“Of course there is,” cried the girl, but under her breath. “Aren’t those blessed children in danger?”
“But, Ruth! We can’t help that just now. Not while it’s dark.”
“And what are you going to do when light comes?” demanded Ruth, with some exasperation.
Luke Shepard groaned. What could he say to soothe the girl of whom he was so very fond?
“Hadn’t you better try to get some sleep, Ruth?” he finally said.
But he did not wholly know Ruth Kenway, much as he admired her. He had not known her in the days when she had borne the entire burden of the Kenways’ domestic troubles. He had no idea that her very active mind was bound to exert itself until some reasonable method of helping Tess and Dot was evolved.
“Listen!” she commanded, sternly. “Listen, Luke. The children must be brought back.”
“Oh, Ruthie!”
“It may sound impossible to you, but it isn’t impossible. It means hard work, and you boys and Mr. Howbridge must practically do it all. But I have thought of a way.”
“Goodness me!” gasped Luke, sitting up quickly. “Come away from here. Don’t wake Mr. Howbridge. You can tell me first, can’t you?”