THE GHOST AT THE WATERFALL

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

Silver Wings for Vicki

Vicki Finds the Answer

The Hidden Valley Mystery

The Secret of Magnolia Manor

The Clue of the Broken Blossom

Behind the White Veil

The Mystery at Hartwood House

Peril Over the Airport

The Mystery of the Vanishing Lady

The Search for the Missing Twin

The Ghost at the Waterfall

The Clue of the Gold Coin

The Silver Ring Mystery

The Clue of the Carved Ruby

The Mystery of Flight 908

The Brass Idol Mystery

THE VICKI BARR AIR STEWARDESS SERIES

________________________________________________________

THE GHOST AT THE

WATERFALL

BY HELEN WELLS

________________________________________________________

GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS

New York

BY GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC., 1956

All Rights Reserved

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CONTENTS ________________________________________________________

CHAPTER PAGE

I OFF TO CANADA 1

II WORDS IN A LONELY CABIN 19

III SECRET CACHE 31

IV UNWILLING GUESTS 49

V MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 65

VI GO OR STAY? 78

VII VICKI MEETS A MOUNTIE 96

VIII THE GUN AND THE BOX 114

IX OUTPOST MESSAGE 133

X DANGEROUS WATCH 148

XI GHOST AT THE WATERFALL 164

XII NIGHT OF TERROR 175

XIII A QUICK RUSE 191

XIV CAPTURED! 203

XV UPHOLD THE RIGHT 219

1

CHAPTER I

Off to Canada

Ruth Hall! What a wonderful surprise! Vicki, you look exactly the same as you did in

high school! When we danced the tap number together in the

school show. Come in, Ruthie! Vicki led Ruth Hall into The Castle, into the long

living room where a fire crackled on this cold day.

Freckles, the Barr familys white-and-brown spaniel, helped do the honors.

Youre looking awfully well, Ruth, and so professional. Do you know its been twono, three years since weve seen each other? Vicki took Ruths coat. But it feels like only last year that we accidentally let the baby mice loose in biology

class. Who let them out? Ruth demanded, laughing. All right, I let them out. But you helped me

catch them. Come sit down. Two chairs faced each other beside the fireplace.

2

She shooed Freckles off one chair, but Ruth took the

little dog on her lap.

How do you like being a flight stewardess, Vicki? And a private pilot as well! I always

expected you to do something special. Well, how do you like being a nurse? Thats

pretty special. Love it. Only Im like youIm so busy I

hardly ever get home to Fairview. That, unfortunately, is why we never see each

other. Have you seen any of our old high school

crowd yet on this trip? Ruth shook her smooth brown head. She had had

a telephone visit with Lynn and Dickie Brown, she

said, whod heard from Guy English whod heard from Bill Avery out at the airport that Vicki had just

arrived in town. Thats a small town for you! Nice and neighborly, Vicki said, after working

in big cities. Youve been mostly in Chicago? They exchanged news. They inquired after each

others mother and father. Mrs. Hall had gone visiting today in Twin Hills, and that name recalled

to Vicki the time when five of their class had gone

skiing there with three pairs of skis among them.

I thought I heard voices, said Mrs. Barr, coming in. Both girls rose. How nice to see you again, Ruthie! How is your family?

My parents are well, thank you, but my older

3

brother is ill. Bob? Im sorry to hear that. I meannot illhes been injured. Why, Ruth! Vicki exclaimed. Why didnt you

tell me right away? All my joking Ruth smiled understandingly.

Isnt Bob in Canada? Mrs. Barr asked. Yes, Mrs. Barr, at a nickel mine. Ruth told them that her brother, a mining

engineer, had been working at James Bay located in

east-central Canada, at the southern tip of Hudson

Bay. Yesterday Ruth and her family had received a

telegram notifying them that Bob had sustained a

back injury in a mine accident.

The telegram didnt tell us much, Ruth said. My brother didnt even send it himself, so he must be She shook her head slightly. Im worried.

Id be worried, too, Vicki said. But isnt there a doctor at these nickel mines?

Yes, but no nurse, no hospital. Whats the good of my being a nurse if I cant help my own brother in an emergency?

Cant you fly up there? Betty Barr asked. I dont know of any airline that goes up there. At

least not from here. Vicki sat thinking. She needed this week to rest,

so that she could return refreshed to her stewardess

job with Federal Airlines. Yet, to paraphrase what

4

Ruth had just said, what was the good of being a

licensed flier if she did not help out in an

emergency? Besides, she had always liked Ruth Hall

with her quiet brown eyes and sympathetic nature.

Ruth, would you like me to fly you up to James Bay?

Well, its important for me to get to Bob fast. In fact, I When I heard you were in town, I felt relieved. At least I could ask you.

Vicki heard her mother sigh and knew what she

was thinking: Vicki needs to rest. But this is an emergency. Mrs. Barr did not voice her thoughts aloud.

If youll excuse me now, she said, Ill finish my household chores. Come again soon, Ruth. Im not urging you, but if you girls do goshe grinnedlet me know and Ill pack a lunch for you.

After her mother left, Vicki said, Well, lets see. The first thing would be to talk to Bill Avery at the

airfield about renting us a plane. Oh, Vicki, thank you! I knew you wouldnt fail

me! How soon can we start? Today? Now wait a minute, Vicki said, laughing. She pulled out her fathers atlas and looked up the

mileage from Fairview, south of Chicago, to Hudson

Bay, due north in Canada. Then Vicki figured aloud

roughly how much gasoline would be needed to

5

carry them to Hudson Bay, and how many times

they would have to land to refuel, and where. The

flying time would take approximately nine hours.

Ruth, how early can you start tomorrow morning? Would six or seven be too early?

The earlier the better. Just let me know, Vic. Ruth went downtown to buy medical supplies for

the trip, and Vicki took the bus out to Avery Airport.

Bill Avery had tickets for himself and Vicki for

tomorrow evenings basketball game, but he was good-humored about helping her plan the flight.

First Bill checked weather and flight conditions by

telephone. Then he and Vicki mapped out a safe

flight plan on an air chart, tracing a route from here

to Fort Albany on James Bay, Canada. Bill promised

to obtain clearance for Vickis course from the United States Civil Aeronautics Authority; CAA

clearance ensured safety for traffic in the air lanes,

at various altitudes.

Fortunately, Bills Piper Cub trainer plane was available. Bill warned Vicki, though, that the light

plane might lose some speed and time if they ran

into strong northern headwinds tomorrow. It was the

end of March, and even here the winds were rough.

Another thing, Bill reminded her: the Cubs cruising range was 250 miles per hour, and the distance to

James Bay was 800 miles, so Vicki would have to

land several times to refuel. One more thing: the

6

flight would have to be done in daylight, since the

Cub had no landing or wing lights for night flying.

With any luck at all, Bill said, you and Ruth should make it in one day. Start early, pigeonnot much after daybreak if you can. Six oclock is better than seven.

That evening Vicki telephoned Ruth Hall that

they would take off at six. Ruth sounded relieved

over the telephone that the arrangements were

definitely made. She had obtained the needed

supplies to go into her nurses kit, she reported, and had laid out her heaviest clothing for her stay in

northern Canada.

Until tomorrow morning, then, Ruth. When Vicki said her good-nights early to her

family, Professor Barr set aside his newspaper and

said:

I suppose I ought to be resigned to seeing you rarely, Victoria, or at least used to it. One of these

days Ill fail to recognize you and say, Who is that small blond girl? She looks vaguely familiar.

Oh, Dad, its only a days flight up there and a days flight back. Ill be home again day after tomorrow, you see?

Ginny, a younger, shorter, plumper version of

Vicki, declared that if Vicki was going to retire

early, so would she. Freckles and Ill only wake her up when we come to bed, anyway.

7

Have you completed your homework? Professor Barr asked. In particular, the advanced algebra?

Mrs. Barr remarked she thought that it was a fine

idea to start to bed early and have a long nights rest. That made Ginnys escape easy.

Upstairs in the blue bedroom which the sisters

shared, Ginny helped Vicki pack the few things she

was taking for an overnight journey. Vicki laid out

her green woolen sweater and slacks, her hooded

storm jacket and woolen gloves for tomorrow. And

that was that.

The toothbrush traveler. Vicki yawned. Ginny, in the other twin bed, giggled, then

grunted as the spaniel trotted across her stomach.

Good night, Vic. Heres wishing we wake up to good weather.

Next morning the day promised to be clear. The

night mists were blowing away, like ragged veils,

when Vicki caught the bus to the airport.

She found Ruth already in the office shack,

warmly dressed, ready with her nurses kit and a small suitcase. They had scarcely said hello when

Bill Avery burst in, his hair on end, grease smudges

on his face and worn leather jacket.

Hi, Vicki, Ruth. I have your CAA clearance all right. He fished for it on his disordered desk. Ted and I checked over the Cub last night, and shes so

8

tuned-up shes singin! Want to come out on the field now?

You are speedy, Ruth said gratefully. Cubs out of the hangar, and Teds warmin her

up. You ladies have a long way to fly today, so lets get outside.

