“Why, look what has happened!” Madge, who was the first to cross the threshold, cried. “The place is all upset!”
It was obvious that the Burnett living room had been ransacked. Shelves had been emptied of their contents, furniture moved, objects littered over the floor.
“It looks as though we’ve been robbed,” Enid said quietly, surveying the wreckage. “It’s a foregone conclusion, everything of value is missing, but we may as well look around.”
They went from one room to the other. While everything appeared to have been disturbed, silverware, valuable paintings and rugs had not been taken. In fact, Enid could not find that anything actually was missing.
“I’m afraid to go to Father’s room,” she confessed. “He keeps his most treasured art pieces there, and I know they’ll be gone.”
She led the way upstairs and flung open the door of her father’s chamber.
“I knew it!” she exclaimed. “Just look at the place!”
A valuable vase lay upon the floor, smashed into bits. Books had been torn from the wall cases and various articles of curious design were scattered about.
“At least they didn’t take everything,” Madge commented. “Can you tell what is missing, Enid?”
“Not without taking a complete inventory. Some of Father’s most valued antiques are here though. I can’t understand it.”
“Perhaps your trusted caretaker has skipped out with some of the things he most fancied,” Rex suggested.
Enid’s face tightened.
“Wait until I find him! He’s responsible for this, although I have no thought that he actually took the things. More than likely he simply went away and left the house unguarded, thinking that we would never know the difference.”
“Have you employed him long?” Rex asked.
“No, Father engaged him only the week before we left here.”
Madge had been moving slowly about the room, examining the many objects scattered about. She saw old clocks, odd pieces of jewelry, grotesque vases, and articles from nearly every country.
“It’s peculiar that all these things were left,” she mused aloud. “I wonder what the thief was after? Enid, where is the Zudi Drum Bowl?”
In the excitement, Enid had entirely forgotten the one object of most importance. Her face disclosed her chagrin.
“Why, I expected to find it here in Father’s room.”
“Then it must be gone. At least I haven’t seen anything that resembles the description you gave me.”
“Oh, if it’s been taken, what in the world shall I do?”
“It may be here,” Madge comforted. “We haven’t thoroughly searched yet.”
They hastily straightened the room, returning many of the antiques to their shelves. While they looked in every conceivable place, the Zudi Drum Bowl was not found. At length, Enid sank down in a chair, burying her face in her hands.
“Oh, it’s no use. I know it’s gone! That’s why nothing else was taken. The thieves were after the Zudi Drum.”
Rex tried to cheer her but with poor success.
“That drum seems to be in great demand,” Madge commented thoughtfully. “It must be valuable.”
“Oh, it is,” Enid responded gloomily, “but I doubt if it would bring as high a price as some of the things that weren’t taken. Of course, it had to disappear just when it might have bought Father’s release.”
Madge remained quiet for a few minutes, then suddenly asked:
“Are you certain the Zudi Drum was kept in this room?”
“I don’t see where else it could be.”
“I should have thought your father would have been afraid of it being stolen. Doesn’t he have any other place where he keeps his valuables?”
At Madge’s words, a startled expression came into Enid’s eyes. She sprang to her feet.
“Why didn’t I think of it before? Father may have put that drum in the wall safe!”
“Do you know the combination?” Madge demanded eagerly.
“If I haven’t forgotten.”
“Then let’s have a look.”
With one accord, the three friends rushed for the stairs.
“I never once thought of the safe when we were in the library!” Enid cried, leading the way. “I do hope it hasn’t been blown open!”
In the library, Enid paused before a large picture which hung from silken cords on the wall. To the surprise of Madge and Rex, she gave one of the gold cords a sharp jerk. The picture swung back to disclose a cleverly hidden safe.
“I guess those thieves weren’t so clever after all,” she chuckled. “Now, if only I haven’t forgotten the combination.”
After a moment’s thought she whirled the dials, repeating the numbers to herself. The safe failed to open and she tried again. This time, a sharp little click from within told her that she had worked the dials correctly. She turned the handle, and the heavy door swung back.
