In Bexley they visited the local policeman, but the policeman could not tell them anything useful. They rode all over the fields but found nothing, so they decided that they should go home.
They reached Canterville Chase about eleven o'clock. They were feeling very tired and very upset. At the gate to their home Washington and the twins were waiting for them with lights, because the road to the house was very dark.
No-one had any idea about what had happened to Virginia. The police had found the gypsies, but Virginia was not with them. The gypsies explained that they had left Canterville Chase in such a hurry because they had suddenly remembered that they had to go to another village, and they were afraid they would be late.
The gypsies were very upset when they heard that Virginia had disappeared, because they were very grateful to Mr Otis who had allowed them to stay on the grounds of Canterville Chase. Four of the gypsies stayed behind to help to look for Virginia.
They looked to see if Virginia had fallen into the pond, and checked every room in the house, but found nothing. By now, everyone knew that Virginia would not be found that night. Mr Otis and the boys were very unhappy.
They walked to the house, and a servant followed with their horses. In the house they found frightened servants, and Mrs Otis lying on a sofa in the library. She was crying, and her mind was filled with terror and worry. The old housekeeper was with her and trying to help. Mr Otis said that his wife should have some food at once, and ordered supper for everybody. It was a very sad meal.
