“Maybe it did,” the woman answered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I ain’t saying.”
It was apparent to Jerry and Penny that they could expect no assistance from Mrs. Davis. Although the events of the night had convinced them that Clem Davis was innocent, others would not share their opinion. They felt that by shielding the guilty parties, Mrs. Davis was adopting a very stupid attitude.
“Come along, Penny,” Jerry said with a shrug. “Let’s be moving.”
Six reluctant orphans were rounded up from the hay loft where a boisterous game of hide and seek was in progress.
“I can jam four into my coupe if you can handle the other two in your car,” Jerry remarked to Penny. “If they make you any trouble, just toot the horn twice, and I’ll come back and settle with ’em!”
“Oh, we’ll get along fine,” she smiled. “Come along, boys.”
“Here’s a souvenir to remember the night by,” Jerry said. From the ground he picked up two melons which he handed to the orphans. “Just don’t sock the matron with them when you get back to the Home!”
“Jerry, let me see one of those melons!” Penny exclaimed suddenly. “They fell from the truck, didn’t they?”
“I guess so,” Jerry responded, surprised by her display of interest. “What about ’em?”
“I’ll show you.”