Slats, however, was too wise for any such trick; he commanded Linda to get out of the plane, and help him carry a heavy box across the island where a growth of bushes concealed a hole in the ground, which was evidently the pre-arranged hiding-place. In silence they buried the treasure and returned to the autogiro.
Retracing their course under his direction, Linda flew back to the encampment. Here they found the others finishing their lunch, and Susie was sitting with them, apparently much brighter and better, for she was laughing and talking to her companions.
As Linda and her captor finished their meal, a stranger put in his stealthy appearance at the door of the tent. He was well-dressed, in riding-breeches, and clean-shaven. Linda's heart gave a wild bound of hope. Was it possible that this man was an officer of the law, and the criminals were caught?
But Beefy's greeting to the visitor instantly dispelled her hopes.
"Hello, Jake!" he exclaimed. "What's new?"
"Everything ripe for tonight," announced the new-comer, briefly. "Ready to start now?"
Slats stood up. "O.K. with me," he said. "Want some grub first, Jake?"
"No—I just ate." The stranger turned smilingly to Linda. "And how's the most famous girl-pilot in the world?"
Linda recoiled in horror. So he too knew all about the plot to catch her! Another member of this terrible gang!