“This is no laughing matter!” exclaimed his sister. “I am so excited I don’t know what to do.”
“Keep right on,” said Ruth. “I want to get home just as soon as I can. I don’t believe I shall care hereafter to leave the island until we are through with the picture and can go back to the Red Mill. What are you laughing about, Tom Cameron?”
“I don’t know how ’Lasses is fixed,” said the amused Tom. “But my pistol isn’t loaded. It is my old service automatic and needs repairing, anyway.”
“Don’t fret, Cameron. Mine is loaded all right,” said Chess grimly.
“Then you stay and guard the cave,” said Tom.
“You bet you! You couldn’t get me away from here until you have sent for the sheriff and he comes for the gang. I believe we have done a good night’s work.”
“Oh, you were wonderful!” Helen burst out. “And Ruth says they knocked you down and hurt you.”
“I shall get over that all right,” returned Chess quietly.
But when they were out of the passage and on the open shore Helen insisted upon fussing around Chessleigh, bathing the lump on his head, and otherwise “mothering” him in a way that secretly delighted Ruth. Tom looked at his sister in some amazement.
“What do you know about that?” he whispered to Ruth. “She was as sore at him as she could be an hour ago.”