“And this is a piece of it!” Mr. Parker exclaimed, examining the twisted strand with new interest. “Your theory sounds plausible. It would be possible for a man to scale a wall with such a ladder.”
“He could jerk loose the hooks in an instant, too, Dad. The ladder would fit into a small suitcase, or even his pocket!”
“There’s one objection to your theory, Penny. How could such a ladder be raised to the window ledge? It naturally would be limp.”
“That part has me puzzled, I’ll admit.”
“I never even heard of a silken ladder,” said Mrs. Weems doubtfully.
“I once saw one being made,” declared Penny with deliberate emphasis. “At a Japanese Shop on Dorr Street.”
“That’s right, you spoke of it!” exclaimed her father. “Penny, you may have something!”
“I think so, Dad. This strand of twisted silk may lead straight to Kano’s Curio Shop.”
“And from there?”
Penny hesitated, glancing at Mrs. Weems. She knew that the housekeeper might take offense, but she answered quietly: