“There, there, my poor child,” he said soothingly. “You are quite upset, and for good reason.”
“Don’t touch me,” Adelle shivered, cringing away. “You’re mean and cruel!”
By this time, Miss Anderson and other officials of the Riverview Home had reached the scene. Somewhat sternly they tried to silence the child.
“She doesn’t know what she is saying,” Miss Anderson apologized to Mr. Blake. “Adelle has been very nervous since she was in an automobile accident.”
“I quite understand,” the real estate man responded. “The child must have a change of clothing, and no doubt, medical care. May I send her to the Home in my car?”
“Why, that is very kind of you, I am sure,” Miss Anderson said gratefully.
With every appearance of concern, Mr. Blake picked Adelle up in his arms and carried her away. Penny was kept busy helping bundle up the other children who had been rescued from the water. None the worse for the misadventure, they too were taken to Mr. Blake’s car.
“Here, put on my coat before you freeze,” Louise said anxiously to Penny after the automobile had sped away. “We must start home at once.”
“I don’t want to go now!” Penny protested. “Did you notice that man who pulled Adelle from the water?”
“He looked like a tramp. I wonder what made him run away?”