“Whew! but it’s dampish!” said Gincy. “Hear that water?”
A steady drip, drip, drip came from the walls. In the cracks were long fronded ferns, moss, and here and there wild geraniums. A cool draught struck them. At the farther end the rocks seemed almost to touch, and only a tiny thread of light showed from above. Gincy was close to Kizzie when they reached the narrowest part and began the long, tortuous climb.
“We’ll be ready for hot coffee by the time we get to the top,” called Urilla from the rear.
“I hope Miss Howard won’t fuss; I kin eat anythin’ I’m so hungry,” said Gincy.
“Of course she won’t fuss,” panted Kizzie. “She’s a born manager; she’ll have everything on the table in great shape and a picture painted to boot.”
Up, up, with a scanty, stony foothold, Gincy followed close behind Kizzie, her face growing redder, her breath shorter. The crack of blue was broadening, roots and stocky ferns afforded a surer grasp.
“We’re almost there!” Kizzie exulted. “What on earth are you doing with that stick, Gincy?”
“Watch me and see!” Dexterously Gincy inserted the short, stout stick crosswise above her head and swung up a long step to safe footing beside her leader. “Why, we’re up, aren’t we?” she said, astonished as her eyes caught a glimpse of the foundation of the bungalow a few yards away. The four pulled themselves up the few remaining feet and dropped down in a weary, silent row on a big, flat stone which commanded a glorious view. Even Lalla’s twinkling eyes had lost their usual expression of mischief, and she sat soberly viewing the scene before her.
“Look, Kizzie,” exclaimed Urilla, pointing back to the open bungalow, “Miss Howard’s been to the spring for water, the table’s all set, and I can smell the chicken.”
Nancy Jane was up at sunrise the next morning. She and Mallie stole out of bed noiselessly and started for the spring—it was their turn to get water. There had been a heavy dew, but neither girl wore rubbers. “Another fine day,” said Mallie, stepping high. “Just look at the hills! We’re the highest.”