I only hope that Winn managed in some way to check and hold it before it reached the big water; otherwise we may have a merry hunt for it." While he spoke they had been hurrying to a point a short distance down-stream, around which the creek made a bend.

From here they could command a view of half a mile of its course, and somewhere along this stretch of water they hoped to see the raft safely moored.

They were, however, doomed to disappointment; for as far as the eye could see there was no sign of the missing craft.

Full of conjectures and forebodings of evil they reluctantly turned back towards the house.
The mill-hands, some of whom were to have formed the crew of the _Venture_, had already discovered that it was gone.

Now they were gathered at the house awaiting the Major's orders, and eagerly discussing the situation.
Mrs.Caspar, full of anxiety, met her husband and daughter at the open door, where she stood, regardless of the driving rain.
"Oh, John!" she cried, "where is Winn?
What has become of the raft?
Do you think anything can have happened to him ?" "Certainly not," answered the Major, reassuringly.