What hope was there that their disappearance would cause a police investigation that might, possibly, lead to their relief? Or that at least would be heralded in the papers, and so come, perhaps, to the attention of Inspector Burton, who could guess the solution?
Without a word spoken, these thoughts passed through the minds of all. They realized they were in the hands of a very shrewd scoundrel, who had foreseen the possibilities of the situation and had taken care to guard against the arousing of public suspicion over their disappearance.
There was this other phase, too, to be considered—namely, that “Black George” might vent his anger against them for their attack upon him in fiendish tortures. As Mr. Temple thought of this, he groaned aloud.
“Boys,” he said, without raising his head from his hands, “I’ve certainly gotten you into a terrible situation.”
Big Bob laid a hand on his father’s shoulder.
“Don’t take it so hard, Dad,” he said. “We aren’t dead yet.”
“No,” said Frank, his spirits rebounding, “and we are not likely to be dead, either, for some time to come. Why, Uncle George, we have bested this rascal at every turn so far. It’s true, we are his prisoners. But, without his knowing it, we already have set the machinery of the government in motion to put an end to his smuggling of Chinese coolies. And in the fight, we most certainly got the best of him and his Chinese friend.”
Mr. Temple raised his head, and looked a bit more hopeful.
“Besides,” declared Jack, “we were in some pretty tight places on the Mexican border, and yet came through with flying colors. And I’m confident we will do so again.”
Mr. Temple even essayed a trace of a smile, as he regarded the tall, handsome, curly-haired lad. Jack was a year older than Bob and, though not so stout of frame, was fully as tall. Both were an inch under six feet. And Jack, like his companions, was hard as nails.
“Why, Jack,” said Mr. Temple, “I believe you like to be in a bad hole. Actually, I believe you are enjoying yourself.”
“Bob and Jack had most of the fun on the Mexican border, flying to the Calomares ranch and rescuing Mr. Hampton, while I was left behind at the cave with nothing to do but——”
Big Bob thwacked his chum on the back resoundingly.