“The camp’s gone. They must have pulled out at daybreak—”
“Well, but he may have followed them,” persisted Desiré. “You know how wild he was to go over there last night.”
“It’s a possibility,” replied Jack, thoughtfully. “Probably you’re right. If so, he is perfectly safe; and I’ll find out in town how to reach them. We’d better eat, and then drive back.”
They roused Priscilla, who began to cry as soon as she heard of her brother’s disappearance, and continued until Jack said gravely—
“Don’t make matters worse, Prissy; you can help by being cheerful. Never cry until you’re sure there is something to cry about. It’s a waste of good energy.”
“Now for town,” he continued, as they at last climbed into the wagon which seemed strangely empty without the little boy. Jack was assuming a forced cheeriness, which he was far from feeling; for in spite of his advice to Desiré, he was consumed with anxiety. He felt relieved, now, at the outcome of the “punishment” last night; if René had minded, they might think he had run away. But perhaps he had been wrong in adopting this kind of a life, with the children. If anything happened to them!
He was interrupted by hearing Desiré say—
“Prissy, you sit in the back of the wagon and keep watch on the road to see if you can discover any traces of René.”
“Jack, dear,” she went on softly, as they drove into Bear River again, “please don’t blame yourself for what has happened. It surely wasn’t your fault, or anybody’s for that matter. He might have wandered off, even if we’d been at home; and I feel sure he is safe with the Indians.”
“You’re a comfort, Dissy,” replied her brother, managing a half smile.