Between Hobostein and Delta there was only one highway over which a car could pass. The arrival of newspaper men led Penny to believe that this road now was open.
“Dad told me to keep a sharp watch for Salt Sommers,” she said to Louise. “Let’s post ourselves by the road where we can see incoming cars.”
“What about the pictures we planned to take here?”
“I do want to snap one or two,” Penny admitted. “It’s embarrassing though, just to walk up to a group and ask to take a picture.”
As the girls debated, the door swung open. Into the already over-crowded room stumbled a new group of refugees.
Suddenly Penny’s gaze fastened upon a haggard woman who looked grotesque in a man’s overcoat many sizes too large for her. The face was half-buried in the high collar, and she could not see it plainly. Then the woman turned, and Penny recognized her.
“Mrs. Burmaster!” she cried.
The woman stared at the two girls with leaden eyes. She did not seem to recognize them.
“Oh, we’re so glad you’re safe!” Penny cried, rushing to her. “Your husband?”
Mrs. Burmaster’s lips moved, but no sound came. She seemed stunned by what she had gone through.