e. "They have enjoyed the ride and gone
farther than intended."

Esther sees the probability of this, but feels piqued at their careless
conduct.

"Alice should know better than to stay out so late! Perhaps they have
not started back yet!"

Sir Donald looks up and notes his daughters evident excitement. Her
flashing eyes and quivering lips tell their story.

Esther feels that she has shown too much interest, and resorts to pretty
arts of dissembling.

Sir Donald is indulgent. He acquiesces in Esther's artful show, and with
much animation they chat away for another hour on subjects which seem
to have new interest for this charming girl. Finally both retire.

They listen, expecting the bell soon to announce the return of Alice and
Oswald.

Both Esther and Sir Donald arose early. They were puzzled at the strange
absence of their friends. Some accident must have befallen them. Perhaps
assistance is needed. However, it would be wise to avoid undue haste and
notoriety. The innocent conduct and mishaps of their friends must not be
made the theme of vulgar gossip.

Restrained by these refined sentiments, Esther and Sir Donald waited
until afternoon before taking any action. Then they started out
together, and procuring a boat, rowed up the Thames in the direction
which Oswald and Alice had taken, the keeper going with them.

After about an hour the boat was found, and all landed at this point. No
signs of the missing couple were seen. It was decided that Sir Donald
and Esther should row farther up the stream, while the keeper searched
the shore for any signs of the young people. Soon all stopped.

Oswald's hat was found upon the bank at the rustic seat. Their search up
and down the river revealed no other clew. They returned greatly
shocked.

It seemed certain that both had disappeared at the place where the hat
was found. In some way they had gone over the bank. There may have been
a bloody tragedy, but most likely Alice had fallen over into the stream,
and Oswald, attempting her rescue, both were drowned.

The police were notified. Careful search up and down both sides of the
stream gave no further clew. All the means available for rescue of the
bodies were employed. Finally a lace handkerchief was found. Esther
identified it as the property of Alice. The delicately embroidered
initials "A.W." made its identity complete. Both had been murdered or
were accidentally drowned.

The papers commented upon this myst