The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water Part 38

"What do you want with us?" she demanded.

"You shall know in good time," replied Mrs. Sebastian gruffly.

Her manner had undergone a sudden change. She was no longer the good-natured, smiling companion of the steamer. Her face was hard, and she seemed to have aged ten years.

She turned to the other woman.

"Bring paper, pen and ink," she commanded.

The latter hurried away to obey this order, and returned a few moments later, bearing the required articles, which she placed on a table.

Mrs. Sebastian drew up several chairs and motioned the two girls, who had been staring at them curiously, to take the seats.

Both realized it would be useless to refuse and did as commanded. Mrs.

Sebastian pa.s.sed the paper, pen and ink to Shirley.

"Write as I dictate," she ordered.

Here Shirley protested.

"What is it you wish me to write?" she asked.

"You'll hear quick enough," was the reply. "Write."

Shirley replaced the pen gently on the table.

"Not until you tell me what you want me to write, and to whom," she replied quietly.

The others looked at her in surprise, then conversed a few moments in Spanish. At last Mrs. Sebastian said:

"The letter is to your father and to Colonel Ashton. It will contain a demand for $20,000-$10,000 apiece-for your return."

Shirley rose suddenly to her feet and gave a cry of amazement.

"You mean that we are to be held for ransom?" she exclaimed in unbelief.

"Exactly," replied the man.

"And so you are robbers," exclaimed Shirley scornfully.

Mrs. Sebastian's face flushed.

"No," she replied quietly. "But the patriotic forces in Mexico are in need of money. We have taken this means of getting it for them. Your fathers are rich. They will not miss the money, and it will mean so much to us."

"And if we refuse to write?" asked Shirley.

"You probably will spend the remainder of your days in Mexico. But you won't refuse. Come now, write as I dictate."

"May I speak to my friend in private first?" asked Shirley.

Mrs. Sebastian hesitated. Then:

"Yes, but be quick."

Shirley and Mabel put their heads close together.

"Shall I write the letter, Mabel?" asked Shirley.

"Yes," was the instant reply. "Then Dad will know we are in danger and just what sort of danger. It is the only way we can get word to the others. I know they will find us."

"I guess you're right," agreed Shirley.

She returned to her place at the table, and picked up the pen.

"Dictate and I shall write," she said.

"I am glad to see you are so sensible," smiled Mrs. Sebastian.

She dictated and Shirley wrote. When she had finished she had both girls affix their signatures, and then address an envelope.

She clapped her hands and a young native boy entered the room. To him Mrs. Sebastian gave the letter and spoke in Spanish, whereupon the boy hurried away.

Hardly had he gone when there came three sharp knocks at the door without. The conspirators looked at each other in alarm, and the hopes of Shirley and Mabel rose suddenly.

But the latter were doomed to disappointment. Mrs. Sebastian left the room, only to return a few moments later followed by the figure of a man.

Shirley took one look at him, and gave a cry of surprise.

The newcomer was Captain Von Blusen!

CHAPTER XXIII.-THE SEARCHING PARTY.

A long blast from the whistle of the _Yucatan_ broke the stillness of late afternoon.

Mr. Willing, Colonel Ashton and d.i.c.k, who were peering sh.o.r.eward from the deck of the steamer with straining eyes, looked anxiously at each other.

"What can be detaining them?" exclaimed the former.

"I am sure I don't know," returned Colonel Ashton. "They probably will be here in a few minutes."

A boat put off from sh.o.r.e; it was the last of the _Yucatan's_ small craft, which had been awaiting the return of late pa.s.sengers. It was too far away for the watchers to identify those aboard it.

Mr. Willing breathed a sigh of relief.