"It would be exhausting," assented Mr. Trevelyan. "But I hope we shall be in time to prevent ill effects."
They pressed on; Jean still the leader, showing a sagacity which would have fitted her for a mountaineer's or a backwoodsman's life. Soon they saw a lantern and two dim figures advancing, and when within hearing distance, Mr. Trevelyan shouted—
"Found anything?"
"No, sir! Nothing."
Evelyn stood still, conscious of failing power. "May I rest one moment?" she asked.
"Ah! I was afraid—" Mr. Trevelyan checked himself, for reproaches now were useless. "Lean all your weight on me, Mrs. Villiers. So—your whole weight. I must not let you sit down. It will pass off. Don't speak for a minute, but keep up a brave heart."
She sighed inaudibly, and closed her eyes. Mr. Trevelyan stood like a rock, supporting her; and the two men came up. A few words were exchanged. They had searched in vain for traces of General Villiers, and had themselves become what Jean called "entangled among the dykes," losing their bearings, and unable to find the path they had left. Walters was not at home in the marshes, and Ricketts was by no means a brilliant youth. Jean's approaching lantern had been their guide.
"No use going farther that way, if you have hunted thoroughly," said Mr. Trevelyan.
They had done so, Walters averred—thoroughly. "All along the dykes, and all round about, everywhere."
"Through the furthest corner of the meadow beyond the second dyke from here?" promptly asked Jean, indicating the direction.