“It’s Liz,” ventured Jess, for the maid-of-all-work had not come with them to the cabin.

Laura threw the door open, in spite of the flashing lightning. Lil shrieked and even some of the other girls cowered as the lightning played across the sky. But before the thunder burst forth again, Laura heard another sound—and it was not the Barnacle baying.

Lizzie Bean, in the cook-tent, was screaming in a queer and stifled way.


144

CHAPTER XVI

WHERE THE BARNACLE’S NOSE LED HIM

The rain descended in torrents before the cabin door. E’er Laura could plunge into it, Jess dragged her back and slammed the door.

“Don’t be a goose, Laura!” she cried.

“She—she––Something is the matter with Liz,” declared Laura.