Part 11 (1/2)

Moving to the door, she paused there, for some reason reluctant to leave.

”I'll take you home,” Ben offered.

”No, stay here,” Penny said firmly. ”I'm not afraid to go alone. I only hope you get along all right with your guest.”

Ben followed her outside the shack.

”Don't worry,” he said, once beyond hearing of the stranger. ”This fellow is a tough hombre, but I know how to handle him. If he tries to get rough, I'll heave him out.”

”I never saw such ingrat.i.tude, Ben. After you risked your life to save him--”

”He's just a dock rat,” the reporter said carelessly.

”Even so, why should he refuse to answer questions?”

”Obviously, he's mixed up in some mess and doesn't dare talk, Penny. I've always had my suspicions about the _Snark_ and her owners.”

”What do you mean, Ben?”

Before the reporter could answer, there came a thumping from inside the shack. Welcoming the interruption, Ben turned quickly to re-enter.

”Can't tell you now,” he said hurriedly. ”We'll talk some other time. So long, and don't worry about anything.”

Firmly, he closed the door.

Penny stood there a moment until satisfied that there was no further disturbance inside the shack. Then with a puzzled shake of her head, she crossed the vacant lot to the docks.

”Those men aboard the _Snark_ should be arrested,” she thought indignantly. ”I wish I could learn more about them.”

She stood for a moment lost in deep reflection. Then with sudden decision, she turned and walked toward the _Snark_.

CHAPTER 8 _A SWINGING CHAIN_

Approaching the _Snark_, Penny saw several men moving about on the unlighted decks. But as she drew nearer, their forms melted into the darkness. When she reached the dock, the vessel appeared deserted.

Yet, peering upward at the towering vessel, the girl had a feeling that she was being watched. She was satisfied that the rescue of the man who called himself James Webster had been observed. She was equally certain that those aboard the _Snark_ were aware of her presence now.

”Ahoy, the _Snark_!” she called impulsively.

There was no answer from aboard the tied-up vessel, but footsteps pounded down the dock. Penny whirled around to find herself the target for a flashlight. Momentarily blinded, she could see nothing. Then, the light s.h.i.+fted away from her face, and she recognized a wharf guard.

”What you doing here?” he demanded gruffly.

Though tempted to tell the entire story, Penny held her tongue. ”Just looking,” she mumbled.

”Didn't I hear you call out?”

”Yes.”