And now a new day lay before them, in which they would have to employ every hour in the search after Phil. What that day or that search might bring forward, they could not tell; but they were eager to begin it as soon as possible. While it was yet morning twilight, they ate their breakfast, and discussed the best plan of procedure. Solomon, as usual, made no remark upon the subject, being content to abide by Bart’s decision, while Bart and Pat talked over various ways of carrying on their search. To separate was not to be thought of, for that would only lead to fresh troubles. So it was decided, that wherever they went, they should now keep together. They further decided that they should go down the stream till they reached that rock already spoken of, which had been the point of Phil’s departure, and try if they could not get upon his trail, so as to see, at least in a general way, what direction he had taken.
During this deliberation about the course which they should take, Bart still exhibited the despondency which had characterized him ever since Phil’s disappearance. The gloom of night and the oppressive sultriness had passed, daylight was at hand, and the breeze brought fresh life to them; but still Bart’s spirits were deeply depressed. Against this Pat rebelled, and the cheerfulness and confidence which he had tried to maintain through the night now assumed a prominent place in his thoughts and in his manner.
“Yes,” said Bart, dolefully, continuing some remark which he had been making, “if we can only get on his trail, we may at least find out the general direction that he has taken. But I’m afraid there’s no hope.”
“Arrah, be off now wid yer nonsinse,” cried Pat. “What’s the use of givin up at the very fust, afore ye’ve made a single trial? Sure an he’ll turrun up all right and safe yit.”
“I wish I could think so.”
“Think so! Why, I know it. Sure am I this day that he’ll turrun up safe an sound. An why shouldn’t he?”
“These woods. If he once gets tangled among them, how can he ever find his way out?”
“Tangled among them, is it? Sure an it’s not so very bad thin. He can only walk on an walk on; an he’s sure to come out somewheres. Besides, he’ll hit upon a road some place or other, and wander along that.”
“There are no roads here.”
“How do you know? Ye don’t know. Thur may be fifty roads widin a mile of this very place, so there may. So what’s the use of givin up?”