little harder on the pipe, the glow in the
bowl revealed the tip of his nose, a part of the painted forehead, and
the glittering black eyes. It was a gruesome picture, for, even when he
was invisible, it seemed to Fred he could see the gleam of those eyes
fixed upon him.

"Now, I know he hates me beyond expression," mused the youth, "and
nothing would delight him more than to torture me to death. If he agrees
to give me my liberty, it will be just like him to kill me as soon as he
gets the money which father will gladly pay for my safety."

It will be seen that the trend of Fred's thoughts was similar to those
of Hank Hazletine, when considering the same matter. Whatever project
might be in the minds of others, the youth would be in danger so long as
he was in the power of the wretch whom he had unpardonably insulted.

Naturally, Fred had asked himself more than once whether it was possible
for him to make his escape from the cavern. It was out of the question
so long as the Sioux was his companion, but if he should leave him
alone, even for a short time, the youth was resolved to make the
attempt.

These and similar thoughts were chasing one another through his brain
when he fell asleep. He was very tired from his long tramp and did not
open his eyes until the faint light of morning penetrated his prison. He
had not forgotten to wind his watch, and when he looked at it he saw to
his astonishment that it was nearly eight o'clock. He had slept for more
than ten hours.

The next cause of his surprise was to find he was alone. Motoza had left
while he was asleep, though how long previous it was impossible to
guess. But the hunger which Fred Greenwood had felt on more than one
previous occasion was as naught compared to the ravenous appetite that
now had possession of him. It was a long time since he had eaten, and it
looked as if it would be a long time before he ate again. There was
absolutely nothing in the cavern beside himself. He felt in his pockets
in the weak hope of finding a forgotten fish-hook that could be used,
though he possessed nothing in the nature of bait; but, inasmuch as he
had not brought a hook with him, it would not do to say he succeeded in
his search, though he displaced the piece of writing-paper afterward
found by his friend.

Forcing all thought of food from him for the time, he asked why, now
that his gaoler was absent, he should not pick his way down the canyon
and make a break for liber