The man bore the orphan in his arms to a grassy spot on shore. Stretching her out there, he hesitated an instant, and then before the crowd could surround him, darted quickly away toward the woods.
“Wait!” Penny shouted, wading through the shallow water.
The man heard, but paid no heed. He entered the forest and was lost to view.
“That was Clem Davis!” Penny thought tensely. “I’m sure of it!”
Before she could reach Adelle, other persons had gathered around the child. Clyde Blake pushed through the crowd.
“What is this?” he inquired. “What has happened?”
As the man bent over Adelle, the little girl opened her eyes, gazing directly into his face. For a moment she stared at him in a bewildered way. Then, struggling to a sitting position, she pointed an accusing finger.
“You are the one!” she whispered shakily. “You’re the man whose car killed my Mother and Daddy!”
CHAPTER
19
TRAILING A FUGITIVE
Adelle’s accusation brought a murmur of consternation and shocked surprise from the crowd. Mr. Blake, however, seemed undisturbed. Dropping on his knees, he supported Adelle and wrapped his coat about her trembling shoulders.