"And I'll go with him," declared Hibbert, jumping up. "Cheer up, my old friend, and we'll find out all the facts that there are to be learned. We'll be back here as speedily as possible."
The hours passed—-hours of rain at the camp. It was a deluge that kept all hands in the tent, though even that place was wet. A pretense of supper was prepared over two oil stoves. Mr. Page made an effort to eat, but was not highly successful.
The hours dragged on, but none thought of going to bed. At last quick steps were heard outside.
"That must be Colquitt and Hibbert!" cried Mr. Page, starting up, trembling, though he soon recovered his self-control.
"Don't go out in the rain. Wait for another moment, sir," begged
Dick, placing a hand on the man's shoulder.
"Do you think I could wait another minute?" demanded Mr. Page excitedly. Then he darted out into the downpour.
"Hibbert, is that you?" he screamed.
CHAPTER XIX
SEEN IN A NEW, WORSE LIGHT
"It's Hibbert," was the reply from the darkness.