Penny, however, was stubbornly determined to learn the old lady’s destination. Though she could not see Trinidad she could hear the crashing of underbrush only a short distance ahead.
“Penny, I can’t keep on!” Louise gasped a moment later. “I’m winded.”
“You’re scared,” Penny amended. “Well, so am I. But it’s just as easy to go on now as it is to turn back.”
The trail Mrs. Lear had taken led at a steep angle uphill. The old lady allowed her horse to take his time. Even so, the girls were hard pressed to keep fairly close.
“Listen!” Penny presently commanded in a whisper.
No longer could they hear the sound of Trinidad’s hoofbeats.
“We’ve lost her,” Louise said anxiously.
“I think Mrs. Lear has stopped,” Penny replied, keeping her voice low. “Perhaps she heard us and suspects that we followed her.”
More cautiously than before, the girls moved forward. It was well that they did, for unexpectedly they came to a brook and a clearing. Mrs. Lear had dismounted and tied Trinidad to an elm tree close to the water’s edge.
Huddling behind a clump of bushes, the girls waited and watched. Mrs. Lear did not appear to be expecting anyone. She gave Trinidad a friendly pat. Then making certain that he was securely fastened to the tree, walked briskly toward the girls.