The Clock Strikes Thirteen Part 13

Presently the car approached the Riverview Orphans' Home, a large brick building set back some distance from the road. Children in drab blue uniforms could be seen playing in the front yard, supervised by a woman official.

"Poor kids," Jerry said with honest feeling, "you can't help feeling sorry for 'em. They deserve the best summer camp this town can provide."

"The project is certain to be possible now," Penny replied. "Mr. Blake's cheque put the campaign over the top."

Jerry gave the steering wheel an expert flip, turning the car into the private road.

"Don't tell me that old bird actually parted with any money!"

"Oh, he did, Jerry. He donated a cheque for a hundred and fifty dollars."

"And no strings attached?"

"Well, he hinted that he wanted a nice write-up about himself. I was torturing myself with the story when you interrupted."

"It's mighty queer," the reporter muttered. "Leopards don't change their spots. Blake must expect something more tangible than publicity out of the deal."

His mind centering on what Penny had just told him, Jerry gave no thought to his driving. Handling the steering wheel skillfully, but automatically, he whirled the car into the play area of the inst.i.tution, drawing up with a loud screeching of brakes.

Uncertain that the reporter could stop, the children scattered in all directions. One little girl remained squarely in front of the car.

Covering her face with her hands, she began to scream.

"Gosh all fish hooks!" Jerry exclaimed in dismay. "I didn't mean to frighten the kid."

Jumping from the coupe, he and Penny ran to the child.

"You're all right," Jerry said, stooping beside the little girl. "The car didn't come within a mile of you. I'm mighty sorry."

Nothing that either he nor Penny could say seemed to quiet the child. Her screams did not subside until a matron appeared and took her by the hand.

"Come Adelle," she said gently. "We'll go into the house."

"I'm as sorry as I can be," Jerry apologized, doffing his hat. "I didn't intend to drive into the yard so fast. It's all my fault."

The attendant smiled to set him at ease. "Don't mind," she said quietly.

"Adelle is very easily upset. I'll explain to you later."

CHAPTER 9 _JERRY'S PARTY_

Both Penny and Jerry regretted the incident, feeling that they had been at fault because they had driven into the play area at such high speed.

"Maybe I can send the kid a box of candy or make it up to her in some way," the reporter remarked.

Roving about the yard, he and Penny talked to many of the orphans. Nearly all of the children answered questions self-consciously and had little to say.

"We'll not get much of a story here," Jerry commented in an undertone.

"These youngsters are as much alike as if they had been cut from one pattern."

"Adelle was different," Penny returned with a smile. "Almost too much so."

In a short while, Miss Anderson, the young woman who had taken the child away, returned to the play yard. Penny and Jerry immediately inquired about the little girl.

"Oh, she is quite herself again," the young woman responded. "The upset was only a temporary one."

"Is Adelle easily frightened?" Penny inquired curiously.

"Unfortunately, she is terrified of automobiles," responded Miss Anderson. "I am afraid it is becoming a complex. You see, about a year ago both of her parents were killed in a motor accident."

"How dreadful!" Penny gasped.

"Adelle was in the car but escaped with a broken leg," the young woman resumed. "The incident made a very deep impression upon her."

"I should think so!" exclaimed Jerry. "How did the accident occur?"

"We don't know exactly, for Adelle was the only witness. According to her story, the Hanover automobile was crowded off the road by another motorist who drove at reckless speed, without lights. The car upset, pinning the occupants beneath it."

"It seems to me I remember that story," Jerry said thoughtfully. "The hit-run driver never was caught."

"No, according to Adelle he stopped, only to drive on again when he saw that her parents were beyond help."

"The man must have been heartless!" Penny declared indignantly. "How could he run away?"

"Because he feared the consequences," Miss Anderson answered. "Had he been apprehended he would have faced charges for manslaughter, and undoubtedly would have been a.s.sessed heavy damages."

"I take it the child has no property or she wouldn't be at this inst.i.tution," Jerry said soberly.

"Adelle is penniless. Her parents were her only relatives, so she was brought to us."

"It's a shame!" Penny declared feelingly. "Wasn't there any clue as to the ident.i.ty of the man who caused the fatal accident?"

"No worthwhile ones. Adelle insists that she saw the driver's face plainly and could recognize him again. However, she never was able to give a very good description, nor to make an identification."

Having heard the story, Jerry was more than ever annoyed at himself because he had caused the child needless suffering.

"Miss Anderson, isn't there something I can do to make amends?" he asked earnestly. "What would the little girl like? Candy, toys?"

"It isn't necessary that you give her anything."

"I want to do it," Jerry insisted.

"In that case, why not make some small bequest to the inst.i.tution, or send something which may be enjoyed by all the children."

"Jerry, I have an idea!" cried Penny impulsively. "Why not give a party?

Would that be permissible, Miss Anderson?"