As this creek was deep enough to drown any person who could not swim,
not to mention the large pond into which it emptied, every one of the
searchers felt a vague, awful dread that poor Nellie had fallen into the
water.
No one spoke of it, but the thought was there all the same.
Shortly after entering the wood, Nick called attention to two star-like
points of light twinkling ahead of them.
"They are the lanterns of Mr. Layton and Kilgore," said Nick, who
immediately added, "we forgot to stop and get Mr. Marston."
"That is too bad, but it isn't worth while to go back now," replied his
father, hardly slackening his gait.
As the lantern which Mrs. Ribsam had handed to her husband was lighted
before leaving home, the men in advance detected it immediately after
they were seen themselves, and the halloo of the teacher was answered by
Nick.
"Have you found anything of Nellie?" asked the mother, in broken
English, as soon as the parties came together.
"It could scarcely be expected," answered the instructor, in a kindly
voice; "we have just got here, and have only looked along the road. I
have little doubt that she is soundly sleeping somewhere not far off."
While all stood still, the father lifted up his voice, and in clear,
penetrating tones called the name of his missing child:
"Nellie!"
The ticking of the big watch in the pocket of Nick was plainly heard as
the little company awaited the answering call of the child.
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