“Then please ask him!” Penny challenged.
“Why not allow me to do it for you,” the hotel clerk offered. “Wait here and I’ll call Mr. Parker. He can settle the entire matter.”
“No, don’t bother him,” Mrs. Deline decided suddenly. “I’ve changed my mind anyhow. After such a commotion I wouldn’t enjoy a ride.”
“In any case, I’d prefer to call Mr. Parker,” said the hotel man.
“Do,” urged Penny in deep satisfaction. “We’ll wait here.”
“I’m going back to bed,” Mrs. Deline announced, getting out of the car.
She followed the hotel clerk into the building. Left in possession of the car, Penny reparked it and locked the doors. Then, feeling a trifle uneasy, she sauntered into the hotel.
The lobby was deserted. Penny climbed the stairs, and in the hallway leading to her room, met her father and the hotel clerk. Summoned from bed, Mr. Parker garbed in dressing gown and slippers, looked more annoyed than alarmed.
“Penny, what is this I hear?” he inquired. “I can’t get the straight of the story.”
Penny drew a deep breath. “Well, it was this way, Dad. I awakened and discovered that Mrs. Deline had disappeared with the car keys.”