Judy and Ardeth peeled potatoes for the evening meal, set the table and prepared a simple salad.
“Anything more?” Judy then inquired.
“Not for awhile,” Miss Ward replied. “The meat loaf will take at least thirty minutes more in the oven. Then we’ll have dinner.”
“Mind if Ardeth and I do a bit of exploring?”
“Not if you’ll be back within half an hour.”
“We will,” Judy promised. “Want to come along, Virginia?”
“No, thanks, I’ll stay to help Miss Ward with last minute things,” she decided. “Besides, I had enough hiking this morning.”
Letting themselves out the screen door, Judy and Ardeth walked through the aisle of tall trees to the main highway. Then, without any discussion, they turned into the narrow private road, and struck off in the general direction of Calico Cave.
“No telling how far it may be,” Judy presently remarked. “Or whether we can find it quickly. I simply have to see that place!”
“Caves always fascinated me,” declared Ardeth, walking fast to keep up with her friend. “I hope this one has stalactites.”