Mildred A. Wirt

“ Louise sighed. “If I don’t get home Mother never will allow me to go anywhere with you again. Don’t you realize what time it is?”
“Thirteen o’clock!” Penny chuckled. “It may never be that again, so I must strike while the clock strikes, so to speak. How about it?”
“Well, it’s your car,” Louise replied with a shrug. “I’m powerless in your hands.”
Penny drove around a block, parking on a well-lighted street. She and Louise then approached the tower afoot. Not wishing to be seen, they took care to keep close to a high hedge which edged the grounds. ”

“ The fact that he was a known forger, encouraged her to hope that police soon would apprehend him.
“That one hundred dollars Dad offered for Bowman’s capture is as good as mine already,” she boasted gleefully to Louise as they left the store. “All I need to do is wait.”
“No doubt you’ll collect,” Louise admitted grudgingly. “I never met anyone with your brand of luck.”
“I feel especially lucky today too,” Penny said with a gay laugh. “Tell you what! Let’s make another tour of the vegetable markets.”
“It will make us late in getting home. The time is sure to be wasted too.” ”

“ Penny urged, seating herself at one of the picnic benches.
“Who are you anyhow?” the man asked suspiciously. “Why are you so willing to help me, as you say?”
“I’m Penelope Parker, and my father publishes the Star.”
“Oh, I see, you’re after a story!”
“No, that part is only incidental,” Penny said hurriedly. “What my father really wants to do is to expose the Black Hoods and drive them out of existence. You’re the one person who might be able to provide evidence which would convict the guilty parties.” ”

“ Penny asked thoughtfully.
“I am. An underground, subversive organization, no matter what its purpose, has no right to an existence. The Star will expose the leaders, if possible, and break up the group.”
“Since the Hoods apparently burned the Preston storage barn, their purpose can’t be a very noble one,” Penny commented. “Nor are their leaders especially clever. The trail led as plain as day to Clem Davis—so straight, in fact, that I couldn’t help doubting his guilt.” ”

“ Always, Penny’s greatest problem was insufficient time. Greatly as she desired to drive to Claymore, she knew it would be out of the question for several days. Not only must arrangements for the orphans’ melon party be completed, but other interests demanded attention.
Temporarily dismissing Ben Bowman from her mind, Penny devoted herself to plans for the outing. Cars easily were obtained, and the following night, sixty excited orphans were transported to the Davis farm. With shrieks of laughter, the boys and girls took possession of the melon patch. ”

“ Penny asked with a grimace. “Didn’t you ever hear a clock strike the wrong number?”
“Of course, but not the Hubell clock. Why, the works were purchased in Europe, and it’s supposed to be one of the best in the country.”
“Even a good clock can make a mistake, I guess. Anyway, we’ll see what Seth McGuire has to say about it.”
Penny brought Leaping Lena to a quivering halt opposite the tall Hubell Tower. Glancing upward at the octagonical-shaped clock face, she saw that the hands indicated twenty minutes to twelve. ”

“ With a concerted rush, the four young men leaped down the stairway, hurling themselves on Holloway and the masked man. Catching the latter unaware, Jerry knocked the revolver from his hand and it went spinning over the floor.
Penny started down the stairway, but Mr. Parker pushed her back.
“Stay where you are!” he ordered as he too joined the fray.
Penny huddled against the wall, watching fearfully. Her father and the reporters outnumbered their opponents by one man, but the Hoods were all strong, powerful fellows who fought desperately. A chair crashed against the lamp, shattering it. ”

“ Penny and Louise wandered down to the water’s edge to watch the loading of the boat. Adelle had been one of the orphans chosen, and they waved reassuringly to her.
[152]
The camp director shoved off, and quickly raised the sail. There were squeals of delight from the children as it filled, causing the craft to heel over slightly.
“The breeze is quite uncertain today,” Penny remarked anxiously. “I hope that young man knows what he is about.” ”

“ Mr. Parker sighed.
“Ah, this is a gem!” Penny chuckled, and read aloud: “‘Here is a suggestion for your rotten rag. Why not print it on yellow paper? I know you will not use it because editors think they know everything. I once knew a reader who got a little good out of your paper. He used it to clean the garbage can.’”
“How dreadful!” Mrs. Weems exclaimed, genuinely shocked.
“Penny, if you insist upon reading another line, I shall leave the table,” Mr. Parker snapped. “I’ve had quite enough of Ben Bowman.”
“I’m sorry, Dad,” Penny apologized, slipping the message into her pocket. ”

“ Throughout the week both she and Louise had been very active, helping out at the new camp site. The land had been cleared of underbrush, trails had been constructed, and a well dug. While supervising the setting-up of slides, merry-go-rounds and teeter-totters, Penny upon several occasions had had disagreements with Mr. Blake. The man remained at the site almost constantly, imposing his wishes upon everyone. ”

