“Shall I call the police?” prodded Penny. She gave him a severe glance.
“No, don’t do that,” the man pleaded, finding his voice. “Don’t call the police. I’ll go. I won’t bother you any more.”
“Why have you been hiding in the building?”
“Because I have no other place to sleep, Miss. The cops chase you off the park benches.”
Penny was surprised by the man’s speech which belied his disreputable garments. His tone was well modulated, his manner respectful.
“You’ve been living in this building a long while?” she asked curiously.
“Maybe six months. I sleep down in the furnace room. I didn’t do any harm.”
“You’re hungry, aren’t you?” Penny inquired, less severely.
“Yes, I am, Miss. Lately I haven’t been eating any too often.”
“You may finish the lunch,” said Penny. “And there’s a thermos bottle of coffee under the counter.”