I did not feel especially anxious about the older boy, for he was in
the company of one of the most trustworthy of our veteran soldiers,
and would probably soon turn up safe. But Henry--gone down the
turbulent river on a frail bundle of grass--what might I not fear?
I led all the men of the detail--every one of them as anxious as
myself--on a long and fruitless search beside the river, without
coming upon a clew. Returning to Mr. Gray's, and dismissing the men, I
sat upon the veranda alone, sadly reflecting upon the absence of my
young companions and Vic.
In the midst of my sad reflections there scrambled up the steps a wet
and bedraggled dog, who dropped at my feet a chip. Carrying her in my
arms to my room, I lighted a lamp and examined her collar, and found a
few leaves of a memorandum-book covered with Frank's hand-writing.
The news of Vic's arrival with a message spread quickly, and soon the
household was gathered in my room and in possession of the news of the
exploit of the boys and Tom Clary.
"Good! good!" exclaimed the director of the Navigation Company.
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