"It's really mine, Mr. Turner," Perry insisted. "I can tell because I made a new wick for it out of an old piece of white cloth. Someone has smashed the isinglass."
Mr. Turner again glanced inquiringly toward Penny. She nodded her head as a signal that he was to give the lantern to the boy.
"Very well, Perry, here you are," the storekeeper said, handing him the toy. "Now what kind of candy do you want?"
He filled the order and Perry left the store without observing Penny and Susan. Through the plate glass window the girls saw him show the toy lantern to his grandfather. Then he climbed into the car and they drove away.
"I hope I did right to let him take the toy," said the storekeeper anxiously.
"Yes, you did," said Penny quietly. "The lantern has served its purpose now."
"I was very much surprised that it belonged to Perry," went on Mr. Turner.
"It was somewhat of a shock to me too," Penny acknowledged.
"Your father told me a little about the case," the storekeeper continued. "I fear that this clue has no significance for Perry's grandfather is an upstanding man in the community."
"I quite understand," replied Penny gravely. "Thank you for going to so much trouble to help my father. I'm sure that he'll not wish you to speak of this matter to anyone."