“Why, it was your own suggestion that we stop for gasoline,” Penny reminded him. “I shouldn’t have minded taking a chance myself. You see, the gauge is usually at least a gallon off.”
“Anyway, I would rather pay for it than have you siphon it out of my car.”
“Thanks for the present,” laughed Penny.
Dinner was waiting by the time they reached home. Afterwards, Penny helped Mrs. Weems with the dishes while her father mowed the lawn. Hearing the telephone ring he came to the kitchen door.
“Was that a call for me?” he asked.
“No, Dad, it was for Mrs. Weems.”
“Strange DeWitt doesn’t call,” Mr. Parker said. “I believe I’ll telephone him.”
After Mrs. Weems had finished with the phone he called the newspaper office only to be told that Jerry Livingston had not put in an appearance.
“At least he might have communicated with the office,” Mr. Parker said as he hung up the receiver.
He went back to lawn mowing but paused now and then to stare moodily toward the Kobalt river which wound through the valley far below the terrace. Penny finished drying the dishes and went outside to join him.