Before getting up from the crouched position, she took a last look into the cave. The light had vanished completely and Pete likewise could not be seen.
“Since we can’t save Pete without risking our safety, I guess we may as well hike for Calico Cottage,” Ardeth declared quickly.
The chill of evening was in the air as the two girls silently trudged back the way they had come. A rising breeze whipped the evergreens overhead, making ragged shadows, and causing the needles to whisper mournfully. Far below, the White River remained visible in the dying sunlight, a wide, shining band of silvery blue.
At Calico Cottage, supper was nearly ready. Judy and Ardeth, however, had little appetite. Dejectedly, they related their discovery of the cave, and their misfortune in losing Pete.
“You were wise not to try to venture into that hole,” Miss Ward assured the two girls. “The dog may wander out by himself. Even if he is lost, the risk of trying to bring him out without a guide, would be very great.”
“You really think Pete will get out by himself?” Judy asked, brightening.
“He may. At any rate, he’ll survive for many days. I’ll telephone the young milkman and tell him his dog is lost. You’re certain the pet was his?”
“It was Pete, all right,” Ardeth answered. “He acted as if he’d been in that cave before too.”
“Then there’s an excellent chance he may find his way out,” the troop leader asserted. “I’ll telephone the dog’s owner now. Do you recall his name, Judy?”
“Bart Ranieau.”