revealed. "You keep +watch for them while I run upstairs and get into something more suitable +than a lounging robe." + +Within ten minutes a car drew up in front of the house. Penny already was +acquainted with Detectives Dick Brandon and George Fuller, and had great +confidence in their judgment. Anxiously she and Mrs. Weems waited while +the men scanned the anonymous message. + +"This might be only a crank note," commented Brandon. "Someone who's read +of Mr. Parker's disappearance, and hopes to pick up a little cash." + +"Then you don't think it came from the tire-theft gang?" Penny asked. + +"Not likely. A professional kidnaper never would have sent a note like +this. The handwriting hasn't even been disguised." + +"Will it be possible to trace the person?" + +"It should be if we have a little luck." Detective Brandon pocketed the +letter. "Now this is what you must do, Miss Parker. Offer a reward--say +five thousand dollars--for information about your father." + +"I'll get the story in every edition of the _Star_ tomorrow. And then +what am I to do?" + +"You'll likely hear from the writer of this anonymous message, either by +letter or telephone. If you contact the woman, arrange a meeting. Then +notify us immediately." + +The discussion went on. When at length the two detectives left, Penny and +Mrs. Weems were hopeful that within another twenty-four hours they might +know Mr. Parker's fate. + +In the morning, after only five hours of sleep, Penny was back at her +desk. Her first act was to dictate the story offering a +five-thousand-dollar reward for information about her father. Not even to +Salt Sommers did she confide that she had received an anonymous message. + +"Everything's going well here at the plant," he assured her. "Harley +Schirr hasn't so much as stuck his nose through the door." + +"I hope we're through with him," replied Penny soberly. "However, I don't +feel that we are. By the way, no telegram has come from Jerry?" + +"No message yet. Guess he didn't get your wire." + +Throughout the morning, Penny worked tirelessly at her desk. Although her +father's office now was vacant, she did not take possession. Even when +she occasionally entered to get papers from the file, it gave her a +queer, tight feeling. Her father's old neck-scarf still hung on the +clothes tree. The rubbers he hated to wear stood heel to heel against the +wall. + +"Dad is alive and well," she told herself whenever her courage faltered. +"By tomorrow he'll be back. I know he will." + +At noon Salt brought Penny a sandwich which she ate without leaving her +desk. As she struggled with the last mouthful, the telephone rang. + +"Is this Miss Parker?" inquired a woman's voice. + +Penny gripped the receiver tightly. Her pulse began to pound. Although +she had no real reason for thinking so, she suddenly knew that she was in +contact with the mysterious writer of the anonymous message. + +"Yes," she replied, keeping her voice calm. + +"You offered a reward in your paper today. Five thousand dollars for +information about Mr. Parker." + +"True. Can you tell me anything about his disappearance?" + +"I can if you're willing to pay the money." + +"I'll be glad to do it." + +"And no questions asked?" + +"No questions," Penny promised. "If you actually can provide information +that will help me find my father, I'll be happy to give you the money." + +There was a long silence. Fearful lest the woman had lost her nerve and +was about to hang up, Penny said anxiously: + +"Where shall I meet you? Will you come to my home?" + +"That's too risky." + +"Then where shall I meet you?" + +"Tonight at eight. You know the cemetery out on Baldiff Road?" + +"Baldiff Road?" Penny repeated doubtfully. + +"You'll find it on a county map," the woman instructed. "Meet me at the +cemetery wall promptly at eight. And don't bring anyone with you. Just +the money. I'll guarantee to tell you where you can find your father." + +The receiver clicked. + +Greatly excited, Penny made a futile attempt to trace the telephone call. +Failing, she set off for the police station to talk to Detectives Fuller +and Brandon. + +"The woman must be a rank amateur or she wouldn't have arranged a meeting +in the way she did!" Detective Brandon assured Penny. "Now let's find out +where Baldiff Road is located." + +Using a large map, he circled an area several miles south of Riverview. +Penny was surprised to note that Baldiff Road branched off from the same +deserted thoroughfare which she and Louise had followed on the night of +the blizzard. The cemetery, Oakland Hills, was situated perhaps a mile +from the old Harrison place where Mose Johnson had claimed to have seen a +ghost. + +"It shouldn't be hard to nab the woman when she shows up," Detective +Fuller declared. "Dick and I will get there early and keep watch." + +"Just what am I to do?" Penny inquired. "Shall I take the reward money +with me?" + +"We'll give you a package of fake money," the detective answered. "Drive +to the cemetery alone at the appointed hour. If the woman shows up, talk +to her, try to learn what she knows. We'll attend to the rest." + +Penny returned home to consult with Mrs. Weems. How to reach the cemetery +was something of a problem. Her own car, minus its wheels, remained at +the Yacht Club, and Mr. Parker's automobile had been hauled to a garage +for extensive repairs. + +"Can't you borrow a car from someone at the _Star_ office?" suggested the +housekeeper. "And do take a man with you when you drive to the cemetery." + +"No, I must go alone," insisted Penny. "That part is very important." + +In the end she was able to borrow Salt Sommer's coupe. A little after +seven o'clock she set off for Baldiff Road with the package of fake money +in her possession. The night was not cold, but a stiff wind blew through +the evergreens; whirlwinds of snow chased one another across the +untraveled road. + +"What a dreary place for a meeting," Penny shivered as she glimpsed the +bleak cemetery on a hilltop. + +The area, a full half-mile from any house, was bounded by a high +snow-covered brick wall. Beyond the barrier, starlight revealed a cluster +of rounding tombstones layered with white. No one was visible, neither +the woman nor members of the police force. + +Penny glanced at her watch. It lacked ten minutes of eight o'clock. She +parked not far from the cemetery entrance and switched off the engine. + +Twenty minutes elapsed. Nervous and cold, Penny climbed from the car and +tramped back and forth to restore circulation. She had begun to doubt +that the woman would keep the appointment. + +Then, coming swiftly down the road, she saw a strange looking figure. The +one who approached wore a long, tight-fitting coat. A hat with a dark +veil covered the woman's face. + +"There she is!" thought Penny, every nerve tense. + +The woman came closer. While still some distance from the cemetery +entrance, she suddenly paused. Her head jerked sideways. Then to Penny's +dismay, she turned and fled toward the woods. + +"Wait!" Penny shouted. "Don't be afraid! Wait!" + +The woman paid no heed. Lifting her coat the better to run, she +disappeared among the trees. + + + + + CHAPTER + 12 + _FLIGHT_ + + +As Penny wondered what to do, Detectives Brandon and Fuller leaped from +their hiding place behind the cemetery wall. Their car had been secreted +in a clump of bushes farther down the road. By pure mischance, the woman +in the black veil had seen it as she approached, and fearing treachery, +had fled. + +"Quick, Dick, or she'll get away!" Fuller shouted. + +Penny did not join in the pursuit. Reentering her car, she waited +anxiously. From the crashing of underbrush, she knew the detectives were +having difficulty in following the woman. In the dark forest it would be +very easy for her to elude the officers. + +Three quarters of an hour elapsed before the men returned. + +"We lost her," Detective Brandon reported. "No use searching any longer." + +Sick at heart, Penny drove slowly toward home. Her hopes had been +completely dashed. Not only had she failed to contact the mysterious +woman, but there now seemed little likelihood of doing so. + +"I may receive another telephone message," she thought, "but I doubt it. +That woman probably will be too badly frightened to try to contact me +again." + +At the exit of Baldiff Road, Penny headed down the winding hillside +highway which she and Louise had followed on the night of the blizzard. +The route, although slightly longer, would take her close to the +Riverview Yacht Club. + +"I'll go that way and see if my car is still there," she decided. "Then +tomorrow I can have it hauled home and jacked up. I should have looked +after the matter long ago." + +The coupe rounded a curve and the road dipped between an avenue of +swaying, whispering pines. To the left, shrouded in snow, loomed the old +Harrison house. The estate was picturesque in itself, and Mose Johnson's +tale about a ghost had intensified the girl's interest. + +"Wonder who owns the place now?" she speculated. "Probably not any member +of the Harrison family, as I believe they were old-timers in Riverview." + +Penny slowed the car to idling speed. Deliberately keeping to the left +hand side of the road, she studied with deep interest the long, +snow-frosted fence which bounded the grounds. The barrier was an +unfriendly one, high and spiked at the top. + +Suddenly her attention focused upon a well-beaten path in the snow just +inside the fence. The footprints, plainly visible in the bright +moonlight, extended the full width of the grounds. + +Into Penny's mind flashed the wild yarn told by Mose Johnson. + +"Ghost tracks!" she thought. "At least those prints must have been made +by whatever he saw beyond the gate." + +So interested was Penny in the path that for an instant she completely +forgot her driving. The front left wheel of the car struck a tiny mound +of ice and snow at the road's edge. + +Barely in time to avoid an accident, the girl twisted the steering wheel +and brought the car back on the highway. + +"Another second and I'd have been in the ditch!" she thought shakily. "If +I must look for a ghost, guess I'll do the job right." + +Penny pulled up, this time at the opposite side of the road. Getting out, +she crossed to the iron fence and peered through it. The path which had +attracted her attention had been pounded hard by someone who had walked +just inside the enclosure. + +"Odd!" she reflected. "Maybe Old Mose's ghost has more substance than I +thought." + +Penny glanced toward the big house, dark and majestic in its setting of +evergreens. Obviously the place had been closed for the winter. Walks +were not shoveled, blinds had been drawn, and no tire tracks led to and +from the three-car garage. + +"Wonder who or what could have made that path?" she mused. "Certainly not +an animal." + +Unable to solve the mystery, Penny turned to re-enter the parked coupe. +Before she could cross the road, a light went on in a third floor room of +the estate house. Startled, she stared at it. As she watched, it was +extinguished. + +"Someone must live here!" thought Penny. "Or am I seeing spooks myself?" + +For a long while she watched the upper floor of the house. The light did +not reappear. At length, wearying of the vigil, she returned to the car. + +Penny started the engine and bent down to open the fins of the heater. +Straightening, she cast a last, careless glance toward the old estate. +Her heart did a flip-flop. + +Beyond the iron gate, in the garden area, a white-robed figure slowly +paced back and forth! + +"My Aunt!" whispered Penny. "Am I seeing things or am I seeing things?" + +For a moment she sat very straight, watching. The ghostly figure, white +from head to toe, moved with measured steps toward the high gate. + +"There aren't any ghosts," she encouraged herself. "But if that's not a +spook, it must be someone dressed up like one! And who would play +Hallowe'en games on a cold night like this?" + +Alone, frankly nervous, Penny had no overpowering desire to investigate +the white-robed figure at close range. A large, spreading evergreen +half-blocked her view of the gate. She could not see the ghost plainly, +but she distinctly heard the rattle of a chain as the apparition tested +the lock. + +"Real or imaginary, that spook is trying to get out!" Penny thought with +a shiver. "If Mose were here now I'd challenge him to a race!" + +The white-gowned figure shook the gate chain a second time, then slowly +retreated. Penny watched for a moment, before abruptly swinging open the +car door. She had decided to investigate. + +As she crossed the road, the white figure moved away from her. By the +time she reached the gate, it had disappeared around a corner of the +house. + +"At least Mr. Spook wasn't carrying his own tombstone!" Penny observed to +herself. "Mose exaggerated that part." + +She waited, leaning against the gate post. Within three minutes a light +went on in the upper part of the house. For a fleeting instant before the +blind was pulled, she saw someone standing in front of an old-fashioned +dresser. + +"Mr. Ghost seemingly has turned in for the night," thought Penny. "But is +it a he, she, or it?" + +Soon the bedroom light was extinguished. Cold and tired, Penny decided +that the mystery must remain unsolved. However, as she drove on, she kept +thinking about what she had seen. Of one thing she now was certain. The +estate was not deserted! + +Without stopping at the Yacht Club grounds, Penny made certain that her +stripped car and ice boat remained as she last had seen them. Driving on +to Riverview, she left Salt's car at the _Star_ plant, then taxied home +to tell Mrs. Weems of her failure at the cemetery. + +"Don't feel badly about it," the housekeeper comforted. "Surely the woman +who telephoned will make another attempt to reach you." + +"I doubt it," Penny replied gloomily. "She'll know now that the police +are watching for her." + +"This entire affair is so bewildering," sighed Mrs. Weems. "How could +your father have been kidnaped? If what we've learned is true, he left +the scene of the accident of his own free will." + +"I never was so baffled in my life," Penny returned, throwing herself on +the davenport. "I used to think I was good at solving puzzles. Now I know +I'm just plain dumb." + +"Have you thought about employing a private detective?" + +"It might be a good idea!" Penny agreed, encouraged. "I'll see what I can +do tomorrow." + +As she started wearily up the stairs to bed, Mrs. Weems called after her +to say that Louise Sidell had telephoned earlier in the evening. Penny +nodded absently, assuming that her chum had phoned to express sympathy. +She did not think of the matter again until the next morning at +breakfast. As she was leaving the table, Mrs. Weems came in to report +that Louise once more was on the telephone. + +"Penny, I can't tell you how shocked I was to learn about your father," +her chum began breathlessly. "Is there anything I can do to help?" + +"I'm afraid not, Lou." + +"What are you using for a car? You must need one badly." + +"Salt Sommers let me have his last night. I'll get along." + +"Penny, I know how you can buy tires!" Louise went on. "In fact, that's +what I wanted to talk to you about." + +"How can I buy tires? Rubber is supposed to be scarce." + +"When I was having my hair fixed at the beauty parlor yesterday I heard +two women talking!" Louise declared excitedly. "It seems there's a garage +where you can get them if you pull the right strings!" + +"Oh! A Black Market place?" + +"I suppose that's what you would call it." + +"I don't want to get tires illegally," Penny said. "I'm not interested, +Lou." + +"You don't even care to know the name of the garage?" + +"What good would it do?" + +"None perhaps, but it might give you a surprise." + +"A surprise?" Penny repeated. She glanced at the clock, impatient because +the conversation was being prolonged. A great deal of important work +awaited her. + +"You don't want to know the name of the place?" Louise persisted. + +"Yes, I do. On second thought, it might be well worth while to find out +what I can about Black Market operations in tires." + +The conviction had come suddenly to Penny that all the evidence contained +in her father's lost portfolio must be gathered anew. No word had been +received from Jerry Livingston. In the quest for information, she must +depend upon her own efforts. + +"It's going to give you a real shock to learn the name of the place," +Louise went on. + +"I'm shock proof by this time," answered Penny. "Let 'er fly." + +But Louise was unwilling to divulge the information over the telephone. + +"I don't dare tell you now," she replied. "Just sit tight for ten minutes +and I'll deliver my bombshell in person." + + + + + CHAPTER + 13 + _A BLACK MARKET_ + + +Ten minutes later Louise was at the front door with the Sidell family +car. She tooted the horn until Penny put on her coat and went outside. + +"Jump in and I'll take you to the place of mystery," Louise greeted her. +"On second thought, you'd better drive. I hate icy roads." + +Penny slid behind the steering wheel. "But where are we going?" she +protested. "Honestly, Lou, I haven't much time--" + +"Mattie Williams' garage is the place that sells the tires! Now, are you +interested?" + +"Am I? Why, we stopped there with Salt Sommers!" + +"We