CHAPTER XIV
THE LAST DAY OF THE TRIP
It was after ten o’clock when Miss Phillips and Ethel finally dragged their canoe upon the shore where the rest of the scouts were camping. In answer to their call the girls all appeared at once. But they did not need to ask the news; the failure to find Marjorie and Frieda was plainly written on the countenance of the searchers.
Lily Andrews, who had forced herself to keep cheerful all day long in spite of her increasing fears, broke down at the captain’s first words, and sobbed uncontrollably.
“Not a trace!” sighed Miss Phillips from the depths of a disconsolate weariness.
“I just know they have been drowned!” wailed Lily.
“No, I don’t think that,” replied the captain; “they are too good swimmers.”
“Tell us all about it!” begged Alice, also beginning to cry.
“No—wait!” protested Frances, gently. “Remember Captain Phillips and Ethel must be starved, and so tired. Come and eat first; we have something nice all ready for you. Then, when you’re both a little bit rested you can tell us the whole story.”
Miss Phillips gave Frances a grateful look, and the whole party went to the tents, where a bright fire was burning.