69 12 G9200 9/06 8 - - NHOglivao-Nwell-O!", so A-listinainn I' - - *RU- - -- - © | | |- . | # |- - . # -| - |- - T # | |- - - # Donated by the Grand Rapids Public Library The May G. Quigley Collection of Children's Literature December 2001 The University of Michigan-Dearborn Mardigian Library £ £ - # £ *:: -- - -*. *: T - #. #| A .# f #: * 2. %2c/ !----- PENNY’S TRAILINC BODY, ACTING AS A BRAKE, SLOWED DOWN THE SLED. “Behind the Green Door" (See page 124) .Q E .-..Q - . .i Behind the Green DOOr By MILDRED A. WIRT Author of TVMILDRED A. WIRT MYSTERY STORIES TRAILER STORIES FOR GIRLS Illustrated CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY Publishers NEW YORK PEN NY PARK E R MYSTERY STORIES Large 12 mo. Cloth Illustrated TALE OF THE WITCH DOLL THE VANISHING HOUSEBOAT DANGER AT THE DRAWBRIDGE BEHIND THE GREEN DOCR Other Titles in Preparation COPYRIGHT, 1940, BY CUPPLES AND LEON 00. Behind the Green Door PRINTED IN U. S. A. CONTENTS 2 IO II I 2 I3 I4. I5 I6 17 TROUBLE FOR MR. PARKER A RIVAL REPORTER TRAVELING COMPANIONS PINE TOP MOUNTAIN OVER THE BARBED WIRE PENNY TRESPASSES THE GREEN DOOR A CODED MESSAGE A CALL FOR HELP LOCKED IN THE CABIN A NEWSPAPER MYSTERY THE GREEN CARD AN UNKIND TRICK A BROKEN ROD IN THE Tool HousE A PUZZLING SOLUTION STRANGE SOUNDS PAGE 12 2 I 30 47 55 63 72 79 97 105 * 15 123 129 138 CHAPTER 1 TROUBLE FOR MR. PARKER “WATCH ME coming down the mountain, Mrs. Weems! This one is a honey! An open christiana turn with no brakes dragging!” Penny Parker, clad in a new black and red snow- suit, twisted her agile young body sideways, causing the small rug upon which she stood to skip across the polished floor of the living room. She wriggled her slim hips again, and it slipped in the opposite direc- tion toward Mrs. Weems who was watching from the kitchen doorway. “Coming down the mountain, my eye!” exclaimed the housekeeper, laughing despite herself. “You’ll be coming down on your head if you don’t stop those antics. I declare, y0u’ve acted like a crazy person ever since your father rashly agreed to take you to Pine Top for the skiing.” “I have to break in my new suit and limber up my muscles somehow,” said Penny defensively. “One can’t practice outdoors when there’s no snow. Now watch this one, Mrs. Weems. It’s called a telemark.” I. 2 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR (6 9 9 Youll reduce that rug to shreds before you re through,” sighed the housekeeper. “Can’t you think of anything else to do?” “Yes,” agreed Penny cheerfully, “but it wouldn’t be half as much fun. How do you like my suit?” She darted across the room to preen before the full length mirror. A red-billed cap pulled at a jaunty angle over her blond curls, Penny made a striking figure in the Well tailored suit of dark wool. Her eyes sparkled with the joy of youth and it was easy for her to smile. She was an only child, the daughter of Anthony Parker, editor and publisher of the Riverview Star, and her mother had died when she was very young. “It looks like a good, practical suit,” conceded the housekeeper. Penny made a wry face. “Is that the best you can say for it? Louise Sidell and I shopped all over River- view to get the snappiest number out, and then you call it practical.” “Oh, you know you look cute in it,” laughed Mrs. Weems. “So what’s the use of telling you?” Before Penny could reply the telephone rang and the housekeeper went to answer it. She returned to the living room a moment later to say that Penny’s father was in need of free taxi service home from the office. “Tell him I’ll be down after him in two shakes of 4. BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR window, Penny shot the car out backwards, wheeling it around the curve of the driveway with speed and ease. She liked to handle her father’s automobile, and since he did not enjoy driving, she frequently called at the newspaper oflice to take him home. The Star building occupied a block in the down- town section of Riverview. Penny parked the car be- side the loading dock at the rear, and took an elevator to the editorial rooms. Nearly all of the desks were deserted at this late hour of the afternoon. But Jerry Livingston, one of the best reporters on the paper, was still pecking out copy on a noisy typewriter. “Hi, Penny!” he observed, grinning as she brushed past his desk. “Have you caught any more Witch dolls?” “Not for the front page,” she flung back at him. “My newspaper career is likely to remain in a state of status quo for the next two weeks. Dad and I are heading for Pine Top to dazzle the natives with our particular brand of skiing. Don’t you envy us?” “I certainly would, if you were going.” “If!” exclaimed Penny indignantly. “Of course we’re going! We leave Thursday by plane. Dadneeds a vacation and this time I know he won’t try to wiggle out of it at the last minute.” “Well, I hope not,” replied Jerry in a skeptical voice. “Your father needs a good rest, Penny. But I have a sneaking notion you’re in for a disappointment again.” Q. TROUBLE FOR MIR. PARKER 5 “What makes you say that, Jerry? Dad promised me faithfully—” “Sure, I know,” he nodded, “but there have been developments.” “An important story?” “No, it's more serious than that. But you talk with him. I may have the wrong slant on the situation.” Not without misgiving, Penny went on to her father's private office and tapped on the door. “Come in,” he called in a gruff voice, and as she entered, waved her into a chair. “You arrived a little sooner than I expected, Penny. Mind waiting a few minutes?” “Not at all.” Studying her father's lean, tired-looking face, Penny decided that something was wrong. He seemed unusually worried and nervous. - “A hard day, Dad?” she asked. * Mr. Parker finished straightening a sheaf of papers before he glanced up. “Yes, I hadn't intended to tell you until later, but I may as well. I'm afraid our trip is off—at least as far as I’m concerned.” “Oh, Dad!” “It's a big disappointment, Penny. The truth is, I'm in a spot of trouble.” “Isn't that the usual condition of a newspaper pub- lisher?” “Yes,” he smiled, “but there are different degrees 6 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR of trouble, and this is the worst possible. The Star has been sued for libel, a matter of fifty odd thou- sand.” “Fifty thousand!” gasped Penny. “But of course you’]l Win the suit!” “I’m not at all sure of it.” Anthony Parker spoke grimly. “My lawyer tells me that Harvey Maxwell has a strong case against the paper.” “Harvey Maxwell?” repeated Penny thoughtfully. “Isn’t he the" man who owns the Riverview Hotel?” “Yes, and a chain of other hotels and lodges throughout the country. Harvey Maxwell is a rather well known sportsman. He lives lavishly, travels a great deal, and in general is a hard, shrewd business man.” “He’s made a large amount of money from his hotels, hasn’t he?” “Maxwell acquired a fortune from some source, but I’ve always had a doubt that it came from the hotel business.” “Why is he suing the Star for libel, Dad?” “Early this fall, while I was out of town for a day Dewitt let a story slip through which should have been killed. It was an interview with a football player named Bill Morcrum who was quoted as saying that he had been approached by Maxwell who offered him a bribe to throw an important game.” “What would be the reason behind that?” “Maxwell is thought by those in the know to have TROUBLE FOR MIR. PARKER 7 a finger in nearly every dishonest sports scheme ever pulled off in this town. He places heavy wagers, and seldom comes out on the losing end. But the story never should have been published.” “It was true though?” “I’m satisfied it was,” replied Mr. Parker. “How- ever, it always is dangerous to make insinuations against a man.” “Can't the story be proven? I should think with the football player's testimony you would have a good case.” “That's the trouble, Penny. This boy, Bill Mor- crum, now claims he never made any such accusation against Maxwell. He says the reporter misquoted him and twisted his statements.” “Who covered the story, Dad?” “A man named Glower, a very reliable reporter. He swears he made no mistake, and I am inclined to believe him.” “Then why did the football player change his story?” “I have no proof, but it's a fairly shrewd guess that he was approached by Maxwell a second time. Either he was threatened or offered a bribe which was large enough to sway him.” “With both Maxwell and the football player stand- ing together, it does rather put you on the spot,” Penny acknowledged. “What are you going to do?” “We'll fight the case, of course, but unless we 8 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR can prove that our story was accurate, we're almost sure to lose. I’ve asked Bill Morcrum to come to my office this afternoon, and he promised he would. He's overdue now.” Anthony Parker glanced at his watch and scowled. Getting up from the swivel chair he began to pace to and fro across the room. A buzzer on his desk gave three sharp, staccato signals. “Morcrum must be here now!” the editor exclaimed in relief. “I’ll want to see him alone.” Penny arose to leave. As she went out the door- way she met the receptionist, accompanied by an awkward, oversized youth who shuffled his feet in walking. He grinned at her in a sheepish way and entered the private office. While Penny waited, she entertained herself by reading all the comic strips she could find in the out- of-town exchange papers. In the adjoining room she could hear the rhythmical thumping, clicking sound of the Star's teletype machines. She wandered aim- lessly into the room to read the copy just as the ma- chines typed it out, a story from Washington, one from Chicago, another from Los Angeles. It was fascinating to watch the print appear like magic upon the long rolls of copy paper. Presently, the teletype attendant, young Billy Stevens, came dashing into the room. TROUBLE FOR MIR. PARKER 9 “Oh, hello, Miss Parker,” he said with a bashful grin. “Hello, Billy,” Penny answered cordially. She studied the keyboard of the sending teletype ma- chine, running her fingers over the letters. “I wish I could work this thing,” she said. “There's nothing to it if you can run a typewriter,” answered Billy. “Just a minute, I'll throw it off the line on to the test position. Then you can try it.” At first Penny's copy was badly garbled, but under Billy's enthusiastic coaching she was soon doing ac- curate work. “Say, this is fun!” she declared. “I’m coming in again one of these days and practice. Thanks a lot, Billy!” As Penny went back into the editorial room she saw the Morcrum boy leaving her father's office. His head was downcast and his face was flushed to the ears. Obviously, he had not had a comfortable time with Mr. Parker. The moment the boy had vanished, Penny hurried into her father's office to learn the outcome of the interview. “No luck,” reported Mr. Parker, reaching for his hat and overcoat. “He wouldn't change his story?” “No. He seemed like a fairly decent sort of boy, but he kept insisting he had been misquoted. I couldn't I0 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR get anywhere with him. He’ll testify for Maxwell when the case comes to trial.” Mr. Parker put on his overcoat and hat, and opened the door for Penny. As they left the building he told her more about the interview. “I asked the boy point-blank if he hadn’t been hired by Maxwell. Naturally, he denied it, but he acted rather alarmed. Oh, I’m satisfied he’s either been bought off or threatened.” “When does the case come to trial?” “The last of next month, unless we gain a delay.” “That gives you quite a bit of time. Don’t you think you could take two weeks off anyhow, Dad? We both planned upon having such a wonderful time at Mrs. Downey’s place.” Penny and her father had been invited to spend the Christmas holidays at Pine Top, a winter resort which attracted many Riverview persons. They especially had looked forward to the trip since they were to have been‘ the house guests of Mrs. Christopher Dow- ney, an old friend of Mr. Parker’s who operated a skiing lodge on the slopes of the mountain overlook- ing Silver Valley. “There’s not much chance of my getting away,” Mr. Parker replied regretfully. “That is, not unless important evidence falls into my hands, or I am able to make a deal with Maxwell.” “A deal?” TROUBLE FOR MR. PARKER ll “If he would make reasonable demands I might be willing to settle out of court.” Penny gazed at her father in blank amazement. “And admit you were in the wrong when you’re certain you weren’t?” “Any good general will make a strategic retreat if the situation calls for it. lt might be more sensible to settle out of court than to lose the case. Maxwell has me in a tight place and knows it.” “Then why don’t you see him? He might be fairly reasonable.” “I suppose I could stop at the Riverview Hotel on our way home,” Mr. Parker said, frowning thought- fully. “There’s an outside chance Maxwell may come to terms. Drop me off there, Penny.” While the car threaded its way in and out of dense traffic, the editor remained in a deep study. Penny bad never seen him look so worried. Her own disap- pointment was keen, yet she realized that far more than a vacation trip was at stake. Fifty thousand dollars represented a large sum of money! If Maxwell won his suit it might even mean the loss of the Riverview Star. Sensing his daughter’s alarm, Mr. Parker reached out to pat her knee. “Don’t worry,” he said, “we’re not licked yet, Penny! And if there’s any way to arrange it, you shall have your trip to Pine Top as we planned.” I4. BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Penny. Or perhaps you might be able to induce your chum, Louise, to go along. Would you like that?” “It would be more fun if you went also.” “That's out of the picture now. If everything goes well I might be able to join you for Christmas week- end.” “I’m not sure Louise could go,” said Penny doubt- fully. “But I can find out right away.” After dinner that night, she lost no time in running over to the Sidell home. At first Louise was thrown into a state of ecstasy at the thought of making a trip to Pine Top and then her face became gloomy. “I would love it, Penny! But it's practically a waste of words to ask Mother. We're going to my grand- mother's farm in Vermont for the holidays, and I'll have to tag along.” Since grade school days the two girls had been in- separable friends. Between them there was perfect understanding and they made an excellent pair, for Louise exerted a subduing effect upon the more im- pulsive, excitable Penny. Inactivity bored Penny, and wherever she went she usually managed to start things moving. When noth- ing better offered, she tried her hand at writing news- paper stories for her father's paper. Several of these reportorial experiences had satisfied even Penny's deep craving for excitement. Three truly “big” stories had rolled from her type- writer through the thundering presses of the River- A RIVAL REPORTER Is view Star: Tale of the Witch Doll, The Vanishing Houseboat, and Danger at the Drawbridge. Even now, months after her last astonishing adventure, friends liked to tease her about a, humorous encounter with a certain Mr. Kippenberg’s alligator. “Pine Top won’t be any fun without you, Lou,” Penny complained. “Oh; yes it will,” contradicted her chum. “I know you’ll manage to stir up plenty of excitement. You’ll probably pull a mysterious Eskimo out of a snow bank or save Santa Claus from being kidnaped! That’s the way you operate.” “Pine Top is an out of the way place, close to the Canadian border. All one can do there is eat, sleep, and ski.” “You mean, that’s all one is supposed to do,” cor- rected Louise with a laugh. “But you’ll run into some big story or else you’re slipping!” “There isn’t a newspaper within fifty miles. No rail- road either. The only way in and out of the valley is by airplane, and bob-sled, of course.” “That may cramp your style a little, but I doubt it,” declared Louise. “I do wish I could go along.” The girls talked with Mrs. Sidell, but as they both had expected, it was not practical for Louise to make the trip. “I’ll come to the airport to see you off on your plane,” Louise promised as Penny left the house. “You’re starting Thursday, aren’t you?” I6 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “Yes, at ten-thirty unless there's bad weather. But I'll see you again before that.” All the next day Penny packed furiously. Mr. Parker was unusually busy at the office, but he bought his daughter's ticket and made all arrangements for the trip to Pine Top. Since Mrs. Weems also planned to leave Riverview the following day, the house was in a constant state of turmoil. “I feel sorry for Dad being left here alone,” re- marked Penny. “He’ll never make his bed, and he'll probably exist on strong coffee and those wretched raw beef sandwiches they serve at the beanery across from the Star office. “I ought to give up my vacation,” declared Mrs. Weems. “It seems selfish of me not to stay here.” Mr. Parker would not hear of such an arrangement, and so plans moved forward just as if his own trip had not been postponed. “Dad, you'll honestly try to come to Pine Top for Christmas?” Penny pleaded. “I’ll do my best,” he promised soberly. “I have a hunch that Harvey Maxwell may still be in town, de- spite what we were told at the hotel. I intend to busy myself making a complete investigation of the man.” “If I could help, I’d be tickled to stay, Dad.” “There's nothing you can do, Penny. Just go out there and have a nice vacation.” Mr. Parker had not intended to go to the office Thursday morning until after Penny's plane had de- I8 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “That one fellow looks like someone I’ve seen,” Penny went on thoughtfully. “Maybe I saw his pic- ture in a newspaper, but I can’t place him.” The two men Went up to the desk and the portly one addressed the clerk curtly: “You have our reservations for Pine Top?” “Yes, sir. Just sign your name here.” The clerk pushed forward paper and a pen. Paying for the tickets from a large roll of green- backs, the two men went over to the opposite side of the waiting room and sat down. Penny glanced anx- iously at the clock. It was twenty minutes past ten. A uniformed messenger boy entered the room, let- ting in a blast of cold air as he opened the door. He went over to the desk and the clerk pointed out the two girls. “Now what?” said Penny in a low voice. “Maybe my trip is called off!” The message was for her, from her father. But it was less serious than she had expected. Because an impor- tant story had “broken” it would be impossible for him to leave the office. He wished her a pleasant trip west and again promised he would bend every effort toward visiting Pine Top for Christmas. Penny folded the message and slipped it into her purse. “Dad won’t be able to see me off,” she explained to her chum. “I was afraid when Dewitt called him this morning he would be held up.” A RIVAL REPORTER I9 Before Louise could reply the outside door opened once more, and a girl of perhaps twenty-two who walked with a long, masculine gait, came in out of the cold. Penny sat up a bit straighter in her chair. “Do you see what I see?” she whispered. “Who is she?” inquired Louise curiously. “The one and only Francine Sellberg.” “Which means nothing to me.” “Don’t tell me you haven’t seen her by-line in the Riverview Record! Francine would die of mortifim- tion.” “Is she a reporter?” “She covers special assignments. And she is pretty good,” Penny added honestly. “But not quite as good as she believes.” “Wonder what she’s doing here?” “l was asking myself that same question.” As the two girls watched, they saw Francine’s cool gaze sweep the waiting room. She did not immediately notice Penny and Louise whose backs were partly turned to her. Her eyes rested for an instant upon the two men who previously had bought tickets to Pine Top, and a flicker of satisfaction showed upon her face. Moving directly to the desk she spoke to the ticket agent in a low voice, yet loudly enough for Penny and Louise to hear. “Is it still possible to make a reservation for Pine Top?” CHAPTER 3 TRAVELING COMPANIONS FRANCINE SELLBERG paid for her ticket and turned so that her gaze fell squarely upon Penny and Louise. Abruptly, she crossed over to where they sat. “Hello, girls,” she greeted them breezily. “What brings you to the airport?” As always, the young woman reporter's manner was brusque and business-like. Without meaning to offend, she gave others an impression of regarding them with an air of condescension. “I came to see Penny off,” answered Louise before her chum could speak. “Oh, are you taking this plane?” inquired Francine, staring at Penny with quickening interest. “I am if it ever gets here.” “Traveling alone?” “All by my lonesome,” Penny admitted cheerfully. “You’re probably only going a short ways?” “Oh, quite a distance,” returned Penny. She did not like the way Francine was quizzing her. “Penny is going to Pine Top for the skiing,” de- 2I 22 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR clared Louise, never guessing that her chum preferred to withhold the information. “Pine Top!” The smile left Francine’s face and her eyes roved swiftly toward the ‘two men who sat at the opposite side of the room. “We are to be traveling companions, I believe,” re- marked Penny innocently. . F rancine’s attention came back to the younger girl. