Police had been unsuccessful in apprehending any of the persons responsible for the explosion, and the story had died out of the newspapers.
After working for a week at the Star, Penny was tired in body and worn in mind. However, she was beginning to enjoy the routine. To receive her first hard-earned pay check gave her a real thrill of pleasure.
Louise Sidell, a school girl friend who lived near the Parker home, asked Penny how she planned to spend the money.
“I think I’ll have the check framed,” Penny laughed.
She and Louise were sitting on the front steps of the Parker home, watching a chattering squirrel on the lawn. It was a warm, sunny day with scarcely a cloud coasting around in the azure sky.
“Wish we could have a picnic or go to the country,” Louise commented wistfully.
“Why not?” Penny asked, getting up. “I intended to drive to the waterfront this morning and see how Ben Bartell is making out. Then we could go out into the country from there.”
“Who is Ben Bartell?” Louise inquired with interest.
Penny related her experience near the Snark, telling of the stranger who had been given shelter by the newspaper reporter.
“Ben probably has learned all about him by this time,” she added. “Shall we stop there?”