186
RUTH FIELDING AT LIGHTHOUSE POINT
"Oh, oh!" shrilled the lost girl, flying out of concealment and meeting Ruth as she leaped ashore. "Is it really you? Have you come for me? I—I thought I'd have to stay here alone forever. I'd given up all hope of any boat seeing me, or my signal. I—I'm 'most dead of fear, Ruth Fielding! Do, do take me back to land with you."
The Western girl was clearly panic-stricken. The boldness and independence she had formerly exhibited were entirely gone. Being marooned on this barren islet had pretty well sapped the courage of Miss Jane Ann Hicks.
