A TREACHEROUS PLOT.
In the Rock House one day was just like another. The time dragged slowly by. It was a period of indescribable misery and monotony to Brick and Hamp. When they were able to forget Jerry’s fate they were tormented by fear for their own.
Nearly a week passed. Then, at sunset on a Wednesday evening, Raikes returned. Bogle, Sparwick, and the boys were squatted on the ground about the fire, eating supper.
Raikes responded to their greeting, and sat down beside them. His face told nothing, but there was a subdued twinkle of satisfaction in his eyes.
“Fill my plate, Sparwick,” he said, “and give me a cup of coffee. I’m hungry as a bear.”
“How far have you come?” asked Bogle.
“From Wytopitlock,” was the reply. “It’s a little station on the Canadian Pacific, a few miles east of Kingman.”
Brick was unable to hold in any longer.
“Is it all right?” he exclaimed, eagerly. “Have you got the money? Are you going to let us go now?”
Raikes did not reply. Instead, a bewildered look flashed across his face. He had just discovered Jerry’s absence.