“Well, we can think about it later,” suggested Jerry. “Just now I want to lie down and rest,” and he stretched out on a couch near the hearth, where a fire had been built.
Gradually something like order came out of the chaos in Cresville. Many willing hands worked hard to repair the damage, and the next day most of the streets were cleared. Then came the slower process of repairing the damaged buildings and the recovery of the injured. But with that this story has nothing to do.
Eagerly the boys looked for further reports of the steamship Hassen. The bad news was only too soon confirmed. The next day’s papers contained an account of the wreck of several vessels.
Among the dispatches was a story of the foundering of the ship on which Mr. Sheldon and his daughter Grace had sailed from Germany.
“Well, that ends it,” said Bob, mournfully, when, with his two chums, he had read the account. “Poor Uncle Nelson! That’s the last of him. And he was such a jolly man, too. Poor Grace!”
Jerry seemed to be in a brown study. He seemed to neither hear nor see his friends.
“No!” he suddenly exclaimed.
“What do you mean?” asked Ned curiously.
“It isn’t the end, fellows!” vigorously went on Jerry, springing to his feet, and beginning to pace the room. “There may be a chance yet!”
“For whom?” demanded Bob.