She also said
nothing of the ring that was in the purse when it left her hands,
but not in it when the purse was returned to her.
It was a splendid morning for a trip on Cedar Lake, and although
Belle and Hazel had planned a trip to the woods, Cora and Bess were
going out in the Petrel.
Passing Center Landing, Cora called a pleasant good morning to Ben,
who sat on the end string piece, his feet aiming at the water and
his broad brimmed hat caught on halo fashion at the back of his
neck.
"Oh, I must ask him something," said Cora, suddenly turning her boat
toward the wharf. She drew near enough to speak quietly.
"Ben," she said, "where is that shanty you told me about--Jim
Peter's place?"
"Lands sake miss! you ain't goin' there?" asked the man in some
alarm.
"Why not?" demanded Cora. "Can't I take care of myself in broad
daylight?"
"But you don't know how ugly that feller can be," insisted Ben. "I
tell you miss, I'd give him plenty of room, if I war you."
"Don't go," urged Bess.
"But, Ben," argued Cora, "I am afraid you have all let Jim Peters
bully you. I am going to try him another way. Where does he live?"
"Well a hour ago he went up the lake. He goes up there every
mornin' regular. Like as if he had some important business on the
island. When I asked him about it he said there was a fellow who
had some dangerous disease, and was campin' out there, and Jim
allowed that he had to fetch him things.
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