“I’ve learned everything I can for you,” she said. “Now I hope you’re willing to let me return home.”
“Please stay another day,” pleaded Penny. “I feel in my bones that we’re about to make an important discovery.”
“Those bones of yours!” complained the housekeeper. “Tell me, how is Tillie Fellows getting along?”
“Well, she tries hard, but I’ll admit Dad doesn’t like the arrangement.”
“Then I must return. It’s nonsense for me to stay here.”
Penny was paying no attention to Mrs. Weems’ words. She had picked up the waste paper basket and was examining the contents. There were a few advertising circulars, an unaddressed envelope and a crumpled ball of paper. The latter, Penny carefully smoothed.
“Mrs. Weems!” she exclaimed. “Look at this!”
The housekeeper hastened to her side. Curiously, she examined the paper. It bore no writing, only a crude drawing of an octopus.
“This must be the paper which Anchor Joe left on the doorstep only a few minutes ago!” cried Penny excitedly.
“You think it may have been intended as a warning to Peter Fenestra?” The housekeeper regarded the drawing rather dubiously.