SILK STOCKINGS
Puzzled by Jack's behavior and his evident reluctance to reveal what he had learned, Penny and Sally sat down beside him on the dock. At their urging he said:
"Well, I traced the number through our employment office. The badge was issued to a worker named Adam Glowershick."
Neither of the girls ever had heard of the name, but Sally, upon studying the picture again, was sure she recalled having seen him as a passenger aboard the River Queen.
"He's a punch press operator," Jack added.
"And he's the man you thought you knew?" Penny asked curiously.
"Yes. As I told you, I've seen him at the Harpers." Jack acted ill at ease.
The girls exchanged a quick glance. But they did not tell Jack of their recent adventure.
"Well, why don't we have the fellow arrested?" Sally demanded after a moment of silence. "I'm satisfied he stole the brass lantern. He probably came aboard for money, and unable to get into the safe, took the trophy for meanness."
"Or he may be mixed up with the gang of factory brass thieves," Penny supplied.
"You can't prove a case against a man, because he might have dropped the badge anytime he happened to be a passenger aboard the ferry," Jack said. "It would do no good to have him booked on suspicion."
"Is he a friend of yours?" Sally asked significantly.
"Of course not!"
"Jack is right about it," Penny interposed hastily. "We need more information before we ask police to make an arrest. Any other news, Jack?"
"Nothing startling. But you know that detective your father brought here from Riverview?"
"Heiney?"
"Yes, he reported today that Sweeper Joe contacted him again, offering to sell a large quantity of brass. An appointment has been made for the delivery Friday night. If it proves to be stolen brass, then he's trapped himself."
"Can they prove it's the same brass?"
"Heiney numbers and records every piece he buys. He should be able to establish a case."
Knowing that her father had intended to keep the junkman's activities a secret, Penny was disturbed by Jack's talking in public. Evidently he had gleaned this latest information from his father. She was even more troubled by his attitude toward Adam Glowershick.
Presently saying goodbye to Sally, she and Jack returned to Shadow Island. A strange boat was tied up in the berth usually occupied by the Spindrift. Since the sailboat was nowhere along the dock, it was evident that Mr. Gandiss, his wife, and Mr. Parker had gone for an outing on the river.
"We seem to have a visitor," Penny remarked.
Jack said nothing, but intently studied the man who slouched near the boathouse, hat pulled low to shade his eyes from the sun glare.
"Why, isn't that the same fellow whose picture was on the factory badge!" Penny exclaimed. "Adam Glowershick!"
"Careful or he'll hear you," Jack warned, scowling. "I know this man. He's here to see me."
Penny gazed again at the stranger who had dark bushy hair and prominent cheekbones. "If that isn't Glowershick, it's his twin!" she thought, and asked Jack if he had the factory badge with him.
"No, I haven't," he answered irritably. "Furthermore, I wish you would cut out such wild speculation. He'll hear you."
Jack brought the boat in. Leaping ashore, he asked Penny to fasten the ropes. "I'll be back in a minute," he flung at her as he strode off.
It took time to make the craft secure. When Penny glanced up from her work, Jack and the stranger had disappeared behind the boathouse.
"Queer how fast Jack ducked out of here," she thought.
More than a little annoyed by the boy's behavior, Penny started up the gravel path to the house. Midway there she heard footsteps, and turning, saw Jack hastening after her.
"Penny--" he began diffidently.
She waited for him to go on.
"I hate to ask this," he said uncomfortably, "but how are you fixed for money?"
"I have a little. Dad gave me a fairly large sum to spend when we came here."
