When Ernest awoke the next morning Frank was still asleep on the bed beside him. In the large room adjoining, James Fox lay on the lounge. He had given up his bed to Ernest. He had not himself undressed, but had thrown himself on the couch in his ordinary clothes.
Breakfast was ready by the time they were, and the three sat down together.
“Where is Uncle John, papa?” asked Frank.
“He has not returned, Frank,” said James Fox, soberly.
“What made him stay away all night?”
“Probably it was business,” answered the outlaw, but Ernest noticed that he looked disturbed.
In truth he had been out till two o’clock seeking for his brother, who he feared had got into trouble. We know that he was in the prison at Crampton, whither he had been conveyed by Luke Robbins and Ezekiel Mason. Of course it was in the mind of James Fox that his brother might have been arrested, since this was a risk which he daily incurred.
Just as breakfast was over there was a new arrival. It was a tall, stalwart fellow whom James Fox addressed as Hugh.
“Do you bring any news, Hugh?” asked the outlaw eagerly.
“Yes,” answered Hugh Humphries.