“What is it?” Alicia walked to the door and saw three dark shadows running near the dock. Not compact figures like raccoons or foxes. They disappeared shortly after the girls spotted them. Three tall figures—it had to be men. The sisters bolted the door and peered out between the shutters.
After the initial clatter, all was quiet, but their nerves were on edge. They gathered up everything that could be used as a weapon, the fire irons, a hefty pot, a kitchen knife. Then they spent the night huddled before the fireplace, afraid to close their eyes. In the morning, they jumped when the door latch rattled.
“Alicia, it’s me, Roberto. A ship anchored here,” the young helper called. The girls shook themselves awake, tangled in their blankets and shawls. They tripped over the pots and fire irons before they opened the door just a crack.
“Did you have visitors earlier?” Roberto asked. “There are muddy tracks between the tie-up and the pathway to the cave. The anchor ropes are all jumbled up.” Clara lunged out the front door.
“Let me look!” Deep ruts ran to the tie-up, as if something large had been dragged. Clara was halfway down the path when she spotted several men sauntering toward the house. “Halt right there. Who are you?”
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