“Unfortunately, she is terrified of automobiles,” responded Miss Anderson. “I am afraid it is becoming a complex. You see, about a year ago both of her parents were killed in a motor accident.”
“How dreadful!” Penny gasped.
“Adelle was in the car but escaped with a broken leg,” the young woman resumed. “The incident made a very deep impression upon her.”
“I should think so!” exclaimed Jerry. “How did the accident occur?”
“We don’t know exactly, for Adelle was the only witness. According to her story, the Hanover automobile was crowded off the road by another motorist who drove at reckless speed, without lights. The car upset, pinning the occupants beneath it.”
“It seems to me I remember that story,” Jerry said thoughtfully. “The hit-run driver never was caught.”
“No, according to Adelle he stopped, only to drive on again when he saw that her parents were beyond help.”
“The man must have been heartless!” Penny declared indignantly. “How could he run away?”
“Because he feared the consequences,” Miss Anderson answered. “Had he been apprehended he would have faced charges for manslaughter, and undoubtedly would have been assessed heavy damages.”
“I take it the child has no property or she wouldn’t be at this institution,” Jerry said soberly.