The Secret Pact Part 29

"Then you feel sure he did not dispose of the _Press_ because he needed money?"

Pauletta hesitated before she answered. "It never occurred to me before, but Father has been rather close the past year. I thought it was sheer carelessness when he let this place run down. He always gave me everything I wanted."

"Why does he favor your marriage to the Major?"

"Perhaps money does enter into it," Pauletta said slowly. "Many times Father has reminded me that I would have every luxury as Howard's wife."

"Your friend Carl is poor?"

"He has a fairly good position, but not much money. Father always seemed to like Carl. That was why I couldn't understand when he asked me not to see him again."

"I am sure your father thinks only of your welfare."

"But I would rather marry Carl and be poor always than to have riches with Howard."

"You've not told your father that?"

"Why, no. It never occurred to me that money had influenced him."

"There's another rumor," said Penny. "I suppose I shouldn't mention it."

"I wish you would."

"I've heard it said that your father disposed of the _Press_ because he had been blackmailed."

"By whom?"

"I haven't the slightest idea. It was only a rumor."

"There may be truth in it," Pauletta replied in a low voice. "You've opened my eyes, Miss Parker. I've been very blind."

"Then you think someone may have forced your father to pay money?"

"I don't know. But Father has acted strangely ever since he gave up the paper. Once a month, on the fourth, he receives a visit from a queer looking man. Always he tries to get me out of the house before the fellow comes."

"Don't you know his name?"

"No, Father has never told me. The man seldom stays longer than ten minutes."

"Can you describe him?"

"Not very well because I never saw him at close range. I should say he's middle-aged, dark and cruel looking. Not at all the sort Father would choose for a friend."

"Your father offers no explanation as to why the man comes?"

"None. He refuses to discuss the subject. I've noticed, though, that for days after the fellow leaves he's very nervous and uneasy."

"Excuse me for asking so many questions, Miss Judson, but do you know of any reason why your father might be blackmailed?"

"No, I don't. I am sure he's never been involved in anything dishonorable."

Penny had no more to tell, and she was convinced that Pauletta had given a truthful account of the situation. Feeling that she was not particularly welcome, she arose to leave.

"I am glad you came," Pauletta said, extending her hand. "Please excuse my rudeness. There were so many things I failed to understand."

"You must forgive me, too," replied Penny. "I didn't mean to meddle. I truly want to help your father."

"I wish I could help him, too," said Pauletta in a troubled voice. "In the past I fear I've been very selfish and inconsiderate."

"There's a way to help if you're willing to do it."

"I don't understand."

"You say that on the fourth of each month a man comes here to see your father. If you tried could you learn his name?"

"I might drop in upon them at an awkward moment, compelling Father to introduce me."

"Are you willing to do it?"

"Why, yes, but I fail to see what will be gained."

"Perhaps nothing, perhaps a great deal," replied Penny. "If the man is a blackmailer, it should help for us to know his name."

"I'll learn what I can."

"Then until the fourth, good-bye. And please, not a word to Mr. Judson.

We must work secretly."

Reflecting upon the information given her by Pauletta, Penny drove on toward Peter Fenestra's home. A quarter of a mile away she parked the car, and set off afoot, hoping to attract no attention should the owner be at home.

It was well that she took the precaution. She was three hundred yards from the grounds when suddenly she saw a man emerge from behind the barn.

At a glance she observed that he was too short to be Peter Fenestra.

As Penny paused to watch, the man moved stealthily across the yard to the front door of the farmhouse. His face turned slightly in her direction, and she recognized Anchor Joe.

"What can he be doing here?" she thought in amazement.

The question soon was answered. Glancing quickly about, Anchor Joe dropped a white envelope on the front porch. Then he pounded several times on the door before darting to the shelter of the lilac bushes.

CHAPTER 19 _MRS. WEEMS' REPORT_

Several minutes elapsed before the door was opened by Peter Fenestra. He glanced alertly about the yard, and then his gaze fell upon the envelope.

Penny heard him mutter to himself as he picked it up.

Fenestra's face became convulsed with rage as he tore open the flap and saw the message. Still muttering, he crumpled the paper and thrust it into his pocket. Entering the house, he slammed the door.