“I’ll do my best,” Penny grinned. “No rash promises though!”
The next afternoon, sharp at two o’clock, she drove to the front entranceway of the Riverview Hotel. Mr. Ayling was nowhere to be seen. After waiting ten minutes, she parked and went inside to inquire at the desk.
“Mr. Ayling has room 416,” the clerk told her. “Doubt whether you’ll find him in just now. He left here late last night and hasn’t been back.”
“That’s queer,” thought Penny. Aloud she asked if the investigator had left any message for her.
“Nothing,” replied the clerk.
“He didn’t say where he was going?”
“No, but he evidently intends to be back. His luggage is still here, and he hasn’t paid his bill.”
To satisfy herself, Penny telephoned Room 416. No one answered.
“Wonder if he could have thought he was to meet me at the monastery?” she mused. “Guess I may as well drive out there.”
The sunshine was strong and the day slightly warm. Penny, who had worn heavy skiing clothes, shed her coat before she reached the monastery.