r friend, and Tom, with them. We'll
get ready to descend on their camp at daybreak. That will be best."

After some thought The Loon agreed to this, and those in the other
searching boats, one or two of them being small launches, having been
informed of the return of the girls, the whole flotilla went back to the
orange grove.

The Loon was given a place to sleep, and then the girls told more of
their story. Mr. Stonington told how, becoming worried over the long
stay of the young people, he had organized a searching party, getting
more and more alarmed as the hours went by without the return of Betty
and her chums.

It was rather a restless night in Orangeade, and all were astir early,
for they wanted to be at the Everglade camp by daylight. Two extra
launches besides the _Gem_ made the trip, the others carrying a number
of sturdy men headed by Mr. Hammond. Mr. Stonington went with the
girls, The Loon steering.

By taking a little different course the boats were able to approach
close to the camp in the forest fastness, and at a signal from The Loon
all came to a stop.

"We had better walk the rest of the way," said the half-witted lad.
"They may hear the boats."

"Good idea," said Mr. Hammond. "Harry is smarter than any of us think."

A faint gleam of light was beginning to straggle through the trees when
the party, with The Loon in the lead, set off to march to the Everglade
camp. There was a narrow trail, and Mr. Stonington insisted on the girls
keeping to the rear.

Silent was the approach, and the only sounds heard were those made by
the awakening denizens of the woods. Presently those in front of the
girls halted. Word was whispered back along the line:

"We're there!"

"Then don't you come any farther," said Mr. Stonington to Betty and the
others. "There may be no trouble; but it's best to be on the safe side.
We'll bring the rescued ones back here."

Wondering what would happen, and not a little alarmed, the girls
waited.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE ESCAPE

Taken by surprise by the sudden rush of Mr. Hammond and his men those in
charge of the Everglade camp, and the miserable creatures they held in
virtual bondage, offered little resistance. There was neither time nor
chance for any.

Well armed, but fortunately not being obliged to use their weapons, the
men from the orange grove made such a show of strength that resistance
seemed out of the question.

The camp, as the girls saw afterwar