He returned, saying that his father would drive over to the cottage and see if Laurens had returned and if not he would see Haggard and have a regular search instituted.
“But the Police are in full force at the Square and a horse is not safe in the street.”
“Never fear, he will manage with gentle Bess. He thinks we had better go back by the river. He may have been chasing his kite and—”
Ralph broke off crying, “O I shall never forgive myself if the kite has been the cause of his death.”
They hastened on making inquiries of everybody they met. They met Dr. Muelenberg as they were turning from the road to go down the bank.
“O Doctor! do you know?” gasped Mr. Cornwallis.
“Yes, yes, I just came from your house to hunt for him. I went there to celebrate his birthday and the dear little fellow was not there. We must look well to the river.”
They started down the bank.
“O the kite, the kite!” exclaimed Ralph! “See! see! over there by the pine trees! Perhaps he was tired of chasing it and has fallen asleep!”
He rushed on crying “Laurens! Laurens wake up! wake up!”