“You’re certain there isn’t an old letter somewhere in the trunk?”
“Quite certain.”
Veve hesitated a moment, and then said:
“Sometimes, Mr. Hooper, trunks have secret compartments or false bottoms. I know, because I’ve read about it in stories.”
Mr. Hooper chuckled as he stooped to pat Cap, who licked his hand.
“So you think my sister’s old trunk might have a secret compartment?”
“Couldn’t it?”
“My sister Ella wasn’t the type to hide anything. She was open and above board about everything she did. That’s why it seemed so queer about her will—”
The old man lapsed into deep thought without finishing what he had started to say. He seemed to forget that Veve was in the shed.
After awhile, recalling her presence, he said briskly: “Well, four more pounds of cherries to add to your total. You’re catching up with the others, Veve. Keep up the good work!”