Rex and Madge crowded closer as Enid peered into the dark recess.
“Oh, it’s here! It’s here!” she cried jubilantly.
She reached into the opening and drew forth the Zudi Drum Bowl. It was a queer-shaped object, perhaps a foot and a half in diameter at the opening, the sides of which were decorated with strange symbols. Madge examined the markings curiously.
“Well, if that’s the Zudi Drum I don’t see why those kidnappers are so keen to get it!” Rex commented. “I’d take the money every time!”
“I’m glad you’re not the spokesman for the gang,” Enid returned, smiling. “I’d rather part with this drum than several thousand dollars.”
“Your father may not agree,” he responded. “That trophy must mean a lot to him or he wouldn’t keep it in the safe. I don’t see why he attaches such value to it.”
“Neither do I unless it’s because there is no other in existence. The drum was formerly used in religious rites by a tribe of half civilized Indians now extinct, I believe.”
Madge picked up the drum, studied it a moment and set it down on the table again.
“Enid,” she said quietly, “why do you suppose your father refused to tell his abductors where they could find this drum?”
“Why, I don’t know that he did,” she replied.
“They must have tried to force the information from him. Probably that was their first move, then when he refused to tell, they sent you that note.”
“That’s possible,” Enid admitted reluctantly. “Father’s stubborn.”
“It’s my guess the persons who entered this house were the same ones who kidnapped your father.”
Rex nodded to show that he too agreed with Madge. Enid did not look entirely convinced.
“I know what you’re leading up to,” she said. “You don’t want me to give up the drum so easily.”
“It’s your concern more than mine,” Madge replied, secretly discouraged at her friend’s stubborn attitude. “Only if I were you, I’d be extremely cautious in dealing with those abductors.”
Enid made no response but closed the safe door and picked up the Zudi Drum.
“Our taxi has been waiting twenty minutes,” Rex informed, glancing at his watch. “Or at least, I hope it’s waiting! Otherwise, we’ll walk to town.”
They hastily let themselves out of the house and Enid locked the door. Hurrying down the path to the gate they were relieved to see the taxi still waiting. They drove into the city, stopping at a hotel for a belated luncheon. Enid refused to check the Zudi Drum and during the meal kept it hidden under an overcoat which Rex donated for the purpose. She was in better spirits than she had been since the kidnapping, and for the first time seemed to enjoy the food that was set before her.
“Just one more day and it will all be over,” she said with a weary sigh. “I feel as though I’ve lived through an eternity these last few days.”
Madge’s eyes met those of Rex across the table. She was not in the least certain that the case would end with Enid’s reckless trip to Cedar Point. She had hoped that as her friend had time to think the matter over, she would change her mind about going through with the affair, but to all appearances, Enid was more determined than ever. Madge had by no means given up. She had one trump card which she intended to play at the last minute, but unless she found it to be absolutely necessary, she did not wish to alarm Enid. And then too, she was not entirely sure of her ground. A certain suspicion had been growing in her mind but until she saw Mr. Dewitt she must make no false move.
They finished their luncheon and taxied to the airport where they found the amphibian ready for the return trip. The girls took their places and Rex started the engine. Attendants steadied the wings until the nose pointed into the bay and then stepped back to watch the take-off.
During the uneventful flight back toThe Flora, few words were exchanged. Rex was kept busy at the controls and the girls were occupied with their own thoughts. In slightly less than two hours they were in Cheltham Bay.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” Enid thanked Rex as they parted at the yacht. “It was splendid of you to go to so much trouble.”
“Shucks, I’d do a lot more if you’d let me,” he returned quickly. “I’d go to Cedar Point tomorrow night.”
Enid shook her head and smiled.
“No, that’s something I’ll not ask anyone to do. I must go alone as the note directs.”
Enid was somewhat troubled in regard to a place of safekeeping for the Zudi Drum Bowl since there was no safe aboard the yacht. She finally decided to keep it in the cabin she shared with Madge and gave strict orders to the sailors that they were to maintain a watch the entire night.
