Penny gave an injured sniff. “Have it your own way. But it wasn’t a log. I guess I can tell an alligator when I see one.”
“If you’re actually right,” Salt said unmoved, “I’d like to have snapped a picture of it. You know, this story might develop into something big.”
“I have a feeling it will, Salt.”
“If Atherwald really has disappeared it should create a sensation!”
“And if the poor fellow had the misfortune to fall or be pushed into the lily pool Dad wouldn’t have headlines large enough to carry it!”
“Say, get a grip on yourself,” Salt advised. “The Riverview Star prints fact, not fancy.”
“That’s because so many of Dad’s reporters are stodgy old fellows,” laughed Penny. “But I’ll admit it isn’t very likely Grant Atherwald was devoured by the alligator.”
The car had reached Corbin. Salt drew up in front of a drug store.
“Run in and telephone DeWitt,” he said, opening the door for her. “And remember, stick to facts.”
Penny was a little frightened as she entered the telephone booth and placed a long distance call to the Riverview Star. She never failed to feel nervous when she talked with DeWitt, the city editor, for he was not a very pleasant individual.