“We stirred up a big fuss and didn’t learn too much,” Penny said regretfully. “All the same, it looks as if the Harpers and Sweeper Joe are mixed up in this brass business together.”
“They spoke of having something stored in the basement. That is what interests me. Oh, Penny, if only we could go back there sometime when the Harpers are gone and really investigate!”
“Maybe we can.”
Sally shook her head. “Ma Harper almost never goes away from home. But sometimes she has streams of visitors from Osage—mostly women. I’ve often wondered why.”
“Factory girls?”
“No, they’re housewives and every type of person. I think Mrs. Harper must be selling something to them, but I never could figure it out.”
The River Queen was at the far side of the river, so Sally, for lack of occupation, walked on with Penny to the dock where she was to meet Jack. Greatly to their surprise, he was there ahead of them, and evidently had been waiting for some length of time.
Seeing the girls, he slowly arose to his feet.
“Well, Jack, what did you learn at the factory?” Penny asked eagerly.
“Why, not much of anything.”