Before the trophy was carefully hidden in Enid’s wardrobe trunk, Madge examined it once again. Unknown to her friend, she took a piece of paper and made a rough pencil sketch of the design on the bowl. This she slipped into her purse, and a few minutes later announced that she must go to the city to attend to a matter of business. She invited Enid to accompany her, but the latter declined, saying that the trip to Bay City had tired her.
“I’m a terrible hostess,” she confessed, “but under the circumstance I know you’ll forgive me.”
Madge not only forgave her but was relieved when she decided not to accompany her, for she preferred to go alone to Mr. Dewitt’s jewelry store.
“I hope he tells me what I want to know,” she thought. “If my suspicions are confirmed, I may be able to really help Enid.”
Upon reaching the mainland in the motor boat, Madge instructed the sailor who had piloted her from the yacht to return for her in an hour. She then made her way toward the Dewitt and Prager Jewelry store, walking hurriedly, for her wrist watch warned her that it was nearly closing time.
As she entered the shop, she observed that already the salesmen were removing trays from the windows and returning expensive jewelry to the vaults.
“Is Mr. Dewitt in?” she questioned anxiously.
“You are the owner of the jade pin?” the clerk inquired, and as she assented, added: “Mr. Dewitt is expecting you. Right this way, please.”
He led her to the rear of the store and opened the door of a private office. Mr. Dewitt, an elderly man with gray hair and keen, alert eyes, arose and politely offered Madge a chair opposite his desk.
“I shouldn’t have taken your time,” Madge began apologetically, “but one of your salesmen said he thought you might be interested in my pin. I don’t suppose it is really jade.”
“Indeed it is,” the jeweler assured her. “A small stone but one of the most perfect I have ever seen. May I ask how it came into your possession?”
Madge explained that the pin had been found but did not mention under what circumstance.
“You have made no attempt to find the owner?”
“I thought I’d come to you first.”
“You did quite right,” he assured her. “In fact, I intended to warn you against advertising in the paper. This pin is valuable and you must be very cautious in seeking its owner. Perhaps you are acquainted with the stone’s history.”
“No,” Madge responded eagerly, “what can you tell me of it?”
“It is the carven symbol upon the stone which makes it so interesting. I believe it to be the mark of a fanatical religious sect which at one time was known to exist in India.”
“Not—Zudi worshipers?” Madge questioned.
“Yes,” the jeweler acknowledged, surprised, “the sect is no longer active, to all accounts. It is odd that the pin which years ago doubtlessly belonged to one of the members, should turn up in this country. If the owner is located I should like very much to question him.”
“You may be sure I’ll not leave a stone unturned in attempting to find the person who lost it,” Madge declared. “I think perhaps I know who it was.”
She opened her purse and took out the paper upon which she had made a rough sketch of the symbol used on the Zudi Drum Bowl. She offered it to the jeweler.
“Would you say that the two symbols are alike?” she asked.
“There is a striking similarity. Yes, in my opinion they are the same.”
Madge nodded in satisfaction. She now had all the information that she required for her case. There no longer was any doubt in her mind as to the owner of the jade pin. She was of the opinion that it belonged either to the boatman who had rowed her toThe Floraon the day of her arrival at Cheltham Bay, or else to a fellow member of the fanatical Zudi sect.
In only one particular did she feel that her theory fell short. Mr. Dewitt had said that the sect no longer existed, and Enid held the same opinion.
“They both may be mistaken,” she thought. As soon as she reached the yacht she planned to lay all the facts before her chum, confident that she would then see the folly of trying to deal single handed with her father’s abductors.
Madge divined that Mr. Dewitt intended to ask questions concerning her knowledge of the strange Zudi symbols. Since she was not ready to answer them, she hastily arose.
“If you wish, we will keep the stone here in our vaults until you claim it,” the jeweler offered.
