In disappointment Penny picked up a book and sat down to read. Presently she heard soft steps in the hallway but paid slight attention thinking that it was Rosanna.
She was on the verge of calling her friend’s name when she thought better of it. The sound of the footsteps told her that the person had gone into the living room. And by this time she was convinced that it was not Rosanna.
She waited, listening. She heard a faint metallic click which caused her to lay aside her book and quietly steal to the doorway of the living room.
Max Laponi stood with his back toward her, so absorbed in what he was about that he had not the slightest suspicion that he was being observed.
Penny saw him carefully remove the oil painting from the wall. He deftly opened the panel, exposing the safe. Then, with a sureness of touch which amazed Penny, he began to spin the dials.
CHAPTER XIV
A Diamond Ring
“Mr. Laponi, kindly move away from that safe!”
Penny spoke sharply as she quietly stepped into the living room. The man whirled and saw her. Taken by surprise, his hand fell away from the dials and he looked confused.
“You seem to be very much interested in Mr. Winters’ valuables,” Penny said sternly.
By this time Max Laponi had recovered his composure.