“If a ladder had stood here it would show,” remarked Jerry. “The thief must have used some other means of getting into the building.”
While the policeman was inspecting the ground, the janitor stepped from a rear basement door, joining the group.
“Officer, I have some more information for you,” he volunteered.
“What is it?”
“I was talking with my wife. She says that about two hours ago she noticed a man walking through the alley. He carried a suitcase, and kept looking at the upstairs windows.”
“No ladder?”
“Only a suitcase.”
“I’ll have the detectives talk with your wife,” the policeman promised. “They’ll be here any minute now.”
Penny and Jerry lingered until the two men arrived, bringing a photographer with them. No new evidence being made available, it seemed a waste of time to remain longer.
“Don’t bother to take me home,” Penny insisted. “Dash straight to the office and write your story. The other papers won’t have a word about the robbery until the police report is made.”