Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key

by Joan Clark

  CHAPTER XVIII A Daring Theft

  Old Caleb had relighted his lantern and in its dim yellow glow the girlscould make out every detail of the center hall and living room. Inastonishment they watched the man spin the tiny dials of the safe. Hemanipulated them with a speed and skill which was amazing.

  "Why, I do believe the scoundrel intends to steal Mr. Winters'valuables," Rosanna whispered with growing anger. "We can't let him dothat."

  With one accord they tiptoed down the long spiral stairway to the centerhall. For a minute they were exposed to view but Caleb was so absorbed inwhat he was doing that he did not even glance up.

  Hiding behind a heavy velvet curtain which partially screened the archeddoor of the living room, the girls watched.

  Twice Caleb tried without success to open the safe. Although hismovements were deft and sure it was obvious that he had made some slightmistake in the combination. Each time he failed he grew more impatient.They could see his hand shake.

  "Drat it all!" they heard him mutter to himself. "That's the rightcombination. It ought to open."

  At length the old man's efforts were rewarded. As he manipulated thedials for the third time there was a significant click from within thesafe.

  Chuckling to himself, Caleb turned the handle and swung open the steeldoor.

  Save for a long metal box, the safe was empty. In the act of reaching forthe container, Caleb suddenly wheeled.

  The girls were startled at the action for they had heard nothing.

  After looking searchingly about the room the old man apparently wassatisfied that he was alone. With an uneasy laugh he again turned hisattention to the safe.

  "Guess I'm getting a mite jittery," he muttered. "I was positive I heardsomeone behind me just then."

  He thrust his hand into the safe and drew out the box. With fumblingfingers he unfastened the lid. A smile illuminated his wrinkled face ashe regarded the contents.

  "Still here, safe and sound. I was a little afraid----"

  Without finishing, he lifted an object from the box and held it in thelight. It was a tiny figure made of purest ivory.

  Penny and Rosanna exchanged a swift glance. They knew now that the boxcontained Jacob Winters' priceless collection of ivory pieces!

  After staring at the little figure for a minute Caleb carefully replacedit and closed the box. He then locked the safe and returned the oilpainting to its former position on the wall.

  "Stop him now or it will be too late," Rosanna whispered tensely.

  Before Penny could act, there was a slight movement at the opposite endof the living room. The girls were horrified to see a closet door slowlyopen.

  Caleb's back was turned. Oblivious of danger he bent down to pick up hislantern.

  From within the closet a man was regarding Caleb with cold intensity. Heheld a revolver in his hand.

  Rosanna, terrified at the sight, would have cried out a warning, had notPenny suddenly placed her hand over the girl's mouth.

  Max Laponi, a cynical, cruel smile upon his angular face, stepped outinto the living room, his revolver trained upon Caleb.

  "Much obliged to you for opening the safe, Mr. Eckert," he said coolly."You saved me the trouble."

  Caleb wheeled and instinctively thrust the metal box behind his back. Thegesture amused Laponi. He laughed harshly.

  "I guess you weren't quite as clever as you thought you were, Caleb! Handover the ivories and be quick about it."

  "You're nothing but a crook!" the old man cried furiously.

  "Hand over the ivories if you value your life."

  Instead of obeying the order, Caleb slowly retreated toward the door. MaxLaponi's eyes narrowed dangerously.

  "I don't want to shoot an old man but if you force me----"

  "Don't shoot," Caleb quavered. "I'll give up the ivory."

  "Good. Now you're acting sensibly. Drop the box on the table and raiseyour hands above your head."

  Slowly, Caleb complied with the order.

  Laponi moved with cat-like tread across the floor and snatched up thebox. With his revolver still trained on the old man, he backed toward thedoor.

  "Thank you for a very profitable evening," he smirked. "And when youlocate your friend Mr. Winters----"

  His words ended in a surprised gasp. Something had struck his right handa stunning blow. The weapon fell from his bruised fingers, clattering tothe floor. He felt a cold, hard object in the small of his back.

  "It's your turn now," said Penny Nichols. "I'll trouble you to hand overthe little box!"