CHAPTER XXIV.IN THE WOODS.
For several minutes I heard the footsteps of the trio as they made their way towards the shore; then all became silent, and I realized that I was alone.
It was intensely dark, the heavy branches overhead completely shutting out every bit of light that the night might have otherwise afforded.
I do not claim to be over brave, and the darkness and the loneliness of my position sent a shiver through my frame. How long must I remain in that dismal spot?
I tried to move my hands and my feet, but all appeared to be as fast as if bound with iron. Yates had done his work well, and I was, beyond a doubt, a close prisoner.
After a struggle that lasted for a quarter of an hour or more, and nearly wore the skin from my wrists, I ceased, and gave myself up to bitter reflection.
I wondered if Ford was on his way back to the island, and if he had the police with him. It was hardly possible, yet I trusted that such was the case.
Then I thought of what the three men might say when they found the Catch Me gone. Would they have any other means of leaving Rock Island? I fervently hoped not.
Presently, as much to keep my courage up as anything else, I began to yell at the top of my voice. There was no reply; and finally I was compelled to cease out of pure weariness.
After the lantern had disappeared from my sight, the darkness was at first intense, and I could not see the thicket that I knew was but ten feet ahead of me.
But as my eyes grew more accustomed to the place, I gradually found that by straining my sight I could see a short distance to the front. I was so tightly bound, that to view the situation in any other direction was utterly impossible.
The tree to which I was fastened was a tall and stately elm. It was fully a foot and a half in diameter, and as firm as the rocks that surrounded it.
As I have said, a thicket was directly ahead; what was behind me I did not know, saving the rocks that I had endeavored to scale.
I realized that I was in a bad fix indeed. How long would I have to remain in this position? Would the morning bring a change, or would I be compelled to remain tied to the tree until hunger and thirst had done their work and life had gone out of me?
What a base and cruel man Mr. Norton had proved himself to be! Undoubtedly he was one of the three robbers; and I could not help but shudder at the thought that he was my uncle.
The trio had now divided the diamonds and were ready to separate. If they could find a means of leaving the island, they would do so in short order; and once on the mainland it would be no easy matter to follow them. There were numerous roads, and the Bayport and Bend Center police were not of the best.
But for the present, what was to be done?
Ten minutes went by. To me it seemed a perfect age.
Suddenly the crackling of some dead leaves broke upon my ear. Was some one approaching?
I listened intently. The sound came nearer; and far behind it I heard another sound, as of the footsteps of a man.
Wondering what it could mean, I stretched my neck and peered towards the spot.
The next instant I gave a cry of horror.
Two shining eyes glared at me through an opening, and I heard the low growl of some wild animal.
Words cannot express my feelings at this moment. My very heart seemed to stop beating. I tried to cry out, but found I could not make a sound.
At the edge of the opening the animal paused, as if to take in the situation. Then it moved to a point somewhere behind me.
What was it? A fox, a wolf, or some larger animal? The very thought of its presence gave me a thrill of horror.
For one moment all was silent. I saw or heard nothing of the animal. Had it left the neighborhood? Oh, how I prayed that this might be so!
Then I heard the noise again, off to the right. At first it was faint, as if going from me; but then it became louder, and I knew that the animal was approaching once more.
How I wished that I was free and that I had my gun! But I was helpless, and must take whatever came.
A moment dragged by slowly. My nerves were strung to the highest tension. I strained my eyes, but could see nothing.
Suddenly I caught sight of the eyes again. To me they seemed like twin stars, and my hair fairly stood on end as I beheld them.
Then came a growl, low at first, and then louder. It was the unmistakable mutterings of a wolf!
I knew that Rock Island was infested by that species of wild animal. Some years before my father and I had killed three of the beasts on the south shore during the winter.
I tugged at the rope that bound me with might and main. Soon my right wrist was so chafed that it began to bleed.
I was afraid the scent of blood would attract the wolf’s attention, and in this I was not mistaken; for presently he stopped growling and took a deep breath.
But my tuggings at the rope were not without result; for presently I managed to squeeze my left hand through the tight opening. It hurt to do so, but in the excitement of the moment this was not noticed.
My left hand free, I tried with all my power to make my right hand follow.
Meanwhile the wolf, scenting the blood, stopped growling, and broke into a short bark, not unlike that of a terrified dog. This struck straight to my heart, for I knew that he was now getting ready to attack me.
My right wrist was so lacerated by the rough rope that I found it impossible to withdraw it. In trying to do so I merely made the blood flow more freely, and this soon reached the wolf’s nose and made him more savage than ever.
He disappeared for a moment again, and I could hear nothing of him. But I was certain he would not remain away for any great length of time. Perhapshe had companions in the vicinity, and had gone to call them to the spot.
A moment later his lonely howl arose on the night air calling to his mates. I listened with strained ears, but heard no response.
With my left hand, I now set to work to untie the rope which Yates had fastened so well. In my nervous haste I broke off all my finger-nails before I had the first knot started.
But finally the knot was undone, and then I began on the second. Had I been less excited I might have worked faster, but as it was, all my fingers appeared to be thumbs.
The second knot was untied, and I was just congratulating myself on getting my hands free, when the wolf burst through the thicket directly ahead.
I saw at a glance that he was ready to attack me. His eyes were glaring, and his teeth fairly glistened in the darkness.
It was then that my voice came back to me, and I uttered one wild, unearthly scream for help.
The next instant the savage beast hurled itself at me.