"That's rather rough on the boy," Aleck laughed. "However, I suppose it won't matter. Well, then, Tug, I think you and Jim had better go back in the country, and see what you can find, while I stay and watch over the goods and the sister. What do you say?"
"Good plan," Tug replied. "I'm ready. Are you, Youngster?"
"Yes, siree! But you'll let us take the gun, won't you, Aleck?"
"Oh, yes, you can have the gun. If the dogs, or wolves, or whatever they are, come at us while you're gone, Katy can fight them with firebrands, and I—"
"Oh, you can climb a tree!" said his sister, merrily.
"Yes, I can climb a tree."
While Tug and Jim were gone, Aleck and Katy busied themselves in repacking their goods in snug bundles, and in talking over their strange adventures. They were too anxious to feel very gay, but thought it foolish to give way to fretting until they had lost all hope. Two hours or more elapsed, and the sun had climbed to "high noon" in the sky, before the explorers came back, bringing solemn faces.
"Island!" both called out as soon as they came near; "and a small one at that."
"Any people on it?" asked Katy.