“While she cools off we may as well look over the grounds,” Penny laughed. “If Mrs. Leeds and Alicia expect to get along with me, they’ll have to learn that this household is going to operate on a cafeteria basis.”
From the rear door a sandstone path led down a steep incline to the brow of a high cliff. A river wound its way directly below, emptying into a crystal blue lake. Deep in the pine woods, some distance from the path, a cabin could be seen. The girls decided that it must belong to Caleb Eckert.
While they were admiring the rugged scenery, someone came up behind them. They wheeled about to face Caleb himself.
“Well, well, you both look bright and gay this morning,” he greeted heartily. “Sleep well?”
“Quite well,” Rosanna told him shyly. “That is, we did until the visitors arrived.”
“Visitors?”
Rosanna explained about Mrs. Leeds and her daughter while Penny added omitted details. For some reason they both were beginning to feel that Caleb was their ally.
“All this talk about letters and keys and inheritances certainly has me puzzled,” he proclaimed, shaking his head. “It’s hard to believe that Jacob Winters is dead. I think I’ll walk back to the house with you and have a little talk with Mrs. Leeds.”
“Did you leave milk at our doorstep this morning?” Penny questioned as they returned together.
Caleb admitted that he had placed it there.