Pedestrians were few in number and all hurrying. Business was at a standstill. Shutters were going up over plate glass windows, and street signs were being taken down.
Penny wandered about for a time and then, as a fine rain began to fall, sought the police station. Checking routine reports, she noted four injury cases caused by flying objects, several thefts of property, and more than the usual number of automobile accidents.
At the office once more, she wrote an impressionist account of what she had seen, then waited for another assignment.
“Penny, you may as well go home while you can get there,” DeWitt said presently. “City Traction is shutting off service at six o’clock, and after that you won’t be able to take a bus.”
At another time Penny might have been disappointed to be sent home when exciting news was breaking, but dismissal now fitted neatly into her plans. She was determined to make one last investigation of the thatched roof cottage at the Rhett mansion. However, to beat the storm, she must move fast.
Going out the door, Penny met Jerry who had just come in from the river front. His felt hat was dripping wet.
“It’s getting nasty outside,” he remarked. “How are you going home, Penny? By bus?”
“Eventually, but not just now,” she grinned. “First, I have a little errand at the Rhetts’.”
“Better skip it,” he advised. “This storm is the real McCoy.”
“Can’t afford to, Jerry. I want to look over that thatched cottage once more. If I don’t do it now, it probably won’t be there by tomorrow.”