"You're the best in the world," Jack told him as he shook his hand.
CHAPTER XI.
LUCKY BRINGS BACK THE "BACON."
Although Bob had tried hard to conceal his fears he had been much worried since Lucky had left them. To be sure he had unbounded confidence in the Indian, but he also realized that he was not infallible and he had little doubt regarding the character of the Eskimo who had stolen their food. Any man who would do a thing of that sort would not be likely to hesitate at even murder were his safety threatened. Should anything happen to prevent his return they would be in a pretty desperate situation especially now that Jack was helpless.
These thoughts filled his mind as he started off, but he whistled a merry tune until he knew he was out of hearing.
"I do hope he'll be back when I return," he said half aloud.
He found the packs of meat as he had left them and decided to leave one where it was as he was, in spite of his assurance in Jack's presence, pretty tired and fifty pounds was about all he cared to lug back under the circumstances.
"The rest'll be safe enough," he thought as he slung the pack to his back.
Although it was not yet three o'clock when he stumbled into camp, tired through and through, darkness had fallen. He had started whistling as soon as he knew that he was in hearing distance and Jack's voice, as he shouted a welcome, assured him that all was well so far as he was concerned.
"Lucky's not back yet," he said as he swung the pack to the ground and entered the tepee.