entences, then
words fell into syllables and finally there remained only the
punctuation--a full stop.

Dorothy was dreaming that the men in the boats on the Italian marble
mantel were coming to rescue her. Tavia had a weakness for brilliant
nightmares, and she dreamed that the crystal chandeliers were
coming--coming down, to strike her directly in the face.

She screamed, and every one started up.

"What was it?" cried Dorothy, on her feet in an instant.

Tom and Nat jumped up as quickly, Nat with revolver in hand, and Tom
grasping the hatchet.

"I certainly saw a light at the end of the hall," whispered Nat to Tom.
"Don't alarm the girls--just watch."

"What was it?" asked Dorothy again.

"Oh, I was dreaming," replied Tavia drowsily, "and that heavy old
chandelier came right down and hit me in the face."

"Keep your dreams quiet next time," said Nat, attempting to laugh. "You
gave us all a start."

"What time is it?" Dorothy inquired.

Tom glanced at his watch.

"Midnight!" he exclaimed. "Would you believe it? We must have all been
asleep."

"And you promised not to shut an eye?" accused Tavia. "How do we know but
that we are all kidnapped?"

Just then Nat grasped Tom's arm.

"The light!" he whispered.

"Oh!"

Dorothy and Tavia had both seen it.

Too frightened to speak, they clung to each other and stood terrified. Tom
and Nat stepped farther out into the hallway.

For an instant no one uttered a sound. The next a noise--distinct and
welcome--fell upon their ears--the sound of Major Dale's voice.

"It's father!" called Dorothy, breaking away from Tavia. "Oh, they've
found us! Let them in! Quick!"

No need to tell the boys that, for the front door was unbolted, and Major
Dale rushed in before any of them could actually realize that he had come.

"Oh, father!" gasped Dorothy, falling into his arms. "If you had not
come--I should have died!"

"You poor foolish--babies!" he said. "But let the man in. He's frozen, if
I am not."

Tavia had her arms around the major's neck--he was patting both girls
affectionately.

"There! there!" he soothed. "Now you are all right. Dad's here, and we
will be all right presently. Norah sent out the relief stuff--you be
starved and perished."

"He won't come in," called Nat, referring to the man outside, "Says he's
afraid."

"Oh, the foolish fellow," replied the major. "I had the greatest time to
get him here, once he found out I was coming to the castle