Perhaps the very ground which was drinking up the life blood of Alice had absorbed that of her brother.
Not being able to carry the body to the city for interment, and not liking to leave it to the mercy of the wolves, Tommy tore down some of the stones. Reverently lifting the body, he placed it in the center of the heap, and covered it again with the biggest stones his strength would permit him to lift.
Then the brother and sister were buried in one rude grave.
"Poor Alice!" said Tommy. "God bless her!"
His first impulse was to return to the cave and carry to his mother the melancholy news of Alice's death.
She had already been informed of the decease of Harold, and had grieved much in consequence; but come to think of it, he felt a conviction that she would like him, if possible, to save Smithers from the impending arrest.
Following out this train of thought Tommy turned round again and walked toward Silver City. It was quite late in the day when he arrived there, but he soon found Mr. Smithers, and told him all the sad news.
"But this is not all," said Tommy. "You are in danger of——"
"Of what?"
"Arrest. The detective, Berghausen, is in this city looking for you, and you may expect him here at any moment. Your only safety is instant flight."