Madge was glad to accept the offer for she had no immediate use for the jade pin, and hesitated to be responsible for its safety. She thanked the jeweler for his kindness and left the store.
As she walked slowly toward the waterfront she considered the information gleaned from the interview. Had she felt free to do so, she would have gone directly to the police with her findings.
“I promised I wouldn’t bring them into it again,” she thought, “so before doing anything I must consult Enid. I’m sure she’ll see my viewpoint now.”
AboardThe Floraan hour later, she reported in detail her talk with Mr. Dewitt. And to her deep chagrin, she encountered stubborn resistance from Enid.
“No, I don’t feel that it’s a case for the police,” she insisted. “What have they done so far? Nothing at all.”
“But the situation is different now,” Madge explained patiently. “Do you realize that you’re not dealing with an ordinary band of kidnappers? You’re negotiating with a group of fanatics—or at least that’s my opinion. You can’t trust them.”
“You may be right,” Enid admitted wearily, “but at any rate they’re only after the Zudi Drum. When I turn it over to them, they’ll be satisfied.”
Madge realized that her arguments were making not the slightest impression upon her chum. In her intense desire to aid her father, Enid had lost sight of everything save the main objective.
“If you won’t give up the idea of going to Cedar Point, then at least permit Rex or me to go with you,” Madge pleaded.
Enid grasped her friend’s hand and squeezed it gratefully.
“It’s noble of you to offer, but of course I shan’t accept.”
Madge gave up. Until now she had hoped that she could find some means of convincing Enid of the mistake she was making. She considered ignoring her promise and taking the matter to the police, but loyalty would scarcely permit that. She told herself she must find some other way.
“I wish Jack French would hurry and arrive if he’s actually decided to come,” she thought. “He would know what to do.”
Since she had sent off her telegram to Loon Lake, she had received no reply and she knew that in the present situation she must depend upon her own ingenuity. In vain she cudgeled her brain for some scheme which would secure Mr. Burnett’s release and at the same time not endanger Enid.
“It’s a shame to hand over the Zudi Drum Bowl without making the slightest attempt to save it,” she mused. “Mr. Burnett must value it highly or he would have given it to the kidnappers of his own accord.”
Supper time found her still turning the matter over in her mind. She was unusually quiet during the meal, but Enid did not notice. Neither ate a great deal although Jose had made a special effort to serve appetizing dishes. After they had finished, they sat out on the deck, watching the sunset.
Later in the evening, Rex drew alongside the yacht in his motor boat and was invited to come aboard. He had no news to report, and after Madge had talked with him a few minutes, she left him alone with Enid and went back to her deck chair.
For some time she sat there, staring intently toward the city, and yet completely unaware of the twinkling lights or the orchestra music which came faintly over the water from a beach front hotel. Then suddenly she straightened.
“Why didn’t I think of it before?” she asked herself jubilantly. “Rex will help me I’m sure! If only I can manage to talk with him when Enid isn’t around!”
She immediately sought her two friends, but the opportunity she awaited did not come. Madge had begun to fear that she would never have a chance to speak privately with Rex when Enid announced that she was cold. Excusing herself, she went to her cabin for a coat.
In a few brief sentences, Madge explained the situation to Rex but there was no time to tell him of her plan, for they could hear Enid returning.
“I’ll tell you more tomorrow!” Madge whispered. “There’s just one thing you must do. Get another bowl the same size as the Zudi Drum and smuggle it aboard before nightfall. Remember how much is at stake, and don’t fail!”
Although Madge depended upon Rex to help her carry through her scheme, she knew that luck must favor them or they would fail. In part, her plan consisted of substituting for the Zudi Drum an inexpensive bowl of the same size.
Enid had carefully laid her plans. She intended to take the motor boat to Cedar Point, leaving in ample time to arrive at the designated meeting place by midnight.
Yet, as the actual day arrived, her courage began to fail. It was not difficult for Madge to persuade her that it would do no harm for someone to accompany her at least a portion of the way.
