“I want Ben’s watch.”
The man started on down the road, but Louise and Penny stood their ground, blocking his way.
“I want the watch!” Penny repeated firmly. “If you won’t give it up, I’ll report you to the police.”
“Oh, you will, eh?” The man whirled toward her, his face convulsed with anger. “You’ll get no watch from me, but here’s something to teach you to mind your own business!”
With a cruel laugh, he pushed her so hard that she sprawled backwards into the ditch.
CHAPTER
13
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS
“Are you hurt, Penny?” Rushing to her chum, Louise helped her out of the ditch where she had fallen.
“No!” Angrily, Penny brushed dust from her slacks. “But I’m as mad as a hornet! If that man thinks he can push me around—”
Already Webb was well down the road, walking at a leisurely but arrogant pace.
“Forget it, forget it,” Louise soothed. “We’d get no place picking a quarrel with a man like that. Anyway, you more or less accused him of thievery.”