Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key

st"

fter who had stolen the diamond ring from the Belton City department store. His build was the same and the general lines of his face were si

t seemed to Penny, Caleb Ec

e represents himself as a

I am Uncle Jacob's nephew," the stranger retorted. "You'll fi

eds had produced. They were more impressed with the other papers which he offered for Caleb's inspection-a

oke on all you folks," Caleb said slowly. "W

etter. "This came from my attorney this morning. It defini

carcely read the letter although

now," he murmured. "The

ar enough that I am the heir too. By the way, didn'

isibly. "Ivories?

ted years ago on his tours.

bout it?" Caleb ec

the collection too. He alwa

to find it," Caleb retorted

d to the door. There he pause

e matter. You folks will hav

d Caleb, she began an angry attack upon Rosanna and the newcomer, accusing both of being impos

taking a deep breath. "I have to keep

ryone is so eager for the property no one gives the sligh

sn't dead," P

s you think that? Didn't M

d with a rueful laugh. "That's what makes me suspiciou

with yo

this man Laponi is an impostor. At first I thought Laponi w

itted there was a close resemblance. However, she was quite willing

went on, thinking aloud. "And there was something rather s

at. Caleb see

ction," Penny continued. "At any rate, he's wise to pretend ignorance

ol mountain water. They sat down on a bench which afforded a view of the tall chalk-like clif

Alicia told them that he was busy moving hi

fided, growing more friendly. "They had a drea

rned her not to do t

ace," Alicia declared with a toss of her head. "

he drawers of the desk in systematic fashion, tossing papers carel

cked up in there," she said irritably.

osanna cried indignantly, be

ead isn't he? And his will must be found. I suppose you're afraid to h

s cheeks

Leeds. I think it's disgraceful the way

. Penny loyally followed, joining Rosanna in the bed

Leeds is so intent on getting the money

want no part in this disgracefu

but let's stay a day or two. I'm curio

ke up her mind whether or not the entire arrangement was a hoax. Som

Jacob Winters," she thought. "I wish th

to the inheritance. Unless she personally took a hand in the aff

" she decided shrewdly. "For the ti

d about the grounds and later motored to a nearby inn for dinner. At nine o'clock when they returned to the big

," Penny suggested. "The mo

d by the sound of footsteps in the hall. She thought little of it, and rolli

ough the room, rising in volume, then falling away. Penny knew that sh

r the same

the sheets more t

," she whisp

ing from a long distance away," Penn

it, she stole from bed and