The rain had stopped by noon. They stayed inside the trailer. Ann fixed some lunch and they ate it at the small table. The sun came out between the clouds and Dan said that he would like to look around the valley.

Dan followed Ann as she led him on a tour of Hidden Valley. She pointed out to him some of her discoveries. There were several buildings still standing, though most had deteriorated considerably. Some were in such bad shape that it was not safe to enter them. Most were single story houses and barns. One building looked like it could have been used as a school or church. Surprisingly, this building was one of the better structures still standing. There were even some old chairs and a table.

Dan indicated that he would like to check out this building. They entered through a doorway with a door hanging on with one hinge. The windows were all broken and there were cob webs everywhere. A few birds flew out as Dan and Ann entered. The building contained only two rooms, a large room in the front and a small room in the back that could have served as an office or possibly even a living area for a school teacher.

There was a trap door in the floor of the back room. Dan pulled it open but it was too dark to see where it led. Ann suggested that they come back later with her flashlight before proceeding any further. They checked bookshelves and cupboards for any clue as to the history of this building. Pulling open a drawer in the table revealed a paper with some faded printing in a child's handwriting. It looked like some kind of school work. Ann took it with her for closer examination outside where the light was much better. Dan suggested that they come back later for a more thorough search.

They proceeded to visit other buildings in the valley. Some of the old barns still had parts of old farm machinery. The grass had grown quite tall and they often tripped over objects hidden in the grass. One obstacle appeared to be a crude gravestone, though the writing had been obscured by the weather. Ann pointed out a few fruit trees that had helped supply the inhabitants of this valley with fruit.

While Ann had spent much time exploring Hidden Valley, she had focused around her end of the valley. With Dan at her side she felt a little more adventerous and they began to walk around the far end of the valley. There were no buildings at this end of the valley but there were signs that there was a trail leading off to the edge of the valley. They followed the trail and saw that it proceeded to make its way up the hillside at the other side of the valley. It was obvious that much work had gone into carving out a trail up the steep hillside.

The trail was apparently not meant for motor vehicles. It was probably used by horses or mules. But where did it lead? The mystery drew Dan and Ann to continue their pursuit. They continued to wind their way up the steep hillside. Looking back they could look down on Hidden Valley and observe Ann's trailor, the sheep and all the empty buildings in the valley.

It was apparent that the trail had been used recently which concerned Ann. She had assumed that her presence in Hidden Valley was known only to herself. However anyone recently traveling this trail could easily observe her trailer and the sheep at the far end of the valley.

They wondered where the trail led so they continued to climb. The recent rain had washed away any tracks. Dan wondered if possibly they were merely following a deer trail or if it was actually used by humans. They went on until Ann suggested that they set down to rest. They sat on a large rock with a view overlooking the valley. Ann expressed her fears that someone using the trail knew of her presence in Hidden Valley. Dan also feared for Ann's safety if she continued to stay in the valley alone. He was determined to follow the trail to see where it led.