No one had seen her, and a dreadful conviction began to steal over them that she would not come--that, in fact, she was lost, and probably, as Betty had suggested, wandering about those dangerous tors, frightened nearly out of her senses.

What was to be done?
At first they were for waiting; but then, as the rain continued to stream down, and the wind to blow gustily, they felt that it was no time for delay.

Something must be done, and done quickly.
"Oh, if only father were home!" cried Kitty despairingly.
But unfortunately Dr.Trenire was in Plymouth on business, and would certainly not be home that night.
Dan sprang up, and began to put on his boots and leggings.

"I am going back there again," he announced.

"It is only three miles or so, and I can walk it in an hour." "But you can't go alone." "Yes, I can; and I can get people out there to help me search, and if I find her I'll get some one to drive us home;" and flinging on his coat and cap, he was rushing out of the house before they realized what he was doing.
"But, Dan," Kitty called after him, "which way are you going ?" "The same, of course.