Morning, Ted, Vicki called, and waved to the mechanic warming up the Cubs engine. Ted Baker grinned back at her and at Ruth.

Standing near the small plane, Bill went over the

flight plan with Vicki for the final time. Bill advised

her to refuel at Chicagolanding, refueling, and taking off again there might take half an hour. She

could figure spending fifteen minutes, though, at

smaller cities.

Be careful, Vic, said Bill. Without a radio in the Cub, you follow the old sawif in doubt, set the plane down.

Will do. Vicki smiled up into Bills dark-blue eyes. Well get there all right. Besides, youll know where well be every minute of the way. You have a duplicate of our flight plan.

Sure, youll get there safely. If itll make your families feel any better, Ill call up your mother and Ruths mother and say so.

Youre a friend, Ruth said to him. We did say good-by to our folks, but a call from you would

make them feel better.

9

Bill nodded. In you go. Ted climbed out and Vicki ducked through the

plane door and slid into the pilots seat. Ruth Hall climbed in after her and took the passengers chair in back. Ted had the throttle on, the oil warmed up,

ready for her. Bill slammed the door closed, then

changed his mind. He came back to open the door

for an instant.

What is it? Vicki asked. Here. He pulled off the scarf he was wearing.

For good luck. Put it on. Thanks, Bill. All ready now. Vicki adjusted the carburetor a bit and checked

the gas gauge. Next, she tested the magnetos, her

feet on the rudder pedals. She was used to the Cub.

Bill had given her flying lessons in the small plane,

and it felt as familiar as her own shoes. He waved to

her and backed off. Vicki waited while the Cub,

gathering power, hummed and vibrated like an

outsize bee. She turned around to Ruth and shouted

over the engine noise:

Ever been up in a light plane before? Ruth Hall shook her head, looking tense.

Relax. Put your kit on the floor. Here we go. Vicki taxied down the length of the field, turned

the plane into the wind, then giving it full throttle,

built up another reserve of power. Then the Cub was

lifting, rising past Bills office shack, past Bill

10

himself, and climbing into the sky.

The first part of the flight, up to Chicago and then

due north, along Lake Michigans easterly shore, went easily and swiftly. Vicki swerved away from

thick gray clouds to where the sky was blue and

limitless. Ruth Hall called out, I wouldnt be surprised to see an angel floating by! Vicki felt relieved that her passenger was enjoying herself. In

level flight, with the engine noise reduced to a whir

and the Cub keeping steadily on course, they were

able to talk, in snatches.

Is your flight stewardess job as exciting as this? Yes, but exciting in a different waypeople

instead of piloting, Vicki called over her shoulder. Getting a planeload of people strapped in for take-off, then fed and comfortable, and then off at the

right stopwell, its a job! Ill bet you love it as much as I love nursing. Vicki nodded. They had refueled, without

incident, at Grand Rapids. She glanced at her

instrument panel readings, looked for landmarks

below, then checked with the flight map on her lap.

She was too busy navigating to talk, particularly

when the plane passed over the straits where Lake

Michigan flows into Lake Huron.

Were crossing the border into Canada, Vicki informed her passenger. It simplified their journey

that no passports were needed.

11

Arent we making fast time! Ruth called. So they were, although now that they were flying

above Canada, Vickis job was more exacting. More exciting as well. She had not flown this route before,

and she found it wonderfully interesting to see Sault

Ste. Marie receding below. Ruth was excited, too.

Were over Ontario Province, arent we, Vicki? Do you think well see Ottawa?

Vicki replied that the capital city lay east of their

course. So did Ontariosand the Dominionslargest cities, Toronto and Montreal. Vicki would

have liked a look at their stately towers. The large

factory towns below resembled American industrial

cities. The resemblance was there when they

refueled at Sudbury. However, as they flew north,

Vicki enjoyed the wide stretches of countryside,

with placid small towns built along the rivers. The

towns grew fewer. Dark green groves of fir trees

began to appear, and among them, lakes. In the

distance mountains rose up.

Isnt it beautiful! Ruth Hall cried. Suchwhats the word?grandeur.

How big and empty it is, Vicki answered. She knew that Canada was larger than the United States,

nearly as large as the whole continent of Europe,

and was sparsely settled outside of its cities. To

know it was one thing, but to see these magnificent

reaches of silent, northern land awed her. Vicki

12

almost lost sight of the glinting railroad tracks

below, which she was following.

Whats the next big town we fly over? Ruth Hall asked.

We wont be passing over any big towns. Timminswhere we refueledwas the last big one on our charted course.

My brother writes me the most fabulous things about Canada. Ruth leaned forward so that Vicki could hear her. Bob did write me one really fascinating letterabout northern legends hes heard.

Yes, these wild forests and rivers must be rich in history and legend.

Vicki, would it distract you if I told you one legend? I cant get it out of my mind.

Well Vicki glanced down at the river she was now following. Except for rising winds,

whirling down out of the distant mountains, the

flying was not difficult. Yes, tell me, Ruth. Well, its an Indian waterfall legend. Bob wrote

that most everyone hes met so far in Canada is inclined to believe its true. Theres a mysterious spot in the woods where the ghost of an Indian

maiden appears at the crest of a waterfall. She

comes at each full moon, on the stroke of midnight. The legend, Ruth said, told of how the Indian

maiden loved a boy to whom her father objected. He

13

sent the boy away, and the girl, in her grief, threw

herself over the waterfall to the rocks beneath. The

legend warned that her ghost returned to seize any

living person and throw or lure him over the falls, to

avenge and commemorate her death.

But thats fantastic, Vicki objected. How can it be true?

Bob heard that two people, at two separate times, disappeared mysteriously by going over those

falls, each time at the full moon. Of course that was

long ago, perhaps a hundred years ago, Ruth said, but the two disappearances are a matter of record.

It doesnt sound like twin accidents, Vicki admitted. Some of these old Indian tales are based on fact. Buta ghostthats ridiculous!

I dont believe in ghosts any more than you do, Ruth said. Anyway, Canada is full of waterfalls. Oops! Feels as if were bouncing over a falls ourselves!

Hold on to the arms of your chair, Vicki called. Gusts of wind, unexpectedly strong, buffeted

their light plane. The wind must have shifted, Vicki

thought at first, then she realized that they were

flying into northern headwinds. It was growing

noticeably colder in the cabin. Vicki pulled on one

glove at a time and took a firmer grip on the

controls. She was obliged to feed the plane more gas

in order to maintain speed. As for altitude, the light

14

two-seater rose and sank like a kite in the winds.

There was nothing to be alarmed about, except the

rate at which she was using up gasoline in order to

push against the wind.

II think Im going to be seasick, Ruth wailed. No, youre not, Vicki called back firmly. Stop

looking down at the earth. The terrain below seemed to be rocking from side to side. Look into the sky, and keep swallowing.

In a moment Ruth called, Im fine! Advice worked.

Vicki had no time to worry about the passenger

behind her. Her attention was riveted on the gas

gauge, and on the map. At the rate they were using

up gas, they would soon have to come down, at an

airfield or anywhere where they could refuel. But

Vicki saw no signs of an airfield nearby, neither on

the flight map, nor any arrows or big clearings on

the ground below. Perhaps they could land at the

next town or village, wherever there might be a

filling station for cars. A small airplane could be

operated properly on automotive gasoline, in a

pinch.

But no town or village came into sight. The flight

map showed only wilderness until they reached

James Bay. Vicki began to feel uneasy. They were

not going to reach James Bay on this depleted gas

supply. She would have to land soon, and hope that

15

16

somewhere in the shelter of these deep forests a

village lay concealed. Or if not a village, at least

some outpost, some sign of life.

Were going down for gas, Vicki called Ruth. Dont be alarmed. Its to only to refuel.

An airport or gas station here? In these snow-covered woods? I dont even see a road or a pasture. Where are you going to land, Vicki?

I wish I knew! Enough gas was left to permit Vicki to circle and look carefully below. She had no

wish to land badly and possibly damage the plane.

17

At last she sighted a fairly large clearing in the

woods. Better, really, than she had any reason to

hope for. She circled, and then came coasting in for

an emergency landing. The Cub made a neat three-

point landing in the snow.

Ruth! Congratulate us! I dont know exactly where we are, but were here!

Vicki cut off the ignition, and in the sudden

silence, she thought she heard the rushing, flowing

sounds of a waterfall.

Ruth heard it, too, as they opened the plane door

and crawled out. Must be a big falls, Ruth said, not to be frozen over. Can you see it?

They both gazed around, seeing only forest. The

waterfall sounded somewhere near. But Vicki was

not much interested; she was busy stretching her

legs, grown stiff after several hours of sitting in one

position.

It certainly feels good to stand up again, she said to Ruth. Lets see where weve landed and where we can get some gasI hope.

Shall I take my nursing kit along? Ruth asked. I think wed better take everything along. Not

that I think anyone is coming along to steal things

out of the plane, unless its a grizzly bear. Ruth pretended to shudder. Are you serious? Not very, but you never can tell. The waterfalls soft roaring came louder, then

18

softer, on gusts of wind. With forest all around

them, the girls hesitated about which direction to

take. Then Vicki noticed faint footprints and sleigh

marks in the snow.

