ented us
from seeing you."

"I suppose so."

"But why didn't you answer? Davis called to you more than twenty
times."

"I was stunned, and I did not hear him at first. When I did hear, it
was impossible for me to answer, although I tried to do so."

"And we went away and left you there."

"Yes."

"How did you get off the ledge?"

"My strength came to me swiftly when I realized my position. As soon
as possible, realizing I was alone, I sought a way to get to the top of
the bluff. I was successful, for I found some clefts in the rock for
my feet, and, aided by the vines, I climbed up. Then I lost little
time in getting into camp, for I didn't know what sort of a report you
fellows would bring. I did not expect to reach camp ahead of you, but
it seems that I did, although I had not been in the tent two minutes
when you showed up."

Up to this moment Hodge had held off, as if not quite able to believe
it possible Frank had escaped. Now, with a cry of joy, he sprang
forward and embraced his comrade.

"This is the happiest moment of my life, Frank!" he declared, with
tears of joy in his eyes. "Why, I was about to report you as dead, and
start out an expedition to search for your body! I couldn't have felt
so bad had you been my own brother. Davis is distracted. He has
charged Bascomb with murder, and swears he will stick to it in court.
Mulloy was also inclined to look on it as a case of murder, and Bascomb
became so scared that he ran away while we were returning to camp.
Reynolds said Bascomb swore he was going to commit suicide."

Frank straightened up quickly.

"Look here, Hodge," he said, "you must act, and you must act swiftly.
I do not want to go to Lieutenant Gordan in this condition; but you
must go to him, and tell him that Bascomb seems to be out of his head
and has run away, threatening to kill himself. The lieutenant will be
sure to send out a detachment to search for the poor fellow. If you
see Mulloy, tell him I am all right, and get him to keep Davis still.
The plebe mustn't blow the story all over camp. Let everybody know I
am all right. As soon as I can soak this red pepper out of my eyes,
I'll be ready to help in the search for Bascomb, if I am needed. Go
quickly!"

"All right; I'm off."

Hodge darted out of the tent, and Frank wrapped another wet towel about
his head and eyes.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

BABY'S HEROISM--CONCLUSION.

All night the search for Bascomb conti