Page:Barbour--Joan of the ilsand.djvu/152

140 "Chester! Chester!" the girl said aloud in a reproachful voice; and then a look of dull misery crept over her face. The corners of her mouth were drooping and her face was pale when Keith returned to the bungalow, and he read the signs instantly.

"Something has gone wrong," he declared. "What is it?"

For reply Joan pointed out to sea at the ketch, now only a speck in the distance.

Keith frowned.

"Well," he said, glancing from the Kestrel to the girl, and back at the Kestrel. "Sailed for supplies, hasn't he?"

"I should like to think so, but I doubt it," Joan replied.

"Let's hope so. I suppose he didn't tell you he was off to Tamba?"

Joan shook her head.

"He didn't even hint at it," she declared. "That's what makes me feel so afraid—for his sake. Of course there is the chance that supplies are what he is after. If necessary he need not go to Moniz for them, though so long as Moniz gets his extortionate prices he would trade with anyone. Did he say anything to you about going?"

"Not a word," said Keith. "I suspect he's hard up, and worried like the dickens about his affairs, but I fancied from something he said a few days