“It’s a risk that must be taken,” Mr. Livingston said. “Mrs. Rhodes will be carrying the emerald—and that might be quite an attraction. Just be cautious.”
“We will,” War promised soberly. “All the same, I’d feel better if the rest of you were going along.”
The Scouts ate the tasty supper Jack had prepared. After the camp work had been done, they wandered down to the river to inspect the new bridge. On the way back, as a gesture of courtesy, they stopped briefly at the cottage to discuss the next morning’s departure with Rhodes.
“My wife will be ready by seven o’clock,” the engineer curtly informed them. “You’ll all be leaving, I assume?”
“No, only War and Willie,” Mr. Livingston told him. “The rest of us are sticking around for a few days.”
Rhodes made no attempt to hide his displeasure. “You can do nothing here,” he said shortly. “I’ve told you, if a ransom demand is made, I’ll refer it to the company.”
“We’ll feel better by staying.”
“Suit yourself,” Rhodes gave in. “It’s useless though.”
Back in the Scout camp once more, the Explorers began to get ready for bed. War and Willie made a last check of their belongings to be certain that everything was in readiness for the early morning departure.
By nine o’clock, everyone had turned in for the night. Jack, however, could not get to sleep. He rolled and tossed, and finally arose and dressed.