"Confound Mr. William! He's not here and he won't be here, so we've got to do without him— Listen! What was that?"
"I think that's James and Eliza hunting along the other side of the island, sir."
"Eliza! Is she at it, too?"
"She stopped to dress, sir," explained the voice apologetically and hastily. "She's awful particular about James, sir. She don't want nothing to happen to him unless she's—"
"Never mind that. If she wants to make a fool out of herself, she may, so long as she continues to get the washing done. We'll go on up the shore until we meet them. But I suppose it won't be any use."
"Probably not, sir."
"Here, Duke! Where's that blooming dog now? Oh, well; let him go. I suppose he's eating out of the burglar's hand."
The torch carried by one of the speakers began moving along the edge of the island. Miss Chalmers was slightly bored. Being a watcher was not nearly so exciting as playing the quarry. But she decided to follow.
One of the oars rattled in its swivel, and she heard the two searchers halt.
"He's in a boat!" exclaimed the one in authority.