When she succeeded in breaking in it was to bring up the subject of Mr. Winters’ ivory collection. Caleb seemed reluctant to offer definite information.
“All I know is that Mr. Winters was supposed to have one,” he answered. “Folks said it was worth a fortune and that he had spent years gathering it.”
“What became of the collection?” Penny inquired curiously.
“How should I know?” Caleb retorted crossly. “Seems to me you girls ask a lot of silly questions.”
“We didn’t mean to be inquisitive,” Penny apologized. “Only it struck me that Max Laponi has an unusual interest in that collection of ivory.”
Caleb eyed her strangely. “So you noticed it too?” he asked.
Penny nodded. “Perhaps I shouldn’t say it, but I don’t trust that man, Mr. Eckert. If Mr. Winters’ collection of ivory is still in the house, don’t you think it should be removed to a safer place?”
“That’s what I’d like to do,” Caleb muttered, looking out the window.
“Then you do know where the ivory collection is,” Penny tripped him.
Caleb glared at her. “I didn’t say so, did I? Why should Mr. Winters tell me where he kept his valuables? Bosh! I tell you I won’t be mixed up in the muddle. Now go away and let me sleep!”