"There was a girl in the lobby a few minutes ago," the clerk replied.

"She went off somewhere."

"No, here I am, Jerry!" Penny cried.

The reporter turned around and his face lighted up.

"Come outside, Jerry," Penny said before he could speak. "I have a great deal to tell you."

"And I have some news of my own," returned the reporter.

They left the hotel together. Once beyond hearing, Penny made a complete report of her afternoon adventure, and showed Jerry the picture of Sylvia Kippenberg which she had taken from room 381.

"Now for my story," said Jerry. "I've located a place not far from here where those two seamen buy supplies. The owner of the store told me they tie their boat up there nearly every night."

"Where is Salt now, Jerry?"

"He's keeping watch at the place. I came into town to telephone the _Star_ office. Your father said I was to stop here and take you in tow."

"You're not starting back to Riverview?" Penny asked in dismay.

"I don't want to, Penny. I have a feeling our big story is just about ready to break!"

"So have I, Jerry. Let's stay with it. I'll explain to Dad when we get home."

"Then let's be on our way," the reporter said crisply. "No telling what has developed while I've been in town."

In the press car, the couple took the river road which led east from the Kippenberg estate. As they bounced along, making all possible speed, Jerry told Penny how he and Salt had traced the two seamen. They had made inquiry all along the river, and quite by chance had encountered a fisherman who had given them a valuable tip.

"But so many rumors are false, Jerry," Penny said.

"This tip was straight. Salt and I found the white cruiser tied up at the dock not far from this store I was telling you about. We've been watching it for the past two hours, and Salt is still there."

"Why didn't you call the police?"

"Wouldn't have done any good. The men we're after haven't been there all day. The only person on board is a girl."

"A girl?"

"Well, maybe you would say a young woman. About twenty-two, I'd guess."

"Jerry, you must be watching the wrong boat."

Jerry shook his head as he drove the car into the bushes at the side of the road. "It's the right one, I'm sure of it. Well, we're here."

Penny was hard pressed to keep up as the reporter led her through the trees down to the winding Kobalt river. They found Salt in his hiding place, behind a large boulder.

"Anything happen since I left?" Jerry demanded.

Salt scarcely noticed Penny's presence save to give her a quick nod of welcome.

"You got back just in time," he replied to the question. "The girl went away a minute ago. Took a basket and started for the store."

"Then why are we waiting?" asked Jerry. "Come on, we'll take a look inside that boat."

"Someone ought to stay here and keep watch," Salt returned. "She may come back any minute."

"You're elected guard then. Penny and I will look the boat over and see what we can find. If the girl starts back, whistle."

Darting across the muddy sh.o.r.e, Penny and Jerry reached the dilapidated boat which had been tied up at the end of a sagging dock. They jumped aboard and after a hasty glance over the deck, dived down into the cabin.

The room was dirty and in great disorder. Boots lay on the floor, discarded garments were scattered about, and a musty odor prevailed.

"Nothing here," said Jerry.

"Let's look around carefully," insisted Penny. "We may find something."

Crossing the cabin she opened a closet door. Save for a pair of oilskins which hung from a nail, it was quite empty.

"Listen!" commanded Penny suddenly.

Jerry stood absolutely still, straining to hear. A long, low whistle reached his ears.

"The warning signal!" he exclaimed. "Come on, Penny, we're getting out of here."

CHAPTER 22 _TRAPPED IN THE CABIN_

Penny opened the door of the cabin only to close it quickly. She and Jerry both had heard men's voices very close to the boat.

"It's too late," she whispered. "Those men have come back."

"Not the girl?"

"No, they're alone. But we're in a trap. What shall we do?"

"We could make a dash for it. If we have to fight our way out, Salt will be there to help."

"Let's stick and see what happens, Jerry. We're after information. We must expect to take a chance in order to get it."

Jerry had been thinking more of Penny's safety than his own. But thus urged, he turned the key in the lock, bolting the door from the inside.

A low rumble of voices reached the couple as they stood with ears pressed against the panel. But they were unable to distinguish words. Then presently, one of the seamen moved close to the companionway.

"I'll get it, Jake," he called. "It's down in the cabin."