“By water? Ban, you are out of your mind. Where is there any waterway?”
“Dry Bed Arroyo. It’s running bank-full. My boat is waiting there.”
“But it will be dangerous. Terribly dangerous. Io, you mustn’t.”
“I’ll go,” said the girl quietly, “if Ban says so.”
“There’s no other way out. And it isn’t so dangerous if you’re used to a boat. Old Streatham made it seven years ago in the big flood. Did it in a bark canoe on a hundred-dollar bet. The Arroyo takes you out to the Little Bowleg and that empties into the Rio Solano, and there you are! I’ve got his map.”
“Map?” cried Miss Van Arsdale. “What use is a map when you can’t see your hand before your face?”
“Give this wind a chance,” answered Banneker. “Within two hours the clouds will have broken and we’ll have moonlight to go by.... The Angelica Herald man is over at the hotel now,” he added.
“May I take a suitcase?” asked Io.
“Of course. I’ll strap it to your pony if you’ll get it ready. Miss Camilla, what shall we do with the pony? Hitch him under the bridge?”
“If you’re determined to take her, I’ll ride over with you and bring him back. Io, think! Is it worth the risk? Let the reporter come. I can keep him away from you.”