Part 19 (2/2)
”I haven't an idea.”
”If there's something hidden in or around the well, why doesn't she have a workman make a thorough search?”
”Probably because she doesn't want folks to suspect what she is about, Lou. That may explain why she works at night and on very dark, gloomy days such as today. She doesn't wish to be seen.”
”Mrs. Marborough searches in such obvious places,” Louise said after a moment. ”If anything really is hidden it might be deep down in the well.
She never will find it in that case.”
”We might help her,” Penny suggested impulsively.
”You know she would resent our interference.”
”She probably would if we tell her what we intend to do.”
Louise gazed speculatively at her chum, realizing that Penny had some plan in mind. She waited expectantly, and then as the other did not speak, inquired:
”Just what scheme are you hatching now?”
”You gave me the idea yourself,” Penny chuckled. ”The logical place to search is deep down inside the well. I'm sure the water can't be more than a few feet deep.”
”So you want me to dive in and drown myself?” Louise joked. ”Thank you, but I prefer to restrict my aquatic exercise to swimming pools!”
”Remember that silk ladder I acquired when I helped police capture Al Gepper and his slippery pals?” Penny demanded, paying no heed to the teasing.
”I do,” Louise nodded. ”It was made of braided silk strands by a Chinese curio man, and had two iron hooks to claw into the wood of window ledges.”
”Those same hooks will fit very nicely over the side of the wis.h.i.+ng well.
I've been waiting for a chance to use that ladder, and here it is!”
”Penny! You actually have the courage to climb down into a well?”
”Why not?” Penny laughed. ”But it must be tonight while my enthusiasm is bubbling. Meet me at nine o'clock and bring a good flashlight.”
Louise could only stare. ”You're actually serious!”
”Indeed I am,” Penny replied gaily. ”Everything is settled. Now let's slip away from here before Mrs. Marborough sees us.”
CHAPTER 14 _NIGHT ADVENTURE_
The night, dark and misty, was entirely suitable for the purpose to which the two girls had dedicated it. Dinner over, Penny obtained the unique silken ladder from an attic trunk. Compressing it into a small brief-case, she sauntered through the living room.
”Aren't you becoming quite studious of late?” Mr. Parker inquired, noting the brief-case tucked under her arm. ”Off to the library again?”
”Over to Louise's house,” Penny corrected vaguely. ”From that point on there's no guarantee.”
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