Jack brought the boat in. Leaping ashore, he asked Penny to fasten the ropes. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he flung at her as he strode off.
It took time to make the craft secure. When Penny glanced up from her work, Jack and the stranger had disappeared behind the boathouse.
“Queer how fast Jack ducked out of here,” she thought.
More than a little annoyed by the boy’s behavior, Penny started up the gravel path to the house. Midway there she heard footsteps, and turning, saw Jack hastening after her.
“Penny—” he began diffidently.
She waited for him to go on.
“I hate to ask this,” he said uncomfortably, “but how are you fixed for money?”
“I have a little. Dad gave me a fairly large sum to spend when we came here.”
“Could you let me have twenty dollars? It would only be a loan for a few days. I—I wouldn’t ask it, only I need it badly.”
“Dad only gave me twenty-five, Jack.”