“And hungry too, I make no doubt.”
“You are right there, if you refer to myself, and there can be no doubt but that the others are in the same condition.”
“Well, I tried to get you a bite, and succeeded, I think. It won’t do to start a fire, so I’ll hand it round.”
“That is what you called a bundle of clothes?” remarked the young man. “You were very prudent to say the least.”
The thoughtful hunter had managed to secure and cook some game, which he passed around to the distressed fugitives. It was partaken of with a keen relish, despite their gloomy situation, and each was filled and refreshed.
“Now,” said McGowan, when they had finished, “it seems to me it is time we began to think of getting from the island. God help poor Ruth! what is to become of her?”
“She’ll be rescued,” was the hearty response of the hunter.
The agonized father caught at the words as a drowning man at a straw.
“And how can that be done?”
“In a great many ways; it’s to be done; that’s settled.”