Reaching the window she saw the man lying in a heap at the base of the tower. For a moment he remained motionless, but as she watched, he slowly scrambled to his feet and staggered off.
Until the man ducked behind the high hedge, Penny saw him plainly silhouetted in the moonlight. Although his black hood remained in place, his body no longer was covered by the dark robe.
“I know him!” she thought. “Even with his mask on, I’m sure I can’t be wrong!”
Fearing to attempt the hazardous leap, Penny ran down the iron stairway, shouting that the Master of the Hoods had escaped. By this time, Mr. Parker’s crew of reporters had gained the upperhand of the remaining members of the organization.
“Which way did the fellow go?” the editor demanded, running to the door.
“Along the hedge toward the street!” Penny directed.
Leaving Jerry, Salt, and the others to guard the prisoners, Mr. Parker and his daughter hastened outdoors. There was no sign of anyone in the vicinity of the Tower.
“He can’t be far away,” Penny maintained. “Anyway, I know his identity!”
“You saw his face?”
“No, but as he ran across the yard I noticed that one arm was much shorter than the other.”