or two hours, but at length opened his eyes, expecting to
see Ernest sitting at his bedside.

He looked in vain. There was no one in the room. This did not surprise
him much, however. He thought Ernest might have gone into the next
apartment.

"Ernest!" he cried, but his call received no response.

The little boy got out of bed and looked about, but his search was
vain.

So he went into the kitchen, where he found Juba engaged in some
domestic work.

"Juba," he said, "where is Ernest."

"I don't know, chile. Isn't he in the big room?"

"No, Juba. I went to sleep, and when I woke up he was gone."

"Lor', chile, he round somewhere. You look round, and maybe you find
him."

But Frank was doomed to disappointment. He sat down ready to cry. He
felt very lonely. He had not realized how much he enjoyed Ernest's
company.

"I don't know where he can have gone, Juba. Do you think he's gone and
left me?"

"I can't tell, chile. Wait till your papa comes home. He will find
him."

Frank had to wait an hour and a half before his father's return. All
this time he was buoyed up by the hope that Ernest would come back. He
was continually watching the portal to see if the runaway would not
come, but in vain.

James Fox entered the room with grave face and heavy step. He had not
heard of his brother's escape, and thought him still an inmate of
Crampton jail.

He looked about for his young captive.

"Where is Ernest, Frank?" he asked.

"I don't know, papa. I miss him ever so much," said the little boy
tearfully.

"But he must be somewhere about. When did you miss him?"

"He went away when I was asleep."

The outlaw's suspicions were aroused.

"I will look for him," he said.

But Ernest was in none of the rooms, nor could Juba give any account
of him.

"Did you walk with him into the interior of the cave, Frank?" he
asked.

"Yes, papa."

"Ha, that explains it. Go with me, and tell me just where you went."

The little boy led the way through the vacant apartments till he
reached the one through which the light came from above.

The rope was still hanging from the projection, and this explained
Ernest's escape. James Fox went up and examined it.

"He must have got out this way," said the outlaw.

"Won't he come back, papa?" said Frank, sadly.

"Yes," said his father, resolutely. "I will bring him back."

CHAPTER XXIII.

GIVEN IN TRUST.

"Well, lad, have you had enough of Emmonsville?"

The