“If you come, you must stay in the boat,” Enid insisted. “I must go alone to meet the kidnappers.”
Madge did not press the point for she had gained her main object. Another detail remained to be arranged to her satisfaction. She pointed out that it would be wise to wrap the Zudi Drum.
Enid did not clearly follow this line of thought, but she offered no objection when Madge made a neat package of the trophy. In fact, she was so excited and nervous that she scarcely noticed what went on about her.
The day dragged slowly. Several times Madge went to the railing to scan the bay for a glimpse of Rex. She wondered what could have detained him.
Jose served an early supper which the girls scarcely touched. By this time, Madge was thoroughly alarmed lest Rex fail to appear.
“Everything depends on him,” she thought. “I can do nothing unless he gets here before Enid leaves.”
And then, as she was ready to give him up, she saw his motor boat racing towardThe Flora. Madge glanced quickly about and was relieved that Enid was not on deck.
“Did you get it?” she called softly, watching Rex make fast to the yacht.
He held up a package wrapped in brown paper.
“I had one heck of a time finding what you wanted, Madge. I scoured the city.”
“Sh!” she warned, “not so loud or Enid will hear you. If she suspects, our game is off!”
He came quietly aboard, handing Madge the mysterious package.
“What’s the line up?” he asked. “Remember, I’m still in the dark.”
“Everything is working out beautifully,” she informed, “Enid has agreed that I may go to Cedar Point with her. This afternoon I induced her to wrap the Zudi Drum—rather I did it myself. I intend to substitute this package for it, and you must keep her out here on deck while I make the exchange.”
“And after that?”
“I think Enid plans to leave here about nine or ten o’clock. What I want you to do is to follow in your amphibian. Take care she doesn’t suspect, of course. When she leaves the boat at Cedar Point, I’ll trail her. If the kidnappers release her father as they promised, all well and good. If things go wrong as I suspect they may, I’ll race back to shore and send up a rocket which will be the signal for you to go for help as quickly as you can.”
“Sounds OK if it works out as planned.”
“We must trust to luck.”
“How am I to follow without Enid suspecting? If she sees my amphibian around here she may guess what is up.”
“Why not lie in toward shore? If you’re watching closely you will be able to see our boat start away. I’ll make sure that the lights are burning. Keep far enough back so the kidnappers won’t be alarmed.”
“Trust me,” Rex promised, “if I see your rocket go up, I’ll have the police there in two jerks.”
There was no time for further discussion of the plan, for the sound of footsteps warned them that Enid was approaching. Madge hastily ducked into a companionway with her package. Rex maneuvered Enid to another part of the vessel, giving her an opportunity to slip from her hiding place. She hurried to the cabin where the Zudi Drum was secreted and made the exchange. For a minute she was puzzled to think of another hiding place for the Zudi Drum.
“Enid never goes near her father’s cabin if she can avoid it,” she told herself. “I’ll take it there.”
Making certain that the coast was clear, she ducked into Mr. Burnett’s room and hid the drum under his bed.
“Now if only Enid doesn’t detect the substitution!” she thought.
She rejoined Rex, informing him by a significant glance that she had accomplished her purpose. Soon after her return, he made an excuse for departing.
“I’d feel a lot better if you girls would let me go along tonight,” he said to Enid. “Or at least follow in my motor boat——”
“Oh, no! The kidnappers would be suspicious right away. Promise you won’t do it.”
“I’ll promise not to follow in my boat,” Rex returned reluctantly.
Enid failed to notice the particular stress he had placed upon the word boat.
After Rex had gone, she wandered aimlessly about the decks, watching the clock. Several times she suggested that they start for Cedar Point, but Madge convinced her that it was still too early.
“We might have engine trouble or something,” Enid argued. “I’d rather get there ahead of time.”
At last Madge gave in to her wishes although she was a little afraid that Rex had not had sufficient time to return home for his amphibian. They went to the cabin for the Zudi Drum. She held her breath as Enid picked it up. However, she appeared to notice nothing amiss and stowed it away in the motor boat.
