"That would make a failure of our mission, me son!"
"But it would save Jimmie's life."
It was now growing quite dark in the valley, especially where the tree growth was heavy, but upon the slope objects might still be clearly distinguished some distance away. While the boys watched the child came out of the thicket to the north and began ascending the mountain, walking with a light, springing step, as if out for exercise after a long and tiresome confinement.
"Now keep your eye on the mountain," Ned requested.
In a moment a column of smoke arose from behind the chimney rock. The boys watched it intently and the child with it, for he was now approaching the rock.
"Cooking supper!" remarked Jack. "I wish they would pass it around!"
"Does it take two fires to cook supper up there?" asked Ned, with a smile.
Jack half arose in his excitement, but Ned drew him down again.
"Jimmie's up there!" he whispered. "There's the Boy Scout call for help!"