“I don’t know, but I intend to do some intensive investigation.”
“Just how, may I ask?”
Penny gazed speculatively toward the drawbridge, noting that the old watchman had been deserted by the group of reporters. He sat alone, legs crossed, his camp stool propped against the side of the gearhouse.
“Let’s talk with him, Lou. He might be able to tell us something about the different employees of the estate.”
They walked over to where the old man sat, greeting him with their most pleasant smiles.
“Good morning,” said Penny.
The old man finished lighting his pipe before he deigned to notice them.
“Good morning,” repeated Penny.
“Mornin’,” said the watchman. He looked the two girls over appraisingly and added: “Ain’t you children a long ways off from your Ma’s?”
The remark both startled and offended Penny, but instantly she divined that the old fellow’s memory was short and his eyesight poor. He had failed to recognize her in everyday clothes.