"Well, I can't go on with you folks any longer," said Jed that night, as
Mr. Pertell, aboard the _Magnolia_, was talking of further plans. "I've
got to stay and take care of my alligator skins," he added. "It means big
money to me."

"I wish you could come," said the manager. "For we are going into the
wilds, and we may need your help."

"Into the wilds?" echoed Mr. Sneed. "Do you think it safe?"

"I don't know whether it is or not," responded Mr. Pertell, and he spoke
half seriously. "But we have to go to get the views I want. I hope none
of you refuse to come."

No one did, but there was not a little apprehension.

"Those two girls went into the wilds--and did not come back, you know,"
said Ruth to Alice in a low voice.

"Oh, don't think of it," was the rejoinder. "We are a large party--we
can't get lost."

But neither Ruth nor Alice realized what was before them.




CHAPTER XX

LOST