“ Adelle shook her head. “Miss Anderson says I won’t be—I heard her tell the matron. It’s on account of a nervous ’fliction. I’m afraid of things, ’specially cars.”
“That’s very natural, everything considered,” Penny replied, thinking of the story Miss Anderson had told her. “Now I’ll take you to the Home.”
Adelle drew away, and as if seeking protection, crowded close beside Mr. McGuire.
“I’m never going back, even if I freeze and starve!” she announced. “I’ll find me a cave and live on berries. It would be more fun than being an orphan.” ”

“ With shrieks of laughter, the children swarmed over the grounds, taking possession of swings, sand pile, and slides.
“It seems a pity,” Louise remarked again.
By ten o’clock the grounds were jammed with visitors. Penny knew that her father must have arrived for the exercises, but although she searched everywhere, she could not find him. In roving about, she did meet Mr. Blake, who pretended not to see her. ”

“ Parker explained.
“Then, there is a flaw in the title as you suspected!”
“Decidedly. It’s a very mixed-up mess, and as yet we’re not sure what it may mean.”
“Tell me about it, Dad,” Penny pleaded, sliding back into her chair.
“Benjamin Bowman—whoever he may be—doesn’t own the camp property.”
[144]
“Then in whose name is it?”
“The property doesn’t belong to anyone.”
“Why, how ridiculous!” Penny exclaimed. “Doesn’t every piece of land in the world belong to someone?”
“Actually the heirs of Rosanna and Joseph Schulta own this particular property. But there are no heirs.” ”

“ Penny promised, none too pleased by the request. “I do hope Adelle is found soon.”
She could not help feeling that the institution officials seemed far more worried about the prospect of unfavorable publicity than over the missing child’s welfare. Saying goodbye to Miss Anderson, she sought her father who was reading in the library.
“Penny, you know I don’t like to grant such favors,” Mr. Parker frowned when the conversation was repeated to him. “As a matter of principle, it never pays to withhold information unless the telling will harm innocent persons.” ”

“ Jerry said dryly.
“You asked for my opinion and I’m giving it to you. The Davis melons were so inferior we wouldn’t handle them at the cooperative.”
“Why, I thought their cantaloupes were particularly fine ones!” Penny protested.
“I don’t know what you two are trying to get at!” Hank Holloway said with sudden anger. “The Cooperative does business in a fair and square way. Our books are open for inspection at any time. Now you’ll have to excuse me, for I’ve got work to do.” ”

“ If I were you I would forget the Hubell clock. Why not devote yourself to something worthwhile?”
“For instance?”
“I’ll provide an interesting job. I’ve been asked to select play equipment for the new orphans’ camp. I’ll be happy to turn the task over to you.”
“Do you think I could do it?” Penny asked dubiously.
“Why not? You can learn from the matron of the Home what is needed, and then make your selection.”
“I’ll be glad to do it, Dad. When is the camp to open?”
“The actual date hasn’t been set, but it will be soon. That is, unless a serious disagreement arises about the camp site.” ”

“ Breathlessly, she revealed that the Hoods held monthly meetings at the Hubell Tower, and that both Hank Holloway and Charley Phelps were members of the order.
“You weren’t able to learn the name of the head man?” Mr. Parker questioned.
“No, Clem didn’t know it himself. He says the Master never shows himself to anyone, but always appears in mask.”
Mr. Parker began to pace the floor, a habit of his when under mental stress. The information Penny had acquired was of utmost importance. He believed it to be authentic, but he dared not overlook the possibility that Clem Davis had deliberately lied. ”

“ Tall and lean, a newspaper man with a reputation for courage and fight, he had only two interests in life—his paper and his daughter. Penny’s mother had been dead many years, but at times he saw his wife again in the girl’s sparkling blue eyes, golden hair, and especially in the way she smiled.
[6]
“Hungry, Dad?” Penny asked unexpectedly, intruding upon his thoughts. “I know a dandy new hamburger place not far from here. Wonderful coffee too.”
“Well, all right,” Mr. Parker consented. “It’s pretty late though. The big clock’s striking midnight.” ”

“ Within a few minutes Sheriff Daniels arrived to assume charge of his prisoner. Entertaining no sympathy for the man, he told Penny and her father that in all likelihood Davis must serve a long sentence.
“He’s wanted for setting fire to the Preston barn,” the sheriff insisted. “Unless he can prove an alibi for himself, he hasn’t a chance.” ”

“ Penny chided, sliding into the high, uncomfortable seat. “Leaping Lena is a good car even if she is a bit creaky in the joints. She still takes us places.”
“And leaves us stranded,” Louise added with a sniff. “Oh, well, let’s go—if we can.”
Penny stepped on the starter and waited expectantly. The motor sputtered and coughed, but true to form, would not start. Just as the girls were convinced that they must walk, there was an explosive backfire, and then the car began to quiver with its familiar motion. ”

