Part 21 (1/2)

”In a way. I feel sorry for him and I want to find newspaper work for him.”

”Then why doesn't your father give him a job on the _Star_?”

Penny was prepared for the question. ”I think my father would if he were a.s.sured that Ben had done nothing so very dishonorable. That's why I came to you. Why was he discharged?”

”Unfortunately, I can't reply to that question. Nor can I a.s.sure you that Ben was discharged on a trivial offense. The opposite is true.”

”But what did he do?”

Mr. Cordell arose. ”I am sorry, I can't discuss it, Miss Parker. If you will excuse me for saying so, I think the matter really is not your concern. My advice would be to leave Ben Bartell entirely alone. He sent you here, I suppose?”

”Indeed, he didn't.”

”Where is Ben now?”

”Living in a shack on the waterfront. Because you blacklisted him, he has been unable to get a newspaper job anywhere.”

Mr. Cordell's smile was hard and triumphant. Penny knew then that she had made a grave error in thinking she might appeal to the man's sympathies.

Obviously, he was highly pleased to learn of Ben's difficulties.

”I am sorry I can't help you,” the editor said coldly. ”Do drop in again sometime.”

He opened the door for her, a pointed hint that she was to go.

As she stepped out into the outer waiting room, a man who evidently expected to see the editor, arose. He had entered the outer office only a few minutes before, and this was the first time that Penny had seen him.

Upon recognizing him, she stopped short, for it was Webb.

”You can go in now, Mr. Nelson,” the secretary told Webb.

Bestowing a sneering smile upon her, he entered the private office.

Then the door closed.

CHAPTER 14 _A NOTE FROM BEN_

After Webb had gone into Mr. Cordell's office, Penny debated her next action. Could Webb and Cordell be friends? Or was this merely a business call? In any case, the two men were obviously of such different type and personality that she failed to understand what basis there might be for a friends.h.i.+p.

Deciding she could accomplish nothing by waiting and questioning Mr.

Cordell, she left the office. As she pa.s.sed down the corridor, an open window at its far end, drew her attention.

Pausing for an instant, she glanced out upon the rooftop of the _Riverview Star_ building. The tin flooring, only a few feet below the level of the sill, easily could be reached by anyone climbing through the window.

Tempted to take a short cut to the office, Penny impulsively stepped through the opening. From the rooftop she could see the city spread out below in rigid pattern, and to the eastward, the winding river.

Crossing the dusty floor to the skylight above the _Star_ photography room, Penny peered curiously down. No one was visible below.

”I wonder if a person really could get through that skylight,” she speculated. ”It would be quite a feat, but I believe it could be done.”