“Any time now. But I’m sure he won’t let you tag along.”
“We’ll see if we can change his mind,” Penny grinned, reaching for the telephone. Disregarding her father’s frown, she called the photographer at the Star office. Salt was leaving for Red Valley in twenty minutes, and he willingly agreed to take two passengers.
“There, you see!” Penny cried triumphantly, slamming the receiver into its hook.
“I don’t like the idea,” Mr. Parker grumbled. “Let’s hear what Mrs. Weems has to say.”
The housekeeper, it developed, had a great deal to say. Penny, however, was equal to all arguments. So eloquently did she plead her case that Mrs. Weems weakened.
“You’ve wanted an old spinning wheel for months,” Penny reminded her. “While I’m at Red Valley I’ll get one for you.”
“It seems to me I’ve heard that argument before,” Mrs. Weems said dryly.
“I didn’t get a chance to see about it when I was there last time,” Penny hastened on. “This time I’ll make it a point, I promise. I’m pretty sure I can get the one Silas Malcom has.”
“If you must go, please don’t distract Salt with spinning wheels,” Mr. Parker said crossly. “Or Headless Horseman rot. Remember, he has a job to do.”
“Lou and I will help him,” Penny laughed. “Just wait and see!”