that they had been taken and carried away in a totally

different direction; or they might have taken to the

river, as he had done, and gone farther down without

his observing them. Then, again, if they had escaped,

they would be sure to return and search the country

round for him, so that if he left the spot he might miss

them.

"Oh for my dear pup Crusoe!" he exclaimed aloud

in this dilemma; but the faithful ear was shut now,

and the deep silence that followed his cry was so oppressive