A mask-like expression came over Mr. Cordell’s face. He waited for Penny to continue.
“You discharged Ben, I believe. He’s had a very hard time ever since.”
“Indeed? Is he a friend of yours?”
“In a way. I feel sorry for him and I want to find newspaper work for him.”
“Then why doesn’t your father give him a job on the Star?”
Penny was prepared for the question. “I think my father would if he were assured that Ben had done nothing so very dishonorable. That’s why I came to you. Why was he discharged?”
“Unfortunately, I can’t reply to that question. Nor can I assure you that Ben was discharged on a trivial offense. The opposite is true.”
“But what did he do?”
Mr. Cordell arose. “I am sorry, I can’t discuss it, Miss Parker. If you will excuse me for saying so, I think the matter really is not your concern. My advice would be to leave Ben Bartell entirely alone. He sent you here, I suppose?”
“Indeed, he didn’t.”