In sheer feebleness the stunned party sank down upon the prostrate log.  They now observed the charred remains of a camp fire, and shreds of grey blanket adhering to the tenacious Tie-Vine.

“What shall we do?” broke from Netta in despair.  The loss of her superb ornaments for the time took the place of every other sentiment.  Even the safety of her loved ones was forgotten.

“Well,” said Mary, recovering herself, “it is no use grieving.  We had better be looking for Lawrence and Richard.  You know those villains hung Colonel Harris by the neck till he was nearly dead, because he would not tell where his money was.”

“Hush, Mary,” said her mother, “don’t suggest such horrible things.”

But their search was unavailing.  That night was one of agonizing suspense.  Next day the noon train brought Charlie with a note from Colonel Scale, saying that Lawrence would return home as soon as orders could reach him.

The story of the missing jewels was freely discussed, and friends came in numbers to condole with the bride-elect, and rehearse similar depredations that had come to their ears.

At last flashed the news that the State Militia had surrounded the daring invaders, by a well-executed maneuver, and had disarmed them.  The leader fought desperately and was mortally wounded.  The prisoners were forced to reveal the place where their ill-gotten gains were stored, and the owners were publicly summoned to identify their property.  But the Lee jewels were not found, and the gang obstinately disclaimed all knowledge of them.

Suspense in regard to them was, however, soon to be relieved.  Two more days of waiting, and the close of a lovely afternoon was made memorable by the return of the wanderers to Lee Villa.  A torrent of questions and incidents so assailed them that they could not intelligibly answer the one, or comment on the other.

“And, oh!  Richard,” faltered Netta, “they have stolen our box—­all my beautiful presents!”

“And the spoons,” chimed in Mary, loyal to the family heirlooms.

“You’d better say the money,” said Bertha with conviction.  “I would rather have lost anything else than all that gold and silver.”

“Only give us a chance,” said her brother appealingly, “and we will relieve your anxiety on this point.”

“You have it!  You have it!” cried the girls excitedly crowding upon him.

“No,” said Richard laughing heartily, while the brother endeavored to extricate himself.  “He hasn’t it but if I can have a hearing I will tell you of its fate.  We hoped you would not miss it.  Nor would you,” he added, looking archly at Netta, “if you had obeyed my injunction not to try to find us.”