In the dark bird room of the ark, Penny and Louise squirmed and twisted. Though they thumped their feet on the floor, the sound conveyed no hint of their plight to those on shore.
Mr. Parker called a cheery good night to Wessler. For a few minutes the girls heard the sound of retreating footsteps in the underbrush. Then all was still save for the restless stirring of the birds.
CHAPTER
23
HELP FROM NOAH
A long while later, Jard Wessler and his companion reentered the cabin where Penny and Louise were imprisoned. After removing the tape from the girls’ lips, and freeing them of their uncomfortable bonds, they went outside again.
“At least they’re not trying to torture us,” Louise said, close to tears. “Oh, Penny, your father believes we’ve gone home! Now we’ll never be found.”
“Not in time to save the bridge, that’s certain,” her chum agreed gloomily.
Getting up from the floor, Penny groped her way to the covered porthole. She stumbled against a box and there was a loud tinkle of glass.
“Noah’s bottles!” she exclaimed, exasperated. “Where do you suppose the old fellow has taken himself?”
“Maybe the sheriff got him.”
“I doubt it,” returned Penny. “He probably just went off somewhere.”