“He must fear for his life.”
“I’m sure of it, Penny. Even if he’s only going to the barn he carries the revolver with him.”
A clock on the shelf above the stove struck eight times.
“Mercy!” exclaimed Tillie, “I must hurry or I’ll never get away before Old Peter returns. Excuse me while I run upstairs for my suitcase.”
“Where is Fenestra now?” Penny inquired before the girl could leave.
“In Riverview I suppose. He went away right after supper.”
“Run along and get your suitcase,” Penny advised. “I’ll drive you into town.”
“Oh, thanks,” the girl answered gratefully. “It won’t take me long.”
After Tillie had gone, Penny walked to the window and rolled up the blind. Across the yard she could see the disfiguring mound of earth and cement. What secret did the storm cave guard? Why was it always kept padlocked?
Abruptly she went to the foot of the stairs and called: