human
I suppose Pet was in perfect ecstasies of delight at your unexpected return,
gpt
Pet! why the little gadabout never was at home at all last night; and where the deuce to find her, I don't know.
human
Not at home! said Erminie, in surprise.
gpt
Why, where can she be, then?
human
Well, Miss Germaine, that is just what I would feel very much obliged to you to tell me. It's very like looking for a needle in a hay-stack, I'm inclined to think, to go hunting for her. The best way, is to take things easy, and let her come home when she likes.
gpt
Why, it is most singular, said Erminie.
human
I know she started for home, and took the road leading to Heath Hill. Perhaps she changed her mind, and went to the White Squall.
gpt
No; that she didn't, said Ranty.
human
I was there last night after leaving here. The girl's bewitched; and perhaps she rode off on some Quixotic expedition by herself.
gpt
She was on foot, said Erminie, now really growing alarmed.
human
Starlight was lame or something; so she started to walk home. Oh, Ranty! I am afraid that something has happened to her,
gpt
Oh, pooh, Ermie! What could happen to her between this and Heath Hill? Nonsense!
human
What hour did she leave here, Minnie?
gpt
It was nearly dark, and she had to walk all alone over that lonesome heath. Oh, Ray! something must have happened to her!
human
Why, what in Heaven's name could have happened to her? asked Ranty, catching the infection of Erminie's fears.
gpt
No one has ever been molested on the heath.
human
Those lawless smugglers are continually prowling around now; and it is very unsafe for a young girl to venture in such a lonely place, unprotected, after night. Good heavens! if she should have fallen into their hands!
gpt
Oh, Ray! I hope not. Oh, Ray! do you really think she has?
human
There is no telling. Some of that lawless gang are continually prowling about the woods, and shore, and heath, and if they saw Pet--Miss Lawless, he added, checking himself, and biting his lip--
gpt
But it cannot be, Ray; it is impossible, absurd, I tell you. Why, man, what could these buccaneers possibly want with Pet? A nice prize she would be for any one to take in tow!
human
They might take her in the hope of obtaining a large ransom for her release, or they might--oh! the thought is too horrible to contemplate! exclaimed Ray, almost fiercely.
gpt
Ranty, why are we losing time here, when your sister may be in such danger? This is no time for idle talking. About! mount! and off in search of her! I will instantly follow!
human
Well, but wait a minute, Ray, before starting on this wild-goose chase, said Ranty.
gpt
How do we know that she is not safely housed in Dismal Hollow, or somewhere in Judestown, all this time, while we are raving about pirates and abductors?
human
Oh, she is not! she is not! cried Erminie, wringing her hands.
gpt
She started for Heath Hill, and had no intention of going anywhere else. Wild and daring as she is, she would not venture to walk alone through the forest after night. Oh, holy saints! what can have become of her?
human
We are losing time talking, said Ray, whose face was now perfectly colorless with contending emotions.
gpt
Mount, Ranty, and ride back to Heath Hill and the White Squall, and see if she has returned to either place since you left. I will go to Dismal Hollow and Judestown, and search for her there. If she is to be found in neither of these places, then it must be too true that she has fallen into the hands of the smugglers.