“Juba,” he said, “where is Ernest?”
“I don’t know, chile. Isn’t he in the big room?”
“No, Juba. I went to sleep and when I woke up he was gone.”
“You look round and maybe you find him.”
But Frank was doomed to disappointment. He sat down ready to cry. He felt very lonely. He had not realized how much he enjoyed Ernest’s company.
“I don’t know where he can have gone, Juba. Do you think he’s gone and left me?”
“I can’t tell, chile. Wait till your papa comes home. He will find him.”
Frank had to wait an hour and a half before his father’s return. All this time he was buoyed up by the hope that Ernest would come back. He was continually watching the portal to see if the runaway would not come.
James Fox entered the room with grave face and heavy step. He had not heard of his brother’s escape and thought him still an inmate of Crampton jail.
He looked about for his young captive.