"As if I could forget it! They're the worst pair of looneys I ever saw."
"That being so, it won't do to take any chances. We must work and quiet their suspicions. Then when the chance comes we must take it; but we must be sure it is the right chance."
"In the meantime, what of the folks on the Yukon Rover?"
"They will have to form the best theory they can to account for our absence; but I'm afraid that they will be worrying themselves to death."
"That can't be helped. I'll bet they're not worrying any more than we are."
"There's just one hopeful feature about this whole business," resumed Tom, ignoring Jack's irritable remark.
"What's that?"
"Rufus, the negro. How can we utilize him?"
"You think he is friendly?"
"I can't be sure. At any rate, he's not crazy, and certain things made me think he might be disposed to aid us. But if he should, he'd be in danger, too, and——"