They reached Tavia’s house. Nat pulled the two girls down beside him in the porch swing, an arm about Tavia and his hand gripping Dorothy’s reassuringly.
“He has disappeared, Dot,” said the young fellow gravely. “But you mustn’t——”
“Disappeared!” cried Dorothy, interrupting him. “How could he, Nat? Where would he go?”
“Why, the whole thing is preposterous, Nat!” cried Tavia. “A boy like Joe wouldn’t do such a thing—in earnest. He must just be playing a prank.”
“A rather serious prank,” replied Nat soberly. “And one I wouldn’t recommend any youngster to try.”
Dorothy felt dazed. That Joe, her young and mischievous though dearly beloved brother, should disappear!
“Nat, did he—did he—run away, do you suppose? Was there a quarrel or anything?”
“Not a thing, as far as I can find out,” returned Nat. Then he paused, but finally added slowly, as though he were reluctant to cause his cousin any further pain: “But there was a rather curious coincidence.”
“Nat, you are so provoking!” cried Tavia impatiently. “Do come to the point! Can’t you see Doro is ready to collapse with fright?”
“There has been a fire in Haskell’s store——”