“Are you sure you know the way, Enid?”
“Yes, it’s a treacherous channel but I’m confident I’ll have no trouble. All set?”
Madge nodded and glanced anxiously toward shore. The night was darker than she had anticipated. She wondered if Rex could see their pilot light.
Enid started the motor and they swung slowly away fromThe Flora. For a time the little boat plowed steadily through the water, keeping close to shore. Then Enid headed out toward a group of small islands. After she had passed them she was less sure of the course, and slackened her speed that she might watch for buoys.
“We must keep an eye out for Clingman’s Rock,” she warned. “It’s submerged except at low tide.”
The channel was narrow and intricate. Few boats ventured near Cedar Point and Enid had never made the trip at night. She became somewhat troubled as they failed to pass a marker she had anticipated.
“I’m sure we haven’t passed the rock yet,” she said, “but I’m not very confident of my bearings.”
Both girls were now alert and anxious. They strained eyes and ears for a warning of the danger that lay before them. Suddenly, Madge straightened.
“I hear something, Enid. It’s a bell.”
“Where?”
“To the right.”
Enid swung the wheel so sharply that Madge nearly fell overboard. And just to the right, not a stone’s throw away, she saw water break over a flat, ugly expanse of rock.
“That was a narrow squeak,” Enid laughed nervously. “Lucky you have good ears, Madge.”
“The rock wasn’t directly in our path.”
“The bell is slightly to the right, anchored on a buoy,” Enid explained, “but the rock extends a considerable distance under the water. If it hadn’t been for you, we’d have struck it sure.”
With Clingman’s Rock left behind, the channel was easy to follow. However, it was only a little past ten-thirty so Enid made no attempt at speed. Several times she caught her friend glancing back over the route they had traversed.
“Why do you do that?” she questioned. “Are you afraid some one is following us?”
Caught off her guard, Madge stammered a denial. After that, she took care not to watch for Rex, but once she thought she heard the faint muffled roar of an airplane engine.
It was only a little after eleven o’clock when they slipped quietly into a secluded cove near Cedar Point. Enid snapped off the motor. Now that the fatal hour approached, she found it difficult to keep from showing fright.
“I’ll stay here with you until nearly time to meet the kidnappers,” she chattered.
“Are you sure you know where to meet them?”
“Yes, the note said on the point by the large white birch. I know the spot well. There’s no other tree like it in this locality.”
Madge’s nerves were calm but she too felt strangely uneasy. The night was dark with only a sprinkling of stars showing between the threatening clouds which banked the sky. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees along shore. Now and then the mournful cry of a bird broke the stillness.
“I feel exactly as if we’re being watched,” Enid whispered nervously.
“So do I,” Madge acknowledged. “It’s probably just a feeling. Still, I don’t like this layout a little bit. It’s the most desolate place I ever saw. Are there any houses around?”
“Not to my knowledge. There may be a few cabins.”
The minutes dragged like an eternity. Several times Enid looked at her wrist watch.
“It’s—almost—time,” she murmured at last. “I’m afraid to go.”
“Then let me.”
Enid shook her head and abruptly arose.
“No, I’ll see this thing through. Those men are only after the Zudi Drum. When I turn it over to them they’ll be glad to let Father go.”
Madge thought of what she and Rex had done, and for a moment her conscience troubled her. Was it possible that the substitution had been a mistake? If the abductors were honest in their intentions, then her act might actually hinder the rescue of Mr. Burnett.
“I must go now,” Enid declared resolutely. “It will take me at least ten minutes to walk to the point.”
She picked up the package which she believed to be the Zudi Drum. Madge resisted the temptation to confess everything. More keenly than before, she realized that Enid was walking straight into danger—perhaps into a trap.
“I wish you the best of luck,” she said quietly. “Be on your guard every instant, and if anything goes wrong, scream for help.”
“I shall.”
They clasped hands and Enid turned away. She walked a few steps, hesitated, and looked back. Then she plunged into the forest.
