“We can find them. Look, here’s my idea. We go in together. At night. You drop me. I locate Charlie and the kids, then I make a signal on the shortwave transmitter, and bang, you come, pick us up, and all’s well.”
Jack didn’t answer at once. He was considering Muscles’ idea. “You make it sound so easy. But I don’t know. Give me a little time to think it over.”
“We can take off at dusk tonight.”
“I haven’t said we would yet, Muscles. I’ll let you know.”
Muscles glowered at Jack and pounded one huge fist into the palm of his other hamlike hand.
Biff didn’t hesitate. This was real trouble. If he didn’t get to his friend at once, Chuba might go under for good. Finding him beneath the surface of the muddy river would be impossible. Biff’s body split the air as he dived toward the sinking Chuba. Powerful strokes of his arms pulled Biff swiftly through the water. He reached Chuba.
“Take it easy. Take it easy, Chuba. I’ve got you. You’ll be all right. Don’t fight me.”
Biff crooked his left arm around Chuba’s neck.
“Just lie on your back, Chuba. I’ll do the rest.”
At Biff’s words Chuba stopped thrashing. He forced himself to relax, buoyed both in body and spirit by the firmness of Biff’s arm.