Next morning, as Mr. Parker had predicted, newspapers carried screaming headlines, announcing that the hurricane might reach Riverview by nightfall. Householders were advised to take every precaution to protect life and property.
School opened and was promptly dismissed at nine o’clock. At home, Penny helped Mrs. Weems carry in the porch awning, remove the shutters and all loose objects which were likely to be torn free by the wind.
By now, papers were blowing wildly, cluttering the yard. Each gust brought sticks or small limbs crashing down into the street.
Mrs. Weems, hovering near the radio to hear the last-minute reports, declared that the barometer continued to fall.
“The storm is steadily getting worse,” she said nervously.
After lunch, Penny went to the newspaper office to inquire if Mr. DeWitt had any special assignment for her.
“Nothing right now,” he said, rapidly scanning a page of copy. “But stick around. Anything may break.”
Penny waited, growing increasingly restless. She was certain DeWitt had forgotten all about her, when he slammed down a telephone receiver and glanced in her direction.
“Go out on the street and see what’s doing,” he ordered. “Might check the police station, too, on your way in.”
Penny nodded and went out through the barrier gate. The feel of the approaching hurricane was in the air. Walking toward the river, she saw blue-green water boiling into sinister white foam where it vaulted onto the docks.