"Yes."
They started, Burdoch watching Hawk closely, ready at the slightest sign of treachery to shoot him.
But Hawk had made up his mind to deceive him if he could. He did not dare to resort to violence in the case of a man so strong and determined as Joshua Burdoch. They descended to the bottom of the mine, and the party got out.
"Now," said Hawk, waving his hand, "you are at liberty to search for yourself, and if you can find the boy, do so!"
Burdoch and his friend went about the mine, peering everywhere, but no trace of Gerald's presence could be found.
Burdoch became uneasy and discouraged. He had no confidence in the superintendent. He felt convinced that he was being deceived, but how could he prove it?
"Well," said Hawk, who had not accompanied them, "have you found him?"
There was a triumphant smile on his face, which excited Burdoch's suspicions.
"Not yet," he answered, briefly.
"Oh, well, you can continue your search," and he walked away.