island. It was of good
size and seemed to be densely covered with trees and brush. Yet, there
was a patch of sandy shore toward which the horses were being urged.

The lake was so low, that there was a fordable stretch of its bottom
between the mainland and this island. These Gypsies seemed to know this
bar perfectly, and the driver of the queen's van made no mistake in
guiding his span.

In half an hour the horses were trotting through the shallows again.
They rolled out upon the white beach, and then Ruth saw that a faint
wagon trail led into the interior of the island.

The Gypsies had been there before. There, in the middle of the wooded
isle, was a clearing. The moment the vans arrived, all the people jumped
out, laughing and talking, and the usual preparations for an encampment
were begun. Only, in this case, Queen Zelaya sent the squint-eyed man
and the ruffian who had so frightened Ruth to either shore of the
island to keep watch.

Tents were set up, fires kindled, a great supper begun, and the poultry
was set loose to roam at will. Somewhere the Gypsy children had picked
up a kid and a little calf. Both of these were freed, and at once began
to butt each other, to the vast delight of the little ones.

All about, under-foot and growling if they were disturbed, were the ugly
dogs. Ruth was afraid of them!

Now that they were on the island, the Gypsies gave her slight attention.
The children did not come near her, and she was glad of that. Of course,
the adults knew she could not escape.

Later she heard one of the men on the shore shout. Nobody was disturbed
at the camp, but after a little, there was some loud conversation and
then somebody broke through the bushes and appeared suddenly in the
little clearing.

Ruth Fielding gasped and sprang to her feet. Nobody noticed her.

The newcomer was Roberto. He strode swiftly across the camp to the
queen's van. Zelaya sat upon the steps and when he came before her, he
bowed very respectfully.

The old woman showed more emotion at his appearance than Ruth believed
possible. She got up quickly and kissed the boy on both of his cheeks.
Her eyes sparkled and she talked with him for some time in the Tzigane
tongue.

Once or twice Roberto glanced in Ruth's direction, as though he and the
old woman had been speaking of the captive girl. But, to the latter's
surprise, she saw no look of recognition in the Gypsy boy's eyes.

Finally, when he parted from the queen