“I don’t know,” Penny admitted. “It looks rather hopeless unless the police just present him to us wrapped in pink ribbon.”
The clock struck nine. Daring not to linger any longer, Penny hastily bade her father goodbye and left the house.
Driving to the camp site with Louise Sidell, she told her chum of the latest complications.
“Mr. Blake is one of the worst hypocrites in the world,” she declared feelingly. “He pretends he wants to help the orphans, and all the while he intends to trick the Board and make a nice profit for himself.”
“Your father won’t let him get away with it,” Louise returned confidently. “So long as the money hasn’t been paid over there’s no need to worry.”
Arriving at the camp site, the girls went at once to the official tent. To their surprise, Mr. Blake, Mrs. Van Cleve, and all members of the Board save Mr. Parker, were there. On the table lay various legal papers which bore signatures still moist with ink.
Penny gazed from one person to another, slowly comprehending the scene.
“You’re not buying this property!” she exclaimed in protest.
Mrs. Van Cleve’s reply stunned her.
“It seemed unreasonable to keep Mr. Blake waiting,” the woman said quietly. “The transaction has just been completed.”