Tossing about for a few minutes, she finally arose and dressed. Deciding to take an early morning walk about the island, she moved noiselessly through the house to the kitchen.
There she paused to note the wreckage Jack had left in his wake. The refrigerator door was wide open. As she closed it, she saw dishes of salad, chicken, pickles and tomatoes in a depleted state. Jack had topped off his feast with a quart of milk, and the bottle, together with, a pile of chicken bones, cluttered the sink.
A step was heard in the dining room. Startled, Penny turned quickly around, but it was too late to retreat.
The Gandiss’ cook stood in the kitchen doorway, eyeing her with obvious disapproval.
CHAPTER
5
UNWANTED ADVICE
“Just having an early morning snack?” Mrs. Bevens, the cook, inquired.
“Why, no,” stammered Penny. “That is—.” Confronted with the empty milk bottle, a chicken skeleton, and two empty food dishes, it seemed futile to deny such incriminating evidence. Though tempted to speak of Jack, she decided it would not be sporting of her.
“Young people have such healthy appetites,” the cook sighed. “I had counted on that chicken for luncheon. But never mind. I can send to the mainland for something else.”
Feeling like a criminal, Penny fled to her room.
“I could tar and feather Jack!” she thought furiously. “If he ever gets up, I’ll make him explain to the cook.”