The Indian had unpacked the bundles in order to discard everything not absolutely necessary, and was tying each compactly when the boys approached.
"Why are you making only three packages?" Neal asked. "Teddy and I want to do our full share of the work, and it isn't right for you and Cummings to lug everything."
"You will be forced to do more than an equal share because that which Jake carried must now be divided between us," Poyor replied grimly. "The fourth load is to be made up of the provisions."
"Are you going straight for the coast, and try to force your way through the line of sentinels?"
"That cannot be done. We must now ascend the mountain range on the north of the forest."
"But by so doing the journey will be made much longer, won't it?"
"Very much."
"Then why not try to fight through?"
"Because it is impossible. Not one of us would live to see the ocean."
There was not much comfort to be derived from such a conversation, and again the boys went to the entrance where Cummings was examining carefully all the weapons.