ad
crept over the Isle of Wight from the Channel.

On their reaching the pier at Southsea again, they found the fog had got
there before them; and, crossing the common, they could hardly see each
other at a couple of yards distance.

Neither the barrister nor Mrs Strong liked the appearance of things,
thinking that this mist of the sea resembled one of their own "London
particulars," and betokened a spell of bad weather.

The Captain, however, made light of it.

"Pooh, pooh!" cried he, "it's only brought up by the south-easterly wind
and will be cleared off by the morning, when you'll probably have a
hotter day than ever."

This allayed Mrs Strong's forebodings in reference to the weather, and
she began to wonder what had become of Bob during their absence.

"He must have found the day very long, poor boy!" she said. "I wonder
what he has been doing?"

"Oh, I've no doubt he's been amusing himself," replied the Captain
cheerfully. "I don't think Bob would remain dull very long if even left
alone."

The same thoughts were passing through the minds both of Nellie and her
aunt, although they said nothing; and all were looking forward to their
conjectures being solved as to how Bob had passed the time when they
should arrive at "the Moorings."

However, on coming to the house, who should greet them but Rover, who
got up languidly from the doorstep, his coat all dripping with wet.

"Poor doggie!" exclaimed Nell, patting him. "Why, you're all damp with
the fog! Your master shouldn't have been so cruel as to leave you
outside. Where's Bob?"

Usually on being asked this question, Rover's invariable answer would be
a short, sharp, joyous bark; but now, in place of this, the retriever
put up his head and uttered a plaintive whine that was almost a howl.

It struck dismay into all their hearts; and on Sarah's opening the door
at the same moment, Nell's question to the dog was now put to her.

"Where's Master Bob?"

The girl started back in astonishment.

"Law, mum!" said she, addressing her mistress, Mrs Gilmour. "Ain't he
with you, mum?"

"No," she replied, much frightened at Sarah's answer, or rather counter-
question; while Mrs Strong grew as pale as death and Nellie clung to
her convulsively, Rover's demeanour having roused their worst fears.
"You don't mean to say you haven't seen him?"

"No, mum, I thought he was with you," repeated the housemaid, beginning
to cry as if accused of some fault. "I'v