“He’s all right,” was the reply. “Come on. We have lost too much time already.” And the three men hurried off, leaving me to my fate. CHAPTER XXIV. IN THE WOODS. For several minutes I heard the footsteps of the trio as they made their way towards the shore; then all became silent, and I realized that I was alone. It was intensely dark, the heavy branches overhead completely shutting out every bit of light that the night might have otherwise afforded. I do not claim to be over brave, and the darkness and the loneliness of my position sent a shiver through my frame. How long must I remain in that dismal spot? I tried to move my hands and my feet, but all appeared to be as fast as if bound with iron. Yates had done his work well, and I was, beyond a doubt, a close prisoner. After a struggle that lasted for a quarter of an hour or more, and nearly wore the skin from my wrists, I ceased, and gave myself up to bitter reflection. I wondered if Ford was on his way back to the island, and if he had the police with him. It was hardly possible, yet I trusted that such was the case. Then I thought of what the three men might say when they found the Catch Me gone. Would they have any other means of leaving Rock Island? I fervently hoped not. Presently, as much to keep my courage up as anything else, I began to yell at the top of my voice. There was no reply; and finally I was compelled to cease out of pure weariness. After the lantern had disappeared from my sight, the darkness was at first intense, and I could not see the thicket that I knew was but ten feet ahead of me. But as my eyes grew more accustomed to the place, I gradually found that by straining my sight I could see a short distance to the front. I was so tightly bound, that to view the situation in any other direction was utterly impossible. The tree to which I was fastened was a tall and stately elm. It was fully a foot and a half in diameter, and as firm as the rocks that surrounded it. As I have said, a thicket was directly ahead; what was behind me I did not know, saving the rocks that I had endeavored to scale. I realized that I was in a bad fix indeed. How long would I have to remain in this position? Would the morning bring a change, or would I be compelled to remain tied to the tree until hunger and thirst had done their work and life had gone out of me? What a base and cruel man Mr. Norton had proved himself to be! Undoubtedly he was one of the three robbers; and I could not help but shudder at the thought that he was my uncle. The trio had now divided the diamonds and were ready to separate. If they could find a means of leaving the island, they would do so in short order; and once on the mainland it would be no easy matter to follow them. There were numerous roads, and the Bayport and Bend Center police were not of the best. But for the present, what was to be done?