CHAPTER XXV
DOROTHY AND HER CHUMS
The disappointment was keen—Dorothy had felt Urania must be near, but instead of finding a lonely girl, she and the Major encountered a group of school girls on a nutting party, all joyous and seemingly filled with the very enthusiasm of the autumn day itself.
No need to make inquiries of them—Urania would never allow herself to be seen by this party.
“I suppose we will have to go home,” said Dorothy sadly, as Major Dale showed plainly signs of fatigue.
“If you are satisfied we have looked thoroughly,” answered the Major. “But I am not willing to give up the search until you say so.”
“I don’t know where else we can look,” replied Dorothy, with a catch in her voice.
“But there may be spots nearer home,” suggested Major Dale. “You know we made sure of the faraway places, but how about those in our own neighborhood?”
“Oh, yes. We never looked in the swamp!”
“And there is a cave there?”
“Indeed there is. Oh, do let us hurry before it gets too dark. How queer I should never think of that cave!”