"Don't forget it saved our lives," Linda reminded her, laughingly.
But they did not wait. Time was precious now; they wanted to take off before it was any darker, or the snow grew too deep. Opening the door, they stepped outside just as two men on horseback drew up to the cabin. Marshall and the sergeant had returned.
"What's this?" demanded the latter, in a gruff, insulting tone. "Making a get-away, are you?" He glanced suspiciously at Ted. "Maybe you don't know these young women are under arrest!"
"Are they?" retorted Ted. "Well, so are you, for that matter! For not reporting that wreck two days ago! Don't you know it's a government regulation that wrecked planes must be reported as soon as possible?"
The man shuffled nervously, kicking the snow against his horse.
"Well, I'm reportin' it," he asserted, defiantly.
"Today? You bet you'll report it today! It's two days too late, though!"
"They're smugglers," he sneered, scornfully. "Smugglers is enemies to the country, and don't deserve no consideration!"
"We'll see about that!" replied Ted masterfully, as he glowered at the girls' accuser. Linda and Louise stood quietly by, watching him in admiration. How grand it was to have a friend like this!
"You girls come along with me," snarled the officer. "I'm takin' you to the Court House."