“If they are looking for us they may say something or do something to prove it,” she thought. Ruth knew a few Spanish words and she began to recall them to mind and get ready for an interview with the strangers when such a moment should arrive. “I suppose I ought to welcome the coming of anybody at all. But these——”
A moving shape suddenly appeared in the mist. A keel grated on the shore. Several voices, all speaking a mixed Spanish, burst out. Ruth heard Agnes stir again and cry out faintly.
The older girl threw herself into the shelter and placed a hand over Agnes’ mouth.
“Hush!” she commanded.
“Oh! Oh! What is it?” gasped the other.
“Wait. There is no danger—perhaps. But they are strangers.”
“What are you saying?” Agnes Kenway demanded, and sat up promptly, pushing her sister’s restraining hand away.
“I tell you somebody has landed.”
“Not Mr. Howbridge and the boys?”
“Of course not! Would I fear them?”