As no trace of Old Mag could be found, it was the opinion of both the Captain and his wife, that she had either perished in the flames or had slipped out of the kitchen before the smoke had cleared away and followed the Indians in their retreat.
Neither the Captain nor his wife would leave the locality without making a search for Old Mag.

During the search, Captain Godfrey, whose strength had been severely tested since his arrival at Grimross in July, sank to the ground in a swoon.

At this crisis his wife displayed the greatness of her character.

As troubles thickened about her she seemed to develop qualities that only woman cast in an heroic mould are capable of exhibiting.

She whispered to her husband, "We cannot find Mag, I must save you." These words appeared to have a magic effect on the Captain.
He rose to his feet, supported by his wife, and soon after they were staggering on towards the river leading to the lake, followed by their five children, the eldest, who was but twelve, carrying with him his youngest brother, only two years old.
At length they reached the lake, and at this point of the journey Mrs.
Godfrey was compelled to order a halt.