The ticking of the big watch in the pocket of Nick was plainly heard as the little company awaited the answering call of the child.
But it came not, and three times more was the name of the missing girl repeated by the father, who broke down completely the last time.
Nick now joined his thumb and finger against the end of his tongue, and emitted a blast like that of a steam whistle. It resounded among the trees, and then followed the same oppressive stillness as before.
It was useless to remain where they were any longer, and, without a word, the five moved on. The three lamps were swung above their heads, and they peered into the gloomy depths on the right and left.
Nick, as might have been expected, kept the advance, and his father allowed him to carry the lantern. As the other lights were behind the lad, the latter saw his huge shadow continually dancing in front and taking all manner of grotesque shapes, while, if the others had looked to the rear, they would have seen the same spectacle, as it affected their own figures.
"Wait!" suddenly called out the father, who was now obliged to use his broken English, "mebbe my Nellie she does hears me."
Thereupon he called to her as before, Nick ending the appeal with an ear-splitting whistle, which must have been heard several miles on such a still night.
Not the slightest result followed, and with heavy hearts the little company moved on again.
"I think," said Mr. Layton, "that she has turned aside, where, possibly, some faint path has caught her eye, and it may be that we may discover the spot."
"Let's look here!"