“Not sure just where I’m going,” she replied, her smooth forehead creasing with thought. “But if Dad should get curious, you can tell him he shouldn’t be surprised if he finds me visiting with the Kippenbergs.”
“Penny! You’re not going there again?”
“Why not? I’m after a story for the Riverview Star and I mean to get it. See you later.”
With a wave of her hand Penny walked jauntily off. A few moments later Mrs. Weems heard the clatter of Penny’s Leaping Lena careening down the street in the direction of Corbin. First, however, she called for her chum, Louise, who was eager to accompany her on the long ride.
“I won’t be able to stay long, Penny,” said Louise. “Mother wants me to go shopping with her later this afternoon.”
“That’s all right,” responded Penny as the old car bolted along the road. “If I get delayed, you can take Leaping Lena back home, and I’ll follow later on.”
With both girls keeping up a steady run of conversation they soon reached their destination.
Penny wondered if she would be able to enter the Kippenberg estate without being challenged by the bridgeman or a servant. Her anxiety increased upon approaching the river, for she saw that a large group of persons had gathered by the drawbridge.
No one paid the slightest attention to the two girls as they abandoned the car and proceeded to the water’s edge. Penny was pleased to find the youthful boatman at his usual haunt on the river. He rowed the girls across to the estate, promising to await their return.
Penny escorted Louise through the trees to the Kippenberg house. Boldly she rang the doorbell which was answered by a butler.