Diamond longed to shake Frank’s hand, but he knew Merry would not like a scene, and so he refrained.
Hans Dunnerwust had not said a word, but his appearance seemed to indicate that he fully realized the danger Frank was going into.
With the utmost deliberation, Merriwell started out upon the jam, springing lightly from log to log, despite the heavy boots.
The crowd on shore watched him in silence.
Twice Frank, stopped to examine the formation of the jam, and Sullivan, unable to keep still longer, sneered:
“He’s tryin’ ter make somebody believe he knows somethin’ about it. It’s more’n even chances he’ll cut one of his own feet open with that ax ther fust clip.”
“He’ll break that jam, whether he ever reaches shore or not,” said Jack Diamond, savagely.
“Rot!” grunted Sullivan.
At last Frank stopped. He did not begin chopping at once, but again he seemed to be examining the formation of the jam. Then he surveyed the distance to the shore.
“Bah!” muttered the foreman. “He’s goin’ ter back out!”