“But why drive so far?” protested Louise. “I’m sure we could dispose of it right here, and much quicker.”
“Oh, I have a special reason for going to see Seth,” Penny answered carelessly. “I’ll tell you about it on the way there.”
From her chum’s manner, Louise deducted that something interesting lay ahead. She had learned, frequently to her sorrow, that Penny enjoyed interviewing unusual characters and engaging in amazing activities. Only a few months earlier, the girls had operated their own newspaper in an abandoned downtown building with results which were still the talk of Riverview. Another time they had attended a society wedding on an island guarded by a drawbridge, and had ended by using the drawbridge as a means of capturing a boatload of crooks. In fact, Louise took delight in remarking that if ever her chum chose to write an autobiography, a suitable title would be: “Life with Penelope Parker: Never a Dull Moment.”
“What’s up now, Penny?” she inquired, as they rattled toward the Hubell Tower in Leaping Lena.
“Just a little argument I had with Dad last night. I maintain that the big clock struck thirteen last night at midnight. He thinks I’m a wee bit touched in the head.”
“Which you must be,” retorted Louise. “Who ever heard of such a thing?”
“What’s so crazy about it?” Penny asked with a grimace. “Didn’t you ever hear a clock strike the wrong number?”
“Of course, but not the Hubell clock. Why, the works were purchased in Europe, and it’s supposed to be one of the best in the country.”
“Even a good clock can make a mistake, I guess. Anyway, we’ll see what Seth McGuire has to say about it.”
Penny brought Leaping Lena to a quivering halt opposite the tall Hubell Tower. Glancing upward at the octagonical-shaped clock face, she saw that the hands indicated twenty minutes to twelve.