“You can see for yourself, Huga,” a voice which Ned recognized as that of Toombs, was saying, “that the boy is not here.”
“But I am certain I heard footsteps running in this direction when I stood in the darkness before you men came in!” Huga answered. “He must be in this chamber somewhere.”
“Look for yourself!” Toombs advised crossly.
“Isn’t there some hiding place in the walls?” asked Huga.
Ned nudged Jimmie as they heard this, and both moved farther back in the hiding place. It will be understood how intently they listened for the next sentence.
“You ought to know that,” Toombs answered; “you are supposed to know all about this old mission, while I am fresh from Wall street.”
“I have never heard of any secret passage or room in this part of the excavation,” the half-breed replied.
“Then stop arguing that the boy is here!” roared Toombs.
Huga made no reply, but the boys heard him poking about in the fireplace. Presently a light flashed into the chimney.
“He’s after us now all right!” whispered Jimmie.