“Oh, I don’t,” he denied hastily. “I merely heard the rumor around the office.”
Penny made no reply. As the silence became noticeable, the assistant editor murmured that he would return to see Mr. Parker later and left the office.
Penny glared at the man’s retreating back. Even more intensely than before, she disliked Harley Schirr.
“The old sneak cat!” she thought. “I’ll bet a cent he’s been listening at the door or prying in Dad’s papers! I’m sure no rumors have been circulating around the office.”
The telephone rang. Automatically Penny took down the receiver.
“Mr. Parker?” inquired a masculine voice.
“He’s not here now. This is his daughter speaking. May I take a message?”
“No message,” said the purring voice. “Mr. Parker may hear from me later.”
“Who is this, please?” asked Penny quickly.
There was no answer, only the click of a receiver being hung on its hook.