"It was nothing."
"And yet how unlike Alexis," muttered Hal. "Can you imagine what Alexis would have said after a fight like that?"
"Rather," said Chester dryly. "He'd have sworn he had defeated a regiment."
"Well," said Hal. "It seems to me we have delayed here long enough. You will remember your orders to hurry. My plane will carry us all, if Miss Ellison cares to go."
"Certainly she cares to go," returned Chester. "We can't leave her here alone. I'll wake Anderson now."
He did so. The Colonel announced that he was feeling perfectly fit and ready to go at any time.
"Well, you people get ready and I'll go and have a look at the plane," said Hal.
He left the house.
It had grown light by this time. Dawn had broken half an hour before and there was every indication that the day would be bright and cheerful.
Helen was upstairs getting her things together, while the others sat about in the parlor. Suddenly Hal dashed into the house. There was an expression of alarm on his face. The others jumped to their feet excitedly.