The miner having made his reply, turned on his heel, still smoking his pipe, and coolly walked away, while Tim O'Rooney gazed after him in amazement. The boys were amused spectators of the scene, and Elwood now called out.
"Come, Tim, don't wait! We shall meet somebody else before long; and as you have just had a good smoking spell, you can certainly wait a while."
"Yes," added Howard, "no good can come of waiting; so jump in and let's be off."
The Irishman obeyed like a child which hardly understood what was required of it, and taking his seat said never a word.
"Let me alternate with you for a while," said Howard to his cousin, "you have worked quite a while with the paddle."
"I am not tired, but if you are eager to try your skill I won't object."
The boys changed places, and while Howard gave his exclusive attention to the management of the canoe, Elwood devoid himself to consoling Tim O'Rooney in the most serio-comic manner.
"Bear up a little longer, my good fellow. There's plenty of tobacco in the country, and there must be some that is waiting expressly for you."
"Where bees the same?"
"Of course we are to find that out; and I haven't the least doubt but the way will appear."