did indeed. Remember the big truck?" + +"Lou, you may have stumbled into something really important!" + +"Glad you think so, chum. But you're not interested in Black Markets." + +"I've changed my mind! I want to talk to Mattie Williams right away!" + +Penny started the car. Driving with a mechanical, unthinking efficiency +born of many years' practice, she questioned Louise as to the source of +her information. The girls were deep in a discussion when they heard +someone shout. Salt Sommers had hailed them from the curb. + +"Why, hello," Penny greeted him, stopping the car with a jerk. "Any +trouble at the _Star_?" + +"Not from Schirr," grinned Salt. "I'm hot-footing it to the Ladies Club +to mug some dames pouring tea! For the society page." + +"Poor Salt!" smiled Penny, knowing how he hated trivial assignments. + +"On your way to the office?" the photographer questioned. + +Penny hesitated, then decided to confide in Salt. She repeated what +Louise had told her about the Mattie Williams' garage. + +"Well, can you beat that!" the photographer exclaimed. "I don't know +Mattie and her partner well, but I always supposed they were honest. So +they're dealing in stolen tires!" + +"We don't know for sure," Penny said hastily. "Our information is mostly +founded on rumor." + +"And the tires may not be stolen ones," contributed Louise. "I only heard +they can be bought there." + +Penny added that she would not take time to run down the Black Market +story save that her father's disappearance might have a connection with +the tire-thief gang. + +"I aim to learn the names of those men Dad intended to expose," she said +earnestly. + +Somewhat startled by the grim note of Penny's voice, Salt warned her that +she might be venturing on dangerous ground. + +"We all admire your courage," he said, "but you mustn't take foolish +risks. Your father would turn thumbs down on that idea." + +"It's because of Dad that I must investigate every angle of the +tire-theft racket." + +"Quite an ambitious assignment," Salt said dryly. "Now as soon as Jerry +gets back from Canada--" + +"We can't wait! Something has to be done right away!" + +"I know how you feel," responded Salt, "but there's such a thing as being +too courageous." + +"I'm not courageous," Penny denied. "Last night at the cemetery I was +scared half to death. And then when I saw the ghost--" + +"What ghost?" interrupted Louise. + +Penny had not intended to speak of what she had seen at the Harrison +estate. The slip of tongue made it necessary to tell of the path by the +gate, the retreating figure, and the mysterious light. + +"That's funny," commented the photographer, regarding her with a peculiar +expression. "Since I've been on duty at the observation tower I've never +seen any activity at the estate." + +"I don't believe in ghosts, but I saw one all that same!" Penny insisted. +"Just watch some night and see for yourself!" + +Annoyed by Salt's smile, she shifted gears and drove on down the street. +Turning to Louise, she asked earnestly: "You believe I saw something +wandering about the estate last night, don't you?" + +"Well," Louise hesitated, unwilling to offend her chum. "You must have +been quite upset after failing to meet that woman at the cemetery. Under +the circumstances...." + +"I was as calm as I am now," Penny cried indignantly. "I saw it, I tell +you!" + +"Of course you did, dear," Louise soothed. "Do please watch your driving +more carefully, or I'll have to take over." + +Penny suddenly relaxed. "Okay, have it your own way," she shrugged. "I +wouldn't believe Mose Johnson, so why should you believe me? It's just +one of those things." + +For a long while they rode in silence. Few cars were on the road and +there was little business activity at Kamm's Corner. Penny parked in +front of the Mattie Williams' garage. + +"What excuse will we have for questioning her?" Louise asked dubiously. + +"I'm not going to make an excuse," said Penny. "I'll just come right out +and ask her if she sells tires without a special order." + +The girls entered the warm little office, stamping snow from their +galoshes. + +"Just a minute," called a voice which belonged to Mattie Williams. + +The garage owner was busy with a customer. Soon however, she came in from +the main part of the building, wiping her oily hands on a piece of waste. + +"What can I do for you?" she inquired briskly. + +"You remember us, don't you?" asked Penny, leading into the subject of +tires as gradually as possible. "We're friends of Salt Sommers." + +"Oh, sure!" the woman's face lighted. "You came in with him the night of +the bad storm." + +"My car had been stripped of its tires. Ever since, I've been wondering +how to get new ones." + +A slightly guarded expression came over Mattie Williams' face. She said +nothing. + +"I was told I might obtain some here," Penny plunged on. + +"You can," said Mattie. "Provided you have an order from your Ration +Board." + +"Not without it?" + +Mattie gazed at Penny with undisguised scorn. "What sort of a place do +you think we run here?" she demanded. "Of course we don't sell tires +without an order." + +"But we were told--" + +"Well, you were told wrong," snapped Mattie. "Sorry. I can't help you." + +Picking up a wrench from the desk top, the woman left the office. + +"I guess I didn't approach her the right way," remarked Penny sadly. +"Either that, or our information was incorrect. Louise, are you sure--" + +"Oh, I am!" her chum insisted. "The two women I overheard, distinctly +said Mattie Williams' garage. Of course, they might have been wrong about +it." + +Before Penny and Louise could leave the office, a middle-aged man with +glasses came in through the street door. + +"Sam Burkholder here?" he demanded, warming himself by the stove. + +Penny started to say that she did not know. Just then Mattie Williams' +partner came in the other door. + +"Hi, Sam!" the stranger greeted him. "I've got the car parked around +back. Are you ready to put on that tire?" + +Sam frowned, darting a quick glance at the two girls. + +"Oh, the one I patched for you!" he returned. "Sure, it's fixed. Drive +your car in the back entrance and I'll take care of it." + +Both men went out into the main part of the garage. Just beyond the door +they paused for a whispered conference, then separated. + +"Shall we go?" inquired Louise, glancing at her chum. + +"Not just yet," replied Penny. "I'm curious to see that patched tire. +Let's kill a little more time here." + +Pretending to warm themselves by the stove, they waited ten minutes. +Then, without attracting attention, they sauntered out onto the main +garage floor. Mattie Williams was busy washing a car and did not see +them. + +The garage workroom was divided into sections, separated by a double door +which was closed. Penny strolled over and pushed it open just enough to +see through the crack. + +Sam Burkholder was working on the stranger's car. He had removed an old +tire and wheel, and was replacing it with one whose tread appeared new. + +"A patched tire, my left eye!" Penny whispered to Louise. "It's just as +we thought! This garage must be a Black Market place!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 14 + _A FAMILIAR FIGURE_ + + +Only for a moment did the girls dare remain at the door watching Sam +Burkholder mount the tire. Then, their curiosity satisfied, they moved +quietly away. Without speaking to Mattie Williams, they returned to the +parked automobile. + +"Well, wasn't I right?" Louise demanded triumphantly. "What do you think +we should do?" + +The question plagued Penny. "I don't know," she confessed. "If only we +were absolutely sure the tire was new--" + +"It certainly looked new." + +"Yes, but it could have had some wear. It's possible, too, that the +customer had a legal right to buy a new tire." + +"Then you don't intend to report to the police, Penny?" + +"I want to talk to Salt about it first. We must move carefully, Lou. You +see, my main objective is to learn the names of the higher-ups involved +in the tire-theft racket." + +"And where does this garage fit into the picture?" + +"If it fits at all, my guess is that Sam and Mattie are buying illegal +tires--perhaps from the same men who stripped my car and threatened Dad." + +Driving slowly toward Riverview, Penny reviewed what she had seen. She +was convinced the information was valuable, yet she scarcely knew how to +use it. + +"If Salt suggests that I report to the police, that's what I'll do," she +decided. + +Enroute home, Penny stopped at another garage to make arrangements to +have her stripped coupe hauled into the city. + +"How about the _Icicle_?" Louise asked, thinking her chum had forgotten +the iceboat. + +"It will have to stay where it is for the time being," Penny replied. "If +it's stolen, I won't much care." + +At the Sidell home, the girls separated. Thanking Louise for the use of +the car, Penny returned afoot to the _Star_ office. Salt Sommers was +absent on assignment, so she did not linger long. As she rounded a street +corner on her way home, a newsboy for a rival paper blocked her path. + +"Read all about it!" he shouted. "Anthony Parker Believed Kidnaped! +Paper, Miss?" + +Penny dropped a coin into the lad's hand and hastily scanned the front +page. The story of her father's disappearance was a highly colored +account, but contained not a useful item of information. Tossing the +sheet into a street paper-container, she moved on. + +She was passing the Gillman Department Store when her attention was drawn +to a woman who waited for a bus. + +"I've seen her somewhere before," thought Penny, pausing. "Last night--" + +The woman wore a small black hat and a long, old-fashioned dark coat +which came nearly to her ankles. It was the shape of the garment and its +unusual length which struck Penny as familiar. Why, the woman resembled +the one who had fled from the cemetery! + +Penny pretended to gaze into the store window. Actually she studied the +woman from every angle. She might have been forty-seven years of age and +was large-boned. Her face was heavily lined, and her long hands were +covered by a pair of cheap, black cotton gloves. + +"Can it be the same woman?" thought Penny in perplexity. + +A bus bearing a county placard glided up to the curb. The woman in black +was the only passenger to board it. + +"That bus goes out toward Baldiff Road and the cemetery!" Penny told +herself. "And that's where I'm going too!" + +An instant before the folding doors slammed shut, she sprang aboard. +Paying her fare, she sought a seat at the rear of the bus. + +No sooner was the coach in motion than Penny regretted her hasty action. +What could she hope to gain by pursuing the strange woman? She was not +certain enough of her identification to make a direct accusation. County +buses ran infrequently. In all likelihood, she would find herself +stranded in the country. + +Penny arose to leave the bus. Then changing her mind a second time, she +sat down. Try as she would, she could not rid herself of a conviction +that the woman she followed was the same one who had visited the +cemetery. + +The bus made few stops in the city. Once beyond the city limits, it sped +along at a brisk speed. To Penny's satisfaction, the woman in black soon +began to gather up her packages. She pressed a button and the bus skidded +to a stop at a crossroads. + +With no show of haste, Penny followed the woman from the bus. Pretending +to enter a grocery store at the corner, she waited and watched. + +Apparently the woman lived nearby, for she started off down a narrow, +winding road which ran at right angles to the main highway. + +"Why that's the road that runs past the Harrison place," Penny thought. +"Wonder if she can be going there?" + +Waiting until the woman was nearly out of sight, she trudged after her. +Walking was difficult for the road had not been cleared by a snow plow. +Fortunately for Penny, the woman did not once glance behind her. She kept +steadily on until she came within view of the big estate house on the +hill. Just before she reached the boundary fence, she cut across a field, +approaching the dwelling from the rear. + +Penny remained at the road, watching. The woman took a key from her +pocket, unlocking a small, padlocked gate at the rear of the grounds. She +snapped the lock shut again, and disappeared into the house. + +Penny perched herself on top of an old-fashioned rail fence to think over +what she had seen. The woman, whoever she was, obviously lived at the +estate. Yet the cheap quality of her clothing suggested that she could +not be the owner of such an expensive establishment. + +"Probably a servant or caretaker," Penny reasoned. "But is she the one +who ran away last night?" + +Far over the hills in a lonely grove of pines stood Oakland Cemetery. On +either side of Baldiff Road stretched dense woods, a growth that crept to +the very boundaries of the Harrison estate. Penny instantly noted that it +would be possible for a person to flee from the cemetery to the very door +of the estate without once leaving the shelter of trees. + +"Perhaps it was the same woman!" she thought. "If she lives here, it +would be logical for her to specify Oakland Cemetery as a meeting place! +And escape would be easy for her, too!" + +Penny slid down from the fence. It would do no good to question the +woman. Rather, if she were guilty, questions might serve to place her on +the alert. Far better, she reasoned, to bide her time. + +"I'll learn everything I can about that woman," she thought. "Tonight +I'll watch the house." + +In making her plans, Penny did not take into account Mrs. Weems' +attitude. Upon reaching home late in the afternoon, she found the +housekeeper in a most discouraged mood. No favorable news had been +received from any source. + +"I've been worried about you too, Penny," Mrs. Weems confessed. "Where +did you go after you left the _Star_ office?" + +Penny told of her trip to Mattie Williams' garage and later to the +Harrison estate. In particular she described the mysterious woman she had +followed by bus. + +"I plan to go back there tonight," she concluded. "For the first time +since Dad disappeared, I feel I may have stumbled into a valuable clue!" + +Mrs. Weems looked troubled. "But Penny," she protested, "you can't go to +the estate alone!" + +"I thought perhaps Louise would accompany me." + +"Two girls alone at night! I can't give my consent, Penny. It's not +safe." + +"But I don't wish to call the police just yet, Mrs. Weems. I've no real +evidence. Will you come with me?" + +The housekeeper hesitated. Naturally a timid woman, she had no desire to +stir from her own fireside that night. But she knew where her duty lay. + +"Yes, I'll go with you, Penny," she consented. "Shall we start soon?" + +"Not until after dark. One can't expect a ghost to show up in broad +daylight." + +"A ghost!" Mrs. Weems quavered. "Penny, what are you letting me in for?" + +"Frankly, I don't know. Some strange things have been going on at the +Harrison estate. Tonight I hope to solve part of the mystery at least." + +Pressed for an explanation, Penny repeated Mose Johnson's story and told +of seeing the strange white-robed figure with her own eyes. The tale did +not add to Mrs. Weems' comfort of mind. + +"We're crazy to go out there," the housekeeper protested. "Must we do +it?" + +"I think it may be our one hope of gaining a clue which will lead to +Dad." + +"Then I'm willing to risk it," agreed Mrs. Weems. "However, we'll drive +out in a taxi. And I shall personally select the driver--a man to be +depended on in an emergency." + +So excited was the housekeeper that she had difficulty in preparing the +evening meal. In the end Penny took over, shooing her out of the kitchen. + +"I declare I don't know why I am so nervous," Mrs. Weems shivered. "I +haven't felt so shaky since the time I attended a seance at Osandra's." + +"You saw ghosts a-plenty on that occasion," smiled Penny. "I only hope we +have as much luck tonight." + +By eight o'clock everything was in readiness for the journey into the +country. Dressing warmly and carrying an extra blanket, Penny and Mrs. +Weems walked to a nearby cab station. There the housekeeper selected a +driver, a burly man who looked as if he might have been an +ex-prizefighter. + +"Sure, Ma'am," he said as Mrs. Weems questioned him, "you can depend on +me to look after you." + +"How are you at capturing ghosts?" inquired Penny, climbing into the cab. + +The driver looked a trifle startled. "Swell!" he rejoined. "Bring on your +spook, and if he don't weigh no more than two hundred pounds, I'll nail +him!" + +Penny and Mrs. Weems were satisfied that they were in good hands. They +instructed the man, Joe Henkell, to drive directly to the old Harrison +estate. + +"By the way, do you know who owns the property?" Penny asked as the cab +rolled toward the country. + +"Fellow from the East," Joe flung over his shoulder. "I'm not sure. Think +his name is Deming--George Allan Deming. Wealthy sportsman. Has his own +plane an' everything." + +"Married?" + +"Couldn't tell you. The estate has been closed up this winter." + +The cab soon approached the familiar grounds. Penny directed the driver +to pull up some distance from the dark house. + +"Switch off the headlights," she instructed. "We'll wait here. It may be +a long time too, so make yourself comfortable." + +Joe, taking Penny at her word, began to smoke a vile-smelling cigar which +nearly drove Mrs. Weems to distraction. After an hour had elapsed, the +housekeeper scarcely could endure the stuffy air of the cab. + +"Penny, must we wait any longer?" she asked plaintively. + +"Why, it's early, Mrs. Weems. I expect to stay until midnight at least." + +"Midnight!" The housekeeper quietly collapsed. + +Just then the cab driver turned around, touching Penny's arm. He directed +her attention to the house by saying briefly: "A light just went on." + +Penny and Mrs. Weems focused their attention on the upper floor of the +estate. A single light could be seen burning there, but as they watched +it blinked off. + +"Now if a ghost is to appear this is the time!" announced Penny. "Why +don't we get closer?" + +She sprang from the cab. Mrs. Weems and the taxi driver followed with +less enthusiasm. The housekeeper, quivering and shaking, clutched the +man's arm as she struggled against the wind. + +"Joe, you stay right beside me!" she ordered. + +"Sure, Ma'am," he said soothingly. "I couldn't get away if I had a mind +to." + +Penny, a step ahead, held up her hand as a warning for silence. She had +seen the familiar white figure rounding a corner of the house. + +"There's the ghost!" she whispered. "See! Beyond the gate!" + +Joe whistled softly. + +"A spook, sure's I'm alive!" he muttered. + +"And you promised to nail him," reminded Penny, starting forward along +the fence. "We'll creep a little closer. Then Joe, I shall expect you to +do your stuff!