“Perhaps we should call the police if there’s to be trouble,” Penny added cunningly.
At the mention of police, Laponi instantly released his grip on Caleb. He laughed harshly.
“We’ll let it go this time,” he said, “but I’m warning you, Eckert, stay away from this house and this safe if you know what’s good for you.”
“You might take that advice to yourself, too,” the old man retorted, edging toward the door.
From the window the girls watched him hurry down the path to his own cabin. His departure was almost flight. Obviously, Caleb was afraid.
Penny did not know what to believe. An hour before she would have taken oath that he was strictly honest, devoted to the interests of Jacob Winters. Now she could not be sure.
Max Laponi lingered in the living room. Suspecting that he intended to investigate the wall safe the instant he was alone, Penny and Rosanna settled themselves for a long stay. They pretended to read.
After an hour, Laponi grew tired of the game, and went off, grumbling to himself.
“We outlasted him that time,” Penny chuckled. “However, we’ll have to be on the lookout or he’ll sneak back sometime when we’re gone. I wonder if Mr. Winters did leave his ivory collection in the safe?”
“Laponi seems to think so,” Rosanna commented. “I’m glad he doesn’t know the combination. I distrust him even more than I do Caleb.”