As the car sped over the country road, she kept the discussion alive by mentioning the watch charm which she had picked up at the Davis stable. Jerry had not seen the picture of the little boy, but promised to inspect it just as soon as he returned to the Star offices.
“Clem Davis has no children,” he assured Penny, “so it’s unlikely the charm ever belonged to him. You may have found an important clue.”
“I only wish Dad would officially assign me to the story,” she grumbled. “He never will, though.”
Presently the car approached the Riverview Orphans’ Home, a large brick building set back some distance from the road. Children in drab blue uniforms could be seen playing in the front yard, supervised by a woman official.
“Poor kids,” Jerry said with honest feeling, “you can’t help feeling sorry for ’em. They deserve the best summer camp this town can provide.”
“The project is certain to be possible now,” Penny replied. “Mr. Blake’s cheque put the campaign over the top.”
Jerry gave the steering wheel an expert flip, turning the car into the private road.
“Don’t tell me that old bird actually parted with any money!”
“Oh, he did, Jerry. He donated a cheque for a hundred and fifty dollars.”
“And no strings attached?”