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “So you’re going out to Pine Top for the skiing,” she said softly. “And you?” countered Penny. “Oh, certainly for the skiing,” retorted Francine, mockery in her voice. “Nice of the Record to give you a vacation.” By this time the silver-winged transport had wheeled into position on the apron, and passengers were be- ginning to leave the waiting room. The two men who had attracted Penny’s attention, arose and without ap- pearing to notice the three girls, went outside. “You don’t deceive me one bit, Penny Parker,” said Francine with a quick change of attitude. “I know very well why you are going to Pine Top, and it’s for the same reason I am!” “You seem to have divined all my secrets, even when I don’t know them myself,” responded Penny. “Sup- pose you tell me why I am going to Pine Top moun- min? 77 “It’s perfectly obvious that your father sent you. 24 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “So you really don't know their names?” Francine flashed a triumphant smile. “Fancy that! Well, you've proven such a clever little reporter in the past, I'll al- low you to figure it out for yourself. See you in Pine Top.” Turning away, the young woman went back to the desk to speak once more with the ticket man. “Doesn't she simply drip conceit!” Louise whispered in disgust. “Did I make a mistake in letting her know that you weren't on an assignment?” “It doesn’t matter, Lou. Shall we be going out to the plane before I miss it?” The huge streamliner stood warming up on the ribbon of cement, long tongues of flame leaping from the exhausts. Nearly all of the passengers already had taken their seats in the warm, cozy cabin. “Good-bye, Lou,” Penny said, shaking her chum's hand. “Good-bye. Have a nice time. And don't let that know-it-all Francine get ahead of you!” “Not if I can help it,” laughed Penny. Francine had left the waiting room and was walk- ing with a brisk step toward the plane. Not wishing to be the last person aboard, Penny stepped quickly into the cabin. All but two seats were taken. One was at the far end of the plane, the other directly behind the two strange men. Penny slid into the latter chair just as Francine came into the cabin. As she went down the aisle to TRAVELING COMPANIONS 25 take the only remaining seat, the reporter shot the younger girl an irritated glance. “She thinks I took this place just to spite her!” thought Penny. “How silly!” The stewardess, trim in her blue-green uniform, had closed the heavy metal door. The plane began to move down the ramp, away from the station's canopied en- trance. Penny leaned close to the window and waved a last good-bye to Louise. As the speed of the engines was increased, the plane raced faster and faster over the smooth runway. A take-off was not especially thrilling to Penny who often had made flights with her father. She shook her head when the stewardess offered her cotton for her ears, but accepted a magazine. Penny flipped carelessly through the pages. Find- ing no story worth reading, she turned her attention to her fellow passengers. Beside her, on the right, sat the over-painted woman, her hands gripping the arm rests so hard that her knuckles showed white. “We—we're in the air now, aren’t we?” she asked nervously, meeting Penny's gaze. “I do hope I'm not going to be sick.” “I am sure you won't be,” replied Penny. “The air is very quiet today.” “They tell me flying over the mountains in winter time is dangerous.” “Not in good weather with a skilful pilot. I am sure we will be in no danger.” 26 BEHIND THE GREEN noon “Just the same I never would have taken a plane if it hadn’t been the only way of reaching Pine Top.” Penny turned to regard her companion with new interest. The woman was in her early forties, though she had attempted by the lavish use of make-up to appear younger. Her hair was a bleached yellow, dry and brittle from too frequent permanent waving. Her shoes were slightly scuffed, and a tight-fitting black crepe dress, while expensive, was shiny from long use. “Oh, are you traveling to Pine Top, too?” inquired Penny. “Half the passengers on this plane must be heading for there.” “Is that where you are going?” “Yes,” nodded Penny. “I plan to visit an old friend who has an Inn on the mountain side, and try a little skiing.” “This is strictly a business trip with me,” confided the woman. She had relaxed now that the transport was flying at an even keel. “I am going there to see Mr. Balantine—David Balantine. You’ve heard of him, of course.” Penny shook her head. “My dear, everyone in the East is familiar with his name. Mr. Balantine has a large chain of theatres throughout the country. He produces his own shows, too. I hope to get a leading part in a new production which will soon be cast. “Oh, I see,” murmured Penny. “You are an actress?” TRAVELING COMPANIONS 27 “I’ve been on the stage since I was twelve years old,” the woman answered proudly. “You must have seen my name on the billboards. I am Miss Miller. Maxine Miller.” “I should like to see one of your plays,” Penny re- sponded politely. “The truth is I’ve been ‘at liberty’ for the past year or two,” the actress admitted with an embarrassed laugh. “ ‘At liberty’ is a word we show people use when we’re temporarily out of work. The movies have practically ruined the stage.” “Yes, I know.” “For several weeks I have been trying to get an interview with Mr. Balantine. His secretaries would not make an appointment for me. Then quite by luck I learned that he planned to spend two Weeks at Pine Top. I thought if I could meet him out there in his more relaxed moments, he might give me a role in the new production.” “Isn’t it a rather long chance to take?” questioned Penny. “To go so far just in the hope of seeing this man?” “Yes, but I like long chances. And I’ve tried every other way to meet him. If I win the part I’ll be well repaid for my time and money.” “And if you fail?” Maxine Miller shrugged. “The bread line, perhaps, or burlesque which would be worse. If I stay at Pine TRAVELING COMPANIONS 29 Francine ignored the empty stools beside Penny and went to the far side of the lunch room. A moment later the two men, who had caused the young woman reporter such concern, entered and sat down at a counter near Penny, ordering sandwiches and coffee. Rather ironically, the girl could not avoid hearing their conversation, and almost their first words gave her an unpleasant shock. “Don’t worry, Ralph,” said the stout one. “Nothing stands in our way now.” “You’re not forgetting Mrs. Downey’s place?” “We’ll soon take care of her,” the other boasted. “That’s why I’m going out to Pine Top with you, Ralph. I’ll show you how these little affairs are handled.” PINE TOP MOUNTAIN 3I c ' - 1 - 71 ‘Francme could tell me if she werent so horrid. Penny waited until the last possible minute before boarding the plane. As she stepped inside the cabin she was surprised to see that Francine had taken the chair beside Maxine Miller, very coolly moving Penny’s belongings to the seat at the back of the airliner. “Did you two decide to change places?” inquired the stewardess as Penny hesitated beside the empty chair. “I didn’t decide. It just seems to be an accomplished fact.” The stewardess went down the aisle and touched Francine’s arm. “Usually the passengers keep their same seats throughout the journey,” she said with a pleasant smile. “Would you mind?” Francine did mind for she had cut her lunch short in the hope of obtaining the coveted chair, but she could not refuse to move. Frowning, she went back to her former place. Actually, Penny was not particular where she sat. There was no practical advantage in being directly be- hind the two strangers, for their voices were seldom audible above the roar of the plane. On the other hand, Miss Miller talked loudly and with scarcely a halt for breath. Penny was rather relieved when an early stop for dinner enabled her to gain a slight respite. With flying conditions still favorable, the second half of the journey was begun. Penny curled up in her clean, comfortable bed, and the gentle rocking of 32 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR the plane soon lulled her to sleep. She did not awaken until morning when the stewardess came to warn her they soon would be at their destination. Penny dressed speedily, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast brought to her on a tray. She had just finished when Francine staggered down the aisle, eyes bloodshot, her straight black hair looking as if it had never been combed. “Will I be glad to get off this plane!” she moaned. “What a night!” “I didn't notice anything wrong with it,” said Penny. “I take it you didn't sleep well.” “Sleep? I never closed my eyes all night, not with this roller-coaster sliding down one mountain and up another. I thought every minute we were going to crash.” Maxine Miller likewise seemed to have spent an un- comfortable night, for her face was haggard and worn. She looked five years older and her make-up was smeared. “Tell me, do I look too dreadful?” she asked Penny anxiously. “I want to appear my best when I meet Mr. Balantine.” “You’ll have time to rest up before you see him,” the girl replied kindly. “How long before we reach Pine Top?” “We should be approaching there now.” Penny studied the terrain below with deep interest, noting mountain ranges and beautiful snowy valleys. At last the plane circled and swept down on a small PINE TOP MOUNTAIN 33 landing field which had been cleared of snow. Pas- sengers began to pour from the cabin, grateful that the long journey was finally at an end. “I hope I see you again,” said Penny, extending her hand to Miss Miller. “And the best of luck with Mr. Balantine.” Eagerly, she gathered together her possessions and stepped out of the plane into blinding sunlight. The air was crisp and cold, but there was a quality to it which made her take long, deep breaths. Beyond the landing field stood a tall row of pine trees, each topped with a layer of snow like the white icing of a cake. From somewhere far away she could hear the merry jingle of sleigh bells. “So this is Pine Top!” thought Penny. “It's as pretty as a Christmas card!” A small group of persons were at the field to meet the plane. Catching sight of a short, sober-looking little woman who was bundled in furs, Penny hastened toward her. “Mrs. Downey!” she cried. “Penny, my dear! How glad I am to see you!” The woman clasped her firmly, planting a kiss on either cheek. “But your father shouldn't have disappointed me. Why didn't he come along?” “He wanted to, but he's up to his eyebrows in trouble. A man is suing him for libel.” “Oh, that is bad,” murmured Mrs. Downey. “I know what legal trouble means because I’ve had an un- 34. BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR pleasant taste of it myself lately. But come, let’s get your luggage and be starting up the mountain.” “Just a minute,” said Penny in a low tone. With a slight inclination of her head, she indicated the two male passengers who had made the long journey from Riverview to Pine Top. “You don’t by any chance know either of those men?” Mrs. Downey’s face lost its kindliness and she said in a grim voice: “I certainly do!” Before Penny could urge the woman to reveal their identity, Francine walked over to where she and Mrs. Downey stood. “Did you wish to see me? ” inquired the hotel woman as Francine looked at her with an inquiring gaze. “Are you Mrs. Downey?” “Yes, I am.” “I am looking for a place to stay,” said Francine. “I was told that you keep an inn.” “Yes, we have a very nice lodge up the mountain about a mile from here. The rooms are comfortable, and I do most of the cooking myself. We’re located on the best ski slopes in the valley. But if you’re look- ing for a place with plenty of style and corresponding prices you might prefer the Fergus place.” “Your lodge will exactly suit me, I think,” declared Francine. “How do I get there?” “In my bob-sled,” offered Mrs. Downey. “I may have a few other guests.” PINE TOP MOUNTAIN 35 “It won't take me a minute to get my luggage,” said Francine, moving away. Penny was none too pleased to know that the girl reporter would make her headquarters at the Downey Inn. Her face must have mirrored her misgiving, for Mrs. Downey said apologetically: “Business hasn't been any too good this season. I have to pick up an extra tourist whenever I can.” “Of course,” agreed Penny hastily. “One can't run a hotel without guests.” “I do believe Jake has snared another victim,” Mrs. Downey laughed. “That woman with the bleached hair.” “And who is Jake?” inquired Penny. Mrs. Downey nodded her head toward a spry man with leathery skin who was talking with Maxine Miller. “He does odd jobs for me at the Inn,” she explained. “When he has no other occupation he tries to entice guests into our den.” “You make it sound like a very wicked business,” chuckled Penny. “Since the Fergus hotel was built it's become a strug- gle to the death,” replied Mrs. Downey soberly. “I truly believe this will be my last year at Pine Top.” “Why, you've had your home here for years,” said Penny in astonishment. “You were at Pine Top long before anyone thought of it as a great skiing resort. 36 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR You’re an institution here, Mrs. Downey. Surely you aren’t serious about giving up your lodge?” “Yes, I am, Penny. But I shouldn’t start telling my troubles the moment you arrive. I never would have said a word if you hadn’t asked me about those two men yonder.” She gazed scornfully toward the strangers whose identity Penny hoped to learn. “Who are they?” Penny asked quickly. “The sli1n fellow with the sharp face is Ralph Fergus,” answered Mrs. Downey, her voice filled with bitterness. “He manages the hotel and is supposed to be the owner. Actually, the other man is the one who provides all the money.” “And who is he?” “Why, you should know,” replied Mrs. Downey. “He has a hotel in Riverview. His name is Harvey Maxwell. He only comes here now and then.” “Harvey Maxwell!” repeated Penny. “Wait until Dad hears about this!” “Your father has had dealings with him?” “Has he?” murmured Penny. “Maxwell is the man who is suing Dad for libel!” “Well, of all things!” “I believe I understand why Francine came out here too,” Penny said thoughtfully. “Francine? ” “The girl who just engaged a room at your place. PINE TOP MOUNTAIN I think she went to your Inn for the sole purpose of keeping an eye on me.” “Why should she wish to do that?” “Francine is a reporter for the Riverview Record. Dad’s story about Maxwell bribing a football player served as a tip-oif to other editors. Now the Record may hope to get evidence against him which they can build up into a big story.” “I should think that would help your father’s case.” “It might,” agreed Penny, “all depending upon how the evidence was used. But somehow, I don’t trust Francine. If there’s any fancy newspaper work to be done at Pine Top, I aim to look after it myself!” CHAPTER 5 OVER THE BARBED WIRE MRS. DOWNEY laughed at Penny's remark, not taking it very seriously. “I wish someone could uncover damaging evidence against Harvey Maxwell,” she declared. “But I fear he's far too clever a man to be caught in anything dis- honest. Sometime when you're in the mood to hear a tale of woe, I'll tell you how he is running things at Pine Top.” “I’d like to learn everything I can about him,” re- sponded Penny eagerly. Mrs. Downey led the girl across the field to the road where the bob-sled and team of horses had been hitched. Jake, the handy man, appeared a moment later, loaded down with skis and luggage. Maxine Miller, Francine, and a well-dressed business man soon arrived and were helped into the sled. “This is unique taxi service to say the least,” de- clared Francine, none too well pleased. “It must take ages to get up the mountain.” 38 OVER THE BARBED WIRE 39 “Not very long,” replied Mrs. Downey cheerfully. Jake drove, with the hotel woman and her guests sitting on the floor of the sled, covered by warm blankets. “Is it always so cold here?” shivered Miss Miller. “Always at this time of year,” returned Mrs. Downey. “You’ll not mind it in a day or two. And the skiing is wonderful. We had six more inches of snow last night.” Penny thoroughly enjoyed the novel experience of gliding swiftly over the hard-packed snow. The bob- sled presently passed a large rustic building at the base of the mountain which Mrs. Downey pointed out as the Fergus hotel. “I suppose all the rich people stay there,” com- mented Miss Miller. “Do you know if they have a guest named David Balantine?” “The producer? Yes, I believe he is staying at the Fergus hotel.” At the next bend Jake stopped the horses so that the girls might obtain a view of the valley. “Over to the right is the village of Pine Top,” indi- cated Mrs. Downey. “Just beyond the Fergus hotel is the site of an old silver mine, abandoned many years ago. And when we reach the next curve you'll be able to look north and see into Canada.” A short ride on up the mountain brought the party to the Downey Lodge, a small but comfortable log 42 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Downey is a very fine woman, a very fine woman, but her lodge isn’t modern. You noticed that, I suppose?” “I’m not especially critical,” smiled Penny. “It seemed to suit my needs.” “You’ll be more critical after you have stayed there a few days,” he warned. “The service is very poor. Even this little matter of getting a morning newspaper. Now our hotel sees that every guest has one shoved under his door before breakfast.” “That would be very nice, I’m sure,” remarked Penny dryly. “You’re the manager of the hotel, aren’t you?” Ralph Fergus gave her a quick, appraising glance. “Right you are,” he said jovially. “Naturally I think we have the finest hotel at Pine Top and I wish you would try it. I’ll be glad to make you a special rate.” “You’re very kind.” It was a struggle for Penny to keep her voice casual. “I may drop around sometime and look the hotel over.” “Do that,” he urged. “Here is my card. Just ask for me and I’ll show you about.” Penny took the card and dropped it into her pocket. A few minutes later as they passed the Fergus hotel, her companion parted company withher. “He thought I was an ordinary guest at Mrs. Downey’s,” Penny told herself. “Otherwise, he never would have dared to make such an open bid for my patronage.” 44 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “Fergus has been cutting his room rents lately for the sole purpose of getting my customers away from me. He makes up for it by charging three and even four dollars a meal. The guests don’t learn that until after they have moved in.” “And there’s nothing you can do about it? ” Mrs. Downey shook her head. “I’ve been fighting with my back to the wall this past season. I don’t see how I possibly can make it another year. That is why I wanted you and your father to visit here before I gave up the place.” “Dad might have helped you,” Penny said regret- fully. “I’m sorry he wasn’t able to come.” At one o’clock Mrs. Downey served a plain but substantial meal to fourteen guests who tramped in out of the snow. They called loudly for second and third helpings which were cheerfully given. After luncheon Penny sat for a time about the crackling log fire and then she went to her room and changed into her skiing clothes. “The nursery slopes are at the rear of the lodge,” Mrs. Downey told her as she went out through the kitchen. “But you’re much too experienced for them.” “I haven’t been on skis for nearly two years.” “It will come back to you quickly.” “I thought I might taxi down and look over the Fergus hotel.” “The trail is well marked. Just be careful as you OVER THE BARBED WIRE 45 get about half way down. There is a sharp turn and if you miss it you may find yourself wrapped around an evergreen.” Penny went outside, and buckling on her skis, glided to the top of a long slope which fell rather sharply through lanes of pine trees to the wide valley below. As she was studying the course, reflecting that the crusted snow would be very fast, Francine came out of the lodge and stood watching her. “What's the matter, Penny?” she called. “Can't you get up your nerve?” Penny dug in her poles and pushed off. Crouching low, skis running parallel, she tore down the track. Pine trees crowded past on either side in a greenish blur. The wind whistled in her ears. She jabbed her poles into the snow to check her speed. After the first steep stretch, the course flattened out slightly. From a cautious left traverse, a lifted stem turn gave her time to concentrate her full atten- tion on the route ahead. She swerved to avoid a boulder which would have broken her ski had she crashed into it, and rode out a series of long, undulat- ing hollows. Gathering speed again, Penny made her decisions with lightning rapidity. There was no time to think. Confronted with a choice of turns, she chose the right hand trail, slashing through in a beautiful christiana. Too late, she realized her error. 46 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR a Directly ahead loomed a barbed wire fence. There was no opportunity to tum aside. Penny knew that she must jump or take a disastrous fall. Swinging her poles forward, she let them drop in the snow close to her ski tips. Crouching low she sprang upward with all her strength. The sticks gave her leverage so that she could lift her skis clear of the snow. Momentum carried her forward over the fence. Penny felt the jar of the runners as they slapped on the snow. Then she lost her balance and tumbled head over heels. Untangling herself, she sat up and gazed back at the barbed wire fence. “I wish all my friends at Riverview could have seen that jump!” she thought proudly. “It was a beauty even if I did land wrong side up.” A large painted sign which had been fastened to the fence, drew her attention. It read: “Skiers Keep Out.” “I wonder if that means me?” remarked Penny aloud. “Yes, it means you!” said an angry voice behind her. Penny rolled over in the snow, waving her skis in the air. She drew in her breath sharply, An old man with a dark beard had stepped from the shadow of the pine trees, a gun grasped in his gnarled hands! CHAPTER 6 PENNY TRESPASSES “CAN’T YOU understand signs?” the old man de- manded, advancing with cat-like tread from the fringe of pine trees. “Not when I’m traveling down a mountain side at two hundred miles an hour!” Penny replied. “Please, would you mind pointing that cannon in some other direction? It might go off.” The old man lowered the shotgun, but the grim lines of his wrinkled, leathery face did not relax. “Get up!” he commanded, prodding her with the toe of his heavy boot. “Get out of here! I won’t have you or any other skier on my property.” “Then allow me to make a suggestion,” remarked Penny pleasantly. “Put up another strand of barbed wire and you’ll have them all in the hospital!” She sat up, gingerly felt of her left ankle and then began to brush snow from her jacket. “Did you see me make the jump?” she asked. “I took it just like a reindeer. Or do I mean a gazelle?” 