“It’s too late to warn the towns directly below Delta!” Penny gasped. “But there still may be time to get a message through to Hobostein. In any case, we must get help here!”
“But how?” Louise asked hopelessly. “Any wires that were left standing must have been torn away when the bridge went.”
Penny gazed again toward the Delta depot. Between it and the hillside ran a fast-moving stretch of water, yet separated from the main body of the racing flood.
“If only I could get over to the station, I might somehow send a message!”
“Don’t be crazy!” Louise remonstrated. “You haven’t a chance to cross that stretch of water!”
“I think I could. I’m a pretty fair swimmer.”
“But the current is so swift.”
“There’s a certain amount of risk,” Penny admitted soberly. “But we can’t stand here and wait. Someone must do something to bring help.”
“Don’t do it, Penny!” Louise pleaded. “Please!”
Penny hesitated, but only for an instant. She understood perfectly that if she misjudged the strength of the current it would sweep her down—perhaps carry her along into the main body of water. Once in the grip of that angry torrent, no one could hope to battle against it.