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This episode is brought to you by Paper and Pencil. Tonight, we'll read the opening, too, the clue of the Silkin Ladder. Part of the Penny Parker anthology written by Mildred Wurt, also known by Mildred Benson. This series of stories aren't consecutive, so don't worry if you didn't hear the first episode. You can pick up on this one just fine. Penny Parker was a high school student turned sleuth, who also sporadically worked as a reporter for her father's newspaper. In this story, Penny discovers a strange, silken ladder and learns how it is used in burglary. Her story and what it exposes earns her a much-needed raise in pay at the newspaper. Let's get cozy. Close your eyes. Relax your body into the softness of your bed. Now, take a few deep breaths. Chapter 1. Double Trouble Now I ask you, Lou, what have I done to deserve such a fate? Jerking a yellow card from beneath the windshield of the shiny new maroon-colored sedan. Penny Parker turned flashing blue eyes upon her companion, Louise Cidell. Well, Penny responded her chum dryly. In Riverview, persons who park their cars beside fire hydrants usually expect to get parking tickets. But we were only inside the drugstore five minutes. Why don't you think a police man could find something else to do? Oh, the ticket won't cost you more than five or ten dollars. Teased Louise wickedly, your father should pay it. He should, but he won't. Penny answered, gloomily. Dad expects his one and only daughter to assume her own car expense. I ask you, what's the good of having a weekly allowance when you never get to use it yourself? You are in a mood today. Why? I think you're lucky to have a grand new car. Louise's glance caressed the highly polished chrome plate.

The sl- grand new car. Louise's glance caressed the highly polished chrome plate, the sleek, streamlined body which shone in the sunlight. The automobile had been presented to Penny by her father, Anthony Parker, largely in gratitude because she had saved his newspaper, the Riverview Star, from a disastrous lawsuit. Yes, I am lucky. Penny agreed without enthusiasm. All the same, I'm loaned some for my old coupe. Leaping Lena. I wish I could have kept her. She was traded in on this model. What would you do with that old wreck now, Penny? Nearly every time we went around a corner at broke down. All the same, we had marvelous times with her. This car takes twice as much gasoline. Another thing, while the policeman knew Lena, they never gave her a ticket for anything. Penny sighed deeply. Pocketing the yellow card, she squeezed behind the steering wheel. By the way, whatever became of Lena, Louise asked curiously, slamming the car door. She glanced sharply at penny. Oh, she changed hands twice. Now she's at Jake Haramon's lot advertised for $50. Want to drive past there? Not particularly, but I'll do it for your sake, Pat. As the car started toward the Haramon Carlot, Louise stole an amused glance at her chum. Penny was not unattractive even when submerged in gloom. Upon the slightest provocation, her blue eyes sparkled. Her smile, when she chose to turn it on, would melt a man of stone. She dressed carelessly, brushed a mop of curly golden hair only if it suited her fancy, yet somehow achieved an appearance envied by her friends. The automobile drew up at the curb. There's Lena, Penny pointed to an ancient blue coupe with battered fenders which stood on the crowded second-hand lot. A four-sale sign on the windshield informed the public that the auto might be bought for $40. Lena's value seems to have dropped $10. Commented Louise, my, I had forgotten how wrecky the old thing looks. Don't speak of her so disrespectfully, Lou, all she needs is a good waxing and a little paint. The girls cross the lot to inspect the coop, as they were gazing at it. Jake, the lot owner, cycled toward them, beaming ingratiatingly. Good afternoon young ladies, may I interest you in a car? No thank you, replied Penny, we're just looking. Now here is a fine car, went on the dealer, indicating the coupe. A 1934 model, good mechanical condition, nice rubber, a lively battery and fair paint. You can't go wrong, ladies, not at a price of $40. But will it run? Ask Louise, smothering a giggle. There's thousands of miles of good service left in this little car, ladies, and

the price is only $15 above the junk value. The thought of leaping Lena coming to an englorious end in a junkyard was disconcerting to Penny. She walked slowly about the car, inspecting it from every angle.

$40 is too much for this old wreck, she said firmly. Why penny such disrespect mocked Louise? Penny frowned down her chum. Sentiment and business were two different matters.

