Penny told of the strange pounding noises she had heard during her previous trip through the swamp.
“I could almost wager Mrs. Hawkins will wait until we’re a safe distance away, and then signal!” the girl went on. “Don’t I wish I could catch her though!”
“Maybe ye kin. We could shut off the motor and drift back and watch.”
Penny’s eyes began to sparkle with excitement. “I’d love to do it. But won’t she be listening for the sound of our motor as we go deeper into the swamp? If she doesn’t hear it, she’s apt to suspect something.”
“Ye’ve got a real head on yer shoulders,” said the widow approvingly. “By the way, I don’t like to keep callin’ ye young’un now we’re good friends. What’s yer name?”
“I thought you knew. I’m sorry. It’s Penny Parker.”
“Penny! I never did hear o’ a girl named after money.”
“I wasn’t exactly,” Penny smiled. “My real name is Penelope, but no one ever liked it. So I’m called Penny.”
“Penelope, hain’t sich a bad name. That’s what I’ll call ye.”
“About Mrs. Hawkins—” the girl reminded her.