“Rose Acres isn’t in danger?” gasped Penny.
“The water shouldn’t come this high, but the flats will be inundated within a few minutes. Everyone is being warned to get out fast!”
“We’ve not been able to telephone Truman Crocker,” Jerry added. “His shack has no ’phone.”
“Can we drive down there?” Mr. Parker asked anxiously.
Penny shook her head. “Not without going miles around. The quickest way is to take the trail at the rear of this property. Wait, I’ll show you!”
Darting into the house for a coat, she led her father and Jerry to the hillside. Then, deciding to accompany them, she went on ahead down the steep incline.
“There’s a light burning in the shack,” Mr. Parker observed a few minutes later. “Crocker must be up.”
Reaching the building, the editor thumped once on the door of the workshop and then pushed it open. Truman Crocker was busy at his bench. Startled by the unexpected intrusion of the three visitors, he backed a few steps away from them.
“You can’t do nothin’ to me,” he mumbled. “All I did was what I was told to do.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Mr. Parker cut him short. “We’re here to warn you! The dam at Cedarville has let go, and the river is rising fast.”