"Yes, and I am still. He's a tip-top fellow, Frank is."
"I am sorry, then, to be the bearer of sad tidings."
"What do you mean?" asked Jonathan, quickly. "Don't say anything has happened to the boy."
"But there has. He fell over a cliff, and though his body has not been found, he was probably killed instantly."
"Who was with him when he fell?" asked Mr. Tarbox, excited.
"His guardian, Mr. Sharpley. The two had wandered off by themselves, without a guide. Frank approached too near the edge of the cliff, lost his balance, and fell."
"That confounded skunk pushed him over!" exclaimed Mr. Tarbox, in high excitement.
"You don't mean Colonel Sharpley?" exclaimed Mr. Abercrombie, in surprise.
"Yes, I do. I followed them from Paris, because I was afraid of it."