"Yes," said Baptiste, "but we shall need to go a long distance around."
"I am ready to go, for one," said Mr. Abercrombie. "Will you go, Mr. Sharpley?"
"I do not feel equal to the exertion. I am too agitated."
Glances of pity were directed toward him.
"Baptiste," said Abercrombie, "if you will guide me, and any one else who chooses to join the expedition, I will pay you double price."
"Monsieur," said Baptiste, who had feelings, though not indifferent to money, "I will guide you for nothing, out of regard for the poor boy."
"You are an honest fellow," said Mr. Abercrombie, grasping his hand warmly. "You shall not lose by it."
"No, my son. The exertion will be too great for you. Go home with the rest of the party."
In silence the party returned to the Hotel du Glacier. Most were appalled by the sad fate of Frank Hunter, but Sharpley was moved by another feeling. There was not much chance of Frank's being found alive, or in a condition to expose his murderous attempt, but, of course, there was a slight possibility. While that existed he felt ill at ease. He would gladly have left the place at once, but this he could not do without exciting suspicion. He must wait till the return of the party.
It was not till nightfall that the party were seen returning. Sharpley waited for their report in great suspense.
"Have you found him?" he demanded, pale with excitement.
He gave a sigh of quiet relief, which was interpreted to be a sigh of sorrow. "I thought you would not," he said.
"I must go to America," he said, "to tell Frank's mother the terrible truth. I cannot trust it to a letter."
"But suppose the body is found," said Baptiste.
"Bury it decently and write instantly to me, and I will transmit the necessary sum. Or, hold, here are a hundred and fifty francs. If he is not found, keep them yourself."
An hour later he was on his way to Paris.
"So this is the Hotel de Bugs," said Jonathan Tarbox, as, carpet-bag in hand, he approached, with long strides, the well-known Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. "It looks like a nice sort of a hotel. I wonder if Frank and that rascally humbug are stoppin' here. I'd give twenty-five cents to see that boy's face. Strange what a fancy I've took to him. He's a reg'lar gentleman; as quick and sharp as a steel-trap."