“It’s unfair of them to try to take your guests away.”
“Oh, they’re determined to put me out of business at any cost. Miss Sellberg is leaving, too. She served notice this morning.”
Penny glanced up with quick interest. “Francine? Is she leaving Pine Top?”
“No, she told me she had decided to move to the Fergus hotel because of its better location.”
Penny nodded thoughtfully. She could understand that if Francine were trying to gain special information about either Ralph Fergus or Harvey Maxwell, it would be to her advantage to have a room at the other hotel. Had it not been for her loyalty to Mrs. Downey, she, too, would have been tempted to take up headquarters there.
“I can’t really blame folks for leaving,” Mrs. Downey continued after a moment. “I’ve not offered very much entertainment this year. Last season in addition to skiing we had the bob-sled run.”
“I met Sara Jasko and she was telling me about it,” replied Penny. “Can’t you use the run again this year?”
“We could, but it scarcely seems worth the trouble and expense. Also, it takes experienced drivers to steer the sleds. The young man I had working for me last winter isn’t available at present.”
“Is there no other person at Pine Top who could do it?”
“Sara Jasko,” responded Mrs. Downey, smiling. “However, it’s not likely her grandfather would give his consent.”