“May I see Colonel Appleby?” asked the Overlander after a moment’s reflection.
“The colonel is away to-night and will not return until some time to-morrow.”
“Who is in charge?”
“Lieutenant Chambers.”
“May I see him?”
The sentry said that the acting commanding officer was asleep and could not be disturbed.
“Oh, very well.” Hippy started away, then halting, called back to the sentry to ask if a prisoner had been brought in that evening.
“No. Not since I went on duty.”
That was all Lieutenant Wingate could think of at the moment. He did not know what to do next, then all at once he bethought him of Stacy’s pony, and immediately began searching for the little animal. That quest also failed. He found no trace of the Overland pony, so Hippy reluctantly turned towards camp. Reaching there, he reported his failure to find Stacy.
The Overland Riders were now fully aroused. Nora insisted that the entire party should go out and make a thorough search for the missing boy, but Tom said that this was not practicable, that the wise plan would be to turn in and wait for daylight; then, should the boy still be missing, to have the Park guards assist in the search for him. It was decided to follow Tom’s suggestion, whereupon the Overlanders began to prepare for bed. Some of them already had turned in when a shout aroused the camp.