There was no reply from above.
“Louise!” Penny called, flashing her light upward.
“Quiet!” came the whispered response. “I think someone is coming!”
“Mrs. Marborough?” Penny gasped, thoroughly alarmed.
“No! Two men! They’re turning in at the gate!”
Penny began to climb the silken ladder with frantic haste.
“You never can get out without them seeing you!” Louise hissed. “I’m ducking out!”
“Don’t you dare!”
“They’ll see me if I don’t. Stay where you are Penny, and I’ll come back after they go. Oh, the ladder! It’s sure to give you away!”
In the emergency, Penny’s mind worked with rapidity. Lowering herself into the well several rungs, she deliberately stepped into the water. To her relief it came just below her knees.