At nine o’clock Jake came to the lodge with a discouraging report. No trace of Peter Jasko had been found. The search would continue throughout the night.
“Which way are you going?” Penny inquired as the man started to leave the house again. “Up the mountain or down?”
“Down,” he returned. “I’m joining a party at Jasko’s own place. We aim to start combing the woods on his farm next.”
“May I ride with you?” she requested. “I want to go down to the Fergus hotel.”
“Penny, your ankle—” protested Mrs. Downey.
“I can get around on it,” Penny said hurriedly. “See!” She hobbled across the floor to prove her words. “And this is important. I want to see someone at the hotel.”
“So late at night?”
“It really is important,” Penny declared. “Please say I may go.”
“Very well,” agreed Mrs. Downey reluctantly.
Jake took Penny all the way to the hotel. “Shall I help you inside?” he asked.