hen they found no sign of
them in the woods.

"I don't see how you can say you have got us into a scrape, Lieutenant
Lawton," argued Phyllis. "What did you have to do with cutting our
houseboat adrift? It was Fate that brought us to these shores. And
jolly glad we were to get here! If the men come after you, there are
only two of them and seven of us."

"But you have no weapons," protested the young officer. "Those fellows
will be desperate. None of you must get hurt. If Jeff and I find we
can't settle the two men without bringing you into our trouble, you
must let me pretend to go back with them. I'll finish my fight after we
get away from the lodge."

"Here is something to help you out, Lieutenant Lawton," offered Madge,
bringing the young officer the small revolver that belonged to her and
to her cousin Eleanor.

Phil produced their cherished rifle. Jeff seized hold of it with one of
his queer grunts. The boy lay with his body across the door, like a
faithful dog.

The waiting grew very dull. No one came to disturb them.

"Ask Lieutenant Jimmy what happened to him after he left Old Point,
Phil?" whispered Eleanor. "I am just dying to know."

In the flickering light of the fire the young officer told his curious
story. He had left for Washington, carrying with him the finished model
of his famous torpedo-boat destroyer, the little boat that was to bring
him fame and glory. On the train, while he was eating his luncheon, two
men took seats opposite him at the same table and, ordering their
luncheon, fell into conversation with him. Lieutenant Jimmy remembered
that when he rose to leave the dining car his head was swimming
strangely. His food had in some mysterious way been drugged. He knew
nothing more until he woke up some time later. He was on a small boat,
bound hand and foot, the model of his invention had disappeared, his
pockets were stripped and he was being carried he knew not where.
Twelve hours may have passed, or twenty-four. Then Lieutenant Lawton
was brought on land and placed in the small fortified house where the
girls discovered him. This was all the young officer knew. But he had
guessed a number of other things.

There was a moment of sympathetic silence when the young man finished
his story. Then Madge turned on him, with her eyes flashing
indignantly. "Have you any idea who stole your invention, and why they
should wish to keep you locked up?" she demanded.

Lieutenant Lawton nodded. "I