Supper was not elaborate but Penny thought she had never tasted better food. The catfish was crisp and brown, and there were French fried potatoes and a salad to go with it. For dessert, Captain Barker brought a huge watermelon from the refrigerator, and they split it three ways.
“It’s fun living on a ferryboat!” Penny declared enthusiastically as she and Sally washed the dishes. “I can’t see why you ever would want to work in a factory when you can live such a carefree life here.”
The remark was carelessly made. Penny regretted it instantly for she saw the smile leave Sally’s face.
“I worked at the factory because I wanted to help make airplanes, and because Pop can’t afford to give me much money,” she explained quietly. “It was all a mistake. I realize that now.”
“I’m sorry,” Penny apologized, squeezing her hand. “I didn’t mean to be so stupid. As far as your discharge is concerned, you’ll be cleared.”
“How?”
“Mr. Gandiss has detectives working on the case.”
“Detectives!” Sally gave a snort of disgust. “Why, everyone in the plant knows who they are!”
After dishes were done, the girls went on deck. Protected from the night breezes by warm lap rugs, they sat listening to the lallup of the waves against the River Queen. Captain Barker’s pipe kept the mosquitoes away and he talked reminiscently of his days as a boy on the waterfront.
Presently, the blast of a motorboat engine cut the stillness of the night. Sally, straightening in her chair, listened intently.