view was under way, Mr. Layton was busy changing his
slippers for his boots, his wrapper for his coat, and his hat was donned
just as he spoke the last words.

His sympathy did not expend itself in talk, but the instant he saw what
the trouble was he was eager to do all he could to help his suffering
friends. He even reproached himself for having given Nellie permission
to meet her brother, though no matter what harm may have befallen her,
no one could blame her instructor therefor.

"We must hunt for her," said Mr. Layton, when he was ready to go out; "I
will tell my sisters they need not be alarmed over my absence, and I
guess I will take the lantern with me."

Nick passed out to the front gate, where he waited a minute for the
teacher, until he should speak with his friends and get the lantern
ready. When he came forth, the boy felt much like the patient who sees
the surgeon take out his instruments and try their edge to make sure
they are in condition before using upon him.

The sight of the lantern in the hand of Mr. Layton gave such emphasis to
the danger that it caused another quick throb of Nick's heart, but he
forced it down as the two started back over the road, toward the
school-house.

"There is no need of lighting the lantern until we get to the woods,"
said the teacher, "for we don't need it, and I hope we won't need it
after we reach the forest. Poor Nellie! she will feel dreadfully
frightened, when she wakes up in the dark forest."

He regretted the words, for the two or three sobs that escaped the
brother, before he could master himself, showed that his heart was
swelled nigh to bursting.

The night was mild and pleasant, although a little too chilly for any
one to sleep out of doors. The moon was gibbous, and only a few white,
feathery clouds now and then drifted across its face. Where there was no
shadow, one could see for a hundred yards or so with considerable
distinctness--that is, enough to recognize the figure of a man in
motion.

Opposite the lane leading to the house of Mr. Kilgore, the teacher
stopped.

"I will go in and get him to join us," said Mr. Layton; "and you had
better hurry home for your father. On your way back, stop for Mr.
Marston; that will give us a pretty large party. If when you reach the
forks you do not find us there, don't wait, but hurry on toward
Dunbarton; you will meet us before you reach the bridge over Shark
Creek."

Nick did as told, and, still on a rap