Madge cast an anxious glance out across the water. She could see no light nor was there any sign to indicate Rex was near.
“It looks as though I may get to handle this job alone,” she thought uncomfortably.
Enid’s footsteps were rapidly dying away. Madge no longer dared delay. Moving with extreme caution, she left the boat, and noiselessly followed her friend.
The trail leading to the promontory was overgrown with weeds and brush. For a minute after she plunged into the forest Madge feared that she had lost her chum. She could not see Enid and only a faint crackling of sticks far ahead convinced her that she had taken the right path. At the risk of being heard, she hurried faster.
Soon she caught a glimpse of Enid’s white dress through the trees and slackened her pace. Apparently, Enid had sensed that she was being followed, for unexpectedly, she wheeled about and looked intently toward the very spot where Madge stood.
She observed nothing amiss and went on again, walking faster, as though eager to be finished with an unpleasant ordeal. Madge exercised more caution in trailing her, for she did not wish to ruin her carefully laid plans by being detected.
Enid walked directly to a large white birch tree. She glanced sharply about but there was no other person within sight.
Madge approached within fifty yards and secreted herself in the bushes. It was too dark to see her watch but she knew it must be midnight. Would the kidnappers fail to keep the appointment?
Enid was obviously ill at ease. She moved about, looking first in one direction, then another, and clutched her package tightly in her arms.
Madge felt none too secure in her own hiding place. She could well imagine what might happen to her should she be discovered. The very silence was disturbing. She could almost feel that hostile eyes were watching her every move.
She waited five minutes, ten, and then from among the trees a tall figure suddenly emerged. Enid was so startled that she uttered a smothered scream and nearly dropped her package.
Madge could not see the man’s face but she noted that he wore a turban on his head and knew that he must be a native of India.
“Did you bring the Zudi Drum?” she heard him demand in a guttural voice.
“I will give it to you when you assure me that my father is safe and will be released,” Enid responded.
Madge failed to catch the man’s reply, but from the tone of his voice, she inferred he was threatening Enid. He advanced a step as though to take the package by force. Enid retreated. Then, apparently realizing that resistance was useless, she halted.
“I’ll give you the drum but you must promise to release my father immediately.”
The man took the package from her, roughly grasping her arm as she pulled away.
“Not so fast,” he muttered. “Think I’ll let you get away and bring the police down on us? You come with me!”
Enid uttered no cry, but she struggled frantically to free herself. Involuntarily, Madge started forward to aid her friend, then checked herself. Undoubtedly, the kidnapper was armed and likely other companions were hiding nearby. To expose herself might ruin every chance of a rescue. Deliberately, she waited.
“Come along quietly and you’ll not be harmed,” she heard the man tell Enid. “Resist and it will be the worse for you.”
He held her arms so that she could not have escaped had she tried. She permitted him to lead her away.
“Where is he taking her?” Madge thought, torn by indecision. “Shall I follow or try to get aid?”
After a moment of frantic debate, she decided upon the latter course. Slipping quietly through the brush until she was a short distance away, she raced madly toward the beach. She reached the motor boat and groped for the rockets which she had stored under the seat.
The first match was wet and went out. She struck a dozen without success. Then as she was about to despair, one lighted and she touched off the rocket. It shot into the sky, leaving a trailing arch of fire which disintegrated into a shower of stars and vanished.
Madge tried to touch off a second rocket but could find no match which would light. Fearful of delaying so long that she would lose track of Enid and her captor, she gave it up and darted back into the woods.
At the white birch she found the trail which the two had taken. Before following it, she dropped her handkerchief as a clue for Rex, should he find it difficult to discover which way she had gone.
She had hurried some distance before a crashing of bushes directly ahead, warned her that she was overtaking Enid and her captor.
She followed more cautiously, taking pains to mark the trail well. At one turn she dropped her scarf, and a little farther on, broke twigs and placed stones in such fashion that they indicated the way she had gone.
