“Why did he shut you up here?”
“Because I’ve opposed him. Though I tried hard to prevent it, he coaxed my grandmother to come to this horrible place.”
“Have either of you been mistreated?” Penny asked.
“Until tonight, Father Benedict favored us above the other cult members. Of course, that was only because as yet he hasn’t been able to get his thieving hands on the star sapphire!”
At mention of the gem, Penny’s pulse leaped. No longer did she doubt that the girl was the missing Hawthorne heiress sought by Mr. Ayling.
“You’re the one I picked up on the road,” she said. “But you’ve never told me your name. Is it possible you’re Rhoda—”
“Rhoda Hawthorne,” the girl completed for her. “I refused to answer your questions before because I distrusted everyone.”
“And now?”
“I realize you’re a true friend—the only one I have. Oh, you must get me out of this room quickly! Please bring police at once!”