CHAPTER
12
NIGHT PROWLER
When Penny, her father, and the Gandiss family returned late that afternoon to Shadow Island, a strange motorboat was tied up at the dock. On the veranda a man sat waiting. Although his face appeared familiar, Penny did not recognize him.
Her father, however, spoke his name instantly. “Heiney Growski! Anything to report?”
Penny remembered then that he was the detective who had been placed in charge of the junk shop near the Gandiss factory.
The man arose, laying aside a newspaper he had been reading to pass the time. “I’ve learned a little,” he replied to Mr. Parker’s question. “Shall we talk here?”
“Go ahead,” encouraged Mr. Gandiss carelessly. “This is my son, Jack, and our guest, Penny Parker. They know of the situation at the factory, and can be trusted not to talk.”
Though seemingly reluctant to make a report in the presence of the two youngsters, the detective nevertheless obeyed instructions.
“Since opening up the shop, I’ve been approached twice by a man from the factory,” he began.
“That sweeper, called Joe?” interposed Mr. Parker.
“Yes, the first time he merely came into the place, looked around a bit, and finally asked me what I paid for brass.”