“There’s a rustic fence with a gate. I can see a notice hanging on the gate—let’s see what it says,” called Jane, who was in advance of the others.
In a few moments the Band stood reading the sign. “No trespassing on these grounds under penalty of the law.”
“We’re not on their land yet, but it’s a shame to have a fence cut off an adventure right in the middle of a trail!” pouted Nita.
“It may prove a far more thrilling adventure to sit here and try to explain the reason for closed shutters and an abandoned house at this time of year,” ventured Miss Miller.
Even as she spoke, a gardener came forward along a side path, and doffed his cap.
“I heared your voices an’ I sure was s’prised to find a lot of school-girls. You—all seldom come as far as this. The ‘Annabell’—that’s the launch runnin’ from Yonkers to Alpine and back agin—generally leaves ’em at the foot of the cliff where they picnic.”
“We saw the sign and wondered if we were trespassing out here?” replied Miss Miller, in a questioning voice.
“Not at all! In fack, it would be all right for ladies to walk through the groun’s when no one’s home. The family’s gone for the season now. We have to keep the sign up, just the same, to keep out the roughs from the city who would destroy the trees and flowers fer nothin’. Would you like to come in?” asked the old man, politely.
“I think not, thank you. We are camping down on the point by the Falls, and this was an afternoon hike. Now we will go back and hunt for a spot where we can bathe,” explained the Guide. “I kin help you there. I haven’t gone down to take up the two boats yet, or remove the portable bath-house we have on the beach, an’ you’se are welcome to use both boats and house if it will accommodate you.”
“Oh how lovely!” cried the girls, before Miss Miller could decide what would be the proper thing to do. So she smiled and thanked the generous stranger.