Investigation of his father’s effects earlier had shown Jack that he had set out without his pocket compass, probably feeling that the stream was sufficient guide. And it was this fact which had brought Jack’s anxiety to high pitch.
“Well, the best thing then is for us to go downstream, isn’t it?” asked Bob.
Jack nodded.
“One of us should stay in camp,” said he. “Which shall it be?”
Frank thought a moment.
“You and Ferdinand must go with the search party,” said he. “Both of you are worried about your fathers. Bob and Pedro and I will draw straws.”
Then Pedro unexpectedly objected.
“Master Ferdinand,” he said, in an anxious tone, plucking the other by the sleeve. “You know I am no coward. Yet I have the feeling all is not well. And I do not care to stay here alone.”
“Why, Pedro, nothing can happen to you,” said Ferdinand. “You will be in this clearing where nobody can approach unseen. And you will be armed.”
Pedro shrugged, but was silent.