Mrs. Leeds collapsed into a chair and burying her face in her hands began to sob.
Penny felt a little sorry for her, realizing that at heart the woman was not a criminal. She had been goaded on by an overpowering ambition to improve her social position by gaining Jacob Winters’ fortune.
“We may as well call the police,” Penny said after a slight hesitation. She had noticed that Laponi was casting cunning glances about the room and guessed that he was hoping for an opportunity to escape.
Mrs. Leeds sprang to her feet. She darted over to Jacob Winters, grasping him by the arm.
“Oh, please, please don’t have me arrested. I didn’t mean to do wrong. For the sake of my daughter let me go free. After all, we are relatives.”
“Unfortunately, we are,” he agreed. Turning to Rosanna, he said quietly: “It is for you to decide, my dear.”
“Let her go free,” Rosanna urged instantly.
“I think that is best,” he nodded. “But as far as Max Laponi is concerned we can’t get him to the lock-up soon enough to please me.”
“If you’ll guard him I’ll telephone for the police,” Penny offered.
Leaving the old man with both revolvers she went into an adjoining room to place the call.