The other was deeply impressed by the story. His eyes grew round with wonder and curiosity.
“Let’s go over to Mr. Holwell’s tent and see if we can help him hunt,” he proposed presently. “I used to be a master-hand at finding lost things, and mebbe my luck may hold good in this case.”
“I certainly hope it will, Dan. Nothing would tickle me more than to have you unearth that watch somewhere in his tent. All the same I don’t believe it can be done.”
“Well, there’s no use crying over spilt milk, anyhow,” said Dan with philosophy.
When the two boys reached the minister’s tent they met Mr. Holwell, accompanied by Mr. Bartlett and Mr. Rowland, coming out. The minister looked a little grave and deeply puzzled, though on seeing the expression of anxiety on the faces of the two lads he smiled encouragingly.
“We haven’t been able to find it so far, boys,” he remarked. “Suppose you step in and root around a bit. Young eyes are sharper than older ones. I hope it turns up, because I should very much dislike to lose anything that was endeared to me by so many precious memories.”
Although Dick and Dan turned everything upside-down, they failed to discover any sign of the lost watch. Breakfast was soon announced and they were forced to abandon the search.
Some of the other boys had noticed that something unusual had happened. The doings of Dick and Dan had struck them as suspicious, especially after their previous experience.
Accordingly, Harry Bartlett, knowing that there was no use of trying to keep things secret, announced the new catastrophe that had befallen Russabaga Camp. It came like a thunderbolt upon the assembled boys, who exchanged puzzled and anxious looks, as though a great fear had fallen upon them.
Conversation languished after that. It was as though a wet blanket had been suddenly cast upon them. Every one was busy with his own thoughts, wondering if it could be possible that the dreadful finger of suspicion pointed anywhere in his direction.