Mr. Williams had been a mechanic in his younger days. He knew just what to do under the present circumstances.
Annabel watched him with an interest that became more intense every moment.
He found a second screw, and removed it; a third, and then a fourth. With this the piece of bark came away in his hand, revealing a hollow cavity in the tree behind it.
Mr. Williams took out his handkerchief and wiped the perspiration from his forehead. Then he thrust his hand into the cavity, and when he withdrew it he was clutching a bundle of papers, tied together with a cotton cord.
CHAPTER XVI.
MR. WILLIAMS DECIDES TO ACT.
“What is it, papa?” whispered Annabel, with extreme eagerness.
The man sat down upon the root and hastily examined the papers. When again he looked upon his daughter his face was white and drawn, and in his eyes was an expression of intense horror.