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 15 + _GHOST IN THE GARDEN_ + + +The three investigators moved stealthily along the high fence. Through +the iron palings they could see a white-garbed figure walking with +measured tread amid the shrubs of the frozen garden. Back and forth the +apparition strolled, following a well-trod path between the shrunken +snowdrifts. + +Penny, Mrs. Weems, and the taxi driver crept closer. The ghostly one did +not note their approach. Hooded head bent low, he glided to the gate, +testing chain and padlock. + +"Poor restless soul!" whispered Mrs. Weems. + +Penny gave the housekeeper a tiny pinch to break the spell which had +fallen upon her. "That's no ghost," she whispered. "Don't you see! It's a +man wearing a heavy white bathrobe over his clothing. He's pulled the +wide collar up over his head like a hood!" + +"It's a man all right," added the taxi driver. "You can tell by the way +he walks. Ghosts kinda slither, don't they?" + +"I believe it's someone imprisoned on the grounds!" Penny whispered +tensely. "Watch!" + +The ghost, his face shadowed, rattled the chain again. Then with a +distinct, audible sigh, he turned and tramped back along the fence away +from the gate. + +"Aw, that spook could get out if he wanted to," muttered the taxi driver. +"Why don't he climb over the fence?" + +"Perhaps the man is a sleep walker," suggested Mrs. Weems nervously. +"Whoever he is, the poor fellow should be in his bed." + +Penny was determined to learn the identity of the man. Moving to the +gate, she called softly. The figure in white whirled around, looking +straight toward her. + +Penny caught a fleeting impression of a lean, startled face. Then the man +turned and fled toward the house. No longer could there be any doubt that +he was a man, for as he ran the legs of his woolen pajamas showed beneath +the white robe. + +"Wait!" Penny called. "Please wait!" + +The ghostly one hesitated, and glanced over his shoulder. But the next +moment he was gone, having vanished through a side door into the house. + +Penny, weak from excitement, clung to the gate. "Mrs. Weems!" she cried. +"Did you see him?" + +"Yes, you frightened him away when you shouted." + +"But didn't you notice his face? As he turned toward me, I caught a +glimpse of it. Mrs. Weems, the man looked like Dad!" + +"Oh, Penny," the housekeeper murmured, taking her arm, "you can't be +right. How could it be your father?" + +"It looked like him." + +"Not to me," said Mrs. Weems firmly. "Why, if it had been Mr. Parker, he +would have answered when you called. He wouldn't have run away." + +Penny was compelled to acknowledge the logic of the housekeeper's +reasoning. "I guess that's true," she said reluctantly. "I'll admit I +didn't see his face plainly. I wanted it to be Dad so badly I may have +imagined the resemblance." + +A light was switched on in an upstairs room of the estate house. However, +blinds were lowered, and those on the ground did not obtain another +glimpse of the mysterious man who haunted the snowy garden. Finally Mrs. +Weems induced Penny to return to the taxi. + +Speeding toward Riverview, neither of them had much to say. Penny could +not blot from her mind the vision of a startled, bewildered face. Reason +told her that Mrs. Weems was right--the man could not be her father. Who +then, was he? Why had he refused to talk to her at the gate? + +"The man may have been a sleep walker," she thought. "Possibly the owner +of the estate, Mr. Deming." + +The cab had reached the business section of Riverview. Upon impulse Penny +decided to stop at the _Star_ plant to make sure that everything was +going well. + +"It won't take me long," she assured Mrs. Weems. "Why don't you wait in +the cab?" + +Only a skeleton night force was on duty at the _Star_ office. The +advertising department had been closed, and on the floor above, scrub +women were busy mopping up. A sleepy-eyed desk man greeted Penny as she +entered the deserted newsroom. + +"Everything's Okay," he assured her. "The final edition's out, and most +of the boys have gone home. I was just taking a little cat nap." + +"Any news?" + +"Not about your father. The police have been kept busy chasing down false +rumors. About four hours ago a report came in your father had been seen +in Chicago." + +"Chicago!" + +"Just a fake report." + +"Oh, I see," said Penny weakly. "No word from Jerry, I suppose?" + +The deskman shook his head. "Plenty of mail for you though." + +"Anything important?" + +"Mostly replies to that reward offer you made. A lot of 'em are screwball +letters. Your father's been seen in every section of the city from the +river to the Heights." + +"Where is the mail?" + +"I dumped it on your father's desk." + +"I'll take it home to read," Penny said. "By going through every letter +carefully I may stumble upon a clue." + +She crossed the newsroom and opened the door of her father's office. + +The light was not on. Groping for the wall switch, her keen ears detected +stealthy steps moving away from her. Sensing the presence of someone in +the room she called sharply: "Who's here?" + +There was no reply. Across the room, a door softly opened and clicked +shut. Penny was startled. Although the private office had two entrances, +one leading directly into the hall, the latter had not been used in +years. Usually the door was locked and a clothes tree stood in front of +it. + +Her groping fingers found the switch and she flooded the room with light. +A glance revealed that mail lying on the desk had been disturbed. One of +the top drawers remained open. The clothes tree had been moved from in +front of the hall door. Plainly, someone had just fled from the room! + +Darting to the corridor door, Penny jerked it open. No one was in sight. +However, at the end of the deserted hall, she saw the elevator cage +moving slowly downward. + +"I'll get that fellow yet!" she thought grimly. + +Taking the hall at a run, she plunged down the stairway two steps at a +time. Breathless but triumphant, she reached the lower corridor just as +the cage stopped with a jerk. + +Harley Schirr stepped out, closing the grilled door behind him. + +"Fancy meeting you here!" said Penny, her eyes flashing. "What were you +doing in my father's office?" + +Schirr regarded her coolly. Without answering, he tried to brush past +her. + +"You were looking for something in Dad's desk!" Penny accused, blocking +the way. "I know how you got in too! Through the hall entrance. You're +such a professional snooper you probably have a skeleton key that unlocks +half the doors in the building!" + +"I've had about enough of your insolence!" Schirr retorted. "There's no +law which says I can't come to this plant. And speaking of law, I may sue +you for libel." + +"What a laugh." + +"You'll not be laughing in a few days, Miss Parker! Oh, no! I've hired a +lawyer, and we're preparing our case. You've insulted me, humiliated me +in the eyes of my fellow newspapermen, but you'll have to pay. And pay +handsomely!" + +The threat failed to disturb Penny. Schirr, determined to wound her +deeply, went on with grim satisfaction. + +"You kid yourself you'll see your father again," he jeered. "Well, you +won't! Mr. Parker is dead and you may as well get used to the idea." + +Penny's eyes burned. "You say that only to torture me!" + +"It's the truth. If you weren't so blind you'd acknowledge it. Your +father tried to run a gang of professional tire-thieves out of this town, +and they did for him." + +"You seem very certain of your facts, Mr. Schirr. Perhaps you know some +of the higher-ups personally." + +"How would I?" + +"Your knowledge is so complete," Penny said scathingly. + +"I'm only telling you my opinion," Schirr growled, now on the defensive. +"If you want to ride along in a sweet dream that's Okay with me." + +"I want to get at the truth," said Penny shortly. "Do you have one scrap +of evidence that Dad has fallen into the hands of enemies?" + +Schirr hesitated, knowing well that an affirmative answer might lead to +questioning from the police. + +"I don't have any knowledge of the case," he said. "At least not for +publication!" + +Flashing a superior smile, he pushed past Penny, and went out of the +building. + + + + + CHAPTER + 16 + _A DOOR IN A BOX_ + + +Penny scarcely knew what to think of Harley Schirr's actions. All her +accusations were true, of that she was sure. But she was unable to decide +whether or not he had any information about her father's strange +disappearance. + +"The old snooper may be hand in glove with the tire thieves!" she thought +bitterly. "I wouldn't put it past him. If I could prove anything, +wouldn't I like to turn him over to the police!" + +Climbing the stairs, Penny explained briefly to the _Star_ deskman what +had occurred. + +"Shirr here again!" he exclaimed. "Why, I'm sure he never came through +the newsroom." + +"No, he got into Dad's office by means of that old hall door. Tomorrow I +want a new lock put on." + +"I'll have it taken care of myself," promised the deskman. + +Reentering her father's office, Penny gathered up the mail and carefully +locked both doors. She then returned to the waiting taxicab. During the +ride home she made no mention of Mr. Schirr, preferring not to worry the +housekeeper. + +Later in Mr. Parker's study, she and Mrs. Weems examined every letter +written in response to the reward offer. Not even one of them offered the +slightest promise. + +"I'll turn everything over to the police," Penny said with a sigh. "Maybe +they'll find a clue I've not considered important." + +Both she and Mrs. Weems were feeling the effects of such a long period of +strain. Meals had been irregular, appetites poor. Penny in particular had +lost so much weight that she looked thin and sallow. Yet somehow she +managed to keep up her strength and to face each day with hope. + +"Mrs. Weems," she said the next morning at breakfast, "if you'll advance +me some money, I'm going on another taxi jaunt today." + +"Not to the Harrison place." + +"No, out to Mattie Williams' garage. I'm convinced that place is dealing +in stolen tires. If only I can reconstruct the evidence which disappeared +in Dad's portfolio, I may get a clue that will lead to him." + +Without protest, Mrs. Weems gave Penny the money. Secretly she thought +that the girl would do much better to turn all of her information over to +the police. However, she realized that Penny needed activity to keep her +from brooding, so she wisely did not discourage her. + +"Don't get into any trouble," she warned anxiously. + +"No danger of that, Mrs. Weems. I've not enough pep for it these days." + +Engaging the same cabman who had served her so well the previous night, +Penny motored to the Williams' garage. She had made no plans and scarcely +knew what she would say when she entered the place. As she debated, the +big doors of the building opened, and a tow car drove away with Mattie at +the wheel. + +"There she goes!" thought Penny, disappointed. "I'm afraid my interview +will have to wait." + +Getting out, she sauntered into the garage office. Mattie's partner, Sam, +was nowhere to be seen. Nor did he appear to be working in the main part +of the building. + +Penny waited a few minutes, then wandered about the floor where a number +of cars had been stored. No workmen were in evidence. + +"This might be a good time to do a bit of looking around!" she thought +suddenly. "I'll never have a better chance." + +Penny opened the doors into the room where she had observed Sam +Burkholder mount a new tire on the car of a customer. One wall was +stacked high with large wooden boxes, not unlike those she and Louise had +seen delivered by the truck driver, Hank Biglow, on the night of the +blizzard. + +She thumped one of the boxes with her knuckles. It gave off a hollow, +empty sound. She tried another box with no better luck. Some of the big +crates had been opened. They contained nothing except a little brown +wrapping paper. + +Disappointed, Penny turned away. But as she moved toward the exit, her +eyes flashed upon one of the boxes which had escaped her attention. +Boards were loose at one end, and could be hinged back on their nails +like a door. + +Intrigued, Penny crossed to the crate. As she pulled on one of the +boards, all swung back as a unit. + +"Why, it's like a door!" she thought. "A door in a box!" + +Penny gazed into the box and was further amazed. It had no back wall. +Instead, she saw a long, empty tunnel formed by several crates piled one +in front of the other. And at the very end stood a real door! + +"Maybe this is the pay-off!" thought Penny excitedly. + +Pulling the boards into place behind her, she stooped and made her way +through the tunnel to the door. It was locked. + +"I'll bet a cent stolen tires are stored in that room!" reasoned Penny. +"If only I could get in there!" + +Her mind did not dwell long on the problem. A moment later she was +alarmed to hear a low murmur of voices. Someone was approaching the +storage room from the main part of the garage. Unless she wished to be +trapped in the tunnel of boxes, she must abandon the investigation! + +Penny started hurriedly toward the opening. Before she could get through +the tunnel, the big double doors squeaked open and she heard heavy +footsteps in the room. Peering out through a knothole in one of the +boxes, she saw Mattie Williams and her partner, Sam. They were arguing +and their voices came to her plainly: + +"Guess you didn't look for me back quite so soon, Sam," Mattie +reprimanded her partner. "When I went off in the tow car you figured I'd +be gone a long time. Thought it would give you a good chance to tamper +with the books!" + +"That's not so, Mattie. I was marking up some expenses like I always do." + +"I've been aiming to have a straight talk with you for a long time, Sam," +the woman resumed. "That's why I asked you to step back here in the +storage room. No use having the customers know about our differences." + +"I don't see what you've got to squawk about," Sam retorted. "Ain't you +made more money since I teamed up with you than you ever did before?" + +"Yes." + +"But you're always afraid I'll cheat you out of a penny." + +"I've caught you in some dishonest tricks. About those tires--" + +A loud, insistent tooting of an automobile horn broke up the +conversation. Abandoning the argument, Mattie and Sam went to serve the +impatient customer. + +Penny did not tarry. Crawling from the tunnel, she glanced about for a +means of escape. Fortunately, the room had an outside exit. Making use of +it, she returned to the waiting taxi, without seeing either Sam or Mattie +again. + +"Police station, Joe," she instructed. + +"How do you want to go?" the cab driver inquired. "This road or No. 32?" + +"Let's drive past the old Harrison place." + +"Sure," grinned Joe. "Maybe we'll see that spook again!" + +The cab bumped along the frozen road, soon coming within view of the +hillside estate. Joe slowed down without being requested to do so. + +"I was tellin' the boys about that place last night," he flung over his +shoulder. "They tell me the owner is this guy Deming. He's gone East for +the winter. A big, fat, bald-headed man." + +"Our ghost was a thin person." + +"Yeah, I was thinking that," agreed Joe. "Maybe Deming's got a sick +relative or something." + +The explanation did not satisfy Penny. With troubled eyes she gazed +toward the rambling old house which by daylight looked so deserted. No +smoke curled from the chimneys. Had it not been for a trail of footprints +along the fence, she easily could have convinced herself that she had +imagined the events of the previous night. + +"Say, who's that trackin' through the fields?" Joe suddenly demanded. + +Penny turned to glance in the direction that the cabman pointed. Her +heart did a little flip-flop. A woman in a long black coat, market basket +on her arm, was hastening toward the rear door of the estate house. + +"Stop the cab, Joe!" she cried. + +The car came to a halt with a little sideways skid. Leaping out, Penny +plunged through the drifts and was able to confront the woman at the rear +gate of the premises. + +"How do you do," she greeted her breathlessly. + +The woman was so startled that she nearly dropped her market basket. +Confused, she stammered a reply and started to unlock the gate. + +"Just a moment, please," requested Penny. "May I come inside and talk to +you?" + +"About what?" + +"My father's disappearance. You made an appointment to meet me at the +cemetery. Why did you run away?" + +The bold attack was not without an effect. The woman gasped, and fumbled +nervously with the key to the padlock. + +"I don't know what you're talking about!" she muttered. + +"Unless you tell me everything you know regarding my father's +disappearance, I'll call the police!" + +"The police--" the woman repeated, plainly frightened. + +"Yes," Penny went on relentlessly, "this is a serious matter. It will do +you no good to bluff." + +The woman gave up trying to unlock the gate. Setting her basket down in +the snow she said weakly: "You advertised a reward--" + +"I'll still be glad to pay it for worthwhile information. What do you +know about my father?" + +The woman drew a deep breath. "Well, I picked him up in my car after the +accident." + +"You did?" Penny became jubilant. "Where is he now?" + +"I can't tell you that. Mr. Parker asked me to take him to Mercy +Hospital. I let him off at the entrance to the grounds. That's the last I +saw of him." + +"My father entered the hospital?" + +"I don't know. I didn't remain to watch." + +The story was disappointing. If true, Mr. Parker's disappearance remained +as mysterious as ever. Penny was silent a moment and then she asked the +woman why she had fled from the cemetery. + +"Because I saw a police car parked behind the bushes," the other answered +defiantly. "And those detectives chased me, too! I only intended to be +helpful and maybe win a reward. Now I want nothing to do with the case. +I've told you everything I know." + +The woman unlocked the gate and started to enter the grounds. + +"You're not Mrs. Deming?" Penny asked quickly. + +"Who I am is my own business." + +"I suppose the ghost is your own affair too!" + +"Ghost? What ghost?" + +"You live here, yet you haven't learned that the grounds are haunted?" +Penny inquired significantly. "Nearly every night a man in white wanders +back and forth in the garden." + +"I don't know anything about it!" the woman said nervously. "I'll not +answer any more questions either!" + +Plainly frightened, she snapped shut the padlock of the gate and fled +into the house. + + + + + CHAPTER + 17 + _ADVENTURE BY MOONLIGHT_ + + +A moment Penny stood gazing at the estate house. She considered climbing +the iron fence and trying to gain entrance to the dwelling. Then, +deciding that nothing would be achieved by again accosting the strange +woman, she returned to the waiting taxi. + +"Where to?" asked the cabman. + +"It's still the police station," directed Penny, repeating an earlier +order. "I have twice as much to report now." + +As the cab pulled away, she noticed a movement of curtains at the front +of the estate house. Evidently the woman who had fled, was watching. + +Joe made a quick trip to Riverview, depositing Penny at the doorstep of +Central Station. + +"Will you need me any more?" he asked hopefully. + +"I may." + +"Okay," said Joe, slamming the cab door. "I'll stick around. You know, I +kinda like this job." + +Once inside the police station, Penny inquired for Chief Jalman. Unable +to see him, she asked to speak to the two detectives who had been +assigned to her father's case. Both men were away from the building. + +"Why not talk to Carl Burns?" suggested the desk sergeant. "He's familiar +with the case." + +Penny was sent to see a heavy-set man who warmed himself by a steaming +radiator. Evidently he had spent several hours in an unheated police car +for he stamped his feet to restore circulation. + +"Mr. Burns?" inquired Penny. + +The man turned, staring at her. Penny returned the stare. She had seen +the officer before and the recollection was not entirely pleasant. He was +the same officer she had met near Mattie's garage on the night of the +blizzard. + +"What may I do for you?" he asked. + +Uncomfortably aware of the officer's scrutiny, Penny began to tell of her +visit to the Williams' garage. She stammered a bit and lost confidence. + +"You say you saw some big boxes at the garage," he demanded. "What's so +suspicious about that?" + +Penny tried to explain about the tunnel of boxes which led to a hidden +storage room. Even to her own ears the story had a fantastic sound. + +"What you _think_ or _surmise_ doesn't go in this business!" the officer +said rather rudely. "Did you actually see any stolen tires?" + +"Well, no, I didn't," Penny admitted. "The door was locked." + +"Are you willing to swear out a warrant charging Mattie and her partner +with dealing in stolen merchandise?" + +"I don't suppose I'd dare do that. I thought if police would +investigate--" + +"We can't go on suspicions, Miss Parker. We act only on sound evidence." + +"Well, it doesn't matter so much about the stolen tires," Penny said +desperately. "I have another clue--a really important one. I've found the +woman who eluded Detectives Brandon and Fuller at the cemetery!" + +"Now we may get somewhere," replied the officer. "Who is the woman? Where +did you see her?" + +Penny told everything she knew about the woman who had taken her father +to Mercy Hospital. Word for word she repeated their recent conversation +together. + +"I'll turn this evidence over to Detective Fuller," the policeman +promised. "He'll probably want to question the woman himself." + +"I hope he does it right away," replied Penny. "She may take it into her +head to skip out of town." + +Officer Burns smiled wearily. "Just trust us to handle the case," he +said. "We know our business." + +Penny left the station feeling none too satisfied. Although she had +nothing against Mr. Burns, she sensed that he did not like her. She +wondered if she could depend on him to repeat her story as she had told +it. + +"If that estate house isn't investigated immediately, I'll do something +myself!" she thought. + +Joe, the cabman, still waited. Signaling him, Penny regretfully explained +that she would have no further use for his services. + +"Well, if you change your mind and want to do some more ghost huntin' +tonight, just give me a ring," Joe grinned. "My number's 20476." + +Penny carefully wrote it down. She then walked to the nearby _Star_ +building where many matters awaited her attention. There she worked +without interruption until late afternoon, taking only enough time to +call the police station. Detective Fuller was not available. So far as +she could learn, no investigation had been made of the Harrison estate. + +Thoroughly annoyed, Penny tramped home to dinner. Only a cold meal +awaited her. Mrs. Weems, ill with a headache, had set out a few dishes on +the kitchen table, and gone to bed. + +"It's nothing," the housekeeper insisted as Penny questioned her +anxiously. "I've just worried too much the past few days." + +"Let me call Doctor Barnell." + +"Indeed not," Mrs. Weems remonstrated. "I'll be all right tomorrow." + +Penny brewed a cup of tea and made the housekeeper as comfortable as she +could. By the time she had eaten a snack and washed the dishes it was +eight o'clock. Debating a long while, she went to the telephone and +summoned a cab. + +"Number 20476," she requested. + +Penny was zipping on her galoshes when the doorbell rang. Without giving +her time to answer it, Louise Sidell marched into the kitchen bearing a +freshly baked lemon pie. + +"Mother sent this over," she explained. "I slipped on the ice coming over +and nearly had a catastrophe!" + +Carefully Louise deposited the pie on the kitchen table. Cutting short +Penny's praise of it, she inquired alertly: "Going somewhere?" + +Penny explained that she intended to motor to the Harrison estate. + +"Not alone?" Louise demanded. + +"I'll have to, I guess. Mrs. Weems is sick, so I can't take her along." + +"You could invite me," Louise said eagerly. "I'll telephone mother to +come over and stay with Mrs. Weems while we're gone!" + +The arrangement proved satisfactory to everyone. Mrs. Sidell came +immediately to the house, and very shortly thereafter the girls sped away +in Joe's taxicab. + +The night was a pleasant one, mildly cold, but with a bright moon. + +"Park before you get to the estate," Penny directed the driver. "We don't +want to be seen. It might defeat our purpose." + +Joe drew up in a clump of trees some distance from the Harrison grounds. +He then walked with the girls to the spiked fence. There was no sign of +activity. + +Two hours elapsed. During that time nothing unusual occurred. No lights +were visible inside the house. Even Penny began to lose heart. + +"This is getting pretty boring," she sighed. "I don't believe the ghost +is going to show up tonight." + +"We may have been observed," suggested Louise. "One can see very plainly +tonight." + +After another half hour had elapsed Penny was willing to return to the +cab. The three started away from the fence. Just then they heard a door +slam inside the house. Instantly they froze against the screen of bushes, +waiting. + +"There's the ghost!" whispered Louise. + +A figure had appeared in the garden beyond the gate. But the one who +walked alone was not a ghost. Plainly he was garbed in street clothes +rather than white. Over his suit he wore a heavy overcoat. A snap-brimmed +hat was pulled low on his forehead. + +Penny could not see the man's face, but the silhouette seemed strangely +familiar. + +"That looks like Dad!" she whispered, clutching Louise's hand. "It is he! +I'm sure!" + +"Oh, it can't be--" + +Penny paid no heed to her chum's protest. Breaking away, she ran toward +the gate. + +The man in the garden became suddenly alert. As he heard the approaching +footsteps he gazed toward the road. Upon seeing Penny he started to +retreat. + +"Wait!" she called frantically. "Don't you know me, Dad? It's Penny!" + +The words seemed to convey nothing to the man. He shook his head in a +baffled sort of way, and walked swiftly toward the house. + +Penny ran on to the gate. It was locked, but she vaulted over, landing in +a heap on the other side. By the time she had picked herself up, the man +had vanished into the house. + +"Are you hurt?" Louise cried, hurrying to the gate. + +Penny brushed snow from her coat and did not answer. + +"That man couldn't have been your father," Louise said kindly. "Do come +back, Penny." + +"But it was Dad! I'm sure of it!" + +"You called to him," Louise argued. "If it had been Mr. Parker he +couldn't have failed to recognize your voice." + +"It was Dad," Penny insisted stubbornly. "He's being held a prisoner +here!" + +"But that's ridiculous! Whoever that man is, he could escape from the +grounds just as easily as you climbed the gate." + +Penny did not wish to believe, yet she knew her chum was right. + +"Anyway, I'm going to talk to him," she declared. "Now that I am inside +the grounds, I'll ring the doorbell." + +Leaving Louise and Joe on the other side of the fence, Penny went boldly +to the front door. She knocked several times and rang the bell. There was +no response. + +"Why doesn't someone answer?" she thought impatiently. + +At the rear of the house a door slammed. Suddenly Louise called from the +gate: "Penny! A woman is leaving the estate by the back way!" + +Penny darted to the corner of the house. The same woman she had met +earlier that day had let herself out the rear gate. Holding the skirts of +her long black coat, she fairly ran across the snowy fields. + +"Shall I nab her?" called Joe, eager for action. + +Penny's reply was surprisingly calm. + +"No, let her go," she decided. "While that woman is away, I'll get into +the house. I think Dad is in there alone, and I'm going to find him!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 18 + _THROUGH THE CELLAR WINDOW_ + + +Penny returned to the front porch and rang the doorbell many times. No +one came to admit her. She tested the door, finding it locked. Windows +above the porch level could not be raised. + +"I'll try the back door," she said, refusing to accept defeat. + +Louise and Joe followed her to the rear of the dwelling, but remained on +the outside of the fence. + +As Penny had feared, the back door also was locked. She tested eight +windows. Finally she found one which opened into the cellar. To her +delight the sash swung inward as she pushed on it. + +"Here I go!" she called to Louise. "You and Joe stay where you are and +keep watch." + +Penny crawled through the narrow opening and swung herself down to the +cellar floor. She landed with a thud beside a laundry tub. The room was +dark. Groping her way toward a stairway, she tripped over a box and made +a fearful clatter. + +"I've certainly advertised my arrival!" she thought ruefully. + +At the top of the stairway Penny found a light switch and boldly turned +it on. The kitchen door was not locked. She opened it and stepped out +into another semi-dark room. + +A doorbell at the front of the house began to ring. Penny was +dumbfounded. Then she became annoyed, thinking that Louise and the cab +driver were trying to get in. + +Groping her way through the house, she unlocked the door and flung it +open. + +"For Pity Sakes!" she exclaimed, and then her voice trailed off. + +A uniformed messenger boy stood on the porch. + +"Mrs. Botts live here?" he asked, taking a telegram from his jacket +pocket. + +Penny did not know what to answer. Thinking quickly, she replied: "This +is the Deming estate." + +The messenger boy turned the beam of his flashlight on the telegram. +"Mrs. Lennie Botts, Stop 4, Care of G. A. Deming," he read aloud. "This +is the place all right." + +"But Mrs. Botts isn't at home now." + +"I've had a lot of trouble getting here," the boy complained. "Even had +to climb over the gate. How about signing for the telegram?" + +"Oh, all right," agreed Penny, accepting the pencil. "I don't know why I +didn't think of that idea myself!" + +In return for the telegram she gave the boy a small tip. The moment he +had gone, she closed the front door and switched on a table lamp. + +Penny found herself in a luxuriously furnished living room. The rug +underfoot was Chinese, the furniture solid mahogany, hand carved. +However, she had no interest in her surroundings. Rather tensely, she +examined the telegram. Dared she open it? + +"What's ten years or so of jail in my young life?" she cajoled herself. +"I'm willing to spend it in Sing Sing if only I can find Dad!" + +Penny ripped open the envelope. The message, addressed to Mrs. Lennie +Botts was terse and none too revealing: + +"HAVE CHANGED PLANS. WILL RETURN THE TWENTY-SEVENTH BY PLANE. PLEASE HAVE +EVERYTHING IN READINESS." + +The telegram was signed by the owner of the estate, G. A. Deming. + +"Today is the twenty-seventh of the month," thought Penny. "This message +must have been several hours delayed." + +The telegram had provided little information. Evidently the woman who had +refused to tell her name was Mrs. Lennie Botts. Regretting that she had +opened the message, Penny tossed it carelessly on the table. + +Footsteps sounded on the floor directly above. Penny had taken no pains +to be quiet. Nevertheless, her pulse quickened as she heard someone pad +to the head of the stairway. A muffled voice called: "Who's there?" + +Penny's heart leaped for she was sure she recognized the tones. Fairly +trembling with excitement, she darted to the foot of the circular +staircase. On the top landing in the heavy shadows stood a man whose face +she could not see. + +"Dad!" she cried. "I'm Penny." + +"Penny?" the man demanded impatiently as if the name meant nothing to +him. "Where is Mrs. Botts?" + +"Why, she went away." + +"And how did you get into the house?" + +"Through a cellar window." + +"I thought so! Young lady, I don't know what you're doing here in Mrs. +Bott's absence. Unless you leave at once I'll summon the police." + +Penny was not to be discouraged so easily. She started slowly up the +stairway. + +"Stand where you are!" the man ordered sharply. "I've been sick, but I'm +still a match for any house-breaker. I have a revolver--" + +So dark was the stairway that Penny could not know whether or not the man +was bluffing. His voice, startlingly similar to her father's, sounded +grim and determined. Knowing that a stranger would have good reason to +treat her as a burglar, she was afraid to venture further. + +"Dad--" she began. + +"Don't keep calling me Dad!" he snapped. + +"Who are you?" asked Penny, completely baffled. + +"Who am I?" the man repeated. "Why, I'm Lester Jones, a salesman. I room +here." + +The answer dumbfounded Penny. "Then you're not being held a prisoner by +Mrs. Botts?" she faltered. + +"On the contrary, Mrs. Botts has been very kind to me. Especially since +I've been sick." + +Penny's perplexity increased. "But I've seen you wandering in the garden +at night," she murmured. "Why do