The reporter made not the slightest response. Penny told herself that Jerry was only trying to plague her, yet she could not leave without being absolutely certain.
Though annoyed at herself for such weakness, she walked across the room to jerk aside the decorative screen.
Jerry lay flat on his back, eyelids closed. A slight gash was visible on the side of his head where the skin was bruised.
One glance convinced Penny that the reporter was not shamming this time. Obviously, he had been knocked unconscious, perhaps by a fall.
“Jerry!” she cried, seizing his hand which was cold to the touch.
Badly frightened, Penny darted to the door and called loudly for help.
Without waiting to learn if anyone had heard her cry, she rushed back to Jerry. On the dressing table nearby stood a pitcher of water and a glass.
Wetting a handkerchief, Penny pressed it to the reporter’s forehead. It seemed to produce no effect. In desperation, she then poured half a glass of water over his face.
To her great relief, Jerry sputtered and his eyelids fluttered open.
“For crying out loud!” he muttered. “What you trying to do? Drown me?”