Elijah looked worn out from running all over town and was emotionally even worse. "H-Have you seen Alice or Anne Ward? I can't find them..."

The reverend Walker sat down on the steps as well, using the bar and puffing as he did, since he was an old man. "Not since Sunday. Is anything wrong?"

Elijah couldn't tell him about Alice. He took a deep shaky breath. "They are missing. Alice ran off and Anne went to find her. I don't know where they went."

The minister looked at him and frowned. "Oh dear, they are not the type of children to worry their father like that. How long ago is this?"

Elijah nodded weakly. "I...I know. All the more reason to worry." He shrugged. "A couple of hours ago.."

"Oh..." The minister looked relieved and shook his head. "Then I'm sure it's not too bad. They'll come home soon enough, no doubt. Was there an argument?"

Elijah nodded. " I don't want to get into details but.... things were said between Anne and Alice. I hope to find them soon..."

The reverend nodded. "Anything I can do? Where is Ben now?"

Elijah shook his head as he had no idea what anyone could do. "I sent him to help me look for them. I think he said he was going to check with Maggie's."

The minister nodded. "Well, I'm about to pay a house visit. But I'll keep an eye out, and if I see them I'll bring them straight home." He pushed himself back up to his feet. "I'll drop by the Ward's in the afternoon. Hopefully the girls are found by then.