Merritt soon told his narrative of the crackling twig and the struggle. A visit to the beach showed that there had, indeed, been a struggle before Rob had been landed in the canoe. A disconsolate silence fell on the little party.
“What are we to do now?” wondered Hiram.
“Get in pursuit of them as quick as possible, I should think,” opined Tubby.
The major shook his head.
“Not much use in that,” he decided, “we would not be likely to find them. No, the best plan is to wait right here. If Rob escapes he will be able to find his way back again.”
“Do you think they mean him harm?” inquired little Andy Bowles tremulously.
“I hardly think so,” responded the major, “they wouldn’t dare to do much more than keep him prisoner. But even that’s bad enough.”
“But what object can they have in all this except to annoy us?” asked the professor.
“Simple enough,” said the major, rather bitterly, “I guess they are going to hold Rob as a hostage.”
“What do you mean?”