“What state do you think this island is in!” asked Charlie Jamieson, appearing suddenly from his hiding-place.
Holmes staggered back. For a moment he seemed speechless. Then he found his tongue.
“What are you doing here? How did you get into my house?” he snarled. “I’ll have you arrested as a burglar.”
“Ah, no, you won’t,” said Charlie, pleasantly. “But I’m going to have you arrested–for kidnapping. Answer my question–do you think this is in the state where the courts have put Bessie in charge of Silas Weeks?”
“Certainly it is,” said Holmes, blustering.
“You ought to keep up with the news better, Mr. Holmes. The United States Government has bought this island for military purposes. It’s a Federal reservation now, and the writ of the state courts has no value whatever. Even the land this house stands on belongs to the government now–it was taken by condemnation proceedings.”
Eleanor gave a glad cry at the good news. At last she understood the trap into which Holmes had fallen.
“Look outside–look through the window!” said Jamieson.
Holmes rushed to the window, and his teeth showed in a snarl at what he saw.
“You can’t get away, you see,” said Jamieson. “There isn’t any sentiment about those soldiers. They’d shoot you if you tried to run through them. I’d advise you to take things easily. There’ll be a United States marshal to take you in charge pretty soon. He’s on his way from Rock Haven now. He’ll probably come on the same boat that brings Silas Weeks–and some other people you are not expecting.”