“No, stay here,” Penny said firmly. “I’m not afraid to go alone. I only hope you get along all right with your guest.”
Ben followed her outside the shack.
“Don’t worry,” he said, once beyond hearing of the stranger. “This fellow is a tough hombre, but I know how to handle him. If he tries to get rough, I’ll heave him out.”
“I never saw such ingratitude, Ben. After you risked your life to save him—”
“He’s just a dock rat,” the reporter said carelessly.
“Even so, why should he refuse to answer questions?”
“Obviously, he’s mixed up in some mess and doesn’t dare talk, Penny. I’ve always had my suspicions about the Snark and her owners.”
“What do you mean, Ben?”
Before the reporter could answer, there came a thumping from inside the shack. Welcoming the interruption, Ben turned quickly to re-enter.
“Can’t tell you now,” he said hurriedly. “We’ll talk some other time. So long, and don’t worry about anything.”