Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/164

 daylight Evans, Briant, Donagan, and Gordon went out of the cave, keeping careful watch around them. As the sun rose the morning mists condensed, and the lake appeared rippled by a gentle breeze from the eastward.

All was quiet round French Den, by the side of Zealand River as well as by Trap Woods. In the enclosure the domestic animals moved about as usual, and the dog gave no sign.

Evans looked on the ground for footprints, and he found many, particularly near French Den. They crossed each other in many directions, and showed that during the night Walston and his mates must have reached the river bank, and waited till the cave door was opened for them.

There was no trace of blood on the sand — a proof that Rock had not even been wounded.

But one question remained unanswered. Had Walston come by the south of the lake or by the north? If the latter were the case, Rock must have fled towards Trap Woods.

As it was important to clear this up, it was decided to question Forbes. Would gratitude to Kate, who had saved his life, awaken any feeling of humanity within him? Would he forget that he had begged hospitality from those whom he intended to betray? Evans went back into the cave, opened the door of the upboard where Forbes was confined, undid his bandages, and brought him into the hall.

"Forbes," said Evans, "your stratagem has not succeeded. It is important that I should know what are Walston's plans as far as you know. Will you answer?"