“Jenny, I hope you haven’t told him anything about me,” the housekeeper mentioned.
“Oh, no, Maud. For that matter, he’s said nothing about you since you were here.”
Mrs. Weems cast Penny an “I-told-you-so” glance which was not lost upon Al Gepper who entered the room at that moment.
“I am ready for you, ladies,” he said. “Kindly follow me.”
In the upstairs room blinds had been drawn. Al Gepper indicated that his audience was to occupy the chairs around the circular table.
“Before we attempt to communicate with the departed souls, I wish to assure you that I employ no trickery,” he announced, looking hard at Penny. “You may examine the table or the cabinet if you wish.”
“Oh, no, Mr. Gepper,” murmured Mrs. Hodges. “We trust you.”
“I’ll look, if you don’t mind,” said Penny.
She peered beneath the table, thumped it several times, and pulled aside the curtain of the cabinet. It was empty.
“Now if you are quite satisfied, shall we begin?” purred Mr. Gepper. “It will make it much easier, if each one of you will give me a personal object.”