“If you won’t give up the idea of going to Cedar Point, then at least permit Rex or me to go with you,” Madge pleaded.
Enid grasped her friend’s hand and squeezed it gratefully.
“It’s noble of you to offer, but of course I shan’t accept.”
Madge gave up. Until now she had hoped that she could find some means of convincing Enid of the mistake she was making. She considered ignoring her promise and taking the matter to the police, but loyalty would scarcely permit that. She told herself she must find some other way.
“I wish Jack French would hurry and arrive if he’s actually decided to come,” she thought. “He would know what to do.”
Since she had sent off her telegram to Loon Lake, she had received no reply and she knew that in the present situation she must depend upon her own ingenuity. In vain she cudgeled her brain for some scheme which would secure Mr. Burnett’s release and at the same time not endanger Enid.
“It’s a shame to hand over the Zudi Drum Bowl without making the slightest attempt to save it,” she mused. “Mr. Burnett must value it highly or he would have given it to the kidnappers of his own accord.”
Supper time found her still turning the matter over in her mind. She was unusually quiet during the meal, but Enid did not notice. Neither ate a great deal although Jose had made a special effort to serve appetizing dishes. After they had finished, they sat out on the deck, watching the sunset.
Later in the evening, Rex drew alongside the yacht in his motor boat and was invited to come aboard. He had no news to report, and after Madge had talked with him a few minutes, she left him alone with Enid and went back to her deck chair.
For some time she sat there, staring intently toward the city, and yet completely unaware of the twinkling lights or the orchestra music which came faintly over the water from a beach front hotel. Then suddenly she straightened.