“Go ahead,” said Dale defiantly. “I doubt if any one would believe you now.”
The captured ruffian’s hands were pinioned, and he was marched back to the house. On the veranda the girls were gathered, vaguely and apprehensively speculating on the cause of those startling cries for help. Beneath the light of the Japanese lanterns they made a beautiful group, in dresses of white and pink and light blue.
Randall was sent to reassure the girls, while the captive was marched along toward the stable. Reaching the stable, Hanks was bound and thrust into a box stall, the door being fastened upon him. Steele called one of the stablemen and gave him instructions to guard the captive cautiously and faithfully.
“Now, fellows,” laughed Casper, “we’ll go back to the girls and forget that there’s been anything to mar the pleasure of the evening.”
Returning to the house, Dick inquired for June. He was told that she was in her room, and they assured him that she had not been harmed. It was fully half an hour before June reappeared in the ballroom. He had been watching for her, and hastened without delay to join her.
“I trust you’re all right, June,” he said. “I was afraid that scoundrel had hurt you.”
“I’m all right,” she answered, with surprising coolness. “I was not harmed in the least.”
“You must have been frightened.”
“Naturally, I was frightened somewhat, but I’m all right now.”
“Will you dance any more?”