"Dave," said he, "look here. I'm getting desperate. I've a great mind to go down the ladder as quietly as possible, and then run for it."
"No, don't—don't," cried David, earnestly.
"Well, I'm not going to stay here and starve to death," said Clive.
"Pooh! don't be impatient," said David. "Of course they'll hunt us up, and rescue us. Only wait a little longer."
"Well, I don't know. If they don't come soon, I'll certainly venture down."
After an hour or so, during which no help came, Clive did as he said, and, in spite of David's remonstrances, ventured down. He went about half way. Then there was a noise of so peculiar a character that he suddenly retreated up again, and remarked to David, who all the time had been watching him in intense anxiety, and begging him to come back,—
"Well, Dave, perhaps I'd better wait They ought to be here before long."
So the two prisoners waited.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Despair of Uncle Moses.—Frank and Bob endeavor to offer Consolation.—The Search.—The Discovery at the Convent.—The Guide.—The old House.—The Captives.—The Alarm given.—Flight of Uncle Moses and his Party.—Albans! to the Rescue!—The Delivering Host!