“But where? Stop not to talk, Enos. Is there a boat missing? Like as not Anne has set forth for Boston.” And Mrs. Stoddard looked out over the wide harbor as if expecting to see Anne sailing away.
“It may be your little girl is playing about and will soon return,” suggested Captain Starkweather.
“Is her doll gone?” questioned Captain Enos; “for if it is not you may be sure that Anne is not far away.”
“Indeed, I did not think to look; and you may be right, Captain Starkweather. I’ll step back and see,” and Mrs. Stoddard’s face brightened as she turned toward home, followed by Captain Enos and the two fishermen.
“The doll is gone,” she called down from the little chamber, “and Anne’s cape and beads, and her shoes and stockings.”
In a short time every one in the village knew of Anne’s disappearance, and Amanda heard her father say that he feared Anne had started off in one of the little boats. “If she has there is small chance for the child,” he said soberly, and Amanda began to whimper.
“She gave me Amanda’s basket to bring home yesterday,” said Amos; “’tis in the shed.”
“Yes, she ran off with it yesterday, and ate all the lunch herself,” explained Mrs. Cary, “and slapped Amanda. Your sister came running home crying as if her heart would break.”