Balancing herself precariously on the ladder, she directed the light through the opening she had created. A long narrow tunnel which she judged to be about five feet below the ground, extended as far as she could see.
“I’m going to try to get in there!” she called to Louise. “Toss me a life preserver if I fail!”
Calculating the space, Penny swung her feet from the ladder to the ledge. Retaining an arm hold on the ropes, she edged herself backwards into the hole.
“It’s much easier than it looks,” she called encouragingly to her chum. “Come on, if you want to explore.”
Louise hesitated, and then daringly climbed down into the well. Penny helped her from the ladder into the tunnel.
“Where do you suppose this leads?” Louise gasped.
“Maybe to the house,” Penny speculated. “I know lots of these old places had escapes made so that in time of war or Indian attacks, the householders could get away. Never heard of a tunnel opening into a well though!”
The bricked passageway was so low that for the first twelve feet the girls were forced to crawl on hands and knees. Gradually, the tunnel deepened until they were able to walk in a stooped position.
“We’re coming to the end of it,” Penny presently announced.
Directly in front of her was a heavy door which showed the effects of age. It did not move easily, but together, the girls were able to swing it open.