A Thoughtless Seven by Amy Le Feuvre

I DON'T think I ever remember a more miserable day than it was after Pixie was missing. Honey was inconsolable; the boys returned late at night, tired out, and thoroughly disheartened at their unsuccessful search; Fräulein and nurse were dissolved in tears, and both seemed perfectly helpless to make any suggestions.

"He may have been picked up by some steamer or fishing-smack," I said, trying to speak hopefully.