Penny ran to the window. The porch roof half obstructed her view, but in the yard she could see at least half a dozen men. Others were at the door, hammering to be let in.
By this time the thumpings had thoroughly awakened Louise. She too deserted the bed and went to the window.
“Something’s wrong!” she exclaimed. “Just see that mob of men! I’ll warrant they’re here to make trouble for Mrs. Lear—perhaps because of what happened last night!”
CHAPTER
17
ACCUSATIONS
Penny and Louise scrambled into their clothes. As they pulled on their shoes, they heard Mrs. Lear going down the hall. Fearful lest she encounter trouble, they hastened to overtake her before she reached the front door.
“Do you think it’s safe to let those men in?” Penny ventured dubiously.
“Why shouldn’t I open the door?” Mrs. Lear demanded. “I’ve nothing to hide.”
She gazed sharply at Penny, who suddenly was at a loss for words.
Mrs. Lear swung wide the door to face the group of men on the porch. Joe Quigley was there and so was Silas Malcom. Seeing friends, Penny and Louise felt reassured.
“Well?” demanded Mrs. Lear, though not in an unfriendly tone. “What’s the meaning of waking a body up in the middle o’ the night?”