Part 39 (1/2)
”I only hope it ends the same way,” said Jerry morosely. ”I only hope it does.”
CHAPTER 24 _SECRET OF THE LILY POOL_
The moon rode high in the heavens as the cabin cruiser let go its anchor in a cove off the Kippenberg estate. Penny who had been dozing for the past hour in her self-imposed prison started up in alarm as Jerry nudged her in the ribs.
”Wake up,” he whispered. ”We're here.”
”At the estate?”
”I think so.”
On the deck above their heads they could hear the men talking together.
”You'll come along with us, Atherwald,” Aaron Dietz said. ”Flora, you stay here and guard the boat. If you see anyone watching or acting suspiciously, blow the whistle two short blasts.”
”I don't want to stay here alone,” the girl whimpered. ”I'm afraid.”
”You'll do as I say,” the man ordered harshly. ”Get started, Gus. It's two o'clock now. We won't have many hours before daylight.”
In making her plans Penny had not once considered that the men might leave a guard on the cruiser. With the girl posted as a lookout they were still prisoners in the cabin.
”We have to get out of here now or never,” she whispered. ”What shall we do about Flora?”
”We'll rush her and take a chance on the whistle.”
They slipped out of their hiding place and crawled noiselessly up the steep stairway. Pausing there, they watched the shadowy figure of the girl in the bow of the boat. She was quite alone, for her companions had disappeared into the woods.
”Now!” commanded Jerry in a whisper.
With a quick rush he and Penny were across the deck. They approached Flora from behind and were upon her before she could turn her head. Jerry grasped her arms while Penny clapped a hand over her mouth to prevent a scream. Although the girl fought fiercely, she was no match for two persons.
Stripping off her sash, Penny gave it to Jerry to use as a gag. They bound the girl's wrists and ankles, then carried her down into the cabin.
”I hate to leave her like that,” said Penny as they went back on deck.
”Don't waste your sympathy,” replied Jerry. ”She doesn't deserve it.
Anyway, we'll soon set her free. We must bring the police now.”
”The nearest house with a telephone is about a half mile away.”
”It won't take us long to cover the distance,” Jerry said, helping her down from the boat.
”You go alone,” urged Penny. ”I'll stay here and keep watch.”
”I don't like to leave you.”
”Go on.” Penny gave him a little push. ”And hurry!”
After Jerry had reluctantly left, she plunged into the trees, carefully picking her way along the path which led to the lily pool. A short distance brought her to the clearing. Halting, she saw the three men and Grant Atherwald silhouetted in the bright moonlight. The latter was still handcuffed, guarded by Aaron Dietz who allowed his companions to do the hard labor.