And thus Fritz entered into a five-thousand-dollar chase, which was destined to lead him into more adventures than he had yet experienced. CHAPTER III. THE BLUFF HOUSE. In due time they arrived at the cave, where the ceremony of the previous night had taken place, but a thorough search of the cavernous wash-out failed to yield any tidings of the romantic lovers. "Pshaw! there's no use of further search in this direction; they have long ere this set out for some other portion of the country, and we are wasting time in tarrying here." "Mebbe dot ish so, but I dink dey vas go on up der coast, instead off cum pack by Atlantic City." "Not impossible. In that case, it will be our best lead to go back to Atlantic, take the cars to Philadelphia, and strike for some sea-coast point ahead of them." "Dot vould pe a purty good idea vor you, but I t'ink better I remain on der coast stardting vrom here, und follow der trail in der rear. I'll bet a half-dollar I find 'em first, afore you do." "Very well. It shall be as you deem best. I will leave you here and join you, or rather be there to meet you, when you reach Long Branch. If nothing results in our favor by that time I'll decide what is the next best course to pursue. Here is a hundred dollars, toward defraying your expenses. If you need more, telegraph to Jim Thornton at the Chalfonte, Long Branch, and I'll remit." And placing the sum of money in Fritz's possession, he soon after took his departure. After he had gone, Fritz sat down on a rock in the mouth of the cave, which overlooked the ocean, and gazed thoughtfully out upon the sunlit waters. "Vel, here I vas--but der next question ish, vere vas I?" he soliloquized. "I haff undertaken a job mitout any bases vor a start-off. I kinder vish Rebecca vas here, too--but ash vishin' don'd vas do some good, pizness is der next consideration." Night was not far distant, but he resolved to continue on up the coast in hopes of finding a fisherman's house, where he could obtain food and lodging. He accordingly left the cave and continued his journey. He soon came to a level stretch of beach again, and followed its northward course for a number of miles--until sunset, when he found himself as far from any human habitation as he had in the start. He accordingly sought a grassy spot, back from the beach, and lay down to rest. Arising early the next morning, he struck out once more on his journey, feeling decidedly anxious to find some kind of a human habitation, as he was very hungry. He soon spied a farm-house, inland from the beach, and made for it in double-quick time. A gruff-looking man sat upon the front veranda, as he entered the well-kept yard, and eyed him with an expression of suspicion. "Well, what d'ye want, young man?" he demanded, sourly. "Grub--somedings to eat," Fritz replied, spiritedly. "I vas hungry like ash a sucker after a hard winter."