“Names?”
“You spoke of Uncle Jacob as an old cod. I don’t like it a bit.”
Old Caleb was startled by the outburst. But his eyes twinkled as he replied soberly:
“Well, now, Miss Rosanna, I didn’t mean to offend you or to speak disrespectfully of Jacob either. It was just my way of talking.”
“Then I’ll forgive you,” Rosanna smiled.
The girls were on the verge of moving off when Caleb checked them with a question.
“You haven’t heard Mrs. Leeds or that Laponi fellow say anything about leaving have you?”
“I don’t believe they intend to go unless they’re put out,” Penny responded. “I heard Mrs. Leeds say the other day that she had sent for her lawyer.”
“They stick tighter than cockle burs,” Caleb commented. “If only I had the right, I would send them both packing. Especially that Max Laponi. I don’t trust him.”
“Neither do I,” Penny agreed promptly. “That’s why I think you should try to help me clear up this dreadful muddle.”