The elder Hamilton was sure that he was on his way to where the colored youth was a prisoner. And it was because of that confidence that he sent Harvey on his wild-goose chase.
“He won’t get near Bunk. If he does, the wild man may drop down on both and raise the dickens with them. I should like to see him try it with me. I told Harv that I knew the section where I had seen him come down in his monoplane more than once, but I didn’t tell him that I know pretty nearly the exact spot. If the court knows herself and she thinks she do, that spot is whither my footsteps are now tending.”
It came about that the paths pursued by the brothers diverged more than the younger suspected. Instead of leading to points a fourth of a mile apart, the distance between them was fully double that.
“Now I shouldn’t mind if the Professor arrived just behind me and tried to butt in. If he does I’ll make things lively for him. I haven’t had any special exercise since my boxing bout with big Burt Thompson and I should like to have a little fun with a full-grown man.”
From which it will appear that the elder Hamilton held views which, to say the least, would have surprised his brother.
To Dick all seemed plain sailing, but such did not prove the fact. Having his destination clearly in mind he went straight to it. The place was similar in several respects to that visited by Harvey; but after a little search among the rocks, he came upon a cavern, which extended twenty feet back, with half that width and height, and the entire front open. It would serve well as a shelter during a storm but a fire would become necessary in cold weather.
One comprehensive glance showed that some one had occupied this primitive retreat during the past few days. The flinty floor was strewn with bones, bits of dry bread, pieces of paper that had evidently served for wrapping, bottles, and other debris which suggested that a party of picnickers had recently made use of it. At the rear was a single rumpled blanket that no doubt had served for a bed.
“This is Bunk’s home,” was the conclusion of the visitor, after his survey. “The Professor has warned him not to wander off, and keeps him supplied with the necessaries of life, which, knowing Bunk’s appetite as I do, is no small job.”
So much being conceded, Dick looked around for the occupant, satisfied that he must be near. Not seeing him, he raised his voice, as his brother did some time later at the other place.
“Come here, Bunk!” he called; “come a-running too, for if you don’t I’ll lambaste you out of your three and a half senses!”