Clue of the Silken Ladder Part 38

The man hesitated, evidently wis.h.i.+ng to say more, yet scarcely knowing how to shape his words. Penny and her father started to move away.

"Oh, about that contract we were discussing today," the advertiser said quickly.

"Yes?" Mr. Parker paused.

"I've been thinking it over. I acted too hastily in deciding to cancel."

"Mr. Henley, please do not feel that you are under obligation," said the publisher quietly. "Even though Penny accidentally did you a favor--"

"It's not that," Mr. Henley interrupted. "The _Star_ is a good paper."

"The best in Riverview," said Penny softly.

"Yes, it is!" Mr. Henley declared with sudden emphasis. "I tell you, Parker, I was irritated because of a trivial mistake in my firm's copy.

I've cooled off now. Suppose we talk over the matter tomorrow at lunch."

"Very well," agreed Mr. Parker. "The Commodore Hotel at one."

Bowing to Penny, Mr. Henley retreated into a waiting taxi and drove away.

"How do you like that, Dad?" Penny inquired after a moment's silence.

"I like it," answered Mr. Parker. "The _Star_ could have limped along without Mr. Henley. But the going would have been tough."

"He'll renew the old contract?"

"Oh, yes, and probably give us a better one. Stealing Mr. Henley's words, I am truly grateful."

Penny gazed at her father with twinkling eyes.

"Are those idle words, Dad? Or are you willing to back them in a material way?"

"I might," grinned Mr. Parker. "Present your bill."

"Well, Dad, I've discovered to my sorrow that I can't support two cars on my present allowance. I need a generous raise."

"You could get rid of Lena."

"Why, Dad! After her n.o.ble work tonight!"

"No, I suppose not," sighed Mr. Parker. "You've earned an increase, and I may as well grant it."

"Retroactive to the time I started working on the story," added Penny. "I figure if you pay back allowance, I'll be solvent once more!"

"You drive a hard bargain," chuckled the publisher. "But I'll agree."

Arm in arm, they started on down the street. Rounding a corner of the _Star_ building they abruptly paused before the plate-gla.s.s window to watch a long, unbroken sheet of white paper feed through the thundering press. Freshly inked newspapers, cut and folded, slid out one upon the other to be borne away for distribution.

"It's modern magic, isn't it, Dad?" Penny said reflectively as the great machine pounded in steady rhythm.

"Yes, Penny," her father agreed. "And for this edition, at least, you were the master magician!"

THE END