Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key Part 15

When she succeeded in breaking in it was to bring up the subject of Mr.

Winters' ivory collection. Caleb seemed reluctant to offer definite information.

"All I know is that Mr. Winters was supposed to have one," he answered.

"Folks said it was worth a fortune and that he had spent years gathering it."

"What became of the collection?" Penny inquired curiously.

"How should I know?" Caleb retorted crossly. "Seems to me you girls ask a lot of silly questions."

"We didn't mean to be inquisitive," Penny apologized. "Only it struck me that Max Laponi has an unusual interest in that collection of ivory."

Caleb eyed her strangely. "So you noticed it too?" he asked.

Penny nodded. "Perhaps I shouldn't say it, but I don't trust that man, Mr. Eckert. If Mr. Winters' collection of ivory is still in the house, don't you think it should be removed to a safer place?"

"That's what I'd like to do," Caleb muttered, looking out the window.

"Then you do know where the ivory collection is," Penny tripped him.

Caleb glared at her. "I didn't say so, did I? Why should Mr. Winters tell me where he kept his valuables? Bosh! I tell you I won't be mixed up in the muddle. Now go away and let me sleep!"

Caleb stretched himself out on the couch and closed his eyes. Thus dismissed, the girls hastily departed.

"Such a cross old man!" Rosanna exclaimed when they were out of earshot.

"But even though he is irritable, I rather like him."

"So do I," Penny admitted with a laugh. "You know, I think our questions about the ivory collection disturbed him more than he cared to show."

"He did seem reluctant to tell us anything about it."

"We'll nail him down yet," Penny declared grimly as they walked slowly toward the house on the cliff. "Unless I'm sadly mistaken, that ivory collection is hidden somewhere on the premises and he's scared silly for fear someone will find it!"

CHAPTER IX A Sc.r.a.p of Paper

Penny and Rosanna entered the house by the side door. Hearing a murmur of voices from the direction of the library, they involuntarily paused to listen.

"If we go into this thing as partners we're both bound to profit," they heard a man say in an insistent tone. "Think it over and I know you'll see how easily it can be accomplished. Those two girls are nit-wits.

They'll make no trouble."

Penny and Rosanna exchanged a startled glance. They recognized Max Laponi's voice. So he was plotting against them! Undoubtedly, planning to secure complete control of the Winters' estate.

"I'm going to find out with whom he is talking," Penny whispered.

Before Rosanna could protest, she walked to the library door and opened it. Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi were sitting at the desk, examining some doc.u.ment which was spread out before them. As Penny came in, Laponi whisked it into his pocket.

"Oh, I beg your pardon," Penny said casually. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"You aren't at all, my dear," Mrs. Leeds said more graciously than was her custom. "Mr. Laponi was just showing me a letter from his sister."

"Yes, from my sister," Laponi echoed with a slight smirk. "She lives in Naples and writes such interesting letters."

Penny found it difficult to refrain from smiling. She pretended to search in the bookcase for a volume.

"I thought possibly you had discovered the will," she remarked mischievously.

"The will! Oh, no!" Mrs. Leeds a.s.sured her.

"That is a good joke," Laponi echoed. "Ha! Ha! Even a ferret couldn't find old Jacob Winters' will in this house!"

Penny was aware that both Mrs. Leeds and Max Laponi were watching her shrewdly, trying to make up their minds if she had overheard anything.

She dared say no more lest she betray herself. Picking up a book she quietly withdrew.

"It's just as I thought," she told Rosanna when they were together in their bedroom. "Laponi is trying to get Mrs. Leeds involved in some scheme to steal the property. Unless we watch out, Rosanna, they'll get everything away from you."

"I don't much care," Rosanna returned in disgust. "I never saw such disgraceful actions in all my life. As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather leave this place tomorrow and let the lawyers settle everything."

"There will be nothing left to settle when Mrs. Leeds and Laponi get through. It's pretty evident that one or the other is an impostor."

"But we can't prove that, Penny. If only I hadn't lost my key and the credentials!"

"We're only starting to work on this case," Penny said cheerfully. "Let's keep our eyes and ears open. We may discover something of value."

Since their arrival at the old house, the girls had awaited an opportunity to inspect the third floor, hoping to discover the cause of the mysterious music which had disturbed the household. Penny suggested that while Mrs. Leeds and Laponi were occupied in the library they might make their tour of investigation. Rosanna agreed but without enthusiasm.

She was not as venturesome as her companion.

Penny led the way to the third floor landing. The hall was dark and dusty; cobwebs hung from the corners of the ceiling.

Penny cast an appraising glance about her. The doors leading from the hall were all closed. She was certain that upon her previous visit one had been slightly ajar.

She reached for the k.n.o.b and turned it. The door did not give. It was locked.

"That's funny," Penny murmured.

"What is?"

"I'm sure this door was unlocked before."

"Perhaps it was the other one," Rosanna suggested.

They moved on down the hall to try the second door. It too was securely fastened.

"I distinctly recall opening that other door," Penny maintained. "I started to go in and tripped over something. I suspect it was a rope stretched just inside the door."

"Well, if we can't get in I guess we can't learn anything," Rosanna said, somewhat in relief.