47 PENNY TRESPASSES 49 “Go!” he commanded. “And don’t let me catch you here again!” Penny shouldered her skis and moved toward the fence. - “So sorry to have damaged your nice snow,” she apologized. “I’ll try not to trespass again.” Crawling under the barbed wire fence, Penny re- traced her way up the slope to the point on the trail where she had taken the wrong turn. There she hesi- tated and finally decided to walk on to the Fergus hotel. “I wonder who that girl was at the window?” Penny reflected as she trudged along. “She looked too young to be Old Whisker's daughter. And what was she trying to tell me?” The problem was too deep for her to solve. But she made up her mind she would ask Mrs. Downey the name of the queer old man as soon as she returned to the lodge. Reaching the Fergus hotel, Penny parked her skis upright in a snowbank near the front door, and went inside. She found herself in a long lobby at the end of which was a great stone fireplace with a half burned log on the hearth. Bellboys in green uniforms and brass buttons darted to and fro. A general stir of activ- ity pervaded the place. As Penny was gazing about, she saw Maxine Miller leave an elevator and come slowly across the lobby. SO BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR The actress would not have seen her had she not spo- ken. “How do you do, Miss Miller. I didn’t expect to see you here.” “Oh, Miss Parker!” The actress’ face was the pic- ture of despair. “I’ve had the most wretched misfor- tune!” “Why, what has happened?" inquired Penny, al- though she thought she knew the answer to her ques- tion. “I’ve just seen Mr. Balantine.” Miss Miller sagged into the depths of a luxuriously upholstered davenport and leaned her head back against the cushion. “Your interview didn’t turn out as you expected?” “He wouldn’t give me the part. Hateful old goat! He even refused to allow me to demonstrate how well I could read the lines! And he said some very insulting things to me.” “That is too bad,” returned Penny sympathetically. “What will you do now? Go back home?” “I don’t know,” the woman replied in despair. “I would stay if I thought I could change Mr. Balantine’s opinion. Do you think I could?” “I shouldnlt advise it myself. Of course, I don’t know anything about Mr. Balantine.” “He’s very temperamental. Perhaps if I kept bother- ing him-he would finally give me a chance.” “Well, it might be worth trying,” Penny said doubt- PENNY TRESPASSES 51 fully. “But I think if I were you I would return home.” “All of my friends will laugh at me. They thought it was foolish to come out here as it was. I can’t go back. I am inclined to move down to this hotel so I’ll be able to keep in touch with Mr. Balantine with less difliculty.” “It’s a very nice looking hotel,” commented Penny. “Expensive, I’ve been told.” “In the show business one must keep up appear- ances at all cost,” replied Miss Miller. “I believe I’ll inquire about the rates.” While Penny waited, the actress crossed over to the desk and talked with a clerk. In a small office close by, Ralph Fergus and Harvey Maxwell could be seen in consultation. They were poring over a ledger, apparently checking business accounts. Miss Miller returned in a moment. “I’ve taken a room,” she announced. “I can’t afford it, but I am doing it anyway.” “Will you be able to manage?” “Oh, I’ll run up a bill and then let them try to col- lect!” Penny gazed at the actress with frank amazement. “You surely don’t mean you would deliberately defraud the hotel?” “Not so loud or the clerk will hear you,” Miss Miller warned. “And don’t use such an ugly word. 54 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “It’s not a dining room. I can’t tell you what it is.” “A cocktail room perhaps?” “Listen, I told you I don’t know,” the boy an- swered. “You work here, don’t you?” “Sure I do,” he said with emphasis. “And I aim to keep my job for awhile. If you want to know any- thing about the Green Room ask at the desk!” CHAPTER 7 THE GREEN DOOR BEFORE PENNY could ask another question, the signal board flashed a summons, and the attendant slammed shut the door of the elevator. He shot the cage up to the fifth floor and did not return. Hesitating a moment, Penny wandered over to the desk. “How does one go about obtaining a card for the Green Room?” she inquired casually. “You’re not a guest here?” questioned the clerk. “No.” “You’ll have to talk with the manager. Oh, Mr. Fergus!” Penny had not meant to have the matter go so far, but there was no retreating. The hotel manager came out of his office, and recognizing her, smiled ingra- tiatingly. “Ah, good afternoon, Miss—” He groped for her name but Penny did not supply it. “So you decided to pay us a visit after all.” “This young lady asked about the Green Room,” said the clerk significantly. 55 58 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR once. And the price! Ridiculously cheap! We'll never run into bargains like these in New York.” “We'll see, Sally,” replied the man. “I’m not satis- fied yet that this isn't a flim-flam game.” He opened a door which bore no number, and stood aside for the others to pass ahead of him. Penny caught a glimpse of a long, empty hallway. “That must be the way to Room 22,” she thought. She waited until the men and women had gone ahead, and then cautiously opened the door which had closed behind them. No one questioned her as she moved noiselessly down the corridor. At its very end loomed a green painted door, its top edge grace- fully circular. Beside it at a small table sat a man who evidently was stationed there as a guard. Penny walked slowly, watching the men and women ahead. They paused at the table and showed slips of cardboards. The guard then opened the green door and allowed them to pass through. It looked so very easy that Penny decided to try her luck. She drew closer. “Your card please,” requested the doorman. “I am afraid I haven't mine with me,” said Penny, flashing her most beguiling smile. The smile was entirely lost upon the man. “Then I can't let you in,” he said. “Not even if I have lost my card?” “Orders,” he answered briefly. “You'll have no trouble getting another.” CHAPTER 8 A CODED MESSAGE PENNY SAT in the kitchen of Mrs. Downey’s lodge, warming her half frozen toes in the oven. “Well, how did you like the skiing?” inquired her hostess who was busy mixing a huge meat loaf to be served for dinner. “It was glorious,” answered Penny, “only I took a bad spill. Somehow I missed the turn you told me about, and found myself heading for abarbed wire fence. I jumped it and made a one point landing in a snow bank!” “You didn’t hurt yourself, thank goodness.” “No; but an old man with a shotgun came out of the woods and said ‘Scat!’ to me. It seems he doesn’t like skiers.” “That must have been Peter Jasko.” “And who is he, Mrs. Downey?” “One of the oldest settlers on Pine Top Mountain,” sighed Mrs. Downey. “He’s a very pleasant man in some respects, but in others--oh, dear.” “Skiing must be one of his unpleasant aspects. I 63 A CODED MESSAGE 65 “You don't think Ralph Fergus or Harvey Maxwell have influenced Jasko?” Penny asked thoughtfully, a frown ridging her forehead. “I doubt that anyone could influence the old man,” replied Mrs. Downey. “Stubborn isn't the word to de- scribe his character. Even if I lose the ski slopes, I am quite sure he will never lease them to the Fergus hotel interests.” “While I was down there I thought I saw a girl standing at the window of the cabin.” “Probably you did, Penny. Jasko has a granddaugh- ter about your age, named Sara. A very nice girl, too, but she is kept close at home.” “I feel sorry for her if she has to live with that old man. He seemed like a regular ogre.” Removing her toasted feet from the oven, Penny pulled on her stiff boots again. Without bothering to lace them, she hobbled toward the door. “Oh, by the way,” she remarked, pausing. “Did you ever hear of a Green Room at the Fergus hotel?” “A Green Room?” repeated Mrs. Downey. “No, I can't say I.have. What is it, Penny?” “I wonder myself. Something funny seems to be going on there.” Having aroused Mrs. Downey's curiosity, Penny gave a more complete account of her visit to the Fergus hotel. “I’ve never heard anyone mention such a place,” declared the woman in a puzzled voice. “But I will 66 BEHIND THE GREEN DooR say this. The hotel always has attracted a peculiar group of guests.” “How would you like to have me solve the mystery for you?” joked Penny. “It would suit me very well indeed,” laughed Mrs. Downey. “And while you’re about it you might put Ralph Fergus out of business, and bring me a new flock of guests.” “I’m afraid you’re losing one instead. Maxine Miller told me she is moving down to the big hotel.” “I know. She checked out a half hour ago. Jake made an extra trip to haul her luggage down the mountain.” “Anyway, I shouldn’t be sorry to see her go if I were you,” comforted Penny. “I am quite sure she hasn’t enough money to pay for a week’s stay at Pine Top.” Going to her room, Penny changed into more com- fortable clothing and busied herself writing a long letter to her father. From her desk by the window she could see skiers trudging up the slopes, some of them making neat herring-bone tracks, others slipping and sliding, losing ahnost as much distance as they gained. As she watched, Francine swung into view, poling rhythmically, in perfect timing with her long easy strides. “She is good,” thought Penny, grudgingly. Dinner was served at six. Afterwards, the guests sat before the crackling log fire and bored each other A coDED MESSAGE 67 with tales of their skiing prowess. A few of the more enterprising ones waxed their skis in preparation for the next day’s sport. “Any newspapers tonight?” inquired a business man of Mrs. Downey. “Or is this another one of the blank days?” “Jake brought New York papers from the village,” replied the hotel woman. “They are on the table.” “Blank days? ” questioned Francine, looking up from a magazine she had been reading. “Mr. Glasser calls them that when he doesn’t get the daily stock market report,” explained Mrs. Downey, smiling at her guest. “And don’t the newspapers always arrive?” ques- tioned Francine. “Not always. Lately the service has been very poor.” “I’d rather be deprived of a meal than my paper,” growled Mr. Glasser. “What annoys me is that the guests at the Fergus hotel always get their papers. I wish someone would explain it to me.” “And I wish someone would explain it to me,” murmured Mrs. Downey, retreating to the kitchen. In the morning Penny decided to ski down to the village for a jar of cold cream. The snow was crusted and fast but she felt no terror of the trail which curved sharply through the evergreens. Her balance was better, and this time she had no intention of im- paling herself on Peter Jasko’s barbed wire fence. 68 BEHIND THE GREEN DooR Seldom checking her speed, she hurtled along the ribbon of trail. Racing on to the sharp turn, she shifted her weight and swung her body at precisely the right instant. The slope stretched on past rows of tall trees, towering like sentinels along the snow-swept ridges. Presently it flattened out into an open valley. Penny sailed past a house, a barn, and gradually slowed up until she came to a low hillock overlooking the village. Recapturing her breath, Penny took off her skis and walked on into Pine Top. She made a few pur- chases at the drug store and then impulsively entered the telegraph office. To her surprise, Francine Sellberg was there ahead of her. “How late is your office open?” the reporter was asking the operator. “Six-thirty,” he replied. “And if one has a rush message to send after that hour?” “Well, you can get me at my house,” the man an- swered. “I live over behind the Albert’s Filling Sta- tron.” “Thank you,” responded Francine, flashing Penny a mocking smile. “I may have an important story to send to my paper any hour. I wanted to be sure there would be no delay in getting it off.” Penny waited until the reporter had left the office and then said apologetically: “I don’t suppose you’ve received any message for me?” A CODED MESSAGE 69 “We always telephone as soon as anything comes in,” the man replied. “But wait! You’re Penelope Parker, aren’t you?” “In my more serious moments. Otherwise, just plain Penny.” “I do have something for you, then. A message came in a few minutes ago. I’ve been too busy to tele- phone it to the lodge.” He handed Penny a sheet of paper which she read eagerly. As she anticipated, it was from her father, and with his usual disregard for economy he had not bothered to omit words. “Glad to learn you arrived safely at Pine Top,” he had wired. “Your information about H. M. is aston- ishing, if true. Are you sure it is the same man? Keep your eye on him, and report to me if you learn any- thing worth while. I am held here by important de- velopments, but will try to come to Pine Top for Christmas.” Penny read the message twice, scowling at the sen- tence: “Are you sure it is the same man?” It was clear to her that her father did not have a great deal of faith in her identification. And obviously, he- did not be- lieve that anything could be gained by making a spe- cial trip to Pine Top to see the hotel man. Thrusting the paper into the pocket of her jacket she went out into the cold. “No one seems to rate my detective work very highly,” she complained to herself. “But when Dad 70 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR gets my letter telling him about the Green Door he may take a different attitude!” Skis slung over her shoulder, she began the weary climb back to the Downey lodge. Before Penny had walked very far she saw that she was overtaking a man on the narrow trail ahead of her. Observing that it was Ralph Fergus, she immediately slowed her steps. The hotel man did not turn his head to glance back. He kept walking slower and slower as if in deep thought, and after a time he reached absently into his pocket for a letter. As he pulled it out, another piece of pale gray paper fluttered to the ground. Fergus did not notice that he had lost anything. The wind caught the paper and blew it down the slope toward Penny. “Oh, Mr. Fergus!” she called. “You dropped some- thing!” The wind hurled her words back at her. Realizing that she could not make the man hear, Penny quick- ened her pace. After a short chase she rescued the paper when it caught on the thorns of a snow-caked bush. At first glance Penny thought she had gone to trou- ble for no purpose. The paper seemed to be blank. But as she turned it over she saw a single line of jumbled letters: YL GFZKY GLULFFLS “What can this be?” Penny thought in amazement. “Nothing, I guess.” A CODED MESSAGE 7I She crumpled the paper and tossed it away. But as it skittered and bounced like a tumble weed down the trail, she suddenly changed her mind and darted after it again. Carefully straightening out the page she examined it a second time. “This looks like copy paper used in a newspaper office,” she told herself. “But there is no newspaper in Pine Top, I wonder-?” The conviction came to Penny that the jumbled letters might be in code. Her pulse leaped at the thought. If only she were able to decipher it! “I’ll take this to the lodge and work on it,” she de- cided quickly. “Who knows? It may be just the key I need to unlock this strange affair of the Green Door!” A CALL FOR HELP 73 swer either. The girl reporter undoubtedly had been sent to Pine Top upon a definite tip from her editor, yet she could not guess the nature of such a tip. It was fairly evident that Francine was after some sort of evidence, but so far she had made no progress in acquiring it. “We're both groping in the dark, searching for something we know is here but can’t see,” thought Penny. “And we watch each other like hawks for fear the other fellow will get the jump!” The Green Door intrigued and puzzled her. While it might mean nothing at all, she could not shake off a feeling that if once she were able to get inside the room she might learn the answer to some of her ques- tlOnS. Penny had turned over several plans in her mind, none of which suited her. The most obvious thing to do was to try to bribe an employee of the hotel to give her the information she sought. But if she failed, her identity would be disclosed to Ralph Fergus and Harvey Maxwell. It seemed wiser to bide her time and watch. Penny awoke the next morning to find large flakes of snow piling on the window sills. The storm con- tinued and after breakfast only the most rugged skiers ventured out on the slopes. Francine hugged a hot air register, complaining that there was not enough heat. Many of the other guests, soon exhausting the supply of magazines, became restless. 74 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Luncheon was over when Penny stamped in out of the cold to find Mr. Glasser fretfully pacing to and fro before the fireplace. “When will the papers come?” he asked Mrs. Downey. “Jake usually goes down to the village after them about four o'clock. But with this thick weather, the plane may not get in today.” “It's in now, Mrs. Downey,” spoke Penny, shaking snow from her red mittens. “I saw it nearly half an hour ago, flying low over the valley.” “Then the papers must beat Pine Top by this time.” Mrs. Downey hesitated before adding: “I’ll call Jake from his work and ask him to go after them.” “Let me,” offered Penny quickly. “In this storm?” “Oh, I don’t mind. I rather like it.” “All right, then,” agreed Mrs. Downey in relief. “But don't get lost, whateveryou do. If the trails be- come snowed over it might be better to stay on the main road.” “I won't get lost,” laughed Penny. “If worse comes to worst I always can climb a pine tree and sight the Fergus hotel.” She dried out her mittens, and putting on an extra sweater beneath her jacket, stepped outside the lodge. The wind had fallen and only a few snowflakes were whirling down. Hearing the faint tingle of bells, Penny turned to gaze toward the road, where a pair A CALL FOR HELP 75 of white horses were pulling an empty lumber wagon up the hill. The driver, hunched over on- the seat, was slapping his hands together to keep them warm. “Why, that looks like Old Whiskers himself,” thought Penny. “It is Peter Jasko.” The observation served only to remind her of their unpleasant meeting. Since being so discourteously ejected from the Jasko property Penny had not ven- tured back. Knowing that the old man was away she felt sorely tempted to again visit the locality. “I guess I ought not to take the time,” she decided regretfully. “Mr. Glasser will be fretting for his paper.” Making a quick trip down the mountainside, Penny swung into the village. Mrs. Downey had told her that she would be able to get the newspapers at the Pine Top Cafe where a boy named Benny Smith had an agency. Entering the restaurant, she glanced about but saw no one who was selling papers. Finally, she ventured to ask the proprietor if she had come to the right place. “This is the right place,” he agreed cheerfully. “Benny went home a little while ago.” “Then how do I get the papers for Mrs. Downey’s lodge?” “Guess you’re out of luck,” he replied. “They didn’t come in today.” 76 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “But I saw the plane.” “The plane got through all right. I don't know what was wrong. Somehow the papers weren't put aboard.” Penny turned away in disappointment. She had made the long trip to the village for no purpose. While she did not mind for herself, she knew that Mr. Glasser and the other guests were likely to be annoyed. After a day of confinement indoors they looked forward to news from the outside world. “It's strange the papers didn't come,” she mused as she started back to the Downey lodge. “This isn't the first time they've failed to arrive either.” Penny climbed steadily for a time and then sat down on a log to rest a moment. She was not far from the Jasko cabin. By making her own trail through the woods she could reach it in a very few minutes. A mischievous idea leaped into her mind, fairly teasing to be put into effect. What fun to climb the forbidden barbed wire fence and honeycomb Mr. Jasko's field with ski tracks! She could visualize his annoyance when he returned home to learn that a mysterious skier had paid him a visit. “He oughtn't to be so mean,” she said aloud to jus- tify herself. “It will serve him right for trying to frighten folks with shotguns!” Penny fastened on her skis and glided off through the woods. She kept her directions straight and soon emerged into a clearing to find herself in view of the A CALL FOR HELP 77 Jasko cabin. Drawing near the barbed wire fence she stopped short and stared. - “Why, that old scamp! He really did it!” A new strand of wire had been added to the fence, making it many inches higher. Penny's suggestion, offered as a joke, had been acted upon by Peter Jasko. Not even an expert ski jumper could hope to clear the improved barrier. Any person who came unwit- tingly down the steep slope must take a disastrous tumble at the base of the fence. “This settles it,” thought Penny grimly. “My con- science is perfectly clear now.” She rolled under the fence and surveyed the un- blemished expanse of snowy field with the eye of a mechanical draftsman. “I may as well be honest about it and sign my name,” she chuckled. Starting in at the far corner of the field she made a huge double-edged “P” with her long runners. It took a little ingenuity to figure out an “E” but two “N’s” were fairly easy to execute. She finished “Y” off with a flourish and cocked her head sideways to view her handiwork. “Not bad, not bad at all,” she congratulated herself. “Only I’ve used up too much space. We'll have to have a big Penny and a little Parker.” She ran off a “P” and an “A” but even her limber body was not equal to the contortion required for an 78 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “R.” In the process of making a neat curve she sud- denly lost her balance and toppled over in an ungainly heap. “Oh, now I’ve done it! ” she moaned, slowly pick- ing herself up. “All my wonderful artistry gone for nothing. ‘Parker’ looks like a big smudge!” A sound, suspiciously suggesting a muffled shout of laughter, reached Penny’s ears. She glanced quickly about. No one was in sight. The windows of the cabin were deserted. “I think I’ll be getting out of here,” she decided. “If Old Whiskers should- come back this wouldn’t be a healthy place to practice handwriting.” Penny dug in her poles and glided toward the fence. In the act of rolling under the barbed wires, she sud- denly froze motionless. She had heard a cry and this time there was no doubt in her mind as to the direc- tion from which the sound had come. Her startled gaze focused upon the cabin amid the trees. “Help! Help!” called a shrill, half muffled voice. “Come back, and let me out of my prison!” CHAPTER 10 LOCKED IN THE CABIN PENNY HESITATED, and as the call was repeated, went slowly back toward the cabin. She could see no one. “Up here!” shouted the voice. Glancing toward the second story windows, Penny saw a girl standing there, her face pressed to the pane. “Peter Jasko’s granddaughter!” thought Penny. “And she must have seen me decorating the place with ski tracks.” However, the other girl was only concerned with her own predicament. She smiled and motioned for Penny to come directly under the window. “Can you help me get out of here?” she called down. “You’re not locked in?” inquired Penny in astonish- ment. “I certainly am! My grandfather did it. He fastened the door of the loft.” “How long have you been there?” 