Thats a welcome sign! Come on, Ruth, lets see where the footprints lead.

19

CHAPTER II

Words in a Lonely Cabin

The curious thing about the sleigh marks, Vicki

noticed, was the absence of any dog tracks.

Apparently men had pulled the sled. But werent sleds usually dragged by a team of huskies?

Ruth, what about these tracks? Vicki pointed. Dont you think just footprints is odd?

Ruth was shivering and not very much interested

in marks in the snow.

Bob says its expensive to feed a team of six or eight huskies and the lead dog. Do you know a

husky eats as much as a man, per day? Maybe the

people who pulled the sled through here cant afford a team.

Vicki brooded over the explanation. What could men be doing in this wilderness?

Hunting, Ruth said. Hunting moose or bear or wild fowl. Or they might be fur trappers. Please,

Vicki, lets walk faster. Im freezing. About ten minutes walk through oaks and tall

20

Douglas fir brought them to a cabin. They came

upon it abruptly because the trees grew close to the

cabins windows and door. They could still hear the waterfall bubbling, and from here see just its high

crest.

Why would anyone want to live in this cabin so deep in the forest? Ruth asked.

It may be a hunting lodge, Vicki said. Cant we go in and warm ourselves? Vicki hesitated. Who do you suppose is in

there? Theres one way to find out. Ruth gave her a

little push. Or would you rather stay outside and meet a bear while I turn into ice?

At least wed better inquire where to buy gas, if were ever to reach your brother.

Vicki knocked on the cabin door. She screwed up

courage by reminding herself that people living in

wild, lonely places often helped one another out. No

one answered her knock. She tried the door and

found it unlocked. That seemed a gesture of

hospitality. Opening the door a crack, Vicki and

Ruth peered in.

Hello! Ruth called. Hello? No one was home. The crude kitchen-living room

felt warm, though; fresh kindling wood was laid

beside the fireplace. Ruth looked longingly at a

coffeepot on a cookstove in the corner. She went

21

over and touched the coffeepot.

Hot, Ruth said. The stove, too. It looks as if the owner may have gone for

supplies, Vicki said. Down a short hall, doors to two other rooms stood open.

I certainly could use something hot. Dont you think we could have a cup of this coffee?

Neither girl saw any reason why not. The cabins unlocked door seemed invitation enough to anyone

lost or in need of food in the northern wilderness.

Finding cups on the table, both girls took a little

coffee, not lingering over it. The Cub was not

equipped for night flying and they wanted to reach

James Bay well before nightfall. They rinsed their

cups under the pump, buttoned up their jackets, and

stepped outdoors.

The cold was easier to stand now, even

stimulating. The deep glistening snow, the profound

stillness gave Vicki the feeling that she was in an

enchanted forest. Except, Vicki thought, for the

practical details she and Ruth had to attend to. They

took a little walk and discovered the cabin was the

only one in this isolated area.

What do we do next? Ruth asked, stamping her feet. She felt the cold keenly; Vicki was concerned

for her. There must be a village or at least a hamlet somewhere.

Yes, but in what direction? How far away?

22

Were far enough north to be in a very thinly populated area, Vicki said.

We cant just wander. They decided to wait in the cabin. Surely

someone would return and give them directions.

Their chief concern was that the cabins occupant or occupants, Ruth reminded Vicki, come back soon.

In the meantime, the girls made themselves at

home. Never having been in a cabin in the north

woods, they looked with interest around the few,

small rooms. Each sleeping room contained two cots

and little else. One bedroom was larger and held an

iron stove which was almost a luxury item in these

surroundings. An outhouse stood in back of the

cabin. Still, Vicki thought, the essentials for living

were here. People could live here for weeks, or

months, and apparently did. She and Ruth noticed a

large supply of canned food and dried milk stacked

in the main room.

Vicki was intrigued by a closet which filled most

of the space in the short hall. She could judge by

standing in the bedrooms how deep the closet ran,

right to the back wall of the house.

What do you suppose is in that closet? Well, open the door and peek, why dont you?

Ruth giggled.

Vicki was tempted but knew she really had no

23

right to open that closet door. To take refuge against

the cold was one thing, but to pry was another. Ruth,

too, looked a little ashamed.

I didnt really mean that, Vicki. Lets just sit down and wait.

They sat down on wooden kitchen chairs and

gazed out the small, steamy windows. Indoors die

girls could still hear the waterfall faintly. Twenty

minutes dragged by.

Then they heard voicestwo? Or three mens voices? Coming closer, the voices sounded like

three. The girls exchanged uneasy glances. Vicki

stood beside one window but not in front of it, so

that she could see without being seen. Ruth took up

the same cautious position at the other front

window.

It was hard to see clearly through the steamy

windows and hard to hear. Two men moved through

the trees dragging a third man on a sleigh. All of

them were so heavily bundled up that Vicki could

not see much of their faces, even when they came

right up to the cabin. Their voices, however, were

unmistakably angry.

What are they arguing with each other about? Ruth whispered. I dont like this!

Ssh. Listen, and Vicki heard one man yell something that sounded like did it on purpose! Dont! Youre hurting me!

24

He clutched his left shoulder and seemed weak,

as if he were injured. While one man supported him,

the other removed from the sleigh several big, bulky

shapeless packs which had been cushioning him.

They did not look like blankets; they were burlap,

and appeared too soft to contain food supplies.

You cant tell me it was an accident! the injured man yelled. His voice was high and shrill.

Watch what youre doing with the packs! Quit giving us orders. The taller of the two men

was moving around right outside Vickis window. Whose idea was it to shoot rabbits? Yours! . . .

Yes, one blast of your gun and we couldve had a Mountie jumping us. How do you know there isnt a Mountie around? Its a good thing I had the sense to grab that gun away from you!

Grab, nothing, the injured man protested. Maybe you meant to shoot me. He pulled painfully away from the stocky man supporting him.

Jake, are you tryin to pull my arm out of the socket? Get me in the house.

Jake, the shorter man, grinned foolishly behind

his beard, and Vicki noticed an odd thing, as the two

men began to lift the third man off the sleigh. The

tall, rangy man, too, was bearded. But the third man,

the disputed leader, was clean-shaven and florid.

Ruth poked her. Theyre coming in! Lets get out of here! she whispered.

25

But theres only the one door in and out of the house All right, the bedroom. The small one!

The two girls raced in there without a sound.

They cautiously left the door open only a bit and

stood behind it. They made it just in time. Vicki was

trembling. Friendly woodsmen, indeed! What had

she and Ruth stumbled into? They were right in back

of the kitchen and facing the larger bedroom across

the hallway. Vicki hoped theyd not chosen the injured mans room to hide in. Ruth was holding fast to her hand.

Scuffling noises in the kitchen made Vicki

wonder whether the men were fighting, but she

heard the wounded man say shrilly, Easycarry me easy. Close the door, Jake. You can get the packs

later. Quit givin us orders, like Don said. Ow! My shoulder! Put me onto my bed The

three men passed so close to the girls that they

brushed the door which made a hiding place. Vicki

and Ruth held their breaths. It flashed through

Vickis mind that they could make a run for itrun and escape out the door while the men were in the

other bedroom. But suppose she and Ruth werent fast or quiet enough? And how far could they get in

the deep snow, not even knowing in which direction

to flee?

The men were still arguing in there. This

26

rebellion against the clean-shaven man must have

been brewing for a long time, Vicki thought, if the

men called Don and Jake were bitter enough to

shoot. An unexpected lull fell, punctuated by groans

and the creak of wooden cot legs. Were they treating

the injured shoulder? Ruth was trying vainly to see

through the crack in the door. Vicki drew her away.

In a few minutes the tall man, Don, and the

shorter one, Jake, came out of the room across the

hall. Vicki could see that they were grinning. That

glimpse gave her courage to breathe again, and try

to look encouragingly at Ruth.

But the next thing Vicki heard, a fresh argument

was breaking out. The girls listened. What the two

men said made no sense to Vickireferences to the border and the dates and repeated warnings to each other about the Mounted Policeuntil it occurred to Vicki that the men might just possibly

be engaged in smuggling. She signaled Ruth to

listen carefully.

so how can we wait? The snow wont last much longer. The voice was Jakes. Spring is comin and that ends the snow. Then how do we get through with the stuff?

Its easy. We go by way of Lake of the Woods. You know the inlets and fishing islands. A lot of

them are deserted in cold weather. We can cross

over into Minnesota from there.

27

Vicki recalled what a pilot friend had once told

her about Lake of the Woodsa great body of tree-fringed, island-studded water, wedged between the

east corner of Ontario and Minnesotas northern border. Wedged between Canada and the United

States. That would serve as a crossing place for

anyone wanting to avoid customs agents. It would

serve the purposes of smugglers!

Now Vicki understood better why these men had

a sleighfor transporting whatever it was they smuggledand why they traveled on foot, more stealthily and silently than they could with a dog

team. What was the valuable thing they smuggled?

