We turned away, for my part feeling very disconsolate, especially as now my fears seemed confirmed that my father had really left me, and hadn't merely vanished for a season. Worthing was very quiet, and I didn't break into his silence, for my mind was filled with doubt and concern for my father; and the new light thrown on his disappearance sent a sudden pain of longing to my heart. I felt very lonely and deserted, and I knew that above all things I wanted to see my father again. But spring was well advanced, and I told myself the summer would bring him. And as we walked back to the school I looked this way and that wondering if he were already lurking near at hand, waiting for a chance to speak with me. I listened, thinking at times I could hear a faint whistling from far away, but all the while I knew it was merely my own fancy shaping the sound. Still I assured myself he would be wanting me soon; and there would come a sign. Though what the sign would be I couldn't imagine. I only knew that I must be continually on the alert to catch what slightest hint he would send me, be it ever so subtle or obscure. If he wanted me I mustn't fail him; I must keep my wits bright and ready for the signal that would come. But no signal came that day; and my thoughts were suddenly whipped back to the present and the actual by Worthing saying bitterly, "So that's what you've been making of me!" I didn't understand, and said so; realizing as I turned to look concernedly into his face that he was white with anger. "House-breaker! That's it!" he exclaimed. "Why, Worthing!" I cried, not knowing what to say. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked fiercely. "Tell you?" "That your father had gone." "Why, I didn't know." "Didn't know?" "Honestly I didn't know. I thought he was coming back." "Oh, well, then," was all he replied as we entered the gates. But I could understand something of what his feelings must be. He to be ranked among the law-breakers! My conscience was made of different stuff, and for me the search had by no means ended. CHAPTER XIII TRAPPED Accordingly, when I set out again, well provided with a coil of rope concealed around me under my cloak, a stout steel hook for grappling, a lantern, and my pistol, I didn't invite Worthing to accompany me. I tried to slink away from school unobserved, but Worthing must have guessed what was brewing in my mind, and outside the school gate I came face to face with him. He gripped my hand, and looking straight into my eyes said, "Don't go, Tommy." I laughed, and shook myself free. "Don't go," he repeated. "You know now that the house isn't yours." "But the secret will soon be mine," I replied. He looked at me quietly for a moment, and said very decidedly, "Tommy, you're a fool."