“What is it? Nothing of importance, I hope, for we can not tarry until you return for it.”
“But it is of importance, mamma. It is that pretty case of trinkets that father gave me, and among its contents is that golden locket which I prize so highly, containing the pictures of yourself and papa. I placed it on the mantle-piece in the front room just before starting, intending to get it as I came out. I must go back now, for I can not lose it.”
“There is no necessity for either the one or the other,” put in her father, a little sharply. “We can not wait here until you obtain it, so get in here with your mother and let us be gone.”
“I will not be absent long,” persisted the maiden.
“Too long to keep us waiting. Please take your place in the boat, and say no more about it. Your case of trinkets will not be lost, depend upon it. We can speak to old Kirby Kidd, and have him bring it to you, as you know he frequently makes a trip between the two forts. The men have been waiting here long enough already to try their patience, and I’m sure they don’t relish the idea of a longer delay.”
“Yer father’s right, miss,” said one of the rangers, respectfully. “I don’t want to oppose ye, but hyur’s as calculates yer father’s right; ’cause why? we got to go a consid’rable ways afore mornin’.”
“Not so very fur,” said another. “We’ve only to make two-thirds o’ the distance to-night, an’ that ain’t more’n ten mile, ye know. We’ve got to stop at that island, Jack, that Kidd was tellin’ us about, and lay thar till to-morrer night ’fore completin’ the journey. The gal’s got plenty o’ time to git her valu’bles.”
“There, father; what do you say to that?” cried Isabel.
“I say, my child, that I myself will go back after your treasure,” said Mr. Moreland, preparing to step out of the boat.