It could not be heavy nor too large, Vicki figured.

She was missing some of what they were saying.

The frightened expression on Ruths face gave her a hint.

okay so long as we dont run into a pea-soup fog. I wouldnt like losin our way, Don boy.

Whats the matter, afraid? We never got lost yet. That was because Jody was along, and Jody

knows every back trail, every way of gettin through that there is. But if just we go

Don grunted. Im sick of hearing about Jody. Havent we both had enough?

Well, sure, Jake agreed hastily, if I never see or hear of Jody again, itll be all right with me. Orders, orders! Then cuttin in on our take!

28

Vicki would have given a great deal to see their

faces and whatever it was they were doing that made

soft, vague sounds. But she and Ruth were neatly

caught in a trap of their own making. If they had not

overheard the menif, instead of hiding in alarm, she and Ruth had announced their presence It was risky to know too much. Maybe they should come

forth boldly now? But Vicki did not dare. She and

Ruth were too frightened even to whisper to each

other, afraid that someone would hear them. If only

the two men would leave! She and Ruth might be

able to follow their tracks to a road.

In sign language Ruth suggested trying to escape

by the windows. But all the windows in the cabin

were closed against the cold; though icy air came in

through the cracks. Probably the windows were

stuck or frozen, Vicki thought, or even nailed shut

for the winter. She thought of the small screw driver

and pencil-size flashlight Bill had given her to carry

in her pocket whenever she was flying. But she

shook her head regretfully at Ruth. It would take

time and patience and the cover of night to work at

those windowseven if she were able to work without making noise. Though Vicki hoped

fervently they would not be obliged to stay in this

cabin until nightfall.

Suddenly the two men burst out in loud argument.

All right, all right! That was Dons sullen

29

voice. If youre so sure there are hunters hanging somewhere around Lake of the Woods, well go by the usual White River trail.

But we cant, Don boy. The ice was spotty last time. Remember I told you and Jody? We had a time

gettin the sleigh and the stuff across. Suppose that end of the river isnt still frozen over by the time we get there? Then what?

Vicki heard Don swear at his companion. Whos been saying all along we should take the stuff out of

here sooner, and to the United States sooner? Me!

But would Jody listen? No! Jake muttered something about a promise said

wed get the stuff across the border by that date. And now with the weather breakin up the snow and ice, howre we goin to move the sleigh?

Well go by the White River, I tell you. Too risky! If it dont work out by the White

River, well have to swing over and maybe run right into Mounties and customs agents.

Oh, keep quiet. Youre as bad as Jody. In the bedroom the leader groaned. The two men

must have heard the groans, too. They whispered

together, and then there were footsteps.

Well, how should I know or care? Im no doctor.

Listen, Don, Ive got liniment around some-wheres Heavy footsteps came closer. I guess in

30

here Without warning the door to the smaller bedroom

was pushed open and the man called Jake walked in.

Ruth jumped behind the door. But Vicki stood

facing a pair of beady black eyes.

31

CHAPTER III

Secret Cache

Well! Whore you? Hey, Don! Come look at what the wind just blew in. Ruth stirred and the man dragged her out. Two of them, Don boy.

The taller of the bearded men lounged in the

doorway.

Thought I saw some strangers footprints outside. It was your fool idea, Jake, not to bother to

lock the door! So now we have visitors. His beard half masked his contorted face. What do you smart alecks think youre doing here? You have no right to be here! Been standing here listening, havent you?

Nohonestlywe arent interested in your business, Vicki stammered. She thought fast. We were exhausted and fell asleep in here. Im awfully sorry. If youd tell us where

First youll tell me a few things. Asleep, huh! Don closed the door. The room with four of them in

it seemed to close in. What are you girls doing around this woods?

32

We were cold, Ruth started, and we werent sure in what direction we were walking

Cut out the lies! Whatre you doin in these woods? Jake barked.

Vicki hesitated, then said, We ran out of gas. We were looking for a gas station, found your cabin, and

came in to ask Or did someone send you here? Ill bet it was Jake was stopped by Don who

jabbed him with an elbow.

Ran out of gas! I suppose you were joy riding, driving your car in and out through the woods, in all

the snow. We were flying, Ruth said defiantly. We were

forced down because we were running out of gas.

This piece of information had an immediate effect

on the two men. They began to smile.

A plane? And where is it now? Its where the Ruth started, then saw Vicki

frown at her.

Never mind the signals, Blondie. Jake grinned. Well find your plane all right. Theres only one place it could be, eh, Don boy? In the clearing, close

by the waterfall. Vicki felt her face burning, a giveaway the two

men did not fail to notice.

Thats where the plane is! Jake crowed. You the pilot, Blondie?

33

That was real nice of you, Don drawled, to bring us a plane. Just when we need it, too. We sure

can make good use of it. So the men planned to use the plane and fly their

stuff over the border! Vicki felt weak at the idea. Did they expect her to fly their loot for them? The

urgency of reaching Ruths injured brother paled beside the danger they found themselves in. Vicki

heard Don mutter to Jake about sure is a windfall. Sure is a lucky break.

Yeah, now we dont have to worry about the spring thaw, or nothin.

Ruth seemed compelled to talk. You think you can simply take our planedont you know every plane has a wing number? Youll be spotted. Besides, whos going to fly it for you?

The two men snickered. Don made her a bow.

Allow me, Madam, yours truly. You dont have to tell me anything about planes. Im a pilot myself. Surprised? Hah, look at Blondie, shes surprised!

Vicki turned away in chagrin. She had been

unobtrusively opening the door inch by inch, not in

any real hope of escapeshe could not bear being closed in with these men.

So you know how to fly, Vicki said slowly. Youd better really know how, before you start to go up.

Blondie, I was an Air Force pilot in World War

34

II. Only the Air Force didnt appreciate me. They gave me a D.D. instead of a Silver Star.

A D.D. meant a dishonorable discharge. The man

was a renegade pilot.

Vicki swallowed hard but she was determined to

keep her wits. The main thing was to find out where

she could get gas. As she listened, the men

themselves unwittingly gave her that information.

They talked rapidly, as if they had forgotten the two

girls.

We goin to tell Jody? asked Jake. Are you crazy? No. Not till the last minute,

anyway. Listen, Don boy, lets go to Pine Tree for gas. Okay, well bring back cans of gas and fill up

the plane. Well, Vicki thought, shed learned that a village

or settlement of some sort was within walking

distance, and gas could be purchased there. But as

for the mens intent to commandeer the planeto use the plane and probably leave the girls behindthe only way to circumvent it was to get help. At

Pine Tree. But the men werent going to leave the girls free to walk to Pine Tree and report the theft of

the plane. These men plan to keep us here, Vicki realized, by force. Oh, what are Ruth and I going to do? For though the smugglers were more interested just now in the plane than in their unwanted guests,

35

the girls turn was coming. Ruth walked restlessly up and down. She was

worrying mostly about her brother, Vicki surmised.

Don grunted to Ruth to sit down. Both girls sat

down tensely on the cots. Across the hall the injured

leader moaned in pain. Jake lifted his head, but he

and Don were busy counting out the cash they had

in their pockets. Cash for gasoline.

Ruth watched them. She said:

You cant take our plane. You mustnt. The men paid no attention to her.

You mustnt, dont you hear? Because Ive got to get to the nickel mines as soon as possible. My

brothers been hurt. I have to nurse him! Twelve, thirteen, and wheres your five-spot,

Jake? Whatd you say? Whats that about nursing? Im a nurse, and Im on my way to A nurse! Don glanced at Ruths kit. Why

didnt you say so? We can use a nurse. We can use the things you brought along to nurse with, too.

Cant we, Jake? Yes, sir, this is our lucky day! Or maybe its

Jodys lucky day. Well, I wasnt thinkin so much about Jody Have a heart, Jake said. After all, we got a

nurse here for free, and another girl for a helper. So

why not use em? Don smiled wryly. Sure, the girls can stay here

36

and do nursing until Jody is on the mend. Vicki could not bear such a prospect. Suppose

we dont want to stay? Youll stay! Jody can still handle a gun. From his cot? Vicki scoffed. She did not know whether the threat was bluff or

fact. Don was careful not to answer. But shed rather risk dealing with an injured man flat on his backat the momentthan with these two able-bodied men. Vicki settled back, deciding to be watchful and say

nothing.

Ruth burst out uselessly, You dont dare keep us here!

Ruth, dont argue! Vicki whispered. Ruth stared at her in confusion, then turned back to Don.

If youre so concerned about this Jody, why dont you call a doctor?

There isnt any doctor! Jake snapped. No country doctor? Not anywhere around here?

Ruth trembled. I dont believe you! Don said, We dont care what you believe. Get

in that room and fix up Jodys shoulder. Its criminal not to call a doctor Get in there! And you, Blondie. You stay where

you are. Ruth resigned herself. Ill need some boiling

water for sterilizing things. Okay. Blondie, you go boil some water. Jake

37

38

and I will stay in here. We still have things to talk

over, Jake. Were leavin the door openJake grinned

so we can keep a watch on you. Don shoved Ruth in the other bedroom.

Vicki went into the kitchen, wondering how she

could ever have thought it a friendly room. She

pumped a panful of water, and set the pan on the

stove to heat. The coal stove was slow; she poked

the fire and waited, listening.

Only the rush of the waterfall came to her, and

almost as low, Jakes and Dons voices. Their words were too blurred to distinguish. She heard Ruth

moving around in the leaders bedroom. That these men were members of an organized ring, Vicki no

longer doubted. She recalled how Jake had said

we in telling Don about crossing the frozen river last time. We! That probably meant others beside these three participated. In what? Why were they so

eager to avoid the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,

and evade customs agents, if they were not

smugglers?

Vicki! Ruth stood in the doorway. Vicki was alarmed at

the fleeting expression on her face.

Ruth? Whats the matter? Don rushed into the kitchen just in time to come

between the two girls.

39

Oh, no, you dont, he said. What are you whispering about, Blondie? What are the two of you

up to? Ruth put on a good show of professional

authority. If you want me to take care of your friend, youve got to let us alone while we do the job. Vicki, Ill need a couple of clean clothswrung out in hot water, and a sterile basin or dish, and

another pan of hot water. Vicki took Ruths cue. Ignoring Don, she went

about her tasks.

How is Jody? Don asked. Jodys shoulder is torn but its probably only a

flesh wound, Ruth Hall said evenly. Im more concerned about the bleeding and symptoms of

possible shock. Youd better put some extra blankets or coats on Jodys bed.

Don shrugged, but he went out. As soon as they

heard the men tramping around finding extra covers,

Ruth moved close to Vicki.

Listen, Ruth said very low. Did you notice anything about Jody?

Vicki frowned. Jody is the clean-shaven one. And he looked strong and heavy.

Well, Jody isnt a he. I ripped open the sleeve to clean the injured shoulder, and its a womans arm and shoulder.

II dont understand. What about Jodys hair?

40

And voice? The voice is pretty shrill. And cropped hair

doesnt mean a thing. As for Jodys face, the features are so coarsened and wind-burned that

Id better come in with you, Vicki murmured. She was surprised and disturbed.

In the bedroom the leader lay on the cot furthest

into the room, beside the stove. Ruth had removed

the shoes and cap and some of the bulky outdoor

clothes. Jody clutched the bleeding left shoulder

with a dirty right hand.

Better not touch your shoulder. Ruth moved away the hand.

Dont touch me! Jody yelled. Im a nurse, Ruth said patiently. Im trying to

help you. Don and Jake loomed up in the doorway.

Whatre you doin to make Jody yell? Jake asked.

A lot you care, the leader grumbled. Were standin right here while you No, youre not, Ruth said firmly. If you expect

me to do a decent job, youll have to leave us alone. And close the door.

Well, dont try any funny stuff. Were right here.

But the men did close the door behind them. The

leader did not notice them; Jody was having an

41

attack of pain.

Ill give her a mild sedative, Ruth said. Aspirin. Two, I think. She took aspirin from her open kit. Buthesshesin pretty bad pain. Vicki, get a cup of cool water.

Vicki hurried out for the water and went back in,

closing the door on Jake and Don. She noticed they

looked more bored than worried.

It was the nurse, and Vicki herself, who felt any

humane concern for the victim of the shooting.

While Vicki slid an arm under Jodys heavy shoulders, to lift the leader, Ruth administered the

tablets with a sip of water.

Youll feel easier in a moment, Ruth said. Ruth washed her hands. Using iodine from her

kit, she made a dilute solution with boiled water,

then applied it with sterile gauze pads to the open

wound. Vicki admired her calm.

Its a small wound, not deep either, Vicki observed. Do you think theres a bullet left in there?

No, Ive had enough experience to be reasonably sure. Id say the bullet only grazed the surface. Vicki? She turned aside and motioned to Vicki, so the patient could not hear them. Why would the men shoot at a woman?

Jody gave a long sigh, thrashed into a more

comfortable position, and opened her eyes. Ruth

42

murmured that Jody was exhausted from the

shoulder wound and from the argument.

Hello? The woman looked sleepily at the girls as if she did not remember seeing them. Her beady

animal eyes reminded Vicki of Jakes eyes. The woman kept staring at Ruth. You. Werent you here before?

Yes. Im a nurse. Whos she? My helper. Jody scowled, as if trying to figure out

something, but the effort was too much.

Wheres Jake? Wheres Don? the woman demanded. They shot at me. Accident. Maybe

Theyre here in the cabin, Ruth said. Dont try to talk. Are you feeling better?

Mmm. Thirsty. Ruth nodded at Vicki to help the woman take a

sip of water. She drank, and sank back on the soiled

pillow in a dazed way.

Is she feverish? Vicki asked. What about shock?

Ill take her temperature, and Ruth took a thermometer out of its case. She also took Jodys pulse. Rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing. But I dont see any acute signs of shock. Of course theres a general shock to her nervous system. What worries

me is possible wound infection, and maybe a chance

43

of pneumonia or flu, now that shes weakened and chilled like this.

Youre a good nurse, Ruth, Vicki commented. Id do a lot better nursing if I had a doctors

diagnosis and orders to go on. Do you suppose there

really isnt a doctor in these parts? Who knows? Well have to do the best we can. At Ruths instruction Vicki washed the blood

away from the womans left shoulder and arm. Then Ruth cleansed the wound thoroughly with iodine

solution, and began to bandage it with gauze from

the kit.

That hurts, Jody mumbled. Ruth smiled. So youre awake again. Good. Try

to lift your arm a little bit. What are you doing to me? Dont be suspicious. I told you Im a nurse.

Were bandaging this shoulder, to keep it clean. The woman studied them from half-closed hostile

eyes.

Well, Im glad to have a nurse around, she admitted. Howd you two kids get here?

Vicki hesitated. We flew. I told them I heard a plane somewhere. But

theyre too sore at me to listen. Hey! Take it easy with that arm.

We have to put plenty of gauze on, Ruth said as she worked.

44

Jody grunted. Her animallike eyes probed the

girls.

I guess you know Im not a man? Thats right. They didnt tell you? No, they wouldnt. They

hate takin orders from a woman, even if Jakes my own brother and Dons married to me. They hate havin a woman around whos smarter than they are.

So that was the relationship. Vicki kept a cautious

silence, and Ruth was too busy to talk. After a pause

the woman made another effort.

What are you two kids doin in these parts? Were on our way to James Bay, Ruth replied. Vicki explained about being forced down for gas,

and the woman seemed satisfied.

I bet you wonder why were here in the wilderness. Well, Ill tell you, she said, so you can tell anybody that asks you at James Bay. We heard

theres uranium around here. So were prospectin. Vicki knew better than to believe that and

evidently so did Ruth. Uranium deposits were to be

found in the Yukon, in the far western end of

Canada.

The door burst open. Don walked in, with Jake

behind him.

Arent you kids done yet? How much longer? Don demanded.

45

How you feelin, Jody? asked Jake. Better. But whats it to you? the woman said.

Who put the bullet in me in the first place? Please, said Ruth. She must be kept quiet. Wherere you two goin with your coats on?

Jody demanded.

Don lighted a pipe and flipped the dead match on

the floor. We dont have to tell you anything, Jody. Youre not giving us orders any more.

Where are you goin? Jody breathed hard. II know theres a plane grounded around here some place. You cant lie to me. I know.

Jake grinned. And youre wonderin what were up to?

For now, Don drawled, Jake and I are going out to have a look at the plane. To learn the capacity of the gas tank, Vicki realized. And, Miss Blondie and Nurse, well be right back.

What are you plannin to do with the plane? Jody whined.

Don ignored her. Weve been pretty nice to you kids so far. If you dont want us to get roughdont try anything.

The two men tramped out. Ruth and Vicki turned

again to the woman, whose eyes were heavy. She

was worn out with the effort of arguing. Ruth and

Vicki taped down the bandage, then cleansed the

thermometer and other instruments. By this time the

46

woman was dozing.

The girls stood beside the cot wondering what to

do next.

Ruth went to peer out the window. I cant see them, not in all those trees. Vicki, do you think we

should make a run for it? Its a tempting idea, but Im afraid Don and Jake

would catch us before we got very far. Yes, of course, they would. Im so worried about

Bob up there at the mine that I Come on, lets make a sling for Jodys arm.

The question was what to use as a sling. Vicki

searched in the kitchen for towels or even clean

cloths, but she found nothing large enough to serve.

The scarf she wore around her neckBills scarfwould do, but Vicki was not going to part with it.

Bill had said Good luck when he gave it to her. We could rip up a sheet, Ruth said, searching,

if we could find a sheet anywhere. Its not likely. There might be something we

could use in the closet, though. Vicki eyed the closet which had tantalized her

earlier. So deep and wide . . . Well, why not open it?

Now that shed met this unscrupulous trio, she no longer felt she owed them any considerationbeyond the basic decency of aiding an injured

person.

