“Maybe your granddad went up to Hatter’s place to get warm,” the man suggested.
“He never would have left his horses without blanketing them,” answered Sara. “But let’s go there and inquire. Someone may have seen Grandfather.”
They drove the bob-sled on through the woods to an unpainted farm house. Claud Hatter himself opened the door, and in response to Sara’s anxious question, he told her that he had seen Peter Jasko drive into the place early that morning.
“You didn’t see him go away?” Sara asked.
“No, but come to think of it, I noticed a car turn into the road. Must have been about ten o’clock this morning.”
“What sort of car?”
The man could give no additional information, for he had not paid particular attention to the automobile. However, he pulled on his heavy coat and boots, offering to help organize a searching party.
Sara and Penny remained at the farm house, but as it became evident that the old man would not be found quickly, Jake returned and took the girls down the mountain to the Downey lodge.
“What could have happened to Grandfather?” Sara repeated over and over. “I can’t believe he became dazed and wandered away.”
“I wish we knew who came in the car,” said Penny. “That might explain a lot.”