“We’ll have to park here,” Penny instructed, “The road beyond is terrible and it plays out.”
Alighting, the couple looked about for a glimpse of the two swampers. The nearby marsh seemed cold, unfriendly and menacing. Heavy dew lay on the earth and a thick mist was rising from among the trees.
From behind a shadowy bush, two gleaming eyes gazed steadily and unblinkingly at the pair. Penny drew back, nervously gripping Salt’s hand.
“It’s only a cat,” he chuckled.
“A wild one, maybe,” Penny shivered. “All sorts of animals live in the swamp, Trapper Joe told me.”
“Want to stay in the car and spare those pretty shoes of yours?”
“No, let’s go on.” The gleaming eyes now had vanished and Penny felt courageous again. Nevertheless, she kept close beside Salt as they tramped along the dark road.
A pale moon was rising over the treetops, providing faint illumination. Penny and Salt no longer could see the pair they had followed, and were afraid they had lost them completely.
Then they spied the swampers crawling over a fence some distance away.
“There they are!” Penny whispered. Just as I thought! They’re taking a short cut to the Hawkins’ place.”