“How about that window at the east side?” Penny suggested.
The one she pointed out was half screened by bushes and at a level which would permit them to peer inside.
“Okay,” agreed Sally, “but I’d hate to be caught at this business. The Harpers hate me and they would be mighty unpleasant if they came upon us snooping.”
“What a harsh word!” chuckled Penny. “All this comes under the heading of investigation! The only difference is that Mr. Gandiss’ detectives are paid and we aren’t.”
“If I could get the brass lantern back that would be pay enough for me,” Sally returned.
Creeping to the window, the girls cautiously peeped into the house. The panes were so dirty it was hard to see inside. But they were able to distinguish three persons sitting at a living room table. Papers were spread out before them, and they were adding figures. There was no sign of the sack which had been carried into the house.
“Who are they?” Penny asked her companion.
“Joe the Sweeper, Ma Harper and her husband. Another woman is coming into the room now. But she’s only a stupid houseworker Ma hires by the week.”
Sally moved backwards, intending to give Penny her place at the window. Inadvertently, she stepped on a stick which broke in two with a snap. Though the sound was not loud, it apparently was heard by those inside the house.
For immediately Claude Harper shoved back his chair and started toward the window.