m a Gypsy
now.

If Helen had found Tom, the situation could not be changed much for
Ruth--and the latter realized that. Mr. Cameron and Uncle Jabez would
have to be communicated with, before a general alarm could be sent out
and detectives put on the case.

By that time, where would the girl from the Red Mill be?

This question was no easy one to answer. Ruth did not believe the
Gypsies would remain on this island for any length of time. Queen Zelaya
was doubtless shrewd enough to plan a long jump next time, and so throw
off pursuit.

Indeed, all the next day the girl could do little but worry about her
own situation, and about Helen's fate. The last she had seen of her
chum, she had been drifting out into the middle of this lake. Suppose
the punt had sprung a leak, or capsized?

Clouds gathered that day, and the second evening on the island closed
with a steady, fine rain falling. The encampment was quiet early. Even
the dogs found shelter from the wet, but Ruth had every reason to
believe that the Gypsy men took turns in guarding the encampment.

Ruth was made to sleep in Queen Zelaya's van, and as soon as it had
become real dark, the old woman made her enter. In her rags of clothing,
Ruth was not afraid of a little rain--surely she had on nothing that
would be spoiled by the wet; but she had to obey the old hag.

At supper time Roberto brought the bowls of savory stew that usually
made up that meal for the Gypsies. There were three bowls on the tray
and the boy gave Ruth a sharp side glance and pointed to a certain bowl.
She dared not refuse to take it.

When he approached his grandmother at the other end of the van, he
removed his own bowl before setting the tray upon the box beside her.
Ruth hesitated to eat her own portion; she had been afraid of being
drugged from the beginning.

Yet, somehow, she could not help feeling confidence in Roberto. The
latter ate his supper with gusto, talking all the while with the old
woman. But he went away without a word or look at Ruth after the meal.

Soon Zelaya made her go to bed. Ruth was not sleepy, but she appeared to
go to sleep almost at once, as she had before. She lay down in all the
clothing she wore, for she was apprehensive of something happening on
this night. She saw that the old woman was very drowsy herself.

Appearing to sleep, Ruth waited and watched. The storm whined in the
trees of the island, but there was no other noise.

Zelaya was at the loc