Then he ran back to help Jim bring the boat ashore, and the guide asked in a trembling voice:
"Are you goin' to try to stay here now?"
"What else can we do? It would be running a big risk to start in the boat with both men, for Sam is rowing around somewhere, and he's certain to help his friends if he sees them in trouble."
"Suppose he should find out we were here?"
"That's exactly what I'm afraid of. We must keep mighty close for a day or two, and then I'll try to send another message."
"I can't stay as long as that."
"Very well, start for the village now, and I'll hold my own against him if he comes."
"But I don't dare to go off by myself while he's prowlin' 'round."
"Then don't be a fool, but help me keep things quiet until he gets tired of hunting for us, and leaves."
Jim was not in such a frame of mind as would best fit him to be an assistant in such a desperate case as was now before the boys; but in the absence of other help Jet could do no less than utilize him in some way, and he began by threatening all kind of punishments if he didn't stand up like a man and do his duty.