“It’s a mistake!” Enid cried. “I had the drum when I left The Flora tonight. Don’t hold me responsible for something I didn’t do!”
The men paid not the slightest attention to her excuses. They moved to the other end of the room and conversed in a tongue which Madge had never heard before, but from the vehemence with which they spoke, she guessed that they were plotting a cruel punishment for Enid and her father.
“Oh, this is dreadful!” she thought. “I can’t bear it to stay here and do nothing. Why doesn’t Rex come?”
Abruptly the three natives left the room above and a minute later, Madge heard them moving about on the second floor.
“They’ve gone up there for something,” she told herself. “If I don’t save Enid and Mr. Burnett now, I’ll lose my chance. I can’t wait for Rex. He may not get here until it is too late!”
With a courage born of desperation, she quietly opened the door and slipped into the room. At sight of her Enid stifled a scream. Madge held up a warning hand, and with a hasty glance directed toward the stairs leading to the second floor, snatched up a knife lying upon the table. Enid was nearest her and with several sharp thrusts with the blade, she had cut Enid’s bonds and set her free.
She turned to aid Mr. Burnett. Just at that moment, she heard footsteps on the stairs.
“Go!” Mr. Burnett whispered tensely. “It’s your only chance!”
Madge wheeled about but already escape was cut off. The door was blocked by the three natives.