Vicki touched the closets knob. She noticed that

47

the closet door had a lock and keyhole. Tentatively

she tried the closet door and to her surprise it swung

open. A deep pile of fur pelts tumbled softly around

her ankles. The whole closet was stacked with

glossy fur skins.

Ruth! she called softly. Look what Ive found.

Ruth ran over and she gasped. Why, those are mink! Vicki, those furs are worth a fortune!

Vicki nodded. Now we can guess pretty accurately what was in those packs on their sleigh.

And what they drag on the sleigh, Ruth said dryly, to avoid customs agents.

Imagine the sum of money these men save, by not paying the duty on load after load of mink

pelts! So thats what we heard them doing in the

kitchen, while we were hiding in the bedroom, Ruth mused. They were unloading the pelts theyd just brought in.

Where did they get that load of furs? Where were they coming from with their sleigh? Ruth!

Someones coming! The girls tried to shove the furs back into the

closet, but they were bulky and slippery to handle.

Before they could get the closet door shut again,

Don and Jake came in. The girls stood there, caught

red-handedexcept that it was the men who were

48

really caught.

Jake passed it off with one of his grins. So you found out were fur trappers, I see.

I might have known youd poke into the closet! Don growled. Ruth explained about needing a sling.

The man was too agitated to pay attention. Fur trappers, as Jake told you.

49

CHAPTER IV

Unwilling Guests

When the men had torn up a shirt to provide a sling,

Vicki and the nurse returned to the leaders room. They found the woman asleep, an ungainly,

powerful figure on the cot. Ruth said to let her sleep,

they could put on the sling later. Ruth sat down on

the vacant cot, and motioned Ruth to sit beside her.

Its a chance to talk together, Vicki whispered. The men think were busy with her. How long will she sleep? For she did not want the woman to wake and overhear them, either.

It isnt the aspirin that put her to sleep, its exhaustion, Ruth whispered back. We cant tell how long shell nap. Lets be quick.

Have you any ideas how to get out of here? Ive been thinking, Vicki said, but no good.

Same with me. Whichever way we try to turn, were trapped.

Dont say that, Ruth Hall! Vicki whispered. Weve got to help ourselves. Listenwhat are they

50

up to in the kitchen? This time Jake and Don did not bother to lower

their voices. They even sounded cocky. Vicki and

Ruth listened hard to every word.

Now look, Jake, no more ifs and buts. This is our chance and were going to grab it.

But leavin Jody alone, sick and all, in this God-forsaken place Have a heart.

Havent you had enough of Jody? Suppose she is your sister, so what? Anyway, she wont be left alone. We can make those two kids stay with her.

How? Never mind how! The main thing for us is to get

away, and not let anyone stop us. Well figure out something for Jody and those kids when the time

comes. But maybe the nursell just let her lie there,

without us bein around Spose Jody dies on us? Don snorted. Try to understand! We have a

plane now. We can put all the pelts we want in the

plane, then one, two, three! We get across the

border, fast, no one stops usand were rid of Jody. Easy, all in one step. The whole swag is ours, toonot Jodys, for a change.

Yeah, its a break. We could get rid of the others, too, this way.

Vicki and Ruth exchanged glances. So there were

others working in this smuggling ring.

51

Okay, Don boy. I guess Jodys too tough to die. When do we start?

Without gasoline? Use your head. Well have to walk in to Pine Tree for gas. Where are those oil

cans weve been saving? For a few minutes the men clattered around the

kitchen. Then footsteps came down the hallway.

Both girls sprang up beside the womans cot and pretended to be busy.

How you doing? said Don, almost genially. Say, Blondie, why are your hands shaking so bad?

Vicki could not control the trembling. She thrust

her hands in the pockets of her slacks.

Come on, Blondie, tell us whats on your mind? Dont you like our little plan?

I dont know what youre talking about. Sure you know. You were listening just now,

both of you. Thats okay. Saves me telling you all over again.

Jake behind him zipped up his jacket. Whats the matter, Blondie? Dont you want to stay here like a good girl? Poor old Jody needs you.

Vicki bit her lip to keep from speaking. She was

afraid she might blurt out her disgust, her anger at

their stealing Bills plane, and her fear at being stranded with Ruth in this snowy wilderness with

the evil Jody.

Blondie doesnt like the idea of staying, Don

52

said ominously. You think too much. It isnt healthy to think what youre thinking.

Jake muttered somethingVicki could not hear whatand Don grunted, Yeah.

Before Vicki knew what was happening, Don

yanked her by the arm into the smaller bedroom and

slammed the door shut. A key turned in the lock.

Seconds later she heard Don saying, Both of you know too much!

The door opened and Ruth came stumbling into

the room, off balance from the shove the men gave

her. The door closed instantly and the key clicked

again.

Well, at least were locked in together, Vicki welcomed Ruth. Did they hurt you?

Bruises, probably. You, too? Vicki sighed. A few bruises are the least of our

worries. They know we dont believe the yarn that

theyre trappers. A voice calling startled both girls until they

realized it was Jody. They heard the men tramp in

there, then heard talk and loud laughter. The voices

rose.

Oh, yes, we are, Jody! That was Jake. Well send you a post card.

You cant cheat me out of my take! Jody, Don bellowed, were getting out of here

53

once and for all. You can stay here another year in

this wilderness. But weve had enough! Were going to enjoy our dough, back in civilization.

Of all the double-crossin tricks! Fly off with the furs and leave me at the mercy of those kids! If I had

my gun, you wouldnt walk out of here so easy! But you cant stop us from leaving. Dons

voice was cool and sarcastic now. Can you, old girl?

The woman yelled in helpless rage. Then the girls

heard the men go into the kitchen, muttering. If I had my gun Jody had said. Vicki wondered whether the men were taking Jodys gun with them, to make sure she did not spoil their getaway. Ruth

was thinking about the gun in a different aspect.

Vicki, are they actually going to leave herand usunarmed in this wilderness?

It was Vickis turn to shiver. Id hate to think of some of the other ring members showing up tonight

at this cabin. Or a bear breaking in a window, for

that matter. Theyre leavingat least, theyre leaving to get

gasoline. Vicki stationed herself beside a window. Wed

better watch and see which direction Don and Jake

take, Vicki said. The direction to Pine Tree, I mean.

The room had two windows, one at the side of the

54

cabin and one at the rear. Presently Vicki saw the

two men come past the side window and continue

ahead in that direction. They were pulling the sleigh;

this time it held several five-and-ten-gallon

stoppered tins. The men were traveling, Vicki noted,

in the direction away from the waterfall. They

disappeared among the trees.

Ruth was shivering. I wish the kitchen fireplace opened into this room, too. They were just in back of the kitchen. Vicki, whatever are we going to do, if the men dont come back and unlock this door? They told Jody theyre going to have us nurse her, but suppose they were lying and dont come back? Suppose Don and Jake just leave us locked in here

to starve? We dont know what Don and Jake are going to

do next. Or Jody either. Ive been studying this window, Vicki said. This is our chance to break out of here, with the two men gone. At least we

know the direction of the village now. Do you think we could force a window open? Lets try. Quietly, because Jody might be able to get up,

Vicki and Ruth strained together to open the side

window. It was tightly shut and nailed against the

cold.

Lets see if we can budge the back window, Vicki said.

55

They pushed together, attempting to move the

window from this angle or that. But the rear

window, too, was nailed.

Whew! Ruth blew on her skinned hands. What about smashing the glass?

The girls thoughtfully examined the windows.

They were very small. Even if they could smash the

glass, with the heel of a shoe, they took two risks.

First, Jody might hear them and Ruth believed she

was not too ill to get up and walk in a pinch.

Second, even if the woman did not hear them, the

window was so small that unless they could remove

every last splinter of glass, whichever girl wriggled

through would be badly cut.

Perhaps you have some sharp, fine instrument in your nursing kit, Vicki suggested.

The kit is in Jodys room, Ruth said glumly. Anyway, theres no sharp instrument in it except a pair of bandage scissors, or a probe. Unless you

want to try to use the syringe needles? No, thanks. I have a small screw driver and

flashlight in my pocket. Our best bet is to get a

window open with the screw driver. Im fairly handy with tools. It seems to me the back window isnt nearly as tight as the side one.

I noticed that, too. Want me to help you? Ruth offered.

Youd better keep watch at the side window, so

56

well have warning in case Don and Jake come back. If I need a hand, Ill ask you.

Vicki set to work. She had keen eyesight, and

patience. She needed both. If only her fingers

werent so cold and stiff, she might not be so maddeningly slow. After fifteen minutes of probing,

she had the sense to rub her hands, put on her gloves

for a few minutes to get her fingers limbered up.

Poor Vicki, Ruth said. Poor you, too. Well, were trying. I think Im

loosening the window a tiny bit. By systematically wedging the screw drivers thin

wedge between window and frame, she did get it

loosened to some degree. Next came the problem of

removing the nails, no easy task with a screw driver.

