“If you ask my opinion, Celeste not only has known about the passage, she’s been using it regularly,” declared Penny, gazing curiously about the room.
The bed had been carelessly made, and a red bandana handkerchief had been left hanging on one of the wooden posts. On the dresser were a number of objects which drew the girls’ attention. From the pin tray Penny picked up a tiny black feather and there were strips of torn black cloth which exactly matched the packet she wore about her neck.
“This proves it!” she exclaimed. “Celeste made the evil charm which was thrown through my window last night!”
“Charm?” Lorinda inquired. “Penny, what are you talking about?”
Penny showed her the packet and explained how it had been hurled through the window pane. “I’m sure Celeste had Antón do it or perhaps she tossed it herself. At any rate, she made the packet to frighten me, only it didn’t work.”
“Unless Celeste can explain matters satisfactorily, I’ll turn her over to the police!” Lorinda said angrily.
“Finding her may not be so easy now. Also getting her into police custody may take a little doing. I’m afraid we’ve waited too long, Lorinda.”
“No, we’ll find her!” Lorinda announced with determination. “After all, she doesn’t know how much we have learned. Let’s investigate the other passageway.”
“All right,” Penny agreed, “but this lamp isn’t much good. We need a flashlight.”
“I have one in my room. I’ll get it, see if Mother is all right, and be right back.”