In half an hour we were off the Institute pier; but the recess was over, and the students were all in the school-room. It was not safe for me to remain long in this vicinity, for my uncle had by this time reached Parkville, and had probably employed some one to pursue me. I wrote a note to Bob with pencil, on a slip of paper I had in my pocket, and running the Splash up to the pier, sent it to the school-room by one of the men who was at work in the garden. My friend appeared immediately.
"Come on board, Bob. I have a great deal to say to you, and only a little time to say it in."
"But it is school time," replied Bob.
"I must not stop here a moment. I am going off, Bob, and may never see you again, at least not for some time."
"Why, what's up, Ernest?" he asked, as he stepped on board, his scruples removed by the announcement I had made.
"A great deal has happened since we parted last night," I replied, pushing off the Splash from the pier.
"How do you do, Miss Loraine?" continued Bob. "I am glad to see you are still safe."
"I am very well, thanks to Ernest Thornton," she replied.
I headed the boat up the lake towards the cottage again, and proceeded to tell Bob all that had happened since midnight. He listened in amazement to my story. I showed him my father's will, which I had not yet read, and we went through it together.
"It is very plain that they mean to cheat you out of the property your father left for you," said he.