found out that the diamonds were the booty of a
smuggling plot.

"Well, we must get right to work," said Mrs. Nelson, and she proved
herself a worthy mother of a worthy daughter. "I am sure nothing serious
could have happened--no drowning, or anything like that. The only other
explanation is, I think, along the lines suggested by Allen.

"Their disappearance must have something to do with the diamonds. It is
possible they are following some suspect, and have had no chance to
send back word. In that case they are all right. But we must search for
them, and begin at the fisherman's shanty.

"We must also telegraph for Mr. Nelson. I'll go to town and do that.
I'll also try to get him on the long distance telephone. Now, let me
see. Some of you will come with me, others will go to the fisherman's
cabin, and others will start a search along the beach, and notify the
life saving station. We must neglect nothing."

"Isn't she splendid?" asked Grace of Mollie. "I feel better already."

"So do I."

There was a hasty consultation, and three parties were made up. Percy
offered the use of his car, and Allen elected to go in it with Mrs.
Nelson, to town. The others would go to the fisherman's shack and to the
life saving station, though at this time of year there was only one man
on duty. But he would know how to organize a corps of fishermen and
clammers to make a search, if needed.

Mrs. Nelson returned from the village, after sending a telegraph
message. She was unable to communicate with her husband by telephone.

"We had best follow them to the fisherman's cabin," said Allen. "That
will be a sort of rallying point."

There they found all the young folks gathered, those who had been
assigned the task of going to the life saving station having
accomplished their errand, bringing back the message that soon a body of
hardy men would be patrolling both beaches.

But it was Tin-Back who gave the real clue. He came up as they were
making a second examination of the cabin, to discover some other
evidence of the former presence of Betty and Amy there.

"The girls missin'!" exclaimed the old crabber. "Wa'al, there's only one
place t' look fer 'em!"

"Where's that?" asked Mrs. Nelson. "Not--not----"

"No'm, they're not drowned, don't fear that, mum," said Tin-Back, with
ready perception. "Nothin' like that could happen. They're off--there!"

He waved his hand toward where the mysterious schooner had been
anchored.

"Wh