“That I won’t go in without a guide?” she asked, seizing upon the lesser of two evils. “All right, I promise.”
The next day it rained, keeping Penny closely confined at home. However, the following morning gave promise of being sunny and pleasant.
Arising early, she packed a lunch for herself, dressed in hiking clothes with heavy boots, and was ready to leave the house by the time Mrs. Weems came downstairs for breakfast.
“Up so early, Penny?” she inquired.
“Just going on a little trip. Don’t expect me back very early.”
The housekeeper regarded her severely. “Penny Parker, you’re not going to the swamp again!”
“Figured I might.”
“Does your father know you’re going?”
“We talked it over a day or so ago. He doesn’t mind so long as I go with Trapper Joe or another guide.”
“In that case I suppose I can’t object,” Mrs. Weems sighed. “Mind, you don’t set foot in the swamp without someone along!”