Neale seemed to have lost heart and spirit. Dot and Tess, of course, did not notice it so much, as there was plenty to occupy them. But to Ruth and Agnes, as well as to Mr. Howbridge, Neale’s dejection was very evident.
“Is the motor all right?” asked the lawyer of Neale, when the Martins had departed with their dog.
“Yes, she runs all right now.”
“Then we might as well head for Cedar Island,” suggested the lawyer. “The sooner you find your father the better.”
“Yes—I suppose so,” and Neale turned away to hide his sudden emotion.
Once more the Bluebird was under way, moving slowly over the sparkling waters of Lake Macopic. All traces of the storm had vanished.
“Mrs. Mac wants to know if we are going to pass any stores,” said Agnes, coming up on deck when the island on which they had been stranded had been left behind.
“We can run over to the mainland if she wants us to,” the lawyer said. “Is it anything important, Agnes?”
“Only some things to eat.”
“Well, that’s important enough!” he laughed. “We’ll stop at that point over there,” and he indicated one. “From there we can make a straight run to Cedar Island. You won’t mind the delay, will you?” he asked Neale, who was steering.