unaway would not come.

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.

"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.

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

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

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

CHAPTER XXIII

GIVEN IN TRUST

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

The speaker was Luke Robbins and the time was two days after the series of
exciting incidents recorded in the last few chapters.

"Why do you ask, Luke?" replied Ernest. "Are you tired of it?"

"Yes, lad, I want to move on."

"But what about the reward you are entitled to for the capture of John
Fox?"

"The cashier thinks I will only receive a part of it, as Fox has
escaped."

"That is unlucky. You will have to wait until the matter is decided, won't
you?"

"No. He has offered me an advance of a hundred dollars, and is authorized
to collect whatever prize money may be awarded to me. You have some money
left?"

"Yes, about seventy-five dollars."

"Then we both have enough to start on. I propose to go to California by
train, getting there as soon as possible. When we reach there we will see
what we can do to increase our pile."

"I like that plan. When shall we go?"

"We will start on Monday."

Before they departed there was some sensational news. Peter Longman, one
of the Fox band, taking offense at some slight put upon him by James Fox,
went to the authorities and revealed the existence and location of the
cave, with other information of a like nature. The result was that a
strong force was sent to surprise and capture the notorious outlaws.

The visit was