Then without warning the Icicle struck something frozen in the ice. Before Penny could make a move, the runners leaped from the surface. The boat tilted to a sharp angle, and went over.
Penny felt herself sliding. Snow filled her mouth, the sleeves of her coat. Her cap hung over one ear. Laughing shakily, she scrambled to her feet.
“Are you all right, Dad?” she called anxiously.
Then she saw him. Mr. Parker was sprawled flat on the ice a few yards away. He did not move. Terrified, she ran to him and grasped his arm.
“Dad! Speak to me!”
Mr. Parker stirred slightly. He raised a hand and rubbed his head. Slowly he pulled himself to a sitting position.
“Penny—” he mumbled, staring at her.
“Yes, Dad.”
“It’s come to me—in a flash!”
“What has, Dad?” Penny asked, wondering how badly her father had been stunned.