Part 23 (1/2)
”You're the only one to whom I've confided my theory, Dad. In fact, it only this minute occurred to me.”
”So I thought, Penny. If I were you I would forget the Hubell clock. Why not devote yourself to something worthwhile?”
”For instance?”
”I'll provide an interesting job. I've been asked to select play equipment for the new orphans' camp. I'll be happy to turn the task over to you.”
”Do you think I could do it?” Penny asked dubiously.
”Why not? You can learn from the matron of the Home what is needed, and then make your selection.”
”I'll be glad to do it, Dad. When is the camp to open?”
”The actual date hasn't been set, but it will be soon. That is, unless a serious disagreement arises about the camp site.”
”A disagreement?” Penny inquired curiously.
”Yes, Mr. Blake is trying to influence the board to buy a track of land which he controls.”
”At a very high price?”
”The price seems to be fair enough. I personally don't care for the site, however. It's located on the river, but too close to the swamp.”
”Then why does the board consider it?”
”Mr. Blake gave a very generous donation, you remember. I figured at the time he would expect something in return.”
”He'll profit by the sale?”
”Obviously. I don't know who owns the land, but Blake will receive a commission on the sale. The board also is considering a wooded property closer to Riverview, and I favor that site.”
”Will the board listen to you, Dad?”
”I rather doubt it. My objections weren't especially vigorous. Either property will be satisfactory, and Blake's price is a trifle more attractive.”
With a yawn, Mr. Parker arose and locked the front door.
”It's after one,” he said. ”Let's get to bed.”
Penny started up the stairway, only to pause as the telephone rang. While her father answered it, she waited, curiously to learn who would be calling at such a late hour. In a moment he replaced the receiver on its hook.
”That was the night editor of the _Star_,” he explained briefly.
”Has a big story broken, Dad?”
”Another storage barn was burned to the ground about ten minutes ago. The night editor called to ask how I wanted the story handled.”
”Then the depredation was done by the Hoods!”
”It looks that way.”