It was clear that his son had wandered farther from the path of truth than he had ever suspected.
Frank had gone up to the house to inform his father of the loss of the boats, and Captain Sedley soon joined the party.

He sympathized deeply with Mr.Hardy, and was satisfied that his son could not be far off.

It was impossible to search the lake, as there were no boats for the purpose.
As nothing could be done at present on the lake, Captain Sedley ordered his horse, with the intention of driving round it in search of the fugitive and of the boats.

Mr.Hardy was invited to go with him.
On their arrival at Rippleton they found that Tim Bunker was missing, as well as a great many other boys.

They continued to examine the shores of the lake till they reached Joe Braman's house, on the north side.
Captain Sedley inquired for his boat; and Joe, after trying to evade the truth, confessed that he had let it to Tim for a week, but did not know where he had gone with it.