"How are we going to get in?" Penny asked in disappointment.
"One of the windows should be unlocked," Mr. Nichols said, looking up speculatively. "Here, I'll give you a boost."
He lifted Penny on his shoulders so that she could reach one of the high windows.
"Locked," she reported.
"All right, we'll try another," said the detective.
The second window likewise proved to be fastened, but when Penny tried the third one it opened.
"Good!" exclaimed Mr. Nichols. "Jump down inside and open the door!"
Penny found herself gazing into an untidy living room. The rug was moth eaten and there was dust everywhere on the old fashioned Victorian furniture. The walls were heavy with family pictures in wooden frames, and Penny's attention was drawn to a curious feather wreath.
"Hurry!" warned Mr. Nichols from below.
"I'll be there in a jiffy," Penny called back.