Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/94

82 but this pin was given her by her husband, when they were courting, and she thought the world of it. It was made abroad, of a peculiar pattern, and never could be replaced. It was an heirloom, and she must have thought a lot of me to let me take it.

"Oh, I just can't bear to tell her it is gone! Maybe we can find it. Perhaps it is on the island yet. Maybe it dropped from the box. Tell me; was Phil along when you found the box?"

"Yes, but of course he didn't know that anything of yours was in it."

"Then please don't tell him. He might think I ought to tell grandmother about it—he's so peculiar. And I will tell her, if worse comes to worst, and I can't get it back. But, oh, Tom! do you suppose it could be on the island?" and she looked eagerly at him.

"If it's there I'll find it!" declared the tall pitcher, perhaps with more zeal than discretion.

"And don't you tell a soul!"

"I won't," he promised.

"Could you take me with you, Tom? I'd like to help you hunt for it."

"Of course," he said, promptly. "The weather is getting fine now. We'll row over to the island some day, and make a search. But that pin isn't going to be easy to find."

"No, I realize that, Tom. But it will make me