79 8O BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “Oh, not very long,” the girl answered impatiently, “but I'm sick of it! Will you help me out of here?” “How?” “Grandfather always hides the key to the outside door in the woodshed. It should be hanging on a nail by the window.” Penny hardly knew what to do. It was one thing to annoy Peter Jasko by making a few ski tracks in his yard, but quite another to antagonize him in more serious ways. For all she could tell, he might have locked the girl in the cabin as a punishment for some wrongdoing. “Does your grandfather often leave you like this?” she asked dubiously. “Always when there's snow on the ground,” came the surprising answer. “Oh, please let me out of this hateful place! Don't be such a goody-good!” To be accused of being a “goody-good” was a novel experience for Penny. But instead of taking of- fense she laughed and started toward the woodshed. “On a nail by the window!” the girl shouted after her. “If it isn't there look on the shelf by the door.” Penny found the key and came back. Taking off her cumbersome skis, she unlocked the front door and stepped inside the cabin. The room was rather cold for the fire had nearly gone out. Despite a bareness of furniture, the place had a comfortable appearance. Snowshoes decorated the walls along with a deer LOCKED IN THE CABIN 81 head and an out-dated calendar. There was a cook stove, a homemade table, chairs, and a cot. “Do hurry up!” called the impatient voice from above. “Climb the steps.” | At the far end of the room a rickety, crudely con- structed ladder ascended to a rectangular trap door in the ceiling. Mounting it, Penny investigated the fastening, a stout plug of wood. She turned it and pushed up the heavy door. Instantly, it was seized from above and pulled out of the way. Head and shoulders through the opening, Penny glanced about curiously. The room under the roof certainly did not look like a prison cell. It was snug and warm, with curtains at the windows and books lining the wall shelves. The floor was covered with a bright colored rag rug. There was a comfortable look- ing bed, a rocker and even a dressing table. “Thanks for letting me out.” Penny turned to gaze at the girl who stood directly behind her. She was not very pretty, for her nose was far too blunt and her teeth a trifle uneven. One could see a faint resemblance to Peter Jasko. “You’re welcome, I guess,” replied Penny, but with no conviction. “I hope your grandfather won't be too angry.” “Oh, he won't know about it,” the girl answered carelessly. “I see you know who I am—Sara Jasko.” “My name is Penny Parker.” * 82 BEHIND THE GREEN nooR “I guessed the Penny part. I saw you trying to write it in the snow. You don’t believe in signs either, do you?” “I didn’t have any right to trespass.” “Oh, don’t worry about that. Grandfather is an old fuss-budget. But deep down inside he’s rather nice.” “Why did he lock you up here?” “It’s a long story,” sighed Sara. “I’ll tell you about it later. Come on, let’s get out of here.” Penny backed down the ladder. The amazing grand- daughter of Peter Jasko followed, taking the steps as nimbly as a monkey. Going to a closet, Sara pulled out a wind-breaker, woolen cap, and a stub-toed pair of high leather shoes which she began to lace up. “You’re not aiming to Iun away?” Penny asked uneasily. “Only for an hour or so. This snow is too beauti- ful to waste. But you’ll have to help me get back to my prison.” “I don’t know what this is all about. Suppose you tell me, Sara.” “Oh, Grandfather is funny,” replied the girl, dig- ging in the closet again for her woolen gloves. “He doesn’t trust me out of his sight when there’s snow on the ground. Today he had to go up the mountain to get a load of wood so he locked me in.” LOCKED IN THE CABIN “What has snow to do with it? ” “Why, everything! You must have heard about Grandfather. He hates skiing.” “Oh, and you like to ski,” said Penny, “is that it?” “I adore it! My father, Bret Jasko, was a champion.” Sara’s animated face suddenly became sober. “He was killed on this very mountain. Grandfather never re- covered from the shock.” “Oh, I’m so sorry,” murmured Penny sympatheti- cally. “It happened ten years ago while my father was skiing. Ever since then Grandfather has had an al- most fanatical hatred of the hotel people. And he is deathly afraid I'll get hurt in some way. He forbids me to ski even on the easy slopes.” “But you do it anyway?” “Of course. I slip away whenever I can,” Sara ad- mitted cheerfully. “Skiing is in my blood. I couldn’t give it up.” “And you don’t mind deceiving your grandfather?” “You don’t understand. There’s no reasoning with him. Each year he gets a little more set in his ways. He knows that I slip away to ski, and that’s why he locks me up. Otherwise, Grandfather is a dear. He’s taken care of me since my father died.” Sara wriggled into her awkward-fitting coat, wrapped a red scarf about her throat and started for the door. LOCKED IN THE CABIN 85 “That was a matter of necessity.” “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” laughed Sara, linking arms with Penny and pulling her along at a fast pace. “I’ll teach you a few tricks.” They climbed the slope steadily until forced to pause for a moment to catch their breath. “Mrs. Downey isn't using the bob-sled run this year, is she?” Sara inquired curiously. “I didn't know anything about it.” “She has a fine one on her property, but it's out of sight from the lodge. I guess there haven't been enough guests this season to make it worth while. Too bad. Bob-sled racing is even more fun than skiing.” Coming within view of the Downey lodge, Penny observed that a few of the more hardy guests had taken advantage of the lull in the storm, and were out on the slopes, falling, picking themselves up, fall- ing again. “I have to run into the house a minute,” Penny excused herself. “I’ll be right back.” She found Mrs. Downey in the kitchen and re- ported to her that she had been unable to purchase papers in the village. “The plane came in, didn't it?” “Yes, but for some reason the papers weren't put on.” “I wonder if the Fergus hotel managed to get any?” “I don't see how they could.” “It's happened before,” declared Mrs. Downey. 86 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR (4 Time after time we miss our papers, and then I learn later that the Fergus hotel guests had them. I don’t understand it, Penny.” “Shall I tell Mr. Glasser?” “I’ll do it,” sighed Mrs. Downey. “He’s going to be more irritated than ever now.” Penny went outside to find Sara waiting impa- tiently for her. The girl had strapped on her skis, and was using two sharp-pointed sticks for poles. “Ready to try the jump, Penny?” “No, but I’ll watch you.” “There’s nothing to it, Penny,” encouraged Sara as they climbed side by side. “Just keep relaxed and be sure to have your skis pointing upward while you’re in the air.” As it became evident that the girls intended to try the chute, a little crowd of spectators gathered on the slope below to watch. “I’ll go first,” said Sara, “and after I’ve landed, you come after me.” “I’ll think it over,” shivered Penny. “Don’t think too long, or you’ll never try it. Just start.” Sara bent to examine her bindings. Then in a grace- ful crouch she shot down the hill and with a lifting of her arms soared over the take-off. She made a per- fectly poised figure in mid-air and an effortless land- ing on the slope below, finishing off with a christiana 111111. LOCKED IN THE CABIN 87 “She's good!” thought Penny. “I’ll try it, too, even if they carry me off on a stretcher!” In a wave of enthusiasm she pushed off, keeping her arms behind her. As the edge of the chute loomed up, she swung them forward and sprang into the air. But something went wrong. In an instant she was off balance, her arms swinging wildly in a futile attempt to straighten her body into position. The gully appeared to be miles below her. Panic surged over Penny and her muscles became rigid. She was going to take a hard fall. “Relax! Relax!” screamed a shrill voice. With a supreme effort Penny drew back one ski and bent her knees. She felt a hard jar, and in amaze- ment realized that she had landed on her feet. Her elation was short lived, for the next instant she col- lapsed and went sliding on down the slope. Sara ran to help her up. “Hurt?” “Not a bit,” laughed Penny. “What a spectacle I must have made!” “Your jump wasn't half bad. Next time you'll do much better.” “I’ll never make one as good as yours,” Penny said enviously. Seeing Francine standing near, she turned to the reporter and exclaimed: “Did you watch Sara's jump? Wasn't it magnificent?” “You’re both lucky you weren't injured.” Fran- cine walked over to the two girls. She stared at Sara's 88 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “ >77 odd looking costume. You’re not a guest here. she inquired. “No,” answered Sara. “Nor at the Fergus hotel?” “I live a ways down the mountain.” Francine regarded her coldly. “You’re the Jasko girl, aren’t you, whose grandfather will not allow skiers on his property?” “Yes, but—” “Since you Jaskos are so sign conscious I should think you might obey them yourself! Take a glance at that one over on the tree. Unless my eyesight is failing it reads: ‘Only guests of the hotel may use these slopes.’ ” CHAPTER 1 1 A NEWSPAPER MYSTERY PENNY STARED at Francine, for a moment not be- lieving that she had meant the remark seriously. As she comprehended that the girl indeed was serious, she exclaimed in quick protest: “Oh, Francine, what an attitude to take! Sara is my guest. I’m sure Mrs. Downey doesn’t mind.” “I’ll go,” offered Sara in a quiet voice. “I never dreamed I would offend anyone by being here.” “I’m not particularly offended,” replied Francine defensively. “It merely seems reasonable to me that if you won’t allow others on your property you shouldn’t trespass yourself.” “Sara had nothing to do with that sign on her grandfather’s land,” declared Penny. “Francine, you must have jumped out of the wrong side of the bed this morning.” Sara had turned to walk away. Penny caught her hand, trying to detain her. “Wait, I’ll run into the lodge and ask Mrs. Downey. But I know very well it will be all right for you to stay.” I 39 90 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Sara hesitated, and might have consented, save at that instant the three girls heard the faint tinkle of bells. A sled loaded with wood came into view around a curve of the mountain road. “That’s grandfather on his way home!” exclaimed Sara. “I must get back there before he learns I’ve been away! Hurry, Penny!” With several quick thrusts of her sticks, she started down the trail which led to the Jasko cabin. Penny followed, but she could not overtake her companion. Sara skied with a reckless skill which defied imita- tion. While Petmy was forced to stem, she took the rough track with no perceptible slackening of speed, and had divested herself of skis by the time her com- panion reached the woods. “We’ll have to work fast,” she warned, hiding the long runners in the hollow log. “I want you to lock me in the cabin and then get away before Grand- father sees you!” “What about our tracks in the snow?” “I’ll blame them all on you,” laughed. Sara. “It’s beginning to get dark now. And Grandfather is neat sighted.” “I don’t like this business at all,” complained Penny as they kept close to the fence on their way to the cabin. “Why not tell your grandfather—” “He would rage for days and never let me out again. No, this is the best way. And you’ll come back soon, won’t you, Penny?” A NEWSPAPER MYSTERY 9I “I don’t like to promise.” “I’ll teach you how to jump.” Sara offered attrac- tive bait. “We’ll see. I’ll think it over.” “No, promise!” persisted Sara. “Say you’ll come back and at least talk to me through the window. You have no idea how lonesome I get.” “All right,” Penny suddenly gave in. “I’ll do that much.” Reaching the cabin, Sara had Penny tramp about in the snow with her skis so as to give the impression that a visitor had walked several times around the building but had not entered. “You’ll have to lock me in the loft,” she instructed. “Then take the key back to the woodshed and get away as quickly as you can.” Sara pulled off her garments and hung them in the closet. With a mop she wiped up tracks which had been made on the bare floor. Then she climbed up the ladder to her room. Penny turned the wooden peg, and retreating from the cabin, locked the door. “Don’t forget!” Sara called to her from the win- dow. “Come again soon—tomorrow if you can.” Hiding the key in the woodshed, Penny tramped about the outside of the building several times before gliding off toward the boundary fence. As she began a tedious climb up the trail toward the Downey lodge, she saw the sled appear around a bend of the road. 92 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Penny did not visit the Jasko cabin the following day nor the next. Along with other guests she was kept indoors by a raging snow and sleet storm which blocked the road and disrupted telephone service to the village. Everyone at the Downey lodge suffered from the confinement, but some accepted the situation more philosophically than others. As usual Mr. Glasser complained because there were no daily papers. Penny overheard him telling another guest he was thinking very seriously of moving to the Fergus hotel where at least a certain amount of entertainment was pro- vided. “He’ll leave,” Mrs. Downey observed resignedly when the conversation was repeated to her. “I’ve seen it coming for days. Mr. Glasser has been talking with one of the runners for the Fergus hotel.” “It’s unfair of them to try to take your guests away.” “Oh, they’re determined to put me out of business at any cost. Miss Sellberg is leaving, too. She served notice this morning.” Penny glanced up with quick interest. “Francine? Is she leaving Pine Top?” “No, she told me she had decided to move to the Fergus hotel because of its better location.” Penny nodded thoughtfully. She could understand that if Francine were trying to gain special informa- tion about either Ralph Fergus or Harvey Maxwell, ‘ A NEWSPAPER MYSTERY it would be to her advantage to have a room at the other hotel. Had it not been for her loyalty to Mrs. Downey, she, too, would have been tempted to take up headquarters there. “I can’t really blame folks for leaving,” Mrs. Dow- ney continued after a moment. “I’ve not offered very much entertainment this year. Last season in addition to skiing we had the bob-sled run.” “I met Sara Jasko and she was telling me about it,” replied Penny. “Can’t you use the run again this year?” “We could, but it scarcely seems worth the trouble and expense. Also, it takes experienced drivers to steer the sleds. The young man I had working for me last winter isn’t available at present." “Is there no other person at Pine Top who could do it?” ’ “Sara Jasko,” responded Mrs. Downey, smiling. “However, it’s not likely her grandfather would give his consent.” The following day dawned bright and clear and brought a revival of spirit at the Downey lodge. Nevertheless, with the roads open once more, both Francine and Mr. Glasser moved their belongings down to the Fergus hotel. As was to be expected, their departure caused a certain amount of comment by the other guests. Late in the afternoon Penny offered to ski down to Pine Top for the newspapers. She planned to stop A NEWSPAPER MYSTERY 95 I bent low and did not notice an approaching pedestrian until she had bumped into him. “Sorry,” apologized the man- politely. “It was my fault,” replied Penny. She glanced up to see that the stranger was no stranger at all, but the airplane pilot who had brought her to Pine Top several days before. He would have passed on had she not halted him with a question. “I wonder if you could tell me what seems to be the trouble with the newspaper delivery service here at Pine Top?” “We couldn’t get through yesterday on account of the weather,” he returned. “But what happened to the papers today?” “Nothing.” “You mean they came through?” Penny asked in surprise. “That’s right. You can get them from Benny Smith.” “From Benny? But he said—” Penny started to reveal that the boy had blamed the failure of service upon the pilot, and then changed her mind. “Thank you,” she returned, “I’ll talk with him.” Penny was more puzzled than ever, but she had no reason to doubt the pilot’s word. Obviously, the news- papers had arrived at Pine Top, and Benny Smith knew what had become of them. CHAPTER 12 THE GREEN CARD “DO YOU always talk to yourself?” inquired an amused voice from behind Penny. Glancing up from the newspaper, the girl saw Maxine Miller standing beside her chair. For an in- stant she failed to recognize the actress, so elegant did the woman appear in a sealskin coat and matching hat. The outfit was so new that the fur had lost none of its glaze, an observation which caused Penny to wonder if Miss Miller had misled her regarding the state of her finances. “Good evening, Miss Miller,” she smiled. “I didn't know you for a moment.” “How do you like it?” inquired the actress, turning slowly about. “Your new fur coat? It's very beautiful. And you're looking well, too. You didn't by chance get that role from David Balantine?” Miss Miller's painted lips drew into a pout. “No, he left the hotel this morning.” * 97 98 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “Oh, that’s too bad. I suppose you’ll be going soon, then?” The actress shook her head, and laughed in a mys- terious way. “No, I’ve decided to stay here for awhile. I like Pine Top.” Penny was puzzled by Miss Miller’s sudden change in manner and appearance. The woman acted as if she were the possessor of an important secret which she longed to reveal. “You must have fallen heiress to a vast fortune,” Penny ventured lightly. “Better than that,” beamed Miss Miller. “I’ve ac- quired a new job. Take dinner with me and l’ll tell you all about it.” “Well—” Penny deliberated and said honestly, “I didn’t bring very much money with me, and I’m not dressed up.” Miss Miller brushed aside both objections as if they were of no consequence. “You’ll be my guest, dearie. And your clothes don’t matter.” She caught Penny’s hand and pulled her to her feet. Her curiosity aroused, the girl allowed herself to be escorted to the dining room. Miss Miller walked ahead, strutting a bit as she brushed past the crowded tables. Heads lifted and envious feminine eyes focused upon the actress’ stun- ning fur coat. Penny felt awkward and embarrassed, THE GREEN CARD . I03 ll ' 7 Mm Miller, you re not by chance working for Ralph Fergus or the hotel?” “Dear me, no!” the actress denied. “Whatever put such an idea in your head?” “It just occurred to me. Well, good-bye.” Penny left the hotel and ventured out into the cold. After so much cigarette smoke, the pure air was a pleasant relief. She broke off a long icicle from the doorway and stood thoughtfully chewing at it. “Miss Miller must be working for some dishonest outfit,” she mused. “Her talk about getting a fur coat at cost doesn’t fool me one bit. If I were in her shoes I’d be more than a little worried lest I tangled with the law.” A remark by the actress to the effect that the Ca- nadian border was close by had set Penny’s active mind to working. It was not too fantastic to believe that Miss Miller might be employed by an unscrupu- lous man whose business concerned the sale of furs obtained duty free. She had even dared hope that Ralph Fergus or Harvey Maxwell might be implicated in the dishonest affair. What a break that would be for her father if only she could prove such a con- nection! But the actress’ outright denial that either man was her employer had put an end to such pleas- ant speculation. Penny bent down to pick up her skis which had been left at the side of the hotel building. As she leaned over, she noticed a small object lying on top I04. BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR of the snow in the square of light made from one of the windows. It appeared to be a small piece of col- ored cardboard. Curiously, Penny picked it up and carried it closer to the window. The card was green. Her pulse quick- ened as she turned it over. On its face were six en- graved words: “Admit Bearer Through The Green Door.” € CHAPTER 13 AN UNKIND TRICK PENNY ALL but executed a clog dance in the snow. She knew that she had picked up an admittance ticket to the Green Room of the Fergus hotel which some person had lost. With no effort upon her part she would be able to learn the answer to many of the questions which had plagued her. “At last I’ll find out what lies behind that Green Door,” she thought in high elation. “If this isn’t the most wonderful piece of luck!” Debating a moment, Penny decided that it prob- ably was too late to