“She’ll run right into one of those small islands and be wrecked,” said Neale. “Say, Mr. Howbridge! isn’t this a pretty pickle?”
The party hurried on toward their camp, but they could not overtake Ruth. It was not until they passed the tent that Neale said:
“Wonder where Tess and Dot are? Seen ’em lately, Aggie?”
“Why, they must be with Ruth.”
“But there is Ruth now,” cried Luke, increasing his stride. “I don’t see the children with her.”
“Truly, the Isobel has drifted away,” muttered Mr. Howbridge, as they now came in sight of the inlet and the place where the crippled motor-boat had been moored.
The younger people, however, made him no reply. They had suddenly lost interest in the matter of the boat. They were all gazing at Ruth Kenway. Her attitude, as she stood on a high bowlder at the edge of the water, looking off upon the sea, was almost tragic.
Luke bounded ahead at last, reaching the girl much in advance of the others.
“Ruth! Ruth!” he exclaimed. “What is it? Tess—Dot——”
Her hands were clasped tightly against her breast. She did not turn or even look down at him. But her lips moved stiffly and he heard what she said: