it, but we couldn't see any use in it,
because we felt we wouldn't know where to go on this island, even if we
got outside the grounds!"

"That's what he counted on, I guess," answered Charlie. "I'm glad you
stayed. Cheer up, Nell! You're going to have a package of assorted
surprises before you're very much older!"

To the five of them, practically imprisoned, it seemed as if daylight
would never come. But at last a faint brightness showed through the
window, and gradually the objects in the room became more distinct. And,
with the coming of the light, there came also sounds of life in the
house. The voices of men sounded from the garden, and Charlie smiled.

"They'll begin wondering about that rope and footprints under this
window pretty soon," he said. "And I guess none of them will be exactly
anxious to tell Holmes, either."

He was right, for in a few moments excited voices echoed from below, and
then there was an argument.

"Well, he's got to be told," said one man. "It's your job, Bill."

"Suppose you do it yourself."

Apparently, they finally agreed to go together. And five minutes later
there was a commotion outside the door.

"Here's where I take cover!" whispered Charlie, with a grin. And, just
before the door was opened, and Holmes burst in, his face livid with
anger, the lawyer hid himself behind a closet door.

Holmes started at the sight of the four girls standing there, fully
dressed, his jaw dropping.

"So you're all here?" he said, an expression of relief gradually
succeeding his consternation. "Found you couldn't get away, eh, Bessie?
Why didn't you come to the front door instead of climbing in that way?
We'd have let you in all right." He laughed, harshly.

"Well, I've had about all the trouble you're going to give me," he said.
"Silas Weeks will be here to take care of you pretty soon, my girl, and
now that he's got you in the state where you belong, I guess you won't
get away again very soon."

"What state do you think this island is in!" asked Charlie Jamieson,
appearing suddenly from his hiding-place.

Holmes staggered back. For a moment he seemed speechless. Then he found
his tongue.

"What are you doing here? How did you get into my house?" he snarled.
"I'll have you arrested as a burglar."

"Ah, no, you won't," said Charlie, pleasantly. "But I'm going to have
you arrested--for kidnapping. Answer my question--do you think this is
in the state where the courts have put Bessie i