Chapter VIII
ON THE GULF OF ALASKA
"Where are the Barren islands, and why should he want to take us there?" asked Tommy, apprehensively.
"The Barren islands," replied Sam, "lie in the Gulf of Alaska, just south of the mouth of Copper river, west of Controller bay. They extend along the coast, only a short distance out, for twenty miles or more, and are just what the local name signifies, Barren islands."
"But why should he want to take us there?" insisted Tommy, slipping a hand toward his hip pocket to make sure that his automatic was ready for any emergency.
Sam did not answer the question, for Tommy's quick start of surprise, his low exclamation of dismay, checked the words which were on his lips. Instead, he pushed closer to the lad and asked:
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"My revolver has been taken!" replied Tommy.
Frank, sitting close to his chum on the other side, now pushed his hand into his hip pocket and brought it forth empty.
"So is mine!" he said.