you do it?" + +"Because--oh, hang it! Do I have to explain everything to you? My head's +aching again. Unless you go away and stop bothering me, I'll call the +police." + +Penny was completely crushed. She had been so sure that the man was her +father! Seemingly she had made a very stupid mistake. + +"I'll go," she said quietly. + +Retreating down the stairway, she left the opened telegram on the +living-room table and switched off the light. Then unlocking the kitchen +door, she rejoined Louise and Joe. + +"I guess you didn't have any luck," her chum commented, observing her +downcast face. + +Penny ruefully admitted that the man who had been seen in the garden was +Lester Jones. + +"I knew he wasn't your father," Louise replied. "You wouldn't listen to +reason--" + +"All the same, his voice was similar," Penny cut in. "Why, the man even +used one of Dad's pet expressions." + +"What was it?" Louise inquired curiously. + +"'Oh, hang it!' That's the expression Dad uses when he's irritated." + +Louise helped her chum over the back fence and guided her toward the +parked taxi. Midway there Penny paused to stare up at the dark windows of +the second floor. + +"Lou!" she exclaimed. "That man must have been Dad even if he didn't know +me!" + +"Oh, Penny, don't start that all over again," Louise pleaded. "You're +only torturing yourself." + +"I'm going back!" + +"No, we can't let you, Penny." + +Louise held her chum's arm firmly. Joe opened the door of the taxi and +they pushed her in. Penny protested for a moment, then submitted. + +"All right, but we're going straight to the police station!" she +announced. "I'll not be satisfied until that man positively is identified +as Lester Jones." + +A few minutes later, at the police station, Detective Fuller heard the +entire story. It was the first he had learned about Mrs. Botts, for +Penny's earlier message had not been delivered by Policeman Burns. + +"For that matter, I've not seen Burns today," the detective explained. +"I'll go to the estate at once and question the woman." + +Again Penny and Louise taxied to the estate, this time trailed by a +police car. Detective Fuller broke the padlock on the gate and led the +party to the front door. + +A light now burned in the living room. To Penny's astonishment, the door +was opened by Mrs. Botts. + +"Good evening," she greeted the visitors pleasantly. + +Detective Fuller flashed his badge. "We want to ask you a few questions," +he said. "May we come in?" + +With obvious reluctance the woman stepped aside, allowing the party to +enter the living room. Penny's gaze roved to the center table. The +telegram which she had opened no longer was there. + +Mrs. Botts did not offer chairs to the callers. Glaring at Penny with +undisguised dislike, she said coldly: "I suppose I am indebted to you for +this visit. What is it you want?" + +"I understand you have a roomer here," began Detective Fuller. + +"A roomer?" Mrs. Botts echoed blankly. + +"Yes, a man by the name of Lester Jones." + +"Ridiculous! You don't seem to realize that this is the Deming estate." + +"Are you an employee here?" + +"I am the housekeeper. During Mr. Deming's absence I look after the +property. I assure you no one but myself lives in the house at present." + +"No roomer ever has stayed here?" + +Mrs. Botts drew herself up proudly. "Would Mr. Deming be likely to annoy +himself with roomers? He has a very substantial fortune." + +"You might try to pick up a few dollars yourself." + +"Mr. Deming would not hear of such a thing! He pays me well." + +Detective Fuller asked additional questions, trying to learn whether or +not the woman was the one who had fled from the cemetery. Mrs. Botts +frankly admitted that she had taken Mr. Parker to the hospital, but she +denied ever trying to collect a ransom. + +"What you say now doesn't agree with your original story," Penny +protested. "You admitted to me--" + +"I admitted nothing," Mrs. Botts broke in indignantly. "I have no secrets +to hide!" + +"But I'm sure Mr. Jones is living in this house," Penny said stubbornly. +"He's upstairs." + +"Indeed?" mocked Mrs. Botts. "Perhaps you'd like to search the house." + +"Yes, we would," said Detective Fuller. + +Mrs. Botts remained undisturbed. Bestowing upon Penny a look of deep +contempt, she motioned toward the stairway. + +"Very well, search the house," she invited with cool assurance. "I've +told you the truth. You'll find no one here but myself." + + + + + CHAPTER + 19 + _A BAFFLING SEARCH_ + + +In systematic, unhurried fashion, Detective Fuller went through every +room in the Deming house. The bed chambers, nine in number, were in +perfect order. Only Mrs. Botts' suite over the kitchen appeared to have +been used recently. + +As the search progressed, Penny's bewilderment increased. She knew that +Lester Jones had been in the house an hour earlier, yet there was no sign +of him. Personally she inspected clothes closets and bureau drawers. Not +an article could she find that ever had belonged to her father. She did +come upon a white woolen bathrobe. Believing it to be the garment worn by +the "ghost" she called it to Detective Fuller's attention. + +"Oh, that robe belongs to my employer, Mr. Deming," explained Mrs. Botts. + +Penny indicated water stains along the hem which suggested that the +garment had been allowed to trail in the snow. + +"Sometimes I wear the robe when I go outside to bring in the washing," +replied Mrs. Botts. "It is warmer than my coat." + +Try as she would, Penny could not trip the woman into making any damaging +admissions. Mrs. Botts had changed her original story and would not +acknowledge that she had fled from the cemetery. Stubbornly, she +maintained that she had told everything she knew about Mr. Parker's +disappearance. + +"I took him to Mercy Hospital in my employer's car," she repeated to +Detective Fuller. "That's the last I saw of him." + +"In what condition was Mr. Parker when you left him?" questioned the +detective. + +"He seemed all right. Perhaps he was a bit dazed." + +"Why didn't you report to the police?" + +"Because I didn't see the newspapers for a day," Mrs. Botts replied +sullenly. "Later I read Miss Parker's offer of a reward." + +"Then you did write, requesting me to run the ad in the _Star_!" Penny +cried triumphantly. + +"No, of course not," Mrs. Botts retorted, "I merely read the item." + +Penny knew Mrs. Botts was not telling the entire truth, but to prove it +seemed an impossible matter. Neither could she establish that a man who +claimed to be Lester Jones had been living in the house. True, Louise and +the taxi driver would support her story, but it would only be their word +against Mrs. Botts'. The situation had become hopelessly confusing. + +Detective Fuller was not entirely satisfied with the housekeeper's story. +"Guess we'll have to take you along to the station for questioning," he +concluded. + +Only then did Mrs. Botts lose her composure. + +"No, don't take me away!" she pleaded anxiously. "My employer is coming +home tonight. I just received the telegram. If I'm not here when he +arrives, I may lose my job!" + +Actually Detective Fuller had little evidence against Mrs. Botts and +doubted that he could hold her many hours in jail. Far more might be +gained by allowing the woman her freedom and keeping watch of the house. + +"We'll let you stay here," he decided after a moment's thought. "However, +you'll be wanted for questioning a little later. Make no attempt to leave +the premises." + +"I won't try to go away," Mrs. Botts promised. "I want to cooperate with +the police. All I ask is that my employer, Mr. Deming, doesn't hear of +this. I'm innocent and it's not right for me to lose a good job." + +Very shortly the party bade the woman goodbye and left the estate. +Detective Fuller assigned a policeman to keep watch of the property and +then returned to Riverview. Louise and Penny, completely bewildered, left +with their driver, Joe, debated their next action. + +"Where to?" the cabman inquired. "Home?" + +"I suppose so," sighed Penny. "I never was in such a muddle in all my +life. What became of that man I thought was Dad?" + +"He must have left the house while we were at the police station," Louise +declared. "It was a surprise finding Mrs. Botts there too! She must have +returned in a hurry after we went away." + +"Mrs. Botts got rid of Lester Jones somehow," Penny said with conviction. +"Oh, she's a slick one!" + +As Joe shifted gears, the girls observed a dark figure approaching the +estate from down the road. + +"Wait!" Penny instructed the cabman. "Let's see who it is." + +A moment later the figure emerged from the shadow cast by a giant tree. +Penny was surprised to recognize Mose Johnson. The old colored man +carried a basket on his arm and evidently had been doing a little late +marketing at the crossroads store. + +"Good evening, Mose," Penny greeted him as he approached the cab. + +"Evenin', Miss Penny," he beamed, pausing. "I'se suah astonished to see +yo' all out dis way. Has yo' been lookin' for dat ghost?" + +"I'm afraid I have," Penny admitted ruefully. "I've certainly had no +luck." + +Mose shifted the market basket to his other hand. "Dat ole ghost ain't +been around so much lately," he explained. "I comes by dis spot half an +hour ago on my way to de sto' to get some victuals. Dere wasn't no ghost +around den either. If dere had a been I'd have seen him, you kin be suah +o' dat. I was mighty skittish and ready to make mahself absent in about +two shakes." + +"And you didn't see a thing?" inquired Penny. + +"Well now, I can't rightly say dat," Old Mose corrected. "I didn't see no +ghost but I did see a taxicab." + +"Ours, I suppose." + +"Not dis one, Miss. De cab I see was a yelleh one." + +The information interested Penny. "Which way was it going, Mose?" she +asked quickly. + +"It wasn't goin', Miss Penny. It was standin' right at de gate. Den I +sees two dark lookin' white men git out and go into de big house." + +"You did?" Penny demanded eagerly. "Then what happened? Did the cab drive +away?" + +"It waited 'till de two men came back, 'cept when dey comes back dere is +three of 'em!" + +"Three men?" Penny cried, her excitement mounting. "What did the third +man look like, Mose? Think hard! It's very important." + +"Well," said Mose, "he was tall and he had something in his hand. A funny +lookin' little satchel. I guess you calls it a quick-case." + +"You don't mean a brief case?" + +"Yes, dat's it," Mose grinned. "Anyways, dey all gits in de taxicab and +off dey snorts. And dat's all I sees. Dere wasn't no ghost." + +The colored man's rambling information served to confirm Penny's own +suspicions. Mrs. Botts had lied. A roomer known as Lester Jones had been +held at the house and later hustled away. Perhaps the man _was_ her +father! + +"Mose," she cried, "the person you saw may have been Dad! Did it look +like him?" + +"Why, now yo' speaks of it, dere was somethin' about dat man dat look +like Mr. Parker," the colored man agreed. "Kinda de way he walked. I +couldn't see his face cause he kept it sort o' tucked down in his +collar." + +"All the same, it must have been Dad!" Penny exclaimed. "The brief case +practically proves it! Tell me, which way did the cab go?" + +"Straight down de road," said Mose, pointing. "But de car's been gone a +long time now. If you figures on catchin' dose men, you all bettah be +travelin'." + + + + + CHAPTER + 20 + _ACCUSATIONS_ + + +Alarmed and excited by Mose Johnson's revelation, Penny glanced about for +the policeman who had been assigned to watch the Deming mansion. The +officer had taken cover somewhere and was not to be seen. + +"Joe, drive as fast as you can to the airplane spotting station!" she +ordered the cabman. "I'll telephone the police station from there." + +As the taxi bounced along over the frozen road, the girls kept close +watch for the yellow cab Mose Johnson had mentioned. They did not expect +to overtake it. If the old colored man's story was accurate, the taxi +bearing Mr. Parker had left the mansion at least a half hour earlier. + +"Dad must have been spirited away immediately after I talked to him!" +Penny said. "He's been drugged or something! Otherwise he would have +known me." + +"But according to Mose, your father must have gone willingly with those +men," Louise returned. + +"That's the queer part." + +"Of course, you're not certain the man is your father." + +"Yes, I am!" Penny insisted. "I was almost sure of it earlier this +evening. Now I know! Oh, Lou, something terrible has happened to Dad!" + +Louise drew her chum into the hollow of her arm. "Brace up!" she said +sternly. "You're not going to cave in now, are you?" + +Penny's slumping shoulders stiffened. She brushed away a tear. "Of course +I'm not going to cave in!" she replied indignantly. "I'll find +Dad--tonight, too!" + +Enroute to the airplane spotting station, the cab neither met nor passed +any vehicle. Leaving Louise in the taxi, Penny clattered up the tower +steps and burst into the overheated room where Salt Sommers was making +out a report. Her words fairly tumbled over one another as she told him +what had happened. + +"Will you notify police for me?" she pleaded. + +"Of course," Salt assured her, reaching for a telephone. "My relief's due +in five minutes now, so I'll be free to join in the search." + +While the photographer waited impatiently for a connection, Penny asked +him if he had seen a yellow taxi pass the tower. + +"Not since I've been on duty. The cab must have taken another road." + +Salt completed the call to the Riverview Police Station and was told that +every radio-equipped cruiser in the city would be ordered to watch for +the yellow cab. As he hung up the receiver, a low humming sound was heard +outside the tower. + +"Listen!" commanded Salt. "A plane!" + +Distinctly they both could hear the roar of a motor to the eastward. + +"That's an unidentified ship," Salt declared, reaching for another +telephone. Taking down the receiver he said tersely: "Army Flash," and +went on to report the position of the passing airplane. + +Penny had gone to the doorway. She could see the wing lights of the +passing ship. As she watched, the lights descended in a steep glide. + +"Salt!" she called. "The plane is landing!" + +The photographer darted to the platform to see for himself. "You're +right!" he exclaimed. "It's coming down at the Deming estate!" + +"Mr. Deming is due home tonight from the East," Penny added. "That must +be his plane." + +Salt went inside to complete his report to headquarters. As he rejoined +Penny, they saw a man trudging along the road toward the tower. + +"My relief," said the photographer. "I'm free to go." + +Gathering up his belongings, he followed Penny to the waiting taxicab. +There a brief conference was held. The girls were in favor of searching +for the yellow taxi, but Salt pointed out that the chance of finding it +was a slim one. He proposed that they return to the mansion and try to +force information from Mrs. Botts. + +"Detective Fuller had no luck," replied Penny. "She has one story and she +sticks to it. Her one fear is that she'll lose her job." + +"Then this is the time to make things merry for her!" urged the +photographer. "If Mr. Deming just arrived home, we'll toss a few +firebrands around and find out what he has to say!" + +The suggestion appealed to Penny. From the first she had distrusted Mrs. +Botts and felt that police had been entirely too lenient with her. + +"All right, let's go!" she agreed. "If Mrs. Botts loses her job, I'm sure +it's no more than she deserves." + +Joe drove the party once more to the Deming mansion. No policeman was in +evidence near the premises. Actually he had gone to the crossroads store +to report to his superiors the arrival of Mr. Deming's airplane, but at +the moment Penny assumed the man was neglecting his duties. + +"If this case ever is solved, we must do it ourselves!" she declared, +thumping on the front door. "I'm in no mood to take any slippery answers +from Mrs. Botts!" + +After a long delay the door was opened by the caretaker. Recognizing +Penny and her friends, the woman sought to lock them out. + +"Oh, no you don't!" said Salt, pushing her firmly aside. "We want to see +Mr. Deming." + +"He's not here," Mrs. Botts replied nervously. "Please leave me alone. Go +away!" + +Ignoring the plea, Penny, Louise, and the photographer walked boldly into +the living room. A fire burned in the grate and there were fresh flowers +on the table. + +"Where is Mr. Deming?" asked Salt in a loud voice. + +Footsteps sounded on the circular stairway. A portly, bald-headed man +with a pleasant face came heavily down the steps. + +"Did someone ask for me?" he inquired. + +"You're Mr. Deming?" asked Salt. + +"I am. Flew in from New York about ten minutes ago and was just changing +my clothes. What may I do for you?" + +"I've been trying to tell these folks you can't see them tonight, Mr. +Deming," broke in Mrs. Botts. "You're too tired." + +"Nonsense," replied the mansion owner impatiently. "Sit down by the fire, +everyone. Tell me what brought you here." + +Mrs. Botts began to edge toward the kitchen door. Observing the action, +Salt called sharply: + +"Don't go, Mrs. Botts. We want to talk to you in particular." + +"I've nothing to say," the caretaker retorted tartly. + +"Sit down, Mrs. Botts," ordered her