“Fortunately not,” said Cathalina. “Miss Randolph was considering a telegram when they found the word from Louise. She may have sent one; no,—I think that she would wait till we actually had you at Greycliff, then telegraph, so they would not worry if anything were in the papers. When Donald came to the Hall, he said that the woods had been thoroughly covered by the men hunting for you, and by the marines hunting for those men, and that they were going down to White Wings. After they had arrested the men, a hydroplane came nearly to the shore and went away again, seeing their lights, I suppose. Since the only hydroplane anywhere around was at that place they thought some one there must be interested.”
“They must have found out some more, for Donald seemed to know about our farmer and Captain Holley.”
“My, Betty, what a heroine you are,—kidnapped and imprisoned in a tower till the prince arrived.”
“Something like that. I thought of it myself this morning, but it began to get on my nerves.”
“How would you like to own a flying machine?”
“Not at all. You girls may have all my rides in hydroplanes.”
The experience put Betty to bed for several days, more because of the exposure and excitement than because of any trouble from the blow upon her head. She was disgusted at being put in the “pest house,” but quite enjoyed the rest and the attentions of the girls, who brought her her books, kept track of the lesson assignments for her, and were forbidden by the nurse to mention the late adventure. By Wednesday she was in her class again and preparing for a special examination in “Lit.” A bright letter from Donald expressed concern for her hard experience, but much happiness over their understanding. “I will write you how many submarines we sink, for I sail with the next convoy. The ‘stupid young American’ is on his way and isn’t worried now in regard to whom you will wait for! That note was characteristic, but he would regard you as a beautiful possession. I wish that I could tell you on what boat and when we go, but that is something I do not know myself.”
CHAPTER XI
THE COLLEGIATE FIELD MEET
Isabel Hunt was gracefully flying over wooden horses in the gymnasium and landed, after the last jump, in front of Lilian and Cathalina, who had just arrived after a swim in the pool. Fresh and pink after their shower, they were considering whether to take any further exercises or to let well enough alone.
“Think of swimming in the pool when there is a perfectly good lake outside!” exclaimed Lilian. “Don’t you hope this miserable cold spell will soon be over? If it doesn’t warm up before Commencement I shall be perfectly disgusted!”