But Raikes was merely feigning slumber. From time to time his eyes opened, and shot a stealthy glance about the cave. At the end of an hour he sat cautiously up. He bent over the boys, and looked into Sparwick’s face. The latter was certainly sound asleep. His eyes were closed, and his breath came deep and regular.
Raikes did not relax his scrutiny for nearly five minutes. Then he was satisfied beyond a doubt. He now bent in the other direction, and softly touched Bogle’s face.
“Are you awake, Joe?” he whispered.
“Yes,” was the reply. “I’ve been keeping awake on purpose. I thought you had something to tell me.”
“Well, I have. I didn’t get a chance all evening. I’ve got to be brief, so pay close attention.”
“Hold on,” whispered Bogle. “Is Sparwick sound asleep?”
“Sound as a rock,” assured Raikes.
“Then, let’s creep over to the fireplace, and talk there,” added Bogle.
“No; he might get awake, and find us gone. Then he would be sure to suspect something.”