"Let's have it," said Hank, stoutly. "Neither me nor Mr. Willett is skeered to hear the worst."
"Jest so," said Collins, "and so we thought we'd better give you the news and let you break it to him."
"What news?" asked Hank.
"Why the news that's come from Gold Cave Camp."
"Wa'al, let's have it."
"You know, Hank, we sent a messenger to Gold Cave Camp when we found the storm was onto us, and Mr. Willett's son hadn't showed up with that paper."
"Yes, I heard of that, Collins."
"Wa'al, the man's back——"
"And the boy—Sam Willett?" cried Hank.
"Couldn't be found," stammered Collins.