"Just let go the window frame and drop," ordered the stranger quietly.
"Don't be afraid. It is the only possible way."

Without hesitating Madge did as directed. "Thank you," she said
coolly, when she got her breath. Then she staggered a little, and
Phyllis and the young man who had come to their rescue caught her.

"We have been locked in so long," explained Phil. "No, we have not the
least idea who could have played such a trick on us. We arrived in
this neighborhood only yesterday afternoon."

Phil gave a short history of the houseboat, introducing her three
friends and herself to him. "We must return to our chaperon at once,"
she added. "The poor woman will be dreadfully worried. Do you girls
feel strong enough to walk? You see"--this time Phil turned to their
rescuer--"it is not only that we have been shut up here for nearly
fourteen hours, we are so hungry! We have had nothing to eat since
yesterday at luncheon."

"Your poor, starving girls!" exclaimed their liberator, reproachfully.
"At last I am convinced you are not fairies. And for once I am glad
that my mother is always certain that I am on the point of starving."

He reached back into his pocket and brought out a package and a flask.
"Here is some good, strong coffee. I am sorry it is cold, but it is
better than nothing." He turned to Madge, who looked exhausted.

She shook her head, though she gazed at the flask wistfully. "I won't
drink first. I don't need it as much as the other girls."