On the desk lay an open account book and the girl gazed at it with keen interest. A long list of names had been written in ink. On one side of the ledger was a column marked “Contributions.”
“Penny, you are snooping!” accused Louise, but she added with an excited laugh: “If you find anything worth while, let me know!”
“Then consider yourself officially notified!”
Startled, Louise went quickly to the desk. “What have you found?” she demanded.
Penny showed her the book in which were listed many names.
“This looks like a report covering donations made by cult members to the society!” she declared. “Do you suppose Mrs. Hawthorne’s name is here?”
Hurriedly the girls examined the tiny ledger. First on the list was a Mrs. Carl Kingsley, who had contributed two diamond clips at estimated value of $650.
“Ever hear of her?” Penny asked, for the name was unfamiliar.
“Never. She may not be from Riverview.”
Rapidly they scanned the entire list. There were many names, all of women. Contributions included cash, pearls, silver bracelets, gold wrist watches, an emerald pin, and other articles of jewelry.