houted to me. They retraced their steps as I rowed along the
shore; but they were powerless to injure me while the deep waters of the
lake lay between us. I reached the Splash, and went on board of her.

"Good morning, Miss Loraine. How do you do?" I said, going to the cuddy.

"Nicely, I thank you," replied Kate.

"Have you been comfortable in your cabin?"

"Very; as nice as a bug in a rug. But I was afraid something had
happened, as you did not come off as soon as I expected."

"Something has happened; but you are safe, at any rate," I added. "We
will talk about that by and by. Will you hand me the tiller, if you
please?"

"I don't know what it is," said she, laughing; and everything appeared
to be sunshine with her. "Here is the key; you can open the door."

She handed it to me through one of the ventilators, and I unlocked the
door.

"Don't show yourself, Kate; for we are closely watched," I added, as I
took the tiller from the cuddy. "Tom Thornton is on the shore with my
uncle. Don't let him see you."

"Mercy!" exclaimed she, crouching down in the berth, as if afraid he
would look through the side of the boat.

"Don't be alarmed. There is no danger. The wind is fresh, and he could
not catch us, even if he had a boat. Here is some breakfast for you," I
continued, handing her a napkin in which I had enclosed the provision
sent up for my dinner in my chamber.

I hoisted the fore and main sails of the boat, and slipping the mooring,
ran up the jib. I stood over to the Van Wort place, and after going as
near the shore as the depth of water would permit, I headed the skiff to
the bank, and gave it a smart push, which drove it far enough upon the
beach to hold it, just as the owner of it came to receive it. Trimming
the sails, I went down the lake close-hauled.

Kate was eating her breakfast, and I was glad to be alone with my own
thoughts for a time. My uncle and Tom still stood on the shore in front
of the cottage, watching me. I wanted to mature my plans. I intended to
go to New York with Kate, and help her find her uncle. There was a
railroad station at Cannondale, and another at the head of Adieno Creek.
It would be safer for us to take the train at the latter station. Tom
Thornton would do something. He would not stay another hour at the
cottage. He had money enough and energy enough to cause me a great deal
of trouble. I had no doubt that he would procure a whole fleet of boats
to pursue me. He would e