To amuse himself, he began to call out to her, though he could not see her or know where she was.
“You think you’re a clever one!” he taunted. “But you jest wait! We’ll get you out o’ there, and when we do, you ain’t goin’ to like it!”
Lest a movement of the grass or a splash betray her, Penny remained perfectly still. Shadows deepened on the river for night was fast coming on. Her muscles became stiff and cramped. The wind chilled her to the very bone, and the water which at first had not seemed unbearably cold, made her teeth chatter and dance. Each minute became an hour as the torture increased.
“I’ll have to do something,” she thought desperately. “I can’t endure this much longer.”
CHAPTER
20
A DESPERATE PLIGHT
In the rowboat, Claude Harper slowly patrolled the area, keeping an alert watch for the slightest movement amid the grass. Once as a crane arose from the dense growth into the darkening sky, he focused a flashlight beam on the spot.
“He’s prepared to stay here half the night if necessary,” Penny thought, shivering.
She could think of no means of escape. When it became completely dark, she might be able to swim away without being detected. But long exposure in cold water had weakened her, and she was none too certain of her ability to reach shore.
Her absence at the island surely must have been noticed by this time, she reasoned. Why was not a boat sent in search of her?
“I hope they don’t assume I am staying with Sally for the night,” she worried.