"Is the party still on," he inquired, "or am I too late?"
He waited for a second or two, but as nobody had any reply to make, he tilted up his weapon, and sauntered into the room. A trampling of other feet sounded outside, and four other men drifted into view through the morning mist and crowded across the threshold at their leader's heels.
From Stark's dripping figure, Dexter's glance wandered to the silhouetted shapes beyond, and he recognized Norbert Croix and 'Phonse Doucet, and Alison's brother, Archie. There was a fifth man in the group, a thick-set individual with a scraggly red beard, whose acquaintance he had not yet made. The clothing of the newcomers was water-soaked. It was evident that they had just waded the rapids. While the game was on in the cabin, the forking streams must have fallen low enough to permit a crossing.
The intruders filed into the room, and the last one closed the door behind him. Stark moved forward and laughed softly to himself.
"So you got out from under that tree," he remarked as he surveyed Dexter. "I didn't think you had a chance on earth, but you fooled me that trip. Anybody help you?"
Dexter faced the man with level eyes. "You left me my watch, and I made a scoop of the lid and dug the ground from under my shoulder," he said. "I was able to get loose before morning."
"And afterwards met this girl here—Miss Rayne?"
"Met her in the woods, and arrested her," returned the corporal.
"Where'd you pick up Crill?" asked the other.
"Here on the island."