"And don't I get all I want to eat until he-he—until Tad gets back?"
"That depends upon how much you want. Judging from past experience, I should say you wouldn't," replied Ned.
"But what will happen to us if you get lost, Tad?"
"Yes, yes, that's what I want to know?" questioned Ned.
"I'll see that I don't."
"How?"
"This time I am going to blaze every tree I pass, with my hunting knife. It will enable me to get back if I fail to find the way, and it also will serve to guide the men here, if I find any to return with me."
"I take off my hat to you," exclaimed Ned.
"How many eggs have we left, Ned?"
"A dozen hard boiled ones, I think."