"Then back to your work!" Brunner commanded. "Clear the building of every scrap of evidence."
Penny was horrified at the scene she had witnessed. Jerry Barrows lay so motionless upon the floor that she was afraid he had been seriously injured. She longed to go to his aid, yet dared not make a move lest she betray her presence.
"If only I could get word to the police or to Father!" she thought tensely. "By the time I drive back to Belton City for help it will be too late."
The telephone! If she could but reach the antechamber it might be possible to notify the authorities.
Watching her chance, she tiptoed across the open space to the little room. The men were so occupied with their work that they did not glance in her direction. No sound betrayed her.
Penny reached the chamber in safety, and quietly closed the door. It was dark inside and at first she could not locate the telephone. But after groping about, she found it on the wall.
"I'll try Father's office," she decided. "There's just a chance that he may have returned."
Her hand trembled as she took down the receiver. She was fully aware of the risk she was taking in attempting the telephone call.
Muffling her voice and speaking very low, she gave the number of her father's office to the operator. There was a long wait. She could hear a rhythmical buzz on the wire. The bell was ringing but no one answered.
"I must try the police," Penny thought.