She walked around to the
rear of the cabin, peering shoreward. She made out faintly the figures
of two men coming down the bar. They were carrying something between
them--something that seemed to be heavy and burdensome, for the men
were staggering under its weight.
The Meadow-Brook Girl realized that she was face to face with a
mystery, but what that mystery was she could not even surmise, nor
would she for some time to come. She determined to act, however, and
that, if possible, without alarming her companions. Hesitating but a
moment, Harriet stepped out boldly and started up the bar to meet the
mysterious strangers with their heavy burden.
CHAPTER XIII
A STRANGE PROCEEDING
They did not appear to see her until Harriet was within a few yards of
them.
Then they halted sharply, dropped their burden and straightened up.
The right hand of one of them slipped to his hip pocket, then a few
seconds later was slowly withdrawn with a handkerchief in it.
"It's a girl," exclaimed one of the pair in a low voice.
"Well, what do you think about that?"
"Hello, there, Miss! What is it? Who are ye?" demanded one of the men.
"I was about to ask the same question of you. What are you doing
here?"
"This here is free coast, young woman.
Pages:
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130