Louise squeezed past her chum, heading for the exit. Penny had no choice but to follow.
Before they could reach the door, it suddenly opened from the outside. A young man who had not bothered to remove his hat, entered. Seeing the girls, he abruptly halted, then turned and retreated.
Penny quickened her step. Taking Louise’s hand she pulled her along at a faster pace. They reached the vestibule. It was deserted. Penny peered up and down the dark street.
“Well, he’s gone,” she remarked.
“Who?” Louise questioned in a puzzled voice. “You mean that man who entered the Temple and then left so suddenly?”
“I do,” responded Penny. “Unless my eyes tricked me, he was none other than Al Gepper!”
CHAPTER
12
A MESSAGE FOR MRS. WEEMS
“I don’t know anyone answering to that name,” remarked Louise. “However, the fellow did act as if he were retreating from us.”
Penny glanced up and down the dark street. No one was to be seen, and since so little time had elapsed, she reasoned that the man had taken refuge either in the high weeds or the nearby cemetery.
“It must have been Gepper,” she declared. “Naturally he wouldn’t care to meet me here.” Quickly Penny recounted the events of the afternoon.