They were just about to resume their journey when the distant sound of galloping horses fell on their ears. Their own nags neighed. All sprang to their feet, and next moment some eight or nine men rode into the clearing.
Most of them were known to Craig, so he advanced to meet them.
“Ah! I see you know the worst,” said the leader.
“Yes,” said Craig, “we know.”
“We’ve been to your place. It is all right there with one exception.”
“One exception?”
“Yes; it’s only the kid—Mr Cooper’s little daughter, you know.”
“Is she dead?” cried Archie aghast.
“No, sir; that is, it isn’t likely. Mr Cooper’s black girl left last night, and took the child.”
“Good heavens! our little Diana! Poor Bob! He will go raving mad!”