dropped upon a seat near the table, and buried his face in his hands.
He went to his side and laid a hand upon his shoulder.

"I will find Jean," he said. "Don't get too much discouraged."

"You will find Jean?" the Colonel eagerly asked. "Have you any idea
where she is?"

"I do not know, but Pete and I will find her."

At these words Old Mammy lifted her bowed head. She had been swaying
to and fro, and moaning in the most doleful manner.

"Oh, Mistah Dane, find Missie Jean," she pleaded. "Bring back my sweet
lamb. I'se 'fraid de Injuns or bears has toted her off. Oh! oh! oh!
What will I do wifout my darlin' chile!"

"We will find her, Mammy, never fear," Dane comforted. "Get some food
ready, and Pete and I will begin the search at once."

"I'll have it ready fo' yo' in a jiffy, Mistah Dane," and the old woman
toddled to her feet. "I'se been cookin' all day fo' I knew de men
would come back wif big ap'tites. I'll put up 'nuff to las' yo' fo' a
week."

In another minute the faithful servant was busy filling a capacious
basket with the good things she had stored away in the cupboard. Dane
turned to Davidson, who had been talking with the Colonel.

"Where is Pete?" he asked. "I have not seen him since coming back."