"Up there!" was the quick answer.
"Oh, Cora! Don't leave us!" begged Bess.
"Come along then," suggested Jack's practical sister.
"But it is so steep!" complained Bess, who was more "plump" than ever, due to the inactivity of the sea trip.
"It wont be any the less steep from waiting," spoke Cora, grimly, "and it'll soon be so dark that you'll likely fall off, if you try to go up. I'm going—mother must be up there, and so must your folks."
"Of course!" cried Belle. "Don't be a coward, Bess."
"I'm not, but—"
"I will help," said Inez, gently, as she glided up from the cabin.
"Perhaps zere may be news of my father!"
She had been very patient all this while regarding news of her parent—very unselfish, for though the trip was partly undertaken to aid Senor Ralcanto, if possible, nothing as yet had been done toward this. All efforts had been bent toward getting news of Mrs. Kimball, and Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, and Inez had said nothing. Even now, she was willing to help others first.
"You're a dear," murmured Cora, her foot on the first step of the mounting ladder. "Oh, to think that all our worry is over now!" She had yet to learn what was in store for her and the others.