“There’s no fairness around here,” Elda complained in a whine. “I’ve worked over a year. What do I have to show for it? Not even a raise.”
Penny did not try to tell the girl it was her own fault, that her attitude toward her work was entirely wrong. Elda must learn for herself.
Not until Wednesday did Penny have a chance to ask her father if he had traced Major Bryan.
“To tell you the truth, the matter slipped my mind,” he confessed ruefully. “I’ve had one conference after another all day long. Tomorrow I’ll certainly try to find him.”
Penny reminded him of his promise on the following day. Mr. Parker, after telephoning several places, found the major registered at the St. Regis Hotel, not far from the Parker home. However, the army officer had left for the day, and was not expected to return before nightfall.
“Oh, dear,” fretted Penny, “that may be too late. If Professor Bettenridge is successful in his demonstration tonight, he may rake in Mr. Johnson’s money and skip town before the major even sees him.”
“It’s unlikely the professor will leave without cashing the check, Penny. And banks will not be open until nine o’clock tomorrow.”
“I’d feel safer to have police take over,” Penny sighed. “If only we could prove charges against Bettenridge!”
“He hasn’t swindled anyone yet,” her father reminded her. “Learn what you can tonight, and if the sale goes through, we’ll then turn him over to the police.”
“It may be too late then.”