"It's a pity we didn't think to drop something from the car to inform our friends which way to look for us."
"I did," said Elaine. "I tossed out a handkerchief and a glove a short distance from Hampton--just as I struck that fellow. The difficulty is, there isn't any assurance we kept to that road. Like as not, we started north and ended east or south of town. What is this house, a fishing club?"
"I rather think so. There is a small wharf, and a board-walk down to the Bay, and the house itself is one story and spread-out, so to speak."
"Likely it's a summer club-house, which these men have either rented or preëmpted for our prison."
"The country around here is surely deserted!" said Davila.
"Hence, a proper choice for our temporary residence."
"I can't understand the care they are taking of us--the deference with which we are treated, the food that is given us."
"Parmenter's treasure, and the prize they think they're playing for, has much to do with it. We are of considerable value, according to their idea."
After a while, they went back to the house. The two men, who had remained out of hearing, but near enough to prevent any attempt to escape, having seen them safely within, disappeared. As they passed through the hall they encountered the chief. He stepped aside.
"You enjoyed your walk, I trust?" he said.
"I feel sorry for you!" she said, smiling.
"You are very kind," he replied. "But why?"
"You are incurring considerable expense for nothing."
He grinned. "It is a very great pleasure, I assure you."
"You are asking the impossible," she went on. "Mr. Croyden told you the simple truth. He _didn't_ find the Parmenter jewels."
The man's face showed his surprise, but he only shrugged his shoulders expressively, and made no reply.
"I know you do not believe it--yet it's a fact, nevertheless. Mr. Croyden couldn't pay your demands, if he wished. Of course, we enjoy the experience, but, as I said, it's a trifle expensive for you."
"You're a good sport!" he said--"a jolly good sport! But we're dealing with Mr. Croyden and Mr. Macloud, so, you'll pardon me if I decline to discuss the subject."
In half-an-hour from the time Captain Carrington strode to the telephone to arouse his friends, all Hampton had the startling news: Davila Carrington and her guest, Miss Cavendish, had disappeared.