Nothing
remained of the building but a few black sticks, from which small
wreaths of smoke were issuing. He walked slowly up the path like one
in a dream, and stopped before the ruins. But no charred bodies did he
find.

And as he looked, a new hope seized him. The women must have fled to
the water for protection. Perhaps, even now, they were somewhere on
the shore, most likely at the farther end of the island.

Encouraged by this thought, he hurried back to the landing, and made
his way down along the shore. He kept a sharp outlook, but no sign of
life met his view. As he advanced, nothing rewarded his efforts, and
despair once more seized him. The women could not have escaped from
the island without assistance, he was certain. And it was hardly
likely that any rescuer would be on hand in the time of need. Perhaps
they had rushed into the water, and driven by the fury of the flames
had gone beyond their depth. All this came into his mind as he turned
the lower end of the island and viewed the shore to his right. He
stopped and cast his eyes toward the mainland, but everywhere was the
same scene of black desolation. It was wonderful how fast and far the
fire had travelled before being checked by the rain.

Continuing his walk, he moved slowly along the shore until he came
abreast the spot where the cabin had stood, and on the opposite side of
the island from the landing. There was no need for him to go any
farther. The women were nowhere in the vicinity, he was sure. They
must have been drowned!

But perhaps they had been overtaken by the fire in their rush to the
water, and their charred bodies even now might be lying among the
trees. It was a fearful thought, which paled his burnt cheeks, and
caused him to tremble violently. Should he search for them? he asked
himself.

"I can't do it!" he groaned. "Oh, God! this is terrible!"

He buried his face in his hands, and sank down upon the ground, his
soul writhing with the agony of an overwhelming despair.

CHAPTER XXVII

IN THE NICK OF TIME

"What a lovely place this is!"

Jess was standing close to the water looking across at the opposite
shore. Mrs. Hampton, seated upon the bank, thought she had never
beheld a more beautiful picture of grace and maidenly charm. Her heart
thrilled as she watched her standing there. She was her own child, and
no one had any right to take her away. Her face, however, became grave
as she thought of