“You’ll try for the job?”
“I suppose so. But what will your father say?”
“He’ll call it clever journalism,” chuckled Penny. “Don’t you worry about Dad. Just leave everything to me.”
During the ride to Riverview Mrs. Weems was further influenced by Tillie Fellows’ account of Fenestra’s peculiar actions. Gradually she began to share Penny’s opinion that the man might have reason to fear for his life. However, she could not agree with the girls that anything of great value was hidden in the cave.
“Perhaps we’re wrong,” Penny conceded, “but you must go there with an open mind, Mrs. Weems. Observe everything you can and report to me. Particularly I want to learn what Fenestra knows about John Munn and the octopus tattoo.”
“I shan’t try very hard to get the job,” threatened the housekeeper.
At seven the next morning Penny awakened Mrs. Weems from a sound slumber, reminding her that it was time to start for the Fenestra farm. Protesting that the idea seemed crazier than ever, the housekeeper snuggled down beneath the covers again.
“You promised you would go,” reminded Penny brutally. “Please hurry, because I must get you established before I go to school.”
By the time Mrs. Weems was dressed, breakfast and the car awaited her. She drank the bitterly strong coffee and, still protesting, allowed Penny to drive her within view of the Fenestra farm.
“Is that the place?” she inquired with distaste as the automobile halted.