“Then there’s no way to get my story out?”
“I suggest that you place your call in the usual way,” Mr. Nordwall instructed. “I’ll tell our Long Distance Chief Operator to put it ahead of everything except relief work messages.”
Penny obeyed the manager’s suggestion. However, she and Louise both knew that there was slight chance the call would go through in time to do any good.
“No use waiting around here,” Penny said gloomily. “The wire won’t even be set up before noon.”
Leaving the telephone building, the girls sloshed back toward the railroad. Suddenly Louise drew Penny’s attention to an airplane flying low overhead. It flew so close to the ground that they could read “United Press,” on the wings.
“Well, it looks as if the news boys are moving in,” Penny observed. “Probably taking photographs of the flood.”
The airplane circled Delta and then vanished eastward. Walking on, the girls met an armed soldier who passed them without a glance.
“The National Guard,” Penny commented. “That means a road is open.”
“And it means that help is here at last!” Louise cried. “Property will be protected now and some order will be established!”
Penny remained silent.