Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key Part 36

"Well, you're not Mrs. Leeds, are you?" the old man snapped. "If you're willing, I want you to stay here."

"You mean--indefinitely?"

"Yes, if you think you could stand to live with me. I'm cross and I like things done my own way, but if you could put up with me----"

"If I could put up with you!" Rosanna ran to him and flung her arms about him. "Why, I think you're a darling! I was afraid to tell you so for fear you'd believe I was after your money."

"Money! Fiddlesticks!" Jacob sniffed. He wiped a tear from his eye. "I'm going to try to make up to you for all that you've missed."

The two had a great deal to say to each other, but presently they remembered Penny. She had been watching the little scene with eager delight.

"I'll never be able to thank you," Rosanna declared happily. "You're responsible for everything, Penny."

"I wish you'd permit me to reward you in a substantial way," Mr. Winters added.

Penny smilingly shook her head. "It was fun coming here to Raven Ridge.

But it would ruin everything if I accepted pay for it."

"At least you'll stay a few days longer," Mr. Winters urged.

"If Father will agree to it."

When Mr. Nichols returned from police headquarters another pleasant surprise was in store for Penny.

"It looks as if you've won the reward which the Bresham Store offered for the capture of Laponi," he told her. "Five hundred dollars."

"Don't turn it down," Rosanna urged.

"I won't," Penny laughed. "In fact, I know just how I'll use that money when I get it."

"How?" her father inquired.

"I'll buy myself a new car."

"I thought perhaps you'd use it to go into business in compet.i.tion with me," he teased.

"Some day I'll solve a mystery which will be so big and important that you'll not be able to twit me about it," Penny announced.

"I wasn't really teasing, my dear. I think you did a fine bit of work this time and I'm proud of you."

"Honestly?"

"Honestly," Mr. Nichols repeated, smiling broadly. "And I predict that you're only starting on this career of crime detection which you find so very thrilling."

"I wish I could be sure of that," Penny sighed.

With all her heart she longed for another adventure as exciting as the one she had experienced. Although she had no way of knowing what the future held, she was destined soon to have her wish gratified. In the third volume of the Penny Nichols' series, ent.i.tled, "The Secret of the Black Imp," she encounters a mystery more baffling than any she has previously solved.

After Mrs. Leeds and her daughter left the house, the others took Mr.

Nichols for a tour of the secret pa.s.sageway. Jacob Winters explained in detail how the panel operated and entertained them by playing several selections on the pipe organ.

"I love music," Rosanna remarked wistfully. "I've never even had an opportunity to learn to play the piano."

"You'll have it now," he a.s.sured her.

Mr. Nichols remained during the day but late in the afternoon he was forced to start for home as his work had been neglected. He was very willing, however, that Penny should remain as long as she wished at the old mansion.

The days were all too short for the two girls who enjoyed rambling through the woods, rowing and swimming in the lake, and exploring every nook and cranny of the interesting old house. But at length the time came when Penny too was obliged to depart.

"Come back and see us often, won't you?" Rosanna urged as they parted.

"Whenever I can," Penny promised. "I've had a glorious time."

She drove away, but at the bend in the road halted the car to glance back. The house, cloaked in the shadows of evening, looked nearly as mysterious as upon the occasion of her first visit. However, to her it would never again have a fearful aspect.

Jacob Winters and his niece stood framed in the doorway. They waved.

Penny returned the salute. Then regretfully she turned her back upon Raven Ridge and drove slowly down the mountain road which led home.

M. W.

THE END