The men turned and saw in his hand the covered basket which Hilda always took with her on her expeditions to bring home her specimens. It seemed full of them now.
"Where did you find it?" they asked.
"Just on this here ledge of rock."
"She has put it down to free her hands. She may be clinging yet," said the old fisherman. "Let us call."
A loud cry, "Miss Lorton!" rang through the bay. The echo sent it reverberating back; but no human voice mingled with the sound.
Despondingly and fearfully they continued the search, still calling at times, until at last, as they reached the outer point, the last hope died, and they ceased calling.
"I'm afeard she's gone," said John.
The men shook their heads. John but expressed the general opinion.
"God help that poor young thing at the cottage!" said the elder fisherman. "She'll be mighty cut up, I take it, now."
"They was all in all to each other," said John, with a sigh.