"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, after a good many years, 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. His brother was not with him. CHAPTER XX. ERNEST EXPLORES THE CAVE. James Fox had very little to say during the evening. He was evidently preoccupied and anxious. He paid scant attention to the boys, but left them to their own devices. 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 your self," answered the outlaw. He directed the boys to go to bed early. As before, they slept together, and he threw him self 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, he said." "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." "At any rate, I am not old enough." 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 should like it," answered Frank, thoughtfully. "But papa does not want me to go. I don't know why. Do many little boys live in caves like me?" "No; I don't think so." "Can they walk about in the sunshine, and play?" "I always did." "Do you like it better than living here?" "Yes." "Then what made you come here?" This was an embarrassing question, and Ernest felt that he must be careful in answering. "Your papa wanted me to make you a visit," he replied after a pause. "And I am glad you came. It isn't so lonely for me. Before, I had only Juba." "Wouldn't she play with you?" asked Ernest with a smile. Frank laughed merrily. "Juba is too old to play. I hope you will stay with me a good while."