“Detective Fuller had no luck,” replied Penny. “She has one story and she sticks to it. Her one fear is that she’ll lose her job.”
“Then this is the time to make things merry for her!” urged the photographer. “If Mr. Deming just arrived home, we’ll toss a few firebrands around and find out what he has to say!”
The suggestion appealed to Penny. From the first she had distrusted Mrs. Botts and felt that police had been entirely too lenient with her.
“All right, let’s go!” she agreed. “If Mrs. Botts loses her job, I’m sure it’s no more than she deserves.”
Joe drove the party once more to the Deming mansion. No policeman was in evidence near the premises. Actually he had gone to the crossroads store to report to his superiors the arrival of Mr. Deming’s airplane, but at the moment Penny assumed the man was neglecting his duties.
“If this case ever is solved, we must do it ourselves!” she declared, thumping on the front door. “I’m in no mood to take any slippery answers from Mrs. Botts!”
After a long delay the door was opened by the caretaker. Recognizing Penny and her friends, the woman sought to lock them out.
“Oh, no you don’t!” said Salt, pushing her firmly aside. “We want to see Mr. Deming.”
“He’s not here,” Mrs. Botts replied nervously. “Please leave me alone. Go away!”
Ignoring the plea, Penny, Louise, and the photographer walked boldly into the living room. A fire burned in the grate and there were fresh flowers on the table.