Groping his way along the rafters, the young machinist soon held his sister in his arms. In a trice he cut the straps with which Corrigan had bound her.
"Are you hurt?" he asked tenderly.
"Oh, no, but I was awfully frightened!" declared the girl. She was trembling like a frightened fawn, and clung to him closely as he carried her down the ladder and into the open air.
"We'll go over to the shore," said Jack; "I think Mont is there. He was to follow me."
When they reached the edge of the water, they found that the young man had just landed. He was accompanied by Farmer Farrell, one of the hired men, and Meg, who had insisted upon coming along to show the way.
In a few words Jack introduced Deb, and related what had occurred.
"And now I believe these men mean harm to this Max Pooler," he said in conclusion. "If I knew the way to the cave I'd follow them at once."
"I know the way," put in Meg. "Pooler thinks I don't, but I found it out one rainy night by followin' him."
"And will you show us?" asked Jack, eagerly.
"Yep, if you want me to," replied the young girl. "Come on. 'Taint far."