“I can’t guess, but I should like to know.”

“He accused me of prying!”

“How unjust.”

“Well, in a way, I was trying to learn about things I shouldn’t,” Tillie admitted honestly. “It was that storm cave.”

“Did you get down into it?” Penny asked.

“No, but I tried. Old Peter was gone this afternoon and I decided to find out what he keeps hidden underground.”

“The padlock wasn’t locked?”

“Usually it is, but today he forgot. I got the door open. Just as I started down the steps he grabbed me by the shoulder. I was scared half to death.”

“You mean Fenestra had hidden himself in the cave?” Penny questioned in astonishment.

“Yes, it was a trick to catch me prying. He said so himself, Penny. He only pretended to go away, then lay in wait.”