“It’s Dad!” cried Penny gleefully. “And your father too, Louise!”
Thrilled by the manner in which their release had been accomplished, the girls ran out of the cabin. Crossing the gangplank, they saw that the rescue party was comprised of Mr. Parker, Mr. Sidell, Jerry Livingston, several men who were strangers, and Sara Ottman.
“I found your message in the bottle!” she greeted the girls excitedly.
“Not really?” demanded Penny.
“I was in the little cove just below here, guarding my boat,” explained Sara. “I intended to get back earlier to relieve you girls, but I was detained at the police station. Anyway, while I waited at the bend, wondering what to do, a swarm of corked bottles came floating downstream.”
“Old Noah threw out a box full of them,” chuckled Louise. “So you read our message, asking for help, Sara?”
The older girl nodded. “Yes, one of the bottles drifted ashore. Usually I don’t bother to read the message, but this time I did.”
“How were you able to bring help here so quickly?” asked Penny.
“Actually I didn’t. Although I didn’t realize it until a few minutes ago, your parents have been dreadfully worried about you girls. When Bill Evans telephoned them, they came here to search.”
“I know,” nodded Penny. “Dad was here earlier in the evening. The saboteurs tricked him into leaving.”