Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 edition. Excerpt:...without having found any trace of the missing ones; but it was nearly dusk ere the father returned, equally unsuccessful. The parents were now filled with the greatest concern. It was nearly dark, and their children had never before remained away so long. Something must have occurred to detain them, that was certain. Messages were sent to friends in the village, the policeman was communicated with, and very soon all the people in the village had heard that the children of the "squire" were lost Every one was deeply sorry, for Mr. and Mrs. Manley were much respected, and their darling children were greatly beloved. There was no lack of ready and willing helpers, and scores were quickly engaged in searching every spot where it was possible the lost ones might be. Every gipsy's tent or van that remained was searched; every stream or pond that the children might have fallen into was examined; every road and lane for miles around was traversed, but all to no avail. Night passed on, and the sun rose to usher in a new day. As the daylight came, the efforts were renewed, all the men leaving their work to engage in the search. But the day wore away without bringing any tidings of the lost children. Then despair began to fill the hearts of the grief-stricken parents, and they were afraid they had lost their loved ones for ever. Rewards were offered for any information regarding the missing ones; descriptions of them were circulated over the whole country; newspapers had reports of the loss; but every effort seemed useless. Many times it was thought some clue had been obtained that would lead to their recovery, but every hope proved false. Weeks and months passed away, and the parents mourned for their children as though they were dead....