n charge of Silas Weeks?"

"Certainly it is," said Holmes, blustering.

"You ought to keep up with the news better, Mr. Holmes. The United
States Government has bought this island for military purposes. It's a
Federal reservation now, and the writ of the state courts has no value
whatever. Even the land this house stands on belongs to the government
now--it was taken by condemnation proceedings."

Eleanor gave a glad cry at the good news. At last she understood the
trap into which Holmes had fallen.

"Look outside--look through the window!" said Jamieson.

Holmes rushed to the window, and his teeth showed in a snarl at what he
saw.

"You can't get away, you see," said Jamieson. "There isn't any sentiment
about those soldiers. They'd shoot you if you tried to run through them.
I'd advise you to take things easily. There'll be a United States
marshal to take you in charge pretty soon. He's on his way from Rock
Haven now. He'll probably come on the same boat that brings Silas
Weeks--and some other people you are not expecting."

Holmes slumped into a chair. Defeat was written in his features. But he
pulled himself together presently.

"You've got the upper hand right now," he said. "But what good does it
do you? I'm the only one who knows the truth, and the reason for all
this. They won't do anything to me--they can't prove any kidnapping
charge. The boat was disabled--I entertained these girls over night when
they were stranded here."

"We'll see about that," said Jamieson, quietly. "And I may know more
than you think I've been finding out a few things since the talk I had
with Jake Hoover in Bay City yesterday. Did you know that he was
arrested the day before yesterday at Plum Beach?"

Evidently Holmes had not known it. The news was a fresh shock to him.
But he was determined not to admit defeat.

"Much good he'll do you!" he said. "He doesn't know anything--even if he
thinks he does."

CHAPTER XV

THE MYSTERY SOLVED

There was a knock at the door, and, in answer to Jamieson's call to come
in, one of the young officers Bessie had seen at the fort entered. He
smiled cheerfully at Bessie, saluted the other girls, and grinned at
Jamieson.

"We've herded all the people we found around the place down in the
boat-house," he said. "They were too scared to do anything. Is this your
man Holmes?"

"You guessed right the very first time, Lieutenant," said Charlie. "Any
sign of that boat from Rock Haven