Having gleaned what information they could from Mr. Parker, the girls related their own adventure. As they fully expected, he made light of the episode at the cabin.
“Why should Mrs. Deline expect to meet anyone there?” he argued. “Penny, I’m afraid you don’t understand her and misinterpret her actions.”
“I don’t understand her, that’s certain.”
“As to a man loitering about the camp,” Mr. Parker resumed, “I’ve been worried about that ever since food was stolen. As I must be gone so much of the time, why wouldn’t it be better for us to move to the hotel?”
Penny stiffened for an argument, and then suddenly changed her mind.
“All right, Dad,” she astonished him by saying, “as far as I’m concerned, we can move tomorrow. I’ve had enough of the lonesome life.”
“Why, that’s fine!” Mr. Parker said heartily. “Splendid!”
After he had moved on, to sit for awhile by the dying embers of the fire, Louise remarked to Penny that explanations were in order.
“How come you’re ready to desert the rough and rugged life?” she demanded. “At first you were dead set against moving into the hotel.”
Penny carefully raised the car window so that her father would not overhear.