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CHAPTER XVII - THINGS HAPPEN !

Molly made no attempt to resist ; but her mind was moving pretty fast. Why did they not want her to see anything ? The place was dark-could it be a place she knew ? Had they landed somewhere in England after all-had the cruise all this time been nothing more than a ruse-just as that ride in the motor-car had been, when they rushed her away from the sea only to bring her back again after the impression of a long journey had been given ? It was impossible for her to answer her own questions, and soon she was sitting in a motor-car with the blinds drawn. Here the scarf was removed from her eyes. Her father was sitting beside her, and their luggage had evidently been strapped on the back of the car. But they were alone !
" Father," she said quickly. " Where are we going ? "
" I cannot say," he answered quietly. " All I know is that we must do as we are bid."
" But why, Father ? " Molly cried, almost in tears. " Why are you under this man's thumb ?"
" I'm under no man's thumb," said her father sternly, showing every sign of retiring once more into his shell. " And please be more reasonable. Are you not enjoying yourself ? We have every prospect of a delightful holiday, and here you are making all this fuss."
" But, Father," remonstrated Molly. " If it is a holiday, why is there all this mystery-and why am I treated like a prisoner ?"
" You will learn everything in good time, my dear," was her father's reply. " Meanwhile, I can promise you that no harm will come to you."
This last sentence was spoken with more of his old spirit, and Molly had to be thankful for small mercies.
" But where are we going, Father ?" she insisted.