“Didn’t he have a reason for being so late?”
The cage stopped with a jerk. “Sure, Mose had a pip this time! Something about being detained by a ghost! Schirr didn’t go for it at all. Swelled up like a poisoned pup and fired Mose on the spot.”
“I’m sorry,” Penny replied. “Dad liked Mose a lot.”
“Any news from your father?”
Penny shook her head. As far as possible she was determined to keep her troubles to herself. Turning to leave the cage, she inquired:
“Where is Mose now? At home?”
“He’s down in the boiler room, sittin’ by the furnace. Says he’s afraid to go home for fear his old lady will give him the works.”
“Will you please ask Mose to wait there for me?” Penny requested. “I want to talk to him before he leaves the building.”
“I’ll be glad to tell him,” the janitor said. Hesitating, he added: “If you’ve got any influence with Schirr, you might speak a good word for me.”
“Why for you?” smiled Penny. “Surely your job is safe.”