Part 20 (1/2)
At Newhall, the girls found the sheriff, and rather excitedly, poured out their story. Although the official took a few notes, he seemed somewhat bored by it all.
”You don't know the last name of the man,” he recited. ”You think he may be employed by Professor Bettenridge, but you are not sure. You believe he may be a thief, but you are not positive of that either.”
”One thing I am sure of!” Penny exclaimed. ”He pushed me into a ditch. So at least he's guilty of that!”
”Are you willing to sign charges and appear against the man?”
”You mean I would have to come back here later on?”
”Certainly.”
Penny's enthusiasm waned. ”Maybe I couldn't get here,” she said, thinking of her newspaper work. ”Oh, well, let it go.”
”I'll keep an eye on the man anyhow,” the sheriff promised. ”Think you have the situation sized up wrong though. We've already investigated Professor Bettenridge. He has fine credentials, and his invention seems to have merit.”
”You believe it actually will explode mines?” Penny asked incredulously.
”I saw it done. Fact is, Professor Bettenridge invited me to the first demonstration he gave at the lake.”
”What happened?” Louise questioned eagerly.
”A mine was dumped into the lake. Then the professor exploded it with his machine. I didn't understand how it was done, but I saw the flames shoot up when it went off. It was the real thing.”
Decidedly let-down, Penny and Louise took leave of the sheriff and drove to Riverview. But as they pa.s.sed through the downtown section, Penny suddenly stopped in front of the Gables Hotel.
”I suppose I'm silly,” she acknowledged, ”but I still doubt the honesty of Professor Bettenridge. Just for the fun of it, I intend to run in here and learn if those Navy officials are registered.”
Leaving her chum in the car, Penny was gone nearly fifteen minutes. When she returned, her face had taken on animation, so Louise knew she had interesting news.
”Just as I thought!” Penny exclaimed, sliding behind the steering wheel.
”Not a Navy officer registered in the hotel, and none expected! So how could Professor Bettenridge have an appointment here tonight? He merely told Mr. Johnson that to impress him.”
”It does look that way. Still, it's possible the officers might have registered at another hotel.”
”Possible but hardly probable. Lou, I believe Professor Bettenridge is a crook. I wish we could witness that demonstration of his tomorrow night!”
”I'll never be able to go,” Louise said regretfully. ”I'm playing in a recital--worse luck.”
”I might get Salt to ride over with me,” Penny thought aloud. ”Well, we'll see.”
The following morning she took time from her work to seek the photographer. He was in the darkroom, but the door was open. As she stepped inside, he whirled around, his face startled.
”Oh, it's you!” he chuckled in relief.
”Why, Salt!” Penny teased. ”You acted as if you thought I might be a holdup man. Why so jumpy?”
”Was I?” the photographer asked, his tone queer.
”You certainly were. Anything wrong?”