“Yes, that does look suspicions,” admitted the squire. “In fact, I thought it best to lay the matter before the police authorities, so that if there is anything wrong they may ferret it out.”
“Oh, I wish that Harry had never gone to the city!” murmured Mrs. Raymond, sorrowfully. “I was not in favor of it from the first. I tried to have him stay at home, but he was possessed to go to the city.”
“It is natural, Mrs. Raymond, that a spirited boy should get tired of a small village like Vernon, and want to enter a larger field. It may turn out all right. Don’t decide too hastily that anything has happened to him.”
“I shall not sleep any to-night. Squire Turner, I think I must go to the city to-morrow.”
“I would not advise you to do so, Mrs. Raymond. You could do no good there. I have placed the matter in the hands of the police authorities, and whatever there is to be found out they will ascertain and communicate to me.”
“But it seems so hard to wait in suspense.”
“That is true. I will tell you what I will do. I know your anxiety, and if nothing should be heard before next Tuesday, I will go to the city again, and make what additional inquiries I can.”
“Thank you, Squire Turner. You are truly kind. How can I ever repay you for your great kindness?”
“Don’t mention it, Mrs. Raymond. I know you have no one to look out for you now, and it is a pleasure to me to feel that I am able to be of service.”
The squire took his leave, pressing Mrs. Raymond’s hand gently, to indicate the sympathy which he felt for her.