“Maybe we can cool off by taking a boat ride when we get to the cottage,” encouraged Penny. “I think I see the place through the trees.”
Directly ahead, in a tiny clearing, stood a freshly painted white cottage. Quickening their steps, the girls soon arrived at the front door. No one seemed to be within call, so they pushed it open.
A long living room with a cobblestone fireplace met their gaze. Beyond was the kitchen, a dining alcove, and two bedrooms.
As they went outside again, they saw a short, wiry man coming toward the cottage from the river.
“You’re Miss Parker?” he asked, looking at Louise.
“No, I am,” corrected Penny. “And you must be Anchor Joe.” Her eyes fastened for an instant upon the tattoo of a four-masted sailing ship imprinted on his arm.
“That’s me,” agreed the man. “Go ahead an’ look around all you like.”
Penny and Louise wandered about the grounds, then returned to find Anchor Joe giving the motor boat, which was upturned on the grass, a coat of varnish.
“We thought you might take us for a ride,” remarked Penny. “It must be cool on the water.”
“I sure would like to, Miss Parker,” said Anchor Joe regretfully. “But I dasn’t get ’er wet now. Not until this varnish dries.”