There lay a diamond ring.
“A diamond!” she exclaimed. “As big as a house too. It’s evidently been hidden here by Max Laponi!”
She picked it up and examined it, reflecting that somewhere she had seen a similar piece of jewelry. She was certain the diamond was not an imitation for it sparkled brightly. However, she had no opportunity to give it more than a hasty glance for she was startled to hear footsteps coming down the hall.
“Max Laponi may be coming back,” she thought nervously.
Leaving the diamond ring where she had discovered it she hastily rearranged the dresser cover. With her newly acquired evidence, she darted to the window and lowered herself to the outside ledge.
CHAPTER XV
Penny’s Evidence
The bedroom door opened and Max Laponi entered.
Penny Nichols had lowered herself to the narrow ledge not an instant too soon. There had been no time to pull the window down after her.
As she heard the man walk across the room she huddled fearfully against the wall, feeling certain that he would notice the open window immediately. Her position was a precarious one. She dared not move lest even a slight sound betray her to the man inside. On the other hand, it was doubtful how long she could remain where she was without losing her footing. She knew that if she once glanced downward her courage would fail her.
Penny could hear Laponi muttering to himself.