The Orphan's Home

Adventure is out there!

It took two agonizing weeks for the tall snowdrifts to melt. Marilla, quite weary by now, finally conceded to Anne's pestering requests.

Bundled in an excessive amount of winter-wear, Anne burst out of the front door and off of the porch. She was followed by the more level-headed Gilbert, who chuckled silently as he helped her up from where she had fallen into the thick mud.

Unfazed by her fall, Anne hurried across the slippery yard, out the Cuthbert's drive, over a fence, along a long dirt road, and into a small forest. Gilbert was an excellent guide. He led her through the trees easily, until they had reached the bottom of a steep slope.

"There they are!" he pointed left, past Anne. "The caves are right over there."

But Anne didn't hear him. She was too busy staring at the top of the hill, where a large oak tree stood. It looked familiar. Was this where Matthew had found her last autumn, when she had hidden from the bear?

Gilbert followed her her gaze to the tree, then looked back at Anne. Recognizing the worry in her eyes, he grasped her mittened hand in his own.

"The caves are over there, Anne. Do you still want to see them?"

Her chin lifted quickly as she took a step forward. "Of course," she said, with a toss of her braids, "Let's go!"

The first cave was smaller than Anne expected. It was hidden by bushes, but almost completely dry inside.

"I'll go first," Gilbert said as he lit the lantern, and moved in front of Anne. He ducked his head and stepped inside.

"Ouch!"

"Are you okay?" Anne asked, rushing to him. "Ow!" She yelped, grabbing her forehead. " What was that?"

Gilbert raised the lantern, illuminating the interior of the cave.

"Stalactite," he groaned as he straightened, still rubbing his head,  "Are you okay Anne?"

"I'm fine, let's keep going!" she urged in excitement.

They walked a little further, until they reached the back.

"Is this all?" Anne asked disappointingly. 

Gilbert stepped cautiously around a large stalagmite column. "Come in here," he said, his voice echoing twice.

Anne peeked into the hidden room, but drew back quickly when she saw a dark shape in the shadow. "Gilbert!" She whispered, pulling his sleeve. "Is that a bear?"

He swung the lantern to where she pointed. A sigh of relief escaped him as he edged closer. "No bear, Anne." He strode to the far end of the room, and reached to remove the thick dark cloth.

"Anne! Come look at this!"