It was well that I did not cry out. For in that instant, from out on the back trail, came a maddened bellow, scarcely human in tone, yet recognizable as coming from no one else than Captain Brack.
XXIX
I glanced instinctively toward the back of the cabin, at the large, sack-covered window cut in the logs.
“Out that way, Betty!” I whispered, tearing down the sacking.
It was the first time I had called her by that name. She obeyed promptly.
“George?” she whispered, as she stood ready to climb through the window.
“No,” said Dr. Olson. “He’s helpless—I’ll stay here. Hurry!”
I was stuffing my pockets with food, with a snuffed candle, scarcely conscious of what I was doing. Also, in the same instinctive manner, without any conscious thought, yet somehow realizing that it was a vital action, I snatched a blanket from Chanler’s bunk and threw it over my shoulder.
“We’re going to the cave where I hid the rifle. Tell that to Pierce, doctor; he’ll understand.”
“Yes. Hurry, for God’s sake!” he whispered. “Good luck.”