“Rex may not notice,” she thought anxiously, “even if he has a flashlight. If it were Jack, he’d be looking for signs, but Rex hasn’t been trained to it.”
It was well that Madge had marked the trail, for the kidnapper was leading her deep into the forest. She wondered where he could be taking Enid and was fearful for her chum. If only Rex brought aid in time!
At last she beheld a clearing just ahead, and reaching the edge of it, dared not leave the security of the trees. She noticed a small, tumbledown cottage which stood at the edge of a ravine. The kidnapper led Enid toward the house and tried to force her to enter.
“No! I’ll wait here for my father!” she cried. “Keep your promise. You have the Zudi Drum—now free my father.”
“He is inside,” the man told her. “If you wish to see him, you must enter.”
Enid hesitated, beside herself with doubt and suspicion. Then the desire to find her father overshadowed all else, and she reluctantly entered the house. Instantly, the door slammed shut.
“They have her now!” Madge thought in alarm. “She walked straight into their trap.”
For a full minute she stood at the edge of the clearing, trying to decide what was best to do. Should she return to the beach there to await Rex and the authorities or attempt to find out what was transpiring inside the house?
“Rex may not have seen my signal rocket,” she told herself anxiously. “In that case, help will never come. If it comes to the worst I must make an effort to save Enid myself.”
Convinced that it would never do to leave the scene, she stealthily moved across the clearing. Once she paused to look back toward the forest, feeling that someone was following her.
The windows of the house had been darkened and in only one room was there a sign of a light. Madge tiptoed across the porch and tried to peer inside. The crack between the bottom of the curtain and the window sill was too small to permit even a glimpse. She could hear a faint murmur of voices inside but was unable to distinguish a word.
“It’s possible the men really mean to release Mr. Burnett,” she considered. “If they intend to keep their promise, Enid should be coming out in a minute or so.”
Then she thought of the Zudi Drum Bowl and the substitution she and Rex had made. If the package were opened, Enid would be involved in even more difficulties.
“I’m partially responsible,” Madge charged herself. “It’s up to me to get her out of this.”
She waited a few minutes upon the porch until she was convinced that Enid was not to be released. Then, as her fears gained the upper hand, she made a tour of the cottage, hoping to find some aperture which would permit her to see what was going on inside.
The windows were all above her head save for the one opening off the porch and the curtains had been carefully drawn. However, at the rear of the house, she found a door which seemed to lead down a flight of stairs to the cellar. She tried the door and found it unlocked.
Without an instant’s thought for her own safety, she cautiously raised up the door. It creaked alarmingly on its rusty hinges. After waiting a brief space to make sure that the sound had not called attention to her presence, she quietly slipped inside and lowered the door after her.
It was pitch dark within and the cellar gave off an unpleasant, damp, musty odor. Madge crept down the stairs one at a time taking care not to make the slightest sound. At the bottom she found a second door which opened readily at a turn of the handle.
A heap of rubbish had been left just inside and in groping about, Madge stumbled over it.
“Now I’ve done it!” she told herself.
The flooring above was thin and the sound of masculine voices reached her ears distinctly.
“What was that?” she heard some one ask. “Thought that sound came from the basement.”
Madge barely had time to flatten herself against the wall before an inside door directly above her opened. The beam of a lantern was flashed about the room. It missed her by a scant two feet.
“Guess it must have been a cat,” the man muttered and closed the door.
Madge breathed a sigh of relief and for several minutes dared not move. Then she summoned her courage, and quietly crept up the stairs leading to the interior of the house.
Suddenly she was startled to hear Enid’s cry:
“Let us go as you promised! You have the Zudi Drum. What more do you want?”
Unable to bear the suspense of not knowing what was transpiring within, Madge reached up and slowly turned the door knob. She pushed the door open a tiny crack and peered into the room.
The sight caused her to gasp.
Mr. Burnett, his face pale and drawn, lay upon a sagging couch at one end of the room. His arms and legs were bound. Enid stood beside him, facing the kidnappers defiantly.