Cant I do anything for you? Ruth asked. Afraid this is a job for one person, Vicki

grunted. By bracing the screw driver at an angle

under the base of a nail, and tugging and pushing

and digging into the soft pine wood, she could

loosen the nail. Then, to her relief, as she kept at it,

the nail wobbled like a loose tooth. She was able to

pull the nail out with her fingers.

Look, Ruth! Ive got one out! How many more nails are there? Three. And the afternoon is growing darker. Why, Vicki, youve been working there almost

an hour.

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I have? I had no idea. Well, Ill start on another nail. Where do you suppose Don and Jake are all

this time? Not a sound out of Jody, either. She must be

asleep again. One of those fitful dozes. If we dont escape from this locked room before

nightfall Vicki swallowed hard. Well, Im not going to waste energy worrying. Im just going to work.

She was making good progress on loosening the

second nail when Ruth said sharply:

Theyre coming! Get away from that window. Lets lie down on the cots and pretend weve been asleep.

The girls ran to the two cots. Vicki remembered

to thrust screw driver and the nail she had removed

into her pocket.

An hour or a little more, thats how long theyve been gone, she figured aloud. That means the village of Pine Tree is about half an hour away.

She and Ruth kept perfectly still. At any instant

they expected to hear the men in the kitchen, but

nothing happened. Minutes dragged by. The silence

in the cabin, and outside, was profound.

Are they putting the gasoline in the plane? Ruth asked.

Probably. I just hope they dont fly off at any minute.

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Do you think they will? Vicki reflected. Don said he was a pilot. Surely

he can see the Cub isnt equipped for night flights. It isnt quite dusk yet, Ruth pointed out.

Theyre desperate men, and fed up with Jody. Is there a chance theyll take off right away, and fly as far as they can in the remaining daylight?

Vicki said, I didnt want to put that possibility into words. They couldnt get far, without lights, but certainly they could attempt a getaway. She looked at her wrist watch. Fifteen minutes since you saw them. Fifteen precious minutes that I could have

been working on the window. Escape through the window was their only hope.

Still, the men might come back to the cabinmight surprise them

You mustnt touch the window, Ruth cautioned, unless and until you hear the Cub take off.

I wont. But, Ruth, this is maddening! Im sure that if I could spare another few minutes work, wed have that window open.

They rested on the cots, straining to hear any

sounds of an engine. The snow and dense woods

seemed to deaden sounds. Only faint rippling notes

of the waterfall reached them.

Wed hear the plane if they took off, wouldnt we? Ruth puzzled.

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Yes, wed hear that all right. They watched the shadows lengthen in the room.

Then, at last, the cabin door slammed and footsteps

brought the kitchen to life again. Vicki did not know

whether she felt more relieved or alarmed. Ruth, too,

seemed unable to think or move from the cot.

Someone unlocked their door and opened it. It

was Don, looking ruddy from being outdoors and

well pleased with himself.

Well, thats a nice little Piper Cub you brought us. Real handy, and weve got her all fueled up and ready to go.

Vicki opened her mouth to say the Cub wasnt equipped for night flying, but she did not want to put

ideas in his head.

Whatve you two been doing for the last hour? Don took a long, careful look around the bare room.

Weve been sleeping, Ruth said. Oh, sure! That was the story you told me before.

You got any tools or a gun in here? For a moment Vicki was afraid he was going to

search their pockets and handbags. To divert him

she said quickly:

Were chilly. Cant we each have a blanket? The man ignored that. He turned away, smiling,

and locked them in again.

Good grief, Vicki, I cant figure from visit to visit what those two men are planning to do.

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Maybe they dont know themselves. All we can do for now is wait, Vicki said despairingly.

They waited and listened. It was impossible to

guess what the men were doing and saying. Dusk

darkened the windows. Vicki felt tired and hungry.

It doesnt sound, she said slowly to Ruth, as if theyre getting furs out of the closet, does it?

No. Youd think theyd be doing thatunless they dont plan to leave before nightfall.

If they have a nearby place where its safe for them to land and spend the night, theyll take off at any minute, Vicki figured.

Oh, if theyd only stayed away a little longer! We might have gotten that window open, Ruth sighed.

Lets not torment ourselves with ifs. Ssh! Isnt that the womans voice? Jody evidently was stirring. Vicki and Ruth

exchanged hopeful glances. Perhaps the men would

want them to attend to Jodywould let them out of this room. Once out, they might have a wild, stray

piece of luck . . . the voices beyond the door rose in

argument.

wouldnt treat a dog the way youre treatin me! Leavin me here, hurt like this

We told you, JodyJakes voice was righteouswere goin to stay the night here. We wont leave until mornin. Okay?

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You arent stayin over on my account. I can bet on that!

Don laughed, and pretended some concern for

her. Listen, if that plane had landing lights and a radio wed take you to a hospital right away.

So that was it. No lights, no radio in the Cub; they

had to wait until morning to fly out. Vicki dreaded

further meetings tonight with Jodys brother and husband, but in a way, their staying overnight had

one advantage. At least the plane still waited in the

clearing. Fueled, now. The plane was the all-

important factor, the key to possible escape.

The little room was growing dark. Ruth said if

she did not have some food soon, or at least a hot

drink, she would be utterly exhausted. Both girls

beat on the locked door.

What dyou want? Jake yelled at them. Were hungry! And cold! They heard Don say, Might as wellthe nurse,

anyway. The door opened halfway. Nurse, you come out and fix yourself something

to eat. Blondies next. Click went the lock.

Ruth was mercifully quick. Readmitted in a few

minutes, she had a little more vigor in her steps, a

blanket around her shoulders. She managed to

whisper to Vicki:

Theres coffee and bread and cheese. I tried to

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slip some extra bread in my pocket but Quit whisperin and come on out here, Blondie!

We aint got all night, Jake ordered. In the hallway, passing the closet and Jodys

room, and then in the kitchen, Vicki glanced quickly

around. But everything was as she had last seen it.

Jake watched her in the kitchen. He barely gave her

time to swallow a cup of scalding coffee, then

handed her a slab of bread and cheese, and a

blanket.

Now back you go! The room was nearly pitch black as Vicki

stumbled back in. She sat down beside Ruth, to eat

the bread and cheese. They tried to encourage each

other, pointing out that the moon would rise soon.

Well be able to see when moonlight reaches this side of the cabin, Ruth murmured. Whenever that is. Itll be nearly the full moon, and thats bright. I wish theyd let us have one of the kerosene lamps, though.

Wasnt there one in here? I think Jake carried it out. They arent taking any

chances with us. I wish, Vicki said, sniffing, that theyd give us

some of the ham and eggs theyre cooking for themselves. Well, I suppose were lucky that we got any food at all.

Both girls sat silent. Vicki was thinking of home,

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of the safe, clean, decent home where her family at

this hour was sitting down to dinner. Ruth sighed.

Was she, too, thinking of home? Or perhaps of the

brother she had hoped to help.

Darkness made the room eerie. Outdoors was

brighter than in here. The wind blew mists of

powdery snow against the windows, and the snow-

laden trees stood like mysterious sentries. The

endless song of the waterfall bubbled on and on,

interrupted only by the three sullen voices. In such

loneliness it was almost possible, Vicki mused, to

believe in the legend of the waterfall. The ghost

which appeared at midnight of each full moon . . .

Ruth, leaning suddenly and heavily against Vicki,

had dozed off.

Poor Ruth, Vicki thought. Im responsible for getting you into thisas far as anyone is responsible for such a weird turn of events. Vicki promised herself that if any risks had to be taken, she, not

Ruth, would face them. She sat perfectly still, letting

Ruth snatch a few minutes sleep. As for herself, she dared not sleep while the three beyond the door were

awake.

About an hour later Ruth was summoned to treat

Jodys shoulder. Ruth insisted that she needed Vickis help, but in vain. The men were not taking the slightest chance. Ruth was not gone over twenty

minutes. Then both girls were locked in againfor

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the night, Don told them. Youre lucky were letting you sleep on cots instead of the floor.

Did you learn anything new? Vicki whispered. No. Theyre getting ready to turn in for the

night. Do you think its safe for us to sleep, too? Ruth answered herself. But we have to sleep, were worn out!

Lets sleep for a while, anyway, Vicki whispered. She sank down on the cot, fully dressed,

and drew the blanket over her. Perhaps the night

would pass without incident, if they were lucky.

65

CHAPTER V

Middle of the Night

Vicki woke, the room was filled with shadows. The

cabin was quiet, except for snores. Vicki fumbled

for her pencil-size flashlight and looked at her wrist

watch. Three thirty.

She was wide awake, her mind clear and senses

alert, as if she had been waked by some deliberate

plan. Ruth on the opposite cot was asleep. Vicki

reached out and gently shook her.

Ssh as Ruth started to speak. Wake up. Heres our chance.

Wha-at? What time is it? Ruth whispered. Vicki told her. Outdoors snow was falling and

blowing.

Ruth, are you awake now? Enough to try to escape? Yes.

The girls sat up and Vicki moved over to Ruths cot. They could not quite see each other. Vicki was

conserving the flashlight battery.

