"Where is Bessie?" asked Levi, before her father had time to utter a single sharp word.
The emphatic words were never spoken.
"Where is she?" repeated Mr. Watson. "Isn't she on board of the yacht?"
"No, sir," replied Levi, now alarmed, as her father was.
"Not here?"
"Certainly not. Didn't she come by railroad with you?"
"No; I haven't seen her since I started for Gloucester last night."
Levi almost sank upon the deck, and Mr. Watson's strength was all taken from him by the discovery that some mishap had befallen his daughter. Levi explained when he had breath enough to do so. Mr. Watson also explained, and each was in possession of all the information the other had; but their wisdom was foolishness, since it fell far short of the requirements of the moment.
"The Caribbee sailed last night, Levi," said Mr. Watson, who, however, did not regard the fact as of much importance, or as having any especial connection with the absence of Bessie.
"Sailed!" exclaimed Levi. "Then Bessie has sailed in her."