The searchers had
known it could be of no avail, for the puny foot of man could have made
no track upon the slanted floor of granite fragments that constituted
the hill-side. It was something to do for Jim, and that was all.
At length, about midnight, it came to an end. They lingered on the
slope, however, to offer their theories, invariably hopeful, and to say
that Monday morning would accomplish miracles in the way of setting
everything aright.
Many were supperless when all save Jim and little Keno had again
returned to Borealis and left the two alone at the cabin.
"We'll save the milk in case he might come home by any chance," said
the gray old miner, and he placed the cup on a shelf against the wall.
In silence he cooked the humble dinner, which he placed on the table in
front of his equally voiceless companion. Keno and the pup went at the
meal with unpoetic vigor, but Jim could do no eating. He went to the
door from time to time to listen. Then he once more searched the
blankets in the bunks.
"Wal, anyway," said he, at last, "he took his doll."
CHAPTER IX
THE GUILTY MISS DOC
That Keno and Tintoretto should sleep was inevitable, after the way
they had eaten. Old Jim then took his lantern and went out alone.
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