Silas brought with him his musket, and more of powder and ball than he could comfortably carry during a long march, while Archie had only a knife, which was better adapted for the cutting of food than defending his life.
Thus it was that we had with us a musket, a pistol and two knives, together with as much in the way of provisions as would serve the four of us two days.
"We are well outfitted," I said, intending to speak in a tone of irony. "And now let's set off without delay, for the less time we have in which to consider the chances against success, the better will be my courage."
Hiram gave no heed to my disagreeable tone, but at once led the way toward the river, and then it was we came to understand he had made other arrangements for the journey than those of simply supplying himself with provisions.
He brought us to where a skiff was hauled up on the shore, and from appearances one would have said she had but lately been put in that position, for two pair of oars laid ready at hand, while in the stern-sheets were three or four blankets.
Hiram launched her, motioning for us to take our places, and when Archie asked at what hour he had thus made preparations for the voyage, he replied laughingly:
"A great deal may be done in a few minutes, and it so happened that more than half of my work in getting possession of this skiff, had been done before I awakened Luke Wright."
"But at that time you did not know if we would set out in the hope of aiding Silas," I cried, whereupon he added in a business-like tone:
"True for you; but I was mighty certain that I should go, even though none other agreed to bear me company."
"And you were also decided that your plan should be carried out," Harvey said with a laugh.