“What will you do with us?” Mr. Parker asked, trying to stall for time.
“We’re takin’ ye to Black Island,” Coon replied, prodding the publisher with his gun. “Move!”
One glance at the grim, determined faces of the men convinced Mr. Parker and Penny it would be folly to resist. Silently they entered the boat.
Hod pushed off and the craft moved noiselessly away into the night.
CHAPTER
25
OUTWITTED
For an endless time, it seemed, the party moved deeper and deeper into the swamp. As the night became cool, Penny shivered and leaned close to her father.
Worn out, she slumped against his shoulder and finally dropped into a light sleep. When she opened her eyes, a pale moon had risen over the treetops, lighting the way.
At last, the boat brought up in a cove at Black Island.
“We’re leavin’ ye here,” Coon informed the prisoners. “Maybe ye’ll be found tomorrer or next week after we’re safe away. If not, well hit’s jest too bad!”
Penny and her father were hustled ashore. Despite vigorous struggles, Mr. Parker then was bound by Coon and Hod and lashed with his back to a tree. Before Penny could be treated likewise, a dog began to bark.