He stooped and picked up the paper, greatly to the dog’s apparent satisfaction. It was folded in the middle and contained, written in pencil, the following message, which, not being directed to any one in particular, Herbert felt at liberty to read:
“Feel no anxiety about Robert Coverdale. He is safe!”
Herbert read the message, the dog uttered a quick bark of satisfaction, and, turning, ran down the cliff to the beach.
Herbert was so excited and delighted at the news of his friend’s safety that he gave no further attention to the strange messenger, but hurried into the cabin.
“Mrs. Trafton—Mr. Bence!” he exclaimed, “Bob is safe!”
“What do you mean? What have you heard?” they asked quickly.
“Read this!” answered Herbert, giving Mrs. Trafton the scrap of paper.
“Who brought it?” she asked, bewildered.
“A dog.”
Ben Bence quickly asked: