“Why didn’t you let me in on it?”
“Well,” said Watson apologetically, “you’re a boy, and we thought we’d keep you out of the trouble.”
Guy’s pride was a little hurt at this, inasmuch as Glennon, who was only two years his senior, had been included in the “man class.” However, in the last two years this “man-boy” had developed in physical proportions that commanded the respect of even the big-framed Watson.
Guy counted eight persons, including himself and Watson, in this second party from the ice-cave. They followed the first party toward the big stairway, moving stealthily and speaking only in whispered tones lest the men ahead discover them.
“Have you all been lying awake all this time?” Burton inquired after the last man of the second party had appeared.
“Yes,” replied Watson. “I overheard something that gave away the whole plot.”
“What’re they planning to do?—take the Eskimos’ dogs from them?”
“Yes—and more. They want to feed our two arctic friends to the fishes and take possession of their cave.”
“And there’s going to be a fight,” said Guy apprehensively.
“Perhaps. But maybe it won’t be necessary. The Eskimos have been warned. The Iceberglars may step into a trap.”