For a time they flew blind. Presently they saw a break in the clouds and plunged down to find themselves beyond the storm center. The air was choppy and now and then the ship made dizzy drops. Fortunately, neither of the girls were troubled with air sickness though Enid was not sorry when Bay City was sighted ahead.
Approaching the beach, Rex throttled the motor and sent the amphibian into a glide. It rapidly lost speed, “stalled” a few inches above the water and settled upon the surface with scarcely a jolt, skimming slowly toward shore. Rex held the nose high for the water was still rough.
As the plane came in, two airport attendants waded out and grasped the wings, steadying the ship until Rex brought it to a standstill. Arrangements were made to have the plane refueled, and then the three friends left the field. A taxicab carried them to the Burnett summer home at the edge of the city.
They dismissed the driver at the huge iron gate which marked the entrance of the grounds, telling him to return for them in an hour.
“Our caretaker should be around here somewhere,” Enid said. “I imagine we’re locked out.”
Rex rattled the gate and to his surprise it opened. They entered the grounds.
“What a beautiful estate!” Madge exclaimed admiringly.
Enid did not share her enthusiasm for she was looking at the untrimmed grass, the weedy flower beds, the scraggy hedge.
“It doesn’t look as though the place has been touched in weeks. Wait until I find that caretaker! He thinks he can shirk just because we’re away.”
She walked determinedly up the gravel path, Madge and Rex following. Enid rapped firmly on the front door but there was no response.