Finally they met again in the yard . `` It 's a most mysterious thing , '' groaned Marilla . `` Where can she be ? '' said Anne miserably `` Maybe she 's tumbled into the well , '' suggested Davy cheerfully . Anne and Marilla looked fearfully into each other 's eyes . The thought had been with them both through their entire search but neither had dared to put it into words . `` She ... she might have , '' whispered Marilla . Anne , feeling faint and sick , went to the wellbox and peered over . The bucket sat on the shelf inside . Far down below was a tiny glimmer of still water . The Cuthbert well was the deepest in Avonlea . If Dora ... but Anne could not face the idea . She shuddered and turned away . `` Run across for Mr. Harrison , '' said Marilla , wringing her hands . `` Mr. Harrison and John Henry are both away ... they went to town today . I 'll go for Mr. Barry . '' Mr. Barry came back with Anne , carrying a coil of rope to which was attached a claw-like instrument that had been the business end of a grubbing fork . Marilla and Anne stood by , cold and shaken with horror and dread , while Mr. Barry dragged the well , and Davy , astride the gate , watched the group with a face indicative of huge enjoyment . Finally Mr. Barry shook his head , with a relieved air . `` She ca n't be down there .
It 's a mighty curious thing where she could have got XXXXX , though .
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