A dark object lying on the grass attracted Penny’s attention. Picking it up, she carried it to the porch and switched on a light that she might see to better advantage. In her hand she held a torn strand of black silk rope.
“This may be an important clue!” she thought excitedly. “I know now how the man entered the house!”
As Penny examined the piece of rope, automobile headlight beams cut a path across the yard. The Parker car drew up on the driveway and both Mrs. Weems and Mr. Parker alighted.
“Dad, come here quickly!” Penny called as he started to open the garage doors.
“What’s wrong, Penny?”
Both the publisher and Mrs. Weems came toward the porch.
“We’ve had a burglar,” Penny announced. “He broke into Mrs. Weems’ room, smashing the lock on the desk—”
“My money!” the housekeeper exclaimed in horror. “Oh, Penny, don’t tell me that it’s gone!”
“He escaped with the contents of the drawer.”
Mrs. Weems gave a moan of anguish. “Haven’t you called the police?” she demanded. “When did it happen? Tell me everything!”