The train moved away, and still Polly was not in sight. “I’m afraid--” began Dolly softly. Then Polly appeared--alone! “He hasn’t come!” the watchers heard her say. “Dear little girl, don’t feel bad!” For the child’s eyes were threatening an overflow. “Probably he missed his train. All we have to do is to wait for the next.” The tone was heartening, and Dolly began to smile. “I was afraid he wouldn’t come at all,” she confessed. “He will come,” Polly assured her confidently. “How soon is the next train?” questioned Lilith. “In about an hour and a half. We’ll go uptown and get some ice-cream.” At this delightful suggestion Dolly brightened. Of course, Sardis would come on the next train. How foolish she had been to lose hope! Before they left the station, Polly called at the telegraph office and obtained her message, leaving instructions to have any possible future telegrams delivered to her at once. The slip of yellow paper was fascinating to Dolly, since it seemed to bring her brother nearer. Expect me on 11.45 train to-morrow. SARDIS MERRIFIELD That was all it said. The date was of the previous day. The cream was all that the little girl’s fancy had pictured it, and the pineapple ice that Polly added made it quite the finest that she had ever tasted. If Sardis had been sitting at her side her joy would have been perfect. Still, her anticipation was there to make up any lack, and she was very happy. The 1.06 train thundered in and out of Overlook valley; the borrowed car with its anxious passengers waited back of the station-house; but Sardis Merrifield did not appear. Polly was philosophical. “There’s nothing to do,” she said, “but to wait.” “Till when?” asked Lilith. Polly studied her time-table placidly. “The next, and last, train is due at 5.30.” “Oh!” was the dismayed exclamation from Lilith and Dolly. Polly laughed. “Never mind,” she said; “we’ll go over to the inn and have dinner--I think it isn’t too late,” as she consulted her watch. “And then--” She halted, thinking. “Oh, I know! We’ll drive down to Leslieboro and go to the movies!” “Oh, my!” cried Dolly, her eyes big with surprise. “How will that do?” Polly smiled. “Splendid!” returned the child. “Jolly,” said Lilith. “There’s a good picture on this week. I remember reading of it in the _Gazette_.” In the proposed way the afternoon passed pleasantly, and the party was back at the Overlook station when the last train rolled in. Yet once more they were disappointed. Only six passengers alighted, three women, a small boy, and two middle-aged men. Sardis Merrifield was missing. Polly inquired again at the telegraph office. There was no message; but the man of various positions promised to send her whatever should come. The drive up the mountain was for the most part silent. Dolly was too full of grief to talk, and after a while she went to sleep on Lilith’s arm. It had been a hard day for the little girl. CHAPTER XXI