ortions, particularly those
relating to Topsy. Both Frank and Juba were very much entertained.

"Did you know Topsy, Juba?" asked Frank.

"No, chile, never knowed Topsy. She must have been a no-account young
nigga. If she'd lived on our plantation she'd have got flogged for her
impudence."

"How did you come here, Juba?" asked Frank.

"One of them officers took me to Chicago. I lived out with a lady, but
when she died, I went to a 'telligence office and there I met your papa.
He brought me out here. I didn't at first like livin' down under the
ground, but I don't mind it now. Massa Fox treats me well, and I ain't no
wish to change."

This was the substance of what Juba had to communicate. The rest of the
day passed quietly. At nightfall James Fox came home, looking very sober.
But he came alone.

CHAPTER XX

ERNEST EXPLORES THE CAVE

James Fox had very little to say during the evening. He was evidently
preoccupied and anxious and paid scant attention to the boys.

Frank knew so little of his father's business or occupation that he could
conceive of no cause for worriment. When his advances met with little
response he asked: "Have you got a headache, papa?"

"No--yes, child. My head troubles me some. Be as quiet as you can."

"Will it disturb you if I play checkers with Ernest, papa?"

"No, I should like to have you amuse yourself," answered the outlaw.

He directed the boys to go to bed early. They slept together and he threw
himself on the lounge without taking off his clothes.

Ernest slept well. When he woke up at eight o'clock he saw that Frank was
still sleeping, but his host was already up.

Juba came into the room.

"Get up, children," she said. "Breakfast is ready."

"Where is papa?" asked Frank.

"He took breakfast an hour ago, honey."

"What made him get up so early?"

"'Portant business called him away."

"Where's Uncle John?"

"He hasn't been home."

"Has he got 'portant business too?"

"'Specs he has, honey."

"It doesn't seem nice to take breakfast without papa," said the little
boy.

"You may consider me your papa, Frank," observed Ernest.

"But you're not big enough to be a papa."

When breakfast was over there was the long day before them to be filled up
in some way.

"Don't you ever wish to go out of the cave, Frank?" asked Ernest.

"Where?" asked the little boy.

"Into the bright sunshine, out on the green grass and under the trees."

"Yes, I think I