Tale of the Witch Doll by Mildred A. Wirt

Author:Mildred A. Wirt
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781434430113
Publisher: Penny Parker Press
Published: 2011-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

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CHAPTER 14

DISTURBING NEWS

Helene Harmon could not hide a look of dismay as she recognized Penny.

"Well, I scarcely expected to meet you so soon either," she laughed self consciously. "I--I came here trying to find a dentist."

"I'm afraid you're in the wrong building and the wrong street," replied Penny. "There are no dentists in this neighborhood."

"The lower floor of this building is vacant," explained Mrs. Weems. "Osandra occupies the rooms above."

"Just at the moment I doubt that The Great Osandra would be in a mood to receive visitors," Penny added with a chuckle. "But then, I don't suppose you're interested in seeing him either."

"No--no, of course not," the dancer stammered.

"Is your tooth paining you a great deal?" inquired Mrs. Weems sympathetically. "I know a very good dentist on Glenmore Avenue."

"The pain has let up since I left the theatre. Perhaps I'll not bother today."

Miss Harmon was so ill at ease that Penny wondered if she had intended to visit a dentist at all. She firmly believed that the dancer had meant to call upon the medium.

Reluctantly, the young woman turned away from the stairs.

"I had planned to run over to the theatre and see you this afternoon," Penny remarked, as the three walked along together. "You said over the telephone that the witch doll had been returned. Tell me all about it."

"There is absolutely nothing more to tell. After we threw the doll in the river, I returned to my hotel. Later when I went to the theatre, the witch doll was lying on my dresser."

"The very same doll?"

"Yes, it's uncanny."

"I've heard of queer things, but never anything like that," Penny declared. "How could that doll have been recovered from the river and delivered back to you? It just isn't possible."

"I can show you the doll."

"Did you ask the doorman if he had seen anyone enter your dressing room?"

"Yes, and you know I keep the room locked. Since my necklace disappeared, I do not take any chances."

"Does your maid have a key?"

"No," Miss Harmon answered. "Upon occasion I have given it to her, however."

"Then I suppose she knows where you keep it?"

"I imagine she does, but Felice could not be responsible for the witch doll appearing in my room. No person could have accomplished such a thing."

"If you are suggesting that magical forces have been at work, I am afraid I can't agree," Penny smiled. "I'd toss that silly doll out the window again and forget it."

"Easily said, but not so easily accomplished. Miss Parker, I worry constantly. Last night I couldn't sleep a wink. I feel as if I were under an evil spell."

Penny relapsed into a meditative silence. She did not wonder that the dancer was disturbed by the recent happenings. In reviewing the events which had occurred since the witch doll came into the young woman's possession, it would be natural for a superstitious person to attribute them to supernatural causes.

"Either someone is playing a cruel hoax upon her," Penny reflected, "or sinister forces are at work.

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