“Though I know it will be fruitless, I see nothing for it but to follow your advice, and inform the Judestown authorities. The shore in every direction must be searched; for if heaven and earth has to be roused, we must find your sister!” exclaimed Ray.
“What if they have taken her off to sea?” suggested Ranty.
Ray started violently for a moment, at the terrible idea; the next, a contrary conviction settled in his mind and he said:
“I hardly think so; they would not be so precipitate. At all events, by commencing a thorough search immediately we may discover some clue to her whereabouts. We had best return immediately to Judestown, and enlist all we can in the search.”
“We will have no difficulty in finding volunteers for the hunt,” said Ranty. “Pet was always an immense favorite with every one, and the whole town, I believe, would rise in a body to look for her, did we wish it. I would not give much for Black Bart’s life if he attempts to show himself to the mob after they hear this.”
So saying, the two passed out, mounted their horses, and set off for Judestown.
If that morning had seemed long to Pet in her prison, doubly long did it appear to Erminie, who, too uneasy and restless either to sit still or work, paced up and down the room, or passed in and out of the cottage, straining her eyes to catch a glimpse of the first who would come with news of Pet. But the morning passed and no one came; and sick, weary, and worn out with anxiety and disappointment, she sunk down on a seat, and hid her face in her hands in a passionate burst of tears.
A heavy, plodding step coming up the graveled walk in front of the cottage roused her, at last. She sprung to her feet, and stood with cheeks flushed, lips parted, eyes dilated, and bosom heaving, with eager expectation.
But it was only the admiral, who came stumping in, looking more completely mystified and bewildered than any one had ever seen him before in their lives.
“Helm-a-lee!” roared the admiral, thrusting his huge head in the room. “What the dickens has little Firefly run afoul of now, or what’s in the wind, anyway?”