“It does seem out of the picture. However, we know he wore a serpent ring at the time of his disappearance.”
“The ring may not be the same. Also, if Rhett had been the victim of violence, a bum might have stolen it from him.”
“I never thought of that. Should we report what we’ve learned to the police?”
“Not yet,” advised Jerry. “Our clue is pretty flimsy. Let’s watch and wait. The landlady may call us, and in any case I’ll keep my eye on this place.”
It now was so late that Penny decided to return home immediately. Bidding Jerry goodbye at the next corner, she boarded a bus and presently was slipping quietly into her own home.
If she had hoped to elude the watchful eye of Mrs. Maud Weems, the housekeeper, she was doomed to disappointment.
The plump, kindly lady who had looked after Penny since the death of Mrs. Parker many years before, had finished the dishes and was sweeping the kitchen. Fixing the girl with a stern eye, she observed:
“You’re later than ever tonight, Penny. When your father came home nearly two hours ago, he had no idea what had become of you.”
“Then Dad isn’t keeping tab on his employes,” chuckled Penny. “I’ve been working on a special story for the Star.”
“I’ve heard that one before,” sighed the housekeeper. “In fact, I suspect you charge a great many of your escapades to your work! If I had my way you would give it up.”