“And since when has Joe got so a-feared of his shadow?”
“It did sound like an excuse to me. I think he knows what is going on in the swamp, and wants no part of it.”
“Ye say it means a lot to ye to make the trip?”
“Oh, yes, I’d do it in a minute, if I could find anyone who knows the channels. But Joe says he’s the only guide for fifty miles around.”
Mrs. Jones slapped the last piece of turtle meat into the water with a splash. She arose, gathering her long skirts about her.
“Joe’s maybe fergettin’ that as a gal, my paw taught me every crook and turn of the swamp. Hain’t been in there fer quite a spell now, but I got a hankerin’ to go agin.”
Penny stared at her incredulously.
“You mean you’ll take me?” she demanded. “Today? Now?”
“I’ve got a quilt I should be piecin’ on this afternoon, but hit can wait. If you hain’t afeared to place yerself in my hands, I’ll take you.”
“I’ll jump at the chance! But do you have a boat?”