"Yes; I am safe, I am safe, Clement. But she is lost! Oh, Clement, she is lost!" cried Beatrix, bursting into tears.
Captain Pendleton started, and looked up to the face of Mr. Berners, as if asking for a confirmation or contradiction of these words.
Lyon Berners sorrowfully bent his head, and then turned away to conceal the strong emotion which he could no longer control.
It was not until the next morning that the waters had gone down sufficiently to enable them to go up the valley as far as Black Hall.
And up to this time but few of the dead bodies of the victims had been found; but all these had been easily recognized, and were now prepared for burial.
Mr. Berners engaged special agents to watch for the appearance of Sybil's body, and to advise him the moment it should be discovered; and then, having made every necessary provision, in case of its recovery during his absence, for its reception at the church, and its retention there until his return, he set out for Black Hall, accompanied by the two Pendletons.
As no carriage could possibly pass along the roads in their present condition, our party were forced to go on horseback.
After a heavy and tedious ride through the deep mud left by the flood, they reached Black Hall, which they found half full of refugees; and where they were warmly welcomed by their faithful servants, who, up to the hour of their arrival, had supposed them to be lost.
But then came the question:
"Where is Miss Sybil?" asked almost in a breath by Joe and Dilly and Aunt Mopsa.