“Why didn’t I think of it before?” she asked herself jubilantly. “Rex will help me I’m sure! If only I can manage to talk with him when Enid isn’t around!”
She immediately sought her two friends, but the opportunity she awaited did not come. Madge had begun to fear that she would never have a chance to speak privately with Rex when Enid announced that she was cold. Excusing herself, she went to her cabin for a coat.
In a few brief sentences, Madge explained the situation to Rex but there was no time to tell him of her plan, for they could hear Enid returning.
“I’ll tell you more tomorrow!” Madge whispered. “There’s just one thing you must do. Get another bowl the same size as the Zudi Drum and smuggle it aboard before nightfall. Remember how much is at stake, and don’t fail!”
CHAPTER XIII
A Clever Substitute
Although Madge depended upon Rex to help her carry through her scheme, she knew that luck must favor them or they would fail. In part, her plan consisted of substituting for the Zudi Drum an inexpensive bowl of the same size.
Enid had carefully laid her plans. She intended to take the motor boat to Cedar Point, leaving in ample time to arrive at the designated meeting place by midnight.
Yet, as the actual day arrived, her courage began to fail. It was not difficult for Madge to persuade her that it would do no harm for someone to accompany her at least a portion of the way.
“If you come, you must stay in the boat,” Enid insisted. “I must go alone to meet the kidnappers.”
Madge did not press the point for she had gained her main object. Another detail remained to be arranged to her satisfaction. She pointed out that it would be wise to wrap the Zudi Drum.