Music Welcome to Snewscast, the podcast designed to help you fall asleep. Find us at snewscast.com and if you enjoy our show, please share us with a friend. This episode is brought to you by The Pine Top Inn. Tonight, we'll read the opening to the 1940 mystery Behind the Green Door. Part of the Penny Parker series written by Mildred Wart, also known by Mildred Benson. This in was a journalist and prolific writer under many pseudonyms, who is best known for creating the Nancy Drew series. Along with being the heroine of the series, Penny Parker was a high school student, turned sleuth, who also sporadically worked as a reporter for her father's newspaper.

The author Benson favored Penny Parker over all the other books she wrote, including Nancy Drew. Her obituary quoted her as saying, I always thought Penny Parker was a better Nancy Drew than Nancy S. Let's get cozy. Close your eyes.

Relax your body into the softness of your bed. Now, take a few deep breaths. Chapter 1 Trouble for Mr. Parker Watch me coming down the mountain Mrs. Weems. This one is a honey, an opening Cristiana turn with no breaks dragging. Penny Parker, clad in a new black and red snow suit, twisted her agile body sideways, causing the small rug upon which she stood to skip across the polished floor of the living room. She wriggled again, and it slipped in the opposite direction 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 you'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. You'll reduce that rug to shreds before you're through. Side the housekeeper. Can't you think of anything else to do? Yes. A great penny, cheerfully. But it wouldn't be half as much fun. How do you like my suit?" She darted across the room to prene before the full-length mirror. A red-build cap pulled at a jaunty angle over her blonde curls. Penny made a striking figure in the well-tailored suit of Dark her eyes 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. Conceited the housekeeper. Penny made a rye face. Is that the best you can say for it? Louis' sidell and I shopped all over Riverview to get the snappiest number out, and then you call it practical. Oh, you know you look cute in it. Laft misses weems. So what's the use in 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 beat down after him in two shakes of a kitten's tail, Penny called, making for the stairway. She took the steps two at a time and had climbed half way out of the snow suit by the time she reached the bedroom. A well-named kick landed the garment on the bed, and then because it was very new and very choice, she took time to straighten it out. Seizing a dress blindly from the closet, she wriggled into it and ran downstairs again. Some more skiing equipment may come while I'm gone. She shouted to Mrs. Wemes, who was in the kitchen. I bought a new pair of skis, a couple of poles, three different kinds of wax, and a pair of red mittens. Why didn't you order the store sent out and be done with it? Responded the housekeeper, dryly. Penny pulled on her heavy coat and hurried to the garage where two cars stood side by side. One was a shining black sedan of the latest model, the other, a battered unwashed vehicle whose reputation was as discouraging as its appearance.

Leaping Lena as Penny called her car had an annoying habit of running up prepare bills and then repaying its long-suffering owner by refusing to start on cold winter days. Lena, you get to stay in your cozy nest this time.

Penny remarked, climbing into her father Sedan, tat can't stand your rattle and bounce. The powerful engine started with a blast. While Mrs. Wemes watched anxiously from the kitchen 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 office to take him home. The store occupied a block in the downtown section of Riverview. Penny parked the car beside 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. Tote you, Envius? I certainly would, if you were going. If, exclaimed Penny indignantly, of course we're going. We leave Thursday by plane. Dad needs a vacation, and this time I know he won't try to wiggle out of it at the last minute. Well, I hope not. Reply 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. 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 to him. I may have the wrong slant on the situation. 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. Truth is, I'm in a spot of trouble. Isn't that the usual condition of a newspaper publisher? Yes, he smiled. But there are different degrees of trouble, and this is the worst possible. The star has been sued for libel, a matter of 50-Auth-Thousand. 50-Thousand? Gast penny. But of course you'll 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 businessman. 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 a libel dad? Early this fall, while I was out of town for a day, do it let a story slip through which should have been killed. It was an interview with a football player named Bill Mortgram, 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? is thought by those in the know to have 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. Replyed Mr. Parker. However, 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'd have a good case. That's trouble, Penny. This boy, Bill Morkrum, 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'm 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 players standing 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 can prove that our

story was accurate, we're almost sure to lose. I've asked Bill Moore 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 two and fro across the room. A buzzer on his desk gave three sharp staccato signals. Morkram must be here now. The editor exclaimed in relief. I want to see him alone. Penny arose to leave. As she went out the doorway, 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 joining room, she could hear the rhythmical thumping, clicking sound of the stars'

teletype machines. She wandered aimlessly into the room to read the copy just as the machines 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. Oh, hello, Miss Parker! He said, with a bashful grin. Hello, Billy. Penny answered cordially. She studied the keyboard of the sending teletype machine, 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 onto 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 accurate work. Say, this is fun, she declared. I'm coming in again one of these days in practice. Thanks a lot, Billy. As Penny went back into the editorial room, she saw the more crumboy 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 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. Do you think you could have two weeks off anyhow, Dad? We both planned upon having such a wonderful time at Mrs. Downey's place. Kenny 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 Downey, an old friend of Mr. Parker's, who operated a skiing lodge on the slopes of the mountain, overlooking Silver Valley. There's not much chance of getting away. Mr. Parker replied regretfully. That is, not unless important evidence falls into my hands, or I'm able to make a deal with Maxwell. A deal? If he would make reasonable demands, I might be willing to settle out of court. Penny gazed at her father in blank amazement, and it meant you were in the wrong when you're certain you weren't.