“ Penny teased. “That would absolutely ruin your reputation as a detective.”
“Jump in the car and drive while I stand on the running board,” Mr. Parker ordered, ignoring his daughter’s attempt at wit. “Keep close to the edge of the pavement and go slowly.”
Obeying instructions, Penny drove the car at an even speed. Due to a recent rain which had made the ground very soft, it was possible to follow the trail of hoof prints without difficulty.
“We turn left here,” Mr. Parker called as they came to a dirt road. “Speed up a bit or the tires may stick. And watch sharp for soft places.” ”

“ Penny asked curiously.
“No reason perhaps. Only Blake isn’t the man to give something for nothing. He aims to profit by this affair, or I’m no judge of human nature.”
“He craves publicity, that’s certain.”
“Yes, but there’s more to it than that,” Mr. Parker declared. “Oh, well”—he dismissed the subject, “I’ll turn the cheque over to the camp committee and let someone else do the worrying.”
“I’ll tell you why I dislike Mr. Blake,” Penny said with feeling. “He caused Seth McGuire to lose his job at the Hubell Tower.”
“That so?” the editor asked in surprise. ”

“ All I’ll need is a hammer.”
“To use on the caretaker, Charley Phelps, I suppose,” Mr. Parker remarked ironically.
“Oh, no,” Penny corrected, “I propose to turn all the strong-arm work over to you and your gang of reporters. Naturally, Phelps will have to be removed from the scene.”
“What you propose is absolutely impossible,” the editor declared. “Even so, I’ll admit that I find your idea rather fascinating.”
“This is no time for being conservative, Dad. Why, the Hoods must know you are out to break up their organization. Every day you wait lessens your chance of getting the story.” ”

“ Presently the car approached the Riverview Orphans’ Home, a large brick building set back some distance from the road. Children in drab blue uniforms could be seen playing in the front yard, supervised by a woman official.
“Poor kids,” Jerry said with honest feeling, “you can’t help feeling sorry for ’em. They deserve the best summer camp this town can provide.”
“The project is certain to be possible now,” Penny replied. “Mr. Blake’s cheque put the campaign over the top.”
Jerry gave the steering wheel an expert flip, turning the car into the private road. ”

“ Penny exclaimed. “How did that happen?”
“He hinted to Mrs. Van Cleve that he would like to serve. Naturally, after his handsome donation, she couldn’t refuse.”
“Why do you suppose Mr. Blake has taken such a sudden interest in the Home?”
“I wonder myself. I’ve thought from the first that he’s up to something. So far I’ve not been able to figure out his little game.”
“Well, you’re on the board too,” Penny declared, undisturbed. “If he starts any monkey business you can put a quick stop to it.” ”

“ Doolittle was taking a load of melons to market. Another truck brushed him on the River road. The melon truck upset, and the entire shipment was lost.”
“Can’t he get damages?”
“Doolittle didn’t learn who was responsible.”
“Was it an accident or done deliberately?” Penny asked thoughtfully.
“Sheriff Daniels thinks it was an accident. I’m inclined to believe the Black Hoods may have had something to do with it.”
“Why should anyone wish to make trouble for Mr. Doolittle, Jerry? All his life he has stayed on his little truck farm, and strictly attended to his own affairs.” ”

“ Eagerly Penny awaited the hour appointed for her meeting with Clem Davis. Knowing that the man did not obtain enough to eat, she spent considerable time the next afternoon preparing a lunch basket of substantial food. Taking it with her, she waited at the camp site for nearly a half hour. Finally, just as she began to think that the man had failed her, he appeared.
“I’ve brought you some hot coffee,” Penny said, taking the plug from a thermos bottle. “A little food too.” ”

“ Penny inquired, her gaze on the ground. “I mean around Riverview, of course.”
Mr. Parker shook his head. “I never did, Penny. But if what she says is true, the Star will launch an investigation. We’ll have no night riders in this community, not if it’s in my power to blast them out!”
“Here’s your first clue, Dad!”
Excitedly, Penny pointed to a series of hoof marks plainly visible in the soft earth. The tracks led toward the main road.
“Apparently Mrs. Preston told the truth about the barn being fired by a man on horseback,” Mr. Parker declared as he followed the trail leading out of the yard. ”

“ Finally seating himself, he picked up a newspaper and began to read.
From their post in the belfry, Penny and Jerry soon observed two other men approaching the tower. One they recognized as a workman who had sorted melons at the Davis farm, but his companion was unknown to them. Without rapping, they too entered the building.
“Where’s Charley?” inquired one of the men.
“That’s what I was wondering,” Hank Holloway replied, tossing aside his paper. “For that matter, I can’t figure out why this special meeting was called. Something important must have come up.” ”

“ Jerry, Salt, and the two reporters were instructed to remain at the Tower pending the arrival of the patrol wagon. There was slight danger that any of the prisoners could escape for all the captives had been locked into the machinery room.
Delaying only long enough to obtain the case of sound equipment hidden beneath the daybed, Mr. Parker and Penny hastened to the waiting press car.
“Dad,” she marveled as they passed near a street light, “you should see your eye! It’s turning black. Someone must have pasted you hard.” ”