“But, Jack,” cried Bob and Frank in chorus.
“No, I mean it, fellows,” said Jack. “Come over here with me, and I’ll tell you something.”
Drawing them out of earshot, he added:
“Don’t let us make it hard for Dad. He’s got troubles enough. He’ll feel a lot easier if we aren’t along. I know how you feel. I feel the same way about it. But let’s make it as easy for Dad as we can. Besides, there is something in what he said, after all. There is no guarantee that some of Lupo’s men won’t attempt to raid us. For my part, I believe some of them must be watching this island right now, and the minute they see the others safely out of sight, they’ll attack us. For they know our numbers, and they will realize the three of us are here alone.”
“All right,” grumbled Bob. “Have it your own way, let’s get some more to eat. I haven’t filled up yet.”
“This outdoor life makes me ravenous, too,” agreed Frank. “And I used to be such a dainty eater. Why, I just pecked at my food.”
“You mean you ate food by the peck,” said Bob. “For a little guy, you’re the heftiest eater I ever saw.”
“Little guy, is it?” cried Frank. “I like that.”
And without more ado, he made a flying tackle, his arms locking about Bob’s knees. The big fellow came down in the brush and Frank piled on top of him with a shout of glee.
“Come on, Jack. We haven’t had a good rough-house for a long time.”