Part 18 (1/2)
”It's a graft, if you ask me,” Penny declared. ”Poor Mr. Johnson seems hypnotized.”
”I wish we could see that test tomorrow night!”
”So do I. In fact, I'd be willing to bet the machine won't work.”
”What makes you think so?”
”Just my doubting nature, I suppose. No, there's more to it than that, Lou. Didn't you notice how startled the Bettenridges were when their star customer appeared?”
”They did look a bit upset.”
”And the professor refused to give a demonstration tonight, although obviously it would have been to his advantage.”
”He explained he had an engagement with Navy men.”
”Which I suspect was all a made-up story. No, Lou, there must be another reason why the professor was unwilling to give the demonstration. He probably knows his machine won't work.”
”You're convinced he's a fraud.”
”Yes, I am,” Penny said. ”Furthermore, I believe he knows what became of Salt's camera.”
”We can't prove anything.”
”No, but if he would steal a camera he might also take to swindle in a big way.”
”There's nothing we can do unless we want to report him to the police.”
”I have a little idea,” Penny confessed. ”As soon as we reach Riverview I propose to check the Gables Hotel and learn if any Navy men have registered there. By talking to them, we may get at the truth.”
CHAPTER 12 _THE PROFESSOR'S HELPER_
Climbing the hill, Penny and Louise sought their parked car. The day had been an interesting one, replete with surprises, and yet another surprise was in store.
As they were ready to drive away, a man came slowly down the road, cut across the Leonard yard and vanished down a path which led toward Blue Hole Lake.
”See that fellow!” Penny exclaimed.
”Why, yes,” agreed Louise, surprised by her chum's tense manner. ”What about him?”
”I'm sure he's Webb!”
”Webb?”
”The man who was pushed off the _Snark_ and who stole Ben's watch!”
”What would he be doing here?”
”That's exactly what I want to learn! I'd like to get Ben's watch back for him!” Quickly Penny pushed open the car door and jumped out.
”What are you going to do, Penny?” Louise asked anxiously.