gain admittance that evening. Mrs. Downey no doubt was worried over her long absence from the lodge. She would return there, and then revisit the hotel early the next day. Pocketing the precious ticket, Penny set off up the mountain. It was dark before she had covered half the distance, but there were stars and a half moon to guide her. Mrs. Downey showed her relief as the girl stomped into the kitchen. I05 106 BEHIND THE GREEN noon “I was beginning to worry, Penny,” she declared. “Whatever made it take you so long?” “I stopped at the Fergus hotel and had dinner with Miss Miller.” “Were you able to get the newspapers?” “Only one which I had to buy at the Fergus hotel. Mrs. Downey, it’s queer about those papers. Benny Smith told me there weren’t any to be had, and then a few minutes later I met the airplane pilot who told me he had brought them in the same as usual. Also, the Fergus hotel received its usual quota.” “Well, that’s odd.” “It looks to me as if the Fergus outfit has made some arrangement with the paper boy. They may be buying up all the papers.” “As a means of annoying me,” nodded Mrs. Dow- ney grimly. “It would be in line with their tactics. But what can I do?” “l don’t know,” admitted Penny. She pulled off her heavy boots and set them where they would dry. “We haven’t any proof they’re doing anything like that. It’s only my idea.” The door opened and Jake came into the kitchen. He dropped an armload of wood behind the range. “I started work on the bob-sled run this afternoon,” he remarked to Mrs. Downey. “Got a crew of boys coming first thing tomorrow. We ought to have her fixed up by noon.” “And the sleds?” AN UNKIND TRICK I07 “They seem to be in good condition, but I’ll check everything.” After the workman had gone, Penny glanced ques- tioningly at Mrs. Downey. “Have you decided to use the run after all?” “Yes, I started thinking about it after we talked to- gether. We do need more entertainment here at the lodge. After you left I ordered Jake to start work on the track. But I still am in need of experienced drivers for the sled.” “You spoke of Sara.” “I thought I would ask her, but I doubt if her Grandfather will give his consent.” “I’ll ski down there tomorrow and talk with her if you would like me to,” offered Penny. “I would appreciate it,” said Mrs. Downey grate- fully. “I hate to spare the time myself.” Early the next morning Penny paid a visit to the bob-sled run where a crew headed by Jake was hard at work. There was a stretch of straightaway and a series of curves which snaked down the valley be- tween the pines. At the point of the steepest curve, the outer snow walls rose to a height of eighteen feet. “A sled could really travel on that track,” observed Penny. “Does it hurt to upset?” “It might,” grinned Jake. “We’ve never had an upset on Horseshoe Curve. If a sled went over there, you might wake up in the hospital.” Penny watched the men packing snow for awhile. I08 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Then buckling on her skis, she made a fast trip down the mountain to the Jasko cabin. This time, having a definite mission, she went boldly to the door and rapped. There was no response until the window of the loft shot up. “Hello, Penny,” called down Sara. “I thought you had forgotten your promise. The key’s in the same place.” “Isn’t your grandfather here?” “No, he went down to Pine Top. Isn’t it glorious skiing weather? Hurry and get the key. I’ve been cooped up here half an hour already.” Penny went reluctantly to the woodshed and re- turned with the key. She unfastened the trapdoor which gave entrance to the loft and Sara quickly de- scended. “Didn’t your grandfather say anything about last time?” Penny inquired anxiously. “Oh, he raved because someone had trespassed. But it never occurred to him I had gone away. Where shall we ski today?” “I only stopped to deliver a message, Sara. I am on my way down to the Fergus hotel.” “Oh,” said the girl in disappointment. “A message from whom?” “Mrs. Downey. She is starting up her bob-sled run again and she wants you to help out.” AN UNKIND, TRICK 109 Sara's eyes began to sparkle. “I wish I could! If only Grandfather weren't so strict.” “Is there a chance he'll give his consent?” “Oh, dear, no. But I might be able to slip away. Grandfather plans to chop wood every day this week.” “I doubt if Mrs. Downey would want you to do that.” “Need you tell her?” queried Sara coolly. “I’ll fix myself a rope ladder and get out the window. That will save you the trouble of coming here to let me in and out.” “And what will your grandfather say if he learns about it?” “Plenty! But anything is better than being shut up like a prisoner. You tell Mrs. Downey I'll try to get up to the lodge tomorrow morning, and we'll try out. the track together, eh Penny?” “I don't know anything about bob-sledding.” “I’ll teach you to be my brake boy,” Sara laughed. “How long will you stay at the Fergus hotel?” “I haven't any idea.” “Then I suppose I'll have to crawl back into my cave,” Sara sighed dismally. “Can't you even ski with me for half an hour?” “Not this morning,” Penny said firmly. “I have important work ahead.” AN UNKIND TRICK III The reporter greeted her with a suspicious stare. “Why, hello, Penny Parker. What are you doing here?” “Oh, just moseying around.” “I can see you are!” “Your room isn’t on this floor, is it?” Penny in- quired. “No, on the fourth,” Francine answered before she considered her words. “Looking for someone?” remarked Penny with a grin. “Or should I say something?” An elevator stopped at the landing. “Going down,” the attendant called, opening the door. He gazed ques- tioningly at the two girls. Francine shook her head, although she had been waiting for an elevator. Turning again to Penny she said with a hard smile: “I’ve not only been looking for something, I’ve found it!” “Still, I don’t see you rushing to reach a telephone, Francine. Your discovery can’t have such tremendous news value.” - “It may have before long,” hinted Francine. “I don’t mind telling you I am on the trail of a really big story. And I am making steady progress in assembling my facts.” Penny regarded the girl reporter speculatively. Her presence on the second floor rather suggested that she, too, had been trying to investigate the Green Room, I12 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR and more than likely had learned its location. But she was reasonably certain Francine had gathered no in- formation of great value. “Glad to hear you’re doing so well,” she remarked and started on down the hall. Francine fell into step with her. “If you’re looking for a particular room, Penny, maybe I can help you.” Penny knew that the reporter meant to stay with her so that she could do no investigation work of her own. “The room I am searching for has a green door,” she replied. Francine laughed. “I’m glad you’re so honest, Penny. I guessed why you were on this floor all the time. However, I greatly fear you’re in the wrong part of the hotel.” Penny paused and turned to face her companion squarely. “Why not put an end to all this nonsense, Francine? We watch each other and get nowhere. Let’s put our cards on the table.” “Yours might be a joker!” “We’re both interested in getting a story which will discredit Harvey Maxwell,” Penny went on, ig- noring the jibe. “You’ve had a tip as to what may be going on here, while I’m working in the dark. On the other hand, I’ve acquired something which should interest you. Why don’t we pool our interests and work together?” “That would be very nice—for you.” AN UNKIND TRICK II3 cc ' ' ' ' 99 I think I might contribute something to the case. “I doubt it,” replied Francine loftily. “You don’t even know the location of the Green Room.” “You’re wrong about that. It took no great detec- tive power to learn it’s on this floor. To get inside may be a different matter.” “You’re quite right there,” said Francine with em- phasis. “What do you say? Shall we work together and let bygones be bygones?” “Thank you, Penny, I prefer to work alone.” “Suit yourself, Francine. I was only trying to be generous. You see, I have an admittance card to the Green Room.” “I don’t believe it!” Flashing a gay smile, Penny held up the ticket for Francine to see. “How did you get it?” the reporter gasped. “I’ve tried—” “A little bird dropped it on my window sill. Too bad you didn’t decide to work with me.” Penny walked on down the corridor, and Francine made no attempt to follow. When she glanced back over her shoulder the reporter had descended the stairway to the lobby. “It was boastful of me to show her my ticket,” she thought. “But I couldn’t resist doing it. Francine is so conceited.” Making her way to the unmarked door of the CHAPTER I 4- A BROKEN ROD “YOU MUST have mistaken me for some other per- son,” Penny stammered, backing a step away from the hotel man. “Who do you think I am?” The question was a mistake, for it only served to intensify Harvey Maxwell’s anger. “You’re the daughter of Anthony Parker who runs the yellowest paper in Riverview! I know why he sent you here. Now get out and don’t let me catch you in the hotel ever again.” Observing the green card in Penny’s hand he reached out and jerked it from her. “I wasn’t doing any harm,” she said, trying to act injured. “My father didn’t send me to Pine Top. I came for the skiing.” Secretly, Penny was angry at Maxwell’s reference to the Riverview Star as being a “yellow” sheet, which in newspaper jargon meant that it was a sensation- seeking newspaper. “And what are you doing in this part of the hotel?” “I only wanted to see the Green Room,” Penny 115 I16 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR / replied. “I thought I would have my breakfast here.” Harvey Maxwell and the doorman exchanged a quick glance which was not lost upon the girl. “Where did you get your ticket?” the hotel man demanded but in a less harsh voice. “I picked it up outside the hotel.” Penny spoke truthfully and her words carried con- viction. Harvey Maxwell seemed satisfied that she had not been investigating the wing for any special purpose. However, he took her by an elbow and steered her down the corridor to the elevator. “If you’re the smart little girl I think you are, a hint will be suflicient,” he said. “I don’t want any member of the Parker family on my premises. So stay away. Get me?” “Yes, sir,” responded Penny meekly. Inwardly, she was raging. Someone deliberately had betrayed her to Harvey Maxwell and she had a very good idea who that person might be. From now on employes of the hotel would be told to keep watch for her. Never again would she be allowed in the lobby, much less in the vicinity of the Green Room. Harvey Maxwell walked with Penny to the front door of the hotel and closed it behind her. “Remember,” he warned, “stay away.” As Penny started down the walk she heard a silvery laugh, and glancing sideways, saw Francine leaning against the building. A BROKEN ROD II7 (( You d_idn’t spend much time in the Green Room, did you?” she inquired. “That was a dirty trick to play!” retorted Penny. “I wouldn’t have done it to you.” “You couldn’t have thought that fast, my dear Penny.” “I might tell Mr. Maxwell you’re a reporter for the Riverview Record. How would you like that?” Francine shrugged. “In that case we both lose the story. All I want is an exclusive. After the yarn breaks in the Record, your father will be welcome to make use of any information published. So if you really want him to win his libel suit, you’ll gain by not inter- ferring with me.” “You reason in a very strange way,” replied Penny coldly. Picking up her skis she shouldered them and marched stiffly away. She was angry at Francine and angry at herself for having given the rival reporter an opportunity to score against her. Probably she would never tell Harvey Maxwell or Ralph Fergus who the girl actually was, sorely as she might be tempted. As Francine had pointed out, her own chance of gleaning any worth while information had been lost. “It’s a bitter pill to choke down,” thought Penny, “but I would rather have the Record get the story than to lose it altogether.” Sunk deep in depression, she tramped back to the A BROKEN RoD I I9 Two at a time, Penny and Sara gave them rides and all of their passengers were enthusiastic. By the following day the word had spread down the mountain that Mrs. Downey’s bob-sled run was operating. Guests from the Fergus hotel joined the throng but they were given rides only when there were no passengers waiting. “It’s going over like a house afire!” Penny declared gaily to Mrs. Downey. “I shouldn’t be surprised if you take some of the Fergus hotel’s customers away from them if this enthusiasm lasts.” “You and Sara are showing folks a wonderful time.” “And we’re having one ourselves. It’s even more fun than skiing.” “But more dangerous,” declared Mrs. Downey. “I hope we have no accidents.” “Sara is a skillful driver.” “Yes, she is,” agreed Mrs. Downey. “There’s no cause for worry so long as the track isn’t icy.” Two days passed during which Penny did not even go near the Fergus hotel or to the village. As she re- marked to Mrs. Downey, all of Pine Top came to the lodge. During the moming hours when the bob-sled run was in operation, a long line of passengers stood waiting. Guests from the Fergus hotel had few chances for rides. Several of them, wishing to be on the fa- vored list, checked out and came to take lodging at Mrs. Downey’s place. I20 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR u 9 ' as I can t understand It, the woman declared to Penny. “Last year the run wasn_’t very popular. I think it may have been because we had a little acci- dent at the beginning of the season. Nothing serious but it served to frighten folks.” “I wonder how the Fergus-Maxwell interests are enjoying it?” chuckled Penny. “Not very well, you may be sure. This flurry in our business will rather worry them. They may not put me out of business as quickly as they expected.” “At least you’ll end your season in a blaze of glory,” laughed Penny. The weather had turned warmer. Late Thursday afternoon the snow melted a bit and the lowering night temperatures caused a film of ice to form over the entire length of the bob-sled run. Jake shook his head as he talked over the situation with Penny the next mormng. “The track will be fast and slippery this morning.” “A lot of folks will be disappointed if we don’t make any trips,” declared Penny. “Here comes Sara. Let’s see what she has to say.” Sara studied the run, and walked down as far as Horseshoe Curve. I “It’s fast all right,” she conceded. “But that will only make it the more exciting. Brakes in good order, Jake?” “I tested every sled last night after they were brought to the shop.” A BROKEN ROD I2 I “Then we'll kave no trouble,” said Sara confidently. “Round up the passengers, Jake, and we'll start at once.” The sled was hauled to the starting line. Sara took her place behind the wheel, with Penny riding the end position to handle the brake. Their first passengers were to be a middle aged married couple. Sara gave them padded helmets to wear. “What are these for?” the woman asked nervously. “The toboggan slide isn't dangerous, is it?” “No, certainly not,” answered Sara. “We haven't had a spill this year. Hang tight on the curves. Give me plenty of brake when I call for it, Penny.” She signaled for the push off. They started fast and gathered speed on the straightaway. Penny wondered how Sara could steer for her own eyes blurred as they shot down the icy trough. They never had traveled at such high speed before. “Brakes!” shouted Sara. Penny obeyed the order, and felt the sled slow down as the brake claw dug into the snow and ice. They raced on toward the first wide curve, and swung around it, high on the banked wall, too close to the outside edge for comfort. “Brakes!” called Sara again. Once more the iron claw dug in, sending up a spray of snow behind the racing sled. And then there came a strange, pinging sound. For the briefest instant Penny did not comprehend I 24 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR side rope of the sled and hurled herself off. Her entire body was given a violent jerk. A sharp pain shot through her right arm, but she gritted her teeth and held on. Penny's trailing body, acting as a brake, slowed down the sled and kept it from upsetting as it swept into the curve. Sideways it climbed the wall of snow. It crept to the very edge, hovered there a breathless moment, then fell back to overturn at the flat side of the curve. Untangling herself from a pile of arms and legs, Sara began to help her passengers to their feet. “Penny, are you hurt?” she asked anxiously. “That was a courageous thing to do! You saved us from a bad accident.” Spectators, thrilled by the display of heroism, came running to the scene. Penny, every muscle screaming with pain, rolled over in the snow. Gripping her wrenched arm, she tried to get to her feet and could InOt. “Penny, you are hurt!” cried Sara. “It's my arm, more than anything else,” Penny said, trying to keep her face from twisting. “I—I hope it's not broken.” Willing hands raised her to her feet and supported her. Penny was relieved to discover that she could lift her injured arm. “It's only wrenched,” she murmured. “Anyone else hurt, Sara?” IN THE TOOL HOUSE I25 (I 77 You’re the only casualty, Sara replied warmly. “But if you hadn’t used yourself as a brake we might all have been badly injured. You ought to get a hot bath as quickly as you can before your muscles begin to stiffen.” “They’ve begun already,” replied Penny ruefully. She took a step as if to start for the lodge, only to hesitate. “I wonder what happened to the brake? I heard something give way.” Sara overturned the sled and took one glance. “A broken rod.” “I thought Jake checked over everything last night.” “That’s what he said,” returned Sara. “We’ll ask him about it.” The workman, white-faced and frightened, came running down the hill. “What happened?” he demanded. “Couldn’t you slow down or was it too icy?” “No brakes,” Sara answered laconically. “I thought you tested them.” “I did. They were in good order last night.” “Take a look at this.” Sara pointed to the broken rod. Jake bent down to examine it. When he straight- ened he spoke no word, but the expression of his face told the two girls that he did not hold himself re- sponsible for the mishap. “There’s something funny about this,” he muttered. I26 BEHIND THE GREEN DooR “I’ll take the sled to the shop and have a look at it.” “I’ll go along with you,” declared Sara. “And so will I,” added Penny quickly. “You really should get a hot bath and go to bed,” advised Sara. “If you don’t youmay not be able to walk tomorrow.” “I’ll go to bed in a little while,” Penny answered significantly. Followed by the two girls, Jake pulled the sled to the tool house behind the lodge. Sara immediately closed and bolted the door from the inside so that curious persons would not enter. “Now let’s really have a look at that brake rod,” she said. “Notice anything queer about it, Penny?” “I did, and I’m thinking the same thing you are.” “See these shiny marks on the steel,” Jake pointed out excitedly. “The rod had been sawed almost in two. Even a little strain on it would make it break.” “You’re certain it was in good condition last night?” Sara questioned. “Positive,” Jake responded grimly. “I checked over both sleds just before supper last night.” “Let’s have a look at the other sled,” proposed Penny. An inspection of the brake equipment revealed nothing out of order. “Whoever did the trick may have been afraid to damage both sleds for fear of drawing attention to his IN THE TOOL HOUSE I27 criminal work,” declared Penny. “But it’s perfectly evident someone wanted us to take a bad spill.” “I can’t guess who would try such a trick,” said Sara in perplexity. “Did you lock the tool house last night, Jake?” “I always do.” “How about the windows?” inquired Penny. “I don’t rightly remember,” Jake confessed. “I reckon they’re stuck fast.” Penny went over and tested one of the windows. While it was not locked, she could not raise it with her injured arm. Sara tried without any better luck. However, as the girls examined the one on the op- posite 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,” de- clared Penny. “I can’t understand who would wish to injure us,” said Sara in a bafiled 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—” 128 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR She broke off as Penny reached down to pick up a small object which lay on the floor beneath the win- dow. “What have you found?” she finished quickly. Penny held out a large black button for her to see. A few strands of coarse dark thread still clung to the eyelets. “It looks like a button from a man's overcoat!” ex- claimed 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 some- thing to go on!” CHAPTER 16 A PUZZLING SOLUTION PENNY POCKETED the button and then with Sara went outside the building to look for additional clues. The girls found only a multitude 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,” de- clared 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 amusement. “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 199 130 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR 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 shiver. “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. “I was afraid something like this would happen,” Mrs. Downey murmured self accusingly. “You know now why I wasn't very enthusiastic about using the bob-sled run.” Penny decided not to tell Mrs. Downey until later how the mishap had occurred. She was feeling too miserable to do much talking, and she knew the truth would only add to the woman's worries. “I can't say I'm so thrilled about it myself at the moment,” she declared with a grimace. “I feel as stiff as if I were mounted on a mummy board!” Mrs. Downey drew a tub of hot water, but it re- quired all of Penny's athletic prowess to get herself in and out of it. Her right arm was swollen and pain- ful to lift. The skin on one side of her body from hip to ankle had been severely scraped and bruised. She could turn her neck only with difficulty. “I do think I should call a doctor from the vil- A