“I’m not so sure, even about that. But what’s he doing up here when he said he was going to Florida?”
“I don’t know, Terry. Don’t let us waste time by standing here thinking mean thoughts about Bud Hyslop. We’ll never find the boys that way.”
“You’re right, Prim. Only I’m mad clear through! Come on!” The girls climbed into the plane. There was a brisk wind blowing and Terry headed into it for a quick take-off. Skybird bumped over the rocky field, then with a flirt of the tail, the little plane cleared the boulders and nosed upward.
Terry and Prim looked around them for landmarks in order to locate the position of The Crate when they wanted it. She judged it was a mile back from the rocky shore line of the island. A great cliff rose like a castle. Stretching out from the summit was a broad plateau. At its base was a collection of fishermen’s huts. Consulting her map, Terry decided that Harbor Grace was twenty miles away. She took a straight course and half an hour later put her plane down on the field in a perfect three-point landing.
Before the girl could step from the cockpit a mechanic came toward her.
“Are you Terry Mapes?” he asked. “There’s a telegram here for you. Please call at the office!”
Terry and Prim ran toward the office of the airport. “They’re safe! I’m sure of it! I could scream with joy!” said Terry.
Tearing open the telegram she read:
THE BOYS HAVE BEEN KIDNAPPED FOR LARGE RANSOM.
TROUBLE HERE. COME.