The Deserted Yacht Part 11

"Do you know the combination?" Madge demanded eagerly.

"If I haven't forgotten."

"Then let's have a look."

With one accord, the three friends rushed for the stairs.

"I never once thought of the safe when we were in the library!" Enid cried, leading the way. "I do hope it hasn't been blown open!"

CHAPTER XI The Zudi Drum

In the library, Enid paused before a large picture which hung from silken cords on the wall. To the surprise of Madge and Rex, she gave one of the gold cords a sharp jerk. The picture swung back to disclose a cleverly hidden safe.

"I guess those thieves weren't so clever after all," she chuckled. "Now, if only I haven't forgotten the combination."

After a moment's thought she whirled the dials, repeating the numbers to herself. The safe failed to open and she tried again. This time, a sharp little click from within told her that she had worked the dials correctly. She turned the handle, and the heavy door swung back.

Rex and Madge crowded closer as Enid peered into the dark recess.

"Oh, it's here! It's here!" she cried jubilantly.

She reached into the opening and drew forth the Zudi Drum Bowl. It was a queer-shaped object, perhaps a foot and a half in diameter at the opening, the sides of which were decorated with strange symbols. Madge examined the markings curiously.

"Well, if that's the Zudi Drum I don't see why those kidnappers are so keen to get it!" Rex commented. "I'd take the money every time!"

"I'm glad you're not the spokesman for the gang," Enid returned, smiling.

"I'd rather part with this drum than several thousand dollars."

"Your father may not agree," he responded. "That trophy must mean a lot to him or he wouldn't keep it in the safe. I don't see why he attaches such value to it."

"Neither do I unless it's because there is no other in existence. The drum was formerly used in religious rites by a tribe of half civilized Indians now extinct, I believe."

Madge picked up the drum, studied it a moment and set it down on the table again.

"Enid," she said quietly, "why do you suppose your father refused to tell his abductors where they could find this drum?"

"Why, I don't know that he did," she replied.

"They must have tried to force the information from him. Probably that was their first move, then when he refused to tell, they sent you that note."

"That's possible," Enid admitted reluctantly. "Father's stubborn."

"It's my guess the persons who entered this house were the same ones who kidnapped your father."

Rex nodded to show that he too agreed with Madge. Enid did not look entirely convinced.

"I know what you're leading up to," she said. "You don't want me to give up the drum so easily."

"It's your concern more than mine," Madge replied, secretly discouraged at her friend's stubborn att.i.tude. "Only if I were you, I'd be extremely cautious in dealing with those abductors."

Enid made no response but closed the safe door and picked up the Zudi Drum.

"Our taxi has been waiting twenty minutes," Rex informed, glancing at his watch. "Or at least, I hope it's waiting! Otherwise, we'll walk to town."

They hastily let themselves out of the house and Enid locked the door.

Hurrying down the path to the gate they were relieved to see the taxi still waiting. They drove into the city, stopping at a hotel for a belated luncheon. Enid refused to check the Zudi Drum and during the meal kept it hidden under an overcoat which Rex donated for the purpose. She was in better spirits than she had been since the kidnapping, and for the first time seemed to enjoy the food that was set before her.

"Just one more day and it will all be over," she said with a weary sigh.

"I feel as though I've lived through an eternity these last few days."

Madge's eyes met those of Rex across the table. She was not in the least certain that the case would end with Enid's reckless trip to Cedar Point.

She had hoped that as her friend had time to think the matter over, she would change her mind about going through with the affair, but to all appearances, Enid was more determined than ever. Madge had by no means given up. She had one trump card which she intended to play at the last minute, but unless she found it to be absolutely necessary, she did not wish to alarm Enid. And then too, she was not entirely sure of her ground. A certain suspicion had been growing in her mind but until she saw Mr. Dewitt she must make no false move.

They finished their luncheon and taxied to the airport where they found the amphibian ready for the return trip. The girls took their places and Rex started the engine. Attendants steadied the wings until the nose pointed into the bay and then stepped back to watch the take-off.

During the uneventful flight back to The Flora, few words were exchanged.

Rex was kept busy at the controls and the girls were occupied with their own thoughts. In slightly less than two hours they were in Cheltham Bay.

"I can't tell you how grateful I am," Enid thanked Rex as they parted at the yacht. "It was splendid of you to go to so much trouble."

"Shucks, I'd do a lot more if you'd let me," he returned quickly. "I'd go to Cedar Point tomorrow night."

Enid shook her head and smiled.

"No, that's something I'll not ask anyone to do. I must go alone as the note directs."

Enid was somewhat troubled in regard to a place of safekeeping for the Zudi Drum Bowl since there was no safe aboard the yacht. She finally decided to keep it in the cabin she shared with Madge and gave strict orders to the sailors that they were to maintain a watch the entire night.

Before the trophy was carefully hidden in Enid's wardrobe trunk, Madge examined it once again. Unknown to her friend, she took a piece of paper and made a rough pencil sketch of the design on the bowl. This she slipped into her purse, and a few minutes later announced that she must go to the city to attend to a matter of business. She invited Enid to accompany her, but the latter declined, saying that the trip to Bay City had tired her.

"I'm a terrible hostess," she confessed, "but under the circ.u.mstance I know you'll forgive me."

Madge not only forgave her but was relieved when she decided not to accompany her, for she preferred to go alone to Mr. Dewitt's jewelry store.

"I hope he tells me what I want to know," she thought. "If my suspicions are confirmed, I may be able to really help Enid."

CHAPTER XII An Unusual History

Upon reaching the mainland in the motor boat, Madge instructed the sailor who had piloted her from the yacht to return for her in an hour. She then made her way toward the Dewitt and Prager Jewelry store, walking hurriedly, for her wrist watch warned her that it was nearly closing time.