Again the voice of Guy shouted Jessie’s name. This was now followed by a chorus of voices, all calling—
“Halloo!—halloo!—halloo-oo-oo!”
The voices drew nearer and nearer, until the callers stood on the edge of the quarry.
“Where can they be! I’m afraid they are lost! Oh, dear, what will mother say, if we have to go home without them!” said Guy, distinctly enough for Jessie to hear.
“Perhaps they have fallen into some old well,” suggested Norman.
“I think not,” said Mr. Sherwood. “I doubt if there is an old well in all these pastures. They have most likely wandered back towards the pond.”
“I don’t see how that can be,” rejoined Guy, “for I saw them running in this direction half an hour ago. Besides, we found their basket under that tree, and they would not have gone to the pond without telling some of us to bring their basket.”
“There’s no telling what silly things girls will do. I guess they are gone to the pond. Suppose we go and see.”
This was Hugh’s voice, and as no one proposed any thing else, the party left the quarry, and, hallooing as they went, directed their steps towards the pond.
“Let us run after them!” said Jessie, who now began to feel as if she had carried the joke far enough.