"I demand that you let us out of here!" cried Betty, stamping her foot.
She looked around as though for some weapon with which to enforce her orders, and the woman evidently guessed this, for she chuckled grimly.
"You can't have your own way here," she said, with a grin that showed her almost toothless gums. "My man is captain of this boat, and out at sea, you know, the captain has to be obeyed."
"Oh, are you going to take us out to sea?" gasped Amy. "Please don't! I'll do anything if you will release us. See, I have money," and she brought out a little gold purse from a skirt pocket. At the sight of the gleaming metal the crone's eyes glittered.
"Don't be afraid," she said. "You won't be harmed. All we want to know is——"
A knock interrupted her. She glided quickly between Betty and Amy and the door was opened a crack. Betty had a wild idea of forcing her way out, but she had a glimpse of two rough looking men through the opening, and she dared not approach. There was a whispered talk between the old woman and one of the men.
Then, in an instant the old crone slipped out, and the door was locked again, leaving Betty and Amy alone in the cabin.
"Oh—oh!" cried Amy, and a moment later she was sobbing in the strong arms of Betty.
Meanwhile Allen and Henry had come out from the fisherman's cottage, having satisfied themselves, by a quick search, that no one was in the upper story, or down in the cellar.
"They were here, though," Allen said.