“Nothing to tell yet, Penny. Confidentially I’ll admit I came here hoping to help State authorities find the station. So far I’ve accomplished nothing.”
“What clues have you gained?”
“Now Penny, don’t quiz me,” Mr. Parker laughed. “I’ll tell you everything as soon as I’m free to do so.”
“In the meantime, maybe I’ll find out for myself!” Penny hinted. Abruptly swinging open the car door, she bolted through the rain to the tent.
Breakfast the next morning was a more cheerful meal than had been expected. During the night the rain had ceased and a hot morning sun soon dried out the drenched canvas. Mr. Parker prepared coffee, eggs and bacon, an unbelievable example of perfect cooking.
“Dad, I didn’t think you had it in you!” Penny praised as she sat down on a camp stool beside him. “Maybe you’ll develop into a real camper after all.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it.” Grinning, Mr. Parker dropped two plump fried eggs on his daughter’s plate and took the remaining four for himself. “This life could be worse though.”
“Dad, what time shall we start for the airport?”
Mr. Parker poured himself a cup of coffee and then answered: “Afraid I won’t be able to go with you, Penny.”
“But Dad! Louise will be expecting you.”