“True, but the thing I noticed was that she seemed so afraid of Father Benedict. Do you suppose he abuses her?”
“Oh, Penny! A man of his calling?”
“He’s not a real monk. Apparently this cult is only an order that has been in existence a short time. Father Benedict doesn’t impress me as a very religious man. Furthermore, all that crystal-glass-gazing business leads me to think he’s more of a charlatan than anything else!”
“Do you think he runs the place to get money?”
“I’m wondering, that’s all. We know he accepts very liberal contributions from his converts. Where does the money go?”
“If I were certain he locked us in that room today, I’d believe the worst!” Louise declared as the car stopped in front of the Sidell home. Opening the door to alight, she added: “He put up a good story though. I guess it must have been an accident.”
Penny made no reply.
“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Louise bade her goodbye. “If you arrange to see one of the cult ceremonies, be sure to let me know.”
The afternoon now was late. Penny drove to the Riverview Star building. Girls who worked in the downstairs business office were leaving for the day, but upstairs the editorial staff was just swinging into action for a busy night.
At the city editor’s desk a short wave radio blared routine police calls. Editor DeWitt, an eyeshade pulled low over his eyes, scowled as he rapidly scanned copy.