employer. "For some reason you have +seemed very nervous since I arrived home tonight." + +"It was upsetting to get your telegram so late," Mrs. Botts mumbled, +sinking down on the sofa. + +"Mr. Deming," began Penny, "a great deal has happened here tonight." + +"I intended to tell you about it myself," interrupted Mrs. Botts, +addressing her employer. "I've not had a chance." + +"Be quiet, please," commanded Mr. Deming. "Do continue, Miss--" + +"Parker," supplied Penny. She introduced Salt and Louise, then resumed +her story. + +As the tale unfolded, Mr. Deming listened with increasing amazement. Now +and then he focused his gaze upon the crestfallen Mrs. Botts, but he did +not speak until Penny had finished. + +"This is a very serious charge you have made against my housekeeper," he +said then. "Mrs. Botts, what have you to say?" + +"There's not a word of truth in it!" the woman cried. "Why, I've worked +for you ten years, Mr. Deming. I've been a loyal, faithful servant. Why +should I deceive you by taking a stranger into the house?" + +"It does seem fantastic," replied the perplexed Mr. Deming. "Miss Parker, +what proof have you that your accusations are true?" + +"The proof of my own eyesight," Penny said quietly. "For that matter, a +number of persons saw the ghost wandering about the grounds." + +Mrs. Botts tossed her head. "I've already explained that part. Frequently +when I go outdoors, I put on your old white bathrobe, Mr. Deming. It's +warmer than my coat." + +"The ghost happened to be a man," Penny said. "And here is something you +don't know, Mrs. Botts. I was in this house earlier this evening while +you were away. I talked with your mysterious roomer, and I'm satisfied it +was my father." + +"So _you_ were here!" Mrs. Botts cried angrily. "Mr. Deming, this girl +opened the telegram you addressed to me!" + +"I did indeed," admitted Penny, unabashed. + +Mr. Deming arose and walking over to the fire, stood with his back to it. +"I confess I don't know what to say," he said. "I've never had reason to +distrust Mrs. Botts." + +"Thank you, sir." The housekeeper smiled triumphantly. + +Penny realized that Mr. Deming was on the verge of swinging to Mrs. +Botts' side. So far the interview had gained nothing. She had told the +entire story. There was no further information she could add. + +"I suppose we may as well go," she said, looking miserably at Salt. + +Penny arose. Suddenly her eyes lighted upon a small object lying half +hidden between the cushions of the sofa. Before Mrs. Botts realized what +she was about, she had pounced upon it. + +"Dad's spectacle case!" she cried triumphantly. + +Opening the lid, she held up a pair of dark horn-rimmed glasses. + +"I'm sure I don't know where the case came from," Mrs. Botts stammered. + +"When Dad reads on the sofa at home, he often loses his case between the +cushions!" Penny went on excitedly. "Mrs. Botts, you thought you were +very clever getting him away from here and removing all the evidence!" + +"A salesman who wore glasses was here last week--" the housekeeper began +weakly. + +"You can't talk yourself out of this," Penny cut her short, "Mr. Deming, +let me show you something." + +She reopened the lid of the case and pointed to the initials "A. P." +engraved in gold letters. + +"Anthony Parker," she said impressively. "Dad had them stamped there +because he lost the case so many times. Does this prove my story?" + +"It does," said Mr. Deming. Sternly he faced the housekeeper. "Mrs. +Botts, you have deeply humiliated me. I shall turn you over to the +police." + +Mrs. Botts began to weep. Stumbling across the room, she clutched her +employer's arm. + +"Please don't turn me away from here," she pleaded. "Just give me a +chance and I'll explain everything. Please, Mr. Deming! This time I +promise to tell the truth!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 21 + _MRS. BOTTS' REVELATION_ + + +"Very well, tell your story," Mr. Deming bade the housekeeper. "What do +you know about Mr. Parker's disappearance?" + +"It was just like I said," Mrs. Botts began in an aggrieved voice. "I was +driving not far from the railroad station when I saw the auto accident." + +"You say you were driving?" Mr. Deming interposed. "In whose car, may I +ask?" + +"I used yours, Mr. Deming. I didn't think you would care." + +"We'll skip that. Go on with your story." + +"Well, I saw the accident. A coupe driven by a young man, crowded Mr. +Parker's car off the road." + +"Purposely?" asked Penny. + +"I don't know. Two men were in the car and they were speeding. I read +part of the license number too. It was F-215 something." + +"Why didn't you give this information to the police immediately?" +demanded Mr. Deming. + +"I'm trying to explain. I stopped my car--your car, I mean. Mr. Parker +seemed stunned so I offered to take him to the hospital. Of course at +that time I didn't know who he was." + +"Dad didn't seem much hurt?" Penny inquired quickly. + +"He had a few scratches, but nothing serious. We started for the +hospital. Before we got there Mr. Parker changed his mind and decided he +didn't want to go. He asked me to take him to a hotel or a rooming +house." + +"How strange!" exclaimed Penny. "Why didn't he ask to go home?" + +"Because he didn't remember he had a home," Mrs. Botts replied. "I guess +the accident must have stunned him. Anyway, he said his name was Lester +Jones. Since he wanted a room and was willing to pay, I figured I could +bring him here." + +"So you turned my home into a hotel," Mr. Deming remarked rather grimly. + +"I--I didn't think you would be back this winter. I wouldn't have done +it, Mr. Deming, only I needed extra money. My sister in Kansas has been +sick and I've had to send her funds." + +"Mrs. Botts, I've always paid you well," her employer responded. "Had you +told me you needed more money, I would have assisted you. But go on." + +"Well, I brought Mr. Parker here and gave him a room. Right off I noticed +how queer he acted. He didn't seem to be sure who he was, and he kept +going through some papers he carried in a portfolio, trying to puzzle +things out." + +"All this while you made no attempt to contact police?" Mr. Deming +questioned severely. + +"I was wondering what to do when I saw a picture of Mr. Parker in the +paper." + +"And then you dropped an unsigned letter in my mailbox?" Penny probed. + +Mrs. Botts knew that the net was closing tightly about her. Although she +tried to slant her story in such a way that she would not appear too much +at fault, the facts remained bald and ugly. + +"Yes, I left a note at your house," she acknowledged reluctantly. "Later +I telephoned and made an appointment to meet you at the cemetery." + +"Why didn't you go through with it?" asked Penny. "Were you afraid?" + +"I began to realize I might be held for something I never intended to do. +Folks started to watch this house. I tried to keep my roomer out of +sight, but he'd do such queer things." + +"Such as stroll in the garden at night," supplied Penny. + +"Yes, I felt sorry for the poor man. He had such dreadful headaches and +was so bewildered." + +"Evidently you weren't sorry enough to tell him who he was," reprimanded +Mr. Deming. "Really Mrs. Botts, I can't understand why you acted as you +did." + +"I just kept getting in deeper and deeper," the housekeeper whined. "Mr. +Parker paid me three dollars a day for his room and board. It didn't seem +wrong to take the money as long as he was satisfied." + +"Where is my father now?" Penny broke in. "That's the important thing." + +Mrs. Botts regarded the girl with a trace of her former arrogance. "I +don't know what became of Mr. Parker after he left here," she said +coldly. + +"You sent him away when you knew Mr. Deming was coming home!" Penny +accused. "You thought you could keep the truth from your employer!" + +"And I would have too, if it hadn't been for you!" Mrs. Botts flared. +"I've not done any harm, but you've made a lot out of it, and now I'll be +discharged." + +"You are quite right about that," agreed Mr. Deming in a quiet voice. +"However, there's far more at stake than a job, Mrs. Botts. Even now you +don't seem to realize the seriousness of your offense." + +"You won't turn me over to the police, will you, Mr. Deming?" + +"It will not be in my hands to decide your fate. I strongly advise you to +tell everything you know. Where did Mr. Parker go when he left here?" + +"I've no idea." Mrs. Botts covered her face. "Oh, leave me alone--don't +ask me any more questions. My head buzzes." + +"A taxicab with two men in it was seen at the door earlier this evening," +Penny went on relentlessly. "What have you to say about that?" + +"They were friends who came for Mr. Parker." + +"Your friends?" + +"Well, no, I found the names and addresses in Mr. Parker's brief case. +They were men in the tire business." + +This latest scrap of information fairly stunned Penny. As she well knew, +her father's portfolio contained only evidence pertaining to the +tire-theft case. + +"Who were the men?" she demanded. + +"One was named Kurt Mollinberg--Ropes Mollinberg his friend called him. I +forget the other." + +"Ropes Mollinberg!" exclaimed Salt Sommers who had listened quietly to +the story. "Why, he's one of the lowest rats in this town! Connected with +the numbers racket and I don't know what else!" + +"Why did you summon those men, of all persons?" Mr. Deming questioned. + +"Well, I found their addresses in the portfolio. I had to get rid of Mr. +Parker before you came and I was afraid to call his house." + +"You're a cruel, heartless woman!" accused Penny. "You sent my father +away with two of the most notorious rascals in Riverview. Why, those men +have been waiting for a chance to waylay him! They wanted to get +possession of vital evidence Dad had in his portfolio." + +"I didn't know," murmured Mrs. Botts. "When they came in the taxi, they +offered me money." + +"And you took it?" + +"I tried not to, but they forced it on me." + +Penny sprang to her feet. Only by the greatest effort of will could she +keep from telling the housekeeper what she thought of her contemptible +actions. + +"You sent Dad away with those men," she repeated mechanically. "Didn't he +realize who they were?" + +"I told him they were his friends. I really thought so. He went willingly +enough." + +Penny was sick with despair. From the first, the situation had been +grave, but now there seemed little hope. From Mrs. Botts' story she could +only conclude that her father suffered from a brain injury. Even if she +were fortunate enough to find him, he would not be likely to recognize +her as his daughter. + +"Oh, Salt," she pleaded, turning to the photographer. "What are we to do? +What can we do?" + +His reply though prompt, was not completely reassuring. + +"We've already put every policeman in Riverview on the trail of those +men!" he answered soberly. "And we'll scour every nook and cranny of this +town ourselves! Chin up, Penny! Why, we've only started to fight!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 22 + _A PARK BENCH_ + + +Penny and her friends were heartsick with the knowledge that Mr. Parker +had fallen into the hands of ruthless members of the tire-theft gang. The +taxi which had borne him away had left the mansion fully an hour earlier. +There seemed little likelihood that the trail could be picked up quickly. + +"I'll telephone the boys at the newspaper office," Salt offered. "The +police too! We'll put a description on the radio. We'll have everybody in +Riverview watching for that yellow taxi." + +"Call the cab companies too," urged Penny. "We may be able to trace it +through the driver." + +Salt made good use of the Deming telephone which had not been +disconnected during the winter months. While he phoned, Penny ran outside +to find the policeman assigned to guard the mansion. She soon returned +with him and placed Mrs. Botts in his custody. + +"Oh, Mr. Deming, don't let them take me to jail," the housekeeper +pleaded. "I didn't mean to do anything wrong." + +"Mrs. Botts, I can't help you," her employer returned coldly. "Your +offense is a very serious one. The court must decide your fate." + +The housekeeper broke into tears again and for several minutes was quite +hysterical. When her act moved no one, she resigned herself to the +inevitable. Packing a few articles in a bag, she prepared to leave the +house in the custody of the policeman. + +"I'm sorry about everything," she said as she bade the girls goodbye. "I +hope Mr. Parker is found. I really do." + +After Mrs. Botts had gone, Penny was too upset to remain quietly in a +chair. She longed to join in an active search for the yellow taxi. Common +sense told her that the cab undoubtedly had reached its destination, yet +she hoped she might pick up a clue. + +"By questioning filling station attendants, we may be able to learn which +way it went from the crossroads," she urged. + +"Come on, then," said Salt. + +Joe, faithful as ever, waited in his cab outside the mansion. Penny chose +to ride beside him, as the front seat offered an unobstructed view of the +road. + +The cab turned away from the mansion and swept down the familiar twisting +highway. At the first bend, the bright headlights illuminated a patch of +snow along the ditch. Penny thought she saw a small, dark object lying on +the ground. + +"Stop the car!" she cried. + +Joe brought the cab to a standstill a little farther down the road. + +Penny leaped out and ran back to the ditch. Lying just at its edge was a +leather portfolio. A glance satisfied her that it had belonged to her +father. + +"Salt! Louise!" she shouted. "I've found Dad's satchel!" + +The others came running. By that time Penny had examined the portfolio. +It was empty. + +"Just as I thought," she muttered. "Those men were after the evidence Dad +carried! And they got it, too!" + +Salt and Joe examined the snowy ditches for a long distance. There were +no footprints. They could only conclude that the portfolio had been +thrown from a window of the moving cab. Evidently Mr. Parker remained a +prisoner. + +"Now that those men have what they want, maybe they'll release Dad," +Penny said hopefully. "Don't you think so, Salt?" + +The photographer glanced at Joe. Neither spoke. + +"You believe they'll harm Dad!" Penny cried, reading their faces. "Maybe +I'll never see him again--" + +"Now Penny," Salt soothed, guiding her toward the taxi. + +The cab rolled on, its tires crunching the hard-packed snow. At the +crossroads, they met a police car and hailed it. Penny turned the empty +portfolio over to one of the officers, explaining where it had been +found. + +"Every road is being watched," she was told in return. "The alarm has +been broadcast throughout the State, too. If that yellow cab still is on +the road, we'll get it." + +For an hour longer, Penny and her party scoured roads in the vicinity of +Riverview. Many times they stopped at filling stations and houses to +inquire if a yellow cab had been seen to pass. Always the answer was in +the negative. + +"Don't you think we ought to go home?" Salt suggested at length. "For all +we know, police may have found Mr. Parker by this time. We'd never learn +about it while we're touring around." + +"All right, let's go home," agreed Penny. + +The taxi turned toward Riverview. Arriving at the outskirts, Joe chose a +boulevard which wound through the park. The trees, each limb and twig +glistening with ice, were very beautiful. + +Penny gazed absently toward the frozen lake where a few boys were +skating. Suddenly her gaze fastened upon a man who sat on a park bench +beneath a street lamp. He wore no hat. His overcoat was unbuttoned. + +"That man!" she cried. "Salt, it looks like Dad! And it is he! It is!" + +The man on the bench had turned slightly so that she was able to see his +face. + +Joe brought the cab to a halt with a jerk. Penny leaped out, followed by +the others. The first to reach the bench, she fairly flung herself +headlong at the disheveled man who sat so dejectedly alone. + +"Oh, Dad, I've found you at last! How thankful I am you're safe!" + +The man on the bench stared blankly at her. + +"Who are you?" he asked in a dazed voice. + +"Why, I'm Penny--your daughter." + +"I have no daughter," the man answered bitterly. "No home. Nothing. Not +even a name." + +Salt, Louise and Joe reached the bench. + +"Who are these people?" the man asked. "Why do they stare at me?" + +"Why, Mr. Parker," said Salt, taking his arm. "You remember me, don't +you?" + +"Never saw you before in my life." + +"You're my father--Anthony Parker," Penny said desperately. "You were in +a bad accident. Don't you remember?" + +"I remember that I was taken by two men in a taxicab. They pretended to +be my friends. As soon as we were well away from Mrs. Botts' home, they +robbed me of my money and portfolio. Then they pushed me out of the cab. +I started walking. I kept on until I came here." + +"You're cold and tired," said Salt, trying to guide him toward the taxi. + +"Who are you?" Mr. Parker demanded suspiciously. "Why should I let you +take me away? You'll only try to rob me--" + +"Oh, Dad, you don't understand," Penny murmured. "You're sick." + +"Come along, sir," urged Salt. "We're your friends. We'll take you to the +doctor." + +Mr. Parker planted his feet firmly on the ground. + +"I'm not going a step!" he announced. "Not