“Some of the reporters might not like it,” Mr. DeWitt admitted, “but who’s running this paper anyhow?”
“I often wonder,” sighed Mr. Parker.
Detecting signs of a weakening, Penny appealed to Mr. DeWitt. “Wouldn’t I be a help to you if I were on the staff?” she urged.
“Why, sure,” he agreed cautiously.
“There, you see, Dad! Mr. DeWitt wants me!”
“Penny, it’s a personnel problem,” her father explained with growing impatience. “The other reporters might not consider you a welcome addition to the staff. You would expect favors.”
“I never would!”
“We need her,” said Mr. DeWitt significantly. “We really do.”
With two against him, Mr. Parker suddenly gave in.
“All right,” he agreed. “Penny, we’ll put you on as a cub reporter. That means you’ll start as a beginner with a beginner’s salary and do routine work until you’ve proved your merit. You’ll expect no special consideration. Is that understood?”