Penny and Rosanna exchanged a swift glance. They knew now that the box contained Jacob Winters’ priceless collection of ivory pieces!
After staring at the little figure for a minute Caleb carefully replaced it and closed the box. He then locked the safe and returned the oil painting to its former position on the wall.
“Stop him now or it will be too late,” Rosanna whispered tensely.
Before Penny could act, there was a slight movement at the opposite end of the living room. The girls were horrified to see a closet door slowly open.
Caleb’s back was turned. Oblivious of danger he bent down to pick up his lantern.
From within the closet a man was regarding Caleb with cold intensity. He held a revolver in his hand.
Rosanna, terrified at the sight, would have cried out a warning, had not Penny suddenly placed her hand over the girl’s mouth.
Max Laponi, a cynical, cruel smile upon his angular face, stepped out into the living room, his revolver trained upon Caleb.
“Much obliged to you for opening the safe, Mr. Eckert,” he said coolly. “You saved me the trouble.”
Caleb wheeled and instinctively thrust the metal box behind his back. The gesture amused Laponi. He laughed harshly.