“And we never heard the first sign,” declared Herb.
“Well, I’ve just stood it as long as I mean to,” declared Jack.
“Yes; let’s get busy and do something,” George burst out with, for he was ever an impetuous fellow, eager to be accomplishing things, and getting to his intended goal by a short-cut, if possible.
“Jack, say what, and we’ll stand by you,” Herb spoke up, with a look of grim determination on his face.
“Them’s my sentiments!” affirmed Jimmy.
“Say the word, and we’ll all back you up, Commodore!” Nick put in, puffing his cheeks out, and looking very fierce—for him.
“Well, there’s an old saying, you remember,” Jack remarked, “to the effect that if the mountain won’t come to you, the next best thing is to go to the mountain. And if Josh hangs fire about returning to camp, why, some of us have got to get a hustle on, and look him up. That’s plain enough, I hope.”
“It sure is; and we expect you to be the one to lead the rescue party, Jack,” George declared.
“All right; and as there’s no time to be lost, let’s get busy. Somebody has to stay here, and guard the camp; and I appoint Nick as the fellow to take that duty on his shoulders.”
When Jack made this declaration, Nick started, and seemed to shiver a little; but, realizing that all eyes were turned toward him, he braced up again.