nshop. He turned
down East Franklyn Street which led through a dirty, poverty-stricken
district to the river. Presently, Penny saw him enter a run-down,
dilapidated brick building.

In the doorway he met another man, evidently the janitor who caught him
roughly by the arm as he endeavored to pass.

"Just a minute, you," he said. "I've been trying to find you for a
week. How about that rent you owe?"

"Try and get it!"

"I'll get it all right," the janitor returned threateningly. "If I
don't I may make it my business to find out why you rented the entire
top floor."

A strange look came over the other man's face. Reaching into his
pocket he pulled out a large roll of bills.

"How much?"

"Fifty dollars."

"Here it is. And a five for yourself. Now don't bother me again."

And with that the man strode angrily into the building and mounted a
long flight of stairs which led to the top floor.

CHAPTER XI

A Visitor

Penny watched the janitor closely after the man in gray had vanished
into the building. From his inside coat pocket he removed a billfold
and carefully deposited the fifty dollars in it. The five dollar bill
he shoved into his trousers pocket, a possessive smirk on his face.

Penny moved forward to accost the man.

"How do you do," she greeted. "Are you the custodian of this building?"

"Yes, I am," he replied surlily. "If you have anything to sell, get
out!"

"Oh, I'm not a saleswoman. I am looking for a place to rent."

"Is that so? Well, you've come to the wrong place. We are filled up."

Penny was aware that the janitor regarded her suspiciously. She did
not believe that he was speaking the truth for she had noticed many
apparently unoccupied rooms in the building.

"But you may have vacancies in the future, I suppose," she commented.
"You see, I like the outlook a person would get from your top floor."

"That top floor is rented."

"Could you tell me the name of the party----?"

"No, I couldn't," the janitor interrupted irritably. "Run along now.
I'm not interested in your chatter."

"All right, I'll go," Penny replied, "but you may hear from me again.
And when I return, I'll bring a mate to that five dollar bill you just
slipped into your pocket!"

Before the man had recovered from his surprise she turned and walked
briskly down the street in the direction of her father's office. She
deeply regretted her last remark for she realized that the janitor
mi