“Behold before you the final scene. Down beneath on the green links a solitary hut close by a creek. In that hut hide the villains in possession of the innocent princess. Afar off, the blue sky and blue sea, and on its bright bosom a sprightly yacht with spreading sails, heading for the shore. Presently the anchor will be dropped, a boat will be lowered and impelled by sturdy rowers, head on towards the creek, where the villains——”
“Here, my dear fellow, that is enough,” cried Fitzroy impatiently. “I don’t doubt that the kidnappers are in yonder hut, but let us be moving, and that right quickly too, else we’ll lose the game which now seems so easy to win.”
Nor was there any time to lose or to squander in talking, for already the yacht was nearing the shore, and even as he looked, Fitzroy noticed a flag run up to the peak and as quickly lowered again.
This signal brought a man right out of the cottage. He stood on the knoll for a moment, gave one quick suspicious glance around him, then waved a shawl and disappeared once more.
Fortunately there were some bushes—a rugged sort of seaside hedge—betwixt the cliff and the hut, and, like most fishermen’s cottages, this ran at right angles to the beach, there being no window in the landward gable.
It was along this hedge that Gourmand and Fitzroy approached to the attack. The giant had furnished himself with a club like a weaver’s beam, while the “cap’n” had a stout stick, a stout heart, and his revolver. But Johnnie was left concealed behind a tree at the cliff foot with strict orders not to let loose the hound unless summoned to do so by a shrill whistle.
The two pursuers now dashed quickly past the window, and knocking at the door loudly demanded admittance.
Even as they did so they heard out yonder in the bay, the rattle of the chain as the anchor was let go, and knew there was not a moment to spare, for a boat would speedily be lowered.
“Open the door, lads. Your little game is up!”
No answer.