Neither Mrs. Leeds’ car nor the one belonging to Max Laponi was on the driveway.
“I guess we’re the only ones here this morning,” Penny commented.
They entered by the front door. From the direction of the living room they heard a muffled exclamation of impatience. Signaling for silence, Penny tiptoed toward the velvet curtains which hid the living room from view. She parted them.
Caleb Eckert was working at the dials of a wall safe which had been concealed in a secret panel behind a large oil painting.
Although the girls had made no sound, Caleb sensed their presence. He turned and faced them.
“Why, Mr. Eckert, doesn’t this call for some explanation?” Penny asked in bewilderment. “Surely you have no right to tamper with Mr. Winters’ safe.”
The old man plainly was embarrassed. He moistened his lips, looked away, then said gruffly:
“I didn’t come here to steal. I came because I wanted to protect Mr. Winters’ valuables. There’s folks in this house that I don’t trust.”
“But how does it happen you know the combination of the safe?” Rosanna inquired.
“Mr. Winters gave it to me before he left. You see, he was my best friend. Jacob trusted me.”