“Annie!” cried Dell, her voice vibrant with the deep surprise that surged within her.
For a moment the girls clung in each other’s arms, Miss McGowan sobbing hysterically.
“There, there, Annie!” murmured Dell, in a soothing tone. “How do you happen to be here?”
“Buffalo Bill came to the island and brought me away,” answered Miss McGowan.
“Came to the island!” gasped Dell, dumfounded. “Buffalo Bill, did you really go to the island and take Annie right out from under the noses of Bascomb and Bernritter and the other men they had with them?”
“They had only one other man with them, Dell,” answered the scout, “and I took care of that fellow before I started for the island. There he lies, on the sand, within a yard of you.”
“But how did you do it?” cried the amazed Dell. “Are you a wizard, that you could cross the quicksands and bring Annie away from the island?”
“No,” laughed the scout, “I don’t happen to be a wizard. An opportunity presented itself, and I took advantage of it. That’s all.”
“All!” murmured the girl. “Well, I should say it is enough. I can scarcely believe——”
Again the scout’s revolvers barked, carrying a leaden warning to Bascomb and Bernritter who, in desperation, had once more attempted the causeway.