“That’s right,” assented Whalen.
Then Tom realized that he and his companions had been spied upon, just as Jack had so strangely suspected. They had also been followed, it was evident, for the men knew of the movements of himself and his chums.
“I meant grub for all of us,” went on Murker. “I’m a bit hungry myself, and it’s about time for dinner.”
“All right—get what you want,” assented Skeel. “And give him some. One of you can sit by him, and take off the ropes while he eats. But watch him—he’s like a cat—quick!”
Tom felt like smiling at this tribute to his prowess, but he refrained. It was no time for laughter.
“I’ve got a bit of writing to do,” Skeel went on. “You fellows can eat if you like. I’ll take mine later.”
“All right,” assented Whalen. “But what about—well, you know what I mean,” and he rubbed his fingers together to indicate money.
“I’ll attend to that,” said Skeel, a bit stiffly. “You mind your own affairs!”
“Oh, no offense!” said Whalen, quickly. “I only wanted to know.”