“He don’t know his way,” said Jo. “He has to watch pretty carefully where he is going.”
“I’ll get Ben,” Ann whispered excitedly. “Helen said that she didn’t want to go to the boat at night—and I don’t believe that mother would like to have her go even if she wished it. We’ll dress quickly and be with you in a minute.”
“All right,” agreed Jo. “Get a move on you. If we can reach the road before the man gets there we will have a fine chance to see who he is as he goes by. I’ll keep track of the light while you’re getting ready.”
“Ben!” whispered Ann. “Are you awake? Robin Hood waits for his men—the marauders are upon us.”
“What’s that?” said Ben, sitting up in bed, and feeling his hair rise.
“Some one is walking toward the wreck with a flashlight! Don’t talk out loud; we don’t want to be told that we mustn’t go out!”
“Is Jo ready to go?”
“Yes. I’ll beat you at dressing.” Ann whisked back to her room. “And if I’m ready first we’ll go without you!”
“If you beat me you’ll be beating some one worth while,” answered Ben as he swung out of bed and thrust his bare feet into his shoes without bothering with stockings. But in spite of his omissions he finished at the same time as Ann and reached her side as she climbed over her window sill.
“Where is he?” she asked Jo.