Part 20 (1/2)
”And the sleds?”
”They seem to be in good condition, but I'll check everything.”
After the workman had gone, Penny glanced questioningly at Mrs. Downey.
”Have you decided to use the run after all?”
”Yes, I started thinking about it after we talked together. We do need more entertainment here at the lodge. After you left I ordered Jake to start work on the track. But I still am in need of experienced drivers for the sled.”
”You spoke of Sara.”
”I thought I would ask her, but I doubt if her Grandfather will give his consent.”
”I'll ski down there tomorrow and talk with her if you would like me to,”
offered Penny.
”I would appreciate it,” said Mrs. Downey gratefully. ”I hate to spare the time myself.”
Early the next morning Penny paid a visit to the bob-sled run where a crew headed by Jake was hard at work. There was a stretch of straightaway and a series of curves which snaked down the valley between the pines. At the point of the steepest curve, the outer snow walls rose to a height of eighteen feet.
”A sled could really travel on that track,” observed Penny. ”Does it hurt to upset?”
”It might,” grinned Jake. ”We've never had an upset on Horseshoe Curve.
If a sled went over there, you might wake up in the hospital.”
Penny watched the men packing snow for awhile. Then buckling on her skis, she made a fast trip down the mountain to the Jasko cabin. This time, having a definite mission, she went boldly to the door and rapped.
There was no response until the window of the loft shot up.
”h.e.l.lo, Penny,” called down Sara. ”I thought you had forgotten your promise. The key's in the same place.”
”Isn't your grandfather here?”
”No, he went down to Pine Top. Isn't it glorious skiing weather? Hurry and get the key. I've been cooped up here half an hour already.”
Penny went reluctantly to the woodshed and returned with the key. She unfastened the trapdoor which gave entrance to the loft and Sara quickly descended.
”Didn't your grandfather say anything about last time?” Penny inquired anxiously.
”Oh, he raved because someone had trespa.s.sed. But it never occurred to him I had gone away. Where shall we ski today?”
”I only stopped to deliver a message, Sara. I am on my way down to the Fergus hotel.”
”Oh,” said the girl in disappointment. ”A message from whom?”
”Mrs. Downey. She is starting up her bob-sled run again and she wants you to help out.”
Sara's eyes began to sparkle.