“I’ll be there to watch,” grinned Penny. “The contest should be interesting.”
While Jack was out on the river practicing for the approaching competition, Penny accompanied her father to the mainland to mail letters and make a few purchases Mrs. Gandiss had requested. In returning to the waterfront, they wandered down a street within view of the Gandiss factory.
Penny’s attention was drawn to a man who came out of an alley at the rear of the plant and stood staring at a tiny junk shop which was situated directly opposite the Gandiss factory.
“There’s Joe the Sweeper,” she observed aloud. And then an instant later added: “That’s queer!”
“What is?” inquired her father.
“Why, that junk shop! I’ve been down this street several times, but I never noticed it there before. I would have sworn that the building was empty.”
Mr. Parker gave her a quick, amused look. “It was until yesterday,” he informed.
“You seem to know all about it!” Penny suddenly became suspicious. “What are you keeping from me?”
Mr. Parker did not reply, for he was watching the man who had emerged from the alley. Joe seemed to debate for awhile, then crossed the street and entered the junk shop.
“Good!” exclaimed Mr. Parker. “Our bait seems to be working.”