a step!" + +"Sorry, sir, but if you're so set about it, we'll have to do it this +way." + +Salt nodded to Joe. Before Mr. Parker knew what was coming, they caught +him firmly by the arms and legs. Although he resisted, they carried him +to the cab. + +"Take us home as fast as you can!" Penny directed Joe. "Then I'll want +you to go for Doctor Greer, the brain specialist. Dad's in very serious +condition." + +"Serious, my eye!" snorted the publisher. He struggled to free himself +from Salt's grip. "Let me out of here!" + +"Dad, everything will be all right now," Penny tried to soothe him. +"You're with friends. You're going home." + +"I'm being kidnaped!" Mr. Parker complained. "Twice in one night! If I +were strong enough to get out of here--" + +Again he tried to free himself. Failing, he edged into a corner of the +seat and averted his face. + + + + + CHAPTER + 23 + _FORGOTTEN EVENTS_ + + +In the upstairs bedroom, Penny moved with velvet tread. Noiselessly she +rearranged a vase of flowers and closed the slat of a Venetian blind. + +"You needn't be so quiet," said Mr. Parker from the bed. "I've been awake +a long time now." + +Penny went swiftly to his side. "How are you feeling this afternoon, +Dad?" + +"Afternoon?" Mr. Parker demanded, sitting up. "How long have I been +sleeping?" + +"Roughly, about two days." + +Mr. Parker threw off the covers. + +"Oh, no, you don't," said Penny, pressing him back against the pillow. +"Doctor Greer says you are to have absolute bed rest for several days. +It's part of the treatment." + +"Treatment for what?" grumbled Mr. Parker. "I feel fine!" + +"That's wonderful," declared Penny, with a deep sigh of relief. "I'll +have Mrs. Weems bring up something for you to eat." + +She called down the stairway to the housekeeper, and then returned to the +bedside. Her father looked more like his former self than at any time +since the strange motor accident which had caused him to lose his memory. +His voice too, was more natural. + +"Guess I must have had a bad dream," Mr. Parker murmured, his gaze roving +slowly about the room. "I seem to recall riding around in a taxi, and +being pushed out into the snow." + +"You know where you are now, don't you?" asked Penny. + +"Certainly. I'm at home." + +Mrs. Weems came into the room bearing a tray of food. Hearing Mr. +Parker's words, she looked at Penny and tears sprang to her eyes. + +"Doctor Greer was right," she whispered. "His memory is slowly coming +back. How thankful I am!" + +"What's all this?" Mr. Parker inquired alertly. "Will someone kindly tell +me why I am being imprisoned in this bed?" + +"Because you've been very, very sick," Penny said, arranging the food in +front of him. "You know who I am now, don't you?" + +"Why, certainly," replied Mr. Parker indignantly. "You're my daughter. +Your name is--now let me think--" + +"Penny." + +"To be sure," agreed Mr. Parker, in confusion. "Fancy forgetting my own +daughter's name!" + +"You've forgotten a number of other things too, Dad. But events gradually +are coming back to you. Suppose you tell me your name." + +"My name?" Mr. Parker looked bewildered. "Why, I don't remember. It's not +Jones. I took that name because I couldn't think of my own. What's wrong +with me?" + +Penny tucked a napkin beneath her father's chin and offered him a +spoonful of beef broth. + +"What's wrong with me?" Mr. Parker demanded again. "Am I a lunatic? Can't +either of you tell me the truth?" + +"You're recovering from a severe case of amnesia," revealed Penny. "The +doctor says it was brought on by overwork in combination with the shock +of being in an auto accident. Since you were hurt you've not remembered +what happened before that time." + +"I do recall the auto mishap," Mr. Parker said slowly. "Another car +crowded me off the road. The crash stunned me, and my mind was a sort of +blank. Then a pleasant woman took me to her home." + +"A pleasant woman, Dad?" + +"Why, yes, Mrs. Botts gave me a nice room and good food. I liked it +there. But one night a girl broke in--could that have been you, Penny?" + +"Indeed, it was." + +"When Mrs. Botts came home she was very excited," Mr. Parker resumed +meditatively. "She said I had to leave. She hustled me out of the house +with two strangers." + +"One of the men was Ropes Mollinberg, a member of the tire-theft gang." + +"Yes, that was his name!" Mr. Parker agreed. "Speaking of tire thieves, +I've been intending to write an editorial for the paper. Penny, please +have my secretary come in. I'll dictate the material while it is fresh in +my mind." + +Mrs. Weems looked slightly distressed. Penny, however, whisked away the +tray of food. Getting pencil and paper she again sat down beside her +father. + +"Your secretary isn't available just now, but I'll take down what you +want to say." + +Penny could not write shorthand so she only pretended to jot down notes. +Mr. Parker led off with a few crisp sentences, then wandered vaguely from +one idea to another. + +"I can't seem to think straight any more," he complained. "Type that up +please and let me see it before it goes to the compositors." + +"How shall I sign the editorial?" Penny inquired. + +"Why, with my name--Anthony Parker." + +Penny jumped up and fairly laughed with joy. + +"Dad, events are coming back to you! You've just recalled your name and +that's a big step forward." + +"Anthony Parker," the publisher murmured. "Yes, that's it! Now there's +another matter that troubles me. I had a brief case--" + +"It was stolen by those men who took you away," Penny supplied eagerly. +"Dad, if only you could remember what those lost papers contained, we'd +expose the entire tire-theft gang!" + +Mr. Parker thought for a long while, then shook his head. + +"Mind's a blank, Penny. What does the doctor say? Is there a chance my +memory ever will return?" + +"Of course," returned Penny heartily. "You've already recalled a number +of important things. Me, for instance! Doctor Greer thinks that with +rest, events will gradually return to mind. Or another shock, perhaps a +blow somewhat similar to the one you had, might bring everything back." + +"Well, what are we waiting for?" Mr. Parker joked. "Go get the sledge +hammer!" + +"It's not that easy, I'm afraid." + +"I'm afraid not, either," sighed Mr. Parker wearily. "Guess I'll sleep +some more now. I feel pretty tired." + +During the days that followed, the publisher made a slow but steady +recovery. At first Penny did not worry him by mentioning how matters had +gone at the _Star_ office. Only after Mr. Parker was well enough to spend +several hours a day at the plant, did she reveal how Harley Schirr had +sought to establish himself as editor of the paper. + +"That fellow!" exclaimed Mr. Parker in annoyance. "Why, I meant to +discharge him and he knew it. I have evidence in my safe showing that +Schirr accepted money from a local politician." + +"You did have evidence," Penny corrected. "While you were away, Mr. +Schirr went through your safe." + +Amazed by the boldness of his former employee, Mr. Parker immediately +examined the contents of both his desk and strongbox. To his chagrin he +found that Penny was right. Every document pertaining to Schirr was +missing. + +"Well, it doesn't matter," the publisher said philosophically. "He'll +never set foot in this office again, nor in any other Riverview +newspaper!" + +"Dad," said Penny, "I've wondered if Schirr may not be hooked up with the +tire-theft gang. What do you think?" + +"My poor thinker isn't much good these days. However, I very much doubt +it, Penny. Schirr always was a snoop and not above taking money for +writing biased stories. My judgment would be that he has no connection +with the Mollinberg outfit." + +"If only you could remember what was in your stolen portfolio!" Penny +sighed. + +"If only I could!" agreed Mr. Parker. "Sometimes I doubt I'll ever fully +recover my memory." + +"Oh, you will, Dad. You're doing better every day." + +Penny seldom spoke of the automobile accident which had caused her +father's trouble for the subject was a painful one to them both. Although +the publisher had been absolved of all blame, police had not succeeded in +tracing the hit-skip driver. + +Mr. Parker seemed well and strong. Each day he went to the office for +longer and longer periods. Gradually his memory was returning, yet he had +been unable to recall data which might bring about the capture of the +tire-theft gang. Strangely, he could remember nothing of his intention to +call at the State Prosecutor's office. Nor could he disclose a scrap of +evidence which had been carried in the stolen portfolio. + +"If only Jerry would wire or return from his vacation!" Penny commented +anxiously. "I can't understand why he doesn't reply to my message." + +The reporter's long absence had caused considerable worry at the _Star_ +office. Jerry was the one person who could divulge the contents of the +stolen portfolio documents, but repeated wires failed to bring any +response. + +"Jerry will show up one of these days," Mr. Parker said confidently. "The +only trouble is, by that time the higher-ups of the tire-theft gang may +have skipped town." + +"Dad, can't you remember the men who took you away in the taxi?" + +"Only vaguely. I've described them to police as best I can. So far, no +action." + +Penny was silent for a moment. In her mind she had been turning over a +way to bring the crooks to justice. It seemed to her that the men might +be identified through Black Market operators with whom they must have +dealings. + +"Now what are you keeping from me?" inquired Mr. Parker lightly. + +"I was thinking about a place known as Mattie Williams' garage," replied +Penny. "I've good reason to suspect it deals in stolen tires." + +She went on to tell of her recent adventure in the storage room of the +garage. The information did not excite Mr. Parker as she had feared it +might. Instead, it fired him with a determination to get at the truth of +the matter. + +"Penny, we'll break our story yet!" he exclaimed, reaching for his hat. +"Let's go to Mattie's place now!" + +"Unless we actually see the inside of the storage room we'll learn +nothing. You may be sure Mattie and her partner won't cooperate." + +"We'll get into that room somehow," returned Mr. Parker grimly. "I'll +take along a few pet skeleton keys just for luck." + +At the Williams' garage an hour later, they found Mattie and Sam busy +with repair work. + +"Be with you in a minute," the woman called to Mr. Parker. + +"No hurry," replied the publisher. "No hurry whatsoever." + +He and Penny wandered aimlessly about. Choosing a moment when both Sam +and Mattie were inside the office, they slipped unnoticed into the room +where the empty boxes had been stored. + +"Now show me the tunnel," urged the publisher. "We'll have to work fast!" + +Penny swung back the hinged boards of the big box. She led her father +between a high aisle of crates to the locked door of the inner room. + +"Now if only I have a key that will unlock it!" muttered Mr. Parker. + +He tried several. At length one did fit the keyhole, the lock clicked, +and he was able to push open the door. + +In the little storage room close to the outside building wall were tires +of all sizes and description. Some were new, still wrapped in clean +paper. Others appeared slightly used. + +"See, Dad!" Penny cried triumphantly. "I was right!" + +"We still have no proof this rubber was illegally obtained." + +Penny darted forward to inspect a stack of tires which rose half way to +the ceiling. + +"Here's one that might have come off my car!" she cried. "See! Mine had a +tiny cut place where I rammed the maple tree backing out of our garage!" + +"All tires look alike, Penny. Without the serial number--" + +"I do remember part of it. One was 8910 something." + +"Then this isn't your tire," replied Mr. Parker, reading the number. +"However, I shouldn't be surprised that these are stolen tires." + +Penny held up her hand as a signal for silence. + +"Quiet, Dad!" she whispered. + +Footsteps had sounded in the tunnel between the boxes. The next instant +the door was flung open. Penny and her father stood face to face with Sam +Burkholder. + + + + + CHAPTER + 24 + _TRICKERY_ + + +"What d'you think you're doing in here?" demanded Sam Burkholder harshly. +"Snoopers, eh?" + +"Call us that if you like," retorted Mr. Parker. "How long have you been +dealing in stolen tires?" + +The shot hit its target. Sam started to speak but no words came. He +looked badly frightened. Convinced that his suspicion was correct, Mr. +Parker added sternly: + +"Naturally, I'll report this to the police. You and your partner will +have to face charges." + +"Keep Mattie out of this," growled Sam. "She had nothing to do with the +tire business." + +"So you carried on crooked operations all by your lonesome?" + +"I've bought and sold a few tires," Sam said sullenly. "All these +government regulations give me a pain. A guy can't make any money these +days." + +"So you admit you've been doing an illegal business?" + +"Maybe," said Sam, watching Mr. Parker craftily. "But what's it to you? I +take it you're not a government agent?" + +"I'm interested in breaking up a gang of leeches--the men who've been +cleaning this town of tires for the past three months." + +"Those guys are crooks all right," agreed Sam. "Why the last time they +sold me a bunch of tires they charged double. When I wasn't going to take +'em they said, 'Either you do, or else!'" + +"Did you deal with Ropes Mollinberg?" + +"He's just one of the little fry. What will you give me to spill?" + +"Nothing." + +"Will you keep Mattie out of this?" + +"If she's innocent." + +"She is," insisted Sam. "Supposin' I tell you how to get the whole gang, +will you forget what you've seen here?" + +"I make no bargains with Black Market dealers," retorted Mr. Parker. +"Either you tell what you know, or I'll have you and Mattie hauled into +court." + +Sam Burkholder was silent a moment. + +"Okay," he said abruptly. "I've had enough of this business anyhow. I'll +tell you what I know, and it won't take me long. I've never seen nor +dealt direct with the big shots." + +"Then how do you get your tires?" + +"A trucker by the name of Hank Biglow delivers them to me." + +"Louise and I know that man!" cried Penny. "For whom does he work?" + +"I've never asked. But from something Hank dropped I kinda suspect the +boys are having a meeting tonight." + +"Where?" Mr. Parker demanded eagerly. + +"I'll tell you on one condition. You've got to keep Mattie out of this. +So far as she knows this garage has been run pretty much on the square." + +Mr. Parker was unwilling to make any sort of agreement with the man. +Nevertheless, he realized that Sam had it within his power to withhold +vital information. + +"Very well," he said, "I'll take your word for it that Mattie is +innocent. Now where is the meeting to be held?" + +"At Johnson's warehouse." + +"Isn't that along the river?" + +"Yeah, about eight miles from here. The boys will be loading some tires +there. If you're willing to take the risk, you may learn something. +Meeting's at seven." + +Penny glanced at her wrist watch. + +"It's after six now!" she exclaimed in dismay. "Dad, if we are to get +there in time, we've got to step!" + +"Right you are," he agreed. + +Before leaving the garage, Mr. Parker telephoned Central Police Station. +Without mentioning Sam's name, he revealed a little of what he had +learned and requested an immediate investigation of the Johnson +Warehouse. Then, intending to meet officers there, he and Penny taxied +along the winding river road. + +Although not yet seven o'clock, it was darkening fast. The driver +switched on headlights, illuminating a long stretch of icy pavement. + +"Can't you go faster?" Mr. Parker urged impatiently. + +"Don't dare, sir," replied the driver. + +Even as he spoke, a crossroads traffic light flashed red. Though the +driver applied the foot brake with quick stabs, the car went into a +disastrous skid. Out of control, it slid crosswise in the narrow road. +The front wheels rolled into a deep, slippery ditch. + +"Just our luck!" muttered Mr. Parker. + +Several times the driver tried to back the car from the ditch. Failing, +he and Mr. Parker pushed while Penny handled the steering wheel. The +tires kept spinning and would not grip the ice. + +"No use," the publisher acknowledged at last. "We're only wasting time. +We need a tow car." + +"The nearest house or filling station is at least a mile up the road," +volunteered Penny. "I'm afraid we're stalled here until the police car +comes along." + +They climbed into the taxi and waited. No vehicle of any description came +by. With increasing impatience, Mr. Parker looked at his watch. + +"It's nearly seven o'clock now!" he exclaimed. "Either the police are +waiting farther down the road, or they've taken a different route!" + +"What are we going to do?" Penny asked helplessly. "If we sit here much +longer we'll miss catching those men at their meeting." + +"I don't see what we can do. Maybe our best bet is to walk to the nearest +filling station." + +Penny suddenly was struck with an idea. "The Riverview Yacht Club is +closer!" she cried. + +"True, but it's closed for the winter." + +"My iceboat is still there," said Penny. "If you're not afraid to ride +with me, I could get you to Johnson's Warehouse in