“Madam, I know nothing about your pearls,” the man blustered, shaking loose from her grasp. “We came to this party only because we were given free tickets.”
“Let’s get out of here,” Mr. Coaten said gruffly, starting away.
“It’s no use,” Penny interposed, blocking the path. “We have learned everything. You see, a microphone was installed at the wishing well and it carried your entire conversation into the ballroom for everyone to hear.”
Mr. Coaten and his companion, gazing at the unfriendly faces encircling them, realized that they could not hope to explain the situation away.
In a sudden break for freedom, Carl Addison ran to the hedge and attempted to leap over it. One of the guards at a nearby exit seized the man and brought him back.
“Search his pockets!” Mrs. Marborough cried.
Judge Harlan did as the widow demanded, but the missing pearls were not found on either of the men.
“There, you see!” Mr. Coaten declared triumphantly. “You have falsely accused my friend.”
Penny suspected that Mr. Addison had disposed of the jewel case somewhere near the hedge. Crossing to it, she groped about on the ground. After a brief search her hand encountered a tiny box which she knew must contain the stolen necklace. Returning with it, she displayed the pearls and presented them to Mrs. Marborough.
“Do we need additional evidence to hold these men?” she asked Judge Harlan anxiously.