What will you give? Inquired the car owner alertly? Not a cent over twenty-five. Louise clutched Penny's arm trying to pull her away. Have you lost your mind?

She demanded.

What would you do with this old car when you already have a new one? Penny did not listen. She kept gazing at the coop as one who has been hypnotized. I'd take it in a minute, only I don't have $25 in cash. How much can you raise? Ask the dealer. Not more than $5 I'm afraid, but my father is publisher of the Riverview Star. Jake Haramann's brows unknitted as if by magic. Anthony Parker's daughter, he said, smiling, that's plenty good enough for me. I'll sell you the best car on the lot for nothing down. Just come inside the office and sign a note for the amount. Will that be okay? Disregarding Louise's whispered protests, Penny assured the dealer that the arrangement would be perfectly satisfactory. The note was signed and five dollars in cash given to bind the bargain. I'll throw in a few gallons of gas, the man offered. However, Jake Haramann's gasoline did not seem suited to leaping Lena's despeptic ignition. She coughed feebly once or twice and then died for the day. You have acquired a bargain I must say, exclaimed Louise. You can't even get the car home. Yes I can," Penny insisted. Al Toher, a little tinkering and she'll be as good as new. You're optimistic to say the least. Laf Louise. produced a steel cable from the toolkit of the Maroon Sedan and Jake Hariman coupled the two cars together. Penny, what will your father say when he learns of this? Louise inquired dubiously, on top of a parking ticket too. Oh, I'll meet that problem when I come to it. Penny answered carelessly. Louise used Steer-Lina, I'll drive the sedan. Shaking her head sadly, Louise climbed into the old car. Although Penny was her dearest friend, she was forced to admit that the girl often did bewildering things. Penny's mother was dead, and for many years she had been raised by a housekeeper, Mrs. Maud Weems. Secretly, Louis wondered if it were not the housekeeper who had been trained. At any rate, Penny enjoyed unusual freedom for a high school girl, and her philosophy of life was summed up in one headline, Action. Penny put the sedan in gear, towing the coupe slowly down the street. The two vehicles traveled several blocks before a hill loomed ahead. Penny considered turning back and then decided that the cars could make the steep climb easily. However, midway up the hill, the sedan suddenly leaped forward as if released from a heavy burden. At the same instant, Lena's horn gave a sharp warning blast. Glancing into the mirror, Penny was horrified to see leaping Lena, curring backwards down the steep slope. The toe rope had unfastened. Bringing the sedan to the curb, she jerked on the handbrake and sprang to the pavement.

Louise, bewildered and frightened, was trying desperately to control the coupe. The car gathered speed, wobbling crazily toward the line of traffic. Guided! Guided! Shouting penny. Put on the brakes!

