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Show - 13 - which had completely obliterated the back part of the fence, had been neatly trimmed down by Tom and with not too much difficulty they opened the small gate located in the high fence surrounding Gaven House. On the outside they could barely made out a narrow path which was overgown with weeds, wild flowers and grass. The immense Eucalyptus trees closed out the sun, and their enormous limbs cast gloomy shadows along the little path.. "These trees must have been planted a long time ago." said Vicky. "They're awfully tall, at least fifty feet high." "Yes," answered Penny, "I suppose you're right." They walked on and in a few moments the grove ended and they were in the blinding sunlight again. Apparently Gaven House was situated on a knoll, because the terrain started to slope gently downward. Just below them was a creek, gushing and bubbling. At first glance it didn't appear very wide, but a closer look convinced them that it was about twenty or twenty-five feet across. The little path, which was almost invisible, had led them to the bank and stretching across it was an old rickety wooden bridge. It surprised the girls to see the vast expanse of acreage spread out before them. Neat row upon row of vegetables; onions, cabbages, leek, met their eyes. Swiss chard, lettuce and some they did not recognize / It looked like a vast velvet carpet of numerous shades of green. Spread over the area at intervals were wells. At least that is what they appeared to be because they could see figures with long bamboo poles across their shoulders and water cans slung at each end. The wells were square and the sides were lined with boards which seemed odd. Then . they realized that this kept the sandy earth from falling into the water. One side was open with stairs leading down into the depths {The |