“You’re the doctor,” he said dully. “Camp it is.”
Had Teddy known the real reason for Pop’s insistence upon returning, he would have slept little that night. The fact is that the veteran rancher feared the worst. He had seen Roy dashed head foremost upon the rock, then go limp. At that moment the moon was blotted out, and he lost sight of the boy. But he had seen enough to feel that there was little hope for Roy.
There had never been for a moment the question of rescue. It had all happened too quickly—the rock, then the crash, and then that horrible drop. They had been swept apart in a flash, and were not near enough to offer each other assistance. Pop knew that ordinarily Roy would have made the shore safely. But injured, perhaps unconscious—The old man shook his head sadly and was thankful for the darkness that hid the tragedy even for a little.
Their fire was still going well when they reached camp, and half heartedly they set about drying themselves. None of them talked much. Their hearts were too heavy. Pop made an effort at conversation, but did not meet with much success, and at last decided that it would be best to leave Teddy alone with his thoughts. Perhaps the boy might find inward comfort as the night wore on. Pop hoped so, fervently.
The hours passed slowly, as none of the three even attempted to sleep.
As soon as the gray dawn lightened into brightness, Teddy sprang to his feet.
“Now,” he said sharply, “we can start. We won’t stop—” his eyes narrowed and he clenched his fists. “We’ll find Roy if we have to stay here a week! Come on!”
“No breakfast, son?” Pop expostulated questioningly, thinking that unless Teddy kept up his strength he might collapse when he learned the truth. For Pop was firmly convinced that they would see Roy alive no more. Yet, even with this weight on his heart, he presented to Teddy a face that had nothing in it but hope.
“Eat?” Teddy asked contemptuously. “Not me! I’ve eaten my last meal until Roy comes back and eats with me!”
“Keep yore nerve, kid,” Pop muttered. “I’m afraid this day’s gonna be a tough one. Poor Roy!” and with leaden steps he followed Teddy.