“Oh, yes, I stayed at that farmhouse on the hill last night. I actually had a bed to sleep in and a good hot breakfast this morning. But I’ve been dreadfully worried about you.”
“And that goes double,” answered Penny. “Wait until I gobble this soup, and we’ll compare notes.”
She drank the broth greedily and the girls walked away from the church. Penny then told of her experiences since leaving her chum on the hillside. Louise was much relieved to learn that word had been sent to Riverview of their safety.
“But what of Mrs. Lear and the Burmasters?” she asked anxiously. “Have you heard what happened to them?”
Penny shook her head. “Joe Quigley thinks they didn’t have a chance.”
“I can’t comprehend it somehow,” Louise said with a shudder. “It just doesn’t seem possible. Why, we were guests in Mrs. Lear’s home less than twenty-four hours ago.”
“I know,” agreed Penny soberly. “I keep hoping that somehow they escaped.”
“If only we could learn the truth.”
“There’s not a chance to get through now,” Penny said slowly. “The water’s gone down a little, but not enough.”
“If we had a boat—”