save for a small one in the cabin, and Nancy Drew knew that this added to the danger of the voyage. She wondered where the mad race would end. Perhaps in a crash against a floating tree or log.
It was not until she was thoroughly drenched by the rain that Bud came over to where she was lying and helped her to her feet.
“You may as well be inside,” he said gruffly, shoving her into a tiny cabin.
“Getting mighty thoughtful of our prisoner, aren’t you?” Mary inquired sarcastically, as she followed the two inside.
“Well, Carson Drew won’t pay us a cent if she dies of pneumonia,” he defended himself. “How about the gag? Hadn’t we better take it out of her mouth?”
“And have her calling out for help when we pass the first boat? Not much!”
“She’s liable to strangle with that thing rammed down her throat. Here, this will do just as well and it’ll be a lot more comfortable.”
He took a clean handkerchief from his pocket and, folding it several times, tied it across Nancy’s mouth. She shot him a grateful glance as he removed the old gag.
“She’ll slip that thing off,” Mary protested.
It seemed to Nancy that the girl was bent on torturing her as much as possible and was infuriated because her brother was attempting to make her a trifle more comfortable.
“I’ve tied it good and tight,” Bud assured Mary. “Anyway, you can stay here and keep your eye on her. No need to stand out in the rain. Tom and I will keep watch.”