“I saw him walking towards yonder cliff last,” said Sam. “But that was some time ago.”
“Hullo, Mark!” cried Frank. “Where are you?”
No answer came back, and the cry was repeated by Darry and Sam. Then the professor shouted, with all the strength of his lungs. Still there was no reply.
“This is very strange,” observed the professor, with a serious look on his face. “I trust he hasn’t gotten into any trouble. You are sure you saw him going toward the cliff, Winthrop?”
“Yes, sir, directly after Frank went to sleep.”
“I’ll go over and take a look around.”
“Let me go with you, please,” said Frank, and he followed and so did Sam and Darry. Hockley sat down on the railroad embankment to await their return.
Sam pointed out the spot where he had last seen Mark and it did not take the crowd long to reach that vicinity. All looked around anxiously.
“He isn’t here, that’s sure,” said Professor Strong. “It’s a mystery what became of him.”
“Perhaps he fell over into the bushes below,” suggested Darry.