Jerry tipped his hat politely to Penny and Louise as the cab drove away. Mr. Parker asked the girls if they had enjoyed their trip aboard the Goodtime.
“The boat wasn’t very well named, I’m afraid,” answered Penny. “The trip proved to be rather terrible but we met some interesting people.”
During the drive to the Sidell home, she and Louise talked as fast as they could, telling Mr. Parker about Tillie Fellows, the mysterious young woman who had dropped a bundle of clothing into the water, and particularly the man with the strange octopus tattoo.
“You’ll have to tell the rest of it, Penny,” laughed Louise as she bade her chum good-bye. “Thanks for bringing me home.”
The cab rolled on, and Penny glanced questioningly at her father.
“What do you think of the tattoo story?” she asked hopefully. “Won’t it make a dandy feature for the Star?”
“I regret to say it sounds like first-grade fiction.”
“Why, Dad! Louise and Jerry will confirm everything I’ve said.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt your word, Penny. I am sure everything occurred as you report. Nevertheless, were we to use the story our readers might question its veracity.”
“Don’t crush me with such big words, Dad.”