nothing flat." + +"What are we waiting for?" demanded Mr. Parker. + +Leaving the cab driver behind, Penny and her father ran most of the way +to the club. The _Icicle_, covered with snow, runners frozen to the ice, +remained where it had been abandoned. + +"The sail's here too!" Penny declared, burrowing in a box hidden deep in +the cockpit. "In this wind, we'll go places!" + +"Are you sure you can handle the boat?" Mr. Parker asked anxiously. He +had never ridden in the _Icicle_ and from his daughter's vivid +descriptions, had no great desire to do so. + +"I know I can start it going," Penny replied with a quick laugh. "I'll +worry about stopping it when the time comes!" + +They cleared the little boat of snow and pushed it out on the smooth ice +of the river. Penny made certain that all the ropes were free running. + +"Now you get in, Dad," she advised as she hoisted the flapping sail. "I +want to be sure where you are when the fireworks begin." + +The wind filled the big sail like a balloon. Nothing happened. The +iceboat did not move an inch. + +"Why don't we go?" growled Mr. Parker. "Runners dull?" + +Penny gave the boat a hard push. + +"Want me to help?" offered her father. + +"No, thanks," puffed Penny. "When this baby makes up its mind, it will go +so fast you'd be left behind." + +Once more she pushed. The sail filled again and the runners stirred. + +"It's moving!" shouted Penny. + +The _Icicle_ was pulling away from her. She clung fast, trying to +scramble aboard. Her feet went out from under her and she was dragged +over the ice. + +"Hang on!" shouted Mr. Parker. "I can't sail this thing alone!" + +Penny clung desperately. Away flew a mitten. Her scarf flapped in her +face. With a supreme effort, she pulled herself aboard, and took command +of the tiller. + +"Are you hurt?" Mr. Parker shouted anxiously in her ear. + +Penny shook her head and laughed. "Getting started always is quite a +trick," she replied. "Sit tight! We have a stiff breeze tonight." + +Penny and her father wore no protective goggles. The sharp wind stung +their eyes even though they kept their heads low. + +"How'll we know when we get to the warehouse?" Mr. Parker shouted. "I +can't see anything!" + +"Just trust me," laughed Penny. "All I worry about is stopping this +bronco when we get there!" + +The boat was moving with the speed of an express train. Penny made her +decisions with lightning-like rapidity, twice steering to avoid open +stretches of water. She was worried, but had no intention of letting her +father know. + +The boat raced on. Then far ahead loomed the dark outline of a building. + +"That's the warehouse!" shouted Mr. Parker. "Don't go past it!" + +Penny gradually slowed the _Icicle_. Approaching shore, she slacked the +main sheet and shot up into the wind. By using her overshoes for brakes, +she finally brought the boat to a standstill not far from the warehouse. + +"Well done, skipper," praised Mr. Parker. + +Scrambling from the boat, they glanced anxiously about. A dim light shone +from inside the warehouse. Not far from its side entrance stood a truck. +There were no other vehicles, no sign of the expected police car. + +"Is this the place?" Penny asked doubtfully. + +"Yes, it's the only warehouse within a mile. Queer the police aren't here +to meet us." + +The publisher waded through a shrunken snowdrift to a side door of the +building. It was not locked and he pushed it open a crack. Far down a +deserted corridor shone a dim lantern light. + +"Oughtn't we to wait for the police?" Penny whispered uneasily. + +Without answering, Mr. Parker started down the corridor. Penny quickly +overtook him, padding along close at his side. + +The corridor opened into a large storage room used in years past to house +river merchandise. Now the walls were stacked high with tires. + +On the ground floor stood a truck which several men were loading. Two +others watched the work from a balcony overhead. + +"Dad, do you recognize any of those men?" Penny whispered. + +"No, but we've evidently come to the right place," he replied. + +The men did not talk as they loaded the tires into the truck. For many +minutes Penny and her father watched the work. + +"That truck soon will be pulling out," Penny observed. "Why don't the +police come?" + +"I'm going to talk to those men," Mr. Parker decided. "You stay here." + +Before Penny could protest, her father stepped boldly into the lighted +room. Immediately work ceased. Every eye focused upon him. + +"Good evening," said Mr. Parker casually. + +The remark was greeted by a suspicious silence. Then one of the men, a +red-faced fellow with a twisted lower lip, asked: "You lookin' fer +somebody?" + +"Just passing through and noticed the light," replied Mr. Parker. +"Wondered what's going on." + +"You can see, can't you?" growled one of the workmen. "We're trying to +load tires. Now get out of here or I'll bounce one on your head! We got +work to do." + +Mr. Parker did not lack courage. However, the grim faces warned him that +the men would not hesitate to make their promise good. With Penny +unprotected in the corridor he could afford to take no chances. + +"Sorry to have bothered you," he apologized, and retreated. + +Penny waited nervously in the dark hallway. "Now what are we to do?" she +whispered as her father rejoined her. + +"We'll telephone again for the police. Let's get out of here." + +Noiselessly they stole from the building. As they huddled in the lee of a +brick wall, a car came down the road. + +"That may be the police now!" Penny murmured hopefully. + +The car turned in at the warehouse. A lone policeman alighted. As he came +over to the building, Penny recognized him as Carl Burns. + +"Where's the rest of your men?" Mr. Parker demanded. "Surely you don't +expect to handle this tire gang single handed?" + +"Aren't you a bit mixed up?" the policeman drawled. + +"Mixed up?" + +"I'm here on a routine inspection. This is a defense plant, or didn't you +know?" + +"A defense plant!" Mr. Parker echoed. + +"A warehouse for one, I should say," corrected the policeman. "Tires +intended for the Wilson war plant are earmarked and shipped out from +here. A couple of trucks are going out tonight. I'm on the job to see +they're not hijacked." + +Penny gazed blankly at her father. If the policeman's information was +correct, then they had nearly made a serious blunder. + +"Guess we've been tricked," Mr. Parker muttered. "We were told this place +operates in the Black Market." + +"That's a laugh," responded the policeman. "Who told you that yarn?" + +"I can't divulge my source." + +"Well, you sure were taken for a ride!" the policeman taunted. "Mr. +Parker, why not let the police handle the crooks while you look after +your newspaper business? You've not been yourself since you were in that +auto accident." + +Penny and her father resented the implication, but wisely allowed the +remark to pass without comment. Decidedly crestfallen, they bade the +policeman goodbye and returned to the iceboat. + +"We've made ourselves ridiculous!" Mr. Parker commented bitterly as they +shoved off down river. "Taken in by Sam Burkholder!" + +"He probably lied to get rid of us," agreed Penny. "By this time he's +likely removed every tire from Mattie's garage!" + +Mr. Parker nodded and did not speak again. His failure to learn the +identity of the key men associated with Ropes Mollinberg, had been a +bitter disappointment. + +Penny handled the _Icicle_ effortlessly and without much thought. Faster +and faster the little boat traveled, its runners throwing up a powdery +dust. + +Then without warning the _Icicle_ struck something frozen in the ice. +Before Penny could make a move, the runners leaped from the surface. The +boat tilted to a sharp angle, and went over. + +Penny felt herself sliding. Snow filled her mouth, the sleeves of her +coat. Her cap hung over one ear. Laughing shakily, she scrambled to her +feet. + +"Are you all right, Dad?" she called anxiously. + +Then she saw him. Mr. Parker was sprawled flat on the ice a few yards +away. He did not move. Terrified, she ran to him and grasped his arm. + +"Dad! Speak to me!" + +Mr. Parker stirred slightly. He raised a hand and rubbed his head. Slowly +he pulled himself to a sitting position. + +"Penny--" he mumbled, staring at her. + +"Yes, Dad." + +"It's come to me--in a flash!" + +"What has, Dad?" Penny asked, wondering how badly her father had been +stunned. + +"Why, all the evidence I had in my portfolio! Names! Pictures! I know +every man who was mixed up in the tire deal. Jerry gave it all to me." + +"You remember everything?" cried Penny. "Dad, that's wonderful! It's just +like Doctor Greer said. You've regained your memory as the result of a +sudden blow." + +"Things did seem to rush back to me after I hit my head on the ice." + +Gripping Penny's hand, Mr. Parker pulled himself to his feet. Still +giddy, he staggered and caught the iceboat for support. Then recovering, +he exclaimed: + +"We've got to go back there right away!" + +"Where, Dad?" + +"To the warehouse. We were tricked, but not by Sam Burkholder! Policeman +Burns is one of the men I aim to expose!" + + + + + CHAPTER + 25 + _FINAL EDITION_ + + +Penny and her father had no definite plan as they raced toward Johnson's +warehouse in the iceboat. Their only thought was to return and somehow +prevent the escape of the tire thieves. + +"Dad, is Harley Schirr one of the gang?" Penny shouted in Mr. Parker's +ear. + +"Schirr?" he repeated impatiently. "Of course not!" + +"Then why didn't he want you to publish the tire stories in the _Star_?" + +"Oh, Schirr's a natural-born coward," Mr. Parker answered. "He likes to +snoop and give unasked advice. Let's forget him." + +The _Icicle_ slowed to a standstill near the warehouse. Penny and her +father leaped out and climbed the slippery bank. Nearby they saw a loaded +truck about to pull away from the building. + +"We never can stop those men now!" gasped Penny. + +"Yes, we can!" cried her father. "A police car is coming, and this time +it's no fake!" + +As he spoke, an automobile bearing the notation, "Police Department" in +bold letters, skidded into the driveway. Detective Fuller was at the +wheel and at least four policemen were with him. + +"Stop that truck!" Mr. Parker shouted. "Don't let it get away!" + +Detective Fuller and four companions leaped from the police car. As the +loaded truck started off with a roar, they blocked the road. + +"Halt!" shouted Detective Fuller. + +When the order was ignored, he fired twice. The bullets pierced the rear +tires of the truck. Air whistled out and the rubber slowly flattened. + +For a few yards the truck wobbled on, then stopped. Two detectives leaped +for the cab. + +"All right, get out!" ordered Detective Fuller, covering the men. + +The truck driver and two others slouched sullenly out of the cab. As +flashlights swept their faces, Penny recognized one of the men. + +"Hank Biglow!" she identified the driver. + +"And this man is Ham Mollinberg, a brother of Ropes," said Mr. Parker, +indicating a red-faced fellow in a leather jacket. "The man beside him is +Al Brancomb, wanted for skipping parole in California." + +"Any others in the warehouse?" demanded Detective Fuller. + +"There should be," said Penny excitedly. "Where's Mr. Burns?" + +"What Burns do you mean?" questioned one of the detectives. + +"Connected with your police force, unfortunately," informed Mr. Parker. +"That's why I planned to consult the Prosecutor before I spread the story +on the _Star's_ front page. You boys have done good work in Riverview and +I didn't want to make the department look bad." + +"Burns, eh?" Detective Fuller repeated. "We'll find out what he has to +say!" + +The policeman, however, was not to be apprehended so easily. Four men, +including Ropes Mollinberg, were captured inside the warehouse. Burns had +left the building some minutes earlier and had returned to Riverview. + +"Don't worry, we'll get him!" Detective Fuller promised Mr. Parker. "How +about these other eggs? Can you identify them?" + +"They're all members of the outfit," the publisher said without +hesitation. "One of my reporters, Jerry Livingston, spent weeks watching +these men and getting wise to their methods." + +"Then he can testify against them." + +"He can if he gets back," agreed Mr. Parker. "Jerry's in Canada and for +some reason we've been unable to locate him." + +Penny and her father remained at the warehouse until the handcuffed +prisoners had been taken away. They were jubilant over the capture. Not +only would the tire-theft gang be broken up, but the _Star_ had achieved +another exclusive front-page story. + +"The best part of all is that you've recovered your memory!" Penny +declared to her father. "After this, you won't dare fuss when I tell you +I'm going ice-boating!" + +"You're right," agreed Mr. Parker. "The _Icicle_ is the best pal I ever +had!" + +Within an hour after Penny and her father left the warehouse they were +notified that Mr. Burns had been taken into custody. Evidence piled up +rapidly against the policeman. As it definitely was established that he +had accepted money from Ropes Mollinberg, he was stripped of his badge +and put behind bars. + +Police were not compelled to search the Williams' garage. Before they +could act, Sam Burkholder came voluntarily to Central Station, offering +to make a clean breast of his part in the Black Market dealings. Both he +and Mattie were held as witnesses against the tire thieves. + +"Will Mattie be kept in jail long?" Penny asked her father. + +"I doubt it," he replied. "Apparently, Sam acted alone in selling illegal +tires. Since he's showing a disposition to cooperate with police, he'll +probably escape with a heavy fine." + +With the tire theft case soon to come up for trial, Penny was disturbed +lest Jerry Livingston fail to return from Canada in time to testify. For +many days she tormented herself with wild speculations. Then one +afternoon her worries were brought to an end by the arrival of a +telegram. Nothing had happened to the young reporter. He had failed to +reply to messages only because he had been out of touch with +civilization. + +In his wire, Jerry stated that he would return to Riverview at once to +aid in the search for the publisher. + +"Jerry doesn't know yet that you've been found!" Penny said to her +father. "We must wire him right away to set his mind at rest." + +The message was sent, and within a few hours a reply arrived, addressed +to Penny. + +"COMING ANYWAY," it read. "AM BRINGING YOU A BEAR RUG TOGETHER WITH A +NICE BEAR HUG." + +As if pleasant surprises never would end, still another came Penny's way. +Police notified her that among the tires seized at the Johnson Warehouse +was a set of five belonging to her stripped car. + +"You're much better off than I," Mr. Parker teased her. "Your car now is +in running order again. Mine will be in the garage for many a day. I'll +have to pay my own repair bill, too." + +"Unless the hit-skip driver is found." + +"I'm afraid he never will be," sighed Mr. Parker. "I'll always believe +the men who crowded me off the road were hired by the tire-theft gang. No +way to prove it though." + +"The car license number Mrs. Botts gave police didn't seem to be +accurate," Penny replied. "By the way, have you decided what you'll do +about her?" + +"Mrs. Botts?" + +"Yes, so far you've placed no formal charge against her." + +Mr. Parker smiled as he reached for a final edition of the _Star_. The +paper carried not only an account of the round-up at Johnson's Warehouse, +but a full confession from Mrs. Botts. + +"I bear the woman no ill will," he said. "She's already lost her position +as caretaker at the Deming estate. That's punishment enough as far as I'm +concerned." + +Presently Mrs. Weems entered the living-room with a glass of milk. When +she tried to make the publisher take it he complained that he no longer +was an invalid. + +"Now drink your milk like a good lad," Penny scolded. "Why, you're still +as thin as a ghost." + +With a wry face Mr. Parker gulped down the drink. + +"Let's not speak of ghosts," he pleaded. "I'm well now, and I don't like +to be reminded of those disgraceful night-shirt parades." + +"Are you sure you're perfectly well?" teased Penny. + +"Of course I am. My memory is as good as it ever was!" + +"Haven't you forgotten a rather important financial item?" + +Mr. Parker looked puzzled. Then light broke over his face. + +"Your allowance! I've not paid it for a long while, have I?" + +"You certainly haven't," grinned Penny. "The old till is painfully empty. +I can use a little folding money to good advantage." + +Her father smiled and opened his pocketbook. "Here you are," he said. "Go +out and paint the town red!" + +When Penny thumbed over the little stack of "folding money" she drew in +her breath. Then she leaped to her feet in youthful exuberance. + +"Oh, Dad, you're a darling!" she cried. "Why, this will buy a brush and a +whole barrel of red paint! Look out, Riverview, here I come!" + + + + + Transcriber's Notes + + +--Silently corrected a handful of palpable typos. + +--Replaced the list of books in the series by the complete list, as in + the final book, "The Cry at Midnight". + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ghost Beyond the Gate, by Mildred A. 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