“Bomba was a fool,” he told himself, as he hurried forward.
He gave the loud halloo with which he was accustomed to announce his coming. Usually this brought either Casson or Pipina to the door at once.
This time his call evoked no answer. No figure appeared at the doorway, nor could he hear any stirring within.
He called again, this time in louder tones. But again there came no answer.
His uneasiness returning at this unusual circumstance, he hastily ran up to the hut.
The door stood open and a hurried glance into the outer room showed that it was empty.
He rushed in and examined the farther room. No one was there.
“Casson!” he called in a frenzy of anxiety. “Casson! Pipina! Where are you?”
His only answer was the echo of his voice.
Casson was gone! Pipina was gone!