“Red Valley needs help. The only way to get it is by arousing the public. Do I wire your father ‘yes’ or ‘no’?”
“Make it ‘yes,’” Penny decided. “Tell Dad I’ll try to have something for him in an hour.”
“You’ll need longer than that,” Quigley advised. “Anyhow, it’s apt to be several hours before we get a special wire through.”
While the agent sent the message, Penny searched the office for pencil and paper.
“You won’t get far without shoes,” Quigley said over his shoulder. “What became of yours?”
“Left them over on the hillside.”
“Well, you can’t go back for them now,” Quigley replied, gazing ruefully through the window at the racing torrent which separated the station from the high hill. “Let’s see what we can find for you.”
He rummaged through the closet and came upon a pair of boots which looked nearly small enough for Penny.
“We had a boy who wore those when he worked here,” he explained. “See if they’ll do. And here’s my coat.”
“Oh, I can’t take it,” Penny protested. “You’ll need it yourself.”