Penny knew that she was a long distance from police aid, but it was unthinkable that Slippery should be allowed to escape. Impulsively, she moved from her hiding place to the base of the tower.
Grasping the silken ladder, she gave it a quick jerk which dislodged the two iron hooks. Down it tumbled into her arms, leaving the man trapped in the turret.
“He’ll never dare call for help when he discovers what has happened,” reasoned Penny. “If he does, the guard, Pete, will have something to say!”
Rolling the ladder into a small bundle, she started across the clearing, intending to seek the nearest telephone. With no thought of lurking danger, she brushed past a clump of bushes. A hand reached out and grasped her arm.
Penny screamed in terror and tried to break free. The hand help her in a grip of steel.
As she struggled, her captor emerged from the shelter of leaves. It was Al Gepper.
“I thought I might find you here, my little one,” he said grimly. “You have had your fun. Now you must pay, and the entertainment shall be mine!”
CHAPTER
23
A PRISONER IN THE BELFRY
Penny tried to scream, only to have Al Gepper clamp his hand over her mouth.
“None of that!” he said harshly. “Behave yourself or you’ll get rough treatment.”