“Back up-river, the way we came.”
Lisle made no comment, but Crestwick thought he found the information reassuring, and thrusting out the canoe he was swept away down the easiest part of the rapid, while Crestwick assisted Nasmyth to land a trout. Lisle had returned to the camp when the packer who had accompanied Clarence came in alone, bringing a couple of grouse.
“What’s become of Mr. Gladwyne?” Lisle asked him.
“Hasn’t he got back?” replied the other, glancing about. “I lost him on the far slope of the bluff about noon, but as he could see the river most anywhere from the top I went right on. There was a deer trail I was trying to follow.”
Lisle said nothing more to the packer but walked rapidly toward where the cook was getting supper ready. Nasmyth followed him.
“Did you give Mr. Gladwyne any lunch to carry with him when he left camp?” Lisle asked the man.
“I was busy when he came along and I told him to look around for himself. I think he took some canned stuff and there was quite a big loaf missing.”
“Bring the box you keep the canned goods in!”
The cook produced it.
“There’s two meat cans gone, anyway,” he remarked. “Looks as if Mr. Gladwyne figured on getting mighty hungry.”