What, at first, seemed only a mishap, now looked like a very serious matter.
"We must go to the woods," insisted Dorothy. "Maybe that old woman knew they were in the woods."
But as such things always happen, the searchers went to the end of the woods, far away from the island. Of course they all called loudly, and the boys gave the familiar yodel, but the noise of the ocean made it impossible for the call to reach Freddie and Flossie.
"Oh, I'm so afraid they are drowned!" exclaimed Mrs. Bobbsey, breaking down and crying.
"No, mamma," insisted Nan, "I am sure they are not. Flossie is so afraid of the water, and Freddie always minds Flossie. They must be playing somewhere. Maybe they are home by this time," and so it was agreed to go back to the house and if the little ones were not there—then
"But they must be there," insisted Nellie, starting on a run over the swampy grounds toward the Cliffs.
