“By all means,” replied Captain Mayne Brace.
“One minute before you finally decide,” said Ingomar. “For all you know, I may be a mere adventurer or a madman. But see, I have some business-like method in my madness.”
He pulled from an inside pouch a bundle of papers.
“I have kept these, Captain Brace. I place them before you, and, unless you promise me you will glance over them, I shall return to-morrow to my igloo among the Yak-Yaks, and trouble you no more.”
“I will take them to my cabin, young sir, though I think there is no need to. I can read honesty in your eyes.”
Ingomar’s manner changed now at once. He was brimful of happiness apparently, and addressed himself more to the boys than the others.
“I say, lads,” he cried, “won’t we have a day of it to-morrow, if your good captain will permit you to cross the mountains with me?”
“Oh, we shall enjoy it!” cried Charlie.
“Won’t we just,” said Walt.
“I’ve never driven dogs, but I think I could if I tried.”