"Oh, I was dreaming," replied Tavia drowsily, "and that heavy old
chandelier came right down and hit me in the face."
"Keep your dreams quiet next time," said Nat, attempting to laugh. "You
gave us all a start."
"What time is it?" Dorothy inquired.
Tom glanced at his watch.
"Midnight!" he exclaimed. "Would you believe it? We must have all been
asleep."
"And you promised not to shut an eye?" accused Tavia. "How do we know but
that we are all kidnapped?"
Just then Nat grasped Tom's arm.
"The light!" he whispered.
"Oh!"
Dorothy and Tavia had both seen it.
Too frightened to speak, they clung to each other and stood terrified. Tom
and Nat stepped farther out into the hallway.
For an instant no one uttered a sound. The next a noise--distinct and
welcome--fell upon their ears--the sound of Major Dale's voice.
"It's father!" called Dorothy, breaking away from Tavia. "Oh, they've
found us! Let them in! Quick!"
No need to tell the boys that, for the front door was unbolted, and Major
Dale rushed in before any of them could actually realize that he had come.
"Oh, father!" gasped Dorothy, falling into his arms. "If you had not
come--I should have died!"
"You poor foolish--babies!" he said. "But let the man in. He's frozen, if
I am not."
Tavia had her arms around the major's neck--he was patting both girls
affectionately.
Pages:
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171