“Last night was the first time I ever heard it add a stroke,” Mr. McGuire answered. “I’ll be listening though, to see if Phelps gets it fixed.”
Penny and Louise had accomplished the purpose of their trip, and so, after looking about the shop for a few minutes, left without trying to sell the old man a camp-benefit tag.
“Why didn’t you ask him to take one?” Louise asked as she and her chum climbed into the parked car.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Penny answered uncomfortably. “It just came over me that Old Seth probably doesn’t have much money now that he’s out of steady work.”
“He must make quite a lot from his bells.”
“But how often does he get an order?” Penny speculated. “I’d guess not once in three months, if that often. It’s a pity Mr. Blake had to push Mr. McGuire out of the tower job.”
Louise nodded agreement, and then with a quick change of subject, reminded her chum that they had had no lunch.
“It’s too late to go home,” said Penny, who had other plans. “I’ll treat you to one of the biggest hamburger sandwiches you ever wrapped your teeth around! How’s that?”
“I’ll take anything so long as you pay for it,” Louise agreed with a laugh.
Driving on to Toni’s, the girls lunched there without incident, and then started for Riverview by a different route.