"What was so unusual about it, Dad?"
"Nothing that I could tell. A private home was entered and the thieves escaped with about a thousand dollars' worth of jewelry. The owner, a man of wealth, insists upon private detectives taking over the case. He's not satisfied with the local police talent."
While Penny and her father were discussing the robbery, Mrs. Masterbrook announced dinner. To their relief, she did not talk during the meal but maintained an aloof air.
"I don't like the look of the weather," remarked Mr. Nichols, glancing out the window. "I shouldn't be surprised if we have a storm tonight."
"The wind does appear to be rising," Penny agreed. "Just listen to it whistle in the grove of evergreens—it gives one a creepy feeling."
"I hope we have a good roof over us," Mr. Nichols declared. "One that doesn't leak."
As he spoke, the room was suddenly plunged into darkness.
"Mercy on us!" screamed Mrs. Masterbrook in terror. "What's happened to the lights?"
"Probably the current has been turned off, or the high wind may have broken a wire," said the detective calmly.
"Or a fuse may have blown out," Penny added.