"Oh, Penny, I saw you go off with Miss Kippenberg," she began. "Would she talk with you?"

"She did," answered Penny, "and now I'm going with her to the estate."

"But Aunt Lucinda expects to start home in a few minutes," protested Louise. "How long will you be gone?"

"I haven't the slightest idea. If I'm not back here by the time you are ready to leave don't wait for me."

"But how will you get home?"

"Oh, I'll find a way. The important thing now is to learn everything I can from Miss Kippenberg. She's in a mood to talk."

"I'd love to visit the estate," Louise said wistfully.

"I wish I could take you," Penny told her sincerely, "but I don't see how I can this time."

"Of course not, Penny. It would be very foolish of you to try. You might lose your own chance to gain an exclusive news story."

"Will you explain to your aunt about my sudden disappearance?"

"Yes, she'll understand," Louise replied. "We'll wait here for you at least an hour."

Penny left a call for Miss Kippenberg's car and then went back to the powder room. The young woman walked a bit unsteadily even with aid.

However, no one paid attention to them as they crossed the main hall and made their way to the waiting automobile.

With Penny and Miss Kippenberg as pa.s.sengers the big limousine rolled away from the clubhouse and sped toward Corbin. During the ride the young woman scarcely spoke. She sat with her head against the cushion, eyes half closed. As they came within view of the drawbridge she made an effort to arouse herself.

"I see you have visitors at the estate," Penny commented, noticing a number of cars parked near the river's edge.

"Reporters, always reporters," returned Miss Kippenberg impatiently.

"They may try to board as we pa.s.s."

Penny wondered how the limousine would be taken across the river. The old watchman had noted their approach. Before the car reached the end of the road he had lowered the creaking drawbridge into position.

"Is the bridge really safe?" Penny inquired of her companion.

"For light traffic only," Miss Kippenberg answered briefly.

The arrival of the car had created a stir of interest among the group of men gathered near the bridge. Penny caught sight of Jerry Livingston and could not resist rolling down the side window so he would be sure to obtain a clear view of her. It gave her a very pleasant feeling to see him stare as if he could not believe his own eyes.

Several of the reporters attempted to stop the limousine but without success. The car clattered over the drawbridge which was pulled up again before anyone could follow.

Penny and Miss Kippenberg alighted at the front door of the great house.

"Now show me where you found the ring," requested the young woman.

Penny led her down the winding path into the grove.

"I hope we don't meet your head gardener," she said significantly. "He seems to be such an unpleasant individual."

Miss Kippenberg glanced at her queerly.

"Why, how do you mean?"

"Oh, yesterday he ordered me away from here in no uncertain terms."

"He only meant to do his duty."

"Then the man has been ordered to keep persons away from this part of the estate?"

"I really couldn't tell you," Miss Kippenberg answered aloofly. "Mother has charge of the servants."

"Has the man been in your employ long?"

"I can't tell you that either." Miss Kippenberg's voice warned Penny that she did not care to be questioned.

There was no sign of the old gardener as they came presently to the lily pool. Penny searched about in the gra.s.s for a few minutes.

"Here is where I found the ring," she revealed. "And see this!"

"What?" Miss Kippenberg drew in her breath sharply.

"Footprints."

"That doesn't seem so remarkable." The young woman bent to examine them.

"They probably were made by Grant's own shoe."

"But it looks as if there might have been a struggle here," Penny insisted. "From those marks wouldn't you say a body had been dragged across the ground toward the pool?"

"No!" cried Miss Kippenberg. "The gra.s.s is trampled, but I can't believe Grant has met with violence. I refuse to think of such a thing! The pool--" she broke off and a shudder wracked her body.

"It is best to know the truth. Have you notified the police about Mr.

Atherwald's disappearance?"

Miss Kippenberg shook her head. "Until today I thought he would return.

Or at least I hoped so."

"It seems to me an expert should be called into the case," Penny urged.

"Why don't you telephone the police station now?"

"I couldn't," returned Sylvia looking very miserable. "Not without consulting Mother."

"Then let's talk with her now."

"She isn't at home this afternoon."

"But something should be done, and at once," Penny protested. "The first rain will destroy all these footprints and perhaps other important evidence. Do you really love Grant Atherwald?"

"With all my heart," answered the young woman soberly.