“Is there anything we ought to take along with us besides our guns, and some grub, enough for several meals, because we won’t have any time for hunting?” asked Thad.
“Nawthin’ as I knows on; I’m makin’ sure to kerry ther life preserver,” and as he said these mysterious words, Jim pressed his hand against his breast, where in an inner pocket something undoubtedly snuggled unseen; but somehow Thad never once dreamed that the guide could refer to a pocket flask, because he happened to know Jim did not drink.
However, Thad did not bother about trying to fathom Jim’s little secret. He fancied that it would all be made plain shortly; certainly when they happened upon the stern old man who was day after day cheating himself out of happiness, by refusing to let bygones be bygones, and accept things as they were.
Of course the balance of the Silver Fox Patrol showed great interest when they heard what was the plan. Thad could read a trace of disappointment on more faces than one when he announced that he meant to go alone with Jim. A larger detachment would do more harm than good, since Old Cale might be angry at having his solitude invaded by a party that Jim was piloting through the piney woods. And besides, Allan was needed to take charge of the camp while the leader was away, Step Hen had had his outing in the company of Thad, himself; Bumpus and Giraffe were fairly saturated with adventure, and still feeling the effects of their experience; while Davy was needed in camp, and complaining of a lame foot besides.
So within the hour that had been set for the start, Thad and Jim left camp, with many hearty wishes for their success.
“Be sure and tell us all about it when you get back!” called Bumpus; for some of the boys scented a little romance back of Jim’s queer actions, and knew more or less about his relations with the giant father of his little wife.
“And look sharp for forest fires, because, seems to me I smelled smoke in the air a little while ago!” were the last words from Allan, who, being a Maine boy, knew what such a thing meant.
Thad glanced sharply at Jim.
“Do you imagine we’ll stack up against anything like that, Jim?” he asked.
“Thet’s hard tew say,” replied the guide. “At this time o’ year, an’ with ther woods as dry as they be, anything is possible, I’d say. I don’t smell smoke right naow, but then ther wind mout a changed sense Allan sez he did.”