“Aw dinna ken,” said the lad, shaking his head. “She only thenks she can find him. She can climb and rin. Ye’ll chust let her stay?”
“But you don’t want to find him,” cried the doctor. “You two were the worst of friends.”
“Freends? She woodna be freend, only chust acquaint; but she’d like to find him, all the same.”
“Stay,” said the captain laconically. “You may be of use; but I’m afraid that we can do nothing but wait.”
Watty Links stepped back, giving himself a punch in his side, which seemed to indicate that he was intensely gratified.
Then the word was given, the men tightened their track ropes, and went off with the sledge and its heavy load of fresh meat at a pretty good rate, while Captain Marsham and his companions stood gazing round, and considered what direction it would be best to take.
Then a thought struck the captain, and he turned to the boy.
“Look here, my lad,” he said quickly, “if you stay here I shall want you to stop by the fire while we go about searching.”
“She’ll want her to stop by the fire?” said Watty in dismay.
“Yes.”