CHAPTER XI.
SPLENDID FISHING, AND A BIG FOG.
There is no telling how many anxious people there may have been in that region that night, a little after supper; but there was no doubt of the state of mind in at least three family circles.
Good Mrs. Foster could not endure to stay at home and talk about the matter; and her husband and Annie were very willing to go over to the Kinzers' with her, and listen to the encouraging views of Dabney's stout-hearted and sensible mother.
They were welcomed heartily; and the conversation began, so to speak, right in the middle.
"Oh, Mrs. Kinzer! do you think they are in any danger?"
"I hope not. I don't see why there need be, unless they try to return across the bay against this wind."
"But don't you think they'll try? Do you mean they won't be home to-night?" exclaimed Mr. Foster himself.
"I sincerely hope not," said the widow calmly. "I should hardly feel like trusting Dabney out in the boat again, if he should do so foolish a thing."
"But where can he stay?"