He examined the revolver carefully, greased the lock with a bit of bacon rind, and assured himself that every part worked freely and correctly.
Then he loaded the gun with ball cartridge, and put half a dozen in his pocket. The bacon rind was also used with good effect, and, Jet said, as he slipped a couple of crackers in his coat:
"Now come on, Jim. We may as well sit there as here, and we shall know if he leaves the place."
"He can't unless he swims, for the other fellow has got the boat."
"I forgot that; but anyhow it won't do any harm to be ready. We'll carry the boat down to the bushes on the bank, and that will take some time."
The small guide obeyed.
The craft was taken as near the water as possible without exposing her to view in case Bob should look that way, and then the boys settled down for the last rest before the struggle.
"How long are we to wait here?" Jim asked.
"A couple of hours. He will have all his chores done up by that time, and there's more chance of finding him lying down."
"Why wouldn't it be as well to row around boldly, and make believe we've jest come for a visit? Then when he wasn't looking you could clap your revolver to his head."