Exasperated by the man’s unwillingness to help, Louise and Penny ran back to the car. Already waves were lapping against the rear wheels. The situation seemed hopeless.
“Shall I try to push again?” Louise asked.
“It wouldn’t do any good. We’re not strong enough.” In desperation, Penny’s gaze wandered down the deserted shore. Suddenly she saw a lone fisherman who was wading through the surf. She recognized him as George Emory.
“He’ll help us!” she cried confidently.
The girls shouted Mr. Emory’s name. Apparently he heard, for he turned his head quickly. Their plight, they thought, must be instantly evident, but Mr. Emory did not seem to comprehend. He waved his hand as if in friendly greeting, and then, reeling in his fish line, turned and walked away from them.
CHAPTER
13
A HIDDEN PACKAGE
“Why, Mr. Emory doesn’t understand!” Penny cried, aghast. “Can’t he see that we’re stuck here with the tide rolling in?”
The girls shouted again and again. If the man heard, he gave no sign.
“I don’t believe he wanted to help us!” Penny declared furiously. “Probably he’s afraid he’ll over-strain himself pushing!”
Unwilling to give up without a last try, she sprang into the car and once more started the engine. It roared and labored but could not pull the vehicle. Sick with despair, Penny allowed the motor to idle. She slumped behind the steering wheel, only to straighten suddenly as she thought she heard her name called.