Firmly, he closed the door.
Penny stood there a moment until satisfied that there was no further disturbance inside the shack. Then with a puzzled shake of her head, she crossed the vacant lot to the docks.
“Those men aboard the Snark should be arrested,” she thought indignantly. “I wish I could learn more about them.”
She stood for a moment lost in deep reflection. Then with sudden decision, she turned and walked toward the Snark.
CHAPTER
8
A SWINGING CHAIN
Approaching the Snark, Penny saw several men moving about on the unlighted decks. But as she drew nearer, their forms melted into the darkness. When she reached the dock, the vessel appeared deserted.
Yet, peering upward at the towering vessel, the girl had a feeling that she was being watched. She was satisfied that the rescue of the man who called himself James Webster had been observed. She was equally certain that those aboard the Snark were aware of her presence now.
“Ahoy, the Snark!” she called impulsively.
There was no answer from aboard the tied-up vessel, but footsteps pounded down the dock. Penny whirled around to find herself the target for a flashlight. Momentarily blinded, she could see nothing. Then, the light shifted away from her face, and she recognized a wharf guard.
“What you doing here?” he demanded gruffly.