“Now let’s really have a look at that brake rod,” she said. “Notice anything queer about it, Penny?”
“I did, and I’m thinking the same thing you are.”
“See these shiny marks on the steel,” Jake pointed out excitedly. “The rod had been sawed almost in two. Even a little strain on it would make it break.”
“You’re certain it was in good condition last night?” Sara questioned.
“Positive,” Jake responded grimly. “I checked over both sleds just before supper last night.”
“Let’s have a look at the other sled,” proposed Penny.
An inspection of the brake equipment revealed nothing out of order.
“Whoever did the trick may have been afraid to damage both sleds for fear of drawing attention to his criminal work,” declared Penny. “But it’s perfectly evident someone wanted us to take a bad spill.”
“I can’t guess who would try such a trick,” said Sara in perplexity. “Did you lock the tool house last night, Jake?”
“I always do.”