“Good morning, Mr. Kano,” she greeted him. “You remember me, I believe?”
Mr. Kano bowed, regarding her warily. “Yes,” he replied. “You are the young lady whose curiosity is very large.”
Penny smiled. “You are right, Mr. Kano. It is very large, especially about a certain silken ladder.”
Mr. Kano frowned as he leaned on his broom. “I am very sorry,” he said. “I am a merchant, not one who answers what you call the quiz-bee.”
Penny understood that the Japanese never would tell her what she wished to know save under compulsion. She decided to adopt firm tactics.
“Mr. Kano,” she said, “my father is the owner of the Riverview Star and he intends to expose certain crooks who have been robbing wealthy persons such as the Kohls. You read in the paper that their home was entered?”
“Yes, I read,” the Japanese shrugged.
“My own theory is that the thief gained entrance by means of a silk ladder,” Penny declared. “A ladder made in this shop!”
The shopkeeper’s eyes narrowed. “I know nothing,” he replied. “Nothing. You go now, please.”
“If I go,” said Penny, “I’ll return with the police. You would not like that, I take it?” Her voice was crisp and full of menace.