Before Penny could respond, a sharp knock sounded on the door. The servant girl turned to open it. However, instead of the anticipated police, the apartment janitor, George Bailey, peered into the disordered room.
“I heard someone scream a minute or so ago,” he said. “Some of the tenants thought it came from this apartment. Maybe they were mistaken.”
“There’s no mistake,” spoke Penny from across the room. “The Kohls have been robbed. Will you please come inside and close the door?”
“Robbed! You don’t say!” The janitor stared with alarmed interest. “When did it happen?”
Penny allowed the maid to tell what had occurred, adding no information of her own. When there came a lull in the excited flow of words, she said quietly:
“Mr. Bailey, do you mind answering a few questions?”
“Why should I?” the janitor countered. “I’ll tell you right now I know nothing about this. I’ve attended strictly to my duties. It’s not my lookout if tenants leave their suite doors unlocked.”
“No one is blaming you,” Penny assured him. “I merely thought you might contribute to a solution of the burglary.”
“I don’t know a thing about it.”
“You didn’t let anyone into the apartment building tonight?”