“And we would have left them at home if Cousin Rindy hadn’t insisted that we would need them. She certainly is a wise old dear. No doubt she will sit up all night watching for us. I don’t mind anything so much as having her do that.”
“What I want to know is how we are to get off this island even in daylight.”
“I’m trusting to the boys to find a way, and I’m sure they’ll do it.”
They were not long left in doubt, for soon the forms of Alvin and Tom were seen approaching in the gathering darkness.
“Three of you went forth. Where is the third?” inquired Mabel. “Have you thrown him to the sea-god to propitiate him?”
Tom set down the basket he carried, but did not answer for a moment; then he burst out with, “That Reed Marshall is the darndest fellow!”
“What’s he done now?” came in a chorus.
“He’s taken the rowboat and is on his way back to Beatty’s. While we were gathering up the baskets and things he slyly cut loose and made off before we could stop him. I shouted to him to come back, but he said we must stand by; that he’d take word to Mrs. Truesdell and Miss Crump, tell them you all were safe, and that he’d be back with help as early in the morning as possible.”
“But is it safe for him to go so far, and at night?” asked Ellen tremulously.
“It’s a pretty long pull, but he has the grit to make it. He’s strong and has some top piece. He’ll put it across if any one can, but I did hate to see him go off alone; it didn’t seem fair.”