“So he did! You certainly never mentioned that to him!”
“It rather jarred me,” admitted Mr. Ayling. “Because, when Rhoda Hawthorne last was seen, she was wearing just such a cameo ring!”
CHAPTER
8
INTO THE CREVASSE
Enroute to Riverview, Penny and Mr. Ayling discussed all phases of their strange interview with Father Benedict.
“The man may be all right,” the investigator said. “Nevertheless, as a matter of routine I’ll check on him. Where was he before he came to Riverview?”
“I never heard.”
“And who are the members of his mysterious cult? Riverview people?”
“Not so far as I know. The only persons I’ve seen on the premises are Winkey, the one they call Julia, and a girl.”
“A girl? Who is she?”
“I don’t know. She peeped from behind a door while Father Benedict was giving the crystal ball reading. I started to speak and she motioned me to keep quiet. Then she slipped away.”