“It is rather a puzzle,” admitted Bess.
The motor girls were standing outside Denny Shane’s cabin, looking in on him as he sat at his ease, with the red oar over his knees.
“He doesn’t seem to be in any danger,” went on Cora.
“No, those men either haven’t harmed him, or they haven’t arrived yet,” returned Belle.
“Oh, but suppose they should come while we are here?” suggested Marita, shrinking against Cora.
“Don’t go to supposing such uncanny things,” objected Cora, as she put her arm about the other. “Are you afraid?”
“I don’t know,” was the hesitating answer. “I suppose one ought to be afraid, coming at night to a cabin where some horrible men are expected. And yet, somehow, I don’t seem to be,” replied Marita. “I know I would have been a few months ago, but since I have met you girls, and seen the things you do, why it’s queer, but really I—I rather like it!” and she laughed.
“See what your influence has done,” whispered Cora.
They had all spoken in low tones, for Denny was sometimes sharp of hearing, and they did not want to arouse him.
The girls were really puzzled, not only at the peaceful surroundings at Denny’s cabin, but at the absence of the boys. Of course they could not know that Jack and the others had been there and gone, not finding Denny at home. Nor did they know anything of the note left pinned to the door.