“You’ve been very kind to us,” he began, “and we’re indebted to you for many favors. Believe me, we both of us appreciate and are grateful to you from the bottom of our hearts.” A deepening tinge of color crept into the girl’s face, as she looked up at him with smiling eyes, her white teeth showing between her full, red lips. “We have one more favor to ask of you,” he continued, “a rather peculiar favor and one which, I trust, you won’t misunderstand. Should you decide to grant it, you must do so blindly, without asking a single question as to the why or wherefore.” “What is it?” asked the girl eagerly. “Just this: that to-morrow one of our meals shall not be brought by you and that you will let us know in advance which of those meals it is to be.” The girl’s head dropped and the color paled from her face. For a moment she said nothing. Then she looked up. “The dinner is ready,” she said. “Why don’t you eat?” “I can’t eat to-night,” answered Mortimer impatiently. “It’s horrible to see you pining away in this fashion,” said the girl. “You’ll die if this keeps up.” “Men don’t die so easily,” replied Mortimer, with a short laugh. “But you haven’t answered what I asked you.” She hesitated for a moment. “Do nothing--make no attempt of any kind to-day,” she cried with sudden vehemence. “Wait until to-morrow! To-morrow I’ll bring you good news!” And with these words she turned quickly and fled up the steps. At breakfast time next morning she lingered in the cabin longer than usual. To Mortimer’s questioning glance, she returned for answer the single word: “Wait!” At mid-day she appeared, bearing her tray as usual, but when she began to unload it they noticed skilfully concealed among the dishes, two small coils of rope. Her cheeks were flushed and here was an unwonted agitation in her manner. “You wouldn’t eat my food,” she said, “so I’ve brought you something which will be more welcome.” And she touched one of the coils of rope lightly with her finger. “Won’t you speak more plainly?” exclaimed the Professor, with evident excitement. “My meaning!” retorted the girl, with impatience. “What do you suppose I mean except--your escape. Do you think I am both blind and stupid! Do you think I haven’t seen how you,” and she glanced toward Mortimer, “have been eating your hearts out here? Do you imagine I didn’t guess your meaning when you wanted the ‘Black Hawk’ to come to you, or when you wanted me to keep away? Valerie was bright enough to understand the meaning of that!” “We certainly didn’t mean to reflect upon your intelligence,” replied the Professor. “We only hoped you would close your eyes sufficiently to aid us in our plans.”