“I thought I left that window down,” she heard him say. “If anyone has been in here—”
He crossed to the bed and ran his hand under the pillow. Penny peeped through the window just as he removed a shiny object.
“Another revolver!” she gasped. “That’s one I missed.”
The sight of the weapon seemed to reassure Laponi for he appeared relieved. He next crossed over to the bureau and searched for the diamond ring. Penny was very glad that she had not touched it.
“I guess everything is the same as I left it,” the man muttered to himself. “Still, I’d have sworn I left that window down.”
As Penny huddled flat against the wall, he moved over toward it. She held her breath, waiting. Would he look out? If he did, then all was lost.
Laponi stood for some minutes at the open window, seemingly absorbed in his thoughts. Then he abruptly slammed it down and turned away.
“That was a narrow escape!” Penny congratulated herself. “If I ever get out of this mess I’ll take care not to get myself into another position like it!”
She cautiously crept along the ledge until at last she was able to stretch out her hand and grasp the sill of the next window. After pulling herself through she quietly closed it behind her. Then she tiptoed to the bedroom door and looked out. No one was in sight.
Carefully secreting the articles which she had taken from Laponi’s room, she darted past his door and safely on to the bedroom which she shared with Rosanna. The latter arose as she burst in upon her.