But Penny had not forgotten. It troubled her that Salt’s camera remained missing. When he came to the desk to drop a handful of finished pictures, she asked him what he had learned.
“Haven’t been able to trace the car yet,” he answered. “But we’ll locate it eventually. Don’t worry about it, Penny.”
The morning wore on. She saw Elda Hunt read Jerry’s letter on the bulletin board, and later giggle and laugh as she talked with other girls in the office.
“That little witch said something uncomplimentary about me!” Penny thought. “If I weren’t the publisher’s daughter, I certainly would tangle with her! Maybe I will yet!”
At twelve o’clock, she put on her hat, intending to go to lunch. As she turned toward the wooden barrier gate, she saw that the receptionist was talking to a male visitor.
“I don’t know the name of the girl,” she heard him say distinctly, “but she saved my life. I know she works on the Star and I want to thank her.”
He turned then and saw her. “Why, she looks like the one my wife described!” he exclaimed.
“Mr. McClusky!” Penny greeted him, extending her hand. “I’m so glad you’re up and around today. How do you feel?”
“Fine!” he boomed in a voice which carried to every desk in the room. “Thanks to you. Aren’t you the girl who saved my life?”
“I asked the police to take you to the Yarmouth if that’s what you mean,” Penny said self-consciously. “As for saving your life—”