PUZZLING SOLUTION I31 77 lage, Mrs. Downey declared as she aided the girl into bed. “Please, don’t,” pleaded Penny. “I’ll be as frisky as ever by tomorrow.” Mrs. Downey lowered the shades and went away. Left alone, Penny tried to go to sleep, but she was too uncomfortable. Every time she shifted to a new posi- tion wracking pains shot through her body. “If this isn’t the worst break,” she thought, sinking deep into gloom. “I’ll be crippled for several days at least. No skiing, no bob-sledding. And while I’m lying here on my bed of pain, Francine will learn all about the Green Room.” . After awhile the warmth of the bed overcame Penny and she slept. She awakened to find Mrs. Downey standing beside her, a tray in her hand. “I shouldn’t have disturbed you,” the woman apolo- gized, “but you’ve been sleeping so long. And you’ve had nothing to eat.” “I could do with a little luncheon,” mumbled Penny drowsily. “You didn’t need to bother bringing it up- stairs.” i “This is dinner, not luncheon,” corrected Mrs. Downey. Penny rolled over and painfully pulled herself to a sitting posture. “Then I “must have slept hours! What time is it?” “Five-thirty. Do you feel better, Penny?” I32 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “I think I do. From my eyebrows up anyway.” While Penny ate her dinner, Mrs. Downey sat be- side her and chatted. “At least there’s nothing wrong with my appetite,” the girl laughed, rapidly emptying the dishes. “At home Mrs. Weems says I eat like a wolf. Oh, by the way, any mail?” “None for you.” Penny’s face clouded. “It’s funny no one writes me. Don’t you think I might at least get an advertising circular?” “Well, Christmas is coming,” Mrs. Downey said reasonably. “The holiday season always is such a busy time. Folks have their shopping to do.” “Not Dad. Usually he just calls up the Personal Shopper at Hobson’s ‘store and says: “She’s five-feet three, size twelve and likes bright colors. Send out something done up in gift wrapping and charge to my account.” Penny sighed drearily. “Then after Christmas I have to take it back and ask for an ex- change.” “Have you ever tried giving your father a list?” suggested Mrs. Downey, smiling at the description. “Often. He nearly always ignores it.” “What did you ask him for this year?” “Only a new automobile.” “Only! My goodness, aren’t your tastes rather ex- pensive?” A PUZZLING SOLUTION I33 “Oh, he won’t give it to me,” replied Penny. “I’ll probably get a sweater with pink and blue stripes or some dead merchandise the store couldn’t pawn off on anyone except an unsuspecting father.” Mrs. Downey laughed as she picked up the tray. “I hope your father will be able to get to Pine Top for Christmas.” “So do I,” agreed Penny, frowning. “I thought when I wired him that Harvey Maxwell was here he would come right away.” “He may have decided it would do no good to con- tact the man. Knowing Mr. Maxwell I doubt if your father could make any sort of deal with him.” “If only he would come here he might be able to learn something which would help his case,” Penny declared earnestly. “Maxwell and Fergus are mixed up in some queer business.” Mrs. Downey smiled tolerantly. VVhile she always listened attentively to Penny’s theories and observa- tions, she had not been greatly excited by her tale of the mysterious Green Room. She knew the two men were unscrupulous in a business way and that they were making every effort to force her to give up the lodge, but she could not bring herself to believe they were involved in more serious affairs. She thought that Penny’s great eagerness to prove Harvey Maxwell’s dishonesty had caused her imagination to run riot. “Francine Sellberg wouldn’t be at Pine Top if 134 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR something weren't in the wind,” Penny went on re- flectively. “She followed Ralph Fergus and Maxwell here. And that in itself was rather strange.” “How do you mean, Penny?” “Fergus must have been having trouble in manag- ing the hotel or he wouldn't have gone to Riverview to see Maxwell. What he had to say evidently couldn't be trusted to a letter or a telegram.” “Mr. Fergus often absents himself on trips. Now and then he goes to Canada.” “I wonder why?” asked Penny alertly. “He and Mr. Maxwell have a hotel there, I’ve heard. I doubt if his trips have any particular signifi- cance.” “Well, at any rate, Fergus brought Maxwell back from Riverview to help him solve some weighty problem. From their talk one the plane, I gathered they were plotting to put you out of business, Mrs. Downey.” “I think you are right there, Penny.” “But why should your lodge annoy them? You could never take a large number of guests away from their hotel.” “Ralph Fergus is trying to buy up the entire moun- tainside,” Mrs. Downey declared bitterly. “He pur- chased the site of the old mine, and I can’t see what good it will ever do the hotel.” “You don't suppose there's valuable mineral—” A PUZZLING SOLUTION I35’ “No,” Mrs. Downey broke in with an amused laugh. “The mine played out years ago.” “Has Mr. Fergus tried to buy your lodge?” “He’s made me two different offers. Both were hardly worth considering. If he comes through with any reasonable proposition I may sell. My future plans depend a great deal upon whether or not Peter Jasko is willing to renew a lease on the ski slopes.” “When does the lease expire, Mrs. Downey?” “The end of next month. I’ve asked Mr. Jasko to come and see me as soon as he can. However, I have almost no hope he’ll sign a new lease.” Mrs. Downey carried the tray to the door. There she paused to inquire: “Anything I can bring you, Penny? A book or a magazine?” “No, thank you. But you might give me my porta- ble typewriter. I think I’1l write a letter to Dad just to remind him he still has a daughter.” Pulling a table to the bedside, Mrs. Downey placed the typewriter and paper on it before going away. Penny propped herself up with pillows and rolled a blank sheet into the machine. At the top of the page she peeked out: “Bulletin.” After the dateline, she began in her best journalistic style, using upper case letters: “PENNY PARKER, ATTRACTIVE AND TALENTED DAUGHTER OF ANTHONY 136 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR PARKER, WHILE RIDING THE TAIL OF A RACING BOB-SLED WAS THROWN FOR A TEN YARD LOSS, SUSTAINING NUMEROUS BRUISES. THE PATIENT IS BEARING HER SUFFERING WITH FORTITUDE AND AN- TICIPATES BEING IN CIRCULATION BY GLMLFFLS” Penny stared at the last word she had written. In- advertently, her fingers had struck the wrong letters. She had intended to write “tomorrow.” With an ex- clamation of impatience she jerked the paper from the machine. And then she studied the sentence she had typed with new interest. There was something strangely fa- miliar about the jumbled word, GLMLFFLS. “It looks a little like that coded message I found!” she thought excitedly. Forgetting her bruises, Penny rolled out of bed. She struck the floor with a moan of anguish. Hobbling over to the dresser, she found the scrap of paper which she had saved, and brought it back to the bed. The third word in the message was similar, although not the same as the one she had written by accident. Penny typed them one above the other. GLMLFFLS GLULFFLS “They're identical except for the third letter,” she A PUZZLING SOLUTION 137 mused. “Why, I believe I have it! You simply strike the letter directly below the true one—that is, the one in the next row of keys. And when your true letter is in the bottom row, you strike the correspond- ing key on the top row. That’s why I wrote an M for a U!” Penny was certain she had deciphered the third Word of the code and that it was the same as she had written unintentionally. Quickly she wrote out the entire jumbled message, and under it her translation. YL GFZKY GLULFFLS NO TRAIN TOMORROW “That’s it!” she chortled, bounding up and down in bed. And then her elation fled away. A puzzled expres- sion settled over her face. “I have it, only I haven’t,” she muttered. “What can the message mean? There are no trains at Pine Top—not even a railroad station. This leaves every- thing in a worse puzzle than before!” CHAPTER 17 STRANGE SOUNDS PENNY FELT reasonably certain that she had deci- phered the code correctly, but although she studied over the message for nearly an hour, she could make nothing of it. “No train tomorrow,” she repeated to herself. “How silly! Perhaps it means, no plane tomorrow.” She worked out the code a second time, checking her letters carefully. There was no mistake. Later in the evening when Mrs. Downey stopped to inquire how she was feeling, Penny asked her about the train service near Pine Top. “The nearest railroad is thirty miles away,” replied the woman. “It is a very tedious journey to Pine Top unless one comes by airplane.” “Is the plane service under the control of the Fergus-Maxwell interests?” “Not to my knowledge,” returned Mrs. Downey, surprised by the question. “This same airline company sent planes here even before the Fergus hotel was built, but not on a regular schedule.” 138 STRANGE SOUNDS I 39 Left alone once more, Penny slipped the typewrit- ten message under her pillow and drew a long sigh. Somehow she was making no progress in any line. From whom had Ralph Fergus received the coded note, and what was its meaning? “I’ll never learn anything lying here in bed,” she murmured gloomily. “Tomorrow I'll get up even if it kills me.” True to her resolve, she was downstairs in time for breakfast the next morning. “Oh, Penny,” protested Mrs. Downey anxiously, “don’t you think you should have stayed in bed? I can tell it hurts you to walk.” - “I’ll limber up with exercise. I may take a little hike down to the village later on.” Mrs. Downey sadly shook her head. She thought that Penny had entirely too much determination for her own good. Until ten o'clock Penny remained at the lodge, rather hoping that Sara Jasko would put in an appear- ance. When it was evident that the girl was not com- ing, she bundled herself into warm clothing and walked painfully down the mountain road. Observing old Peter Jasko in the yard near the cabin, she did not pause but went on until she drew near the Fergus hotel. “I wish I dared go in there,” she thought, stopping to rest for a moment. “But I most certainly would be chased out.” I40 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Penny sat down on a log bench in plain view of the hostelry. Forming a snowball, she tossed it at a squirrel. The animal scurried quickly to a low-hang- ing tree branch and chattered his violent disapproval. “Brother, that's the way I feel, too,” declared Penny soberly. “You express my sentiments perfectly.” She was still sunk in deep gloom when she heard a light step behind her. Turning her head stiffly she saw Maxine Miller tramping through the snow toward her. “If it isn't Miss Parker!” the actress exclaimed with affected enthusiasm. “How delighted I am to see you again, my dear. I heard about the marvelous way you stopped the bob-sled yesterday. Such courage! You deserve a medal.” “I would rather have some new skin,” said Penny. “I imagine you do feel rather bruised and battered,” the actress replied with a show of sympathy. “But how proud you must be of yourself! Everyone is talk- ing about it! As I was telling Mr. Jasko last night—” “You were talking with Peter Jasko?” broke in Penny. “Yes, he came to the hotel to see Mr. Fergus—some- thing about a lease, I think. Imagine! He hadn't heard a word about the accident, and his granddaughter was in it!” “You told him all about it I suppose?” Penny asked with a moan. STRANGE sotmns 143 As for seeing the fur coats, she had no intention of ever making a purchase. She had agreed to look at them because she was curious to learn the identity of Miss Miller’s employer, as well as the nature of the proposition which might be made her. Presently, Penny’s attention was directed to a dis- tant sound, low and rhythmical, carrying a staccato overtone. At first the girl paid little heed to the sound. No doubt it was just another noise incidental to a large hotel—some machine connected with the cleaning services perhaps. But gradually, the sound impressed itself deeper on her mind. There was something strangely familiar about it, yet she could not make a positive identifica- tion. Penny arose from the sofa and listened intently. The sound seemed to be coming from far down the left hand hall. She proceeded slowly, pausing fre- quently in an effort to discover whence it came. She entered a side hall and the noise increased noticeably. Suddenly Penny heard footsteps behind her. Turn- ing slightly she was dismayed to see Ralph Fergus coming toward her. For an instant she was certain he meant to eject her from the hotel. Then, she real- ized that his head was down, and that he was paying no particular attention to her. Penny kept her back turned and walked even more slowly. The man overtook her, passed without so I44 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR much as bestowing a glance upon her. He went to a door which bore the number 27 and, taking a key from his pocket, fitted it into the lock. Penny would have thought nothing of his act, save that as he swung back the door, the strange sound which previously had drawn her attention, increased in volume. It died away again as the door closed be- hind Fergus. Waiting a moment, Penny went on down the hall and paused near the room where the hotel man had entered. She looked quickly up and down the hall. No one was in sight. Moving closer, she pressed her ear to the panel. There was no sound inside the room, but as she waited, the rhythmical chugging began again. And suddenly she knew what caused it—a teletype ma- chine! Often in her father's newspaper office Penny had heard that same sound and had watched the printers recording news from all parts of the country. There was no mistaking it, for she could plainly distinguish the clicking of the type against the platen, the low hum of the machine itself, the quick clang of the little bell at the end of each line of copy. “What would the hotel be doing with a teletype?” she mused. “They print no newspapers here.” Into Penny's mind leaped a startling thought. The coded message in upper case letters which Fergus had STRANGE SOUNDS I45 dropped in the snow! Might it not have been printed by a teletype machine? “But what significance could it have?” she asked herself. “From what office are the messages being sent and for what purpose?” It seemed to Penny that the answer to her many questions might lie, not in the Green Room as she had supposed, but close at hand in Number 27. Her ear pressed to the panel, the girl made out a low rumble of voices above the clatter of the teletype. Ralph Fergus was talking with another man but she could not distinguish a word they were saying. So intent was she that she failed to hear a step behind her. A mop handle clattered to the floor, making a loud sound on the tiles. Penny whirled about in confusion. A cleaning maid stood beside her, regarding her with evident though unspoken suspicion. CHAPTER 1 8 QUESTIONS AND CLUES “GOOD MORNING,” stammered Penny, backing from the door. “Were you wanting to get into this room?” “No, I never clean in there,” answered the maid, still watching the girl with suspicion. “You’re looking for someone?” Penny knew that she had been observed listening at the door. It would be foolish to pretend otherwise. She answered frankly: “No, I was passing through the corridor when I heard a strange sound in this room. Do you hear it?” The maid nodded and her distrustful attitude changed to one of indifference. I “It’s a machine of some sort,” she answered. “I hear it running every once in a while.” l Penny was afraid to loiter by the door any longer lest her own voice bring Ralph Fergus to investigate. As the cleaning woman picked up her mop and started on down the hall, she fell into step with her. “Who occupies Room 27?” she inquired casually. 146 QUESTIONS AND CLUES I47 “ 77 H 77 No one, said the maid. The hotel uses it. “What goes on in there anyway? I thought I heard teletype machines.” The maid was unfamiliar with the technical name Penny had used. “It’s just a contraption that prints letters and figures,” she informed. “When I first came to work at the hotel I made a mistake and went in there to do some cleaning. Mr. Fergus, he didn’t like it and said I wasn’t to bother to dust up there again.” “Doesn’t anyone go into the room except Mr. Fer- gus?” “Just him and George Jewitt.” “And who is he? One of the owners of the hotel? ” “Oh, no. George Jewitt works for Mr. Fergus. He takes care of themachines, I guess.” “You were saying that the machine prints letters and figures,” prompted Penny. “Do you mean mes- sages one can read?” “It was writing crazy-like when I watched it. The letters didn’t make sense nohow. Mr. Fergus he told me -the machines were being used in some experiment the hotel was carrying on.” “Who occupies the nearby rooms?” Penny ques- tioned. “I should think they would be disturbed by the machines.” “Rooms on this corridor are never assigned unless everything else is full up,” the maid explained. Pausing at a door, the cleaning woman fitted a master key into the lock. I48 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR (l There’s one thing more I’m rather curious about,” said Penny quickly. “It’s this Green Room I hear folks mentioning.” The maid gazed at her suspiciously again. “I don’t know anything about any Green Room,” she replied. Entering the bedroom with her cleaning parapher- nalia, she closed the door behind her. “Went a bit too far that time,” thought Penny, “but at least I learned a few facts of interest.” Tmning, she retraced her steps to Room 27, but she was afraid to linger there lest Ralph Fergus should discover her loitering in the hall. Miss Miller had not put in an appearance when she returned to the eleva- tors. She decided not to wait. Scribbling a brief note of explanation, Penny left the paper in a corner of the sofa and hobbled down the stairway to the first floor. She let herself out the back way without attracting undue attention. Safely in the open once more she retreated to her bench under the ice-coated trees. “I need to give this whole problem a good think,” she told herself. “Here I have a number of perfectly good clues but they don’t fit together. I’m almost as far from getting evidence against Fergus and Max- well as I was at the start.” Penny could not understand why the hotel would have need for teletype machine service. Such machines were used in newspaper offices, for railroad communi- cation, brokerage service, and occasionally in very QUESTIONS AND CLUES I51 girl. Turning once more to Mrs. Downey he said in a rasping voice: “You have my final decision, Ma’am. I shall not re- new the lease.” “Please, Mr. Jasko,” Mrs. Downey argued quietly. “Think what this means to me! If I lose the ski slopes I shall be compelled to give up the lodge. I’ve already offered you more than I can afford to pay.” “Money ain’t no object,” the old man retorted. “I’m against the whole proposition.” “Nothing I can say will make you reconsider?” “Nothing, Ma’am.” Picking up his cap, a ridiculous looking affair with ear muffs, Peter Jasko brushed past Penny and went out the door. O PETER JASKO SERVES NOTICE 153 arose and gave Penny’s hand an affectionate squeeze. “Losing the lodge won’t mean the end of the World,” she said lightly. “While I may not be able to sell the place for a very good price now that the ski slopes are gone, I’ll at least get something from Mr. Maxwell. And I have a small income derived from my husband’s insurance policy.” “Where will you go if you leave here?” “I haven’t given that part any thought,” admitted Mrs. Downey. “I may do a little traveling. I have a sister in Texas I might visit.” “You’ll be lonesome for Pine Top.” . “Yes,” admitted Mrs. Downey, “this place will al- ways seem like home to me. And I’ve lived a busy, useful life for so many years it will be hard to let go.” “Possibly Peter Jasko will reconsider his decision.” Mrs. Downey smiled and shook her head. “Not Peter. I’ve known him for many years, although I can’t say I ever became acquainted with him. Once he makes a stand nothing can sway him.” “Is he entirely right in his mind?” Penny asked dubiously. “Oh, yes. He’s peculiar, that’s all. And he’s getting old.” Despite Mrs. Downey’s avowal that no one was re- sponsible for Peter Jasko’s decision, Penny considered herself at fault. She could not blame the old man for being provoked because she had helped his grand- daughter escape from the cabin. 156 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR The ravine offered protection from the chill wind, but the snow was sifting down steadily. Penny could feel her clothing becoming thoroughly soaked. If she should lie still she soon would freeze. Again Penny tried to struggle up the bank, and again she slid backwards. From sheer desperation rather than because she cherished a hope that anyone would hear, Penny shouted for help. An answering halloo echoed to her through the trees. Penny dared not hope that the voice was other than her own. “Help! Help!” she called once more. Her heart leaped. The cry which came back def- initely belonged to a man! And as she marveled at the miracle of a rescue, a dark figure loomed up at the rim of the ravine. A gruff voice called to her: “Hold on! Don't try to move! I'll get a rope and be back!” The man faded back into the darkness. Penny clung to the bush until it seemed her arms would break. Snow fell steadily, caking her hood and penetrating the woolen suit. Then as the girl lost all awareness of time, she caught the flash of a lighted lantern. Her rescuer ap- peared again at the top of the ravine and lowered a rope. She grasped it, wrapping it tightly about her wrist, and climbed as best she could while the man pulled from above. PETER JASKO SERVES NOTICE 157 At last Penny reached the top, falling in an ex- hausted heap on the snow. Raising her head she stared into the face of her rescuer. The man was Peter Jasko. He recognized her at the same instant. “You!” he exclaimed. For one disturbing moment Penny thought the old man meant to push her back down into the yawning ravine. In the yellow glow of the lantern, the expres- sion of his face was terrifying. Gaining control of himself, Peter Jasko demanded gruffy: “Hurt?” “I’ve twisted my ankle.” Penny pulled herself up from the ground, took a step, and recoiled with pain. “Let me have a look at it.” Jasko bent down and examined the ankle. “No bones broken,” he said. “You’re luckier than you deserve. Any fool who doesn't know enough to keep off skis ought to be crippled for life!” “Such a cheerful philosophy,” observed Penny ironically. “Well, thanks anyhow for saving me. Even if you are sorry you did it.” The old man made no immediate reply. He stood gazing down at Penny. “Reckon I owe you something,” he said grudgingly. “Sara told me how you kept the bob-sled from going off the track. Injured yourself, too, didn't you?” “Yes.” 158 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “You had no business helping Sara go against my will,” the old man said, his anger rising again. “I told you to stay away, didn't I?” “You did. I was sorry to disobey your orders, Mr. Jasko, but I think you are unjust to your grand- daughter.” “You do, eh?” “And you're not being fair to Mrs. Downey either,” Penny went on courageously. “She's struggled for years to make her lodge profitable, fought against overwhelming odds while the Fergus interests have done everything they can to put her out of business. Unless you renew her lease, she'll be forced to leave Pine Top.’ * “So?” inquired the old man, unmoved. “She's fighting with her back to the wall. And now you've dealt her the final blow.” “No one asked Mrs. Downey to come here in the first place,” replied Peter Jasko. “Or them other hotel people either. Pine Top can get along without the lot of 'em. The sooner they all clear out the better I’ll like it.” “I’m sure of that,” said Penny. “You don't care how much trouble you cause other folks. Because of your own son's death you have taken an unnatural attitude toward skiing. You hate everything remotely con- nected with the sport. But it isn't fair. Your grand- daughter has a right to a certain amount of freedom.” Peter Jasko listened to the girl's words in silence. I60 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR H ' ' 71 . (( 7 You go on msrde, the old man directed. Ill hitch up the bob-sled and take you home.” Penny pushed open the door only to hesitate on the threshold. The room was filled with tobacco smoke. Two men sat at the table, and directly behind them Stood Sara Jasko. The girl came swiftly to the door. She gave Penny a warm smile of welcome, not noticing that she had been hurt, and said anxiously to Mr. Jasko: “Grandfather, you have visitors. Mr. Fergus and Mr. Maxwell are waiting to see you. I think it’s about the lease.” “I’ve nothing to say to them,” returned the old man grimly. Nevertheless, he followed the two girls into the room, closing the door against the wind and snow. The situation was an awkward one for Penny. Ralph Fergus and Harvey Maxwell both stared at her with undisguised dislike and suspicion. Their, the former arose, and ignoring her entirely, stepped for- ward to meet the old man, his hand extended. “Good evening, sir,” he said affably. “Mr. Maxwell and I have a little business to discuss with you, if you can spare us a moment.” Peter Jasko ignored the offered hand. “I haven’t changed my mind since the last time we talked,” he said. “I’m not signing any lease!” Penny scarcely heard the words for she was star- ing beyond Ralph Fergus at his overcoat which hung PETER JASKO SERVES NOTICE I61 over the vacated chair. The garment was light brown and the top button, a large one of the same color, had been torn from the cloth. Shifting her gaze, Penny glanced at Sara. The girl nodded her head slowly up and down. She, too, had made the important observation, and was thinking the same thought. There could be little doubt of it- Ralph Fergus was the man who had weakened the brake rod of their bob-sled! VISITORS 163 “Will you just read this, please, Mr. Jasko? You'll find our terms are more than generous.” “I ain't interested in your terms,” he snapped. “I’m aimin’ to keep every acre of my land.” “We're not asking you to sell, only to lease,” Mr. Fergus interposed smoothly. “Now we understand that your deal with Mrs. Downey has fallen through, so there's no reason why you shouldn't lease the ski slopes to us. We are prepared to offer you twice the amount she proposed to give you.” Mr. Jasko stubbornly shook his head. “You’re taking a very short-sighted attitude,” said Ralph Fergus, beginning to lose patience. “At least read the paper.” “No.” “Think what this would mean to your grand- daughter,” interposed Harvey Maxwell. “Pretty clothes, school in the city perhaps—” “Don’t listen to them, Grandfather,” spoke Sara quickly. “I have enough clothes. And Pine Top school suits me.” “You're wastin' your time and mine,” said Peter Jasko. “I ain't leasing my land to anybody.” “We're only asking you to sign a three-year lease—” Mr. Fergus argued. “Can't you understand plain language?” the old man cried. “You think money will buy everything, but you got another guess coming. I’ve seen enough skiing at Pine Top and I aim to put a stop to it!” 164 BEHIND THE GREEN noon G‘ It’s no use,” said Harvey Maxwell resignedly to his companion. Ralph Fergus picked up the paper and thrust it into his overcoat pocket. “You’re an old fool, Jasko!” he muttered. “Don’t you dare speak that way to my grand- father!” Sara cried, her eyes stormy. “You had your nerve coming here anyway, after that trick you tried!” “Trick?” “You deliberately weakened the brake rod of our bob-sled.” Ralph Fergus laughed in the girl’s face. “You’re as touched as your grandfather,” he said. “Perhaps you can explain what became of the top button of your overcoat,” suggested Penny coming to Sara’s support. “And don’t try to tell us it’s home in your sewing basket!” Ralph Fergus’ hand groped at the vacant spot on his coat. “What does a button have to do with the bob-sled accident?” inquired Harvey Maxwell. “It happens that we found a large brown button in the tool house at the Downey lodge,” replied Penny. “Also a little additional evidence which rather sug- gests Mr. Fergus is the one who tampered with the bob-sled.” “Ridiculous!” protested the hotel man. “I’ve not even been near Mrs. Downey’s lodge in weeks.” vrsrrons 165 “I know that’s a lie,” said Peter Jasko. “I saw you goin’ up that way Friday night.” “And you went there to damage the bob-sled!” Sara accused. “You didn’t care how many persons might be injured in an accident!” Ralph Fergus’ face was an angry red. “What reason would I have for doing anything like that?” he de- manded. “Guests were being drawn from your hotel because bob-sledding was increasing in popularity,” said Penny quietly. “Nothing would please you more than to put Mrs. Downey out of business.” “Aren’t you drawing rather sweeping conclu- sions?” inquired Harvey Maxwell in an insolent tone. “A button isn’t very certain evidence. So many per- sons wear buttons, you know.” “I lost this one from my coat weeks ago,” added Ralph F ergus. “It was your button we found,” Sara accused. Peter Jasko had been listening intently to the argu- ment, taking little part in it. But now, with a quick movement which belied his age, he moved across the kitchen toward the gun rack on the wall. “Let’s be getting out of here,” muttered Harvey Maxwell. He and Ralph Fergus both bolted out of the door. Their sudden flight delighted Sara who broke into a fit of laughter. “Why don’t you shoot once or twice into the air I66 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR just to give ’em a good fright?” she asked her grand- father. The old man, shotgun in hand, had followed the two men to the door. But he did not shoot. “Grandfather wouldn’t hurt a flea really,” chuckled Sara. “At least, not unless it was trying to make him sign something.” “Ralph Fergus acted guilty, all right,” declared Penny, bending down to massage her injured ankle. “But it may have been a mistake for us to accuse him.” “I couldn’t help it,” answered Sara. “When I saw that button missing from his coat, I had to say some- thing about it.” Peter Jasko put away his shotgun, turning once more to the door. “I’H hitch up the team,” he said. “Sara, get some liniment and see what you can do for Miss Parker’s ankle.” “Your ankle?” gasped Sara, staring at Penny. “Have you hurt yourself again?” “I managed to fall into the ravine a few minutes ago. Your grandfather saved me.” Sara darted to the stove to get a pan of warm water. She stripped off Penny’s woolen stockings and ex- amined the foot as she soaked it. “I suppose this will put me on the shelf for another day or so,” Penny observed gloomily. “But I’m lucky I didn’t break my neck.” “The ankle is swollen,” Sara said, “I’ll wrap it with a bandage and that may make it feel better.” VISITORS 167 With a practiced hand she wound strips of gauze and adhesive tape about the ankle. “There, how does it feel now?” “Much better,” said Penny. “Thanks a lot. I—I feel rather mean to put your grandfather to so much trouble, especially after the way I’ve crossed him.” “Oh, don't you worry about Grandfather,” laughed Sara. “He likes you, Penny.” “He likes me?” “I could tell by the way he acted tonight. He re- spects a person who stands up to him.” “I said some rather unnecessary things,” Penny declared regretfully. “I was provoked because he wouldn't sign a lease with Mrs. Downey. After hear- ing what he said to Fergus and Maxwell I realize nothing will sway him.” Sara sighed as she helped her friend put on her shoe again. “I’m afraid not. I’ll do what I can to influence him, but I can tell you now he'll never listen to me. Grand- father is just the way he is, and one can't budge him an inch.” Peter Jasko soon had the team hitched to the bob- sled. He and Sara helped Penny in, wrapping blankets around her so that she would be snug and warm during the ride up the mountain. “Come down again whenever you can,” invited Sara. “Only the next time don't try it after dark if you're on skis.” 168 BEHIND THE GREEN noon Penny glanced at the old man, but his face showed no displeasure. Apparently, he no longer regarded her as an interloper. “I’ll come as soon as I can,” she replied. Peter Jasko elucked to the horses, and the sled moved away from the cabin. Sara stood in the door- way until it was out of sight. During the slow ride up the mountain side, the old man did not speak. But as they came at last to the Downey lodge, and he lifted herafrom the sled, he actually smiled. “I reckon it won’t do any good to lock Sara up after this,” he said. “You’re both too smart for an old codger like me.” “Thank you, Mr. Jasko,” answered Penny, her eyes shining. “Thank you for everything.” The door of the lodge had opened, and Mrs. Downey, a coat thrown over her shoulders, hurried out into the snow. Not wishing to be drawn into a conversation, Jasko leaped back into the sled, and with a curt, “Good evening,” drove away. With Mrs. Downey’s help, Penny hobbled into the house, and there related her latest misadventure. “I declare, you’ll be in the hospital yet,” sighed the woman. “I feel tempted to adopt. Mr. Jasko’s tactics and lock you up in your room.” “I’ll stay there without being locked in,” declared Penny. “I’ve had enough skiing to last me until Christmas at least.” 17o BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “Is that a promise?” “I’ll make it one. Nothing less than a fire or an earthquake will get me out.” Jake brought the sled to the door, and helped the girl into it. The day was cold. Snow fell steadily. Mrs. Downey tucked warm bricks at Penny's feet and wrapped her snugly in woolen blankets. The ride down the mountainside was without event. Penny began to regret that she had made the trip, for the weather was more unpleasant than she had antici- pated. She burrowed deeper and deeper into the blankets. Jake pulled up at a hitching post in front of Pine Top's grocery store. “It won't take me long,” he said. Penny climbed down in the bottom of the sled, re- arranging her blankets so that only her eyes and fore- head were exposed to the cold. She had been sitting there for some minutes when her attention was drawn to a man who was approaching from far down the street. Recognizing him as Ralph Fergus, she watched with interest. At the drugstore he paused. As if by prearrange- ment, Benny Smith came out of the building. Penny was too far away to hear their exchange of words, but she saw the boy give all of his newspapers to Ralph Fergus. In return, he received a bill which she guessed might be of fairly high denomination. “Probably five dollars,” she thought. “The boy sells VISITORS 171 all his papers to Fergus because he can make more that way than by peddling them one by one. And he’s paid to keep quiet about it.” Penny was not especially surprised to discover that the hotel man was buying up all the papers, for she had suspected he was behind the trick. “There’s no law against it,” she told herself. “That’s the trouble. Fergus and Maxwell are clever. So far they’ve done nothing which could possibly get them into legal trouble.” Presently Jake came out of the grocery store, carry- ing a large box of supplies which he stowed in the sled. “I’ll get the papers and then we’ll be ready to start.” “Don’t bother,” said Penny. “There aren’t any. I just saw Ralph Fergus buy them all from the boy.” “Fergus, eh? And he’s been puttin’ it out that the papers never caught the plane!” “It was just another one of his little tricks to make Mrs. Downey’s guests dissatisfied.” “Now we know what he’s about we’ll put a stop to it!” “Yes,” agreed Penny, “but he’ll only think of some- thing new to try.” As they started back toward the Downey lodge, she was quiet, turning over various matters in her mind. Since Mrs. Downey had decided to sell her business, it scarcely seemed to matter what Ralph Fergus did. The sled drew near the Jasko cabin and passed it, I72 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR turning a bend in the road. Suddenly Penny thought she heard her name called. Glancing back she was startled to see Sara Jasko running after the sled. “Wait, Jake! ” Penny commanded. “It’s Sara! Some- thing seems to be wrong!” oLD PETER’s DISAPPEARANCE I75 not bear to sit helplessly by. Deciding that the emer- gency was equal to an earthquake or a fire, she eased herself down from the sled. Steadily falling snow had obliterated all tracks save those made by the new arrivals. There was no clue to indicate whether Peter Jasko had left the scene of his own free will or had been the possible victim of violence. Jake and Sara searched at the edge of the woods and returned to the clearing to report no success. “Maybe your granddad went up to Hatter's place to get warm,” the man suggested. “He never would have left his horses without blanketing them,” answered Sara. “But let's go there and inquire. Someone may have seen Grandfather.” They drove the bob-sled on through the woods to an unpainted farm house. Claud Hatter himself opened the door, and in response to Sara's anxious question, he told her that he had seen Peter Jasko drive into the place early that morning. “You didn't see him go away?” Sara asked. “No, but come to think of it, I noticed a car turn into the road. Must have been about ten o’clock this morning.” “What sort of car?” The man could give no additional information, for he had not paid particular attention to the automobile. However, he pulled on his heavy coat and boots, offer- ing to help organize a searching party. I76 BEHIND THE GREEN DooR Sara and Penny remained at the farm house, but as it became evident that the old man would not be found quickly, _]ake returned and took the girls down the mountain to the Downey lodge. “What could have happened to Grandfather?” Sara repeated over and over. “I can’t believe he became dazed and wandered away.” “I wish we knew who came in the car,” said Penny. “That might explain a lot.” , “You—you think Grandfather met with violence?” “I hope not,” replied Penny earnestly. “But it seems very queer. Did your grandfather have enemies?” “He antagonizes many folks without meaning to do so. However, I can’t think of anyone at Pine Top who could be called an actual enemy.” By nightfall the searching party had grown in size. Nearly every male resident of Pine Top joined in the hunt for Peter Jasko. Even the Fergus hotel sent two employes to help comb the mountainside for the missing old man. Sara, nearly in a state of collapse, was put to bed by Mrs. Downey, who kept telling the girl over and over that she must not worry. In speaking with Penny, the woman was far from optimistic. She expressed a doubt that Peter Jasko ever would be found alive. “He may have wandered off and fallen into a crevasse.” “I am inclined to think he may have been spirited OLD PETER S DISAPPEARANCE I77 7 away by whoever came up the private road in that car,” commented Penny. “I can’t imagine anyone bothering to kidnap Peter Jasko,” returned Mrs. Downey. “He has no money.” “It does- sound rather fantastic, I admit. Especially in broad daylight. You didn’t notice any automobile on the main road this morning did you?” “Only the Fergus hotel delivery truck. But I was busy. A dozen might have passed without my noticing them.” At nine o’clock Jake came to the. lodge with a dis- couraging report. No trace of Peter Jasko had been found. The search would continue throughout the night. “Which way are you going?” Penny inquired as the man started to leave the house again. “Up the mountain or down?” “Down,” he returned. “I’m joining a party at Jasko’s own place. We aim to start combing the Woods on his farm next.” “May I ride with you?” she requested. “I want to go down to the Fergus hotel.” “Penny, your ankle—” protested Mrs. Downey. “I can get around on it,” Penny said hurriedly. “See!” She hobbled across the floor to prove her words. “And this is important. I want to see someone at the hotel.” “So late at night?” OLD PETER’s DISAPPEARANCE I79 second floor. She tried the door of Room 27 and dis- covered it was locked. “I was afraid of this,” Penny muttered. Hesitating a moment she went on down the hall. Opening another door, the one which bore no number, she saw that she was to be blocked again in her in- vestigation. The familiar guard sat at his usual post beside the door of the Green Room. Retreating without drawing attention to herself, Penny debated her next action. Unless she found a way to enter one of those two rooms of mystery, her night would be wasted. Moving softly down the hall, she paused to test the door to the right of Room 27. To her astonishment, it swung open when she turned the knob. The room was dark and deserted. Penny stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Her flashlight beam disclosed only a dusty, bare bed- room, its sole furnishing a thickly padded carpet. Going to the window, Penny raised it and gazed at the wide ledge which she had noted from below. If she had perfect balance, if the window of Room 27 were unlocked, if her lame ankle did not let her down, she might be able to span the distance! It would be dangerous and she must run the risk of being ob- served by persons on the grounds of the hotel. Penny gazed down at the frozen yard far below and shud- dered. 