Penny started to reply, then remained silent as she saw that Mrs. Davis’ gaze had focused upon a section of cornfield which fringed the melon patch. The tall stalks were waving in an agitated manner, suggesting that someone might be moving among them.
“Here are your melons,” Mrs. Davis said nervously, thrusting three large ones into Penny’s hands. “That will be a quarter.”
As the girl paid her, she abruptly turned and hurried toward the house.
“Just a minute, Mrs. Davis,” Penny called. “If you’ll only talk to me I may be able to help your husband.”
The woman heard but paid no heed. Picking up the water bucket, she entered the cabin, closing the door behind her.
“Well, we gained three melons, and that’s all,” Louise shrugged. “What’s our next move?”
“I think Mrs. Davis was on the verge of telling us something important,” Penny declared, her voice low. “Then she saw someone out there in the corn field and changed her mind.”
“I don’t see anyone now,” Louise said, staring in the direction her chum had indicated. “The stalks aren’t even moving.”
“They were a moment ago. Clem Davis may be hiding out there, Lou! Or it could be some of Sheriff Davis’ men watching the cabin.”
“Or an Indian waiting to scalp us,” teased Louise. “Let’s go back to the car.”