The breakfast bell rang at eight o’clock. When Penny joined the group downstairs, she was surprised to see Jack in a fresh suit, looking little the worse for having been out all night.
“What time did you get in, Jack?” his father inquired pointedly.
“Well, now I just don’t remember,” the boy answered, winking at Penny.
“How did you get in, might be a better question. If I recollect correctly, all of the doors were locked last night at midnight.”
Penny, decidedly uncomfortable, would have confessed her part, had not Jack sent her a warning glance. As everyone went in to breakfast, the matter was allowed to rest.
Ravenously hungry, Penny ate two waffles and several pieces of bacon. Observing the butler’s amazed gaze upon her, she guessed that the cook had told him of the chicken episode.
Breakfast over, she managed to get Jack into a corner.
“Listen,” she said indignantly, “why don’t you tell your parents exactly what happened. Mrs. Bevens thinks I ate up all the chicken.”
“Does she?” Jack chuckled. “That’s rich! Don’t you dare give me away!”
“You give me a pain!” Penny retorted, losing all patience. “If I weren’t a guest in your house, I think I might slug you!”