I knew his wife never went farther than this gate, but used to wait for him here, if she happened to be the first to reach it.

I hurried along, half running all the way, and calling aloud to Mrs.
Holbrook every now and then with all my might.

But there was no answer.
Some men in a boat loaded with hay stopped to ask me what was the matter, but they could tell me nothing.

They were coming from Malsham, and had seen no one along the bank.

I called at Mr.Whitelaw's as I came back, not with much hope that I should hear anything; but what could I do but make inquiries anywhere and everywhere?
I was almost wild with fright by this time.