So confused was Louise that she lost her head completely, straight toward a long black limousine rolled the coop. The chauffeur spun his wheel, but too late. There was a loud crash as the two cars came together. Penny raced down the hill to help her chum from the coop. Were you hurt? She asked anxiously. Louis shook her head wailing. Penny Parker just see what has happened now. You never should have bought this stupid old wreck. Both the chauffeur and an elderly gentleman who carried a cane, allighted from the limousine. With grim faces they surveyed the fender, which had been crushed. The owner is Mr. Cole, Louise Whisperer nervously. You know, President of First National Bank. The banker did not recognize either of the girls. Addressing them both, he made several pointed remarks to the effect that irresponsible young people were very thoughtless to endanger the property of others with their ancient jaloppies. It was entirely my fault, Mr. Cole, answered penny-meekly. Of course, I'll pay for the fender." The banker softened somewhat, gazing at the girls in a thoughtful, more friendly way. "'Aven't I seen you somewhere before?' he asked. "'Oh yes, Mr. Cole,' Penny was quick to press for an advantage. Why? I am one of your best customers. Ever since I was six years old, I've trusted your bank with my savings. I remember you now, said Mr. Cole, smiling, you're the Parker girl. a mental note that Anthony Parker actually was one of the bank's largest depositors. He decided it would be excellent policy to make light of the accident. A moment later, as a policeman came to investigate. He insisted that the incident had been unavoidable and that it would be a mistake to arrest the girls. Mr. Cole, you are noble, absolutely noble. Declared Penny gratefully after the policeman had gone, the least I can do is to pay for the damage. I'll stop at Sherman's garage and have a new fender put on. The banker responded. The bill can be sent to your father. After Mr. Cole had driven away, Louise helped Penny hook the coop to the sedan once more. She remarked, cuttingly, you've done right well today, one parking ticket, a bill for $25 and another one coming up. Just what will your father say? Plenty. Side Penny. I wonder if it might not be good to break the news by easy stages. Perhaps he'll take it more calmly if I telephone. Don't be too sure. The street was a narrow dingy one with few business houses. Noticing a Japanese store, which bore a sign, Kano's Curio shop, she started to order it, intending to seek a public telephone. Louise seized her arm. Penny, where are you going? Well, what's the problem? This is door street, one of the worst places in Riverview. Oh, don't be silly! Chuckled Penny, it's perfectly safe by daylight, I'll go alone if you're afraid. challenged, Louise indignantly denied that she was afraid and accompanied her chum. The door of Mr. Kano's shop stood invitingly open, pausing on the threshold the girls caught a pleasant aroma of sandalwood. So quietly did Louise and Penny enter that the elderly white haired shop owner did not immediately see them. He sat behind a high counter and grossed in something he was sowing. Good afternoon, said Penny, pleasantly. The man glanced up quickly and as quickly thrust his work beneath the counter. pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring pouring we use your telephone if you have one? Penny requested. So sorry, Miss. The man responded, bowing again. I have no telephone. Penny nodded, absolutely fingering a tray of tiny ivory figures. The man watched her, and mistaking curiosity for buying interest, brought additional pieces for her to inspect. The curios were all too expensive for Penny's purse, but after endless debate, she bought a pair of wooden clocks. The shop owner patted away into a backroom, intending to wrap the package for her. Scarsely had he vanished when Penny turned excitedly to her chum. Liu, did you notice how strangely he acted when we came in here? Yes, he didn't want us to see what he was making evidently. Exactly what I thought, but will full Mr. Cono. Giving Louise no opportunity to protest, Penny boldly peered behind the counter. Here it is, she whispered, but what is it?

Hidden in a pay-sport box lay coil upon coil of what appeared to be fine black silk crop. Curiously, she lifted it up, exposing a network of crossbars. Well of all things, she exclaimed, it's a ladder, Lou.

A ladder made of silk. Chapter 2, a rope of silk. Even as Penny spoke, she felt a hard warning tug on her skirt. Quickly, she turned around. In the doorway, stood the old man. His smile was not pleasant to behold. We were just looking at this rope. Penny stammered, trying to carry off the situation with dignity, I hope you don't mind. The Japanese shopkeeper gaze steadily at the girl, his face, a mask. Since he spoke no word, it became increasingly evident that he regarded her with suspicion. May I ask what use is made of this silk rope, Penny inquired, do you sell it for a special purpose? The man coldly ignored the direct questions. So sorry to have kept you waiting. He said softly. Your change please. Penny knew that she deserved the rebuke, accepting the package and coins. She and Louise hastily left the shop. Not until they were some distance away, did the latter speak. Penny, you would do a trick like that. One of these days your curiosity will get us into serious trouble. At least I learned what was hidden behind the counter, chuckled Penny. But that man didn't seem very eager to answer my questions.

Can you blame him? It certainly was none of our affair when he kept inside the box. Perhaps not Lou, but you must admit he acted strangely when we first entered the shop. You know, as if we had surprised him in a questionable act. He naturally was startled. We came in so quietly. All the same. I'm not one bit sorry I look behind the counter. Penny maintained. I like to learn things. I agree with you there. Liu, what purpose do you suppose silk ladders serve? Who uses them and why? Now, how should I know? Penny, you ask enough questions to be master of ceremonies on a radio quiz program. I can't recall ever having seen a silk ladder before. Penny resumed undisturbed by her Chums quip. Would acrobats use them, do you think? Not to my knowledge, Louise answered. If I were in your shoes, I should worry about more serious matters than those connected with a mere silk ladder. The world is filled with serious things, sight penny, but mystery one doesn't run into it every day. You do," said Louise Brutally, if a stranger twitches his ears twice you immediately suspect him of villainy. Nevertheless, being of a suspicious nature won me a new car.

