“Anthony Parker,” the publisher murmured. “Yes, that’s it! Now there’s another matter that troubles me. I had a brief case—”
“It was stolen by those men who took you away,” Penny supplied eagerly. “Dad, if only you could remember what those lost papers contained, we’d expose the entire tire-theft gang!”
Mr. Parker thought for a long while, then shook his head.
“Mind’s a blank, Penny. What does the doctor say? Is there a chance my memory ever will return?”
“Of course,” returned Penny heartily. “You’ve already recalled a number of important things. Me, for instance! Doctor Greer thinks that with rest, events will gradually return to mind. Or another shock, perhaps a blow somewhat similar to the one you had, might bring everything back.”
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Mr. Parker joked. “Go get the sledge hammer!”
“It’s not that easy, I’m afraid.”
“I’m afraid not, either,” sighed Mr. Parker wearily. “Guess I’ll sleep some more now. I feel pretty tired.”
During the days that followed, the publisher made a slow but steady recovery. At first Penny did not worry him by mentioning how matters had gone at the Star office. Only after Mr. Parker was well enough to spend several hours a day at the plant, did she reveal how Harley Schirr had sought to establish himself as editor of the paper.
“That fellow!” exclaimed Mr. Parker in annoyance. “Why, I meant to discharge him and he knew it. I have evidence in my safe showing that Schirr accepted money from a local politician.”