“I just kept getting in deeper and deeper,” the housekeeper whined. “Mr. Parker paid me three dollars a day for his room and board. It didn’t seem wrong to take the money as long as he was satisfied.”
“Where is my father now?” Penny broke in. “That’s the important thing.”
Mrs. Botts regarded the girl with a trace of her former arrogance. “I don’t know what became of Mr. Parker after he left here,” she said coldly.
“You sent him away when you knew Mr. Deming was coming home!” Penny accused. “You thought you could keep the truth from your employer!”
“And I would have too, if it hadn’t been for you!” Mrs. Botts flared. “I’ve not done any harm, but you’ve made a lot out of it, and now I’ll be discharged.”
“You are quite right about that,” agreed Mr. Deming in a quiet voice. “However, there’s far more at stake than a job, Mrs. Botts. Even now you don’t seem to realize the seriousness of your offense.”
“You won’t turn me over to the police, will you, Mr. Deming?”
“It will not be in my hands to decide your fate. I strongly advise you to tell everything you know. Where did Mr. Parker go when he left here?”
“I’ve no idea.” Mrs. Botts covered her face. “Oh, leave me alone—don’t ask me any more questions. My head buzzes.”
“A taxicab with two men in it was seen at the door earlier this evening,” Penny went on relentlessly. “What have you to say about that?”