“Not while I’ve been at the desk.”
The information convinced Penny she had not misjudged the professor. She now was satisfied he never had arranged with Navy officers to inspect his ray machine. Instead, he had misinformed Mr. Johnson, no doubt hoping to impress him that others were interested in the invention.
Quickly leaving the hotel, Penny hastened on to the news office. As she passed near the loading platform, Salt hailed her from a car parked there.
“Here I am,” he called.
Penny slid into the front seat beside him, apologizing for being late.
“That’s okay,” returned Salt, shifting into gear. “But we haven’t much time unless we hurry. You know the way, don’t you?”
“I do by daylight. And I think I can find the farmhouse, even if it should get dark before we reach there.”
Salt was a fast and very skillful driver. He chose the less frequented streets and soon they were in the open. They made excellent time, reaching their destination just as it began to grow dark.
“How shall we explain to the professor?” Penny inquired dubiously as the photographer parked the car under an oak tree along the highway. “He may think it strange that I returned.”
“Let him,” said Salt, unconcerned. “I’m here to get my camera.”