“I’ll pay you back in just a few days, Penny. Honest I will.”
“I’ll help you out of your jam,” Penny agreed unwillingly, “but something tells me I shouldn’t do it. Your parents—”
“Don’t say anything to them about it,” Jack pleaded. “My father gives me a good allowance, and if he knew I had spent all of it ahead, he’d have a fit.”
Penny went to her room for the money, returning with four crisp five dollar bills. She had planned to buy a new dress but now it must wait.
“Thanks,” Jack said gratefully, fairly snatching the money from her hand. “Oh, yes, another favor—please don’t mention to my folks that anyone was here today.”
“Who is the man, Jack?”
“Oh, just a fellow I met.” The boy started moving away. Penny, however, pursued him down the path.
“Not so fast, Jack. Since I have a financial interest in your affairs now, it’s only fair that I ask a few questions. Did you meet this man at the Harpers?”
“What if I did?”
“Now you’re in debt to him and he’s pressing you for money. You don’t want your parents to know.”