“I told Antón to do it early this morning. He went off somewhere. Celeste has been no help either. They’re both acting so independent.”
“We don’t need their help. Come! We can do it together.”
Lorinda put on her rain cape and they went out onto the porch. Already the rug was rain soaked. They rolled it up and carried it to the basement, where they also took the furniture. Deciding it was too late to do anything about nailing down the shutters or taking them off, they brought in loose objects from the yard.
In passing the library, Penny noticed that a window was open. The curtain was drenched and rain was pouring in upon the floor.
With a cry of dismay, she ran to close it. As she turned around, she saw at once that the wall safe was exposed to view, and open.
“Lorinda!” she called.
Her friend came quickly to the doorway. “Anything wrong?” she inquired.
Penny directed her gaze toward the safe. “Did you leave it open?” she asked.
“No!” With a startled exclamation, Lorinda darted across the room. She thrust her arm into the circular opening, and withdrew it empty.
“The Zudi drum is gone!” she announced. “It’s been stolen!”