Almost at a run, they cut across the garden to the steps which led to the river’s edge. Reaching the beach they paused to listen. No sound of drums could be heard and no one was in sight.
“It couldn’t have come from here,” Penny said. “Lorinda, that drumming definitely was tied up with the cottage.”
“But the sound was muffled and far away.”
“The cottage may have a passageway connection.”
“I never heard of such a thing.”
“How long ago was the cottage built, Lorinda?”
“The summer after Mother and my stepfather were married. I remember, Mother and I went away for a month to visit a cousin. When we returned, the cottage was finished. My stepfather ordered it done while we were away. Mother didn’t like it one bit.”
“Then you actually weren’t here when the cottage was built? For all you know, a secret passageway or false panels in the walls, may have been put in?”
“I suppose it could have been done,” Lorinda admitted reluctantly.
“Who would know about the cottage except your stepfather? Did you learn the builder’s name?”