“Our tickets read ‘Tate’s Beach.’”
“Well, Tate’s Beach must do without us this summer,” Mr. Parker snapped, picking up his suitcase. “I’ve had my fill of this! We’ll spend the night in a hotel, then start for Riverview on the early morning train.”
“Do you know Mr. Gandiss well?” Penny inquired, stalling for time.
“He advertises in the Star, and we played golf together occasionally when he came to Riverview. I must have been crazy to accept an invitation to come here!”
“Oh, we’ll have a good time if only we can get to the island, Dad.”
“I can’t figure out exactly why Gandiss invited us,” Mr. Parker added thoughtfully. “He has something in mind besides entertainment, but what it is, I haven’t been able to guess.”
“How about hiring a boat?” Penny suggested.
Her father debated, then shook his head. “No, if Gandiss doesn’t think enough of his guests to meet them, then he can do without us. Come on, we’re leaving!”
Never noted for an even temper or patience, the publisher strode down the dock.
“Wait, Dad!” Penny called excitedly. “I think someone may be coming for us now!”