"If you like; but, for my own part, I think I should act independently of them. You don't want to make a big scandal, I presume; and remember, to arrest Nikola would be to open the whole affair."
"Then what do you propose?"
"I propose," I answered, "that we should charter a small schooner, fit her out, select three trustworthy and silent men, and then take our departure to Pipa Lannu. I am well acquainted with the island, and, what's more, I hold a master's certificate. We would sail in after dark, arm all our party thoroughly, and go ashore. I expect they will be keeping your daughter a prisoner in a hut. If that is so we will surround it and rescue her without any trouble or fuss, and, what is better still, without any public scandal. What do you say?"
"I quite agree with what you say. I think it's an excellent idea; and, while you've been speaking, I too have been thinking of something. There's my old friend McMurtough, who has a nice schooner yacht. I'm sure he'd be willing to let us have the use of her for a few weeks."
"Where does he live?—far from here?"
"Just across the water; we'll go over and see him directly after breakfast if you like."
"By all means. Now I think I'll go and take a little nap; I feel quite worn out. When the inspector arrives you will be able to explain all that has happened; but I think I should ask him to keep a quiet tongue in his head about the island. If it leaks out at all it may warn them, and they'll be off elsewhere—to a place perhaps where we may not be able to find them."
"I'll remember," said Mr. Wetherell, and thereupon I retired to my room, and, having partially undressed, threw myself upon my bed. In less than two minutes I
