All three girls drew in deep breaths of the fragrant, woodsy odor of leaf mold and dew-kissed ferns.
A few minutes later they turned and hurried along the trail till they reached the narrow, unused path leading up to the cave. As they came in sight of it, Jo Ann stopped abruptly and stood staring before her.
“What’s the idea of stopping so suddenly?” Peggy demanded, as she bumped into Jo Ann.
“What’s the matter?” chimed in Florence, crowding up behind Peggy and trying unsuccessfully to look over their shoulders.
CHAPTER IV
THE CAVE FAMILY DISAPPEARS
Jo Ann pointed to the rugged arched opening before her. “Look! The donkey’s gone and there’s no sign of anyone. I don’t believe that family’s here now.”
Quickly all three girls walked on to the cave and stood staring inside. With the rays of the morning sun shining directly on the entrance, they could easily see into the farthest corners.
“There’s not a soul here!” finally ejaculated Jo Ann. “They’re gone—bag and baggage.”
“But it’s strange they’d leave so suddenly,” put in Florence. “They must’ve left before daylight.”
Peggy stepped inside the cave and kicked the pile of ashes with her foot. “There hasn’t been a fire here for hours—these ashes are as cold as charity.”