Laurel, these are the boys, including my
brother. You can easily tell who he is," she added dryly. "More
formal introductions can wait."
"Tell us what happened," demanded Jack, and then Cora briefly
related what had taken place since she came to the island, how she
had discovered the loss of her boat and had found Laurel and the old
hermit. She told of their parting from Laurel's father and how she
and her companion had returned to the hut.
"And then--then some one came toward the hut after we got here," she
finished. "And, oh, how frightened we were! But whoever it was
went away again and didn't bother us. Then we ate something
and--and well, you know the rest."
"It's all right," Ed soothed, realizing that both girls had been
terribly frightened. "We just came from the lake by your path. It's
splendid to find you Cora," and he went over to press her hand.
"And I am sure you and your friend are glad to be found."
Cora looked up, and in the dim lantern light she could be seen to
smile. "It was all because someone took my boat," she said in a
braver voice. "Laurel and I were just going to the main land."
"As soon as you feel able we will take you to the boat," suggested
Jack. "It must have been very bad here for you, and with some one
else loose in the woods."
"Oh, it was," said Cora. "Jack, I have been in many dreadful
places, but on an island with an enemy prowling about seems to be
the most fearful.
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