Two suitcases had been packed as if for a hasty departure and everything was in disorder. All garments had been removed from the closets. The scrap basket was filled with torn letters which Mr. Parker promptly gathered together and placed in an envelope for future piecing together.
In one of the suitcases he found several newspaper clippings. One bore a picture of the professor, but the name beneath it was Claude Arkwright, and the story related that he was wanted in connection with a $10,000 hoax.
“Bettenridge is our man all right,” the publisher declared. “We made no mistake in holding him for the sheriff.”
Penny had been searching the larger of the two suitcases which seemed to contain only clothing. But as she reached the lower layer, she suddenly gave a jubilant cry.
“Salt! Dad!” she exclaimed. “It’s here! See what I’ve found!”
CHAPTER
22
SALT’S MISSING CAMERA
From the suitcase, Penny lifted Salt’s camera. With a cry of pleasure, he snatched it from her hand and eagerly examined it.
“Is it damaged in any way?” Penny asked.
“It doesn’t seem to be. So the professor had it all the time just as we thought!”
“And here are the plates I tossed into the car the night of the explosion!” Penny added, burrowing deeper into the pile of clothing. “They’re probably ruined by now.”