And he could general make a strategic retreat if the situation calls for it. It 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, thoughtfully. 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 had never seen him look so worried. Her own disappointment was keen, yet she realized that far more than a vacation trip was at stake. $50,000 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 just as we planned. Chapter 2. Arrival Reporter Penny presently edged this sedan into a parking space across the street from the Riverview Hotel. As she switched off the ignition, her father said, better come along with me and wait in the lobby. It's gold out here. Penny followed her father into the building. The hotel was an elegant one with many services available for

guests. She noticed a florist shop, a candy store, a dry cleaning establishment, and even a small brokerage office opening off the lobby. Oh yes, said Mr. Parker, as Penny called his attention to the brokerage.

Maxwell hasn't overlooked anything. Though tell is a special least wire, which I've been told gives him a direct connection with his other places. Walking over to the desk, Mr. Parker mentioned his name and asked the clerk if he might see Harvey Maxwell. Mr. Maxwell is not here. Replyed the man with an insolent air. When will he be at the hotel? Mr. Maxwell has left the city on business. He does not expect to return until the end of next month. Mr. Parker could not hide his annoyance. Let me have his address then. He said in a resigned voice. I'll write him. The clerk shook his head. I have been instructed not to give you Mr. Maxwell's address. If you wish to deal with him, you will have to see his lawyer. Gorman S. Rayley. So Maxwell was expecting me to come here to make a deal with him. Demanded Mr. Parker. Well, I've changed my mind. I'll make a deal all right, but it will be in court. Good day." Angrily, the newspaper man strode from the lobby. Penny hurried to keep pace with him. That settles it. He said, Tursley, as they climbed into the sedan again. then thisbel suit will be a fight to the finish, and maybe my finish at that.

Oh, Dad, I'm sure you'll win, but it's a pity all this had to come up just when you had planned a fine vacation.

Mrs. Downey will be disappointed, too.

Yes, she will, Penny.

And there's Mrs. Weems to be thought about. I promised her a two weeks trip while we were gone. They drove in silence for a few blocks. As the car passed the Psydel residence, Penny's father said thoughtfully, I suppose I could send you out to Pine Top alone, 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 weekend. I'm not sure Louise could go," said Penny doubtfully, but I can find out right away. After dinner that night, she lost no time in running over to the Sidel home. At first Louise was thrown into a state of ecstasy at the thought of making a trip to Pintop, 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 grandmother's farm and 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 impulsive, excitable penny. Inactivity bored penny, and wherever she went, she usually managed to start things moving. When nothing better offered, she tried her hand at writing newspaper 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 typewriter through the thundering presses of the Riverview Star. Tale of the Witch Doll, the vanishing Houseboat, and Danger at the Drop Ridge. Even now, months after her last astonishing adventure, friends like to tease her about a humorous encounter with a certain Mr. Kippenberg's alligator. 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 snowbank, or save Santa Claus from being kidnapped. 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? Corrected Louise with a laugh? But you'll run into some big story or else you're slipping. There is an a newspaper within 50 miles. No railroad, either. The only way in and out of the valley is by airplane. And pop sled, of course. That made cramp your style a little, but I doubt it, declared Louise. I do wish I could go along. The girls talked with Mrs. Sydale, but as they both 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? Yes, at 10.30 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 Pindtop. Since Mrs. Wemes' house will plan to leave Riverview the following day, the house was in a constant state of turmoil. I feel sorry for Dad being left here alone." remarked Penny. He'll never make his bed, and he'll probably exist on strong coffee in those wretched, raw beef sandwiches they serve at the beenery across from the star office. I ought to give up my vacation," declared Mrs. Weems. It seemed 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. Now I'll do my best. He promised soberly. I have a hunch that Harvey Maxwell may still be in town, despite what we're 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 departed, but at breakfast time a call came from DeWitt, the city editor, urging his presence at once. Before leaving, he gave his daughter her ticket and traveler's tracks. Now I expect to be at the airport to see you off, he promised, until then, goodbye. Mr. Parker kissed Penny and Hason away. Later, Louis Sidel came to the house. Soon after 10 o'clock, the girls took leave of Mrs. Wemes, taxing to the airport. The girls entered the waiting room and learned that the plane was on time. Curiously, they glanced at the other passengers. Two travelers penny immediately tagged as businessmen. But she was rather interested in a plump, over-painted woman whose nervous manner suggested that she might be making her first airplane trip. While Penny's luggage was being weighed, two men entered the waiting room. One was a lean, sharp-faced individual, suffering from a bad cold. The other struck Penny as being vaguely familiar. He was a stout man, expensively dressed, and had a surly, condescending way of speaking to his companion. Who are those men?

Penny... a certainly condescending way of speaking to his companion. Who are those men? Penny whispered to Louise. Do you know them? Louise shook her head. That one fellow looks like someone I've seen. Penny went on thoughtfully. Maybe I saw his

picture in the newspaper, but I can't place him. The two men went up to the desk and the and I'm going to put the door on the door.

I'm going to put the door on the door.

I'm going to put the door on the door.

I'm going to put the door on the door.

...