Listen, Ruth. Theyre all snoring! Shall we try to

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pick the lock on our door? Itd be easier to walk out the door than get the window open.

Sounds like someones sleeping in the kitchen. Jake, probably.

We could tiptoe past him, and open the cabin door very, very quietly, Vicki whispered.

Yes, then what? Oh, lets get busywe can figure that out while we work. I have the kit with me

now. They crept to the doorknob, knelt, and Ruth

beamed the flashlights small ray at the lock. With the utmost caution Vicki examined the lock. It

seemed to her a surprisingly good, strong lock for

this crude cabinin fact, it was unusual for a cabin in the wilderness to have locks on its room doors.

No wonder, though. The smugglers kept valuable

furs in this cabin.

Can you use a hairpin? Ruth whispered. Or the scissors, or the wooden end of a swab stick?

Vicki tried her screw driver, then all of Ruths implements, then the screw driver again. Each time,

the metal clicked, only a bit, but any scratching

noise was risky. The lock refused to give. Vicki

even tried using her fingernails, then the nail she had

removed from the window. Nothing worked. She got

up off her aching knees.

Weve wasted enough time on the door, she whispered to Ruth. Lets try the window.

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Slowly, cautiously, they felt their way across the

dark room. What Vicki thought was a pool of

shadow turned out to be one of the cots; she

accidentally sent it skidding with a scraping noise.

The girls stood frozen. At any minute one of the

three might come in here! Vickis heart was pounding. But nothing happened. No one came.

They inched their way slowly to the rear window.

The window was less dark than the interior of the

room. A dim illumination reflected from the

whiteness of the snow outside. Somewhere the

moon must be swimming in and out of clouds. At

least Vicki could make out the outline of the

window and see her hands moving as she felt for the

second nail.

Here it is, Ruth. Turn on the flashlight. She had already partly loosened the second nail

earlier. Vicki made a discovery. Now that it was

night and snowing, the temperature was milder;

besides, their afternoons tampering had helped. The window itself seemed stuck less fast, particularly

this rear window on the sheltered side of the cabin.

They still had plenty of work to do in removing

the nails, though. After Vicki maneuvered the

second one out, Ruth took a turn. She was unhandy,

though, so Vicki reaching up now, dug at the base of

the second and third nails. They were not driven in

deep, and after thirty minutes of concentrated patient

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work, out they came.

Congratulations! Ruth whispered. Not so fast. First lets see if the window will

open. We wont need the light for this. With great care they first tapped the windows

wooden frame, softly, every inch of it. It did feel as

if the window were loosening here and there.

Now! said Vicki. Both girls braced themselves and, grasping the windows bottom and middle crossbars, they strained to open it. It did not budge.

Its so small! Its hard to get a good grip, Vicki complained in a whisper.

Be careful not to wrench your back. Now! They lifted and pushed again. The window slid

open about two inches. Both girls were panting.

They rested a minute, then tried a third time.

This time the window slid up as far as it could go.

That was halfway.

Vicki looked at the small opening in despair. The

entire window was about the size of a bathroom

window. A cat could comfortably leap through, but

it would be painful going for a girl to wriggle

through. Even for a small girl like Vicki.

We could do it, Ruth murmured doubtfully. Wed have to crawl through on our sides. Well, we have to get through there. Theres no

alternative. Now we come to the hard part, and Vicki

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actually managed to grin.

Now that they had the window open they faced

another question. What should their course be next?

Its obvious, Ruth whispered. We run to the plane and take off immediately.

If only we could! But the plane is thereall fueled upits our

ace in the hole, isnt it? Vicki had to explain to Ruth why their escape

was not going to be so simple. The plane had been

standing outdoors for hours and its engine was cold.

The gasoline the men had put in the tank was cold

too; by this time the gas might be semifrozen and

would not run through the pipe lines. It would take

probably five or even ten minutes of running the

engine, simply to warm it up enough to begin to

gather power for a takeoff. Then they would have to

sit in the reverberating plane for another five or

more minutes while the ship built up enough power

to lift itselfand enough power to climb and to stay aloft. Otherwise, they would be in danger of

crashing back to earth.

In all that time on the ground, Vicki whispered, the engine would be roaring. The noise would wake up Don and Jake, and theyd come running.

With guns. They surely have guns, they mentioned a gun. And theyd force us out of the plane. Ruth sighed. No. I see my plan wont

70

work. How to use the plane was a poser. Both girls tried

to think. In Vickis minds eye she saw a regular diagram of the planes mechanism, as if the Cub were actually within reach of her hand. It almost

was! But Ruth came up with an entirely different

idea.

Suppose we dont use the plane at all? What! Abandon Bills planecut off our best

hope of escape? But theres no way we can safely use the plane

between now and daybreak. At daybreak the men fly

off, leaving us here. The only time we have is

between now and daybreak, Ruth pointed out. So I propose we forget about the plane, and try to get

away on foot. Wed be hopelessly lost in the snow, Vicki

said. We havent a compass, there are no stars out tonight to guide us

You left your map in the plane. Cant we use the map to help us find our way to Pine Tree? At least

you have a rough idea of where we came down, and

with the map Ruth, an air map isnt anything like an ordinary

map. My air map shows big landmarks, to watch for

from the airrivers, mountains, airports, main highwaysand incidentally we arent near onerailroad tracks, big towns. It doesnt show things

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like roads and villages. Ruth said, Oh, in such a disappointed tone that

Vicki touched her shoulder.

Just imagine, Ruth, our walking in the Canadian wilderness, at night, in the snow and the moon

clouded over. The air map wouldnt help. Couldnt we find Pine Tree by ourselves? Trying to find it would mean wed have to

wander at night in falling snow. Do you really want

to do that? Wed have to start through the woods No, wandering wont do. The men might follow

us, anyway. It was cold in the room with the window open,

but neither girl was willing to close it and perhaps

not get it open again. Vicki pressed her finger hard

across her upper lip, to keep back a sneeze, and

thought again about the plane. There it stoodsalvation within a short walkand they dared not fly it out of here! What a pity, what a lost

opportunity, to let the men have it! Vicki

remembered something her father sometimes said

about going between the horns of a dilemma. I think I have an idea, she whispered to Ruth.

As long as we cant fly out in the plane ourselves, at least we might keep the men from using it.

How do you mean? Well, if we could delay them, perhaps we could

prevent their getaway altogether. The important

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thing is not to let Don and Jake make off with the

plane. Because if were left stranded here without the plane

wed be in more trouble than we are now. Yes, I see. Wed never reach my brother with any speed, either.

If we could even delay them from taking off, Vicki continued, a delay might give us a chance to slip awayby daylight, I meanto Pine Tree for help.

It would have to be at least an hours delay. I could drain the gas out of the planeI could

go out there right now and do that. That would stop

them. No, thats no good, Vicki corrected herself. Theyd know at once wed done it. Besides, we may urgently need that gasoline ourselves.

Isnt there some other way you could tinker with the plane?

I could disconnect some wires. Vicki felt a surge of hope as the idea came to her. I have it! I could remove the rotor from the distributor! The

rotor is a little cylinder about two and a half inches

by one and a half incheseasy to take out and replace. With the rotor gone, the gasoline wouldnt flow through the pipe line, it would just stay in the

gas tank. The plane would be stalled. Wow! Ruth!

Thats it! Oh, Im so glad you thought of it!

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The idea was half yours. Now, would they monkey around with the plane long enough to give

us time to walk toor towardthe village? Ruth said that was a chance they had to take.

Surely it would take Don and Jake some time to try

to start the plane, and then examine the plane

mechanism before they located the cause of the

stalling.

It was not likely that they would hit on the cause

at once, Vicki agreed. It could take the men a short

time or a long time to discover the rotor was outthat was pure chance. But in whatever time it took,

the girls, aided by daylight, could strike out toward

the village or a road, for help.

Vicki was so elated over keeping possession of

the plane that it gave her courage for her next,

dangerous step.

I hate to see you go out there in the forest alone, Ruth admitted.

Now, none of that! Dont put scary ideas into my head.

Wouldnt it be better if I come with you, Vicki? I dont see how it would help. Ruth hesitated.

Suppose you dont come back? There was a pause. It was an alarming prospect.

Whats a reasonable time for you to be gone? Ruth asked.

Twenty minutes. Or twenty-five. Ill try to hurry

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both ways, if the snow will let me. Taking out the

rotor wont require more than three or four minutes, tops.

Wellif you say sobut I dont like it. Whos the pilot in charge here? Vicki

whispered cheerfully. Anyway, I have a good sense of direction, and a flashlight.

They had a difficult time easing Vicki through the

small window. She had to take off her parka because

its extra bulk impeded her. Edging along headfirst,

on her side, Vicki wriggled painfully through. She

had to manage a slight drop to the ground, and

scraped her shins, even through the slacks, but she

made it. Ruth tossed the parka out the window to

her. Vicki put the jacket on, taking a moment to

catch her breath and find her bearings.

How different everything looked from outside the

cabin! The night was much denser than she had

estimated, now that she was out in it, and th