Suddenly a low chirping sound rose from the midst of the party, and was answered from a dozen yards distant. Then came the rustling of some one forcing his way through the bushes, and Ned stood among them, silently grasping hand after hand.
“I was afraid they’d got you, Frank,” he said.
“No; it’s all right.”
“But where’s my uncle?”
There was silence, and then Mr Braine explained their position.
“I see,” said Ned, firmly; “but we cannot stir from here without him.”
“No; we are going to get him out at any cost.”
“How?” said Ned.
“Hist! speak lower,” whispered Mr Braine. “Drop down in the boat to the point nearest his house, and there part of us land.”
“But you say he is guarded.”