Penny scarcely could hide her annoyance, for several times now the guide had made similar hints.
“I don’t trust the Hawkins’ family at all,” she announced. “If they’re not involved with Danny Deevers, they’re up to something here in the swamp. Otherwise, why would they be so mean?”
“The Hawkins’ family always has been mean an’ ornery.”
“Another thing—” Penny started to mention how she and Salt had seen large containers of some unknown product being removed from the swamp, but broke off as she decided to keep the information to herself.
“Yeah?” inquired the guide.
“Nothing,” replied Penny. “If you won’t take me into the swamp, is there anyone else who will?”
“Couldn’t say fer sure,” Joe replied, “but I reckon I’m the only guide herebouts fer maybe fifty miles.”
“Won’t you reconsider?”
“You put up a powe’ful strong argument, young’un, but I gotta say no fer yer own good.”
“You’ve certainly ruined all my plans,” Penny said crossly. “Well, since you won’t help me, I’ll say goodbye.”