Penny defended herself. Don't forget Dad gave it to me for solving a mystery, for telling his newspaper readers what was going on behind the green door. Oh, your curiosity has paid dividends. is admitted with a laugh. Take for instance the time you trailed the vanishing houseboat. And again when you lowered the Kippenberg drawbridge to capture a boatload of crux, those were the days. Why dwell in the past, Lou? Now take this affair of the silk ladder. I'm afraid you'll have to take it." Louise interrupted. Do you realize it's nearly four o'clock? In exactly ten minutes, I am supposed to be at the auditorium for orchestra practice. Lou, you can't desert me now. Penny protested quickly. How will I get Lena home?

I need you to steer her." Thanks, but I don't trust your tow rope. At least go as far as the star office with me. Once there, maybe I can get one of the reporters to help me the rest of the way. Oh, alright, Louise consented, but the star office is my absolute limit. Deciding not to take time to telephone her father, Penny once more climbed into the Maroon Sedan, posting Louise behind the wheel of the coop. At a cautious speed, the two cars proceeded along the street, coming presently to a large corner building which housed the riverview star. No parking space being available on the street, Penny pulled into the newspaper plants loading dock. Say you shouted a man who was tossing stacks of freshly inked papers into a truck. You can't park that caravan in here. Penny's eyes danced mischievously. Oh, it's quite alright, she said. I guess you don't know who I am. Sure, I do, the trucker grand, but your dad gave orders that the next time you tried to pull that daughter of the publisher stuff we were to bounce you. This stalk is for star trucks." "'Why, the very idea,' said Penny, with pretended injury. The night edition doesn't roll for an hour, and I'll be away from here by then. Besides, this is a great emergency when dad hears about all the trouble I'm in, a little matter such as this won't even ruffle him. Okay, chase along, the trucker returned good naturedly, but see to it that you're out of here within an hour. Penny Bade Louise goodbye, and with plaid skirts swinging jauntily, crossed the cement runway to the rear elevator entrance. Without waiting for the cage to descend, she took the steps too at a time, arriving at the editorial floor gasping for breath. What's your rush, inquired in a mused voice, going to a fire? Jerry Livingston, ace reporter for the star, leaned indolently against the grill work of the elevator shaft. His finger pressed on the signal button. He and Penny were friends of long-standing. Oh, hello, Jerry. Penny greeted him breathlessly. Guess what? I've just come from Door Straight, Conno's Curio Shop, and I had the most amazing adventure. I can imagine, Grin Jerry, if you breeze through the place the way you do this building, you must have left it in ruins. Just for that I won't tell you a thing, not a thing, retorted Penny. What sort of mood is Dad in today? Well, I heard him tell DeWitt that unless the news output improves on this sheet, he aims to fire half the force. Sounds like Dad on one of his bad days. Penny sighed. Maybe I should skip home without seeing him. Trouble with the old allowance again? Jerry asked sympathetically. You don't know the half of it. I'm submerged so deeply in debt that I'll be an old lady before I get out unless dad comes to the rescue. Well, good luck, Chuckle Jerry, you'll need it.

Walking through the newsroom between aisles of desks where busy reporters tapped on their typewriters Penny paused before a door marked, Anthony Parker, editor. Listening a moment and hearing no voices within, she knocked and entered. Her father, a lean, dignified man, with tired lines about his eyes and mouth, sat working at his desk. He smiled as he saw his daughter and waved her toward a chair. dead. Penny perched herself on a corner of the desk. Dad, I have a splendid surprise for you. She began brightly. I've just accomplished a wonderful stroke of business. remind beating about the bush. Interrupted Mr. Parker, shoot me the facts straight. What have you done this time? Dad, your tone. I've bought back my old car, leaping Lena, and it only cost me a trifling sum. You've done what? It's a long story, Dad. Now don't think that I'll fail to appreciate the grand new car you gave me last winter. I love it. But between Lena and me, there exists a deep bond of affection. Today when I saw her on Jake Haramon's lot, looking so weather-beaten and unhappy, why a little voice inside me whispered, Penny, why don't you buy her back?

So I did. you