Louise and Rhoda were not particularly eager to climb the hill. However, to oblige Penny they offered no objection to her proposal.
Approaching the Marborough property five minutes later, the girls were startled to hear loud, angry voices. The sound came from the direction of the old wishing well.
“Someone is having a fearful argument!” Penny declared, quickening her step.
As the three friends emerged into the clearing they saw Mrs. Marborough and Jay Franklin sitting together on a garden bench. The widow was speaking in a high-pitched voice, reprimanding the caller for having misled her regarding the record stone found on her land.
“She’s giving it to him right, and I’m glad!” Penny chuckled.
“Let’s not go any closer,” Louise murmured, holding back.
Penny stared at her chum in blank amazement. “Not go closer?” she demanded. “Why, this is why we came! I thought Mr. Franklin might be here, and I want to hear what he has to say for himself.”
CHAPTER
12
NO ADMITTANCE
Neither Louise nor Rhoda approved of interfering in the argument between Mrs. Marborough and Mr. Franklin, but as usual they could not stand firm against Penny. Making considerable noise to give warning of their approach, the girls drew near the garden bench.
“Your conduct has amazed and disappointed me,” they heard the old lady say in clipped words. “When I allowed you to remove the stone from my yard you promised that you would deliver it to the museum.”