18o BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “I’ve been pretty lucky in my falls so far,” she thought. “But I have a feeling if I slip this time it will be my last.” Penny pulled herself through the window. As the full force of the wind struck her body, threatening to hurl her from her precarious perch, she nearly lost her courage. She clung to the sill for a moment, and then without daring to look down, inched her way along the ledge. Reaching the other window in safety, she tried to push it up. For a dreadful instant, Penny was certain she could not. But it gave so suddenly she nearly lost her balance. Holding desperately to the sill, she re- covered, and raised the window. Penny dropped lightly through the opening into the dark room. Pains were shooting through her ankle, but so great was her excitement she scarcely was aware of any discomfort. She flashed her light about the room. As she had suspected, there were two teletype machines, neither of which was in operation. A chair had been pulled up to a direct-keyboard machine similar to one Penny had seen in her father’s newspaper office. Save for a wooden table the room contained nothing else. Penny went over to the machines and focused her light upon the paper in the rollers. It was blank. “This is maddening!” she thought. “I take a big risk to get in here and what do I find—nothing!” Footsteps could be heard coming down the hall- OLD PETER,S DISAPPEARANCE 181 way. Penny remained perfectly still, expecting the person to pass on. Instead, the noise ceased altogether and a key grated in the door lock. In panic, Penny glanced frantically about. She could not hope to get out the window in time to escape detection. The only available hiding place was a closet. Switching off her light, Penny opened the door. Stepping inside, she closed it softly behind her. THE SECRET STAIRS 183 Instinctively, she burrowed back behind the fur gar- ments which her groping hands encountered. The door was flung open and light flooded into the closet. However, the teletype attendant seemed to have no suspicion that anyone might be hiding there. He pressed a button on the wall and then heaved against the partition with his shoulder. The section of wall, suspended on a pivot, slowly revolved. After the man had passed through, it swung back into its original position. Penny waited several minutes and then came out of her hiding place. She flung open the closet door to admit more light. “Just as I thought!” she muttered. The closet, a long narrow room, was hung solidly with fur coats! “So Maxine Miller was working for the hotel in- terests after all,” Penny told herself. “I’ve stumbled into something big!” Groping along the wall of the storage room, she found a switch and pressed it. Again the partition re- volved, revealing a flight of stairs leading downward. She slipped through and the wall slid into place be- hind her. The stairway was lighted with only one weak elec- tric bulb. Penny’s body cast a grotesque shadow as she cautiously descended. There were so many steps that she decided they must lead to a basement in the hotel. I84. BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR She reached the bottom at last and followed a nar- row sloping tunnel, past a large refrigerated vault which she reasoned must contain a vast supply of addi- tional furs, and kept on until a blast of cool air struck her face. Penny drew up sharply. Directly ahead, at a bend in the tunnel, sat an armed guard. He was reading a newspaper in the dim light, holding it very close to the glaring bulb above his chair. Penny dared go no farther. Quietly retreating the way she had come, she stole back up the long stair- way. At the top landing she found herself confronted with a blank wall. After groping about for several minutes, her hand encountered a tiny switch similar to the one on the opposite side of the partition. She pressed it, and the wall section revolved. Letting herself out of the storage closet, Penny started toward the door, only to pause as she heard one of the teletypes thumping out a message. She crossed over to the machine and stood waiting until the line had been finished and a bell jingled. The words were unintelligible in jumbled typewriting, and Penny had no time to work out the code. Tearing the copy paper neatly across, she thrust it in the pocket of her jacket. Fearing that at any moment the printer attendant might return, Penny dared linger no longer. She went to the door but to her surprise it would not open. “Probably a special trick catch which automatically THE SECRET STAIRS 185 locks whenever closed,” she thought. “The only way to get in or out is with a key, and I haven't one. That means I'll have to risk my neck again.” Going to the window she raised it and looked down. All was clear below. Two courses lay open to her. She could return the way she had come through the hotel, or she might edge along the shelf past two other win- dows to the fire escape, and thence to the ground. Either way was fraught with danger. “If I should happen to meet Ralph Fergus or Harvey Maxwell, I might not get away with my information,” Penny decided. “I’ll try the fire-escape.” Closing the window behind her, she flattened her- self along the building wall, and moved cautiously along the ledge. She passed the first room in safety. Then, as she was about to crawl past the second, the square of window suddenly flared with light. For a dreadful moment Penny thought that she had been seen. She huddled against the wall and waited. Nothing happened. At last, regaining her courage, she dared to peep into the lighted room. Two men stood with their backs to the window, but she recognized them as Harvey Maxwell and Ralph Fergus. Penny received a distinct shock as her gaze wandered to the third individual who sat in a chair by the bed. The man was old Peter Jasko. A low rumble of voices reached the girl's ears. Harvey Maxwell was speaking: 186 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “Well, Jasko, have you thought it over? Are you ready to sign the lease?” “I’ll have the law on you, if I ever get out of here!” the old man said spiritedly. “You’re keepin’ me against my will.” “You’ll stay here, Jasko, until you come to your senses. We need that land, and we mean to have it. Understand? ” “You won’t get me to sign, not if you keep me here all night,” Mr. ]asko muttered. “Not if you keep me a year!” “You may change your mind after you learn what we can do,” said Harvey Maxwell suavely. “You aim to starve me, I reckon.” “Oh, no, nothing so crude as that, my dear fellow. In fact, we shall treat you most kindly. Doctor Corbin will be here presently to examine you.” “Doctor Corbin! That old quack from Morgan- town! What are you bringing him here for?” Harvey Maxwell smiled and tapped his head signifi- cantly. “To give you a mental examination. You are known to the good people of Pine Top as a very peculiar fellow, so I doubt if anyone will question Doctor Corbin’s verdict.” “You mean, you’re aimin’ to have me adjudged in- sane?” Peter Jasko asked incredulously. “Exactly. How else can one explain your fanatical THE SECRET STAIRS 187 hatred of skiing, your blind rages, your antagonism to the more progressive interests? While it will be a pity to bring disgrace upon your charming granddaughter, there is no other way.” “Not unless you decide to sign,” added Ralph Fergus. “We’re more than reasonable. We’re willing to pay you a fair price for the lease, more than the land is worth. But we want it, see? And what we want we take.” “You’re a couple of thievin’, stealin’ crooks!” Peter Jasko shouted. “Not so loud, and be careful of your words,” Harvey Maxwell warned. “Or the gag goes on again.” “Which do you prefer,” Fergus went on. “A tidy little sum of money, or the asylum?” Peter Jasko maintained a sullen silence, glaring at the two hotel men. “The doctor will be here at ten-thirty,” said Harvey Maxwell, looking at his watch. “You will have less than a half hour to decide.” “My mind’s made up now! You won’t get anyone to believe your cock and bull story. I’ll tell ’em you brought me here and held me prisoner-” “And no one will believe you,” smiled Maxwell. “We’ll give out that you came to the hotel and started running amuck. Dozens of employes will confirm the story.” ' “For that matter, I’m not sure you don’t belong In I88 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR an asylum,” muttered Fergus. “Only a man who isn't in his right mind would turn down the liberal proposi- tion we've made you.” “I deal with no scoundrels!” the old man defied them. Harvey Maxwell looked at his watch again. “You have exactly twenty-five minutes in which to make up your mind, Jasko. We'll leave you alone to think it over.” Fergus trussed up the old man's hands and placed a gag in his mouth. Then the two hotel men left the room, turning out the light and locking the door be- hind them. CHAPTER 23 RESCUE AFTER THE door had closed there was no further sound for a moment. Then in the darkness Penny heard a choked sob. Moving closer to the window she tried to raise it. Failing, she tapped lightly on the pane. Pressing her lips close to the glass she called softly: “Don’t be afraid, Mr. Jasko! Keep up your cour- age! I'll find a way to get you out!” The old man could not answer so she had no way of knowing whether or not he heard her words. Mov- ing back along the ledge she reached another window, and upon testing it was elated to find that it could be raised up. She climbed through, lowered it behind her and hastened to the door. Quietly letting herself out, she went down the deserted hall to the next door. With- out a key she could not hope to get inside. For a fleet- ing instant she wondered if she were not making a mis- take by delaying in starting after the authorities. “I never could get back here in time,” she told 189 190 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR herself. “Maxwell will return in twenty-five minutes with the doctor, possibly earlier. Jasko may sign the paper before help could reach him.” Penny was at a loss to know how to aid the old man. As she stood debating, the cleaning woman whom she had seen upon another occasion, came down the hall. The girl determined upon a bold move. “I wonder if you could help me?” she said, going to meet the woman. “I’ve locked myself out of my room. Do you have a master key?” “Yes, it will unlock most of the bedrooms.” “The doors on this floor?” “All except number 27.” Penny took a two dollar bill from her jacket pocket and thrust it into the woman's hand. “Here, take this, and let me have the key.” “I can't give it to you,” the woman protested. “Show me your room and I'll unlock it for you.” “We're standing in front of it now. Number 29.” The woman stared. “But these rooms aren't usually given out, Miss.” “I assure you number 29 is very much occupied,” replied Penny. “Unlock it, please.” The woman hesitated, and finally inserted the key in the lock. “Thank you,” said Penny as she heard the latch click. “No, keep the two dollars. You are welcome to it.” She waited until the maid had gone on down the hall RESCUE I91 before letting herself into the dark room. Groping for the electric switch, she turned it on. “Mr. Jasko, you know me,” she whispered as the old man blinked and stared at her almost stupidly. “I’m going to get you out of here.” She jerked the gag from his mouth, and unfastened the cords which bound his wrists. “We don’t dare go through the hotel lest we be seen,” she told him. “I think we may be able to get out by means of the fire escape. If luck is only with usi_” Making certain that the coast was clear, Penny led the old man down the hall to a room which she knew would be opposite the fire escape. She was afraid it would be locked, but to her intense relief it had not been secured. Only a minute was required to cross the room, raise the window and help Peter Jasko through it. “I can’t come with you,” she said. “I have something else to do. Now listen closely. I want you to go to Pine Top as fast as you can and bring the sheriff or the police or whoever it is that would have authority to arrest Fergus and Maxwell.” “I aim to do that on my own account,” the old man muttered. “I’ve got a debt to square with them.” “We both have,” said Penny. “Now this is what I want you to do. If I’m not in evidence when you get back, bring the police to the Green Room.” “Where’s that?” I92 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR u It’s on this same floor. You go down the hall to the left, enter an unmarked door into another corridor, and finally through a green door which may be guarded. If necessary, force an entrance.” “I don’t know what it’s all about,” the old man muttered. “But I’ll do as you say.” “And hurry!” Penny urged. She watched anxiously from the window until Peter Jasko had reached the bottom of the fire escape in safety. He ran across the yard, gaining the roadway without having been observed. Returning once more to the main corridor, Penny glanced anxiously up and down. Hearing someone moving about at the far end of the hall, she went to investigate, certain that it was the cleaning woman putting away her mops and broom. “You ain’t locked out again?” the maid asked as she saw Penny standing beside her. “No, but I have another request. How would you like to earn some more money?” “How?” inquired the woman with quick interest. “Do you have an extra costume?” “Costume?” “Dress, I mean. Like one you’re wearing.” “Not here.” As the maid spoke she divested herself of an old pair of shoes, and setting them back against the closet wall, slipped on a pair of much better look- ing ones. “I’m changing my clothes now to go home.” RESCUE I93 H9 Ill give you another two dollars if you’ll lend me the outfit for the evening.” “Is it for a party?” the maid asked. “A masquerade,” said Penny. “I want to play a little joke on some acquaintances of mine.” She waved another bill before the woman’s eyes, and the temptation of making easy money was too great to resist. “All right, I’ll do it,” the maid agreed. “Just wait outside until I get my clothes changed.” Penny waited, watching the halls anxiously lest she be observed by someone who would recognize her. Soon the maid stepped from the closet, and handed over a bundle of clothing. “And here is your money,” said Penny. “Don’t men- tion to anyone what we’ve done—at least not until tomorrow.” “Don’t worry, Miss, I won’t,” replied the woman grimly. “I might lose my job if they caught me.” After the maid had gone away, Penny slipped into the closet and quickly changed into the costume. Pull- ing off her cap, she rumpled her hair and rubbed a streak of dirt across her face. The shoes were a trifle too large for her, and their size, together with the painful ankle, made her walk in a dragging fashion. Snatching up a feather duster, she went hurriedly down the hall toward the corridor which led to the Green Room. As always, the guard sat in his chair by I94 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR the door. But this time Penny had high hopes of gain- mg entrance. Boldly, she walked over to him and said: “Good evening. I was sent to tell you you’re wanted in the office by Mr. Maxwell.” “Now?” he inquired in surprise. “Yes, right away.” “Someone ought to stay here.” “I’ll wait until you get back.” “Don’t let anyone inside unless they have passes,” the guard instructed. Penny barely could hide her excitement. It had been almost too easy! At last she was to penetrate be- yond the Green Door! And if she found what she expected, the entire mystery would be cleared up. She would gain evidence against Ralph Fergus and Harvey Maxwell which would make her case iron- clad. From within the room, Penny could hear the low murmur of voices. She waited until the guard had dis- appeared, and then, summoning her courage, opened the green door and stepped inside. Penny found herself in an elegantly furnished salon, its chairs, davenports, carpet and draperies decorated in soft shades of green and ivory. A little dark-haired man she had never seen before, who spoke with an artificial French accent, stood talking with three women who were trying on fur coats. A fourth RESCUE 195 woman, Maxine Miller, sat in a chair, her back turned to Penny. “Now Henri, I want you to give my friends a good price on their coats,” she was saying in a chirpy voice. “Oui,” he agreed, bobbing his head up and down. “We say one hundred and ninety-two dollars for zis beautiful sealskin coat. I make you a special price only because you are friends of Mademoiselle Miller.” The opening of the outside door had drawn Henri's attention briefly to Penny. As she busied herself dust- ing, he paid her no heed, and Maxine Miller did not give the girl a second glance. Penny wandered slowly about the room, noting the long mirrors and the tall cases crowded with racks of sealskin coats. - “These are smuggled furs,” she thought. “This Green Room is the sales salon, and Henri must be an employee of Ralph Fergus and Harvey Maxwell. I believe I know how they get the furs over the Cana- dian border, too, without paying duty!” Satisfied that she could learn no more by lingering, Penny turned down the long corridor leading to the door which opened on the main hallway. She knew that the guard would soon discover he had been tricked and expose her. And while she had been in- side the salon less than five minutes, already she had waited a moment too long. As she opened the door she saw Harvey Maxwell 196 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR and the guard coming down the corridor toward her. Retreat was out of the question. “There she is now!” said the guard, accusingly. “She told me you wanted me in the office.” Harvey Maxwell walked angrily toward Penny. “What was the big idea?” he began, only to stop short. “Oh, so it's you? My dear little girl, I am very much afraid, you have over-played your hand this time!” 198 BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR “This old man is crazy, I tell you! We never kept him a prisoner in our hotel. We have a Green Room, to be sure, but it is rented out to a man named Henri Croix who is in the fur business.” Penny's pulse quickened. Peter Jasko had carried out her order and had brought the police! Harvey Maxwell and the guard well comprehended their danger. With a quick jerk of his head the hotel man indicated a closet where Penny could be secreted. As the two men tried to pull her to it, she sunk her teeth into Frank's hand. His hold over her mouth re- laxed for an instant, but that instant was enough. She screamed at the top of her lungs. The outside door swung open. Led by Peter Jasko, the sheriff and several deputies filed into the corridor. Ralph Fergus did not follow, and Penny saw him try- ing to slip away. “Don’t let that man escape!” she cried. “Arrest him! 55 Peter Jasko himself overtook Fergus and brought him back. “I’ve got a score to settle with you,” he muttered. “You ain't a good enough talker to get out of this.” “Gentleman—” It was Harvey Maxwell who spoke, and his tone was irritated. “What is the meaning of this intrusion?” “We’ve had a complaint,” said the sheriff. “Jasko here says you kept him a prisoner in the hotel, trying to make him sign a paper.” HENRI S SALON 201 7 Penny took the torn sheet from her pocket and gave it to the sheriff. “I can’t read it,” he said, frowning. “Code,” explained Penny. “If I had a typewriter I could figure it out. Suppose we go to Room 27 now. I’m positive you’ll learn that my story is not as fan- tastlc as 1t seems.” Leaving Peter Jasko and two deputies to guard Fergus and Maxwell and to see that no one left the Green Room, Penny led the sheriff and four other armed men down the hall. In her excitement she failed to observe Francine Sellberg standing by the elevator, watching intently. “Here are the teletype machines,” Penny indicated, pausing beside them. “Now let me have that message. I think I can read it.” Studying the keyboard of the teletype for a mo- ment, she wrote out her translation beneath the jumbled line of printing. It read: a “Train Arrives approximately 1 1:2 5.” . “What does that mean?” the sheriff inquired. “We have no trains at Pine Top.” “We’ll see,” chuckled Penny. She showed the men the vault filled with furs, and pressed the spring which opened the wall panel. “Be careful in descending the stairway,” she warned. “I know they have one guard down there and possibly others.” HENRI’s SALON 203 possible danger of a leak. How large do you suppose the smuggling ring is, Mr. Clausson?” “Large enough. Likely it will take weeks to get all of the guilty persons rounded up. But I’m satisfied we have the main persons.” “If I interpreted the code message right, a fur train should be coming in about eleven-thirty.” “My men will be waiting,” the sheriff said grimly. “I’ll get busy now and tip off the Canadian authorities, so they can close in on the gang from the other end of the line.” . “What about Fergus and Maxwell?” asked Penny. “There’s no chance they can trump up a story and get free?” “Not a chance,” returned the sheriff gruflly. “You’ve done your work, and now I’ll do mine.” Penny started to turn away, then paused. “Oh, may I ask a favor?” “I reckon you’ve earned it,” the sheriff answered, a twinkle in his eye. “There’s one person involved in this mess who isn’t really to blame. An actress named Maxine Miller. She’s only been working for the hotel a few days, and I doubt if she knows what it’s all about.” “We’ll give her every benefit of the doubt,” prom- ised the sheriff. “I’ll remember the name. Miller.” In a daze of excitement Penny rushed back up the stairway to the Green Room. Fergus and Maxwell, Henri Croix, and Maxine Miller were in custody, all scoor! 207 “I’m not sure of his name. He works for Fergus and Maxwell as a teletype attendant. He may be George Jewitt.” Penny started to hasten on, and then struck by a sudden idea, paused. Addressing the prisoner she de- manded: “Isn’t it true that there is a direct wire connection between this hotel and the one in Riverview?” The man did not speak. “You may as well answer up,” said the sheriff. “It’s something which can be checked easily.” “Yes, there is a direct connection,” answered the attendant. “And if I know anything about leased wires,” con- tinued Penny with mounting excitement, “it would be possible to have the telephone company switch that wire right over to the Riverview Star oflice. Then I’d have a direct connection from here to the newspaper. Right?” “Right except for one minor detail,” the man re- torted sarcastically. “The telephone company won’t make a switch just to oblige a little girl.” Penny’s face fell. “I suppose they wouldn’t do it,” she admitted. “But what a whale of an idea! I could send my story directly to the newspaper, and get my scoop after all. As it is, the Record is almost certain to beat me.” “Listen!” said the sheriff. “Maybe the telephone company couldn’t make the switch on your say-so, scoop! 209 Penny consulted her envelope notes and began to tap the keys. Now and then she had moments of mis- giving, wondering if her work was accurate, and if it were going through. She finished at last, and sat back with a weary sigh of relief. Her story was a good one. She knew that. But had it ever reached the Star office? A machine to her right began its rhythmical thump- ing. Startled, Penny sprang to her feet and rushed over to see the message which was slowly printing itself across the copy paper. “STORY RECEIVED OK. WONDERFUL STUFF. CAN YOU GET AN INTERVIEW WITH SHERIFF CLAUSSON?” Penny laughed aloud, and went back to her own machine to tap out an answer. Her line had a flippant note: “I’LL HAUL HIM UP HERE AS SOON AS THE 11:30 TRAIN COMES IN. LET ME TALK TO DAD.” There was a little wait and then the return message came in over the other teletype. “YOU’VE BEEN TALKING WITH HIM. AM SENDING SALT SOMMERS BY PLANE TO GET PICTURES. SORRY I DIDN'T TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY WHEN YOU WROTE MAXWELL WAS INVOLVED IN ILLEGAL BUSINESSAT PINE TOP. THIS OUGHT TO MOP UP HIS SUIT AGAINST THE PAPER. GREAT STUFF, PENNY! WHO UNCOVERED THE STORY?” 2. IO BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Chuckling to herself, Penny went back to her key- board and tapped: “DON'T ASK ME. I’M TRYING TO BE MOD- EST.” She waited eagerly for the response and it came in 3 IIlOII]CInt. “I WAS AFRAID OF IT. ARE YOU ALL RIGHT” Thoroughly enjoying the little game of questions and answers, Penny once more tapped her message. “FINE AS SILK. WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO PINE TOP2 WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE ME FOR XMAS” IT SHOULD BE SOME- THING GOOD AFTER THIS.” Soon Mr. Parker's reply appeared on the moving sheet of paper. “SOON. PERHAPS SOMETHING WITH FOUR WHEELS AND A HORN.” Penny scarcely could control herself long enough to send back: “OH, YOU WONDERFUL DAD! I COULD HUG YOU! PLEASE MAKE IT MAROON WITH MOHAIR UPHOLSTERY. AND HANG A WREATH ON LEAPING LENA.” Sinking back in her chair, Penny gazed dreamily at the ceiling. A new car! It was almost too good to believe. She knew that her father must have been swayed by excitement or else very grateful to offer such a magnificent Christmas present as that. What a