“Isn’t it dangerous to drive on the sand?”
“Everyone does it at low tide. The sand is hard and firm along this stretch of beach.”
Louise offered no further objection, so Penny drove slowly away from the hotel. The car rode on silken tires, making only a soft swishing sound as it rolled smoothly over the sand.
“Oh, this is fun!” Louise cried in delight.
“We might drive to the lighthouse,” Penny proposed, steering to avoid two bathers who crossed in front of the car.
Following the curve of the beach, the girls kept on until the sand became so soft that they were afraid to drive farther. The lighthouse was close by. Penny, curious to learn what sort of reception the keeper would accord her on the second visit, proposed to Louise that they call there.
“If he let Mrs. Deline visit the tower why can’t we?” she argued. “Come along, let’s try to get in!”
Abandoning the car on the beach, they waded through the dunes, climbed a fence, and ultimately reached the base of the tower. No one seemed to be in evidence. Penny started boldly up the iron steps. However, before she had gone very far, the keeper, Jim McCoy, came out on the platform.
“Didn’t I tell you no visitors are allowed here?” he called down angrily.
“I saw a lady come here yesterday!” Penny returned.