CHAPTER XI
PEN'S HAND IS FORCED
It was a justly aggrieved father that Pen found awaiting her in the dining-room.
"Half-past eight!" he said. "Where on earth have you been!"
Pen was quiet and starry-eyed with happiness. It didn't matter much to her what she said. But she rather wished to avoid a scene. She juggled with the truth a little.
"Mr. Delehanty wanted me to help him with the search."
"Delehanty! ... Wanted you!" he said amazed. It was too much for him.
"And Mr. Riever," Pen added as an afterthought.
The magic name mollified him a little. "Hum! Ha! ... Well, if Riever knew ... What suddenly started you off on this tack?"
"I want this business over with!"