"I knew who had it, and I felt I would get it back," Cora replied, "but I never dreamed how I might recover it. Mother gave it to me on my last birthday."
"Well I'll tell you this much, miss," and Kate Simpson glanced furtively around her, to make sure that no one might be approaching. "If there ever was two bigger villains than Jim Peters and Tony whatever-his-other-name-is-if-he's-got one, then I never heard tell of them. They're up to some new trick every day and another new one every night. But the worst—"
She seemed afraid to go on. Evidently even a woman so used to hardship as this one could be frightened.
"The worst?" asked Cora.
"Is the one that goes on at Fern Island," almost whispered the strange creature.
"Goes on?" exclaimed Hazel, who had hitherto been silent, too interested to interrupt.
"Yes, miss, it goes on, and it will go on I'm afraid while them villains live."
There was a shout from the camp. The others were looking for Hazel and Cora. The familiar yodel was sent back, then Cora told Hazel:
"You run over, Hazel, and do something to interest them, while I take Kate up the back way. I want to get her some of those things the last maid left, and I want to refresh her a little."
"But I couldn't wait, dear," sighed Kate. "If I don't get a train or boat away from this place soon, they'll be sure to catch me."