His brother had scrambled down from the seat; and pushed him aside, in a dash for the alder.

But a few seconds of frantic search proved the baby was gone.

The two men glared at each other in silent horror.

Then by tacit impulse they got into the car.
"It couldn't 'a' walked off, could it ?" gurgled the driver.

"They can't walk, can they;--not at six months?
Not far, anyhow ?" "It--it was took!" sputtered his brother between chattering teeth.
Another moment of scared silence.