Turning, she ran down the walk toward the river, only to stop short as she reached the boat dock. The drawbridge was in open position and the old watchman did not appear to be at his usual post. She had no way of reaching the mainland.
CHAPTER
12
FISHERMAN’S LUCK
Penny looked anxiously about for a means of crossing the river. There were no small boats available and the only person who stood on the opposite shore was Jerry Livingston. The other reporters and photographers, evidently tiring of their long vigil, had gone away.
She cupped her hands and shouted to Jerry: “How am I going to get over there? Can you lower the bridge?”
“The mechanism is locked,” called back the reporter. “And the watchman won’t be back for an hour.”
Penny walked a short distance up the shore searching for a boat. The only available craft was the large launch which she could not hope to operate. She might return to the house and appeal to Miss Kippenberg but such a course was not to her liking.
As she considered whether or not to ruin her clothing by swimming across, Jerry called her attention to a small boat some distance up the river. The boy who was fishing from it obligingly rowed ashore after Penny had signaled him.
“I’ll give you fifty cents to ferry me across,” she offered.
“I’ll be glad to do it,” he agreed.
Penny stepped into the boat and then asked: “Aren’t you the same lad I saw here yesterday?”