Part 24 (1/2)
However, as the girls examined the one on the opposite side of the tool house, they discovered that it raised and lowered readily. Tiny pieces of wood were chipped from the outside sill, showing where a blunt instrument had been inserted beneath the sash.
”This is where the person entered, all right,” declared Penny.
”I can't understand who would wish to injure us,” said Sara in a baffled voice. ”You're not known here at Pine Top, and I have no enemies to my knowledge.”
”Mrs. Downey has them. There are persons who would like to see her out of business. And our bob-sledding parties were growing popular.”
”They were taking a few guests away from the big hotel,” Sara admitted slowly. ”Still, it doesn't seem possible--”
She broke off as Penny reached down to pick up a small object which lay on the floor beneath the window.
”What have you found?” she finished quickly.
Penny held out a large black b.u.t.ton for her to see. A few strands of coa.r.s.e dark thread still clung to the eyelets.
”It looks like a b.u.t.ton from a man's overcoat!” exclaimed Sara. ”Jake, does this belong to you?”
The workman glanced at it and shook his head.
”Not mine.”
”It probably fell from the coat of the person who damaged our sled,”
Penny declared thoughtfully. ”Not much of a clue, perhaps, but at least it's something to go on!”
CHAPTER 16 _A PUZZLING SOLUTION_
Penny pocketed the b.u.t.ton and then with Sara went outside the building to look for additional clues. The girls found only a mult.i.tude of footprints in the snow beneath the two windows, for the tool house stood beside a direct path to the nursery slopes.
”We've learned everything we're going to,” declared Sara. ”Penny, I do wish you would get into the house and take your bath. You're limping worse every minute.”
”All right, I'll go. I do feel miserable.”
”Perhaps you ought to have a doctor.”
Penny laughed in amus.e.m.e.nt. ”I'll be brake man on the bob-sled tomorrow as usual.”
”You'll be lucky if you're able to crawl out of bed. Anyway, I doubt if I'll be able to come myself.”
”Your grandfather?” asked Penny quickly.
”Yes, he's getting suspicious. I'll have to be more careful.”
”Why don't you tell him the truth? It's really not fair to deceive him.
He's bound to learn the truth sooner or later.”
”I'm afraid to tell him,” Sara said with a little s.h.i.+ver. ”When grandfather is angry you can't reason with him. I'll have to run now. I'm later than usual.”
Penny watched her friend go and then hobbled into the lodge. News of the accident had preceded her, and Mrs. Downey met her at the door. She was deeply troubled until she ascertained for herself that the girl had not been seriously injured.