There were no further interruptions during the unfoldment of the crowded hours of the Flying Buddies until the final flight for the British barracks. There was a general sigh of relief and a smile when the men listened to that part in which the lads had discovered that they had made a circle in their wanderings and had returned to their starting point. Numerous pipes had been lighted and permitted to go out during the recital, and when Jim finished, Captain Seaman struck his tenth match and puffed vigorously. Only the doctor and his adopted son did not soothe tensed nerves with the narcotic. The room was as still as if it were empty when the boy’s voice ceased, but finally Bradshaw broke the silence.
“There would have been a howl which could have been heard from Chili to Quebec if some of the pilots had discovered you lost within a few yards of the plane,” he grinned.
“Surely would,” Jim admitted.
“Will you send to search for Mills?” Bob asked their host, but before the captain could answer, Donald spoke.
“It will be as well, if I may be allowed to express an opinion, to let him remain as he is for the present.”
“Until the last butterfly passes?” asked the doctor.
“Yes sir, until the last butterfly passes,” the lad replied.
“He might injure himself or starve,” Seaman objected, but he made no move to start the search.
“He will not starve, for the forest is full of berries, larger fruits and roots upon which he will learn to sustain himself. He found a fire lighted and will probably have sense enough to keep it going. Even if he doesn’t, he need not suffer. The ruin has many nooks in which he can protect himself from cold or storms if it is necessary—”
“But snakes, or wild animals—” Bob protested.