“We will go back. I have found you and have no more to do here.”
“Shall we walk?”
“No, it is too far. There is a stable a little way from here; I will hire a conveyance and our Indian friend will perhaps be willing to drive us over.”
The Indian expressed his willingness, and the three were soon on their way through the woods. They met with no adventure, nor did they fear any, for it would have required a brave man to attack two such stalwart men as the Indian and the Quaker detective.
Leaving them for the present, we will go back to the cave from which Ernest had made so unceremonious a departure.
Frank slept for two hours, but at length opened his eyes, expecting to see Ernest sitting at his bedside.
He looked in vain. There was no one in the room. This did not surprise him much, however. He thought Ernest might have gone into the next apartment.
“Ernest!” he cried, but his call received no response.
The little boy got out of bed and looked about, but his search was vain.
So he went into the kitchen, where he found Juba engaged in some domestic work.