The room was in perfect order. Only a few toilet articles had been set out on the dresser. Mrs. Deline’s suitcase was only half unpacked.
“It looks to me as if the widow is holding herself ready to fly at a moment’s notice,” Penny commented. “Otherwise, why didn’t she unpack everything?”
“What do you expect to find here?” Louise asked nervously. “Let’s get it over with fast, Penny.”
“Start with the bureau drawers,” Penny instructed. “Search for any papers, letters or the sort. I’ll go through the suitcase.”
Carefully the girls began examining Mrs. Deline’s personal belongings. Almost at once Louise reported that the bureau contained nothing of interest. Penny, however, had more luck. She came upon a pearl-handled revolver buried beneath a pile of silk underclothing.
“Jeepers!” she whispered, touching the weapon gingerly. “Now will you believe me when I say that the widow isn’t the sweet little girl she’d have us believe!”
Louise’s eyes had opened wide at sight of the revolver.
“And here’s that white suit she wore!” Penny cried, lifting out a folded garment from the suitcase. “Look, Lou!”
From the skirt of the suit had been cut a neat, square hole.
“Well, of all things!” Louise exclaimed. “What’s the meaning of that?”