A Cousin's Conspiracy Part 33

"I saw you just now coming out of some opening in the earth."

This alarmed Ernest. He felt that he might be called upon to explain where he had been.

"Who is this man?" he asked himself. "Is he one who is likely to be in the confidence of the outlaws? If so I have only got out of one sc.r.a.pe to fall into another."

He studied the face of the man with whom he was speaking and to his dismay noted a resemblance to James Fox. He began to suspect that this was his brother.

Whether it was or not Ernest deemed it politic to say as little as possible of his experiences and of what he knew about the cave and its occupants.

"Yes," he answered quietly; "there seems to be a cave underneath. I found the trap-door open and went down, but I regretted it, for I found it difficult to get out again."

His new acquaintance eyed him scrutinizingly, as if to see whether he knew more than he was willing to reveal.

"So there is a cave underneath?" he said.

"Yes."

"Have you any idea what it is used for?"

"I don't think it is used at all. The room below seems empty."

The man regarded him fixedly.

"When did you leave Emmonsville?" he asked abruptly.

"Yesterday," answered Ernest in some confusion.

"How does it happen that you have got no farther on your way to Lee's Falls?"

"I stopped at the cabin of an Indian," answered Ernest, making the only explanation he could think of.

The man smiled.

"Young man," he said, "didn't you pa.s.s last night in this cave?"

Ernest saw that there was no further chance for subterfuge.

"Yes," he answered.

"I thought so."

"You were captured?" the other went on.

"Yes."

"Have you any suspicion by whom this cave is occupied?"

"I presume by the Fox brothers."

"Correct. I am one of them."

"I began to think so."

"How were you able to escape?"

"I was left with the little boy. He fell asleep and then I began to explore."

"Where is my brother?"

"He went out quite early, I presume in search of you."

"Exactly. I suppose my brother heard that I was in trouble?"

"Yes."

"By the way, the Quaker detective through whom I got into difficulty you doubtless know?"

"I do."

"I was put into jail at Crampton, but I managed to effect my escape. Are you connected in any way with the Emmonsville bank?"

"Yes."

"In what way?"

"As bank messenger."

"Did my brother take anything from you?"

"Yes."

"Money?"

"No, bonds."

"You are a sensible boy. You answer my questions freely. You are a smart boy, too. It isn't every lad of your age who would have managed to effect an escape from the cave. Do you remember the entrance?"

"No; I was carried into it blindfolded."

"I thought my brother would be prudent. So you couldn't find it again."

"No, I don't think so."

"Still I cannot run any risk. You will have to come with me."

"Where do you want to carry me?" asked Ernest, much disturbed.

"I will carry you back to the cave."